do_v go_v before_o the_o act_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n in_o those_o soul_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o habit_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o in_o time_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v also_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n work_n and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o act_v before_o any_o other_o habit_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n must_v be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o in_o regard_n this_o particular_a way_n in_o apply_v these_o absolute_a promise_n be_v without_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o word_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o this_o faith_n can_v arise_v this_o be_v general_o grant_v of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a general_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n first_o confidence_n or_o adherence_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o the_o general_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v particular_o to_o every_o soul_n who_o attain_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a evidence_n to_o assure_v a_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v open_v in_o two_o conclusion_n conclu_n 1._o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n a_o certainty_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o equivalency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o run_v to_o all_o soul_n to_o any_o particular_a 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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 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judgement_n upon_o it_o till_o the_o eye_n be_v open_v therefore_o the_o gospel_n present_v a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v and_o give_v eye_n to_o see_v that_o union_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v part_n of_o christ_n office_n isa_n 42.6_o 7._o to_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o thence_o we_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.2_o to_o receive_v a_o understanding_n to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o by_o infuse_v a_o disposition_n into_o the_o will_n to_o embrace_v that_o union_n propound_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n by_o those_o inward_a revelation_n do_v convey_v a_o holy_a inclination_n into_o the_o perverse_a obstinate_a will_n whereby_o the_o will_n be_v draw_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o union_n propound_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o once_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n by_o those_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n to_o apprehend_v a_o union_n tender_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o beauty_n excellency_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o it_o that_o very_a vision_n of_o that_o union_n with_o the_o property_n of_o it_o do_v change_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o wrought_v in_o opposition_n against_o god_n former_o and_o cause_v the_o will_n to_o desire_v that_o union_n propound_v in_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o then_o by_o the_o light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o truth_n reveal_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v that_o union_n as_o the_o only_a chief_a good_a and_o then_o the_o will_n can_v but_o close_v with_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o then_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o embrace_v that_o union_n the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o four_o respect_n mention_v from_o whence_o do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n and_o that_o be_v make_v up_o from_o those_o 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constrain_v to_o a_o likeness_n to_o christ_n 1._o then_o the_o understanding_n begin_v to_o constrain_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o intent_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o unite_n the_o soul_n unto_o himself_o thence_o the_o understanding_n compel_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o may_v see_v rom._n 6.5_o 6._o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v partake_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o be_v like_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o life_n how_o know_v that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o death_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n that_o be_v thus_o our_o understanding_n argue_v and_o discuss_v thus_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o than_o we_o have_v a_o part_n in_o his_o death_n than_o be_v our_o sin_n crucify_v in_o his_o death_n know_v this_o by_o this_o discussive_a power_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o through_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o the_o injury_n and_o indignity_n the_o soul_n have_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n whereby_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o what_o the_o lord_n propound_v to_o it_o than_o the_o understanding_n begin_v to_o argue_v thus_o what_o be_v thou_o unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n then_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v conformable_a to_o his_o image_n and_o can_v thou_o walk_v contrary_a to_o christ_n 2._o the_o understanding_n constrain_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o engagement_n to_o be_v like_a to_o christ_n first_o the_o understanding_n will_v urge_v the_o engagement_n of_o god_n honour_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n than_o thou_o be_v engage_v to_o hold_v up_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n in_o thy_o conversation_n thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o golden_a pillar_n whereupon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o great_a character_n second_o the_o union_n of_o likeness_n follow_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o agreement_n and_o sutableness_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n disposition_n through_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o embrace_v union_n propound_v with_o christ_n there_o be_v such_o a_o disposition_n prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sweet_o close_v with_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o become_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o unlike_a to_o he_o quest_n 3._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o answer_v this_o question_n two_o thing_n must_v first_o be_v premise_v in_o general_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a efficient_a cause_n of_o another_o act_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n will_v have_v determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v one_o thing_n that_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v another_o thing_n as_o though_o the_o first_o act_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o second_o act_n of_o god_n will_v for_o god_n will_v be_v god_n himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o simple_a act_n of_o god_n will_v he_o will_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o at_o once_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v nothihg_v that_o the_o lord_n determine_v that_o move_v inward_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v another_o thing_n as_o the_o consequent_a of_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n that_o all_o his_o operation_n be_v dependent_a in_o himself_o yet_o as_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v effect_v by_o other_o so_o proper_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o thing_n for_o another_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o thing_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o end_n as_o the_o lord_n will_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n to_o have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o thing_n below_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o be_v and_o keep_v the_o natural_a virtue_n communicate_v to_o they_o though_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n will_n yet_o they_o be_v will_v to_o that_o end_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v there_o be_v divers_a end_n which_o may_v improper_o be_v call_v cause_n of_o the_o lord_n intent_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n reas_n 1._o because_o the_o union_n of_o god_n the_o father_n with_o soul_n be_v effect_v by_o and_o through_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n col._n 1.19_o 20._o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o have_v make_v peace_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o it_o be_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v to_o himself_o that_o shall_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o union_n of_o agreement_n with_o god_n so_o that_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v that_o bond_n of_o connexion_n between_o god_n and_o any_o soul_n as_o in_o job_n 9.33_o where_o job_n complain_v he_o can_v not_o come_v
three_o in_o what_o manner_n those_o mean_n produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n quest_n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v from_o whence_o soul_n attain_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a peculiar_a ground_n substantial_o from_o whence_o soul_n can_v expect_v to_o receive_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o free_a promise_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n alone_o to_o poor_a despisable_a soul_n wherein_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v or_o bestow_v the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o their_o soul_n now_o that_o this_o free_a promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n will_v appear_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n i._o in_o regard_v a_o divine_a word_n must_v be_v the_o proper_a adequate_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 10.17_o the_o whole_a gospel_n consider_v as_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o word_n from_o which_o faith_n come_v that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o that_o produce_v faith_n but_o through_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n reveal_v that_o word_n unto_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o true_a infallible_a foundation_n for_o soul_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n past_a out_o from_o god_n as_o a_o promise_n unto_o soul_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o true_a hope_n unto_o soul_n say_v david_n psal_n 119.49_o remember_v thy_o word_n that_o be_v thy_o promise_n unto_o thy_o servant_n upon_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o hope_v now_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n thus_o consider_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a promise_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n of_o his_o free_a donation_n and_o give_v christ_n unto_o a_o soul_n that_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o act_n of_o every_o assure_v faith_n it_o must_v be_v through_o some_o light_n and_o apprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o the_o lord_n free_a will_n concern_v his_o soul_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v one_o that_o any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n faith_n respect_n thing_n only_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o speech_n from_o some_o person_n or_o other_o and_o respect_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n that_o be_v upon_o which_o faith_n do_v believe_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o sarahs_n faith_n heb._n 11.11_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o paul_n faith_n be_v express_v thus_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a now_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o mind_n concern_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o such_o soul_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n thence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n or_o the_o lord_n donation_n or_o give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n before_o there_o can_v follow_v any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n faith_n proper_a exercise_n consist_v only_o in_o receive_v whence_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o believe_v and_o receive_v be_v both_o put_v for_o one_o ordinary_o john_n 1.12_o and_o chap._n 3.33_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n for_o every_o right_a exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o something_o give_v that_o may_v be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v of_o indispensable_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o it_o before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n iii_o it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a infallible_a certainty_n to_o faith_n eye_n in_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o faith_n of_o evidence_n do_v act_n faith_n work_v only_o as_o a_o receiver_n can_v receive_v no_o full_a certainty_n or_o have_v any_o full_a confidence_n in_o itself_o of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v or_o do_v than_o it_o see_v manifest_a from_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o it_o take_v that_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n now_o the_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a counsel_n have_v determine_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o certainty_n but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.16_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n from_o whence_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o you_o see_v be_v only_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o yet_o here_o be_v another_o question_n soul_n will_v cast_v in_o before_o we_o answer_v the_o second_o by_o what_o mean_n quest_n but_o may_v the_o soul_n say_v be_v it_o not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o near_a ground_n the_o proximate_a ground_n but_o the_o remote_a ground_n the_o further_a off_o ground_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n fulfil_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o near_a ground_n and_o the_o immediate_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o union_n for_o answer_v to_o it_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n to_o be_v premise_v and_o then_o to_o come_v to_o the_o direct_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a receive_v division_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v either_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a absolute_a make_v and_o found_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o to_o be_v accomplish_v only_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o because_o he_o will_n or_o else_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o some_o particular_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o soul_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o division_n divide_v the_o promise_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o know_a division_n promise_v legal_a and_o promise_n evangelical_a promise_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n prem_n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o call_v conditional_a promise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o condition_n include_v in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o any_o one_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o promise_n into_o promise_n absolute_a and_o promise_n conditional_a can_v hold_v right_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o every_o promise_n consider_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v all_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v simple_o and_o full_o determine_v to_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o latitude_n wherein_o he_o do_v propound_v they_o unto_o soul_n and_o that_o without_o any_o impediment_n or_o interruption_n so_o that_o whatever_o can_v possible_o intervene_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v shall_v prevail_v in_o perform_v the_o promise_n thence_o you_o shall_v observe_v jer._n 31.32_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o old_a covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o nation_n in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n whole_o absolute_a contain_v nothing_o but_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o
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
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
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