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
act_n till_o this_o mortal_a shall_v have_v put_v on_o immortality_n four_o there_o be_v a_o want_n of_o a_o absolute_a nothingness_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o precious_a holy_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o vile_a principle_n of_o self-confidence_n be_v so_o firm_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o when_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v have_v a_o bless_a work_n upon_o the_o unholy_a heart_n yet_o than_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o self-confidence_n will_v be_v send_v forth_o some_o curse_a sprig_n be_v will_n sprout_v forth_o in_o some_o unholy_a act_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o soul_n act_n the_o soul_n be_v never_o perfect_o and_o absolute_o nothing_o in_o himself_o in_o his_o holy_a act_n thence_o you_o may_v observe_v from_o your_o experience_n a_o infinite_a difficulty_n that_o you_o find_v after_o great_a enlargement_n of_o heart_n in_o a_o holy_a duty_n then_o to_o think_v no_o better_o of_o yourselves_o for_o the_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v 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the_o soul_n enable_v the_o soul_n to_o discern_v the_o want_n of_o pure_a perfect_a love_n in_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v then_o when_o a_o soul_n see_v that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o his_o unlovely_a unspeakable_a soul_n that_o he_o apprehend_v deep_o that_o the_o most_o superlative_a act_n of_o his_o love_n be_v due_a from_o he_o unto_o god_n again_o and_o then_o do_v the_o soul_n discern_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o love_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v out_o of_o pure_a love_n only_o thence_o it_o be_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v evidence_n unto_o it_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n then_o any_o slavish_a working_n of_o fear_n be_v tedious_a and_o burdensome_a unto_o the_o soul_n whereas_o before_o the_o soul_n think_v those_o act_n of_o fear_n if_o they_o bring_v forth_o but_o some_o tear_n to_o be_v precious_a act_n but_o now_o it_o loathe_v they_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v only_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o worthless_a soul_n that_o discover_v clear_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o its_o holy_a act_n then_o indeed_o the_o soul_n groan_v not_o only_o for_o the_o want_n of_o his_o heart_n answer_v the_o lord_n will_v in_o obedience_n and_o so_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a act_n but_o he_o groan_v under_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n in_o those_o holy_a act_n also_o so_o likewise_o the_o want_n of_o perfect_a rest_n and_o complacency_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o his_o holy_a act_n be_v make_v manifest_a only_o through_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o loveless_a soul_n no_o soul_n can_v discern_v matter_n wherein_o he_o may_v take_v up_o a_o fullness_n of_o rest_n only_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v till_o he_o discern_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o unlovely_a soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o want_n of_o the_o soul_n fullness_n of_o contentment_n in_o the_o act_n of_o holiness_n can_v never_o be_v make_v clear_o manifest_a till_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v upon_o it_o yea_o the_o lively_a beauty_n excellency_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bare_a fulfil_n of_o the_o lord_n holy_a will_n only_o shine_v clear_o to_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o the_o want_n of_o a_o absolute_a nothingness_n in_o himself_o in_o his_o holy_a act_n be_v make_v apparent_a to_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v upon_o he_o never_o can_v a_o soul_n apprehend_v that_o all_o that_o he_o be_v and_o all_o that_o the_o power_n and_o possibility_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v perform_v and_o infinite_o more_o be_v due_a from_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n till_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n shine_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v only_o when_o the_o light_n of_o that_o love_n shine_v that_o the_o heart_n say_v in_o sincerity_n to_o itself_o what_o think_v thou_o o_o my_o heart_n be_v due_a to_o thou_o though_o now_o thou_o have_v be_v enlarge_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o holy_a duty_n be_v not_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n not_o have_v give_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o hundred_o thousand_o part_n what_o thou_o do_v owe_v to_o he_o iv_o when_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o any_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sensible_a free_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o infinite_a disproportion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n holy_a bless_a will_n be_v necessary_o draw_v forth_o in_o regard_n the_o unholiness_n that_o constant_o attend_v in_o some_o degree_n the_o act_n of_o holiness_n in_o soul_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o cross_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o soul_n desire_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o the_o reaching_n forth_o of_o love_n and_o the_o high_a act_n of_o love_n be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o those_o high_a discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n thence_o necessary_o the_o high_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v raise_v to_o a_o superlative_a height_n after_o fullness_n of_o unity_n and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n when_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n v._o when_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v then_o most_o lively_a the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v constant_o a_o quicken_a spirit_n where_o he_o be_v a_o comfort_a spirit_n the_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o comfort_n can_v but_o be_v fill_v with_o life_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o life_n sense_n be_v also_o lively_a so_o that_o thence_o the_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n be_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o unholiness_n and_o thence_o necessary_o be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v sensible_o the_o disagreement_n of_o his_o will_n in_o his_o most_o holy_a act_n to_o the_o lord_n most_o holy_a bless_a will_n 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o any_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v certain_o draw_v forth_o free_a declaration_n from_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o least_o transgression_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n be_v just_a occasion_n of_o incense_a the_o wrath_n of_o god_n infinite_o and_o eternal_o against_o the_o soul_n and_o just_a occasion_n of_o unspeakable_a perplexipy_a and_o grief_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o through_o this_o a_o soul_n declare_v that_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o absolute_o so_o perfect_o holy_a that_o the_o least_o oppose_v of_o that_o bless_a will_n may_v just_o deprive_v he_o of_o acceptance_n thus_o you_o may_v observe_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n to_o precious_a believe_a act_n lament_n 3.22_o 23_o 24._o then_o do_v the_o same_o spirit_n draw_v from_o their_o mouth_n sensible_a declaration_n that_o the_o least_o of_o their_o transgression_n do_v just_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o everlasting_a burn_a to_o be_v consume_v in_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n then_o she_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o so_o likewise_o in_o psal_n 130.3_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o psalmist_n be_v up_o in_o believe_v act_n then_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o shall_v mark_v iniquity_n who_o shall_v stand_v the_o least_o iniquity_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o most_o sanctify_a soul_n
perform_n of_o that_o duty_n by_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o it_o in_o communicate_v grace_n mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n fulfil_v his_o own_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n jer._n 31.33_o ezek._n 36.27_o now_o that_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n fulfil_v the_o covenant_n can_v go_v before_o the_o covenant_n itself_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o you_o must_v conclude_v first_o that_o the_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v do_v give_v no_o soul_n any_o title_n or_o interest_n in_o any_o one_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n second_o that_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o soul_n performance_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v he_o to_o perform_v in_o reference_n to_o god_n communicate_v mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n yet_o i_o pray_v here_o be_v cautelous_a i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n require_v no_o duty_n from_o soul_n while_o he_o be_v thus_o communicate_v his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o exempt_a soul_n from_o duty_n but_o i_o only_o exempt_a god_n promise_v from_o a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o establish_v god_n own_o promise_n upon_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n which_o be_v only_o his_o own_o will_n and_o absolute_a determination_n ii_o the_o second_o thing_n you_o be_v to_o observe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o scripture_n be_v this_o that_o those_o duty_n require_v by_o god_n from_o soul_n in_o communicate_v mercy_n must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o the_o lord_n intitul_a the_o soul_n to_o many_o mercy_n though_o they_o can_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o any_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o if_o not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n they_o go_v before_o the_o lord_n intitul_a the_o soul_n to_o very_o many_o mercy_n mercy_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n that_o be_v till_o soul_n have_v perform_v those_o duty_n god_n require_v they_o can_v claim_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n nor_o have_v any_o right_a nor_o title_n unto_o many_o mercy_n and_o all_o the_o right_a their_o soul_n enjoy_v to_o many_o mercy_n may_v and_o must_v be_v convey_v to_o they_o through_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o for_o example_n in_o 1._o king_n 8.47_o 48._o god_n promise_v deliverance_n to_o they_o out_o of_o captivity_n and_o restauration_n of_o they_o into_o their_o own_o land_n and_o many_o privilege_n yet_o those_o duty_n there_o describe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o people_n approach_n to_o he_o and_o seek_v his_o face_n for_o their_o return_n out_o of_o captivity_n can_v not_o but_o of_o necessity_n go_v before_o at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o lord_n intitul_a that_o people_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o deliverance_n so_o that_o while_o those_o duty_n be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o right_n nor_o title_n claim_v of_o that_o deliverance_n by_o those_o person_n but_o now_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o 1._o that_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v by_o god_n though_o they_o do_v and_o must_v go_v before_o the_o lord_n intitul_a the_o soul_n to_o many_o mercy_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v go_v before_o the_o lord_n intitul_a the_o soul_n to_o any_o absolute_a mercy_n those_o absolute_a mercy_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o without_o any_o respect_n or_o reference_n to_o any_o duty_n whatever_o perform_v by_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o they_o shall_v have_v dependence_n upon_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o these_o relative_a mercy_n be_v only_o include_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o limitation_n so_o as_o they_o be_v mercy_n consider_v with_o such_o circumstance_n consider_v as_o be_v communicate_v to_o such_o person_n in_o such_o order_n in_o such_o manner_n in_o such_o degree_n now_o it_o be_v of_o these_o mercy_n only_o that_o these_o duty_n require_v by_o god_n may_v go_v before_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o lord_n intitle_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o mercy_n 2._o observe_v though_o these_o duty_n may_v go_v before_o and_o ordinary_o must_v go_v before_o the_o lord_n intitle_v the_o soul_n to_o such_o mercy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n that_o give_v the_o soul_n the_o right_a to_o those_o mercy_n thus_o to_o be_v enjoy_v suppose_v those_o relative_a mercy_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n at_o a_o suitable_a time_n in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n order_n measure_n and_o degree_n every_o way_n suitable_a so_o as_o they_o be_v mercy_n and_o then_o all_o these_o mercy_n be_v as_o absolute_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o those_o absolute_a eternal_a mercy_n that_o can_v but_o be_v mercy_n however_o they_o be_v communicate_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n nor_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o that_o give_v the_o soul_n the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o the_o duty_n be_v neither_o the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n right_a to_o the_o mercy_n nor_o the_o remote_a ground_n that_o be_v the_o further_a off_o ground_n the_o further_a off_o ground_n be_v the_o promise_n the_o immediate_a be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o promise_n now_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o the_o duty_n be_v perform_v and_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n through_o which_o he_o partake_v of_o such_o relative_a mercy_n 4._o though_o there_o be_v a_o ordinary_a necessity_n of_o these_o duty_n require_v by_o god_n precede_a or_o go_v before_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v such_o mercy_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n simple_o consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o which_o this_o necessity_n lie_v that_o it_o shall_v go_v before_o the_o soul_n enjoyment_n of_o the_o mercy_n i_o mean_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o prayer_n that_o god_n require_v of_o thy_o soul_n that_o wait_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o mercy_n or_o grace_n consider_v only_o as_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o duty_n that_o this_o of_o necessity_n must_v go_v before_o the_o soul_n enjoyment_n of_o the_o mercy_n that_o be_v as_o though_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v this_o necessity_n to_o be_v upon_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o duty_n because_o he_o will_v have_v something_o do_v by_o the_o soul_n before_o he_o will_v make_v it_o partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n only_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n so_o dispose_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o mercy_n shall_v be_v a_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n 5._o observe_v further_o that_o the_o rise_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o duty_n thus_o require_v by_o god_n sometime_o to_o go_v before_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v such_o mercy_n to_o soul_n can_v be_v only_o from_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o promise_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v in_o a_o soul_n for_o without_o influence_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v there_o the_o most_o exquisite_a prayer_n the_o most_o continual_a strong_a wrastling_n of_o a_o soul_n with_o god_n the_o most_o powerful_a mourn_v and_o weep_n and_o cry_n after_o god_n all_o can_v not_o dispose_v a_o soul_n right_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o of_o those_o relative_a mercy_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v mercy_n unto_o they_o when_o they_o be_v communicate_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n also_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v that_o these_o duty_n that_o be_v sometime_o precedent_a in_o soul_n before_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o relative_a mercy_n be_v absolute_o promise_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n this_o you_o may_v see_v apparent_a ezek._n 36_o compare_v v._o 27._o with_o v._n 37._o in_o v._o 37._o he_o say_v i_o will_v 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 but_o v._o 27._o he_o say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o my_o judgement_n to_o do_v they_o and_o jer._n 31.33_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v even_o engage_v himself_o absolute_o to_o work_v that_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o he_o do_v require_v to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o soul_n in_o his_o communicate_v mercy_n to_o they_o now_o these_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
distinction_n about_o cause_n or_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o understand_v this_o question_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v understand_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n and_o the_o less_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n though_o there_o be_v proper_o unto_o every_o action_n but_o one_o principal_a cause_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o instrumental_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v the_o respect_n of_o efficient_a cause_n for_o the_o produce_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a neither_o unless_o it_o be_v coordinate_a 2._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o mean_n or_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v divide_v again_o into_o natural_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n and_o artificial_a the_o natural_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o work_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a inbred_a virtue_n that_o be_v by_o a_o proper_a disposition_n of_o its_o own_o and_o by_o a_o power_n that_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o any_o create_a cause_n though_o nothing_o that_o be_v a_o instrumental_a cause_n can_v be_v say_v to_o work_v by_o his_o own_o virtue_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n 3._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v again_o either_o as_o those_o that_o be_v mediate_a cause_n or_o immediate_a cause_n the_o mediate_a efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o contribute_v something_o to_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n that_o be_v that_o which_o have_v some_o influence_n into_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o far_o off_o there_o be_v many_o immediate_a thing_n that_o come_v between_o that_o make_v up_o the_o soul_n evidence_n the_o immediate_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o work_v so_o immediate_o that_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n assurance_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o which_o have_v the_o last_o stroke_n as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o be_v proper_o the_o immediate_a cause_n that_o which_o be_v once_o effect_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n do_v immediate_o and_o without_o intermission_n of_o time_n draw_v the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n 4._o instrumental_a cause_n be_v such_o as_o either_o solitary_a efficient_a cause_n or_o combine_v efficient_a cause_n that_o be_v such_o cause_n as_o work_v by_o themselves_o without_o other_o to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n or_o else_o such_o as_o work_v by_o other_o cause_v not_o without_o respect_n there_o be_v a_o efficient_a cause_n alone_o and_o a_o concause_n with_o another_o and_o both_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n 5._o these_o efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v divide_v again_o into_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o coordinate_a cause_n that_o be_v such_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o though_o they_o work_v together_o be_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n or_o else_o such_o as_o produce_v a_o equal_a power_n joint_o together_o for_o the_o effect_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o that_o efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v subordinate_a when_o one_o have_v the_o supremacy_n and_o all_o have_v dependence_n upon_o one_o though_o many_o thing_n have_v influence_n into_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v coordinate_a when_o they_o have_v equal_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o one_o not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v without_o another_o now_o all_o these_o distinction_n of_o cause_n must_v be_v understand_v for_o a_o right_n clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o question_n by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n answ_n 1._o first_o i_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a mediate_v and_o less_o principal_a cause_n that_o do_v afar_o off_o help_v something_o for_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n there_o be_v divers_a such_o cause_n that_o be_v partly_o artificial_a and_o partly_o natural_a of_o this_o nature_n i_o may_v reckon_v up_o divers_a as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o open_n and_o clear_v the_o nature_n the_o largeness_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o a_o soul_n likewise_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n either_o of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o element_n of_o water_n in_o one_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o discover_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o water_n and_o to_o signify_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n by_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o so_o consequent_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n consequent_o seal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o he_o and_o live_v for_o he_o so_o the_o other_o sacrament_n the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o signify_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o break_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o application_n of_o those_o element_n to_o he_o be_v element_n by_o which_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v refresh_v and_o clear_v be_v appoint_v to_o show_v the_o life_n and_o nourishment_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o christ_n alone_o these_o sacrament_n in_o their_o right_a institution_n may_v be_v instrumental_a immediate_a cause_n afar_o off_o to_o contribute_v to_o a_o soul_n something_o of_o his_o union_n so_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o christian_a conference_n inquire_v into_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o and_o every_o spiritual_a ordinance_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o any_o remembrance_n may_v contribute_v something_o to_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v proper_o artificial_a cause_n not_o natural_a but_o of_o a_o mix_a kind_n partly_o artificial_a and_o partly_o natural_a and_o all_o these_o be_v in_o this_o kind_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v mean_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v never_o but_o god_n use_v one_o of_o these_o mean_n to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v common_o â—â—â—eived_v that_o there_o be_v three_o more_o immediate_a joint_n concur_v cause_n to_o make_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n from_o the_o promise_n though_o those_o forename_a mean_n do_v work_v instrumental_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v work_v more_o inward_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v to_o be_v joint_a cause_n work_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n i_o mean_v for_o assure_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o i._o the_o irradiation_n i_o mean_v the_o bright_a shine_a light_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o precious_a heavenly_a lamp_n that_o shine_v so_o clear_o into_o the_o dark_a soul_n that_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n see_v in_o a_o sensible_a way_n that_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o promise_n and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v in_o that_o promise_n faith_n give_v the_o soul_n such_o a_o feel_a experience_n that_o it_o do_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v even_o when_o it_o be_v receive_v of_o it_o his_o soul_n grasp_v jesus_n christ_n so_o powerful_o as_o he_o feel_v his_o arm_n grasp_v jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n ii_o there_o be_v the_o conclusion_n renew_v conscience_n draw_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o spiritual_a and_o experimental_a reason_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o his_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o promise_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v son_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v witness_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o renew_a understanding_n or_o conscience_n that_o give_v the_o testimony_n and_o both_o of_o they_o witness_n at_o one_o
to_o the_o soul_n too_o soon_o yet_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o they_o do_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o though_o they_o be_v vile_a sinner_n yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o saviour_n and_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a principle_n that_o the_o devil_n use_v as_o his_o grand_a snare_n wherein_o he_o catch_v many_o soul_n now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o soul_n may_v conceive_v dangerous_o and_o destructive_o their_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o 1._o when_o they_o conceive_v they_o shall_v certain_o attain_v heaven_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o have_v a_o eye_n or_o respect_n to_o any_o other_o benefit_n by_o christ_n now_o indeed_o do_v the_o soul_n conceit_n his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o when_o it_o neglect_v all_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v propound_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o neglect_v the_o behold_v the_o manner_n how_o jesus_n christ_n be_v propound_v and_o confuse_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n alone_o which_o be_v heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o fancy_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v attain_v these_o by_o he_o though_o indeed_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n may_v be_v fix_v upon_o one_o particular_a benefit_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o his_o eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o another_o benefit_n and_o thereupon_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o as_o he_o save_v be_v the_o primary_n object_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o object_n of_o the_o first_o act_v of_o the_o soul_n faith_n yet_o this_o be_v still_o but_o only_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o be_v thus_o the_o soul_n can_v right_o have_v his_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o one_o benefit_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o must_v have_v his_o eye_n upon_o all_o other_o benefit_n also_o propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o poor_a needy_a soul_n 2._o a_o soul_n conceit_v his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o when_o he_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v attain_v heaven_n by_o christ_n without_o look_v for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o nothing_o can_v dash_v in_o sunder_o their_o confidence_n and_o hope_n though_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o and_o their_o practice_n the_o same_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v yet_o you_o must_v conceive_v it_o be_v only_o herein_o that_o this_o conceit_a salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v too_o soon_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v preposterous_a it_o be_v a_o draw_v conclusion_n without_o premise_n that_o be_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n upon_o then_o a_o soul_n conceive_v right_o when_o he_o conceive_v first_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v mediate_v between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o offence_n and_o displeasure_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n conclude_v therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o if_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o soul_n salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o any_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o he_o do_v build_v this_o conceit_n than_o it_o be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v too_o soon_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o indeed_o as_o for_o order_n of_o time_n this_o give_a credit_n to_o such_o a_o word_n of_o god_n as_o hold_v forth_o salvation_n to_o he_o by_o christ_n might_n and_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o word_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v his_o union_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o father_n through_o christ_n 2._o observe_v that_o this_o conceit_v their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v no_o application_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n tender_v or_o offer_v as_o a_o saviour_n by_o god_n a_o soul_n may_v conceit_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o saviour_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o god_n offer_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o a_o complete_a saviour_n heb._n 7.25_o 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 to_o the_o uttermost_a even_o unto_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o save_v they_o exact_o in_o all_o thing_n from_o all_o evil_n and_o from_o all_o fear_n and_o danger_n that_o can_v possible_o accrue_v now_o he_o that_o conceit_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v save_v he_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n guilt_n and_o misery_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v cast_v into_o do_v not_o conceit_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v his_o complete_a saviour_n and_o so_o apply_v christ_n too_o soon_o 2._o the_o salvation_n that_o god_n tender_v by_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o tender_v he_o as_o a_o saviour_n be_v twofold_a first_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o deliver_v and_o redeem_v the_o soul_n from_o his_o obligation_n unto_o punishment_n now_o this_o salvation_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v reconciliation_n which_o be_v the_o remove_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v bind_v it_o over_o to_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_n why_o christ_n receive_v his_o name_n mat._n 1.21_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v jesus_n for_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n second_o god_n tender_v by_o christ_n to_o save_v soul_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o apply_v christ_n right_o as_o a_o saviour_n apply_v he_o thus_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n invite_v his_o soul_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o conquest_n and_o thereupon_o his_o heart_n close_v with_o the_o tender_a and_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o seven_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n must_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o in_o a_o way_n of_o comfort_n darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v common_o receive_v by_o many_o that_o comfort_n be_v more_o dangerous_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o meddle_v with_o than_o lie_v under_o horror_n and_o terror_n still_o they_o common_o illustrate_v it_o by_o this_o similitude_n say_v they_o some_o drop_n of_o aquavitae_n may_v be_v exceed_o helpful_a to_o a_o poor_a faint_a spirit_n it_o may_v revive_v a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n but_o pour_v in_o of_o much_o may_v overcome_v a_o man_n and_o choke_v the_o natural_a vital_a heat_n and_o so_o endanger_v a_o man_n life_n just_o thus_o say_v they_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v sink_v and_o faint_v and_o press_v down_o through_o fear_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o sin_n it_o may_v be_v good_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v some_o drop_n of_o the_o precious_a water_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o pour_v in_o too_o much_o you_o may_v endanger_v the_o soul_n life_n to_o eternity_n this_o be_v another_o hellbred_a principle_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n sight_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o ground_n of_o this_o principle_n first_o that_o the_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o much_o for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n may_v make_v the_o soul_n presumptuous_a thus_o they_o prove_v it_o say_v they_o the_o apply_v the_o law_n too_o much_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o open_v the_o terrible_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n too_o much_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n despair_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o open_n and_o apply_v the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o may_v put_v it_o upon_o a_o desperate_a rock_n of_o presumption_n second_o a_o second_o ground_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o will_v too_o soon_o dry_a up_o the_o penitent_a tear_n it_o will_v soon_o seal_v up_o the_o spring_n of_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v that_o be_v break_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o
second_o it_o evidence_v the_o sutableness_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n suffer_v by_o christ_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n those_o thing_n every_o way_n suitable_a to_o what_o justice_n can_v require_v from_o the_o soul_n itself_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o sin_n two_o thing_n sin_n declare_v the_o soul_n have_v merit_v to_o suffer_v for_o ever_o first_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n wherein_o sin_n be_v act_v and_o commit_v second_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o in_o the_o separation_n of_o it_o from_o god_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n now_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n a_o suitable_a satisfaction_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n suffer_v by_o christ_n first_o in_o regard_n the_o humane_a body_n die_v that_o stand_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o flesh_n and_o so_o die_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v act_v in_o second_o in_o that_o there_o be_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n from_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o his_o father_n as_o appear_v matth._n 27.46_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o that_o be_v why_o have_v thou_o deprive_v i_o of_o communion_n with_o thou_o and_o though_o indeed_o the_o separation_n be_v not_o eternal_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n bear_v the_o separation_n it_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o eternal_a separation_n one_o moment_n of_o separation_n be_v as_o great_a a_o evil_n inflict_v upon_o such_o a_o person_n as_o a_o eternal_a separation_n can_v have_v be_v to_o have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o a_o poor_a finite_a creature_n 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o sutableness_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o father_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o sin_n themselves_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n what_o justice_n can_v require_v shall_v be_v suffer_v by_o the_o transgressor_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n yea_o and_o also_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o sin_n too_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v impute_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v suffer_v that_o shall_v have_v be_v suffer_v by_o transgressor_n apostasy_n from_o god_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o by_o be_v impute_v to_o be_v a_o devil_n enmity_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o in_o that_o he_o be_v impute_v the_o prince_n of_o devil_n all_o kind_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o in_o that_o he_o be_v impute_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o striver_n to_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n so_o that_o no_o kind_n of_o sin_n that_o conscience_n can_v object_v against_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o spirit_n can_v and_o do_v evidence_n at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v impute_v to_o christ_n and_o christ_n suffer_v for_o such_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v equivalent_a to_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n ii_o in_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o have_v full_o and_o everlasting_o take_v away_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o from_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o it_o evidence_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v clear_a rom._n 8.34_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o in_o this_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v three_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n 1._o it_o evidence_v the_o father_n acknowledgement_n of_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v ever_o embrace_v christ_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n christ_n have_v once_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o surety_n to_o bear_v the_o transgression_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o have_v enter_v into_o bond_n to_o pay_v all_o their_o debt_n and_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v arrest_v by_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o prison_n of_o the_o grave_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n for_o those_o transgression_n he_o must_v never_o have_v come_v out_o till_o he_o have_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15.14_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o their_o preach_v of_o christ_n be_v vain_a unless_o christ_n be_v rise_v whence_o the_o apostle_n note_v that_o though_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o sattisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o all_o the_o person_n that_o christ_n sustain_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n that_o god_n the_o father_n be_v satisfy_v for_o those_o transgression_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n unless_o christ_n be_v rise_v 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n christ_n own_o triumphant_a victory_n over_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o concomitant_n and_o consequent_n of_o sin_n now_o therein_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v christ_n removal_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n from_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o embrace_v he_o in_o regard_n he_o have_v now_o captivate_v sin_n he_o have_v get_v sin_n under_o his_o own_o power_n to_o trample_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o to_o do_v with_o as_o he_o please_v he_o have_v take_v sin_n and_o tie_v it_o to_o his_o chariot_n wheel_n as_o the_o word_n import_v 3._o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n in_o and_o from_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o be_v a_o surety_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v account_v his_o acquittance_n give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o acquittance_n of_o all_o those_o that_o ever_o shall_v embrace_v christ_n through_o believe_v and_o also_o that_o christ_n in_o receive_v that_o acquittance_n from_o god_n do_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o room_n and_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v embrace_v he_o and_o thence_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n unto_o every_o believer_n a_o participation_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o it_o attribute_n to_o they_o a_o co-resurrection_n with_o christ_n col._n 2.13_o you_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n have_v he_o quicken_v together_o with_o he_o that_o be_v have_v make_v you_o partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o raise_v you_o with_o himself_o and_o vers_fw-la 14._o blot_v out_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o ordinance_n that_o be_v against_o we_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n that_o be_v justify_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o that_o ever_o sin_n conscience_n the_o law_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v bring_v against_o we_o iii_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v a_o surety_n and_o as_o he_o do_v represent_v sinner_n that_o shall_v receive_v he_o to_o be_v their_o mediator_n thus_o rom._n 8.34_o paul_n through_o the_o spirit_n manifestation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n have_v such_o a_o full_a evidence_n as_o he_o can_v make_v a_o challenge_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o sin_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o bring_v all_o their_o accusation_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n who_o shall_v condemn_v say_v he_o jesus_n christ_n be_v go_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n now_o from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n the_o spirit_n be_v wont_v to_o evidence_n these_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o a_o surety_n for_o all_o sinner_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o as_o their_o mediator_n have_v now_o receive_v a_o acknowledgement_n in_o heaven_n that_o he_o have_v full_o take_v away_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o that_o ever_o so_o receive_v he_o the_o spirit_n bring_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n what_o welcome_a as_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n have_v into_o heaven_n it_o show_v the_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o psal_n 110.1_o the_o father_n say_v to_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v into_o heaven_n well_o do_v thou_o obedient_a son_n sit_v thou_o down_o at_o my_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a in_o that_o first_o in_o that_o welcome_n give_v by_o the_o father_n there_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o father_n acknowledge_v the_o work_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 all_o love_n through_o christ_n now_o observe_v these_o be_v the_o two_o special_a way_n how_o the_o lord_n have_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a love_n from_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o love_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v and_o then_o both_o these_o proceed_n from_o a_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n thence_o it_o must_v needs_o appear_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o the_o high_a cost_n to_o effect_v all_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o soul_n through_o the_o death_n of_o that_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n that_o this_o must_v be_v on_o purpose_n do_v by_o god_n for_o the_o make_n that_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v more_o sure_a and_o certain_a unto_o soul_n embrace_v it_o in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n three_o the_o spirit_n discover_v the_o lord_n own_o bond_n give_v out_o to_o the_o person_n themselves_o that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n for_o their_o assurance_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v all_o the_o promise_v write_v in_o the_o lord_n bless_a book_n be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o bond_n of_o god_n own_o writing_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a secretary_n of_o heaven_n the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v and_o assure_v soul_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v the_o spirit_n reveal_v promise_n upon_o promise_n to_o seal_v to_o and_o confirm_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o you_o may_v see_v heb._n 6.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v there_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o lord_n counsel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o infallible_a and_o unchangeable_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v four_o the_o spirit_n rise_v high_a he_o add_v the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o oath_n the_o high_a oath_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o swear_v which_o be_v by_o himself_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v security_n upon_o security_n to_o his_o weak_a apprehension_n five_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o add_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o seal_n to_o the_o bond._n the_o spirit_n manifest_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v employ_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o testator_n to_o soul_n that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o testator_n the_o testament_n or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v make_v unquestionable_o certain_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v fullness_n of_o security_n to_o his_o poor_a scrupulous_a spirit_n now_o security_n come_v in_o upon_o security_n to_o a_o superabuddance_n of_o it_o six_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v engage_v the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o everblessed_n name_n for_o the_o better_a secure_v soul_n and_o full_a assure_v they_o of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o they_o this_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o exod._n 33.19_o i_o will_v proclaim_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o thou_o say_v god_n to_o moses_n and_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o who_o i_o will_v be_v gracious_a and_o will_v show_v mercy_n to_o who_o i_o will_v show_v mercy_n which_o do_v both_o include_v a_o disposition_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o a_o free_a disposition_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o it_o include_v that_o grace_n of_o he_o to_o be_v order_v only_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n now_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n free_o love_v loveless_a sinner_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o his_o own_o will_v which_o be_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v than_o this_o title_n of_o god_n honour_n shall_v be_v deface_v and_o blemish_v but_o god_n say_v
have_v any_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n or_o quality_n inherent_a in_o he_o but_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n former_o dark_a about_o his_o union_n must_v have_v respect_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o gift_n be_v manifest_v else_o the_o gift_n can_v be_v close_v with_o as_o suitable_a thence_o it_o must_v be_v manifest_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o poor_a despicable_a and_o desperate_a rebellious_a wretch_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v with_o the_o great_a commander_n of_o heaven_n for_o pardon_v to_o such_o a_o poor_a despicable_a rebel_n it_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o day_n man_n that_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o both_o partay_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o at_o difference_n to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o open_v the_o work_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o faith_n consider_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o ungodly_a one_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o rom._n 4_o 5._o ii_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v first_o in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v hitherto_o set_v in_o darkness_n must_v be_v a_o manifestation_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o those_o very_a grace_n and_o the_o grace_n themselves_o consider_v as_o give_v be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o his_o free_a will_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o those_o grace_n that_o must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o question_n open_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n use_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n there_o be_v another_o question_n to_o be_v open_v that_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n all_o the_o absolute_a promise_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o absolute_a promise_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o particular_a soul_n that_o be_v his_o own_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o or_o any_o other_o know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o particular_a soul_n in_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o particularise_v of_o any_o soul_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v first_o open_v what_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o every_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o lie_v down_o two_o conclusion_n for_o the_o full_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n of_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o absolute_a promise_n alone_o be_v like_o jacob_n ladder_n it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a ladder_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o come_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o precious_a golden_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o precious_a marriage_n knot_n of_o union_n be_v only_o knit_v by_o that_o chain_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o absolute_a good_a will_n unto_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o first_o ground_n of_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o revelation_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v soul_n now_o thence_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v than_o it_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v from_o eternity_n and_o so_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o lord_n elective_a love_n but_o rather_o the_o first_o and_o primary_n cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n shall_v be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o so_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n truth_n it_o shall_v be_v of_o he_o that_o will_v and_o run_v and_o not_o of_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o grace_n acceptable_a to_o god_n presuppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o union_n with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o conditional_a promise_n or_o a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v now_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o condition_n or_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o such_o a_o holy_a quality_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o holy_a quality_n conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n acceptable_a to_o god_n before_o union_n then_o either_o the_o soul_n must_v receive_v some_o holy_a quality_n that_o flow_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o deny_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o in_o col._n 1.9_o and_o john_n 1.16_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o some_o grace_n some_o holy_a quality_n shall_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n still_o remain_v a_o stranger_n to_o god_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o quality_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o union_n than_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v a_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n out_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n alone_o in_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v pre._n 2._o that_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v ever_o by_o or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v not_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n then_o the_o devil_n faith_n shall_v hold_v equal_a proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v as_o full_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a absolute_a promise_n as_o any_o unite_a soul_n and_o do_v as_o full_o expect_v the_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o shall_v the_o soul_n dependence_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o suitable_a ground_n for_o the_o dependence_n the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n but_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n all_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v describe_v in_o any_o word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a promise_n those_o be_v not_o discover_v at_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o absolute_a promise_n prove_v a_o particular_a ground_n to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o absolute_a promise_n see_v the_o lord_n particular_o tender_v himself_o to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o dependence_n prem_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o soul_n