Selected quad for the lemma: soul_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
soul_n	answer_n	spirit_n	zion_n	17	3	10.4161	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A49198	A treatise of the souls union with Christ wherein is declared what this union with Jesus Christ is, and many false grounds of union discovered, in which these two weighty guest are largely handled, viz. : how souls do attain the first, certain, infallible evidence of union with Christ : how souls that conceive themselves to have received certain and satisfying evidence of their union with the Lord Jesus may know certainly and infallibly that their evidence of union with Christ received is really from God, and not a diobolical enthusiasm or inspiration, or a delusion from the Devils translastion of himself into angelical glory / J.L.	Lougher, John, d. 1686.	1680 (1680)	Wing L3094; ESTC R30998	355,595	622

a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n wherein_o be_v declare_v what_o this_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v and_o many_o false_a ground_n of_o union_n discover_v in_o which_o these_o two_o weighty_a quest_n be_v large_o handle_v viz._n i._o how_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ii_o how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v know_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o their_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n from_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n by_o j._n l._n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o london_n print_v for_o j._n hancock_n at_o the_o three_o bibles_n in_o popes-head-alley_n in_o cornhill_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o open_n of_o they_o doct_n that_o the_o purpose_n and_o intetn_n of_o god_n in_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o their_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n they_o may_v be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o and_o christ_n be_v one_o p._n 5._o three_o question_n answer_v quest_n what_o be_v this_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v one_o with_o jesus_n christ_n answer_v 1_o negative_a 2_o affirmative_o p._n 6._o quest_n 2._o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o he_o answer_v 1_o negative_o 2_o affirmative_o p._n 9_o quest_n 3._o why_o the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n two_o premise_n and_o 4_o answer_n p._n 14._o use_v 1_o of_o information_n in_o 9_o particular_n p._n 19_o use_v 2._o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n p._n 23._o wherein_o three_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o soul_n in_o attend_v upon_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v open_v quest_n be_v union_n with_o christ_n the_o first_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v gospel_n truth_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v there_o shall_v first_o be_v a_o mortify_n of_o corruption_n a_o draw_v the_o heart_n from_o sin_n that_o there_o shall_v first_o be_v a_o mortify_n of_o corruption_n a_o draw_v the_o heart_n from_o sin_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o cut_n off_o from_o the_o old_a stock_n that_o it_o may_v be_v magnify_v into_o the_o new_a vine_n jesus_n christ_n two_o premise_n the_o answer_n p._n 24._o use_v 3_o of_o examination_n whether_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n four_o thing_n to_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o know_v it_o p._n 29_o this_o great_a question_n propound_v quest_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o may_v evidence_n the_o soul_n union_n answ_n 1._o negative_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v these_o way_n 1._o not_o from_o any_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v effect_v in_o or_o upon_o the_o soul_n p._n 32._o 2._o not_o by_o any_o thing_n inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n p._n 34._o 3._o not_o by_o any_o thing_n do_v or_o effect_v by_o the_o soul_n or_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o do_v p._n 38._o 4._o not_o from_o the_o outward_a revelation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n clear_v in_o three_o particular_n p._n 45._o some_o question_n answer_v before_o the_o affirmative_a answer_n quest_n 1._o whether_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o something_o thus_o inherent_a in_o themselves_o and_o do_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v rot_v and_o unsound_a and_o no_o evidence_n p._n 47._o answer_v 1._o negative_o 1._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o faith_n p._n 49._o 2._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n p._n 49._o answ_n 2._o affirmative_o those_o may_v be_v improper_o call_v evidence_n be_v evidence_n of_o opinion_n p._n 50._o five_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v about_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n quest_n 2._o why_o do_v the_o scripture_n propound_v the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o its_o love_n unto_o god_n as_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n p._n 56._o quest_n 3._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o quality_n inherent_a in_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o heart_n see_v union_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v from_o it_o answer_v p._n 60._o quest_n 4_o be_v not_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o faith_n and_o believe_v as_o believe_v that_o through_o faith_n only_o a_o man_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n answer_v p._n 66._o the_o use_n of_o conditional_a promise_n open_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 69._o answ_n 2._o the_o affirmative_a answer_n how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o premise_n p._n 71._o the_o question_n must_v be_v concern_v assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o knowledge_n it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o question_n 1._o how_o soul_n do_v obtain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n 3._o in_o what_o manner_n quest_n from_o whence_o do_v soul_n obtain_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n answ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a proper_a ground_n substantial_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o free_a promise_n clear_v in_o three_o particular_n p._n 80._o quest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n p._n 82._o under_o what_o notion_n the_o promise_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o 5._o particular_n p._n 87._o two_o thing_n to_o clear_v those_o text_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o promise_v run_v upon_o conidition_n open_v in_o many_o particular_n p._n 91._o quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n reveal_v first_o these_o grace_n that_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o people_n by_o to_o be_v in_o such_o soul_n and_o then_o through_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o clear_a to_o soul_n that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o lord_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_v alone_o through_o the_o promise_n from_o p._n 96._o to_o 105._o quest_n how_o can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n answer_v p._n 105._o quest_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v a_o soul_n receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n four_o premise_n the_o positive_a answer_n p._n 113._o 118._o three_o joint_n concur_v cause_n and_o what_o they_o be_v p._n 119._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a most_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o promise_v evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n p._n 123._o clear_v in_o 4._o particular_n quest_n 3._o in_o what_o manner_n do_v a_o soul_n receive_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 5._o premise_n p._n 130._o the_o positive_a answer_n in_o open_v five_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v produce_v in_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o it_o do_v manifest_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n 1._o the_o spirit_n illumination_n 2._o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n 4._o the_o spirit_n excitation_n 5._o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n p._n 132._o 1._o the_o spirit_n illumination_n p._n 133._o this_o consist_v 1._o in_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n i._o principle_n of_o darkness_n of_o which_o there_o be_v 8._o open_v in_o many_o particular_n p._n 136._o to_o 178._o ii_o dark_a distemper_n six_o of_o they_o open_v p._n 178._o to_o 233._o 2._o the_o spirit_n

no_o more_o sutableness_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o promise_n for_o a_o invitation_n for_o poor_a burden_a soul_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n than_o there_o be_v in_o other_o promise_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n to_o soul_n for_o present_v not_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o invitation_n upon_o every_o soul_n under_o heaven_n as_o the_o burden_a there_o lie_v a_o command_n upon_o every_o soul_n the_o invitation_n run_v as_o equal_o to_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n under_o the_o great_a captivity_n to_o satan_n as_o to_o soul_n groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n second_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o promise_n be_v rest_n and_o refreshment_n now_o you_o see_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o they_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o future_a only_o through_o believe_v and_o so_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o every_o soul_n under_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v make_v to_o burden_a soul_n under_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v so_o burden_v or_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o any_o such_o quality_n of_o grace_n you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o god_n discover_v to_o poor_a necessitous_a soul_n where_o they_o shall_v have_v refreshment_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n be_v thou_o poor_a necessitous_a soul_n will_v have_v refreshment_n and_o thou_o poor_a burden_a soul_n will_v have_v ease_n come_v to_o i_o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o i_o by_o faith_n and_o take_v my_o word_n say_v jesus_n christ_n thou_o shall_v have_v rest_n iii_o if_o you_o look_v into_o promise_n make_v to_o mourn_a soul_n as_o in_o mat._n 5.5_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v so_o isa_n 61.1_o 2._o speak_v of_o christ_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o comfort_v those_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n but_o now_o those_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o mourner_n as_o have_v the_o quality_n of_o sorrow_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o be_v afflict_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o grieve_v for_o they_o no_o not_o as_o grieve_v for_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n by_o their_o sin_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v respect_n to_o that_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o sorrow_n as_o a_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a quality_n now_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o good_a quality_n it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v the_o good_a quality_n increase_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o soul_n whereas_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o mourn_a soul_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o quality_n by_o comfort_n comfort_n and_o mourning_n be_v two_o contrary_n so_o that_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n have_v a_o good_a quality_n in_o they_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o misery_n to_o have_v the_o promise_n than_o a_o happiness_n 2._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o sorrow_n as_o inherent_a than_o the_o soul_n may_v claim_v comfort_n by_o his_o mourning_n or_o because_o of_o his_o mourning_n and_o so_o the_o original_n of_o the_o soul_n comfort_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o quality_n inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n 4._o if_o you_o go_v on_o to_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o promise_n here_o be_v not_o make_v to_o a_o soul_n poor_a in_o spirit_n as_o have_v that_o quality_n in_o he_o for_o than_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o no_o soul_n but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o poor_a and_o empty_a and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v hold_v forth_o particular_o as_o the_o lord_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o soul_n but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o nothingness_n and_o so_o the_o first_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n as_o have_v true_a holiness_n and_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o sight_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v he_o receive_v a_o promise_n there_o be_v a_o four_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v before_o we_o can_v pass_v to_o the_o affirmative_a answer_n quest_n 4._o be_v not_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o faith_n and_o believe_v as_o believe_v that_o through_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v only_o claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n say_v the_o soul_n sure_o faith_n be_v a_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o faith_n they_o be_v make_v to_o quality_n as_o quality_n answ_n 1._o first_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n actual_o void_a of_o faith_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v without_o respect_n unto_o believe_v for_o the_o future_a yet_o i_o say_v without_o any_o present_a believe_v the_o most_o primary_n principal_a fundamental_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n void_a of_o faith_n actual_o they_o be_v make_v only_o to_o sinner_n and_o that_o in_o their_o very_a estate_n of_o sinfulness_n though_o not_o proper_o as_o they_o be_v sinner_n that_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v sinner_n as_o if_o sinner_n be_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o heinous_a sinner_n in_o that_o doleful_a condition_n the_o lord_n make_v the_o promise_n to_o as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o that_o precious_a promise_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a he_o look_v upon_o himself_o only_o as_o a_o sinner_n in_o the_o application_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v he_o thus_o the_o promise_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v make_v to_o such_o actual_o without_o faith_n call_v they_o as_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o close_o with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o they_o to_o make_v up_o reconciliation_n thus_o also_o that_o of_o luk._n 19.20_o that_o christ_n come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v another_o precious_a promise_n yet_o make_v to_o soul_n only_o lose_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o present_a be_v of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n in_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o make_v to_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o that_o promise_n ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o beget_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v change_v whereby_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o redemption_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n answ_n 3._o three_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v unto_o faith_n as_o a_o quality_n pre-existent_a in_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o a_o quality_n to_o be_v remain_v in_o a_o soul_n before_o he_o claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o no_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o believer_n because_o he_o do_v believe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n believe_v nor_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n believe_v though_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v his_o believe_v for_o if_o faith_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o soul_n as_o a_o quality_n to_o receive_v the_o promise_n than_o these_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o no_o promise_n can_v be_v fulfil_v in_o and_o to_o a_o soul_n before_o it_o actual_o believe_v and_o then_o either_o faith_n itself_o must_v not_o be_v a_o gift_n from_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n or_o else_o the_o great_a fundamental_a gift_n shall_v be_v convey_v unto_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n 2._o then_o no_o soul_n may_v receive_v a_o promise_n nor_o believe_v a_o promise_n before_o he_o see_v his_o own_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o soul_n till_o he_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n into_o my_o soul_n he_o may_v not_o receive_v any_o promise_n the_o

neither_o bind_v itself_o in_o order_n nor_o degree_n nor_o be_v express_v to_o the_o life_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o do_v assure_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o the_o spirit_n keep_v its_o constant_a order_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o faith_n it_o do_v assure_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o in_o every_o soul_n in_o this_o work_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o assurance_n itself_o that_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o those_o effect_n be_v altogether_o unspeakable_a from_o that_o evidence_n of_o assurance_n if_o those_o effect_n perish_v or_o decay_v the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n the_o soul_n have_v from_o the_o promise_n perish_v and_o decay_v and_o if_o those_o effect_n do_v but_o live_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o evidence_n the_o soul_n have_v from_o the_o promise_n be_v maintain_v they_o live_v together_o and_o die_v together_o now_o these_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v produce_v in_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o it_o do_v manifest_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n in_o some_o measure_n or_o degree_n be_v these_o five_o in_o the_o open_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o great_a question_n first_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n second_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n three_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o soul_n four_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n or_o stir_v up_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n five_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n pass_v the_o determination_n final_o upon_o the_o soul_n whole_a estate_n these_o five_o kind_n of_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o spirit_n work_v be_v by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n illumination_n the_o spirit_n illumination_n you_o shall_v read_v eph._n 1.18_o that_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n hope_v for_o in_o their_o call_n and_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o his_o prayer_n be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o what_o end_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n observe_v it_o the_o very_a first_o spiritual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n be_v for_o spiritual_a enlighten_v of_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o enlighten_v consist_v in_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n second_o in_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o from_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v prevent_v the_o soul_n see_v or_o discern_v the_o divine_a light_n infuse_v three_o in_o the_o quicken_a or_o stir_v up_o or_o put_v into_o act_n and_o exercise_n the_o habit_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v infuse_v first_o this_o illumination_n be_v a_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n light_n infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n the_o soul_n sit_v altogether_o in_o darkness_n until_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v into_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n eph._n 5.8_o now_o though_o there_o be_v some_o habitual_a divine_a light_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o there_o be_v after_o union_n a_o continual_a increase_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v eph._n 1.18_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v now_o if_o you_o read_v the_o whole_a chapter_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o be_v saint_n that_o be_v enlighten_v already_o so_o that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o poor_a weak_a feeble_a purblind_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o this_o divine_a light_n so_o we_o grow_v up_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n till_o we_o be_v like_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o who_o be_v light_a and_o no_o darkness_n at_o all_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o this_o work_n consist_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n that_o do_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n sight_n removal_n of_o impediment_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spiritual_a light_n infuse_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o yet_o through_o some_o distemper_a humour_n a_o film_n may_v grow_v over_o the_o eye_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v no_o object_n some_o waterish_a humour_n or_o some_o mote_n or_o dust_n may_v prevent_v the_o see_n of_o the_o eye_n there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n of_o corruption_n and_o of_o distemper_n many_o malignant_a humour_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o rheum_n that_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o prevent_v that_o sight_n we_o ha●●_n 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o next_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o pluck_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n eye_v all_o the_o mote_n to_o take_v off_o all_o the_o film_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o soul_n spiritual_a sight_n though_o at_o first_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o faculty_n of_o see_v we_o be_v like_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o christ_n cure_v he_o see_v man_n walk_v like_o tree_n we_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o hellish_a fog_n or_o mist_n or_o beam_n that_o the_o devil_n chief_o labour_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a eye_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o divine_a spiritual_a light_n receive_v and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n before_o there_o can_v be_v assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v first_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n second_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n first_o there_o be_v the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n these_o be_v like_o the_o rheum_n that_o distil_v from_o the_o brain_n into_o the_o eye_n whereby_o the_o sight_n be_v prevent_v darkness_n mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n be_v like_o the_o distemper_n of_o melancholy_a or_o choler_n that_o have_v their_o original_n from_o the_o liver_n and_o so_o fume_v into_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o prevent_v his_o sight_n or_o rather_o the_o first_o be_v like_a to_o a_o false_a colour_a glass_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n look_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v of_o these_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v tender_v to_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o true_o see_v darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o soul_n i_o see_v there_o be_v a_o fullness_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o say_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o groan_v heavy_o under_o that_o want_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o my_o want_n of_o christ_n alas_o i_o have_v a_o blockish_a heart_n i_o be_o a_o ignorant_a wretch_n i_o have_v a_o blind_a understanding_n i_o dare_v not_o trust_v my_o deceitful_a heart_n i_o fear_v i_o never_o have_v a_o true_a fight_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v lest_o i_o shall_v presume_v that_o christ_n be_v tender_v unto_o i_o this_o be_v a_o main_a principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v brief_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o thy_o conceve_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v tender_v only_o to_o those_o that_o see_v the_o want_n of_o christ_n must_v suppose_v either_o a_o true_a spiritual_a

act_v by_o his_o own_o power_n the_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n p._n 233._o 2._o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o promise_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v reveal_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o many_o particular_n from_o p._n 234._o to_o 340._o the_o first_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 236._o a_o second_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 254._o a_o three_o p._n 262._o a_o four_o p._n 267._o a_o five_o p._n 269._o a_o six_o p._n 274._o the_o security_n give_v to_o soul_n from_o the_o covenant_n oath_n seal_n p._n 274._o from_o the_o many_o engagement_n upon_o god_n himself_o p._n 305._o 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n p._n 340._o what_o conscience_n be_v the_o two_o most_o eminent_a work_n of_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n former_o infuse_v into_o their_o proper_a exercise_n p._n 345._o what_o the_o spirit_n excitatjoin_v be_v p._n 350._o 5._o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n both_o its_o attestation_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o faith_n p._n 355._o to_o 392._o quest_n how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v know_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n p._n 392._o several_a thing_n concern_v diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 393._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a act_n of_o the_o devil_n policy_n towards_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n p._n 406._o quest_n can_v the_o devil_n look_v into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o know_v what_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v p._n 425._o 2._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n p._n 431._o 3._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n p._n 436._o premise_n about_o a_o soul_n trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v whether_o it_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 437._o four_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n when_o doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidenc_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o do_v incapacitate_v for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n p_o 445._o quest_n if_o soul_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o impatiency_n rashness_n irrational_a affection_n prejudicial_a conceit_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o under_o decay_n of_o holiness_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o a_o right_a trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n then_o what_o suitable_a mean_n remain_v for_o such_o soul_n in_o these_o sad_a condition_n under_o fear_n that_o their_o eaidence_n be_v delusion_n answer_n p._n 455._o if_o the_o examination_n can_v only_o be_v take_v from_o those_o evidence_n which_o remain_v in_o their_o perspicity_n clearness_n and_o sanctify_a power_n then_o quest_n what_o use_n can_v soul_n make_v of_o the_o evidence_n they_o conceive_v they_o have_v receive_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o lustre_n and_o orient_a brightness_n of_o their_o evidence_n be_v eclipse_v p._n 472._o answer_v in_o 4_o proposition_n six_o holy_a use_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v for_o former_a evidence_n p._n 479._o nine_o argument_n from_o former_a evidence_n to_o plead_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n p._n 483._o from_o all_o those_o consideration_n the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v quest_n how_o shall_v any_o soul_n that_o conceive_v he_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v actual_o enjoy_v certain_a and_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n demonstrate_v from_o certain_a necessary_a and_o evident_a reason_n that_o those_o his_o evidence_n be_v real_o from_o god_n p._n 491._o answ_n there_o be_v but_o two_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o certain_a ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o cause_n now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o which_o concur_v together_o and_o be_v never_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n bless_v write_v word_n and_o that_o precious_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o the_o first_o primary_n and_o principal_a reason_n from_o whence_o a_o soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n be_v that_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n two_o thing_n open_v to_o clear_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o evidence_n to_o any_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n p._n 493._o 2._o that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o potent_a invincible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o own_o proceed_n from_o god_n p._n 499._o the_o second_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o shine_v into_o any_o heart_n real_o from_o god_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n precious_a word_n p._n 502._o where_o be_v clear_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 512._o 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o demonstration_n a_o posterioti_fw-la take_v from_o the_o effect_n five_o act_n in_o believe_a soul_n whereby_o they_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n soul_n confident_a they_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v by_o christ_n put_v upon_o it_o to_o search_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o serious_o lay_v six_o thing_n before_o they_o to_o consider_v of_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 1.10_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o the_o apostle_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n after_o his_o departure_n from_o it_o write_v this_o epistle_n for_o the_o establish_n their_o heart_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n free_a grace_n in_o christ_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v their_o soul_n partaker_n of_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v excite_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o all_o suitable_a walk_n to_o such_o privilege_n this_o be_v his_o scope_n in_o this_o first_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o glorious_a privilege_n by_o their_o several_a name_n in_o their_o several_a cause_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o he_o break_v out_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n into_o a_o holy_a rapture_n of_o praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o those_o high_a privilege_n as_o election_n justification_n vocation_n and_o glorification_n now_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o their_o vocation_n in_o those_o word_n wherein_o he_o have_v abound_v towards_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n or_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o which_o grace_n and_o love_n before_o name_v the_o lord_n have_v abound_v towards_o we_o through_o the_o communicate_v that_o grace_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o we_o that_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o receive_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v thus_o name_v the_o privilege_n itself_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o effect_v this_o grace_n upon_o their_o soul_n in_o these_o word_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o himself_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n manifest_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o 13_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n he_o mean_v indeed_o the_o salvation_n preach_v in_o and_o through_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o which_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o now_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v that_o grace_n and_o understanding_n to_o they_o whereby_o they_o do_v embrace_v that_o precious_a doctrine_n that_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n

man_n can_v walk_v nor_o move_v neither_o can_v a_o dead_a soul_n without_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n either_o walk_n or_o move_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o step_n set_v from_o one_o corruption_n while_o the_o soul_n remain_v without_o union_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n may_v cause_v the_o branch_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v suspend_v through_o the_o terror_n and_o horror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n remain_v the_o same_o still_o and_o the_o enmity_n work_v as_o strong_o in_o the_o bosom_n against_o jesus_n christ_n as_o before_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o much_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o sin_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n much_o less_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v act_v any_o holiness_n or_o perform_v any_o 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tend_v in_o order_n to_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o near_a union_n than_o it_o be_v before_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v effect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o union_n and_o separation_n and_o disjunction_n the_o near_a point_n the_o soul_n can_v stand_v at_o be_v enmity_n now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v in_o the_o heart_n before_o complete_n union_n take_v not_o away_o the_o enmity_n the_o soul_n moralize_v or_o civilise_a humble_a and_o bring_v to_o prayer_n be_v still_o a_o enemy_n there_o be_v but_o terminus_fw-la à_fw-la quo_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la quem_fw-la the_o term_n from_o which_o and_z the_o term_n to_o which_o without_o any_o medium_n or_o middle_a state_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o the_o union_n but_o a_o soul_n pass_v from_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n to_o perfect_a union_n in_o one_o instant_a in_o one_o moment_n that_o soul_n that_o this_o moment_n be_v a_o enemy_n at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n the_o next_o moment_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o by_o a_o inevitable_a light_n into_o the_o understanding_n and_o irresistible_a power_n into_o the_o will_n be_v as_o complete_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o any_o soul_n in_o heaven_n use_v iii_o the_o three_o use_n be_v by_o way_n of_o examination_n to_o see_v if_o the_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n have_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o end_n search_n into_o your_o heart_n to_o see_v whether_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n either_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o you_o be_v not_o unite_v either_o you_o be_v sink_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o all_o depend_v upon_o the_o know_n of_o this_o consider_v these_o three_o of_o four_o thing_n i._o what_o a_o curse_a stupidity_n and_o blockishness_n it_o be_v not_o to_o know_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v unite_v to_o thou_o or_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o will_v we_o not_o think_v that_o man_n a_o block_n that_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v alive_a or_o dead_a ii_o consider_v how_o curse_o thou_o do_v despise_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v thou_o ride_v a_o hundred_o mile_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o a_o earthly_a estate_n and_o shall_v the_o great_a treasure_n of_o heaven_n stand_v open_a to_o thou_o and_o either_o it_o be_v thou_o or_o it_o be_v not_o thou_o and_o thou_o know_v not_o iii_o consider_v how_o wretched_o thy_o soul_n destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n by_o disregard_v this_o search_n while_o thy_o soul_n persevere_fw-la careless_o not_o regard_v nor_o examine_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o with_o thou_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o any_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a gospel_n ordinance_n shall_v ever_o convey_v the_o least_o benefit_n into_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n 1._o in_o that_o thou_o make_v thyself_o a_o unsuitable_a subject_n for_o every_o gospel_n ordinance_n ordinance_n have_v but_o two_o end_n either_o to_o allure_v thy_o soul_n into_o union_n or_o else_o to_o seal_v that_o union_n and_o let_v thy_o soul_n enjoy_v that_o bless_a fruit_n thereof_o now_o whilst_o thou_o never_o mind_v whither_o christ_n be_v one_o with_o thou_o or_o no_o thou_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o every_o ordinance_n of_o that_o kind_n 2._o thou_o prevent_a the_o efficacy_n of_o every_o gospel_n ordinance_n upon_o thy_o soul_n what_o concernment_n be_v it_o of_o to_o thy_o soul_n when_o the_o most_o precious_a argument_n of_o love_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o messenger_n of_o god_n when_o thou_o mind_v it_o not_o first_o it_o prevent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o regard_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n while_o thy_o soul_n neglect_v the_o search_n till_o the_o prodigal_a come_v to_o consider_v he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n house_n where_o there_o be_v bread_n enough_o he_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o return_v but_o be_v content_a to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n second_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v thy_o soul_n into_o union_n though_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o every_o soul_n before_o gospel_n ordinance_n take_v effect_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a some_o think_v there_o must_v be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v close_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o till_o than_o there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n now_o how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v thou_o into_o union_n when_o thou_o mind_v not_o whether_o thou_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o iv_o consider_v how_o wrongful_o thou_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o thyself_o when_o thou_o regard_v not_o whether_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o thy_o soul_n be_v make_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a at_o least_o presuppose_v a_o union_n of_o peace_n than_o it_o presuppose_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v make_v up_o and_o if_o such_o a_o union_n be_v not_o make_v up_o thou_o do_v wrongful_o usurp_v that_o holy_a name_n to_o thyself_o but_o here_o may_v be_v a_o question_n propound_v by_o the_o soul_n quest_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o may_v evidence_n the_o soul_n union_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n and_o then_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n premise_v 1._o first_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o union_n between_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v invisible_a to_o the_o soul_n itself_o though_o the_o marriage_n knot_n may_v be_v knit_v yet_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o poor_a infant_n in_o the_o womb_n while_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a embryo_n yet_o the_o rational_a soul_n know_v it_o not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o organ_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v work_v thus_o it_o may_v be_v with_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v be_v beget_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v himself_o unite_v to_o christ_n premise_v 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n may_v discern_v many_o disorder_n and_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o itself_o when_o the_o union_n be_v effect_v or_o produce_v in_o that_o soul_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o their_o

christ_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v of_o holy_a pure_a undefiled_a eye_n pure_a than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n can_v think_v the_o lord_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o forlorn_a soul_n as_o thou_o that_o have_v so_o curse_o rebel_v against_o he_o o_o no_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o dare_v not_o conceive_v god_n will_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o be_o such_o a_o curse_a wretch_n alas_o poor_a soul_n thou_o think_v this_o to_o be_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v curse_v pride_n thou_o will_v have_v some_o ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o thyself_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v accept_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o think_v it_o great_a humility_n in_o thyself_o like_o another_o peter_n what_o jesus_n christ_n wash_v my_o foot_n now_o what_o near_a likeness_n be_v here_o between_o this_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o poor_a desire_v never_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o himself_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o ever_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o alas_o this_o difference_n be_v hardly_o discern_v thus_o also_o if_o you_o go_v to_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n say_v the_o soul_n though_o i_o do_v fail_v in_o my_o purpose_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o heart_n be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o be_v give_v as_o another_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n i_o say_v it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o mere_a work_n of_o ignorance_n sincerity_n be_v a_o single_a eye_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o what_o thou_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o soul_n judgement_n a_o soul_n act_v mere_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o ignorance_n may_v have_v a_o single_a eye_n at_o god_n glory_n rom._n 10.2_o 3._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o so_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n hence_o the_o soul_n will_v say_v i_o think_v i_o have_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n but_o i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v i_o may_v be_v deceive_v thus_o in_o these_o chief_a thing_n there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o discern_v the_o jewel_n from_o the_o counterfeit_n ii_o in_o regard_v those_o holy_a disposition_n inclination_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n do_v proper_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n so_o do_v these_o grace_n increase_n and_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v eclipse_v so_o do_v they_o decrease_v to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o most_o promise_v seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o be_v to_o mourner_n whence_o do_v true_a mourn_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n proceed_v be_v it_o not_o from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n yea_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n propriety_n in_o christ_n at_o least_o thus_o far_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o probable_a interest_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n behold_v first_o the_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n indeed_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n never_o appear_v but_o in_o the_o precious_a glass_n of_o the_o lord_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n to_o poor_a loveless_n soul_n iii_o in_o regard_n the_o right_a nature_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v discern_v but_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a conformity_n in_o those_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v command_v those_o holy_a quality_n shall_v i_o begin_v at_o the_o low_a which_o be_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v seldom_o i_o may_v say_v never_o see_v a_o conformity_n in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n be_v in_o eph._n 6.5_o 6._o it_o be_v speak_v concern_v servant_n but_o it_o hold_v in_o every_o duty_n servant_n be_v obedient_a to_o they_o that_o be_v your_o master_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o singleness_n of_o your_o heart_n as_o unto_o christ_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n true_a sincerity_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o command_n it_o be_v a_o singleness_n of_o heart_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n a_o single_a eye_n that_o be_v have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o christ_n alone_o the_o species_n of_o all_o the_o vision_n of_o that_o eye_n with_o which_o he_o respect_v the_o duty_n be_v take_v from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o now_o how_o far_o short_a shall_v a_o soul_n see_v itself_o of_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n when_o can_v the_o soul_n say_v his_o heart_n be_v single_a to_o christ_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o any_o ordinance_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o soul_n may_v behold_v at_o all_o time_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o those_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o heart_n can_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n the_o truth_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o themselves_o without_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o soul_n sight_n to_o discern_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n any_o know_a soul_n judge_v itself_o to_o be_v far_o unable_a to_o search_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n jer._n 17_o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n have_v never_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o himself_o from_o the_o quality_n itself_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o carnal_a heart_n because_o that_o remain_v unanswered_a the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a 2._o in_o regard_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n appear_v only_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o faith_n therefore_o unless_o the_o soul_n discern_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a quality_n hebr._n 11.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n now_o he_o that_o discern_v faith_n discern_v union_n with_o christ_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sight_n of_o union_n before_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n answ_n 3._o the_o three_o negative_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v by_o any_o thing_n do_v or_o effect_v by_o the_o soul_n or_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o do_v whether_o we_o look_v upon_o work_n internal_a or_o work_v external_a whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o inward_a move_n of_o the_o affection_n to_o to_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v the_o break_v out_o of_o those_o affection_n into_o prayer_n and_o constant_a intercession_n with_o god_n into_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n into_o holiness_n express_v in_o the_o conversation_n by_o none_o of_o these_o can_v the_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v clear_v and_o evidence_v yet_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a do_v by_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n though_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o clear_v the_o union_n and_o evidence_n it_o yet_o the_o work_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n in_o itself_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n where_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a nature_n the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o mean_a neither_o in_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v evidence_v without_o the_o soul_n behold_v any_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o itself_o for_o infallible_o and_o necessary_o in_o the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o do_v

that_o do_v hear_v the_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o do_v careful_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n but_o must_v be_v satisfy_v about_o his_o union_n but_o our_o experience_n tell_v we_o this_o that_o the_o most_o understand_a soul_n about_o union_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o their_o union_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o the_o answer_n open_v now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o affirmative_a there_o be_v another_o question_n will_v be_v cast_v in_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o que._n 1._o but_o may_v the_o soul_n say_v if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v all_o those_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o something_o thus_o inherent_a in_o themselves_o and_o do_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rot_a and_o unsound_a and_o no_o evidence_n must_v we_o now_o cast_v away_o all_o our_o thought_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v former_o gather_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o qualification_n inherent_a in_o our_o soul_n before_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n i_o must_v first_o premise_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o conceive_v either_o quality_n inherent_a in_o his_o soul_n or_o work_v do_v by_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o union_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o unite_n mean_v between_o christ_n and_o thy_o soul_n that_o have_v draw_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o heart_n and_o to_o dwell_v in_o thou_o and_o so_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o dwell_v in_o he_o this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o gross_a popery_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o the_o cause_n of_o union_n 2._o i_o also_o premise_v that_o thou_o have_v not_o take_v quality_n inherent_a in_o thyself_o or_o work_v do_v by_o thyself_o as_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o thou_o do_v believe_v thy_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a sandy_a foundation_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o build_v upon_o this_o be_v to_o ground_v a_o divine_a faith_n upon_o a_o humane_a ground_n to_o ground_v a_o certain_a conclusion_n upon_o a_o poor_a changeable_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v to_o make_v thy_o faith_n of_o no_o long_o last_v than_o the_o constancy_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o such_o work_n or_o the_o constancy_n of_o thy_o sight_n in_o behold_v such_o disposition_n in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v both_o unsafe_a and_o exceed_v dangerous_a 3._o i_o must_v premise_v that_o thou_o mistake_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o thy_o evidence_n conceive_v thyself_o to_o receive_v thy_o evidence_n from_o quality_n inherent_a in_o thyself_o or_o work_v do_v by_o thyself_o when_o thou_o receive_v it_o from_o a_o promise_n of_o free_a grace_n alone_o it_o may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n declare_v to_o thou_o his_o willingness_n to_o accept_v of_o thy_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o let_v thou_o see_v thy_o heart_n close_v with_o that_o gracious_a tender_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v thou_o see_v such_o holy_a disposition_n in_o thy_o soul_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o thy_o union_n thence_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v conclude_v thy_o evidence_n be_v from_o these_o when_o it_o be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o work_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v demand_v whether_o thy_o qualification_n thus_o consider_v be_v evidence_n i_o answer_v negative_o and_o affirmative_o first_o they_o be_v no_o right_a kind_n of_o evidence_n 1._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o faith_n with_o such_o a_o authority_n that_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o revealer_n of_o that_o truth_n the_o soul_n do_v believe_v it_o and_o close_o with_o it_o now_o in_o that_o manner_n the_o word_n alone_o be_v proper_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v always_o have_v a_o divine_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o now_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a ground_n but_o a_o divine_a word_n and_o thy_o own_o disposition_n and_o grace_n be_v no_o divine_a but_o a_o humane_a ground_n 2._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o necessary_a truth_n build_v upon_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n or_o reason_n now_o the_o union_n of_o thy_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v never_o be_v right_o take_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n build_v upon_o thy_o own_o work_n as_o the_o unchangeable_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v no_o work_n do_v by_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v a_o unchangeable_a reason_n upon_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v build_v such_o a_o truth_n as_o this_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n in_o regard_n thou_o be_v never_o yet_o full_o certain_a of_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o those_o thy_o work_n or_o of_o those_o disposition_n in_o thy_o soul_n from_o whence_o thou_o do_v gather_v those_o thought_n of_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o they_o may_v be_v improper_o call_v evidence_n and_o they_o may_v have_v beget_v a_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o thy_o soul_n though_o not_o a_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n opinion_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o some_o truth_n propound_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n propound_v now_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v afford_v some_o probable_a argument_n of_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o from_o thence_o may_v have_v fly_v these_o three_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o thence_o may_v have_v rise_v a_o quiet_a and_o calm_a in_o the_o soul_n a_o cessation_n from_o those_o perturbation_n and_o tumult_n the_o soul_n be_v disquiet_v with_o former_o 2._o hence_o may_v flow_v some_o refreshment_n a_o hope_n of_o possibility_n to_o the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n bring_v admirable_a refreshment_n much_o like_o a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n at_o sea_n see_v but_o a_o ship_n come_v towards_o he_o gives_z him_z hope_v of_o be_v take_v in_o 3._o from_o hence_o may_v arise_v some_o flit_a joy_n though_o christ_n do_v but_o pass_v by_o as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o soul_n do_v but_o see_v his_o face_n through_o a_o crevice_n it_o refresh_v his_o heart_n thus_o far_o they_o may_v be_v evidence_n of_o opinion_n unto_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n that_o must_v be_v note_v about_o this_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n lest_o we_o mistake_v for_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o many_o soul_n may_v prove_v such_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a issue_n of_o they_o may_v hold_v to_o eternity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o safety_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o soul_n therefore_o observe_v i._o that_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o soul_n do_v yet_o fall_v short_a of_o raise_v those_o soul_n into_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n about_o and_o concern_v evidence_n of_o union_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o certainty_n and_o that_o strength_n of_o confidence_n that_o the_o rule_n concern_v evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n do_v require_v soul_n to_o be_v raise_v to_o when_o this_o opinion_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n there_o can_v be_v a_o full_a certainty_n now_o the_o scripture_n require_v soul_n to_o attain_v a_o full_a confidence_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n heb._n 10.22_o 2._o in_o regard_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n in_o these_o evidence_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o ground_n disagree_v to_o the_o rule_n the_o rule_n be_v only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v immutable_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v build_v heb._n 6.17_o 18._o 3._o in_o regard_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unsuitable_a in_o measure_n and_o degree_n to_o that_o which_o god_n intend_v for_o his_o people_n soul_n he_o intend_v full_a consolation_n to_o they_o a_o plerophery_a of_o consolation_n but_o how_o weak_a be_v those_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o those_o weak_a fluctuate_a inherent_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n quality_n or_o the_o work_n of_o those_o quality_n ii_o you_o must_v note_v about_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n that_o no_o soul_n may_v just_o satisfy_v or_o content_v itself_o with_o only_a those_o evidence_n of_o

into_o union_n when_o the_o soul_n can_v see_v nothing_o of_o those_o precious_a working_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v either_o from_o the_o inherent_a grace_n in_o he_o or_o the_o work_n of_o those_o grace_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v constant_a in_o itself_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v unconstant_a three_o thence_o the_o soul_n walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n rule_n the_o rule_n be_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n rather_o than_o by_o sight_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n adhere_v only_o to_o and_o seek_v after_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n the_o soul_n seek_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v only_o by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n now_o there_o be_v a_o second_o question_n that_o will_v arise_v before_o i_o can_v pass_v to_o the_o affirmative_a answer_n quest_n 2._o if_o those_o inherent_a quality_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o soul_n and_o the_o working_n of_o they_o can_v thus_o evidence_n the_o soul_n union_n primary_o nor_o be_v no_o better_o ground_n of_o evidence_n than_o this_o then_o why_o do_v the_o scripture_n propound_v the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o love_n unto_o god_n as_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n answ_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n there_o be_v divers_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o many_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o soul_n conceive_v to_o lay_v down_o such_o grace_n and_o working_n of_o grace_n as_o sign_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v only_o lay_v down_o as_o manifest_a sign_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n unto_o other_o not_o themselves_o as_o mat._n 7.16_o 20._o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o the_o place_n if_o you_o observe_v it_o do_v not_o say_v by_o your_o own_o fruit_n you_o shall_v evidence_n your_o own_o condition_n but_o it_o propound_v the_o conversation_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v conceive_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o separation_n from_o christ_n yet_o this_o can_v yield_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n to_o we_o of_o their_o union_n 2._o all_o other_o place_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o be_v as_o sign_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n do_v only_o lay_v they_o down_o as_o co-witnessing_a sign_n not_o as_o those_o from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v first_o clear_v his_o union_n thus_o far_o indeed_o the_o word_n manifest_v that_o there_o be_v such_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o believer_n do_v see_v such_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o it_o be_v then_o that_o believer_n do_v see_v they_o when_o they_o see_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n no_o believer_n ever_o have_v a_o true_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o he_o also_o see_v some_o such_o precious_a holy_a disposition_n beget_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o some_o working_n of_o they_o also_o towards_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n lay_v they_o down_o as_o co-witness_n so_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o our_o renew_a understanding_n behold_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o do_v draw_v conclusion_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v evidence_n and_o witness_v it_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n unto_o soul_n now_o thus_o be_v those_o place_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o speak_v most_o of_o such_o sign_n he_o speak_v of_o they_o there_o as_o follow_a sign_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n and_o so_o be_v demonstration_n à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la as_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o effect_n and_o witness_v the_o union_n as_o the_o effect_n witness_v the_o cause_n but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o command_v the_o soul_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o those_o and_o from_o those_o though_o they_o be_v also_o able_a to_o afford_v some_o witness_n unto_o his_o union_n in_o way_n of_o confirmation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o when_o once_o the_o soul_n do_v behold_v his_o union_n then_o behold_v his_o grace_n they_o come_v in_o as_o another_o window_n into_o the_o soul_n to_o let_v in_o light_n faith_n and_o sense_n come_v in_o together_o and_o so_o make_v the_o soul_n consolation_n full_a and_o strong_a iii_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o god_n as_o sign_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n purposely_o to_o convince_v deluder_n of_o themselves_o about_o their_o union_n it_o be_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o contrary_n walk_v unto_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o though_o no_o degree_n of_o a_o soul_n obebedience_n unto_o god_n nor_o no_o degree_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n unto_o god_n be_v able_a of_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o to_o clear_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v yet_o some_o kind_n of_o disobedience_n and_o of_o contrary_n walk_v unto_o god_n may_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v no_o union_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o have_v lay_v down_o any_o such_o sign_n always_o follow_v it_o with_o the_o contrary_a unto_o any_o such_o sign_n prove_v that_o those_o soul_n that_o walk_v direct_o contrary_a can_v be_v such_o as_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v no_o soon_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v hereby_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o we_o love_v god_n if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1._o john_n 2.3_o but_o he_o say_v he_o that_o say_v he_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n present_o he_o bring_v the_o point_n back_o for_o proof_n to_o convince_v soul_n of_o want_n of_o union_n by_o that_o which_o be_v a_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n want_v of_o union_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v about_o this_o 1._o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o lay_v down_o any_o defect_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o obedience_n or_o of_o love_n or_o of_o any_o degree_n of_o perfection_n of_o those_o sign_n lay_v down_o as_o be_v consequence_n of_o union_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o soul_n want_v of_o union_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o degree_n or_o that_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o this_o and_o that_o manner_n of_o obedience_n do_v follow_v the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n 2._o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o lay_v down_o that_o a_o irregularity_n or_o any_o disorder_n in_o the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n or_o in_o the_o soul_n love_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o like_a do_v manifest_a the_o soul_n want_v of_o union_n neither_o do_v he_o require_v any_o perfection_n in_o those_o sign_n lay_v down_o as_o consequent_a sign_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n to_o make_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n evident_a by_o they_o 3._o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o holy_a operation_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o act_n of_o love_n unto_o god_n do_v manifest_a that_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o unite_v unto_o christ_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o season_n that_o be_v the_o inseparable_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v a_o total_a want_n or_o contrariety_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o union_n so_o that_o he_o do_v place_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n disjunction_n in_o a_o contrariety_n to_o these_o as_o when_o he_o say_v by_o this_o we_o know_v we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n but_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n abide_v in_o death_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n must_v needs_o hate_v god_n so_o in_o 1_o john_n 4_o 5._o when_o he_o lay_v down_o obedience_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n then_o present_o he_o say_v he_o that_o say_v he_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o lyar._n there_o be_v a_o three_o question_n to_o be_v

reason_n be_v plain_a whatever_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o that_o must_v necessary_o be_v see_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o promise_n can_v be_v believe_v but_o now_o what_o a_o preposterous_a course_n be_v this_o and_o what_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v see_v my_o faith_n before_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o i_o shall_v see_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o my_o soul_n nay_o rather_o that_o i_o shall_v see_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o ever_o faith_n do_v put_v forth_o a_o act_n 3._o then_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o absolute_a covenant_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o covenant_n void_a of_o all_o condition_n for_o shall_v the_o lord_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o a_o quality_n as_o a_o quality_n that_o quality_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n shall_v bind_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o promise_n then_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o particular_a soul_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o through_o the_o be_v of_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v but_o you_o read_v in_o ezek._n 36._o and_o jer._n 33._o the_o covenant_n be_v hold_v forth_o absolute_o the_o lord_n undertake_v every_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n also_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o own_o will_v alone_o rom._n 9.11_o to_o 15._o answ_n 4._o four_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o quality_n do_v not_o promise_v any_o mercy_n or_o grace_n or_o favour_n unto_o soul_n in_o those_o quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v as_o look_v over_o all_o the_o promise_n mat._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n here_o to_o the_o burden_a soul_n nor_o yet_o comfort_n as_o invite_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v comfort_n because_o they_o be_v burden_v or_o in_o their_o be_v burden_a and_o groan_v under_o sin_n but_o do_v direct_v they_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o refreshment_n come_v to_o i_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v have_v rest_n so_o that_o promise_n to_o thirsty_a one_o john_n 7.37_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n the_o lord_n speak_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o in_o their_o thirst_v but_o send_v they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o receive_v comfort_n absolute_o as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o thirst_v in_o their_o soul_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v of_o every_o such_o promise_n now_o from_o this_o will_v follow_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o that_o question_n promise_n the_o use_n of_o conditional_a promise_n of_o what_o purpose_n and_o use_v these_o promise_n be_v of_o then_o first_o they_o be_v of_o a_o directive_n use_v use_n of_o directive_n use_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o soul_n find_v himself_o poor_a and_o penurious_a find_v himself_o thirsty_a and_o long_v after_o this_o refreshment_n or_o that_o refreshment_n after_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o sanctification_n or_o receive_v more_o grace_n these_o promise_n be_v of_o use_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o carry_v the_o soul_n beyond_o break_a cistern_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v to_o for_o refreshment_n and_o to_o open_v to_o he_o the_o everlasting_a fountain_n where_o only_o he_o can_v have_v refreshment_n 2._o the_o promise_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o quality_n they_o be_v of_o use_n by_o way_n of_o support_n support_n support_n to_o underprop_v the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n the_o promise_n to_o poor_a burden_a soul_n though_o it_o do_v not_o present_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n because_o he_o be_v burden_v he_o have_v rest_n yet_o it_o open_v a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n of_o rest_n and_o that_o do_v sweet_o underprop_v the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n when_o he_o be_v sink_v under_o his_o burden_n as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o poor_a blind_a man_n be_v come_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o disciple_n cry_v to_o he_o to_o hold_v his_o peace_n yet_o when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o jesus_n christ_n call_v for_o he_o though_o he_o have_v not_o his_o sight_n from_o thence_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v some_o refreshment_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o his_o soul_n to_o rest_v upon_o whereas_o he_o see_v no_o foo●f_a hope_n to_o stand_v upon_o before_o 3._o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o those_o very_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n quality_n to_o beget_v the_o quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v by_o hear_v the_o lord_n invite_v poor_a thirsty_a empty_a soul_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v open_v to_o behold_v his_o own_o emptiness_n and_o by_o discover_v of_o the_o precious_a working_n of_o love_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n to_o poor_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o poor_a necessitous_a soul_n without_o any_o condidition_n require_v of_o they_o the_o heart_n of_o poor_a soul_n be_v so_o allure_v and_o sweet_o draw_v out_o after_o god_n that_o all_o those_o holy_a disposition_n and_o quality_n be_v beget_v in_o they_o yea_o faith_n itself_o to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a isa_n 52.20_o that_o what_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o turn_v from_o transgression_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 11.26_o apply_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o fulfil_v that_o very_a quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o soul_n even_o make_v they_o to_o turn_v from_o their_o iniquity_n and_o ungodliness_n christ_n shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n as_o though_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o a_o quality_n in_o soul_n or_o to_o make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n for_o the_o promise_n beget_v the_o condition_n 4._o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o reveal_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n union_n to_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n open_v and_o discover_v those_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v not_o unto_o a_o soul_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n from_o any_o promise_n make_v to_o a_o quality_n in_o this_o manner_n that_o be_v by_o show_v the_o soul_n the_o quality_n in_o himself_o to_o which_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v such_o grace_n or_o mercy_n to_o i_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o quality_n by_o manifest_v the_o lord_n love_v kindness_n and_o free_a grace_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o that_o promise_n absolute_o as_o well_o to_o beget_v the_o quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v as_o to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o a_o quality_n all_o one_o with_o a_o absolute_a promise_n also_o further_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v also_o through_o reveal_v the_o soul_n union_n by_o such_o a_o promise_n beget_v that_o very_a quality_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o apprehend_v the_o quality_n to_o be_v beget_v in_o himself_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o soul_n claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o quality_n now_o that_o which_o remain_v be_v the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o the_o answer_n christ_n how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o answer_v didirect_o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o give_v this_o affirmative_a answer_n there_o be_v divers_a thing_n also_o must_v be_v premise_v further_a premise_v 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v this_o that_o in_o our_o ordinary_a phrase_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o we_o call_v every_o assurance_n of_o our_o union_n a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o union_n and_o whatever_o can_v make_v a_o man_n infallible_o certain_a he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n that_o we_o say_v in_o our_o ordinary_a phrase_n can_v give_v a_o soul_n a_o knowledge_n of_o his_o union_n and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n do_v seem_v to_o countenance_v this_o our_o phrase_n of_o speak_v as_o in_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v which_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o only_o the_o knowledge_n

soul_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n remain_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a the_o truth_n of_o grace_n appear_v most_o clear_o from_o their_o original_a from_o whence_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n upon_o which_o they_o grow_v in_o regard_n other_o fruit_n may_v have_v so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v so_o much_o darkness_n in_o it_o whilst_o it_o remain_v here_o below_o but_o when_o the_o original_n of_o grace_n appear_v when_o the_o soul_n see_v his_o love_n flow_v mere_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o even_o because_o of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o soul_n love_v god_n again_o it_o be_v then_o that_o love_n appear_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o indeed_o never_o till_o then_o so_o that_o till_o the_o love_n or_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o mourn_v for_o sin_n appear_v to_o the_o soul_n itself_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v doubtful_a when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o soul_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n now_o these_o thing_n consider_v when_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o question_n must_v be_v concern_v this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n for_o you_o presuppose_v yourselves_o not_o to_o have_v any_o union_n therefore_o observe_v what_o question_n you_o ask_v you_o ask_v how_o you_o may_v gain_v a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o your_o particular_a soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o question_n will_v divide_v itself_o into_o two_o question_n first_o how_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o how_o soul_n that_o do_v conceive_v and_o judge_n and_o estimate_n themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n may_v know_v whether_o their_o union_n be_v true_a whether_o their_o evidence_n be_v right_a evidence_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v delusion_n the_o first_o question_n must_v resolve_v every_o poor_a doubt_v scrupulous_a soul_n about_o his_o union_n but_o now_o observe_v such_o soul_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o i_o about_o the_o union_n of_o their_o soul_n nor_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v reveal_v unto_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o produce_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o act_n of_o almighty_a power_n as_o you_o may_v see_v ephe._n 1.19_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n he_o pray_v also_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o a_o mighty_a power_n that_o be_v a_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n as_o a_o incomprehensible_a essence_n for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n that_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n parallel_v that_o power_n that_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o the_o produce_v the_o consequence_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v also_o another_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o consequence_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o soul_n bosom_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o poor_a toss_a soul_n in_o his_o own_o wish_a for_o heaven_n now_o the_o beget_n such_o peace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n isa_n 57.18_o 19_o he_o create_v peace_n creation_n be_v a_o work_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o as_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o infinite_a divine_a essence_n creation_n be_v to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o creature_n whatever_o 3._o it_o must_v be_v a_o supernatural_a divine_a light_n that_o can_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v ephe._n 1.17_o 18._o how_o the_o apostle_n desire_v that_o those_o ephesian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v into_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o propound_v as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o lord_n call_v soul_n you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o understanding_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o light_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v those_o deep_a hide_a thing_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o understanding_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o your_o union_n can_v reveal_v no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o outward_a light_n to_o the_o outward_a eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v your_o scrupulous_a soul_n can_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n about_o your_o union_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n but_o i_o pray_v mistake_v not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o soul_n may_v not_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n through_o that_o as_o a_o mean_n but_o rather_o i_o affirm_v that_o through_o those_o revelation_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v true_a light_n into_o the_o spiritual_a understanding_n the_o lord_n strike_v in_o with_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a upon_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a into_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o truth_n 4._o in_o regard_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v a_o peculiar_a officer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o have_v design_v that_o work_n of_o satisfy_a soul_n about_o their_o union_n for_o that_o officer_n as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o alone_o thence_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o officer_n a_o name_n suitable_a for_o that_o end_n which_o be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 14.26_o and_o common_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o by_o that_o name_n alone_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o and_o it_o must_v be_v truth_n that_o be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o must_v give_v such_o soul_n satisfaction_n about_o their_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o their_o union_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o any_o thing_n reveal_v by_o any_o man_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o that_o be_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o reveal_v to_o their_o soul_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o common_o suppose_a ground_n from_o whence_o they_o seek_v for_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n second_o in_o raise_v their_o eye_n of_o expectation_n to_o the_o right_a original_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o great_a question_n how_o soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o before_o this_o question_n can_v be_v answer_v it_o will_v divide_v itself_o into_o there_o branch_n first_o from_o whence_o or_o from_o what_o ground_n soul_n do_v attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n

three_o in_o what_o manner_n those_o mean_n produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n quest_n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v from_o whence_o soul_n attain_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a peculiar_a ground_n substantial_o from_o whence_o soul_n can_v expect_v to_o receive_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o free_a promise_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n alone_o to_o poor_a despisable_a soul_n wherein_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v or_o bestow_v the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o their_o soul_n now_o that_o this_o free_a promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n will_v appear_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n i._o in_o regard_v a_o divine_a word_n must_v be_v the_o proper_a adequate_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 10.17_o the_o whole_a gospel_n consider_v as_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o word_n from_o which_o faith_n come_v that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o that_o produce_v faith_n but_o through_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n reveal_v that_o word_n unto_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o true_a infallible_a foundation_n for_o soul_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n past_a out_o from_o god_n as_o a_o promise_n unto_o soul_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o true_a hope_n unto_o soul_n say_v david_n psal_n 119.49_o remember_v thy_o word_n that_o be_v thy_o promise_n unto_o thy_o servant_n upon_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o hope_v now_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n thus_o consider_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a promise_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n of_o his_o free_a donation_n and_o give_v christ_n unto_o a_o soul_n that_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o act_n of_o every_o assure_v faith_n it_o must_v be_v through_o some_o light_n and_o apprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o the_o lord_n free_a will_n concern_v his_o soul_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v one_o that_o any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n faith_n respect_n thing_n only_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o speech_n from_o some_o person_n or_o other_o and_o respect_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n that_o be_v upon_o which_o faith_n do_v believe_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o sarahs_n faith_n heb._n 11.11_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o paul_n faith_n be_v express_v thus_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a now_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o mind_n concern_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o such_o soul_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n thence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n or_o the_o lord_n donation_n or_o give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n before_o there_o can_v follow_v any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n faith_n proper_a exercise_n consist_v only_o in_o receive_v whence_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o believe_v and_o receive_v be_v both_o put_v for_o one_o ordinary_o john_n 1.12_o and_o chap._n 3.33_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n for_o every_o right_a exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o something_o give_v that_o may_v be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v of_o indispensable_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o it_o before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n iii_o it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a infallible_a certainty_n to_o faith_n eye_n in_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o faith_n of_o evidence_n do_v act_n faith_n work_v only_o as_o a_o receiver_n can_v receive_v no_o full_a certainty_n or_o have_v any_o full_a confidence_n in_o itself_o of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v or_o do_v than_o it_o see_v manifest_a from_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o it_o take_v that_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n now_o the_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a counsel_n have_v determine_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o certainty_n but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.16_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n from_o whence_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o you_o see_v be_v only_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o yet_o here_o be_v another_o question_n soul_n will_v cast_v in_o before_o we_o answer_v the_o second_o by_o what_o mean_n quest_n but_o may_v the_o soul_n say_v be_v it_o not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o near_a ground_n the_o proximate_a ground_n but_o the_o remote_a ground_n the_o further_a off_o ground_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n fulfil_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o near_a ground_n and_o the_o immediate_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o union_n for_o answer_v to_o it_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n to_o be_v premise_v and_o then_o to_o come_v to_o the_o direct_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a receive_v division_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v either_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a absolute_a make_v and_o found_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o to_o be_v accomplish_v only_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o because_o he_o will_n or_o else_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o some_o particular_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o soul_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o division_n divide_v the_o promise_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o know_a division_n promise_v legal_a and_o promise_n evangelical_a promise_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n prem_n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o call_v conditional_a promise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o condition_n include_v in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o any_o one_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o promise_n into_o promise_n absolute_a and_o promise_n conditional_a can_v hold_v right_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o every_o promise_n consider_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v all_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v simple_o and_o full_o determine_v to_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o latitude_n wherein_o he_o do_v propound_v they_o unto_o soul_n and_o that_o without_o any_o impediment_n or_o interruption_n so_o that_o whatever_o can_v possible_o intervene_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v shall_v prevail_v in_o perform_v the_o promise_n thence_o you_o shall_v observe_v jer._n 31.32_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o old_a covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o nation_n in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n whole_o absolute_a contain_v nothing_o but_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o

have_v any_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n or_o quality_n inherent_a in_o he_o but_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n former_o dark_a about_o his_o union_n must_v have_v respect_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o gift_n be_v manifest_v else_o the_o gift_n can_v be_v close_v with_o as_o suitable_a thence_o it_o must_v be_v manifest_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o poor_a despicable_a and_o desperate_a rebellious_a wretch_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v with_o the_o great_a commander_n of_o heaven_n for_o pardon_v to_o such_o a_o poor_a despicable_a rebel_n it_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o day_n man_n that_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o both_o partay_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o at_o difference_n to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o open_v the_o work_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o faith_n consider_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o ungodly_a one_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o rom._n 4_o 5._o ii_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v first_o in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v hitherto_o set_v in_o darkness_n must_v be_v a_o manifestation_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o those_o very_a grace_n and_o the_o grace_n themselves_o consider_v as_o give_v be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o his_o free_a will_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o those_o grace_n that_o must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o question_n open_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n use_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n there_o be_v another_o question_n to_o be_v open_v that_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n all_o the_o absolute_a promise_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o absolute_a promise_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o particular_a soul_n that_o be_v his_o own_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o or_o any_o other_o know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o particular_a soul_n in_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o particularise_v of_o any_o soul_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v first_o open_v what_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o every_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o lie_v down_o two_o conclusion_n for_o the_o full_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n of_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o absolute_a promise_n alone_o be_v like_o jacob_n ladder_n it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a ladder_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o come_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o precious_a golden_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o precious_a marriage_n knot_n of_o union_n be_v only_o knit_v by_o that_o chain_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o absolute_a good_a will_n unto_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o first_o ground_n of_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o revelation_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v soul_n now_o thence_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v than_o it_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v from_o eternity_n and_o so_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o lord_n elective_a love_n but_o rather_o the_o first_o and_o primary_n cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n shall_v be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o so_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n truth_n it_o shall_v be_v of_o he_o that_o will_v and_o run_v and_o not_o of_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o grace_n acceptable_a to_o god_n presuppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o union_n with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o conditional_a promise_n or_o a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v now_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o condition_n or_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o such_o a_o holy_a quality_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o holy_a quality_n conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n acceptable_a to_o god_n before_o union_n then_o either_o the_o soul_n must_v receive_v some_o holy_a quality_n that_o flow_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o deny_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o in_o col._n 1.9_o and_o john_n 1.16_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o some_o grace_n some_o holy_a quality_n shall_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n still_o remain_v a_o stranger_n to_o god_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o quality_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o union_n than_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v a_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n out_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n alone_o in_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v pre._n 2._o that_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v ever_o by_o or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v not_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n then_o the_o devil_n faith_n shall_v hold_v equal_a proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v as_o full_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a absolute_a promise_n as_o any_o unite_a soul_n and_o do_v as_o full_o expect_v the_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o shall_v the_o soul_n dependence_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o suitable_a ground_n for_o the_o dependence_n the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n but_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n all_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v describe_v in_o any_o word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a promise_n those_o be_v not_o discover_v at_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o absolute_a promise_n prove_v a_o particular_a ground_n to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o absolute_a promise_n see_v the_o lord_n particular_o tender_v himself_o to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o dependence_n prem_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o soul_n

with_o himself_o conclu_n 2._o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o particular_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o union_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_n confidence_n of_o the_o particularity_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v both_o of_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n take_v away_o particular_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n particular_a will_n towards_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o you_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o adherence_n take_v away_o the_o particular_a confidence_n and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v tender_v 2._o both_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o say_v of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o indeed_o that_o the_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v when_o he_o once_o act_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n differ_v gradual_o that_o be_v in_o many_o degree_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o adherence_n yet_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o be_v both_o substantial_o the_o same_o they_o be_v but_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o take_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o only_o this_o differ_v in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o faith_n of_o assurance_n act_v that_o confidence_n by_o way_n of_o the_o time_n past_a that_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o good_a will_v alone_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n whereas_o that_o confidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o dependence_n or_o adherence_n may_v work_v thus_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v now_o at_o this_o present_a to_o receive_v my_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n now_o all_o man_n grant_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o build_v say_v of_o adherence_n or_o dependence_n upon_o otherwise_o you_o must_v take_v away_o all_o ground_n upon_o which_o a_o soul_n must_v believe_v and_o you_o must_v leave_v a_o soul_n under_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v have_v no_o bottom_n upon_o which_o to_o set_v his_o faith_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o open_n of_o the_o second_o question_n and_o that_o be_v quest_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v a_o soul_n receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o have_v be_v determine_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o every_o poor_a despicable_a loveless_a forlorn_a soul_n that_o will_v receive_v he_o be_v the_o only_a unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o certain_a infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n but_o now_o say_v the_o soul_n by_o what_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n make_v efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o bare_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_a to_o the_o particular_a soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n i_o must_v first_o premise_v divers_a thing_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o then_o lie_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n in_o what_o condition_n soever_o under_o what_o temptation_n in_o what_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n soever_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v accept_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o though_o indeed_o the_o promise_n work_v this_o effect_n very_o rare_o in_o soul_n yet_o at_o all_o time_n the_o promise_n have_v that_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o addition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o promise_n neither_o by_o word_n nor_o light_n neither_o by_o way_n of_o particularise_v soul_n nor_o by_o way_n of_o comprehensiveness_n to_o make_v it_o conclude_v soul_n neither_o do_v the_o soul_n build_v upon_o any_o thing_n add_v to_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n itself_o be_v the_o absolute_a ground_n that_o the_o soul_n always_o build_v upon_o in_o receive_v evidence_n from_o it_o now_o because_o the_o promise_n itself_o do_v not_o at_o every_o time_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n manifest_a unto_o that_o soul_n thus_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o who_o it_o have_v evidence_v his_o union_n therefore_o think_v some_o soul_n it_o be_v something_o superad_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o some_o again_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o position_n itself_o that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n shall_v give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o some_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o kind_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o soul_n name_n to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n shall_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o some_o superadded_a revelation_n but_o neither_o of_o both_o these_o must_v be_v conceive_v but_o the_o promise_n have_v always_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o light_a to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o only_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o tower_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o it_o be_v with_o this_o foundation_n as_o with_o other_o foundation_n when_o the_o timber_n be_v hew_v and_o square_a fit_n for_o a_o groundsel_n it_o must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o foundation_n so_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v instruction_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v see_v his_o assurance_n stand_v firm_a upon_o it_o prem_n 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o a_o subordination_n to_o his_o will_n for_o the_o effect_v any_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o produce_v or_o effect_v such_o a_o end_n this_o i_o premise_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o mean_n when_o we_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v this_o promise_n make_v sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o primary_n efficient_a cause_n upon_o which_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o dependence_n and_o all_o thing_n employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v that_o be_v inferior_a cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o be_v call_v mean_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o create_a cause_n some_o such_o inferior_a cause_n may_v be_v call_v a_o principal_a cause_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v this_o end_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o that_o use_n prem_n 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o various_a mean_n that_o do_v common_o concur_v together_o for_o effect_v one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o have_v divers_a relation_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o work_v diverse_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a kind_n of_o influence_n from_o divers_a thing_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n and_o whatever_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a cause_n it_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mean_n so_o in_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o evidence_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v and_o do_v concur_v for_o effect_v that_o bless_a end_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n though_o those_o various_a thing_n work_v in_o a_o various_a manner_n and_o one_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n and_o another_o have_v another_o influence_n and_o so_o be_v look_v at_o as_o divers_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o assurance_n prem_n 4._o four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o

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 ●●●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

in_o that_o propriety_n he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v fear_n and_o doubt_n arise_v of_o lose_v it_o again_o can_v the_o soul_n see_v union_n with_o christ_n unless_o the_o voice_n say_v thus_o i_o be_o thou_o and_o will_v never_o separate_v from_o thou_o it_o will_v give_v no_o true_a comfort_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o afraid_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o happiness_n then_o rejoice_v in_o the_o present_a good_a enjoy_v 3._o it_o will_v appear_v in_o regard_n there_o be_v nothing_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n from_o the_o promise_n satisfy_o but_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o that_o that_o be_v in_o the_o revelation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o sin_n gild_n and_o subjection_n to_o everlasting_a damnation_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v any_o satisfaction_n or_o any_o true_a freedom_n from_o those_o dreadful_a horror_n that_o possess_v a_o soul_n upon_o the_o true_a revelation_n of_o his_o dreadful_a estate_n of_o sin_n woe_n and_o misery_n now_o its_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o reveal_v with_o power_n the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o soul_n through_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v again_o with_o another_o voice_n which_o have_v as_o great_a a_o power_n to_o pronounce_v the_o absolution_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o condemnation_n through_o christ_n the_o soul_n can_v never_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n nor_o be_v free_a from_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n in_o himself_o four_o the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o need_v quote_v only_o that_o one_o place_n rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o he_o will_v rise_v to_o the_o high_a evidence_n he_o rise_v to_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n that_o will_v clear_v it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o that_o by_o a_o special_a peculiar_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n 1._o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n itself_o intimate_v it_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o sometime_o the_o spirit_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o grace_n he_o put_v the_o emphasis_n upon_o it_o the_o spirit_n itself_o that_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o witness_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o he_o put_v it_o as_o a_o distinct_a witness_n it_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n 3._o it_o be_v by_o particular_a application_n it_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o witness_v adoption_n now_o we_o can_v believe_v our_o adoption_n without_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o from_o a_o word_n and_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o second_o question_n open_v that_o be_v by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n there_o be_v a_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o in_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o soul_n receive_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o first_o question_n that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n receive_v any_o poor_a despicable_a loveless_n forlorn_a soul_n that_o will_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o first_o infallible_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n evividence_n of_o union_n and_o it_o be_v eonclude_v that_o there_o be_v various_a mean_n that_o do_v concur_v together_o to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v his_o union_n from_o this_o absolute_a promise_n though_o there_o be_v one_o immediate_a mean_n that_o work_v in_o the_o promise_n assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o question_n now_o remain_v how_o this_o mean_n do_v produce_v this_o end_n or_o how_o the_o lord_n work_v in_o and_o through_o these_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o absolute_a promise_n efficacious_a and_o effectual_a to_o manifest_v to_o the_o poor_a doubt_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o open_n of_o it_o i_o must_v premise_v something_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o then_o lie_v down_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o positive_a conclusion_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o influence_n that_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o do_v contribute_v unto_o the_o evidence_n unto_o any_o doubtful_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n only_o produce_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o effect_n in_o that_o soul_n that_o do_v receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v through_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v at_o one_o time_n bring_v to_o mind_v the_o absolute_a promise_n in_o the_o clearness_n of_o light_n it_o hold_v forth_o and_o make_v application_n of_o that_o promise_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o suppose_v another_o time_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o end_n still_o there_o be_v the_o same_o effect_n beget_v by_o these_o various_a mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n prem_n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o influence_n that_o any_o mean_n do_v contribute_v for_o the_o evidence_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o so_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o prayer_n or_o any_o ordinance_n towards_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o bless_a end_n in_o the_o soul_n may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n those_o mean_n contribute_v not_o the_o least_o in_o themselves_o otherwise_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n employ_v they_o as_o his_o own_o instrument_n for_o assure_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o faith_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n prem_n 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o limit_v himself_o to_o any_o constant_a particular_a order_n in_o assure_v unto_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v true_o the_o spiritual_a wind_n that_o blow_v where_o and_o how_o it_o list_v there_o be_v no_o limitation_n propound_v in_o the_o word_n whereby_o it_o shall_v appear_v the_o spirit_n shall_v bind_v himself_o to_o work_v in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o all_o soul_n to_o evidence_n to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v set_v no_o bound_n to_o himself_o of_o any_o degree_n of_o those_o effect_n that_o it_o do_v produce_v to_o soul_n whereby_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v efficacious_a to_o assure_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o it_o work_v various_o in_o the_o heart_n prem_n 4._o four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o assure_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o the_o full_a and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v altogether_o unspeakable_a and_o inexpressable_a sure_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o those_o gospel_n joy_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n that_o eye_n never_o see_v nor_o ear_n never_o hear_v neither_o do_v it_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o likewise_o well_o may_v that_o place_n be_v apply_v that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o neither_o do_v any_o man_n or_o angel_n know_v those_o secret_a discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n mind_n and_o open_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n who_o he_o do_v assure_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n prem_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o premise_v though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n

jesus_n will_v blemish_v the_o equity_n and_o seem_v right_a rectitude_n of_o satan_n application_n of_o such_o a_o lie_a argument_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n yea_o it_o will_v discover_v the_o false_a application_n of_o such_o a_o lie_a argument_n of_o his_o union_n iii_o the_o three_o defilement_n or_o corruption_n of_o conscience_n be_v its_o insensibleness_n or_o regardlesness_n of_o sin_n commit_v when_o discern_v this_o the_o devil_n maintain_v foment_n and_o increase_v with_o all_o his_o power_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o delude_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o foolish_a dream_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_n hereby_o satan_n present_v the_o frequency_n and_o strictness_n of_o the_o soul_n inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o own_o hope_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o hereby_o the_o positive_a slightness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o hope_n for_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o slightness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o hope_v for_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v dispose_v their_o poor_a foolish_a soul_n ready_o to_o receive_v any_o suggestion_n from_o hell_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v without_o any_o fear_n of_o danger_n whatever_o 3._o hereby_o the_o jealousy_n of_o satan_n suggestion_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v be_v whole_o prevent_v iv_o the_o four_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o its_o record_v or_o register_n the_o soul_n iniquity_n now_o satan_n exercise_v this_o power_n upon_o the_o defilement_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o 1._o in_o regard_n hereby_o he_o do_v prevent_v the_o soul_n who_o he_o delude_v from_o discern_v or_o behold_v the_o contradict_a reason_n to_o their_o reason_n from_o whence_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o mighty_a weight_n to_o persuade_v the_o soul_n that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v unite_v and_o every_o aggravation_n of_o those_o sin_n but_o above_o all_o the_o reject_v of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v now_o satan_n well_o understanding_n that_o his_o foolish_a suggestion_n unto_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o reasonless_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v will_v never_o be_v admit_v of_o do_v the_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o suggest_v that_o they_o be_v unite_v discern_v the_o multitude_n of_o reason_n that_o may_v persuade_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v thence_o it_o be_v he_o do_v exercise_v his_o utmost_a power_n upon_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o conscience_n in_o register_n the_o soul_n iniquity_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o bring_v one_o of_o those_o iniquity_n to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n of_o a_o thousand_o 2._o by_o this_o unfaithfulness_n of_o conscience_n in_o register_n the_o soul_n iniquity_n the_o infiniteness_n and_o 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salvation_n by_o he_o he_o propound_v a_o object_n suitable_a to_o move_v false_a joy_n and_o delight_n and_o contentment_n and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_n heighten_v the_o self-deluding_a joy_v and_o rejoice_v in_o those_o delude_v soul_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o physical_a power_n he_o excercise_v upon_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o be_v a_o immediate_a power_n that_o he_o exercise_v upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n through_o which_o those_o sensible_a motion_n of_o the_o will_v work_v it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o affection_n to_o cause_v the_o blood_n and_o the_o animal_n spirit_n to_o move_v to_o and_o fro_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v the_o body_n suffer_v now_o satan_n can_v immediate_o stir_v those_o humour_n in_o the_o body_n which_o the_o affection_n do_v in_o their_o working_n also_o stir_v and_o thence_o raise_v a_o affection_n beyond_o its_o bound_n now_o satan_n exercise_v these_o two_o power_n of_o his_o upon_o the_o affection_n 1._o in_o 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receive_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v before_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o that_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v powerful_o incite_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n to_o a_o dubious_a anxious_a solicitous_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n work_v this_o way_n in_o three_o respect_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v be_v enervate_v make_v of_o no_o force_n by_o a_o soul_n consent_v to_o a_o dubious_a and_o anxious_a examination_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o union_n receive_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v off_o from_o his_o evidence_n receive_v and_o now_o he_o conceive_v that_o his_o work_n and_o employment_n that_o god_n call_v for_o at_o present_a from_o his_o soul_n be_v to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o clear_a satisfy_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o his_o former_a evidence_n and_o whatever_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o former_a evidence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n to_o the_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v back_v with_o some_o other_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o some_o other_o principle_n either_o in_o the_o soul_n or_o without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n appear_v in_o this_o he_o do_v secret_o and_o indiscernable_o despoyl_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o precious_a jewel_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n while_o he_o solicit_v he_o to_o a_o dubious_a trial_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n be_v lead_v in_o a_o devious_a path_n to_o weary_v his_o perplex_a soul_n in_o wherein_o

satisfy_a power_n of_o the_o manifest_v light_n unto_o his_o faith_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v now_o again_o in_o this_o renew_a act_n gain_v a_o sight_n and_o manifestation_n of_o that_o satisfy_a power_n in_o a_o manifest_v truth_n that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v acept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o thence_o the_o lord_n discern_v the_o causelesness_n of_o his_o own_o prejudicial_a thought_n and_o opinion_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o so_o consequent_o abhor_v himself_o in_o that_o he_o dishonour_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 5._o through_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o believe_a act_n that_o decay_n in_o holiness_n which_o do_v make_v the_o soul_n unsuitable_a to_o take_v a_o just_a impartial_a trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v repair_v that_o appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o mind_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v fill_v 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command_n of_o these_o two_o love_n and_o hatred_n now_o both_o these_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o renew_a exercise_n and_o that_o with_o a_o mighty_a strength_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o renew_a act._n love_n towards_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o very_o reflect_v of_o the_o lord_n love_v cast_v upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n again_o the_o act_n of_o love_n always_o proceed_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o believe_a act_n there_o be_v a_o actual_a view_n of_o the_o infinite_a unspeakable_a riches_n of_o love_n to_o the_o unlovely_a forlorn_a soul_n and_o thence_o love_n be_v draw_v forth_o in_o its_o very_a strength_n towards_o god_n again_o likewise_o hatred_n which_o command_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o displicency_n than_o be_v in_o the_o will_n against_o any_o object_n whatever_o which_o affection_n do_v natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o soul_n love_n now_o therefore_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v proper_o against_o sin_n and_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n and_o his_o will._n in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o love_n act_n in_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n do_v hatred_n work_v towards_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n now_o by_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o these_o two_o all_o the_o other_o holy_a affection_n also_o be_v excite_v into_o their_o exercise_n thence_o the_o decay_n of_o holiness_n be_v sweet_o repair_v and_o the_o soul_n put_v into_o a_o suitable_a temper_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n for_o his_o people_n soul_n to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o himself_o in_o be_v also_o mediate_a and_o second_v mean_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o soul_n from_o the_o dreadful_a tyranny_n of_o the_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n be_v delusion_n thus_o prayer_n conference_n meditation_n hear_v the_o word_n be_v all_o secondary_a mean_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o breath_n in_o power_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n in_o this_o renew_a believe_v act_n and_o to_o continue_v the_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o you_o see_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n leave_v for_o these_o distemper_a or_o decline_v soul_n that_o be_v either_o uncapable_a or_o unsuitable_a for_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o fear_n and_o terror_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v delusion_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n so_o practical_a i_o shall_v therefore_o turn_v the_o last_o answer_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o advise_v beseech_v and_o entreat_v every_o distemper_a or_o decline_v soul_n in_o holiness_n to_o take_v this_o course_n to_o strive_v for_o deliverance_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o torment_a fear_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v delusion_n and_o for_o that_o end_n i_o desire_v you_o will_v take_v these_o four_o direction_n direct_v 1._o first_o that_o you_o forbear_v for_o a_o little_a season_n the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o your_o own_o evidence_n with_o the_o lord_n cease_v a_o little_a to_o plead_v your_o title_n with_o the_o lord_n spend_v not_o all_o your_o thought_n about_o what_o evidence_n you_o have_v receive_v as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v except_o your_o former_a evidence_n be_v real_a direct_v 2._o second_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o to_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n of_o all_o your_o fear_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o suspicion_n whereupon_o you_o suspect_v that_o your_o evidence_n where_o delusion_n gather_v together_o and_o sum_v up_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o falseness_n the_o unconstancy_n the_o looseness_n the_o vanity_n the_o rashness_n the_o blindness_n that_o be_v now_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n to_o prove_v your_o evidence_n receive_v be_v but_o mere_a delusion_n gather_v together_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o precious_a effect_n of_o real_a evidence_n from_o god_n to_o any_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o you_o apprehend_v your_o soul_n want_v and_o further_o suppose_v they_o all_o to_o be_v true_a take_v all_o for_o a_o little_a season_n for_o grant_v suppose_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v false_a and_o that_o you_o be_v whole_o and_o altogether_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o all_o the_o working_n of_o your_o spirit_n be_v nothing_o but_o common_a working_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n but_o then_o direct_v 3._o three_o search_v the_o holy_a record_n the_o lord_n bless_a word_n for_o all_o the_o description_n of_o those_o to_o who_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v free_o tender_v and_o find_v out_o whether_o thy_o soul_n suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n forenamed_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v free_o tender_v search_v from_o scripture_n whether_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o one_o hypocrite_n any_o one_o captivate_v soul_n by_o the_o devil_n delude_a reason_n any_o one_o false_a heart_a treacherous_a wretch_n ever_o exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n free_o offer_v union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n search_v whither_o any_o lose_a soul_n any_o rebel_n whether_o any_o rational_a creature_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n come_v be_v exclure_v from_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n free_o offer_v union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n strive_v beseech_v you_o now_o to_o gain_v that_o clear_a apprehension_n that_o so_o at_o last_o thou_o may_v baffle_v the_o devil_n in_o all_o his_o argument_n and_o silence_v he_o in_o one_o word_n say_v well_o though_o i_o have_v be_v false_a to_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n all_o this_o time_n though_o i_o be_v now_o under_o thy_o curse_a power_n o_o satan_n though_o thou_o hold_v i_o fast_o in_o thy_o curse_a chain_n of_o darkness_n yet_o thou_o may_v say_v the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v never_o lie_v tell_v i_o that_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o so_o redemption_n from_o thy_o curse_a slavery_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o my_o soul_n still_o the_o lord_n tell_v i_o his_o will_n admit_v i_o to_o be_v still_o one_o with_o christ_n if_o i_o can_v be_v content_v that_o he_o shall_v mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o i_o direct_v 4._o fuorthly_a plead_v with_o thy_o opposite_a contrary_a mind_n to_o make_v thy_o heart_n consent_n to_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o do_v offer_v union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o himself_o through_o christ_n to_o every_o

be_v send_v from_o heaven_n into_o his_o dark_a soul_n 7._o when_o the_o splendour_n and_o beauty_n and_o satisfy_a power_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v decay_v yet_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v remember_v that_o all_o his_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o most_o curse_a vileness_n do_v not_o former_o prevent_v some_o moving_n of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o he_o now_o hence_o may_v the_o soul_n gather_v strength_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o return_n of_o the●●_n bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n into_o his_o dark_a soul_n hence_o the_o soul_n may_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n the_o same_o motive_n to_o incline_v the_o lord_n bless_a will_n to_o send_v now_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n to_o it_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v to_o incline_v his_o majesty_n to_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o kindness_n towards_o it_o 8._o the_o soul_n from_o who_o eye_n some_o dark_a cloud_n have_v obscure_v the_o former_a lustre_n of_o his_o evidence_n yet_o may_v remember_v that_o some_o spark_n of_o holy_a confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n to_o admit_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v former_o infuse_v into_o his_o unbelieving_a heart_n now_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v again_o gather_v some_o strength_n whereby_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o engage_v he_o to_o give_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a commission_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_a to_o come_v down_o to_o his_o dark_a soul_n thence_o the_o soul_n may_v plead_v the_o lord_n engagement_n never_o to_o recall_v the_o gift_n once_o past_a out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o precious_a love_n he_o have_v declare_v his_o gift_n be_v without_o repentance_n and_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v plead_v that_o the_o lord_n stand_v engage_v to_o nourish_v up_o that_o confidence_n so_o beget_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n 9_o 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worthless_a unlovely_a sinner_n by_o manifest_v such_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o sinful_a soul_n as_o that_o love_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o variation_n alteration_n or_o shadow_n change_n when_o the_o soul_n so_o walk_v as_o he_o declare_v practical_o that_o the_o rich_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o unworthy_a soul_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o stand_v firm_a and_o unmoveable_a like_a mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v then_o do_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o lord_n glorious_a love_n shine_v through_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o it_o thus_o god_n glorify_v himself_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o balak_n through_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n balaam_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n israel_n by_o send_v that_o message_n to_o balaam_n numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v that_o be_v not_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o his_o thought_n shall_v change_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v it_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v his_o word_n concern_v his_o people_n shall_v certain_o be_v fulfil_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n intend_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o name_n in_o his_o people_n heart_n mal._n 3.6_o he_o discover_v to_o they_o his_o precious_a thought_n of_o love_n concern_v they_o in_o declare_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o say_v he_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o change_v not_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v so_o the_o church_n exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o she_o lament_v 3.22.22_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o now_o a_o soul_n manifest_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n to_o his_o unworthy_a soul_n by_o its_o constancy_n and_o unmoveableness_n in_o that_o precious_a confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v once_o raise_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o that_o end_n that_o believe_v soul_n may_v thus_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v unchangeable_a ground_n unmoveable_a rock_n for_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o stand_v upon_o he_o have_v add_v his_o oath_n to_o his_o word_n heb._n 6.17_o 18._o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n by_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v they_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n that_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n tender_v it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o have_v give_v those_o unchangeable_a ground_n for_o faith_n to_o build_v upon_o 1._o that_o those_o eclipse_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n in_o its_o unchangeableness_n by_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v prevent_v sure_o it_o be_v the_o bowel_n of_o the_o compassion_n of_o our_o tender_a god_n in_o christ_n that_o wrought_v towards_o the_o unlovely_a soul_n that_o cause_v he_o to_o stoop_v down_o so_o low_a as_o to_o add_v a_o oath_n to_o his_o word_n which_o give_v no_o security_n in_o itself_o to_o a_o soul_n more_o but_o only_o a_o full_a security_n to_o our_o unbelieve_a heart_n in_o our_o low_a apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o the_o precious_a consolation_n of_o his_o people_n may_v not_o change_v and_o it_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o working_n of_o those_o compassion_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o love_n may_v not_o be_v veil_v by_o the_o unconstancy_n and_o fickleness_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o soul_n shall_v declare_v by_o believe_v when_o their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a act_n that_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a love_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n and_o when_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o liveliness_n of_o those_o holy_a act_n in_o their_o heart_n shall_v cease_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v again_o declare_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v withdraw_v again_o from_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n in_o its_o unchangeableness_n may_v shine_v forth_o in_o its_o brightness_n with_o transparent_a glory_n so_o as_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o sad_a defect_n of_o holy_a act_n and_o working_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n may_v still_o declare_v the_o precious_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o unlovely_a to_o be_v the_o same_o sound_v upon_o his_o own_o will_v only_o which_o can_v never_o be_v move_v the_o constancy_n and_o unmoveableness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o his_o confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n beget_v be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n so_o long_o as_o the_o light_n continue_v shine_v into_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o lustre_n and_o glory_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v of_o paul_n in_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o 6._o have_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o then_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a of_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o god_n that_o be_v we_o be_v confident_a at_o all_o time_n constant_o our_o confidence_n be_v unmoveable_a yea_o doubtless_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n shine_v into_o any_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o the_o conform_v office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o light_a shine_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n must_v necessary_o establish_v the_o heart_n in_o that_o confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o light_n remain_v the_o confidence_n must_v remain_v also_o and_o that_o in_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o way_n open_v how_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o the_o soul_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o soul_n manifest_v the_o same_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o sinful_a soul_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v reveal_v to_o be_v in_o he_o second_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o soul_n manifestation_n that_o a_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n dwell_v in_o god_n god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n not_o only_o to_o be_v holy_a but_o holiness_n itself_o amos_n 4.2_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v by_o his_o holeness_n that_o be_v he_o have_v swear_v by_o himself_o he_o have_v discover_v such_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v in_o he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a unspeakable_a abhorrency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v cross_a and_o contrary_a unto_o holiness_n in_o its_o perfection_n hab._n 1.13_o yea_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n dwell_v in_o he_o exod._n 15.11_o now_o then_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n exalt_v through_o a_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n conceive_v of_o god_n as_o thus_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a in_o holiness_n when_o the_o soul_n declare_v before_o the_o world_n that_o his_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v purity_n and_o holiness_n itself_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.3_o and_o also_o the_o office_n of_o the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v describe_v rev._n 4.8_o 9_o by_o their_o cry_a night_n and_o day_n without_o cease_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v when_o there_o be_v such_o manifestation_n and_o declaration_n of_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n to_o dwell_v in_o god_n now_o a_o soul_n may_v manifest_v this_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n to_o dwell_v in_o god_n these_o three_o or_o four_o several_a way_n i._o by_o a_o precious_a sensible_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o infinite_a disproportion_n and_o disagreement_n in_o his_o most_o holy_a exact_a exquisite_a action_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v most_o mighty_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_v holy_a

will_n between_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o top-stair_n of_o happiness_n that_o any_o soul_n can_v possible_o ascend_v to_o now_o thence_o see_v happiness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o every_o soul_n natural_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o itself_o without_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o will_n with_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o so_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o scripture_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o working_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o from_o reason_n itself_o that_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n give_v unto_o any_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v necessary_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o declare_v that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a satisfy_a object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o 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