there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o sense_n in_o which_o this_o proposition_n can_v be_v take_v first_o it_o must_v either_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n must_v not_o be_v apply_v for_o comfort_v of_o soul_n too_o much_o that_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o comfort_v the_o soul_n in_o his_o necessity_n with_o two_o great_a a_o confidence_n now_o there_o it_o cross_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v he_o whole_a with_o all_o his_o privilege_n propound_v to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_v at_o all_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o or_o second_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o must_v be_v mean_v thus_o that_o he_o may_v be_v apply_v too_o confident_o to_o the_o 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it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o people_n may_v have_v fullness_n of_o joy_n john_n 15.11_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a that_o be_v also_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n rom._n 15.13_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o the_o soul_n comprehend_v the_o excellency_n treasure_v up_o in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o soul_n that_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o clear_o contradict_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o say_v the_o soul_n must_v not_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o much_o that_o be_v with_o too_o large_a a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v about_o this_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o 1._o though_o jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v apply_v for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o what_o condition_n it_o can_v be_v yet_o the_o lord_n christ_n may_v be_v look_v into_o for_o comfort_v a_o soul_n too_o much_o that_o be_v when_o soul_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o comfort_n without_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v tender_v by_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o object_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v that_o do_v send_v down_o strength_n and_o life_n into_o the_o heart_n in_o behold_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o object_n appropriate_v to_o its_o self_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v apply_v by_o other_o for_o comfort_v their_o soul_n too_o much_o i_o mean_v to_o affirm_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o his_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v he_o this_o be_v apply_v jesus_n christ_n for_o comfort_v they_o too_o much_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v out_o of_o god_n way_n though_o these_o two_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v remove_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v one_o principle_n of_o darkness_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v his_o peculiar_a right_n to_o darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n before_o he_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o that_o he_o must_v behold_v some_o promise_n pass_v over_o to_o he_o by_o jesus_n christ_n before_o he_o can_v believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o principle_n be_v so_o cunning_o forge_v in_o hell_n that_o it_o be_v scarce_o discern_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o light_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o help_v you_o to_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o find_v three_o foundation_n upon_o which_o this_o principle_n be_v build_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o say_v the_o soul_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v through_o a_o soul_n right_a to_o some_o promise_n that_o he_o come_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o be_v a_o false_a foundation_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o interest_n nor_o right_v the_o soul_n can_v have_v to_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n before_o the_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o first_o promise_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o very_a primary_n object_n of_o faith_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v gen._n 3.15_o the_o first_o promise_n that_o be_v give_v to_o adam_n be_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o when_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o renew_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v what_o be_v that_o seed_n it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n gal._n 3.16_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v lay_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o first_o object_n of_o faith_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o a_o three_o foundation_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o only_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o holy_a qualiquality_n in_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v assure_v promise_n or_o promise_n that_o can_v assure_v unto_o a_o soul_n faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n say_v the_o soul_n there_o be_v invite_v promise_n and_o assure_v promise_n now_o invite_v promise_n speak_v so_o general_a as_o none_o can_v discern_v his_o union_n from_o thence_o but_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o grace_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n particularize_v soul_n now_o hence_o the_o soul_n conclude_v thus_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o necessary_a precedent_n before_o a_o soul_n assurance_n that_o god_n will_v take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v some_o holy_a quality_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o such_o promise_n now_o observe_v the_o gross_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n in_o conceive_v invite_a promise_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v assurance_n to_o a_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o then_o the_o soul_n must_v conceive_v that_o those_o promise_n that_o the_o lord_n propound_v in_o the_o invite_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n now_o 1._o thence_o the_o soul_n must_v conceive_v that_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o be_v believe_v undoubted_o by_o the_o soul_n now_o what_o a_o high_a indignity_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n that_o any_o
he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o it_o dare_v not_o trust_v its_o heart_n when_o it_o deal_v most_o plain_o and_o upright_o now_o from_o this_o holy_a jealousy_n there_o arise_v a_o difficulty_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o all_o waver_a in_o its_o conscience_n now_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o inward_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n in_o its_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o iv_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unconstancy_n that_o possess_v every_o such_o believe_a soul_n in_o some_o degree_n ever_o since_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o first_o bless_a centre_n it_o have_v natural_o be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o its_o resting_n now_o from_o this_o unconstancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o heart_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o have_v its_o confidence_n shake_v when_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o work_n of_o attestation_n for_o the_o perfect_a establish_n of_o the_o waver_a soul_n v._o there_o be_v all_o the_o concurrent_a rage_n of_o hell_n employ_v against_o every_o soul_n attain_v that_o confidence_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o now_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v a_o witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n than_o any_o dictate_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o hell_n the_o believe_a soul_n will_v soon_o call_v in_o question_n the_o precious_a word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o incline_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o hell_n counsel_n therefore_o in_o respect_n to_o this_o lest_o the_o believe_a soul_n through_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v robe_v of_o that_o precious_a joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n intend_v the_o lord_n have_v determine_v that_o his_o bless_a spirit_n shall_v become_v the_o soul_n comforter_n by_o way_n of_o attestation_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o that_o so_o the_o witness_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v of_o high_a authority_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o all_o those_o curse_a lie_v dictate_v of_o hell_n frequent_o propound_v to_o that_o believe_a soul_n now_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v what_o this_o attestation_n or_o witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n be_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v i_o conceive_v that_o this_o attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n dart_v into_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n clear_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n approbation_n of_o the_o soul_n act_v of_o believe_v or_o confidence_n and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o unspeakable_a divine_a authority_n as_o be_v irresistible_a by_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o hereby_o the_o soul_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o plerophery_n or_o more_o than_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o this_o description_n that_o you_o must_v observe_v i._o this_o attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n dart_v into_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o witness_n this_o be_v as_o common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_z christians_o a_o secret_a voice_n or_o a_o sweet_a whisper_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thence_o many_o have_v sad_o mistake_v and_o conceive_v that_o witness_n to_o be_v some_o strange_a kind_n of_o revelation_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o secret_a voice_n because_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v right_o call_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n witness_v that_o be_v bear_v record_n give_v a_o testimony_n now_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n be_v to_o declare_v a_o thing_n verbal_o now_o indeed_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o a_o voice_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o word_n now_o by_o this_o secret_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n dart_v into_o the_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v secret_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n ii_o this_o attestation_n or_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n as_o do_v clearly_n and_o infallible_o and_o unquestionable_o demonstrate_v or_o manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n approbation_n of_o his_o act_n of_o believe_v or_o of_o his_o act_n of_o confidence_n all_o the_o unquiet_a toss_n and_o agitation_n and_o perplex_v waver_n of_o soul_n from_o what_o occasion_n soever_o they_o have_v their_o original_a in_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n that_o their_o forlorn_a despicable_a soul_n shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o he_o now_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v into_o the_o understanding_n be_v on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v and_o make_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v infinite_o please_v to_o the_o bless_a god_n that_o even_o that_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n itself_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v testify_v to_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v iii_o you_o must_v observe_v in_o the_o description_n that_o this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o so_o clear_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n approbation_n of_o his_o act_n of_o believe_v or_o his_o act_n of_o confidence_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o inconceivable_a divine_a authority_n it_o be_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_a as_o have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o heart_n to_o make_v resistance_n iv_o observe_v in_o the_o description_n that_o it_o establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o plerophery_n a_o more_o than_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n a_o triumph_v confidence_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o fix_v the_o waver_a unconstant_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n now_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o sense_n but_o there_o be_v a_o objection_n will_v be_v cast_v in_o that_o must_v first_o be_v open_v whereby_o the_o depth_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a mystery_n may_v be_v something_o more_o unfolded_a obj._n some_o soul_n may_v say_v if_o the_o spirit_n give_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o this_o that_o his_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o accept_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o and_o produce_v no_o other_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o this_o that_o i_o even_o i_o this_o unlovely_a soul_n of_o i_o in_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v infallible_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o to_o all_o eternity_n then_o say_v the_o soul_n even_o after_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n still_o see_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n and_o see_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v by_o the_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v its_o whole_a dependence_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n ans_fw-fr 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o grand_a objection_n first_o when_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n and_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o particular_a unlovely_a forlorn_a soul_n shall_v certain_o and_o infallible_o be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o rest_n upon_o christ_n for_o union_n it_o be_v not_o then_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o solid_a ground_n
into_o union_n through_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o ii_o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n into_o exercise_n be_v general_n and_o universal_a now_o there_o be_v strength_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n tender_v as_o well_o as_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a work_n be_v thus_o general_a and_o universal_a it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o to_o be_v as_o confident_a of_o the_o soul_n everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n upon_o his_o cleave_v to_o he_o iii_o in_o regard_n the_o spirit_n do_v adjoyn_v a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v cleave_v unto_o christ_n to_o its_o testimony_n that_o it_o give_v to_o its_o faith_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n infallible_o in_o cleave_v unto_o he_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o bless_a a_o comforter_n that_o it_o send_v down_o live_v stream_n of_o refresh_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a sense_n when_o it_o have_v once_o testify_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o unquestionable_o and_o infallible_o that_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o embrace_v of_o he_o it_o then_o also_o testify_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o have_v embrace_v christ_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v already_o actual_o instate_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o now_o have_v open_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n sense_n the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o sense_n the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v its_o attestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a sense_n in_o this_o we_o must_v open_v three_o thing_n to_o you_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n beside_o the_o former_a record_n that_o it_o give_v unto_o faith_n second_o in_o what_o respect_v this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o spirit_n witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n three_o what_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n be_v first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n may_v appear_v from_o that_o one_o place_n alone_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n mith_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o hold_v forth_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n above_o and_o beside_o those_o holy_a disposition_n or_o precious_a gracious_a habit_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v communicate_v unto_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n now_o from_o hence_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n in_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a testimony_n unto_o particular_a soul_n of_o their_o actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o determinate_a sentence_n that_o the_o spirit_n pass_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v in_o general_a unto_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o for_o that_o be_v only_o thus_o that_o thou_o or_o thou_o or_o that_o particular_a soul_n in_o his_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v shall_v infallible_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n which_o be_v still_o a_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v it_o plain_o the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n of_o their_o soul_n real_a accept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n of_o say_v can_v be_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o witness_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v adopt_v to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n in_o his_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o this_o testimony_n be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o particular_a soul_n of_o its_o actual_a adoption_n already_o that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o must_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n in_o regard_n the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o receive_v what_o be_v promise_v not_o receive_v what_o be_v do_v 2._o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o co-witness_n with_o believer_n spirit_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o adopt_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n through_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n say_v the_o original_a the_o spirit_n do_v bare_a witness_n together_o with_o our_o spirit_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v here_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o soul_n own_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o renew_a understanding_n or_o the_o sanctify_a conscience_n bear_v witness_n to_o now_o the_o renew_a conscience_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n can_v only_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o the_o spiris_fw-la witness_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o renew_a conscience_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n do_v witness_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n iii_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o peculiar_a office_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v destinate_a the_o spirit_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o comforter_n the_o most_o superlative_a eminent_a comforter_n now_o shall_v not_o the_o spirit_n witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v spiritual_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v not_o comfort_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n 1._o a_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v tender_v to_o his_o despicable_a lose_a soul_n there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o possibility_n that_o his_o poor_a lose_v sink_v soul_n may_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v weak_a 2._o there_o be_v the_o soul_n actual_a embrace_v this_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v there_o be_v infinite_a sweetness_n and_o peace_n in_o that_o very_a believe_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o sensibleness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o his_o own_o believe_v and_o so_o no_o sensibleness_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o which_o be_v the_o top_n stone_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n through_o believe_v now_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o give_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n as_o this_o to_o witness_v to_o the_o soul_n actual_a close_n with_o christ_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n the_o bless_a spririt_n who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n shall_v not_o comfort_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a comforter_n ii_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o the_o testimony_n that_o it_o give_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n there_o be_v five_o or_o six_o reason_n of_o it_o i._o to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n receive_v that_o determination_n of_o its_o corrupt_a conscience_n concern_v its_o everlasting_a estate_n in_o all_o the_o various_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o law_n witness_v and_o judge_n it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o first_o transgression_n so_o that_o in_o whatsoever_o state_n the_o soul_n remain_v when_o its_o conscience_n work_v according_a to_o its_o natural_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n it_o bear_v false_a witness_n and_o pass_v false_a judgement_n now_o therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o the_o false_a sentence_n that_o conscience_n pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v by_o it_o there_o be_v three_o respect_n wherein_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o sense_n unto_o the_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v to_o faith_n 1._o the_o depravedness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o testimony_n 2._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o the_o soul_n hear_v that_o testimony_n that_o conscience_n give_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o alive_a through_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o
act_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o become_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o soul_n inheritance_n that_o be_v that_o it_o become_v as_o a_o small_a portion_n give_v by_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o hand_n in_o testimony_n that_o it_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a inheritance_n the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o earnest_n in_o irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n three_o way_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n manifest_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o its_o irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n in_o discover_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o do_v upright_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n believe_v it_o do_v discover_v holiness_n to_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o discover_v itself_o to_o have_v take_v up_o its_o habitation_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o sight_n that_o the_o spirit_n put_v into_o the_o believe_a act_n make_v it_o visible_a to_o his_o own_o eye_n discern_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o thus_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o precious_a earnest_n give_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o communion_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o believe_a act_n appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v begin_v the_o soul_n discern_v jesus_n christ_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n by_o discern_v infallible_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n 3._o in_o regard_v it_o enter_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o very_a fruition_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o become_v indeed_o a_o first_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n give_v it_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o high_a blessedness_n that_o sanctify_v soul_n shall_v possess_v in_o heaven_n the_o fruition_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o it_o have_v of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n second_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n nothing_o though_o it_o be_v possess_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v enjoy_v unless_o the_o party_n possess_v of_o it_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o good_a that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o iii_o the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o manifestation_n or_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o precious_a sweet_a consciousness_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n in_o his_o very_a act_n of_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v right_o believe_v it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o precious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n understanding_n that_o the_o soul_n discern_v by_o faith_n the_o bosom_n of_o that_o bless_a redeemer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n ready_a to_o receive_v his_o loveless_a perish_v sink_a soul_n into_o the_o near_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n see_v also_o as_o clear_o that_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o open_a bosom_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n iv_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o its_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o inseparable_a adjunct_n or_o concomitant_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n that_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o renew_a conscience_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o he_o be_v everlasting_o one_o with_o christ_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o sense_n whereas_o the_o light_n of_o every_o grace_n though_o they_o be_v luminous_a body_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n be_v such_o a_o small_a light_n in_o itself_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o addition_n by_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n it_o shine_v not_o apparent_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o believer_n own_o spirit_n or_o of_o his_o renew_a understanding_n or_o conscience_n be_v but_o the_o consummation_n or_o the_o consequent_a of_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n yet_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o it_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n but_o the_o renew_a conscience_n answer_v also_o thou_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o believer_n spirit_n or_o of_o the_o renew_a conscience_n be_v but_o the_o echo_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o spirit_n according_a to_o rom._n 9.1_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v that_o put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o renew_a conscience_n it_o do_v but_o answer_v what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o echo_n answer_v our_o voice_n now_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o in_o its_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o soul_n shall_v be_v infallible_o admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o in_o that_o witness_n have_v draw_v out_o the_o believe_a disposition_n to_o act_v in_o its_o strength_n and_o then_o cast_v a_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n upon_o the_o believe_a act_n that_o it_o shine_v thus_o apparent_o in_o the_o soul_n eye_n yea_o so_o apparent_o that_o the_o renew_a conscience_n bear_v witness_v that_o the_o soul_n do_v right_o believe_v then_o do_v the_o soul_n say_v with_o those_o in_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o i_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n bear_v to_o this_o my_o loveless_n soul_n then_o be_v the_o poor_a waver_a soul_n establish_v and_o settle_v as_o upon_o a_o everlasting_a rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n then_o 1._o all_o the_o beginning_n of_o hell_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v past_a all_o the_o condemn_a sentence_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v every_o day_n be_v obliterated_a and_o blot_v out_o i_o mean_v so_o long_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o continue_v all_o the_o frown_n of_o conscience_n be_v go_v 2._o all_o torment_a fear_n be_v banish_v the_o inward_a perplexity_n anguish_n and_o vexation_n that_o perplex_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o everlasting_a separation_n from_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n all_o cease_v and_o there_o be_v a_o bless_a calm_a possess_v the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v like_o a_o weather-beaten_a ship_n into_o the_o sweet_a and_o most_o commodious_a haven_n of_o rest_n 3._o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n possess_v the_o believe_a soul_n then_o be_v its_o contentment_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n infinite_a unspeakable_a then_o do_v it_o rejoice_v yea_o triumph_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n rom._n 5.3_o thus_o through_o this_o testimony_n unto_o sense_n add_v to_o the_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v even_o set_v down_o with_o one_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n sweet_o expect_v his_o full_a fruition_n of_o that_o transcendent_a glory_n that_o it_o solace_v itself_o in_o the_o sweet_a expectation_n of_o till_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o faith_n and_o expectation_n shall_v cease_v and_o sight_n and_o vision_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o sealing-witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v unto_o sense_n there_o be_v now_o some_o caution_n that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v give_v to_o you_o believe_v soul_n to_o prevent_v any_o sad_a mistake_n about_o this_o great_a mystery_n caution_n 1_o first_o therefore_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o though_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o soul_n infallible_a certainty_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v depend_v upon_o this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o faith_n and_o sense_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v much_o comfortable_a evidence_n to_o many_o believe_a soul_n of_o their_o certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o he_o do_v not_o send_v this_o bless_a spirit_n thus_o to_o avouch_v and_o attest_v to_o their_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v by_o those_o four_o former_a precious_a effect_n upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n establish_v their_o soul_n in_o a_o sweet_a soul-chearing_a soul-reviving_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o whole_a materiality_n
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 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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
act_v by_o his_o own_o power_n the_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n p._n 233._o 2._o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o promise_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v reveal_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o many_o particular_n from_o p._n 234._o to_o 340._o the_o first_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 236._o a_o second_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 254._o a_o three_o p._n 262._o a_o four_o p._n 267._o a_o five_o p._n 269._o a_o six_o p._n 274._o the_o security_n give_v to_o soul_n from_o the_o covenant_n oath_n seal_n p._n 274._o from_o the_o many_o engagement_n upon_o god_n himself_o p._n 305._o 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n p._n 340._o what_o conscience_n be_v the_o two_o most_o eminent_a work_n of_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n former_o infuse_v into_o their_o proper_a exercise_n p._n 345._o what_o the_o spirit_n excitatjoin_v be_v p._n 350._o 5._o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n both_o its_o attestation_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o faith_n p._n 355._o to_o 392._o quest_n how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v know_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n p._n 392._o several_a thing_n concern_v diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 393._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a act_n of_o the_o devil_n policy_n towards_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n p._n 406._o quest_n can_v the_o devil_n look_v into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o know_v what_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v p._n 425._o 2._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n p._n 431._o 3._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n p._n 436._o premise_n about_o a_o soul_n trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v whether_o it_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 437._o four_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n when_o doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidenc_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o do_v incapacitate_v for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n p_o 445._o quest_n if_o soul_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o impatiency_n rashness_n irrational_a affection_n prejudicial_a conceit_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o under_o decay_n of_o holiness_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o a_o right_a trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n then_o what_o suitable_a mean_n remain_v for_o such_o soul_n in_o these_o sad_a condition_n under_o fear_n that_o their_o eaidence_n be_v delusion_n answer_n p._n 455._o if_o the_o examination_n can_v only_o be_v take_v from_o those_o evidence_n which_o remain_v in_o their_o perspicity_n clearness_n and_o sanctify_a power_n then_o quest_n what_o use_n can_v soul_n make_v of_o the_o evidence_n they_o conceive_v they_o have_v receive_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o lustre_n and_o orient_a brightness_n of_o their_o evidence_n be_v eclipse_v p._n 472._o answer_v in_o 4_o proposition_n six_o holy_a use_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v for_o former_a evidence_n p._n 479._o nine_o argument_n from_o former_a evidence_n to_o plead_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n p._n 483._o from_o all_o those_o consideration_n the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v quest_n how_o shall_v any_o soul_n that_o conceive_v he_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v actual_o enjoy_v certain_a and_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n demonstrate_v from_o certain_a necessary_a and_o evident_a reason_n that_o those_o his_o evidence_n be_v real_o from_o god_n p._n 491._o answ_n there_o be_v but_o two_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o certain_a ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o cause_n now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o which_o concur_v together_o and_o be_v never_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n bless_v write_v word_n and_o that_o precious_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o the_o first_o primary_n and_o principal_a reason_n from_o whence_o a_o soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n be_v that_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n two_o thing_n open_v to_o clear_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o evidence_n to_o any_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n p._n 493._o 2._o that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o potent_a invincible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o own_o proceed_n from_o god_n p._n 499._o the_o second_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o shine_v into_o any_o heart_n real_o from_o god_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n precious_a word_n p._n 502._o where_o be_v clear_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 512._o 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o demonstration_n a_o posterioti_fw-la take_v from_o the_o effect_n five_o act_n in_o believe_a soul_n whereby_o they_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n soul_n confident_a they_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v by_o christ_n put_v upon_o it_o to_o search_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o serious_o lay_v six_o thing_n before_o they_o to_o consider_v of_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 1.10_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o the_o apostle_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n after_o his_o departure_n from_o it_o write_v this_o epistle_n for_o the_o establish_n their_o heart_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n free_a grace_n in_o christ_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v their_o soul_n partaker_n of_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v excite_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o all_o suitable_a walk_n to_o such_o privilege_n this_o be_v his_o scope_n in_o this_o first_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o glorious_a privilege_n by_o their_o several_a name_n in_o their_o several_a cause_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o he_o break_v out_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n into_o a_o holy_a rapture_n of_o praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o those_o high_a privilege_n as_o election_n justification_n vocation_n and_o glorification_n now_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o their_o vocation_n in_o those_o word_n wherein_o he_o have_v abound_v towards_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n or_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o which_o grace_n and_o love_n before_o name_v the_o lord_n have_v abound_v towards_o we_o through_o the_o communicate_v that_o grace_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o we_o that_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o receive_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v thus_o name_v the_o privilege_n itself_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o effect_v this_o grace_n upon_o their_o soul_n in_o these_o word_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o himself_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n manifest_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o 13_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n he_o mean_v indeed_o the_o salvation_n preach_v in_o and_o through_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o which_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o now_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v that_o grace_n and_o understanding_n to_o they_o whereby_o they_o do_v embrace_v that_o precious_a doctrine_n that_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n
near_o god_n he_o call_v for_o a_o days-man_n there_o be_v no_o days-man_n between_o we_o that_o he_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o we_o both_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o mediator_n to_o mediate_v between_o god_n and_o i_o to_o bring_v i_o near_o to_o he_o till_o jesus_n christ_n become_v a_o days-man_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n there_o be_v a_o union_n make_v up_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n stand_v at_o enmity_n there_o be_v a_o high_a wall_n of_o partition_n build_v up_o between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n now_o because_o the_o lord_n from_o eternity_n determine_v to_o bring_v some_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o therefore_o for_o the_o accomplish_n his_o own_o will_n he_o intend_v the_o gospel_n instrumental_o to_o draw_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o perfect_a union_n with_o he_o self_n reas_n 2._o the_o lord_n do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v of_o his_o own_o glorious_a excellency_n into_o soul_n now_o without_o this_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n of_o those_o excellency_n into_o soul_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o influence_n into_o soul_n without_o this_o yet_o not_o in_o that_o glorious_a way_n of_o communicate_v himself_o whereby_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o make_v himself_o admire_v 1._o without_o this_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n of_o the_o lord_n life_n and_o image_n unto_o soul_n that_o be_v no_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a disposition_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n and_o will_n into_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v a_o suitable_a life_n to_o his_o life_n 2._o without_o this_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o soul_n there_o may_v be_v influence_n of_o god_n into_o soul_n without_o union_n but_o no_o influence_n of_o love_n without_o union_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o displeasure_n of_o justice_n be_v only_o remove_v through_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o before_o offend_v justice_n be_v appease_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n against_o soul_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o adoption_n be_v only_o purchase_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n all_o the_o love_n that_o the_o lord_n communicate_v unto_o any_o soul_n be_v fatherly_a love_n the_o love_n of_o adoption_n now_o adoption_n come_v only_o by_o christ_n who_o purchase_v adoption_n for_o we_o i_o mean_v material_o though_o original_o it_o come_v from_o god_n 3._o without_o this_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n of_o any_o mercy_n mercy_n be_v love_n respect_v a_o object_n as_o miserable_a now_o man_n as_o make_v miserable_a by_o sin_n can_v expect_v the_o least_o dram_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n but_o by_o a_o mediator_n such_o a_o mediator_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v justice_n now_o without_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o virtue_n of_o mediation_n convey_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o none_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v convey_v into_o the_o soul_n 4._o without_o this_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o full_a communication_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o soul_n though_o indeed_o the_o lord_n may_v glorify_v himself_o in_o communicate_v some_o degree_n of_o his_o excellency_n in_o some_o way_n as_o make_v himself_o glorious_a in_o justice_n and_o though_o outward_a mercy_n be_v communicate_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o power_n in_o protection_n and_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n in_o order_v thing_n 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o everlasting_a communication_n of_o god_n without_o union_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n the_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o soul_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n will_v be_v a_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o they_o now_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o have_v eternal_a glory_n by_o the_o eternal_a communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o therefore_o he_o intend_v to_o draw_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o the_o lord_n intend_v in_o two_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n excellency_n be_v essential_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a unto_o god_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o excellency_n into_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o sun_n to_o infuse_v beam_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o creature_n 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o high_a delight_n and_o contentment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v communicate_v of_o himself_o unto_o his_o creature_n the_o lord_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o pour_v forth_o his_o own_o fullness_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o empty_a soul_n in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n the_o communication_n of_o his_o excellency_n unto_o soul_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o excellency_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v by_o communicate_v of_o it_o to_o other_o then_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o holiness_n appear_v when_o it_o be_v pour_v into_o soul_n then_o love_n and_o grace_n appear_v when_o it_o be_v fix_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o worthless_a worm_n second_o this_o communicate_v of_o himself_o be_v the_o high_a delight_n and_o contentment_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o pour_v forth_o of_o himself_o into_o his_o own_o belove_a object_n it_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o god_n to_o communicate_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o take_v contentment_n in_o it_o be_v it_o to_o what_o creature_n soever_o be_v it_o to_o a_o enemy_n the_o lord_n delight_v in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n he_o attain_v his_o own_o high_a end_n that_o ever_o his_o eye_n of_o intention_n be_v fix_v upon_o which_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n much_o more_o the_o lord_n take_v delight_n in_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o regard_n those_o be_v choose_v to_o that_o end_n now_o where_o there_o be_v a_o object_n belove_v there_o be_v always_o delight_n in_o do_v good_a to_o such_o a_o object_n therefore_o the_o lord_n draw_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v suitable_a subject_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o reas_n 3._o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o draw_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o he_o have_v purpose_v and_o determine_v to_o make_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o his_o own_o delight_n and_o contentment_n to_o all_o eternity_n 1._o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o have_v god_n dwell_v among_o they_o here_o much_o more_o do_v the_o lord_n intend_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o to_o eternity_n 2._o the_o lord_n intend_v they_o shall_v be_v his_o delight_n in_o have_v sweet_a familiarity_n and_o precious_a converse_n with_o they_o that_o converse_n proper_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o lord_n open_v and_o reveal_v to_o their_o soul_n all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o way_n and_o work_n that_o ever_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o their_o intend_a issue_n and_o effect_n that_o manifestation_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n that_o shine_v in_o all_o his_o way_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o familiar_a talk_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o saint_n second_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o they_o familiar_o without_o terrify_v or_o affright_v they_o then_o job_n shall_v have_v his_o desire_n chap._n 9.34_o let_v not_o his_o face_n terrify_v i_o etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o their_o soul_n may_v have_v perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o constant_a communion_n without_o interruption_n and_o intermission_n now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o sutableness_n of_o the_o object_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n then_o there_o be_v a_o sutableness_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o delight_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o love_n in_o rest_n or_o love_n enjoy_v the_o belove_a object_n reas_n 4._o the_o lord_n intend_v this_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n in_o regard_n he_o intend_v to_o manifest_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incomprehensible_a riches_n of_o his_o own_o love_n in_o and_z through_o their_o soul_n isa_n 43.7_o bring_v forth_o my_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o i_o have_v create_v for_o my_o glory_n now_o the_o lord_n account_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o love_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a worthless_a man_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a bright_a shine_a beam_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n therefore_o when_o moses_n desire_v his_o glory_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o he_o proclaim_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n
man_n can_v walk_v nor_o move_v neither_o can_v a_o dead_a soul_n without_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n either_o walk_n or_o move_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o step_n set_v from_o one_o corruption_n while_o the_o soul_n remain_v without_o union_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n may_v cause_v the_o branch_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v suspend_v through_o the_o terror_n and_o horror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n remain_v the_o same_o still_o and_o the_o enmity_n work_v as_o strong_o in_o the_o bosom_n against_o jesus_n christ_n as_o before_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o much_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o sin_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n much_o less_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v act_v any_o holiness_n or_o perform_v any_o spiritual_a duty_n whatsoever_o now_o in_o regard_n the_o lord_n require_v the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n that_o he_o receive_v the_o gospel_n to_o depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o require_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o their_o perfection_n therefore_o the_o lord_n require_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o great_a command_n that_o be_v the_o receive_a jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o degree_n tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n nor_o nothing_o that_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n to_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n may_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n use_v and_o employ_v many_o thing_n as_o antecedent_n go_v before_o this_o union_n but_o after_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o thou_o conceive_v tend_v in_o order_n to_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o near_a union_n than_o it_o be_v before_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v effect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o union_n and_o separation_n and_o disjunction_n the_o near_a point_n the_o soul_n can_v stand_v at_o be_v enmity_n now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v in_o the_o heart_n before_o complete_n union_n take_v not_o away_o the_o enmity_n the_o soul_n moralize_v or_o civilise_a humble_a and_o bring_v to_o prayer_n be_v still_o a_o enemy_n there_o be_v but_o terminus_fw-la à _fw-la quo_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la quem_fw-la the_o term_n from_o which_o and_z the_o term_n to_o which_o without_o any_o medium_n or_o middle_a state_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o the_o union_n but_o a_o soul_n pass_v from_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n to_o perfect_a union_n in_o one_o instant_a in_o one_o moment_n that_o soul_n that_o this_o moment_n be_v a_o enemy_n at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n the_o next_o moment_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o by_o a_o inevitable_a light_n into_o the_o understanding_n and_o irresistible_a power_n into_o the_o will_n be_v as_o complete_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o any_o soul_n in_o heaven_n use_v iii_o the_o three_o use_n be_v by_o way_n of_o examination_n to_o see_v if_o the_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n have_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o end_n search_n into_o your_o heart_n to_o see_v whether_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n either_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o you_o be_v not_o unite_v either_o you_o be_v sink_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o all_o depend_v upon_o the_o know_n of_o this_o consider_v these_o three_o of_o four_o thing_n i._o what_o a_o curse_a stupidity_n and_o blockishness_n it_o be_v not_o to_o know_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v unite_v to_o thou_o or_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o will_v we_o not_o think_v that_o man_n a_o block_n that_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v alive_a or_o dead_a ii_o consider_v how_o curse_o thou_o do_v despise_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v thou_o ride_v a_o hundred_o mile_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o a_o earthly_a estate_n and_o shall_v the_o great_a treasure_n of_o heaven_n stand_v open_a to_o thou_o and_o either_o it_o be_v thou_o or_o it_o be_v not_o thou_o and_o thou_o know_v not_o iii_o consider_v how_o wretched_o thy_o soul_n destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n by_o disregard_v this_o search_n while_o thy_o soul_n persevere_fw-la careless_o not_o regard_v nor_o examine_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o with_o thou_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o any_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a gospel_n ordinance_n shall_v ever_o convey_v the_o least_o benefit_n into_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n 1._o in_o that_o thou_o make_v thyself_o a_o unsuitable_a subject_n for_o every_o gospel_n ordinance_n ordinance_n have_v but_o two_o end_n either_o to_o allure_v thy_o soul_n into_o union_n or_o else_o to_o seal_v that_o union_n and_o let_v thy_o soul_n enjoy_v that_o bless_a fruit_n thereof_o now_o whilst_o thou_o never_o mind_v whither_o christ_n be_v one_o with_o thou_o or_o no_o thou_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o every_o ordinance_n of_o that_o kind_n 2._o thou_o prevent_a the_o efficacy_n of_o every_o gospel_n ordinance_n upon_o thy_o soul_n what_o concernment_n be_v it_o of_o to_o thy_o soul_n when_o the_o most_o precious_a argument_n of_o love_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o messenger_n of_o god_n when_o thou_o mind_v it_o not_o first_o it_o prevent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o regard_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n while_o thy_o soul_n neglect_v the_o search_n till_o the_o prodigal_a come_v to_o consider_v he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n house_n where_o there_o be_v bread_n enough_o he_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o return_v but_o be_v content_a to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n second_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v thy_o soul_n into_o union_n though_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o every_o soul_n before_o gospel_n ordinance_n take_v effect_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a some_o think_v there_o must_v be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v close_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o till_o than_o there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n now_o how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v thou_o into_o union_n when_o thou_o mind_v not_o whether_o thou_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o iv_o consider_v how_o wrongful_o thou_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o thyself_o when_o thou_o regard_v not_o whether_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o thy_o soul_n be_v make_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a at_o least_o presuppose_v a_o union_n of_o peace_n than_o it_o presuppose_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v make_v up_o and_o if_o such_o a_o union_n be_v not_o make_v up_o thou_o do_v wrongful_o usurp_v that_o holy_a name_n to_o thyself_o but_o here_o may_v be_v a_o question_n propound_v by_o the_o soul_n quest_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o may_v evidence_n the_o soul_n union_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n and_o then_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n premise_v 1._o first_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o union_n between_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v invisible_a to_o the_o soul_n itself_o though_o the_o marriage_n knot_n may_v be_v knit_v yet_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o poor_a infant_n in_o the_o womb_n while_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a embryo_n yet_o the_o rational_a soul_n know_v it_o not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o organ_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v work_v thus_o it_o may_v be_v with_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v be_v beget_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v himself_o unite_v to_o christ_n premise_v 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n may_v discern_v many_o disorder_n and_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o itself_o when_o the_o union_n be_v effect_v or_o produce_v in_o that_o soul_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o their_o
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
christ_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v of_o holy_a pure_a undefiled_a eye_n pure_a than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n can_v think_v the_o lord_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o forlorn_a soul_n as_o thou_o that_o have_v so_o curse_o rebel_v against_o he_o o_o no_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o dare_v not_o conceive_v god_n will_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o be_o such_o a_o curse_a wretch_n alas_o poor_a soul_n thou_o think_v this_o to_o be_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v curse_v pride_n thou_o will_v have_v some_o ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o thyself_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v accept_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o think_v it_o great_a humility_n in_o thyself_o like_o another_o peter_n what_o jesus_n christ_n wash_v my_o foot_n now_o what_o near_a likeness_n be_v here_o between_o this_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o poor_a desire_v never_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o himself_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o ever_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o alas_o this_o difference_n be_v hardly_o discern_v thus_o also_o if_o you_o go_v to_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n say_v the_o soul_n though_o i_o do_v fail_v in_o my_o purpose_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o heart_n be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o be_v give_v as_o another_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n i_o say_v it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o mere_a work_n of_o ignorance_n sincerity_n be_v a_o single_a eye_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o what_o thou_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o soul_n judgement_n a_o soul_n act_v mere_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o ignorance_n may_v have_v a_o single_a eye_n at_o god_n glory_n rom._n 10.2_o 3._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o so_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n hence_o the_o soul_n will_v say_v i_o think_v i_o have_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n but_o i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v i_o may_v be_v deceive_v thus_o in_o these_o chief_a thing_n there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o discern_v the_o jewel_n from_o the_o counterfeit_n ii_o in_o regard_v those_o holy_a disposition_n inclination_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n do_v proper_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n so_o do_v these_o grace_n increase_n and_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v eclipse_v so_o do_v they_o decrease_v to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o most_o promise_v seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o be_v to_o mourner_n whence_o do_v true_a mourn_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n proceed_v be_v it_o not_o from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n yea_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n propriety_n in_o christ_n at_o least_o thus_o far_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o probable_a interest_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n behold_v first_o the_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n indeed_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n never_o appear_v but_o in_o the_o precious_a glass_n of_o the_o lord_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n to_o poor_a loveless_n soul_n iii_o in_o regard_n the_o right_a nature_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v discern_v but_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a conformity_n in_o those_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v command_v those_o holy_a quality_n shall_v i_o begin_v at_o the_o low_a which_o be_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v seldom_o i_o may_v say_v never_o see_v a_o conformity_n in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n be_v in_o eph._n 6.5_o 6._o it_o be_v speak_v concern_v servant_n but_o it_o hold_v in_o every_o duty_n servant_n be_v obedient_a to_o they_o that_o be_v your_o master_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o singleness_n of_o your_o heart_n as_o unto_o christ_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n true_a sincerity_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o command_n it_o be_v a_o singleness_n of_o heart_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n a_o single_a eye_n that_o be_v have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o christ_n alone_o the_o species_n of_o all_o the_o vision_n of_o that_o eye_n with_o which_o he_o respect_v the_o duty_n be_v take_v from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o now_o how_o far_o short_a shall_v a_o soul_n see_v itself_o of_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n when_o can_v the_o soul_n say_v his_o heart_n be_v single_a to_o christ_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o any_o ordinance_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o soul_n may_v behold_v at_o all_o time_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o those_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o heart_n can_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n the_o truth_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o themselves_o without_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o soul_n sight_n to_o discern_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n any_o know_a soul_n judge_v itself_o to_o be_v far_o unable_a to_o search_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n jer._n 17_o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n have_v never_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o himself_o from_o the_o quality_n itself_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o carnal_a heart_n because_o that_o remain_v unanswered_a the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a 2._o in_o regard_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n appear_v only_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o faith_n therefore_o unless_o the_o soul_n discern_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a quality_n hebr._n 11.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n now_o he_o that_o discern_v faith_n discern_v union_n with_o christ_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sight_n of_o union_n before_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n answ_n 3._o the_o three_o negative_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v by_o any_o thing_n do_v or_o effect_v by_o the_o soul_n or_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o do_v whether_o we_o look_v upon_o work_n internal_a or_o work_v external_a whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o inward_a move_n of_o the_o affection_n to_o to_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v the_o break_v out_o of_o those_o affection_n into_o prayer_n and_o constant_a intercession_n with_o god_n into_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n into_o holiness_n express_v in_o the_o conversation_n by_o none_o of_o these_o can_v the_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v clear_v and_o evidence_v yet_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a do_v by_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n though_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o clear_v the_o union_n and_o evidence_n it_o yet_o the_o work_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n in_o itself_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n where_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a nature_n the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o mean_a neither_o in_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v evidence_v without_o the_o soul_n behold_v any_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o itself_o for_o infallible_o and_o necessary_o in_o the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o do_v
behold_v some_o working_n in_o its_o spirit_n also_o some_o holy_a act_n in_o and_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o behold_v its_o receive_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o no_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a perform_v by_o the_o soul_n have_v sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o manifest_v themselves_o unto_o the_o soul_n nor_o from_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o manifest_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o inseparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o itself_o consider_v as_o be_v be_v the_o mere_a act_n and_o work_v of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n likewise_o be_v every_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n inward_a or_o outward_a of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v work_n of_o light_n and_o yet_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v so_o dim_o forth_o as_o they_o can_v discover_v their_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o can_v discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v those_o work_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o discover_v union_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a respect_n 1._o because_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o christ_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v very_o strong_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v yet_o dark_a a_o clear_a instance_n will_v be_v give_v in_o mat._n 27.46_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o believe_v when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exercise_v faith_n in_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o word_n my_o god_n yet_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n as_o mediator_n be_v dark_a that_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n be_v firm_a and_o as_o firm_a as_o now_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n be_v obscure_a when_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v bear_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n from_o he_o for_o a_o season_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o passive_a the_o union_n be_v complete_a between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n before_o any_o one_o act_n go_v forth_o from_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o the_o perfect_a or_o complete_n of_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v conceive_v there_o may_v be_v motion_n in_o dead_a person_n that_o there_o may_v be_v action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o life_n now_o the_o union_n be_v passive_a there_o may_v be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v complete_v i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v ordinary_a but_o i_o say_v there_o may_v be_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n come_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o instant_n and_o moment_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n do_v take_v actual_a possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o unite_v it_o unto_o himself_o now_o in_o case_n the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v so_o evidence_v with_o christ_n then_o shall_v all_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o the_o soul_n be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n 3._o in_o regard_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o work_n that_o do_v arise_v proper_o from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o not_o peculiarly_a may_v arise_v from_o other_o principle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o be_v three_o false_a original_n of_o such_o outward_a work_n 1._o god_n himself_o may_v be_v the_o original_a of_o such_o work_n in_o some_o soul_n though_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o union_n nor_o in_o relation_n unto_o union_n that_o be_v though_o the_o lord_n convey_v not_o any_o influence_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n peculiar_a unto_o union_n nor_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o convey_v those_o influence_n into_o the_o soul_n from_o whence_o those_o outward_a work_n proceed_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n prayer_n and_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o read_v of_o they_o and_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o other_o soul_n that_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n may_v convey_v large_a stream_n of_o gift_n and_o inward_a affection_n unto_o some_o soul_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o all_o those_o gift_n in_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n only_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o people_n soul_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v not_o any_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o those_o gift_n thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o cyrus_n isa_n 45.1_o and_o chap._n 44.28_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o cyrus_n he_o be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o shall_v perform_v all_o my_o pleasure_n even_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o to_o the_o temple_n thy_o foundation_n shall_v he_o lay_v the_o lord_n do_v convey_v strength_n to_o cyrus_n to_o carry_v he_o on_o in_o a_o glorious_a work_n of_o reform_v his_o worship_n and_o to_o build_v the_o temple_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o cyrus_n i_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o god_n furnish_v john_n with_o zeal_n against_o idolatry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n soul_n and_o it_o redound_v little_a to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v judas_n be_v furnish_v with_o as_o good_a gift_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seem_v to_o pray_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n and_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o none_o of_o those_o gift_n that_o judas_n have_v be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o christ_n nor_o be_v give_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n 2._o a_o second_o false_a original_n of_o such_o work_n be_v the_o soul_n own_o principle_n of_o self_n self_n end_n self_n lust_n self_n intendment_n may_v be_v like_o the_o spring_n that_o may_v set_v all_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o affection_n on_o work_n and_o produce_v all_o those_o outward_a expression_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a intendment_n in_o the_o pharisee_n in_o all_o their_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n in_o their_o conversation_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v themselves_o outward_o and_o to_o eternity_n and_o think_v to_o tie_v god_n to_o give_v they_o heaven_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o false_a original_n of_o work_n that_o proper_o flow_v from_o union_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o the_o working_n of_o prayer_n of_o hear_v of_o meditate_v or_o forsake_v sin_n in_o the_o conversation_n may_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o he_o take_v his_o opportunity_n to_o sail_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o row_v with_o the_o tide_n he_o see_v the_o affection_n work_v towards_o duty_n of_o holiness_n he_o press_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o that_o he_o may_v weary_v out_o the_o soul_n with_o they_o or_o else_o cause_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v place_v in_o they_o and_o the_o soul_n to_o promise_v itself_o happiness_n by_o they_o certain_o the_o zeal_n of_o paul_n that_o he_o have_v for_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v act_v by_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o saul_n that_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n before_o he_o go_v to_o battle_n it_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n those_o soul_n
opinion_n perfection_n of_o conformity_n to_o scripture_n rule_n be_v the_o command_n and_o injunction_n that_o lie_v upon_o every_o soul_n now_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n be_v attain_v and_o yet_o the_o soul_n fall_v short_a of_o scripture_n rule_v thence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o no_o soul_n may_v or_o aught_o to_o content_v itself_o with_o those_o evidence_n iii_o you_o must_v note_v that_o the_o seek_v after_o and_o walk_v by_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n only_o do_v expose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o want_n of_o all_o prop_n support_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n these_o evidence_n be_v like_o the_o little_a brook_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n sit_v down_o by_o when_o he_o go_v from_o jezebel_n that_o run_v only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o famine_n and_o after_o be_v dry_a or_o rather_o they_o be_v like_o jonah_n gourd_n jonah_n 4.6_o of_o which_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v exceed_v glad_a for_o a_o night_n and_o feel_v the_o shadow_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n arise_v a_o worm_n strike_v the_o gourd_n and_o jonah_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n thus_o may_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o inherent_a quality_n and_o the_o work_n of_o those_o quality_n be_v like_o a_o precious_a gourd_n for_o a_o season_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v refreshment_n but_o if_o the_o sun_n get_v to_o the_o mid_a heaven_n and_o there_o come_v any_o scorch_a heat_n then_o do_v they_o vanish_v like_o jonah_n gourd_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o comfortless_a hopeless_a condition_n for_o eternity_n there_o be_v four_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o have_v the_o great_a need_n of_o evidence_n and_o in_o all_o these_o the_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n fail_v the_o soul_n 1_o when_o any_o sin_n in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o its_o guilt_n and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o its_o merit_n and_o desert_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o conscience_n when_o sin_n come_v once_o to_o be_v thus_o charge_v it_o cause_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n to_o vanish_v and_o perish_v and_o leave_v the_o soul_n comfortless_a as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n psal_n 51.3_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o poor_a job_n chap._n 13.26_o 27_o thou_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o in_o job_n case_n or_o david_n case_n that_o any_o iniquity_n come_v thus_o before_o the_o soul_n then_o be_v a_o soul_n in_o great_a necessity_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n when_o a_o debt_n come_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o a_o person_n and_o the_o bailiff_n come_v to_o arrest_v he_o than_o there_o be_v necessity_n of_o some_o bail_n now_o conscience_n come_v to_o arrest_v the_o soul_n and_o offer_v to_o carry_v it_o into_o hell_n and_o now_o do_v those_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n from_o the_o soul_n grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n hopeless_a and_o helpless_a the_o thing_n be_v evident_a when_o conscience_n be_v thus_o charge_v a_o iniquity_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o become_v witness_n and_o advocate_n and_o judge_n it_o witness_v the_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v it_o plead_v the_o fact_n condemnation_n and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n 2._o the_o second_o great_a necessity_n be_v when_o some_o strong_a master_n corruption_n lead_v the_o soul_n captive_a and_o even_o keep_v the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n in_o chain_n you_o must_v know_v though_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n be_v destroy_v in_o soul_n unite_v to_o christ_n rom._n 6.14_o yet_o the_o tyrannise_a power_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o destroy_v though_o sin_n can_v have_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o will_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o lord_n commander_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v always_o strive_v for_o the_o throne_n then_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a strait_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v without_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v be_v conqueror_n over_o such_o a_o corruption_n now_o in_o this_o condition_n the_o inherent_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n leave_v the_o soul_n helpless_a and_o comfortless_a now_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v upon_o corruption_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o at_o that_o time_n to_o discern_v grace_n 3._o another_o great_a exigency_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v when_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o soul_n when_o not_o only_o a_o state_n of_o deadness_n be_v grow_v upon_o the_o heart_n but_o as_o with_o those_o psal_n 80.4_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o their_o prayer_n and_o come_v not_o in_o that_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o complain_v as_o in_o lament_n 3.44_o that_o the_o lord_n shut_v out_o his_o prayer_n or_o complain_v as_o job_n chap._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 etc._n etc._n then_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a extremity_n that_o now_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v hopeless_a and_o altogether_o comfortless_a and_o alas_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o exigency_n then_o do_v its_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n from_o its_o own_o grace_n fail_v and_o the_o soul_n question_n whether_o it_o ever_o draw_v a_o right_a conclusion_n 4._o the_o four_o extremity_n be_v when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n for_o a_o season_n when_o satan_n begin_v to_o use_v all_o his_o policy_n to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v his_o hope_n and_o faith_n to_o shake_v when_o the_o devil_n charge_v his_o cannon_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o let_v loose_v all_o temptation_n at_o once_o blasphemous_a thought_n come_v into_o the_o heart_n question_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o one_o blasphemous_a thought_n or_o other_o come_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o when_o satan_n be_v thus_o buffet_n the_o soul_n than_o a_o man_n inherent_a grace_n and_o the_o working_n of_o they_o that_o he_o see_v before_o do_v now_o fail_v the_o soul_n in_o regard_n satan_n in_o this_o case_n first_o strike_v at_o the_o strong_a hold_n he_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n he_o strike_v at_o union_n with_o christ_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o four_o note_n about_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n cleave_v unto_o they_o do_v make_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n increase_n and_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o increase_n and_o diminish_v of_o the_o working_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o heart_n experience_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o while_o our_o soul_n take_v our_o evidence_n from_o those_o qualification_n so_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v lively_a in_o our_o heart_n our_o hope_n be_v lively_a and_o our_o confidence_n firm_a and_o no_o soon_o these_o cease_v again_o but_o our_o confidence_n and_o our_o hope_n fail_v then_o the_o soul_n question_n again_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v tender_v to_o his_o soul_n in_o particular_a whereas_o before_o he_o have_v some_o confidence_n of_o it_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o note_n about_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o cleave_a unto_o those_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n do_v make_v the_o whole_a life_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n depend_v only_o upon_o sense_n when_o the_o soul_n trust_v to_o those_o alone_a he_o trust_v only_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n both_o in_o see_v his_o happiness_n for_o the_o present_a and_o for_o eternity_n now_o from_o thence_o first_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n be_v prevent_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v shut_v the_o great_a window_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o only_o open_v the_o small_a crevice_n of_o sense_n and_o experience_n now_o needs_o must_v the_o fullness_n of_o light_n in_o the_o house_n be_v prevent_v when_o the_o great_a window_n be_v shut_v voluntary_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n prevent_v when_o the_o great_a window_n of_o comfort_n be_v shut_v second_o the_o constancy_n of_o consolation_n be_v prevent_v the_o soul_n may_v both_o see_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o be_v unchangeable_a towards_o he_o in_o take_v he_o into_o union_n and_o may_v see_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o union_n and_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o take_v his_o soul_n
or_o precious_a habit_n of_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n itself_o now_o that_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n itself_o no_o man_n can_v conceive_v and_o that_o demonstration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v all_o other_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o if_o you_o examine_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o fear_v psal_n 34.7_o 8._o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o likewise_o look_v to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o obedience_n deut._n 5.10_o the_o lord_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o a_o thousand_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n there_o be_v a_o large_a promise_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o obedience_n but_o no_o soul_n understand_v the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n from_o eternity_n can_v conceive_v the_o obedience_n of_o any_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o motive_n that_o shall_v move_v god_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n or_o that_o god_n shall_v bind_v himself_o to_o his_o own_o people_n yield_v obedience_n to_o he_o to_o become_v a_o debtor_n to_o their_o posterity_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o obedience_n for_o then_o the_o mercy_n their_o posterity_n shall_v enjoy_v shall_v owe_v their_o immediate_a be_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o be_v to_o their_o immediate_a ancestor_n and_o not_o to_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o their_o mercy_n therefore_o these_o be_v only_a declaration_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o promise_n be_v only_a manifestation_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o they_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o refresh_v their_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o other_o 3._o if_o those_o promise_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o unto_o condition_n be_v not_o thus_o than_o they_o be_v only_a description_n of_o the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o god_n do_v interest_n in_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o special_a peculiar_a grace_n that_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o or_o else_o 4._o they_o be_v discovery_n of_o the_o mean_n through_o which_o god_n do_v convey_v those_o privilege_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o person_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o promise_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o a_o condition_n isa_n 57.17_o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n this_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o a_o soul_n endue_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n it_o be_v but_o either_o a_o description_n of_o those_o person_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v interest_n in_o his_o own_o special_a favour_n out_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n alone_o or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a cordial_n give_v to_o a_o poor_a droop_a spirit_n as_o consider_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o penury_n and_o poverty_n as_o one_o contrite_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v up_o himself_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v all_o those_o promise_n make_v to_o believe_v and_o repent_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o make_v unto_o faith_n as_o a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o to_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o that_o grace_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o proper_o be_v no_o promise_n but_o rather_o a_o description_n of_o the_o mean_n through_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o people_n partaker_n of_o the_o special_a privilege_n he_o convey_v through_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o person_n he_o communicate_v they_o to_o by_o their_o quality_n 5._o those_o word_n of_o god_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v promise_n make_v unto_o condition_n if_o none_o of_o the_o four_o former_a thing_n contain_v they_o then_o they_o be_v description_n give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o way_n the_o lord_n require_v and_o inable_v his_o people_n to_o walk_v in_o while_o he_o communicate_v of_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n to_o they_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o place_n so_o mistake_v ezek_n 36.27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o which_o be_v the_o great_a place_n conceive_v to_o be_v of_o weight_n to_o prove_v promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o condition_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v do_v these_o and_o these_o thing_n for_o you_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o your_o land_n and_o make_v you_o dwell_v quiet_o and_o safe_o in_o your_o land_n and_o i_o will_v save_v you_o from_o your_o uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n but_o v._o 37._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o general_o the_o soul_n conceive_v here_o be_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n to_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o condition_n to_o be_v the_o seek_n of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o describe_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n require_v his_o people_n to_o walk_v in_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o expectation_n to_o receive_v those_o precious_a mercy_n free_o promise_v by_o god_n for_o they_o likewise_o that_o in_o 1_o king_n 8_o 47_o 48._o solomon_n pray_v for_o his_o people_n if_o they_o bethink_v themselves_o in_o the_o land_n whither_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_n and_o repent_v and_o make_v supplication_n etc._n etc._n now_o say_v the_o soul_n here_o be_v both_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o condition_n be_v seek_v god_n face_n humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n turn_v to_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o there_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o they_o must_v observe_v these_o condition_n else_o god_n bind_v not_o himself_o to_o give_v deliverance_n now_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o this_o solomon_n in_o pray_v here_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o typical_a house_n of_o god_n beseech_v the_o lord_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o his_o people_n make_v towards_o that_o temple_n that_o be_v towards_o jesus_n christ_n typify_v by_o that_o temple_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o acceptable_a to_o god_n therefore_o observe_v solomon_n in_o pray_v do_v only_o describe_v the_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o god_n people_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v which_o be_v a_o humble_a frame_n a_o turn_a frame_n from_o their_o sin_n neither_o do_v god_n make_v the_o promise_n in_o either_o of_o both_o those_o place_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n name_v not_o so_o much_o as_o prayer_n itself_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n these_o text_n i_o pray_v consider_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i._o that_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v by_o god_n from_o his_o people_n be_v the_o way_n wherein_o it_o be_v his_o will_n his_o people_n shall_v walk_v in_o receive_v mercy_n they_o be_v not_o precedent_n in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o the_o lord_n intitul_a the_o soul_n to_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o every_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v perform_v such_o and_o such_o duty_n before_o it_o can_v be_v presuppose_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v interest_v the_o soul_n in_o every_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v alone_o before_o and_o without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n concur_v do_v full_o entitle_v the_o soul_n to_o every_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v be_v conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o good_a will_n in_o man_n towards_o god_n before_o there_o be_v any_o good_a will_n in_o god_n towards_o man_n and_o so_o some_o act_n of_o good_a will_n from_o man_n to_o god_n shall_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o act_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o the_o soul_n second_o in_o regard_n the_o
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
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 promise_n that_o can_v be_v make_v paul_n manifest_v as_o full_a a_o certainty_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o he_o in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a word_n from_o heaven_n say_v thou_o paul_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n what_o be_v that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n here_o be_v as_o far_o off_o a_o remote_a promise_n as_o can_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o then_o of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v i_o where_o he_o make_v christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n particular_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o certain_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n that_o particular_a certainty_n 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
neither_o bind_v itself_o in_o order_n nor_o degree_n nor_o be_v express_v to_o the_o life_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o do_v assure_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o the_o spirit_n keep_v its_o constant_a order_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o faith_n it_o do_v assure_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o in_o every_o soul_n in_o this_o work_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o assurance_n itself_o that_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o those_o effect_n be_v altogether_o unspeakable_a from_o that_o evidence_n of_o assurance_n if_o those_o effect_n perish_v or_o decay_v the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n the_o soul_n have_v from_o the_o promise_n perish_v and_o decay_v and_o if_o those_o effect_n do_v but_o live_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o evidence_n the_o soul_n have_v from_o the_o promise_n be_v maintain_v they_o live_v together_o and_o die_v together_o now_o these_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 in_o some_o measure_n or_o degree_n be_v these_o five_o in_o the_o open_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o great_a question_n first_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n second_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n three_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o soul_n four_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n or_o stir_v up_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n five_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n pass_v the_o determination_n final_o upon_o the_o soul_n whole_a estate_n these_o five_o kind_n of_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o spirit_n work_v be_v by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n illumination_n the_o spirit_n illumination_n you_o shall_v read_v eph._n 1.18_o that_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n hope_v for_o in_o their_o call_n and_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o his_o prayer_n be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o what_o end_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n observe_v it_o the_o very_a first_o spiritual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n be_v for_o spiritual_a enlighten_v of_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o enlighten_v consist_v in_o three_o thing_n first_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 second_o in_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o from_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v prevent_v the_o soul_n see_v or_o discern_v the_o divine_a light_n infuse_v three_o in_o the_o quicken_a or_o stir_v up_o or_o put_v into_o act_n and_o exercise_n the_o habit_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v infuse_v first_o this_o illumination_n be_v a_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n light_n infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n the_o soul_n sit_v altogether_o in_o darkness_n until_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v into_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n eph._n 5.8_o now_o though_o there_o be_v some_o habitual_a divine_a light_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o there_o be_v after_o union_n a_o continual_a increase_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v eph._n 1.18_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v now_o if_o you_o read_v the_o whole_a chapter_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o be_v saint_n that_o be_v enlighten_v already_o so_o that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o poor_a weak_a feeble_a purblind_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o this_o divine_a light_n so_o we_o grow_v up_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n till_o we_o be_v like_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o who_o be_v light_a and_o no_o darkness_n at_o all_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o this_o work_n consist_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n that_o do_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n sight_n removal_n of_o impediment_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spiritual_a light_n infuse_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o yet_o through_o some_o distemper_a humour_n a_o film_n may_v grow_v over_o the_o eye_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v no_o object_n some_o waterish_a humour_n or_o some_o mote_n or_o dust_n may_v prevent_v the_o see_n of_o the_o eye_n there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n of_o corruption_n and_o of_o distemper_n many_o malignant_a humour_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o rheum_n that_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o prevent_v that_o sight_n we_o haâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o next_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o pluck_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n eye_v all_o the_o mote_n to_o take_v off_o all_o the_o film_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o soul_n spiritual_a sight_n though_o at_o first_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o faculty_n of_o see_v we_o be_v like_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o christ_n cure_v he_o see_v man_n walk_v like_o tree_n we_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o hellish_a fog_n or_o mist_n or_o beam_n that_o the_o devil_n chief_o labour_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a eye_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o divine_a spiritual_a light_n receive_v and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n before_o there_o can_v be_v assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v first_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n second_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n first_o there_o be_v the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n these_o be_v like_o the_o rheum_n that_o distil_v from_o the_o brain_n into_o the_o eye_n whereby_o the_o sight_n be_v prevent_v darkness_n mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n be_v like_o the_o distemper_n of_o melancholy_a or_o choler_n that_o have_v their_o original_n from_o the_o liver_n and_o so_o fume_v into_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o prevent_v his_o sight_n or_o rather_o the_o first_o be_v like_a to_o a_o false_a colour_a glass_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n look_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v of_o these_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v tender_v to_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o true_o see_v darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o soul_n i_o see_v there_o be_v a_o fullness_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o say_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o groan_v heavy_o under_o that_o want_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o my_o want_n of_o christ_n alas_o i_o have_v a_o blockish_a heart_n i_o be_o a_o ignorant_a wretch_n i_o have_v a_o blind_a understanding_n i_o dare_v not_o trust_v my_o deceitful_a heart_n i_o fear_v i_o never_o have_v a_o true_a fight_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v lest_o i_o shall_v presume_v that_o christ_n be_v tender_v unto_o i_o this_o be_v a_o main_a principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v brief_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o thy_o conceve_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v tender_v only_o to_o those_o that_o see_v the_o want_n of_o christ_n must_v suppose_v either_o a_o true_a spiritual_a
the_o union_n between_o the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n there_o must_v be_v a_o similarity_n a_o kind_n of_o likeness_n and_o near_a similitude_n and_o relation_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n consider_v in_o his_o personal_a excellency_n in_o his_o precious_a beauty_n and_o glory_n be_v rather_o the_o object_n of_o love_n than_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o assiance_n and_o dependence_n christ_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o as_o he_o be_v holy_a but_o as_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o a_o rock_n to_o lay_v the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o that_o be_v as_o a_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n ii_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n in_o regard_n the_o most_o special_a access_n of_o soul_n unto_o christ_n be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n unto_o soul_n the_o most_o press_a argument_n that_o be_v press_v upon_o soul_n to_o constrain_v they_o to_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o they_o may_v come_v for_o salvation_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o in_o that_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o now_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thus_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v out_o to_o poor_a rebel_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v and_o accept_v of_o proposition_n of_o peace_n and_o you_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 21_o for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o righteousness_n that_o god_n do_v convey_v through_o he_o and_o in_o heb._n 7.25_o you_o shall_v see_v what_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o i_o pray_v observe_v it_o here_o be_v the_o low_a act_n of_o faith_n express_v come_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o you_o see_v the_o come_n be_v for_o salvation_n 3._o christ_n consider_v as_o a_o saviour_n be_v primary_o suitable_a unto_o soul_n christ_n in_o his_o personal_a excellency_n be_v suitable_a unto_o angel_n and_o angel_n will_v count_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o have_v he_o their_o head_n and_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o as_o a_o spouse_n but_o it_o be_v only_o as_o he_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o saviour_n that_o he_o be_v primary_o suitable_a unto_o soul_n here_o below_o in_o regard_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o soul_n be_v salvation_n and_o thence_o you_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v the_o name_n that_o god_n put_v upon_o he_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v jesus_n a_o saviour_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o for_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n mat._n 1.21_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v this_o be_v another_o principle_n of_o darkness_n to_o persuade_v soul_n not_o to_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o salvation_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v here_o 1._o that_o many_o excellency_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n may_v have_v efficacy_n upon_o a_o soul_n to_o allure_v he_o to_o come_v god_n may_v let_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o beauty_n so_o shine_v forth_o as_o may_v ravish_v the_o heart_n in_o his_o come_n and_o though_o primary_o the_o soul_n faith_n be_v establish_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o saviour_n yet_o his_o love_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n close_o with_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o love_n of_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o flow_v and_o proceed_v from_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o true_a love_n before_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o five_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportion_n between_o the_o soul_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o sin_n itself_o before_o it_o may_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v common_a among_o divine_n to_o lay_v down_o this_o principle_n that_o a_o soul_n must_v drink_v so_o many_o bucket_n full_a of_o the_o tear_n of_o repentance_n as_o he_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o steal_a water_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v the_o soul_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o great_a sinner_n have_v always_o great_a sorrow_n those_o that_o be_v the_o murderer_n of_o christ_n act._n 2.36_o 37._o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v much_o wound_v before_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n apply_v to_o to_o they_o so_o it_o be_v observe_v say_v the_o soul_n that_o paul_n that_o be_v former_o saul_n be_v a_o notorious_a sinner_n a_o blasphemer_n a_o murderer_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o be_v fill_v with_o abundance_n of_o sorrow_n before_o god_n apply_v comfort_n to_o he_o act._n 9_o compare_v with_o rom._n 7.11_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o commandment_n deceive_v i_o and_o by_o it_o slay_v i_o so_o luke_n 7.36_o 37_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o great_a sinner_n and_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sinner_n the_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n say_v divine_n every_o one_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o this_o woman_n be_v call_v a_o sinner_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n pass_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o sin_n now_o this_o woman_n have_v great_a sorrow_n v._n 38._o before_o she_o receive_v any_o word_n of_o pardon_n from_o christ_n she_o weep_v and_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n as_o she_o drink_v in_o bucket_n full_a of_o sin_n so_o she_o weep_v bucket_n full_a of_o tear_n now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o clear_v thus_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o proportion_n between_o a_o soul_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o soul_n sin_n every_o iniquity_n be_v a_o transgression_n that_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o infiniteness_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n against_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v which_o be_v against_o the_o infinite_a god_n now_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v never_o rise_v thus_o high_a because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n so_o that_o you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o divine_n to_o be_v this_o as_o some_o of_o they_o distinguish_v it_o not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n but_o a_o geometrical_a proportion_n between_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n that_o be_v not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o proportionable_a sorrow_n to_o sin_n but_o the_o great_a sorrow_n where_o there_o have_v be_v the_o great_a sin_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v himself_o to_o his_o liberty_n in_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n for_o sin_n before_o and_o in_o and_o after_o conversion_n god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n he_o fill_v one_o soul_n with_o great_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o terror_n and_o let_v he_o lie_v long_o under_o woe_n and_o anguish_n before_o he_o give_v he_o any_o quiet_a of_o spirit_n he_o strike_v one_o soul_n to_o death_n with_o the_o keen_a arrow_n of_o compunction_n shoot_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o he_o whereas_o he_o let_v another_o sinner_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o rock_n high_o than_o himself_o some_o soul_n god_n do_v prick_v their_o heart_n with_o a_o needle_n and_o other_o he_o put_v a_o sword_n to_o they_o like_o a_o chirurgeon_n that_o lance_v one_o sore_a above_o another_o and_o yet_o bring_v both_o to_o a_o perfect_a cure_n you_o read_v of_o nothing_o in_o lydia_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n and_o paul_n be_v strike_v with_o tremble_a and_o astonishment_n you_o read_v of_o nothing_o in_o the_o jailor_n but_o cry_v out_o what_o to_o do_v to_o be_v save_v be_v in_o fear_n of_o perish_v and_o present_o god_n give_v he_o joy_n in_o believe_v and_o calm_v his_o spirit_n 3._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o command_n nor_o injunction_n from_o god_n that_o a_o soul_n shall_v attain_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n before_o he_o shall_v dare_v to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o
receive_v he_o tender_v to_o his_o poor_a rebellious_a worthless_a soul_n the_o first_o command_n that_o god_n lay_v upon_o every_o rebel_n be_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o mediator_n god_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n first_o enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n tender_v before_o the_o do_v any_o thing_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o send_n up_o one_o sigh_n to_o god_n or_o breathe_v out_o one_o petition_n in_o regard_n the_o lord_n command_v all_o poor_a sinner_n at_o enmity_n with_o he_o to_o come_v near_o to_o he_o only_o through_o a_o mediator_n and_o no_o come_n by_o a_o mediator_n till_o they_o apply_v the_o mediator_n to_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 3.23_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o so_o again_o john_n 6.29_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o who_o he_o have_v send_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o work_n of_o god_n but_o this_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o prime_n principal_a work_n without_o which_o all_o other_o be_v but_o work_v of_o darkness_n 4._o in_o regard_v the_o lord_n take_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o delight_n in_o the_o person_n of_o any_o sinner_n most_o deject_v and_o plunge_v into_o the_o deep_a gulf_n of_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n before_o he_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v to_o his_o soul_n more_o than_o he_o do_v in_o that_o soul_n before_o there_o be_v any_o of_o that_o sorrow_n do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v as_o much_o abhor_v a_o sinner_n that_o be_v now_o forbear_v the_o act_n of_o his_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o be_v fall_v to_o cry_v after_o god_n as_o much_o as_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n before_o gradual_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v there_o be_v as_o true_a a_o abhorrence_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n of_o all_o those_o prayer_n mourning_n and_o tear_n as_o there_o be_v of_o those_o act_n of_o sin_n the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o degree_n say_v he_o tit._n 1.15_o to_o the_o impure_a all_o thing_n be_v impure_a whilst_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v and_o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a while_o the_o soul_n be_v altogether_o unclean_a it_o be_v impossible_a a_o clean_a desire_n and_o motion_n or_o a_o clean_a tear_n can_v come_v from_o thence_o so_o that_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o enemy_n as_o a_o rebel_n a_o traitor_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o lord_n glory_n whilst_o he_o remain_v a_o refuser_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v though_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o mourning_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o near_a proportion_n of_o sorrow_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o for_o sin_n must_v proceed_v from_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v the_o soul_n can_v never_o discern_v what_o the_o degree_n or_o the_o heinousness_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v till_o he_o behold_v the_o 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and_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v she_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n for_o the_o explain_n of_o it_o when_o jesus_n see_v this_o woman_n come_v and_o wash_v his_o foot_n he_o know_v the_o pharisee_n heart_n rise_v against_o she_o because_o she_o be_v a_o sinner_n now_o jesus_n put_v forth_o a_o parable_n or_o similitude_n simon_n say_v he_o there_o be_v two_o debtor_n the_o one_o ought_v five_o hundred_o penny_n and_o the_o other_o fifty_o and_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v the_o creditor_n frank_o forgive_v they_o both_o tell_v i_o therefore_o which_o of_o they_o will_v love_v he_o most_o simon_n answer_v and_o say_v i_o suppose_v he_o to_o who_o he_o forgive_v most_o say_v he_o thou_o have_v right_o judge_v now_o observe_v it_o when_o jesus_n christ_n have_v open_v to_o the_o pharisee_n this_o parable_n it_o amount_v to_o this_o the_o cause_n of_o her_o mourning_n be_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n forgive_a her_o for_o she_o love_v much_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o she_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v this_o he_o open_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o her_o sorrow_n that_o she_o see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v exercise_v compassion_n to_o she_o she_o see_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n so_o infinite_a so_o unspeakable_a his_o compassion_n so_o incomprehensible_a that_o though_o she_o have_v be_v such_o a_o desperate_a wretch_n that_o satan_n have_v have_v his_o throne_n in_o her_o heart_n though_o she_o have_v be_v the_o ringleader_n of_o sinner_n in_o a_o city_n yet_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o wash_v her_o forlorn_a soul_n and_o make_v she_o clean_o and_o this_o make_v she_o she_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v her_o love_n but_o she_o weep_v so_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o her_o tear_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o sense_n of_o her_o sin_n but_o the_o have_v so_o much_o forgive_v she_o so_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o peter_n when_o he_o can_v deny_v christ_n thrice_o and_o forswear_v he_o and_o not_o weep_v when_o christ_n look_v upon_o he_o his_o heart_n melt_v and_o he_o weep_v bitter_o what_o peter_n do_v deny_v i_o what_o i_o that_o leave_v the_o throne_n of_o my_o glory_n to_o stand_v here_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n say_v the_o look_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o conception_n of_o peter_n this_o melt_v his_o heart_n the_o six_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v this_o darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o any_o soul_n to_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o soon_o it_o be_v common_o illustrate_v by_o this_o similitude_n if_o a_o chirurgeon_n apply_v some_o heal_a salve_n to_o a_o dangerous_a sore_n before_o the_o corrosive_n have_v have_v their_o proper_a effect_n if_o he_o do_v not_o by_o corrosive_n first_o eat_v out_o all_o the_o dead_a flesh_n and_o by_o tent_n ransack_v the_o wound_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n though_o the_o wound_v be_v skin_v over_o it_o will_v fester_v and_o rankle_v again_o and_o that_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o patient_n life_n 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for_o his_o sin_n give_v they_o may_v be_v rather_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a say_v the_o soul_n to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o soon_o this_o principle_n of_o darkness_n have_v common_o three_o ground_n or_o three_o foundation_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o the_o soul_n conceive_v a_o threefold_a foundation_n be_v not_o easy_o shake_v and_o therefore_o conceive_v the_o principle_n to_o be_v very_o firm_a i._o it_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o all_o divine_n general_o have_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o apply_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a conscience_n too_o soon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o give_v comfort_n before_o the_o soul_n be_v fit_v for_o it_o
principle_n of_o darkness_n there_o be_v first_o something_o to_o be_v premise_v first_o that_o the_o soul_n understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o comfort_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o apply_v comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o comfort_n be_v mean_v only_o that_o strength_n and_o that_o life_n and_o refreshment_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o good_a of_o any_o object_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o poor_a needy_a despicable_a loveless_n soul_n according_a as_o god_n the_o father_n tender_v he_o to_o the_o soul_n to_o speak_v more_o plain_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v free_o to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o poor_a despicable_a soul_n to_o make_v up_o a_o league_n and_o amity_n and_o love_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o break_v in_o 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their_o own_o nature_n do_v empty_a the_o soul_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o self-confidence_n in_o regard_n it_o remove_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o imaginary_a dependence_n upon_o its_o self_n either_o for_o comfort_n here_o or_o for_o mercy_n and_o happiness_n to_o eternity_n the_o soul_n perfect_a nothingness_n in_o itself_o be_v only_o by_o behold_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o yet_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o eph._n 3.19_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o they_o may_v comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o know_v this_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o 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precious_a fear_n in_o the_o heart_n than_o all_o the_o terror_n sight_n and_o vision_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o the_o soul_n for_o sin_n can_v possible_o beget_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v endanger_v the_o soul_n to_o presume_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o apply_v christ_n in_o two_o large_a a_o measure_n in_o his_o comfort_n shall_v make_v the_o soul_n without_o fear_n now_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o fill_v with_o holy_a fear_n as_o when_o it_o have_v the_o large_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o large_a comprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o natural_a be_v the_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n now_o love_n be_v extend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n when_o it_o rest_v upon_o he_o or_o fetch_v in_o joy_n through_o believe_v and_o according_a as_o love_n be_v extend_v so_o be_v fear_v extend_v love_n and_o fear_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n you_o can_v divide_v they_o a_o man_n of_o large_a love_n be_v a_o man_n of_o large_a fear_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o more_o dear_a any_o object_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o a_o man_n fear_v to_o lose_v it_o four_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v apply_v most_o for_o comfort_n then_o do_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n rise_v high_a in_o the_o heart_n when_o love_n rise_v high_a jealousy_n rise_v high_a jealousy_n be_v compound_v of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o love_n and_o hatred_n where_o love_n run_v out_o large_o in_o zeal_n there_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o hatred_n against_o all_o that_o shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o it_o put_v a_o fearful_a man_n and_o a_o jealous_a man_n together_o to_z watch_z over_o a_o belove_a object_n and_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v their_o sleep_v thus_o fear_v and_o jealousy_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o soul_n will_v make_v it_o watchful_a lest_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o outgoing_a of_o the_o heart_n from_o jesus_n christ_n second_o neither_o can_v it_o dry_v up_o the_o repent_v or_o penitent_a tear_n too_o soon_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o the_o spring_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v be_v seal_v up_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o large_a measure_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v make_v the_o soul_n presume_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o discern_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o sin_n shall_v be_v discern_v shall_v be_v close_v up_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o large_a comfort_n from_o jesus_n christ_n second_o that_o the_o sight_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o defect_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a shall_v be_v the_o original_a of_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n and_o so_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v perish_v when_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n suitable_a to_o his_o needy_a 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apprehension_n of_o a_o defect_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n christ_n suitable_a to_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a can_v be_v a_o spring_n or_o head_n from_o whence_o the_o stream_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n flow_v godly_a sorrow_n must_v arise_v from_o the_o clear_a most_o spiritual_a sin_n now_o you_o see_v the_o clear_a discern_v of_o sin_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o clear_a discern_v of_o those_o enlarge_a comfort_n through_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o indeed_o as_o those_o increase_n so_o do_v godly_a sorrow_n increase_v the_o great_a comfort_v soul_n be_v the_o great_a mourning_n soul_n now_o you_o see_v the_o foundation_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o this_o principle_n and_o also_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_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 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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 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to_o credit_v what_o god_n propound_v by_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o latitude_n and_o fullness_n of_o they_o it_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o full_a so_o complete_a and_o perfect_a a_o love_n as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o imaginable_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o very_a intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o so_o often_o heap_v up_o expression_n upon_o expression_n in_o set_v out_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v even_o rise_v to_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o way_n for_o this_o end_n seldom_o name_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o he_o call_v it_o riches_n of_o grace_n nay_o abundant_a riches_n and_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o case_n reveal_v the_o lord_n strong_a 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confirm_v it_o by_o witness_n 1_o john_n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n the_o three_o person_n in_o one_o essence_n they_o be_v witness_n to_o it_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v witness_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v witness_n on_o earth_n 5._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v confirm_v it_o by_o seal_n the_o common_a broad_a seal_n i_o mean_v the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v outward_a witness_v sign_n or_o confirm_v sign_n of_o the_o lord_n intention_n of_o love_n to_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o a_o mere_a confirm_a sign_n to_o confirm_v the_o soul_n in_o believe_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_a soul_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o witness_v to_o the_o soul_n thus_o much_o that_o as_o sure_o as_o he_o see_v the_o bread_n break_v as_o he_o see_v the_o wine_n pour_v out_o so_o sure_o do_v the_o glorious_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n send_v the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n clothe_v with_o a_o humane_a nature_n to_o have_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o that_o thereby_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n with_o himself_o for_o such_o a_o rebellious_a soul_n nay_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o privy_a signet_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v assure_o witness_v and_o seal_v up_o unto_o soul_n his_o love_n in_o receive_v they_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v say_v but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o that_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v trust_v in_o thou_o that_o be_v they_o that_o know_v the_o lord_n indeed_o while_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v unknown_a unbelief_n of_o necessity_n bear_v rule_v in_o every_o soul_n 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o lord_n removal_n of_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n or_o jealousy_n whatever_o concern_v the_o lord_n faithfulness_n and_o love_n there_o be_v but_o two_o general_a ground_n of_o jealousy_n first_o some_o experience_n of_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o spirit_n have_v prevent_v the_o least_o imaginary_a ground_n this_o way_n in_o regard_n the_o lord_n have_v never_o fail_v in_o perform_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o the_o love_n he_o express_v hitherto_o second_o the_o second_o ground_n of_o jealousy_n must_v be_v some_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n take_v dislike_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o of_o the_o soul_n unfaithfulness_n to_o god_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n removal_n of_o all_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n by_o show_v the_o lord_n intend_v not_o to_o take_v any_o mislike_n from_o love_v of_o soul_n whatever_o imaginary_a wickedness_n the_o soul_n shall_v commit_v against_o he_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_z reveals_z the_o lord_n declaration_n of_o pass_v by_o the_o treachery_n and_o filthiness_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o remember_v its_o iniquity_n no_o more_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n constant_a acceptance_n of_o soul_n after_o treachery_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o treachery_n to_o diminish_v his_o love_n for_o it_o jer._n 3.1_o 5._o and_o last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o lord_n press_v urgent_a persuasion_n invitation_n and_o command_n to_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n of_o all_o the_o love_n to_o poor_a soul_n that_o he_o have_v express_v to_o they_o thereupon_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o argue_v thus_o will_v thou_o not_o trust_v the_o lord_n that_o know_v his_o own_o love_n and_o compassion_n best_o of_o all_o he_o alone_o know_v himself_o and_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v he_o the_o light_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a spark_n say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o that_o great_a light_n that_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o will_v thou_o trust_v to_o thy_o own_o spark_n of_o light_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n hereby_o in_o all_o these_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n remove_v this_o jealous_a distemper_n pluck_v out_o this_o beam_n from_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o precious_a believe_a frame_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o four_o distemper_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v remove_v and_o that_o be_v the_o jealousy_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o jealousy_n or_o a_o second_o way_n how_o this_o distemper_n of_o jealousy_n work_v and_o that_o be_v as_o it_o work_v towards_o the_o soul_n own_o heart_n the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n jealous_a of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o will_v have_v he_o suspect_v that_o his_o own_o wicked_a heart_n can_v receive_v the_o will_n of_o god_n right_o and_o to_o make_v it_o fear_v it_o shall_v close_v false_o if_o it_o shall_v think_v of_o receive_v the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n this_o distemper_n of_o jealousy_n be_v hardly_o heal_v because_o it_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o hold_n it_o come_v under_o the_o shape_n of_o godliness_n it_o have_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v possible_a it_o tell_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o sincerity_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o its_o own_o deceitfulness_n it_o tell_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o presumption_n if_o it_o be_v not_o jealous_a this_o distemper_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o you_o must_v conceive_v that_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o jealousy_n in_o a_o soul_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n of_o jealousy_n that_o the_o
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
other_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o increase_v of_o it_o when_o any_o christian_a flourish_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o water_n side_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n every_o christian_n ought_v to_o compare_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a 3._o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o time_n of_o growth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a with_o the_o time_n that_o their_o grace_n have_v have_v to_o grow_v 4._o to_o compare_v the_o mean_n of_o growth_n of_o grace_n a_o soul_n discern_v any_o grace_n exercise_v in_o any_o christian_n aught_o to_o consider_v what_o mean_v he_o have_v have_v to_o grow_v to_o that_o eminency_n in_o such_o a_o grace_n whether_o have_v i_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n whether_o have_v the_o mean_n be_v as_o effectual_a upon_o my_o heart_n as_o upon_o such_o a_o christian_a 5._o to_o compare_v the_o liveliness_n and_o activity_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n constant_o with_o the_o liveliness_n and_o activity_n of_o their_o own_o second_o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o expression_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n in_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n with_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o first_o in_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n second_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n first_o in_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o number_n and_o bulk_n of_o they_o god_n sometime_o stand_v much_o upon_o quantity_n of_o duty_n to_o his_o people_n therefore_o upon_o a_o soul_n discern_v some_o christian_n to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n they_o ought_v to_o compare_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o only_o these_o two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o it_o first_o to_o observe_v whether_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o such_o christian_n be_v not_o extend_v too_o far_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o good_a in_o duty_n that_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v and_o stint_n god_n to_o such_o a_o length_n in_o duty_n now_o duty_n may_v be_v extend_v too_o far_o there_o may_v be_v excess_n in_o perform_v duty_n of_o prayer_n 1._o when_o ordinary_a duty_n be_v perform_v in_o excess_n by_o a_o soul_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n 2._o when_o duty_n be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o soul_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n be_v constant_a limitation_n set_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n god_n require_v second_o this_o rule_n also_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o soul_n do_v keep_v a_o right_a proportion_n in_o all_o his_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n by_o other_o duty_n 1._o every_o soul_n upon_o discern_v any_o christian_n to_o excel_v in_o the_o quantity_n of_o duty_n aught_o to_o compare_v his_o own_o ability_n with_o other_o ability_n according_a as_o the_o lord_n give_v so_o he_o require_v to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v from_o he_o he_o expect_v much_o luke_n 12.48_o though_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o in_o quantity_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o another_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o consider_v the_o soul_n ability_n every_o way_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o he_o perform_v 2._o the_o soul_n must_v always_o look_v to_o proportion_v the_o occasion_n it_o must_v see_v upon_o what_o occasion_n such_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o much_o exercise_v in_o duty_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o same_o occasion_n be_v his_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o temptation_n or_o in_o time_n of_o violent_a corruption_n or_o in_o time_n of_o much_o inward_a bitterness_n of_o soul_n it_o ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o quantity_n of_o duty_n more_o than_o at_o another_o time_n if_o occasion_n come_v in_o extraordinary_a the_o lord_n require_v extraordinary_a duty_n as_o in_o 2_o cor._n 12.7_o 8_o when_o paul_n be_v urge_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a temptation_n a_o thorn_n prick_v he_o in_o the_o flesh_n than_o paul_n fall_v upon_o extraordinary_a duty_n he_o pray_v thrice_o that_o be_v often_o so_o in_o act._n 12_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o execution_n the_o church_n go_v to_o prayer_n without_o cease_v 2._o the_o soul_n must_v always_o proportion_v his_o own_o opportunity_n to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o those_o he_o discern_v to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n opportunity_n be_v a_o talon_n as_o well_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o the_o lord_n expect_v the_o improvement_n of_o that_o talon_n as_o well_o as_o other_o talent_n where_o the_o lord_n give_v opportunity_n for_o duty_n he_o require_v much_o duty_n 4._o the_o soul_n also_o be_v to_o proportion_v its_o necessity_n now_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n be_v various_a one_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o another_o may_v be_v maintain_v with_o less_o 5._o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportion_n hold_v in_o the_o spiritual_a engagement_n and_o obligation_n wherein_o a_o soul_n stand_v engage_v to_o god_n 1._o the_o proportion_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o soul_n reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n from_o god_n the_o more_o full_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v come_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n the_o more_o near_o be_v the_o heart_n engage_v to_o duty_n and_o to_o great_a multiplication_n of_o duty_n in_o regard_n by_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n there_o be_v great_a ability_n convey_v into_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o duty_n 2._o the_o soul_n must_v hold_v proportion_n in_o his_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o clear_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n of_o truth_n the_o lord_n communicate_v to_o any_o soul_n the_o more_o deep_o be_v that_o soul_n engage_v to_o god_n &_o unto_o duty_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v proportion_v the_o engagement_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o person_n more_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n the_o more_o conspicuous_o the_o lord_n set_v up_o any_o soul_n to_o be_v gaze_v upon_o by_o the_o world_n the_o more_o do_v the_o lord_n engage_v the_o soul_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o duty_n 4._o they_o must_v proportion_v the_o degree_n of_o communion_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o take_v the_o soul_n into_o with_o himself_o gradual_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o communion_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n engagement_n to_o the_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o way_n of_o measure_v the_o soul_n must_v measure_v the_o quantity_n of_o his_o duty_n second_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o measure_v and_o compare_v the_o quality_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n with_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n he_o perceive_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bulk_n only_a god_n accept_v but_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o spirituality_n the_o exactness_n and_o exquisitness_n of_o the_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o the_o lord_n especial_o look_v at_o the_o israelite_n seldom_o fail_v in_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v they_o give_v he_o his_o ox_n and_o lamb_n and_o he_o goat_n and_o sheep_n and_o the_o like_a but_o they_o fail_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o those_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v those_o obblation_n vain_a oblation_n so_o that_o though_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o soul_n duty_n shall_v hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o yet_o he_o must_v look_v whether_o the_o quality_n will_v hold_v proportion_n whether_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o duty_n will_v proportion_v with_o their_o duty_n whether_o there_o be_v as_o much_o inward_a adoration_n before_o god_n as_o much_o inward_a self_n abasement_n of_o spirit_n as_o much_o strength_n in_o pursue_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a for_o the_o quality_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o other_o christian_n but_o all_o the_o former_a rule_n also_o must_v be_v observe_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v with_o more_o inward_a ability_n and_o inward_a strength_n there_o he_o look_v for_o the_o duty_n to_o excel_v in_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o quantity_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n open_v which_o be_v the_o compare_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n it_o discern_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n four_o the_o soul_n may_v from_o compare_v himself_o with_o other_o christian_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o duty_n with_o they_o endeavour_v to_o convict_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o
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 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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
whence_o to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o his_o contrary_a state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o other_o christian_n that_o he_o behold_v to_o excel_v he_o in_o so_o a_o high_a a_o measure_n when_o it_o rise_v to_o this_o it_o become_v a_o sinful_a dark_a distemper_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o divers_a thing_n 1._o this_o may_v prove_v a_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o love_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v a_o argue_v mere_o from_o a_o soul_n want_v of_o light_a to_o discern_v god_n good_a will_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n 3._o it_o make_v the_o soul_n draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o total_a want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o grace_n while_o a_o soul_n thus_o conclude_v because_o he_o see_v no_o grace_n shine_v forth_o in_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o other_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o may_v come_v to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n because_o i_o see_v my_o soul_n be_v not_o such_o a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n as_o such_o a_o christian_a therefore_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o as_o smoke_a flax_n 4._o this_o argument_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o soul_n infirmity_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o tyranny_n that_o some_o lust_n have_v exercise_v over_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o conclude_v it_o be_v under_o the_o voluntary_a service_n of_o his_o lust_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o want_n of_o fruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n to_o the_o want_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o the_o want_n of_o all_o fritfulness_n whatsoever_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v about_o to_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n as_o these_o from_o its_o measure_n itself_o by_o other_o christian_n let_v these_o thing_n be_v observe_v 1._o he_o must_v first_o assure_v himself_o that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v a_o sinful_a defect_n four_o thing_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v the_o defect_n come_v not_o from_o before_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v the_o defect_n be_v sin_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o through_o the_o suspension_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o comfort_a spirit_n of_o christ_n second_o it_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o be_v not_o through_o the_o lord_n suspend_v the_o arbitrary_a influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n you_o must_v conceive_v there_o be_v influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n well_o be_v these_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v be_v never_o withdraw_v but_o the_o influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n well_o be_v be_v communicate_v in_o various_a degree_n to_o various_a soul_n which_o therefore_o i_o call_v arbitrary_a influance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o as_o god_n dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o divers_a degree_n at_o divers_a time_n and_o to_o divers_a soul_n in_o divers_a time_n three_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n proceed_v not_o only_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o gift_n thar_z other_o furnish_v with_o the_o same_o grace_n enjoy_v above_o he_o gift_n be_v like_o a_o precious_a cundit-pipe_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o let_v out_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o now_o if_o another_o soul_n have_v more_o abundance_n of_o those_o kind_n of_o gift_n more_o readiness_n of_o capacity_n quickness_n of_o understanding_n great_a depth_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n clearness_n of_o light_n more_o readiness_n of_o expression_n then_o thy_o soul_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o judge_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n than_o in_o thy_o soul_n in_o regard_n he_o have_v a_o great_a opportunity_n of_o expression_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o great_a aptness_n to_o hold_v forth_o grace_n receive_v than_o thou_o have_v four_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n only_o without_o any_o negligence_n of_o any_o mean_n by_o the_o soul_n that_o his_o defect_n of_o grace_n proceed_v from_o 2._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o those_o defect_n that_o he_o behold_v in_o himself_o be_v such_o defect_n as_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n whatever_o give_v a_o true_a and_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o its_o cause_n must_v be_v a_o effect_n that_o proceed_v proper_o from_o such_o a_o cause_n only_o that_o can_v proceed_v from_o another_o cause_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v also_o sure_a that_o spiritual_a rashness_n and_o wilfulness_n or_o ignorance_n or_o temptation_n do_v not_o overcloud_v his_o judgement_n in_o his_o search_v out_o and_o try_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o soul_n therein_o i_o shall_v advise_v to_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o trust_v not_o his_o own_o light_n alone_o 2._o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o bring_v all_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o substance_n and_o in_o their_o circumstance_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o 3._o a_o soul_n must_v endeavour_v that_o his_o judgement_n be_v settle_v by_o god_n that_o be_v thus_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v his_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n to_o bring_v himself_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o heart_n search_v god_n with_o a_o serious_a apprehension_n and_o meditation_n that_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v open_a before_o god_n and_o then_o and_o there_o in_o this_o frame_n to_o view_v over_o again_o and_o meditate_v upon_o that_o judgement_n that_o he_o find_v himself_o ready_a to_o pass_v against_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o observe_v whether_o his_o spirit_n then_o dare_v pass_v this_o conclusion_n against_o himself_o iii_o when_o a_o soul_n in_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o make_v the_o defect_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o matter_n of_o impediment_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n by_o look_v upon_o some_o other_o christian_n and_o behold_v many_o precious_a gracious_a holy_a disposition_n shine_v forth_o like_v so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o low_a orb_n when_o he_o see_v much_o holy_a fire_n drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o drop_v forth_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o look_v upon_o himself_o and_o see_v a_o defect_n in_o all_o see_v his_o own_o heart_n overgrow_v with_o dulness_n stupidness_n blockishness_n carelessness_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n regardlesness_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n make_v these_o defect_n of_o grace_n apprehend_v in_o himself_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o his_o soul_n to_o beat_v it_o off_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o back_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n then_o this_o distemper_n of_o judge_v themselves_o by_o other_o prevail_v too_o far_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o join_n with_o the_o wretched_a corrupt_a opposite_a heart_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o furnish_n the_o soul_n with_o matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o scruple_n against_o the_o bless_a tender_n of_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o by_o this_o the_o soul_n make_v that_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o perform_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o disobedience_n the_o soul_n by_o look_v upon_o the_o grace_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o any_o christian_n seem_v to_o do_v a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n command_v and_o in_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n seem_v to_o do_v another_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o both_o these_o be_v make_v disobedience_n when_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o defect_n of_o grace_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o discouragement_n to_o himself_o in_o exercise_v faith_n 3._o the_o soul_n cross_v god_n in_o his_o high_a end_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n iv_o the_o four_o case_n wherein_o a_o soul_n do_v measure_v himself_o too_o much_o by_o other_o so_o as_o it_o become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n be_v when_o the_o
be_v one_o with_o they_o after_o christ_n be_v go_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v leave_v plead_v with_o undo_v sinner_n with_o his_o own_o bless_a lip_n you_o see_v eph._n 4.11_o 12._o he_o send_v out_o other_o in_o his_o own_o room_n such_o as_o may_v be_v ambassador_n represent_v his_o own_o person_n to_o beseech_v and_o pray_v undo_v sinner_n to_o accept_v of_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o father_n through_o their_o union_n with_o he_o 2._o by_o reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n take_v care_n to_o furnish_v such_o as_o he_o send_v forth_o to_o allure_v undo_v sinner_n into_o union_n with_o he_o with_o a_o suitable_a spirit_n for_o that_o work_n therefore_o before_o jesus_n christ_n will_v go_v to_o his_o father_n john_n 20.22_o he_o go_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o give_v they_o a_o commission_n to_o allure_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o commission_n he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 3._o by_o reveal_v the_o lord_n assimilate_v those_o who_o he_o betru_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o lose_v sinner_n not_o only_o in_o furnish_v they_o with_o ability_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o also_o in_o conform_v they_o in_o their_o very_a disposition_n unto_o his_o own_o likeness_n he_o convey_v his_o own_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n into_o they_o that_o their_o bowel_n may_v yearn_v towards_o the_o gather_v lose_v sinner_n into_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o yearn_v this_o you_o shall_v see_v eph._n 1.8_o that_o paul_n tell_v they_o he_o long_v after_o they_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v i_o long_v after_o your_o perfection_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o bowel_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v infuse_v into_o i_o as_o some_o interpret_v it_o but_o indeed_o the_o interpretation_n may_v rather_o be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o same_o bowel_n that_o jesus_n christ_n long_v after_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v work_v in_o his_o bosom_n towards_o undo_v sinner_n 4._o by_o reveal_v the_o lord_n jesus_n choose_v out_o some_o desperate_a sinner_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v as_o pattern_n of_o love_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o lose_a sinner_n that_o he_o will_v take_v into_o union_n with_o himself_o this_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o 16._o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o that_o blasphemer_n that_o persecuter_n that_o injurious_a one_o to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v forth_o a_o pattern_n to_o other_o sinner_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o 5._o by_o reveal_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o have_v improve_v all_o his_o interest_n in_o those_o that_o be_v his_o own_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n in_o gather_v lose_v sinner_n into_o union_n with_o he_o as_o in_o john_n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o when_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o earth_n and_o will_v engage_v peter_n to_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n for_o he_o he_o engage_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o poor_a miserable_a soul_n that_o be_v under_o the_o term_n or_o notion_n here_o of_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n iv_o for_o the_o evidence_n the_o willingness_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o accept_v into_o union_n every_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o absolute_a engagement_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o own_o joy_n and_o by_o his_o own_o glory_n that_o be_v supernatural_a to_o embrace_v every_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v he_o the_o lord_n christ_n consider_v as_o head_n to_o a_o mystical_a body_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v imperfect_a till_o all_o sinner_n that_o shall_v ever_o belong_v to_o he_o be_v gather_v in_o and_o jesus_n christ_n even_o want_v his_o joy_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v as_o a_o mediator_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lose_v sinner_n belong_v to_o that_o mystical_a body_n to_o be_v gather_v in_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o jesus_n christ_n to_o reject_v one_o sinner_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o unless_o he_o will_v reject_v himself_o there_o be_v a_o three_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o that_o be_v light_n three_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n the_o insatiable_a longing_n and_o thirst_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o embrace_v every_o soul_n into_o union_n that_o will_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v the_o soul_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o faith_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o he_o come_v to_o give_v a_o full_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n appear_v that_o faith_n have_v ground_n not_o only_o of_o confidence_n but_o of_o triumph_n now_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n this_o unto_o the_o soul_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n two_o way_n first_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o long_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n do_v proceed_v second_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o expression_n of_o those_o long_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o himself_o first_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o ground_n whence_o those_o long_n proceed_v 1._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o near_a alliance_n and_o precious_a relation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n account_v himself_o to_o have_v unto_o all_o those_o lose_a sinner_n that_o long_o after_o union_n with_o he_o or_o that_o ever_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o union_n with_o he_o 1._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n account_v all_o those_o lose_a soul_n his_o brethren_n therefore_o christ_n in_o john_n 20.17_o when_o he_o send_v mary_n to_o tell_v the_o bless_a news_n of_o his_o resurrection_n to_o his_o disciple_n say_v he_o go_v tell_v my_o brethren_n that_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n go_v tell_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v joint_a adopt_v once_o by_o my_o father_n as_o my_o brethren_n the_o joint_n belove_v one_o as_o i_o be_o belove_v of_o the_o father_n as_o mediator_n now_o from_o hence_o the_o spirit_n manifest_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n can_v but_o long_o after_o union_n with_o all_o those_o soul_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o into_o union_n 2._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n account_v all_o those_o that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o to_o be_v as_o his_o spouse_n as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o jesus_n christ_n have_v infinite_a long_n after_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o then_o eph._n 2.28_o he_o that_o love_v his_o wife_n love_v himself_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n do_v but_o love_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o desire_v the_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o his_o long_n can_v be_v less_o than_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a 3._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v that_o jesus_n christ_n account_v all_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o as_o his_o own_o member_n without_o which_o he_o be_v not_o complete_a as_o mediator_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n mystical_a be_v the_o church_n and_o he_o account_v not_o himself_o perfect_a till_o all_o his_o mystical_a body_n be_v gather_v to_o he_o now_o hence_o the_o spirit_n manifest_v infinite_a long_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o he_o belong_v after_o his_o own_o good_a 4._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n account_v every_o soul_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n christ_n account_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n to_o be_v full_a till_o all_o those_o lose_a soul_n that_o ever_o shall_v embrace_v he_o be_v perfect_o and_o complete_o join_v to_o he_o now_o hence_o the_o spirit_n manifest_v that_o there_o can_v but_o be_v infinite_a long_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o union_n of_o such_o soul_n with_o himself_o as_o will_v have_v union_n with_o he_o or_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v he_o see_v he_o can_v but_o infinite_o long_a after_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o see_v he_o can_v long_v after_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o perection_n of_o it_o but_o he_o must_v long_o after_o the_o union_n of_o every_o lose_a soul_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o 2._o the_o spirit_n also_o remember_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o all_o those_o soul_n that_o ever_o shall_v embrace_v he_o now_o from_o thence_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v three_o way_n that_o there_o can_v but_o be_v such_o long_n of_o
christ_n 1._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o soul_n be_v augment_v there_o be_v no_o more_o prevail_a argument_n of_o love_n than_o suffer_v evil_a for_o the_o belove_a one_o 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v from_o thence_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o near_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o propriety_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o well_o augment_v by_o his_o suffering_n as_o his_o love_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o why_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n 3._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o union_n with_o they_o therefore_o isa_n 53.11_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v soul_n gather_v in_o to_o he_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n and_o this_o shall_v satisfy_v he_o now_o from_o hence_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o unsatiable_a long_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o union_n of_o those_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o 3._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o gather_v such_o lose_a soul_n as_o will_v embrace_v he_o into_o union_n with_o he_o this_o you_o may_v find_v john_n 10.15_o 16._o say_v christ_n i_o have_v other_o sheep_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o i_o must_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v there_o be_v necessity_n i_o be_o engage_v by_o duty_n to_o my_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o command_n my_o father_n lay_v upon_o i_o to_o gather_v those_o lose_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o i_o 4._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o it_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v gather_v lose_v undo_v sinner_n into_o union_n with_o he_o his_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o abstract_n or_o quintessence_n of_o love_n as_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o be_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o love_n into_o empty_a soul_n second_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o expression_n of_o those_o long_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o himself_o i._o the_o spirit_n present_v jesus_n christ_n seek_v after_o such_o lose_a sinner_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o union_n with_o he_o when_o their_o back_n be_v altogether_o turn_v upon_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v altogether_o forget_v he_o this_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o luke_n 19.10_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v my_o office_n say_v christ_n for_o which_o i_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n ii_o the_o spirit_n manifest_v the_o lord_n christ_n strong_a compassionate_a cry_n of_o love_n after_o such_o soul_n to_o accept_v of_o a_o bless_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o this_o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o hear_v rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o so_o isa_n 55.1_o 2._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o be_v in_o any_o want_n in_o any_o necessity_n any_o poor_a thirsty_a soul_n come_v you_o say_v he_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n here_o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n 1._o to_o discerern_v the_o loud_a cry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o such_o poor_a dead_a sluggish_a soul_n to_o embrace_v they_o 2._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v the_o redouble_a of_o his_o cry_n and_o call_v come_v you_o say_v christ_n yea_o again_o come_v and_o again_o come_v as_o if_o his_o bowel_n yearned_a 3._o the_o spirit_n lot_n the_o soul_n see_v his_o propound_v all_o the_o precious_a argument_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v to_o prevail_v with_o soul_n come_v say_v christ_n buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n take_v the_o most_o precious_a soul-ravishing_a comfort_n the_o sweet_a cordial_n to_o thy_o poor_a needy_a faint_a soul_n iii_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o low_a condescension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o become_v a_o entreater_n a_o beseecher_n of_o soul_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o union_n propound_v according_a to_o 2._o cor._n 5.20_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n that_o be_v be_v you_o one_o with_o god_n iv_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o own_o spirit_n in_o commission_n for_o that_o end_n to_o make_v all_o these_o long_n of_o his_o evident_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o these_o expression_n of_o his_o long_n in_o his_o cry_n and_o entreaty_n effectual_a upon_o soul_n the_o spirit_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v so_o superlative_a as_o to_o take_v care_n least_o after_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o long_n the_o soul_n shall_v still_o remain_v unconquered_a and_o therefore_o he_o add_v as_o it_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o all_o his_o former_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o he_o add_v his_o own_o spirit_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o constant_a officer_n for_o that_o end_n to_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o long_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v union_n with_o he_o therefore_o he_o send_v the_o comforter_n john_n 16.7_o v._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n tender_v pitiful_a compassionate_a discovery_n of_o the_o dreadful_a danger_n of_o neglect_n of_o union_n with_o he_o according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 3.17_o 18._o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v i_o tell_v you_o soul_n say_v christ_n the_o very_a intention_n of_o my_o father_n in_o send_v i_o be_v not_o to_o augment_v your_o sin_n that_o your_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v augment_v but_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o then_o v._n 18._o he_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o desperate_a state_n of_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o salvation_n that_o he_o bring_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vi_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o even_o wait_v as_o it_o be_v the_o leisure_n of_o poor_a lose_v undo_v soul_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o bless_a union_n tender_v the_o spirit_n present_v the_o lord_n jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o heart_n and_o knock_v till_o his_o head_n be_v wet_a with_o the_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n wait_v for_o the_o soul_n accept_v of_o that_o bless_a union_n with_o himself_o that_o he_o tender_v there_o be_v a_o four_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n the_o spirit_n cause_v further_a to_o sparkle_v forth_o from_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o work_n of_o irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n of_o it_o light_n four_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o absolute_a independency_n of_o this_o willingness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o soul_n who_o he_o be_v thus_o willing_a to_o accept_v and_o after_o union_n with_o he_o his_o soul_n thus_o belong_v there_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o way_n of_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o all_o matter_n of_o fear_n vanish_v and_o all_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o the_o clear_a satisfaction_n it_o give_v the_o soul_n concern_v his_o acceptance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n to_o those_o multitude_n of_o fear_n that_o common_o arise_v in_o soul_n concern_v the_o unsutableness_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v take_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o take_v away_o those_o occasion_n of_o fear_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n and_o the_o long_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o union_n with_o soul_n have_v not_o the_o least_o dependence_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o soul_n itself_o whence_o he_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n now_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v evidence_n these_o three_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n i._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o glorious_a deity_n to_o be_v move_v 〈◊〉_d any_o thing_n
and_o the_o same_o essence_n and_o so_o the_o same_o essential_a glory_n with_o himself_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o frail_a vile_a despicable_a nature_n of_o man._n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o father_n deprive_v himself_o for_o a_o season_n of_o his_o high_a delight_n his_o most_o infinite_a contentment_n for_o the_o effect_v those_o gospel_n mercy_n the_o father_n delight_n be_v in_o communion_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o communion_n the_o high_a be_v the_o delight_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v prov._n 8.31_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v because_o there_o be_v creature_n capable_a of_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o be_v empty_a vessel_n that_o he_o may_v be_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o transcendent_a fullness_n into_o now_o god_n deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o high_a delight_n in_o withdraw_v the_o communication_n of_o himself_o from_o that_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o complain_v my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o 3._o it_o cost_v the_o father_n the_o very_a death_n yea_o the_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o most_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n yea_o it_o cost_v the_o father_n the_o suffer_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o full_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n upon_o the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n second_o it_o must_v be_v open_v that_o the_o father_n be_v at_o the_o high_a cost_n and_o charge_n in_o effect_v that_o mercy_n for_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v on_o purpose_n to_o make_v it_o the_o sure_a to_o soul_n apprehension_n to_o give_v they_o the_o full_a security_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o effect_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n discover_v for_o soul_n embrace_v christ_n in_o that_o way_n at_o such_o high_a cost_n and_o charge_n to_o himself_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o fullness_n of_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n mercy_n to_o give_v absolute_a pardon_n unto_o sinner_n irrespective_o to_o satisfaction_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o high_a sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o sole_a incommunicable_a property_n be_v that_o his_o will_n be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o law_n the_o original_n of_o the_o be_v of_o all_o goodness_n he_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n in_o his_o own_o mercy_n to_o have_v give_v a_o absolute_a pardon_n to_o every_o transgression_n commit_v against_o his_o own_o law_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n that_o he_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o will_v of_o his_o be_v altogether_o independent_a have_v a_o power_n within_o itself_o to_o have_v give_v a_o absolute_a pardon_n to_o every_o transgression_n against_o his_o will._n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o soul_n do_v not_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o justice_n do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o mean_v not_o according_a to_o the_o height_n and_o rigour_n of_o justice_n as_o justice_n which_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v be_v have_v the_o lord_n be_v bind_v to_o his_o justice_n to_o proceed_v that_o way_n that_o appear_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o high_a exact_a rule_n of_o justice_n admit_v of_o no_o surety_n in_o capital_a crime_n it_o require_v the_o individual_a person_n to_o be_v the_o sufferer_n of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n the_o voice_n of_o exact_a justice_n be_v only_o in_o this_o wise_a the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v without_o any_o admission_n of_o any_o surety_n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o the_o bring_n about_o or_o effect_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v unto_o soul_n he_o propound_v this_o way_n to_o admit_v of_o a_o surety_n those_o that_o be_v the_o offender_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o sufferer_n under_o justice_n but_o another_o step_n in_o and_o bear_v the_o stroke_n of_o justice_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o personal_a transgression_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o offence_n against_o justice_n second_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o exact_a justice_n to_o admit_v a_o surety_n yet_o not_o possible_a for_o exact_a justice_n to_o find_v out_o a_o surety_n work_v still_o as_o justice_n justice_n never_o look_v further_a than_o the_o transgressor_n himself_o to_o exact_a justice_n upon_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o the_o transgressor_n in_o some_o degree_n upon_o all_o that_o have_v dependence_n upon_o he_o never_o come_v a_o thought_n into_o justice_n as_o justice_z of_o remit_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o punishment_n of_o the_o transgressor_n yet_o you_o see_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o proceed_v he_o cast_v about_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n to_o find_v out_o one_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v all_o the_o burden_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n that_o be_v due_a to_o transgressor_n themselves_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o design_n of_o glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o effect_v love_n and_o mercy_n for_o soul_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o proceed_v only_o according_a to_o love_n itself_o yea_o according_a to_o nothing_o else_o but_o love_n in_o respect_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o simple_a absolute_a pure_a love_n to_o impute_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o poor_a guilty_a spirit_n to_o the_o spotless_a lamb_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v to_o have_v pardon_v those_o transgressor_n and_o to_o have_v deliver_v they_o clear_o from_o sin_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o those_o transgression_n to_o another_o therefore_o observe_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o salvation_n though_o contrive_v by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o mercy_n and_o justice_n may_v meet_v together_o and_o kiss_v each_o other_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o love_n alone_o eph._n 2.5_o by_o grace_n or_o love_n you_o be_v save_v so_o tit._n 3.4_o 5._o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o still_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o father_n love_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o god_n be_v at_o that_o cost_n and_o charge_n to_o procure_v love_n and_o mercy_n for_o soul_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o soul_n themselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n soul_n partake_v of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n primary_o by_o that_o cost_n and_o charge_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o effect_v that_o love_n and_o mercy_n if_o you_o observe_v the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o run_v thus_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v christ_n to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v to_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v so_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o love_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v object_n of_o love_n primary_o by_o that_o gift_n that_o be_v original_o in_o the_o first_o place_n christ_n be_v therefore_o give_v because_o they_o be_v first_o belove_v &_o not_o they_o belove_v because_o christ_n give_v see_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v upon_o all_o its_o peculiar_a object_n that_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v fix_v upon_o in_o that_o gift_n and_o then_o christ_n himself_o come_v forth_o as_o a_o gift_n of_o that_o fix_a love_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v primary_o make_v object_n of_o love_n by_o the_o lord_n effect_v that_o love_n and_o mercy_n for_o they_o through_o his_o great_a cost_n of_o give_v the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n for_o they_o 2._o those_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v christ_n tender_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o object_n of_o that_o gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n discover_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o lord_n intention_n to_o effect_v that_o gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n for_o they_o by_o that_o his_o own_o cost_n in_o give_v his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v discover_v as_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n bring_v about_o the_o conveyance_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o beloved_a one_o and_o the_o end_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o love_n
to_o make_v his_o love_n glorious_a in_o those_o object_n therefore_o the_o end_n must_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n be_v before_o the_o mean_n though_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o once_o and_o by_o one_o act_n do_v by_o god_n so_o that_o according_a to_o our_o conception_n the_o love_n must_v be_v first_o fix_v and_o settle_v upon_o soul_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v the_o intention_n of_o love_n must_v be_v first_o unto_o soul_n before_o the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o gift_n of_o love_n through_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o give_v but_o also_o call_v out_o to_o the_o work_n of_o mediatorship_n heb._n 5.1_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n by_o god_n the_o father_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o soul_n 3._o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o that_o high_a charge_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o soul_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o but_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o his_o people_n comfort_n see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n i_o speak_v of_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n i_o say_v see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a simple_a necessity_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v at_o such_o high_a cost_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o soul_n to_o partake_v of_o this_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v do_v free_o of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n thence_o it_o appear_v there_o can_v be_v no_o high_a end_n than_o the_o lord_n own_o praise_n the_o manifest_v the_o beam_n of_o the_o lord_n transcendent_a glory_n more_o abundant_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o it_o eph._n 1.4.6_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v he_o have_v choose_v we_o as_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o first_o elect_n of_o god_n and_o that_o head_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n that_o god_n have_v glorify_v himself_o in_o this_o he_o have_v do_v say_v he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o destinate_a we_o to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v the_o father_n love_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o end_n v._n 6._o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o love_n wherein_o that_o be_v in_o which_o love_n he_o have_v make_v we_o acccept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o be_v in_o christ_n now_o this_o may_v be_v take_v rwo_a way_n either_o for_o his_o praise_n active_o to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o the_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v or_o else_o passive_o to_o be_v manifest_v through_o this_o way_n unto_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v in_o both_o way_n the_o lord_n intend_v to_o have_v his_o glorious_a love_n admire_v and_o adore_v and_o himself_o sanctify_v in_o the_o behold_n of_o it_o through_o the_o effect_n and_o convey_v of_o that_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n unto_o soul_n through_o such_o cost_n and_o charge_n in_o give_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n now_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v especial_o two_o way_n how_o the_o partaker_n of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n the_o gospel_n discover_v do_v active_o give_v the_o lord_n the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n 1._o in_o admire_v the_o unmeasurable_a dimension_n of_o his_o love_n in_o gaze_v upon_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o his_o love_n so_o as_o to_o see_v it_o unmeasurable_a and_o bottomless_a and_o to_o adore_v god_n in_o behold_v it_o 2._o in_o their_o soul_n rely_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n upon_o god_n for_o that_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n wherein_o a_o soul_n take_v up_o its_o rest_n in_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o a_o soul_n sanctify_v god_n in_o his_o heart_n therefore_o be_v 8.13_o when_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v they_o to_o sanctify_v god_n he_o say_v fear_v not_o their_o fear_n but_o make_v he_o your_o fear_n and_o your_o dread_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v therein_o you_o shall_v sanctify_v he_o when_o your_o spirit_n take_v up_o their_o rest_n in_o he_o alone_o now_o as_o god_n be_v thus_o sanctify_a in_o the_o heart_n in_o general_n so_o he_o be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o respect_n of_o every_o particular_a attribute_n of_o he_o in_o this_o way_n only_o when_o a_o soul_n confidence_n be_v in_o he_o alone_o and_o thus_o in_o particular_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o love_n god_n have_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n from_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o heart_n take_v up_o its_o full_a rest_n in_o god_n with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n for_o 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of_o his_o name_n to_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o soul_n security_n to_o assure_v it_o that_o the_o most_o forlorn_a soul_n that_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n that_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n may_v be_v free_o admit_v into_o that_o bosom_n of_o his_o love_n to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o all_o favour_n and_o all_o kindness_n whatsoever_o 3._o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a name_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o bear_n with_o the_o most_o crooked_a soul_n in_o his_o crookedness_n for_o a_o season_n and_o his_o wait_a to_o receive_v the_o most_o crooked_a soul_n into_o favour_n and_o love_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o see_v be_v long-suffering_a that_o be_v he_o that_o bear_v long_o before_o he_o execute_v any_o wrath_n hence_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v to_o secure_a soul_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v in_o three_o particular_n 1._o to_o secure_v the_o sinner_n of_o acceptance_n into_o favour_n that_o have_v 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the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o riches_n be_v nothing_o but_o goodness_n or_o good_a thing_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v in_o abundance_n and_o you_o see_v the_o lord_n name_v be_v call_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n so_o that_o here_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v to_o secure_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v object_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o emptiness_n poverty_n and_o nothingness_n so_o that_o 1._o in_o case_n the_o soul_n fear_v it_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o thereupon_o begin_v to_o fear_v that_o all_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o no_o effect_n present_o through_o believe_v the_o soul_n may_v behold_v not_o only_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v
any_o further_a than_o the_o spirit_n concur_v with_o the_o light_n reveal_v now_o 1._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a complacency_n in_o behold_v the_o precious_a divine_a light_n that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v 2._o the_o spirit_n move_v a_o insatiable_a thirst_n in_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o precious_a divine_a light_n shine_v from_o the_o gospel_n into_o his_o poor_a obscure_a heart_n 3._o the_o spirit_n melt_v the_o heart_n by_o the_o behold_v that_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n put_v into_o it_o so_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v most_o precious_o tender_a and_o pliable_a and_o flexible_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n 2._o the_o spirit_n impel_v constrain_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v strong_o the_o lord_n rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o royal_a sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n but_o not_o as_o the_o word_n be_v bare_o reveal_v unto_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o but_o as_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n sway_v not_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o word_n lose_v its_o imperial_a royal_a authority_n that_o it_o have_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n lie_v not_o under_o so_o strong_a a_o obligation_n to_o any_o duty_n as_o it_o do_v when_o the_o spirit_n bring_v the_o word_n to_o the_o heart_n 3._o the_o three_o act_n be_v the_o enable_v the_o soul_n powerful_o to_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o in_o phil._n 2.13_o by_o he_o we_o receive_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o be_v both_o the_o disposition_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o disposition_n both_o a_o inward_a bent_n of_o spirit_n to_o believe_v and_o power_n also_o to_o act_v that_o disposition_n this_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n that_o work_v in_o those_o that_o believe_v eph._n 1.19_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o can_v only_o believe_v 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in_o its_o cleave_v to_o lord_n jesus_n admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o to_o show_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n concern_v believe_a soul_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o show_v more_o than_o sufficiency_n the_o unchangableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o such_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o precious_a place_n hebr._n 6.17_o the_o lord_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o council_n exit_fw-la abundanti_fw-la as_o beza_n translate_v the_o original_a the_o lord_n have_v a_o precious_a good_a will_n to_o show_v in_o a_o way_n more_o and_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_a soul_n the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o soul_n fail_v of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o cleave_v to_o he_o he_o do_v therefore_o now_o add_v his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o comforter_n of_o believe_a soul_n not_o only_o in_o a_o degree_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o for_o which_o end_n all_o those_o four_o former_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o soul_n be_v appoint_v but_o the_o lord_n appoint_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o comforter_n beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v to_o believe_a soul_n a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o as_o thereby_o the_o spirit_n have_v fill_v their_o soul_n with_o strong_a consolation_n yet_o the_o lord_n appoint_v the_o spirit_n to_o add_v a_o high_a work_n which_o be_v its_o attestation_n this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v find_v eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v in_o who_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v which_o import_v the_o near_a conjunction_n of_o these_o two_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o immediate_a follow_v of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n upon_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o you_o find_v also_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1.21_o 22._o now_o he_o that_o establish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v find_v also_o eph._n 4.30_o grieve_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o so_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n thaâ—_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n now_o lest_o any_o shall_v question_v whether_o the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o work_v in_o a_o witness_v way_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v the_o interpretation_n of_o most_o of_o those_o place_n from_o some_o other_o gloss_n that_o be_v frequent_o put_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o seal_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o soul_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v only_o that_o by_o grace_n and_o holy_a disposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n communicate_v unto_o believe_v soul_n it_o do_v confirm_v soul_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o beliveâ—s_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v only_o mean_v believer_n receive_v the_o precious_a work_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n in_o holy_a habit_n and_o dipsosition_n for_o answer_v i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v frequent_o mean_v in_o scripture_n the_o holy_a disposition_n infuse_v by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n into_o believe_a soul_n and_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v also_o that_o the_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o believe_a soul_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o witness_n unto_o soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v questionless_a that_o a_o effect_n may_v witness_v its_o own_o proper_a cause_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v express_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v witness_v of_o god_n act._n 14.17_o and_o so_o christ_n work_n be_v witness_n of_o his_o godhead_n john_n 5.36_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v primary_o intend_v in_o the_o former_a scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n seal_v the_o believe_a soul_n which_o may_v appear_v to_o you_o by_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n seal_v the_o believe_a soul_n be_v declare_v to_o follow_v the_o soul_n act_n of_o believe_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v or_o in_o who_o you_o believe_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n now_o all_o the_o precious_a holy_a habit_n that_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n infuse_v before_o there_o be_v any_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n though_o the_o believe_a act_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v be_v contemporary_a that_o be_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o the_o infuse_v of_o all_o the_o holy_a habit_n and_o disposition_n into_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v a_o precedency_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o believe_a act_n i_o confess_v some_o and_o those_o learned_a one_o too_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n shall_v work_v as_o a_o external_a
his_o union_n four_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v instruct_v all_o other_o the_o better_a by_o his_o deal_n with_o some_o believe_a soul_n god_n instruct_v weak_a believer_n in_o this_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n be_v not_o essential_a unto_o union_n v._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o precious_a saint_n may_v be_v veil_v and_o hide_v and_o this_o may_v be_v in_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v stumble_v at_o the_o saint_n and_o judge_v they_o dispicable_a fool_n that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_n cau._n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o four_o causion_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o believe_a soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n aught_o to_o continue_v when_o the_o record_n itself_o do_v not_o actual_o continue_v the_o record_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v the_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o soul_n final_a estate_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v total_o definitive_a never_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o that_o believe_a soul_n but_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o after_o even_o in_o the_o sad_a interruption_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n ought_v to_o say_v though_o i_o do_v fall_n i_o shall_v arise_v though_o i_o have_v no_o vision_n of_o the_o sweet_a face_n of_o my_o redeemer_n yet_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o like_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v infinite_a sinfulness_n for_o that_o believe_a soul_n ever_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o love_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o avouch_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o grand_a question_n open_v which_o be_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n which_o be_v this_o que._n 2._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 konw_n certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o their_o evidence_n of_o this_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v only_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o a_o angelical_a glory_n now_o for_o the_o clear_a explication_n or_o unfolding_n this_o question_n there_o must_v be_v divers_a thing_n premise_v there_o be_v four_o thing_n i_o must_v premise_v concern_v those_o diabolical_a inspiration_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o soul_n trial_n of_o his_o evidence_n receive_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o delusion_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n pre._n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o implacable_a malice_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n be_v direct_o set_v aâ—_n work_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o darken_n the_o precious_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o centre_n wherein_o all_o the_o hellish_a design_n that_o be_v practise_v against_o a_o believe_a soul_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n that_o he_o shoot_v from_o his_o hellish_a quiver_n against_o believe_a soul_n be_v intend_v to_o batter_v down_o the_o tower_n of_o strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o most_o curse_a insinuation_n into_o any_o believe_a heart_n allure_a to_o any_o corruption_n intentional_o tend_v towards_o the_o darken_n the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n countenance_n that_o shine_v upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n certain_o the_o devil_n act_v with_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n against_o the_o apostle_n peter_n that_o cause_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n intentional_o end_v in_o this_o to_o overthrow_v his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n fail_v not_o nay_o the_o bless_a head_n of_o all_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o perfect_a example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o believe_a soul_n in_o temptation_n he_o be_v encounter_v withal_o in_o this_o way_n by_o the_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n the_o devil_n make_v his_o close_a and_o strong_a battery_n against_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o therefore_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n employ_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o especial_o endeavour_v to_o strike_v down_o their_o faith_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o over_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o particular_a 1_o thes_n 3.5_o say_v he_o i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n least_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n have_v tempt_v you_o and_o our_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a indeed_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n why_o the_o peculiar_a malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v work_v in_o all_o its_o strength_n against_o believer_n evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n with_o strength_n and_o power_n upon_o receive_v evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n and_o that_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a opposite_a of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n grand_a adversary_n in_o that_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n against_o all_o the_o devil_n encounter_n it_o be_v the_o shield_n that_o quench_v all_o the_o devil_n fiery_a dart_n eph._n 5.6_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o soul_n resist_v the_o devil_n till_o he_o gain_v the_o conquest_n and_o put_v that_o infernal_a adversary_n to_o flight_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o most_o triumphant_a conqueror_n over_o all_o his_o army_n that_o he_o call_v in_o for_o his_o assistance_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o john_n 5.4_o that_o be_v all_o that_o either_o within_o or_o without_o the_o soul_n shall_v concur_v to_o the_o draw_v it_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n will_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o receive_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o lord_n his_o most_o peculiar_a glory_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o precious_a truth_n by_o this_o the_o believe_a soul_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o now_o the_o devil_n peculiar_a malice_n be_v against_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n thence_o his_o malice_n be_v against_o this_o faith_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o soul_n receive_v evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v the_o unseparable_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v another_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n envy_n work_v infinite_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a joy_n as_o poor_a believe_a soul_n be_v fill_v with_o see_v angel_n who_o nature_n be_v more_o glorious_a be_v lefâ—_n absolute_o destitute_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n now_o from_o these_o working_n of_o envy_n hatred_n work_v also_o infinite_o and_o unspeakable_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n iii_o the_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diametrical_a opposition_n between_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o bless_a spirit_n every_o work_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n be_v infinite_o abominate_v by_o he_o and_o thence_o this_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v the_o particular_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o comforter_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n iv_o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n through_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o
union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n through_o christ_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o only_o possess_v union_n and_o communion_n but_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o fruition_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n now_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o father_n through_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o the_o devil_n envy_v and_o malice_n 5._o the_o very_a first-born_a power_n of_o his_o malice_n work_v against_o the_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n believer_n through_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v hold_v forth_o the_o most_o orient_a brightness_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n &_o love_n in_o christ_n now_o the_o lord_n peculiar_a delight_n be_v in_o receive_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o love_n from_o poor_a despicable_a worm_n thence_o the_o devil_n malice_n work_v infinite_o against_o the_o soul_n receive_v evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n because_o it_o work_v infinite_o against_o the_o lord_n receive_v his_o own_o intend_a glory_n second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o most_o profound_a policy_n subtlety_n and_o craft_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n be_v employ_v in_o that_o most_o curse_a insinuation_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v either_o to_o faith_n or_o sense_n be_v but_o a_o diabolical_a delusion_n the_o policy_n of_o hell_n all_o concur_v together_o in_o its_o strength_n in_o this_o temptation_n or_o insinuation_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n that_o his_o evidence_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n i._o in_o regard_n by_o the_o devil_n prevail_v in_o this_o temptation_n he_o lead_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o extricable_a labyrinth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n by_o all_o the_o diligence_n the_o soul_n can_v use_v to_o evade_v or_o escape_v and_o find_v the_o way_n out_o the_o soul_n once_o pass_v a_o sentence_n against_o his_o own_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fancy_n or_o a_o hellish_a delusion_n he_o be_v lose_v in_o a_o wood_n as_o it_o be_v of_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n of_o question_n and_o scruple_n he_o be_v then_o catch_v indeed_o in_o the_o devil_n thicket_n in_o the_o briar_n that_o be_v of_o hell_n own_o plant_n there_o be_v nothing_o then_o leave_v to_o clear_v the_o soul_n way_n i_o mean_v if_o the_o actual_a evidence_n of_o that_o soul_n union_n be_v suspend_v until_o a_o renew_a actual_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n come_v to_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v for_o the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o it_o to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n the_o soul_n can_v make_v no_o proof_n from_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n that_o light_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o union_n receive_v that_o be_v reject_v no_o other_o light_n can_v manifest_v grace_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o prevail_a in_o this_o temptation_n grieve_v the_o very_a comforter_n himself_o it_o weary_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o office_n be_v thus_o to_o reveal_v to_o the_o lord_n its_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v a_o direct_a opposition_n against_o the_o bless_a comforter_n so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o devil_n prevail_v in_o this_o insinuation_n he_o noâ—_n only_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o most_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n but_o provoke_v the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o to_o withhold_v all_o renew_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o that_o believe_a soul_n 3._o in_o regard_v the_o prevail_a of_o that_o temptation_n will_v bereave_v the_o soul_n at_o least_o of_o the_o fruition_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o be_v pass_v over_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n if_o that_o temptation_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o soul_n draw_v that_o conclusion_n that_o his_o evidence_n be_v a_o delusion_n than_o all_o the_o boldness_n and_o freedom_n of_o access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o supply_v be_v vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o a_o word_n by_o the_o prevail_a of_o this_o the_o devil_n in_o a_o manner_n snatch_v the_o believe_a soul_n from_o among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o set_v he_o among_o the_o poor_a stranger_n by_o the_o prevail_a of_o this_o he_o snatch_v the_o believe_a soul_n from_o among_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o soul_n enjoyment_n and_o place_n it_o among_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n it_o make_v the_o the_o soul_n disclaim_v all_o interest_n right_a and_o title_n to_o any_o mercy_n and_o love_n 4._o in_o regard_v the_o prevail_a of_o this_o insinuation_n with_o the_o believe_a soul_n do_v reduce_v or_o bring_v back_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o make_v it_o liable_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o all_o other_o curse_a insinuation_n from_o the_o devil_n the_o prevail_a of_o this_o suggestion_n bring_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o force_n of_o all_o those_o temptation_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v former_o deliver_v from_o all_o the_o temptation_n ground_v upon_o the_o soul_n unworthiness_n all_o that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o soul_n long_a continuance_n in_o sin_n pre._n 3._o three_o every_o believe_a soul_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n to_o faith_n and_o sense_n must_v expect_v all_o the_o rage_n power_n and_o strength_n that_o satan_n can_v afford_v to_o be_v employ_v against_o the_o soul_n to_o darken_v and_o obscure_v that_o evidence_n 1._o all_o the_o powet_n of_o hell_n be_v employ_v to_o suggest_v false_a reason_n carnal_a sensual_a argument_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o that_o believe_a soul_n 2._o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o corrupt_a conscience_n of_o that_o believe_a soul_n be_v and_o will_v be_v employ_v to_o accomplish_v that_o design_n to_o persuade_v the_o believe_a soul_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v be_v but_o a_o diabolical_a delusion_n his_o power_n in_o the_o corrupt_a conscience_n will_v be_v employ_v to_o edify_v and_o stir_v it_o up_o to_o bring_v in_o false_a accusation_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n 3._o his_o whole_a power_n and_o strength_n will_v be_v employ_v in_o stir_v up_o passion_n and_o disorder_a tumultuous_a affection_n in_o that_o believe_a soul_n any_o believe_v of_o fear_n and_o terror_n the_o devil_n will_v foment_n and_o nourish_v and_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n over_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n make_v such_o a_o confusion_n and_o tumult_n as_o if_o the_o soul_n and_o hell_n be_v to_o come_v together_o immediate_o the_o devil_n will_v employ_v his_o power_n over_o the_o affection_n themselves_o and_o his_o power_n upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n through_o which_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n work_v the_o devil_n upon_o the_o very_a suggestion_n that_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v a_o delusion_n will_v exercise_v his_o power_n so_o upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o dispose_v the_o body_n to_o a_o timorous_a tremble_a it_o may_v be_v almost_o every_o joint_a shake_n upon_o the_o imagination_n it_o may_v be_v delude_v and_o then_o nourish_v and_o augment_v by_o bring_v in_o renew_a accusation_n upon_o accusation_n against_o a_o believe_a soul_n so_o that_o all_o the_o false_a reason_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o false_a accusation_n of_o the_o conscience_n have_v a_o more_o power_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o affection_n four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o utmost_a power_n and_o possibility_n of_o corruption_n that_o remain_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o and_o second_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o malice_n policy_n and_o power_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o receive_v that_o curse_a suggestion_n of_o hell_n that_o his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v be_v but_o a_o delusion_n wretched_a man_n in_o his_o first_o transgression_n join_v a_o curse_a amity_n with_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o ever_o since_o man_n heart_n have_v set_v at_o the_o devil_n council_n table_n join_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o policy_n and_o power_n with_o that_o infernal_a spirit_n to_o maintain_v his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o poor_a soul_n that_o whatever_o hellbred_a design_n the_o devil_n act_v against_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o heart_n do_v immediate_o comply_v with_o that_o hellish_a design_n and_o though_o indeed_o man_n corrupt_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o every_o motion_n and_o
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
through_o a_o clear_a evidence_n have_v beget_v such_o a_o precious_a confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o say_v concern_v that_o his_o confidence_n as_o job_n say_v concern_v he_o job_n 27.5_o i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o i_o will_v not_o let_v go_v this_o my_o confidence_n till_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o whence_o this_o confidence_n do_v arise_v this_o also_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o diminish_n of_o this_o confidence_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n before_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v a_o infinite_a injury_n to_o the_o sweet_a comforter_n the_o bless_a spirit_n who_o through_o the_o manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o precious_a confidence_n the_o reject_v of_o that_o confidence_n so_o wrought_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o most_o precious_a office_n and_o a_o disparagement_n of_o the_o very_a witness_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o sinful_a unconstancy_n and_o fickleness_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n receive_v before_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o receive_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n rhat_o the_o lord_n require_v shall_v be_v in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a sanctify_a reason_n so_o that_o this_o confidence_n before_o trial_n ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n in_o case_n such_o a_o confidence_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o evidence_n former_o receive_v that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n then_o by_o the_o way_n will_v be_v open_v but_o will_v the_o soul_n say_v wherefore_o then_o be_v the_o command_v give_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o say_v and_o so_o consequent_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n if_o we_o must_v not_o be_v dubious_a and_o anxious_a whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v true_a or_o no_o before_o we_o proceed_v ro_o the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n by_o the_o way_n brief_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o these_o command_n of_o soul_n examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v give_v universal_o to_o all_o soul_n on_o purpose_n that_o delude_a soul_n by_o the_o try_v and_o prove_v themselves_o may_v discover_v their_o own_o delusion_n and_o discern_v their_o lie_a confidence_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o these_o command_n be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o believe_a soul_n to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o command_n be_v occasion_n to_o soul_n true_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o review_v over_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n actual_a admission_n of_o they_o into_o union_n now_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n view_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n the_o more_o it_o view_v that_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o case_n he_o accept_v it_o and_o by_o the_o soul_n gaze_v upon_o that_o bless_a word_n it_o discern_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n infallibility_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o that_o word_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_o and_o full_o the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o strong_a be_v its_o confidence_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v even_o that_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thence_o there_o be_v more_o occasion_n for_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o irradiate_a rhe_n soul_n believe_v act_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v and_o feel_v itself_o to_o believe_v aright_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o actual_a confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n admission_n with_o christ_n live_v and_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o strength_n 3._o these_o command_n be_v give_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o preparedness_n against_o all_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v from_o hell_n against_o those_o soul_n through_o this_o examination_n believe_v soul_n have_v their_o confidence_n maintain_v in_o its_o life_n and_o strength_n and_o so_o be_v fortify_v against_o temptation_n because_o it_o discern_v clear_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o his_o own_o confidence_n stand_v 4._o the_o lord_n give_v these_o command_n on_o purpose_n to_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n all_o manner_n of_o holy_a disposition_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o renew_a view_n of_o that_o light_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n or_o unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thenâ—…_n be_v the_o precious_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n act_v then_o be_v the_o correspondent_a love_n of_o the_o soul_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n draw_v out_o in_o its_o strength_n then_o be_v all_o the_o thirsting_n after_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n act_v pre._n 3._o three_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o whenever_o they_o do_v prevail_v in_o any_o soul_n during_o their_o prevalency_n they_o do_v incapacitate_v those_o soul_n for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n there_o be_v especial_o four_o of_o those_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a unto_o believe_v soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n incident_a to_o every_o believe_a soul_n indeed_o our_o spirit_n be_v natural_o impatient_a under_o every_o burden_n but_o when_o any_o arrow_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v shoot_v into_o the_o conscience_n or_o any_o arrow_n from_o hell_n stick_v fast_o there_o i_o mean_v any_o doubtfulness_n any_o terror_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o conceive_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n then_o be_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o superlative_a manner_n prone_a to_o fret_v and_o vex_v and_o fume_n by_o the_o prevail_a of_o unruly_a passion_n thus_o david_n under_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o break_v out_o into_o most_o dreadful_a impatience_n in_o 1_o sam._n 27.1_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n so_o in_o psal_n 116.11_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n so_o psal_n 31.22_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n so_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n chap._n 3.3_o and_o chap._n 6.8_o 9_o now_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o distemper_n of_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n their_o spirit_n be_v make_v uncable_a of_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v two_o way_n how_o this_o sinful_a distemper_n do_v incapacitate_v soul_n for_o the_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n 1._o it_o do_v prevent_v a_o serious_a deliberate_a view_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o draw_v out_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o fear_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n when_o any_o passion_n prevail_v in_o any_o spirit_n it_o draw_v out_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o way_n now_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v out_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o his_o fear_n the_o ground_n of_o his_o doubt_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o his_o union_n by_o this_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v unsuitable_a to_o take_v any_o right_n deliberate_a
curse_a disposition_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n more_o abase_v thought_n of_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o more_o distrustful_a of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v less_o confident_a in_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o power_n of_o holiness_n as_o yet_o communicate_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o those_o very_a fall_n or_o slip_v of_o that_o believe_a soul_n shall_v tend_v to_o their_o last_o end_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n partaker_n of_o more_o holiness_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o hang_v more_o entire_a with_o a_o more_o precious_a constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o so_o shall_v exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n more_o in_o that_o heart_n and_o so_o shall_v cause_v the_o soul_n to_o grow_v more_o into_o a_o conformity_n to_o that_o mystical_a head_n of_o his_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o so_o through_o that_o conformity_n to_o his_o head_n and_o that_o mystical_a glory_n of_o christ_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v exalt_v thus_o likewise_o you_o must_v consider_v again_o that_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n himself_o unto_o believe_v soul_n be_v secret_a invisible_a and_o insensible_a and_o also_o they_o be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a now_o those_o communicarion_n of_o god_n himself_o unto_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a those_o do_v common_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n glory_n that_o be_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o it_o tend_v also_o to_o the_o perfect_a of_o christ_n mystical_a glory_n and_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n but_o those_o communication_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o believe_a soul_n that_o be_v invisible_a secret_a and_o insensible_a those_o common_o do_v tend_v only_o mediate_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o fore_n name_v bless_a end_n so_o that_o hence_o also_o you_o may_v collect_v that_o whenever_o any_o communication_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o believe_a soul_n do_v demonstrate_v itself_o to_o come_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v sensible_a communication_n than_o it_o do_v immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o three_o end_n this_o then_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o believe_v soul_n be_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o his_o three_o bless_a intendment_n from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v than_o it_o must_v be_v through_o discern_v of_o one_o of_o those_o three_o intendment_n of_o god_n effect_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o believe_a soul_n must_v prove_v that_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_a as_o discover_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o now_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o high_a and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o low_a all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n that_o be_v for_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o prime_n and_o principal_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n where_o by_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o soul_n evidence_n proceed_v from_o god_n be_v this_o that_o the_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v exalt_v and_o magnify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n god_n exaltation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o believer_n heart_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o very_a beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n intention_n only_o his_o intention_n reach_v further_o to_o exalt_v himself_o through_o believe_v soul_n before_o all_o other_o therefore_o then_o may_v the_o soul_n prove_v infallible_o the_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o his_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o when_o it_o effect_n the_o prime_a intendment_n of_o god_n from_o eternity_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n when_o it_o erect_v a_o high_a throne_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o heart_n when_o it_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o high_a loud_o more_o zealous_a acclamation_n of_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v for_o ever_o to_o yonder_o god_n that_o the_o light_n carry_v the_o stamp_n and_o impression_n of_o heaven_n upon_o it_o when_o it_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o believe_a way_n here_o than_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_n of_o heaven_n when_o it_o imply_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o work_n that_o it_o be_v destinate_a to_o from_o eternity_n pro._n 19.6_o god_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o that_o be_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o transcendent_a glory_n so_o for_o the_o magnify_n of_o his_o ever_o bless_a name_n now_o when_o the_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n do_v thus_o effect_v god_n general_n his_o ultimate_a end_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o soul_n may_v certain_o conclude_v this_o beam_n of_o light_n do_v descend_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n now_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o act_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n wherein_o it_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n 1._o then_o the_o soul_n exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o such_o transcendent_a brightness_n of_o glory_n shine_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v utter_o unable_a to_o conceive_v of_o or_o apprehend_v now_o this_o first_o act_n of_o that_o believe_a soul_n to_o exalt_v god_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a effect_n of_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n to_o discover_v to_o his_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n indeed_o every_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o believe_a soul_n be_v a_o precious_a crystal_n glass_n wherein_o believe_a soul_n do_v see_v a_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o beauty_n glory_n and_o unspeakable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o unconceivable_a glory_n do_v the_o believe_a soul_n apprehend_v in_o such_o a_o high_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n and_o love_n as_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o his_o precious_a eternal_a love_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n through_o christ_n this_o you_o shall_v see_v apparent_a in_o david_n upon_o the_o lord_n discover_v of_o his_o promise_n make_v unto_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n and_o make_v unto_o his_o house_n also_o in_o 2_o sam._n 7.18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o then_o go_v king_n david_n in_o and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n then_o that_o be_v after_o the_o prophet_n have_v declare_v the_o precious_a promise_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n and_o he_o say_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n god_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o thou_o be_v great_a o_o lord_n god_n there_o be_v none_o like_o thou_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o thou_o ver_fw-la 22._o mark_v what_o sensible_a high_a apprehension_n of_o a_o transcendent_a glory_n in_o god_n dwell_v in_o david_n heart_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o precious_a promise_n make_v to_o he_o and_o his_o house_n likewise_o upon_o a_o small_a mercy_n comparative_o though_o indeed_o typify_a the_o same_o mercy_n upon_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o drown_v their_o cruel_a taskmaster_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v fill_v with_o high_a apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n exod._n 15.11_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n yea_o they_o repeat_v their_o admiration_n twice_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o admire_v he_o enough_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n fearful_a in_o praise_n do_v wonder_n you_o may_v behold_v the_o same_o working_n of_o the_o believe_a heart_n 1._o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o special_a beam_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n that_o a_o believer_n apprehend_v as_o unspeakable_a unconceivable_a incomprehensible_a when_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o god_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n 1_o there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o glorious_a brightness_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n as_o it_o stand_v amaze_v to_o behold_v it_o when_o the_o lord_n let_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_a shine_n into_o the_o dark_a soul_n that_o it_o see_v the_o lord_n will_v
necessary_a infallible_a effect_n of_o a_o true_a beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n into_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o discovery_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n precede_v the_o sweet_a act_n of_o subjection_n of_o himself_o whole_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n 1._o in_o regard_n then_o when_o such_o a_o light_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n apprehend_v a_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o that_o which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o pay_v to_o he_o he_o apprehend_v man_n and_o angel_n be_v never_o sufficient_a to_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o his_o loveless_a soul_n 2_o it_o appear_v to_o that_o soul_n while_o there_o be_v such_o a_o discovery_n of_o that_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o infinite_a injury_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n that_o a_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o bless_a will_n the_o heart_n say_v within_o itself_o so_o sweet_o have_v the_o lord_n pass_v over_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o fullness_n to_o this_o empty_a loveless_a soul_n of_o i_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o accurse_a requital_n as_o may_v incense_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v incomplacable_a shall_v my_o heart_n be_v withhold_v from_o give_v one_o subjection_n to_o he_o that_o thence_o the_o soul_n be_v constrain_v by_o a_o irresistble_a power_n by_o ineffable_a band_n of_o love_n to_o yield_v all_o precious_a subjection_n to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n v._o the_o five_o and_o last_o act_n that_o must_v concur_v together_o with_o all_o the_o four_o former_a to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o soul_n take_v up_o a_o full_a acquiescense_n or_o rest_n and_o contentment_n in_o god_n alone_o 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of_o those_o excellency_n to_o be_v in_o god_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v in_o he_o in_o his_o precious_a word_n but_o herein_o we_o must_v descend_v down_o into_o particular_n first_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o brightness_n the_o lustre_n the_o perfection_n that_o the_o lord_n discover_v in_o that_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n be_v manifest_v through_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o make_v conspicuous_a before_o other_o by_o the_o believe_a soul_n thence_o it_o be_v you_o shall_v observe_v in_o psal_n 50.23_o say_v god_n who_o so_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o now_o the_o offering_n praise_n be_v nothing_o else_o take_v strict_o but_o a_o sincere_a humble_a declaration_n of_o the_o glorious_a working_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v and_o mercy_n to_o poor_a despicable_a worm_n it_o be_v but_o a_o publish_n the_o glorious_a work_n of_o god_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n thence_o in_o isa_n 43.7_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v for_o the_o lord_n glory_n which_o they_o accomplish_v by_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n v._o 21._o it_o be_v by_o make_v manifest_a what_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v now_o than_o god_n be_v exalt_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n when_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n reveal_v to_o sinner_n be_v make_v manifest_a through_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v do_v three_o way_n 1._o when_o the_o soul_n do_v give_v a_o real_a practical_a testimony_n to_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o a_o unlovely_a sinner_n now_o this_o the_o believe_a soul_n do_v practical_o declare_v in_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n first_o by_o rejoice_v full_o and_o glorious_o in_o that_o love_n when_o the_o heart_n can_v rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n in_o that_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n then_o be_v the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n exalt_v through_o the_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o soul_n than_o declare_v practical_o and_o give_v a_o real_a testimony_n to_o other_o believe_a soul_n and_o to_o the_o world_n too_o that_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o heaven_n be_v true_a that_o his_o love_n be_v according_a to_o what_o he_o declare_v in_o his_o bless_a word_n that_o his_o love_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n contain_v all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n contentment_n glory_n and_o excellency_n that_o be_v desirable_a by_o a_o believe_a soul_n so_o far_o as_o be_v suitable_a for_o he_o second_o when_o the_o soul_n can_v despise_v and_o disregard_n all_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n and_o work_n of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o
name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v exalt_v through_o believe_a soul_n by_o hold_v forth_o the_o glorious_a freedom_n of_o that_o riches_n of_o love_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o this_o exaltation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o freedom_n of_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n be_v the_o necessary_a inseparable_a infallible_a effect_n of_o a_o true_a beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n into_o any_o dark_a heart_n to_o reveal_v to_o that_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o must_v be_v open_v by_o show_v you_o those_o three_o act_n of_o believe_a soul_n whereby_o they_o do_v thus_o manifest_v the_o glorious_a freedom_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o god_n through_o they_o that_o these_o three_o act_n be_v necessary_o and_o certain_o produce_v in_o soul_n by_o discern_v a_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o 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of_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n any_o beam_n of_o true_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o a_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n message_n in_o its_o clearness_n extent_n and_o latitude_n it_o be_v but_o a_o open_n and_o expound_v clear_o and_o satisfy_o to_o the_o soul_n capacity_n the_o message_n of_o glad_a tiding_n that_o christ_n send_v to_o poor_a despicable_a sinner_n now_o that_o glad_a tiding_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o message_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o and_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o light_n must_v present_v to_o the_o soul_n view_v the_o sight_n of_o his_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n of_o heart_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o at_o the_o same_o moment_n when_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v his_o own_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n he_o must_v apprehend_v his_o own_o enmity_n former_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o ezek._n 36.31_o in_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o bless_a covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o shall_v be_v establish_v between_o god_n and_o soul_n he_o do_v also_o prophecy_n that_o those_o with_o who_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v establish_v they_o shall_v remember_v their_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o do_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v loathe_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o sight_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n now_o any_o beam_n of_o precious_a light_n from_o heaven_n thus_o necessary_o present_v to_o the_o soul_n a_o actual_a view_n of_o its_o own_o abhor_a vileness_n thence_o it_o can_v but_o dispose_v that_o believe_a soul_n for_o sensible_a and_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a vileness_n of_o he_o when_o the_o tender_a of_o that_o love_n come_v to_o he_o 2._o in_o regard_v every_o beam_n of_o light_n enable_v the_o soul_n to_o comprehend_v his_o sinfulness_n and_o most_o accurse_a wickedness_n more_o large_o and_o full_o it_o cause_v he_o to_o behold_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breath_n of_o his_o own_o wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n apprehend_v against_o who_o the_o soul_n have_v sin_v so_o be_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n or_o comprehension_n of_o the_o height_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n now_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o light_n never_o shine_v so_o clear_o and_o transparent_o upon_o any_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v when_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n to_o discover_v the_o glorious_a riches_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o dispicable_a unlovely_a soul_n admit_v the_o loveless_a worthless_a soul_n into_o the_o near_a union_n so_o that_o thence_o there_o can_v never_o be_v such_o full_a comprehension_n of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o very_a moment_n when_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n 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can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o beam_n of_o light_n discover_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v necessary_o produce_v sensible_a and_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o soul_n abhor_a vileness_n see_v it_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o the_o work_n of_o strong_a affection_n against_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n apprehend_v 4._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v constant_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n while_o the_o glory_n of_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o heaven_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o renew_a operation_n of_o say_v continues_z while_o that_o light_n shine_v into_o a_o soul_n that_o discover_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o there_o seem_v during_o the_o continuation_n of_o that_o light_n into_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v but_o one_o extend_v draw_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o see_v there_o be_v those_o constant_a
be_v enough_o to_o cast_v they_o down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a lake_n of_o burn_a if_o the_o lord_n shall_v act_v in_o justice_n with_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o jesus_n christ_n draw_v forth_o the_o sweet_a believe_v act_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o accept_v of_o any_o chastisement_n that_o the_o lord_n inflict_v upon_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o transgression_n lament_v 3.39_o so_o that_o thence_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o clear_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n reveal_v unto_o they_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v common_o most_v fill_v with_o acclamation_n against_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n fill_v with_o self-judging_n and_o abhorring_n yea_o likewise_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o believe_v soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v fill_v with_o those_o high_a admiration_n and_o that_o their_o soul_n conceive_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o as_o a_o mystery_n unsearchable_a past_o find_v out_o either_o by_o man_n or_o angel_n because_o than_o they_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a worthiness_n of_o those_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o and_o million_o of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o incense_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o their_o soul_n yea_o likewise_o hence_o also_o proceed_v those_o enlarge_a desire_n after_o the_o sweet_a melt_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n from_o those_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v certain_o evidence_v their_o union_n with_o he_o but_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o so_o reason_n testify_v that_o there_o can_v but_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o worthiness_n for_o the_o least_o transgression_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a 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manifestation_n of_o the_o infinite_a equity_n of_o a_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o be_v give_v by_o every_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n from_o thence_o there_o be_v necessary_o such_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a injustice_n and_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o contradict_v that_o bless_a will_n that_o the_o soul_n conceive_v every_o such_o transgression_n or_o disobedience_n to_o that_o bless_a will_n to_o be_v infinite_o worthy_a to_o be_v punish_v with_o infinite_a and_o everlasting_a indignation_n 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n do_v declare_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n so_o as_o it_o manifest_v every_o motion_n of_o that_o will_v to_o be_v absolute_o transcendent_o good_a when_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v unto_o any_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o represent_v god_n only_o as_o a_o mass_n of_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o represent_v god_n will_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o good_a unto_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o and_o thence_o every_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o absolute_o good_a now_o by_o that_o mean_v every_o transgression_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v represent_v as_o in_o opposition_n to_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o thence_o every_o transgression_n can_v but_o be_v apprehend_v as_o a_o just_a occasion_n for_o infinite_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n to_o burn_v in_o its_o fierceness_n and_o extremity_n against_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v necessary_o occasion_v the_o soul_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n cause_v any_o soul_n to_o participate_v in_o some_o degree_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o the_o apostle_n testify_v in_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o that_o while_o they_o do_v with_o open-face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o in_o age_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o be_v they_o be_v conform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n while_o they_o see_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o excellency_n glitter_v upon_o they_o through_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o that_o gradual_o according_a as_o they_o behold_v the_o glory_n so_o they_o be_v change_v also_o by_o degree_n from_o glory_n unto_o glory_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o likeness_n unto_o god_n to_o another_o degree_n thus_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o john_n 1.5_o 6._o that_o god_n be_v light_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v holiness_n itself_o pure_o holy_a nothing_o but_o holy_a and_o then_o bear_v witness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o soul_n to_o have_v the_o least_o fellowship_n with_o he_o but_o we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o that_o holiness_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v in_o these_o word_n the_o lord_n be_v so_o infinite_o transcendent_o holy_a such_o a_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o a_o infinite_a averseness_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unholy_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v with_o he_o but_o he_o must_v participate_v of_o his_o holiness_n so_o in_o 1_o john_n 2.6_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v so_o likewise_o he_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n again_o in_o 1_o john_n 3._o 6._o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v he_o sin_v not_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o sin_v before_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v other_o disposition_n infuse_v into_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v some_o drop_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v to_o his_o soul_n through_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o that_o be_v whoever_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o be_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n void_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o profess_v he_o have_v not_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o join_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n he_o never_o have_v the_o true_a vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v not_o so_o see_v he_o whereby_o his_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n do_v necessary_o cause_v such_o a_o declaration_n that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n cause_n the_o soul_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n thence_o it_o be_v first_o that_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v so_o intolerable_o burdensome_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n melt_v and_o break_v so_o sweet_o under_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v confound_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o in_o regard_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v so_o eclipse_v and_o thence_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n wound_v so_o deep_o because_o in_o effect_n he_o by_o sensual_a formal_a unworthy_a walk_n do_v declare_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o make_v he_o partaker_n
with_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o soul_n after_o the_o thing_n before_o after_o the_o height_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o full_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o holiness_n five_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o pass_v over_o or_o leap_v over_o all_o difficulty_n all_o impediment_n and_o hindrance_n in_o his_o strive_v after_o this_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n which_o be_v also_o contain_v in_o that_o he_o do_v profess_v towards_o the_o mark_n he_o do_v thrust_v through_o all_o troop_n of_o impediment_n that_o stand_v to_o oppose_v he_o in_o his_o way_n and_o with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o possibility_n of_o his_o soul_n extend_v make_v the_o pursuit_n after_o the_o full_a experience_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o likewise_o he_o hear_v witness_n that_o every_o sincere_a believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n to_o be_v thus_o mind_v for_o 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v that_o be_v let_v we_o thus_o count_v of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o which_o ought_v only_o to_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n whatever_o degree_n of_o holiness_n we_o have_v apprehend_v and_o let_v we_o fix_v our_o eye_n single_o and_o constant_o upon_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n that_o soul_n attain_v to_o through_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o let_v we_o forget_v all_o our_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n and_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o we_o have_v attaint_v to_o so_o as_o not_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n and_o let_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o arm_n after_o full_a communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o let_v we_o pass_v over_o all_o difficulty_n press_v towards_o the_o mark_n the_o fullness_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v which_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v to_o bring_v beleiver_n to_o through_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o mediator_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n john_n testify_v as_o much_o in_o 1_o john_n 3.3_o every_o one_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a mark_v what_o hope_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o verse_n tell_v you_o say_v he_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n 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 so_o that_o the_o hope_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o adoption_n the_o hope_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o first-born_a of_o all_o the_o elect_a one_o and_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o perfect_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n now_o mark_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o hope_n be_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v this_o hope_n infuse_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o occasion_n the_o soul_n to_o purify_v themselves_o as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v pure_a that_o be_v all_o one_o as_o god_n the_o father_n be_v pure_a christ_n be_v but_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n the_o apostle_n mean_v not_o that_o actual_o any_o soul_n have_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o produce_v that_o bless_a hope_n in_o he_o be_v actual_o purify_v according_a to_o purification_n of_o purity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o soul_n into_o who_o this_o hope_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v infuse_v do_v desire_n breathe_v after_o long_o for_o endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o same_o purity_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n satisfy_v his_o soul_n with_o no_o degree_n no_o measure_n less_o than_o the_o fullness_n of_o likeness_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o likewise_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o any_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v occasion_n the_o soul_n to_o declare_v that_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a satisfy_a object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o promise_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o motive_n unto_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o now_o if_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o which_o excite_v a_o heart_n unto_o perfect_a holiness_n perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v then_o much_o more_o must_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n interest_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n necessary_o constrain_v a_o soul_n to_o pursue_v with_o all_o his_o strength_n after_o perfection_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o to_o declare_v that_o no_o less_o than_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v perfect_o aught_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n and_o likewise_o it_o may_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o always_o make_v for_o believe_a soul_n which_o be_v for_o their_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v 1_o thes_n 5.23_o now_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peaee_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o he_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.19_o and_o as_o scripture_n thus_o testify_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o exalt_v in_o his_o holiness_n in_o any_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n by_o that_o soul_n declare_v that_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v perfect_o ought_v only_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n so_o likewise_o the_o experience_n of_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o same_o i._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o soul_n that_o enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v unsatisfy_v with_o their_o most_o holy_a duty_n and_o act_n of_o pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_v will_n so_o that_o soul_n enjoy_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v always_o complain_v of_o imperfection_n and_o want_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a act_n and_o 1._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v hear_v constant_o those_o precious_a soul_n complain_v with_o much_o bitterness_n of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o straitness_n of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o will_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will._n 2._o you_o shall_v hear_v they_o always_o complain_v when_o assist_v most_o mighty_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o want_n of_o singleness_n of_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n in_o their_o will_n conform_v to_o the_o lord_n will_n 3._o they_o be_v constant_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o compliance_n of_o their_o will_n with_o the_o lord_n bless_v will_n this_o david_n intimate_v when_o cry_n out_o 51.12_o restore_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n he_o apprehend_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v much_o under_o bondage_n and_o thraldom_n and_o with_o much_o earnestness_n he_o desire_v communion_n with_o god_n again_o 4._o hence_o those_o soul_n be_v always_o sad_o complain_v in_o their_o act_n of_o pure_a obedience_n of_o their_o want_n of_o fixedness_n and_o stability_n of_o the_o working_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o god_n will_n 5._o you_o shall_v hear_v they_o complain_v of_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a obedience_n that_o their_o soul_n render_v of_o the_o 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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 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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 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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