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
opinion_n perfection_n of_o conformity_n to_o scripture_n rule_n be_v the_o command_n and_o injunction_n that_o lie_v upon_o every_o soul_n now_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n be_v attain_v and_o yet_o the_o soul_n fall_v short_a of_o scripture_n rule_v thence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o no_o soul_n may_v or_o aught_o to_o content_v itself_o with_o those_o evidence_n iii_o you_o must_v note_v that_o the_o seek_v after_o and_o walk_v by_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n only_o do_v expose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o want_n of_o all_o prop_n support_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n these_o evidence_n be_v like_o the_o little_a brook_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n sit_v down_o by_o when_o he_o go_v from_o jezebel_n that_o run_v only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o famine_n and_o after_o be_v dry_a or_o rather_o they_o be_v like_o jonah_n gourd_n jonah_n 4.6_o of_o which_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v exceed_v glad_a for_o a_o night_n and_o feel_v the_o shadow_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n arise_v a_o worm_n strike_v the_o gourd_n and_o jonah_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n thus_o may_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o inherent_a quality_n and_o the_o work_n of_o those_o quality_n be_v like_o a_o precious_a gourd_n for_o a_o season_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v refreshment_n but_o if_o the_o sun_n get_v to_o the_o mid_a heaven_n and_o there_o come_v any_o scorch_a heat_n then_o do_v they_o vanish_v like_o jonah_n gourd_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o comfortless_a hopeless_a condition_n for_o eternity_n there_o be_v four_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o have_v the_o great_a need_n of_o evidence_n and_o in_o all_o these_o the_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n fail_v the_o soul_n 1_o when_o any_o sin_n in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o its_o guilt_n and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o its_o merit_n and_o desert_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o conscience_n when_o sin_n come_v once_o to_o be_v thus_o charge_v it_o cause_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n to_o vanish_v and_o perish_v and_o leave_v the_o soul_n comfortless_a as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n psal_n 51.3_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o poor_a job_n chap._n 13.26_o 27_o thou_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o in_o job_n case_n or_o david_n case_n that_o any_o iniquity_n come_v thus_o before_o the_o soul_n then_o be_v a_o soul_n in_o great_a necessity_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n when_o a_o debt_n come_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o a_o person_n and_o the_o bailiff_n come_v to_o arrest_v he_o than_o there_o be_v necessity_n of_o some_o bail_n now_o conscience_n come_v to_o arrest_v the_o soul_n and_o offer_v to_o carry_v it_o into_o hell_n and_o now_o do_v those_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n from_o the_o soul_n grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n hopeless_a and_o helpless_a the_o thing_n be_v evident_a when_o conscience_n be_v thus_o charge_v a_o iniquity_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o become_v witness_n and_o advocate_n and_o judge_n it_o witness_v the_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v it_o plead_v the_o fact_n condemnation_n and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n 2._o the_o second_o great_a necessity_n be_v when_o some_o strong_a master_n corruption_n lead_v the_o soul_n captive_a and_o even_o keep_v the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n in_o chain_n you_o must_v know_v though_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n be_v destroy_v in_o soul_n unite_v to_o christ_n rom._n 6.14_o yet_o the_o tyrannise_a power_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o destroy_v though_o sin_n can_v have_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o will_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o lord_n commander_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v always_o strive_v for_o the_o throne_n then_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a strait_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v without_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v be_v conqueror_n over_o such_o a_o corruption_n now_o in_o this_o condition_n the_o inherent_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n leave_v the_o soul_n helpless_a and_o comfortless_a now_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v upon_o corruption_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o at_o that_o time_n to_o discern_v grace_n 3._o another_o great_a exigency_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v when_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o soul_n when_o not_o only_o a_o state_n of_o deadness_n be_v grow_v upon_o the_o heart_n but_o as_o with_o those_o psal_n 80.4_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o their_o prayer_n and_o come_v not_o in_o that_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o complain_v as_o in_o lament_n 3.44_o that_o the_o lord_n shut_v out_o his_o prayer_n or_o complain_v as_o job_n chap._n 23.8_o 9_o behold_v i_o go_v forward_o but_o he_o be_v not_o there_o and_o backward_o but_o i_o can_v perceive_v he_o etc._n etc._n then_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a extremity_n that_o now_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v hopeless_a and_o altogether_o comfortless_a and_o alas_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o exigency_n then_o do_v its_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n from_o its_o own_o grace_n fail_v and_o the_o soul_n question_n whether_o it_o ever_o draw_v a_o right_a conclusion_n 4._o the_o four_o extremity_n be_v when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n for_o a_o season_n when_o satan_n begin_v to_o use_v all_o his_o policy_n to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v his_o hope_n and_o faith_n to_o shake_v when_o the_o devil_n charge_v his_o cannon_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o let_v loose_v all_o temptation_n at_o once_o blasphemous_a thought_n come_v into_o the_o heart_n question_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o one_o blasphemous_a thought_n or_o other_o come_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o when_o satan_n be_v thus_o buffet_n the_o soul_n than_o a_o man_n inherent_a grace_n and_o the_o working_n of_o they_o that_o he_o see_v before_o do_v now_o fail_v the_o soul_n in_o regard_n satan_n in_o this_o case_n first_o strike_v at_o the_o strong_a hold_n he_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n he_o strike_v at_o union_n with_o christ_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o four_o note_n about_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n cleave_v unto_o they_o do_v make_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n increase_n and_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o increase_n and_o diminish_v of_o the_o working_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o heart_n experience_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o while_o our_o soul_n take_v our_o evidence_n from_o those_o qualification_n so_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v lively_a in_o our_o heart_n our_o hope_n be_v lively_a and_o our_o confidence_n firm_a and_o no_o soon_o these_o cease_v again_o but_o our_o confidence_n and_o our_o hope_n fail_v then_o the_o soul_n question_n again_o whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v tender_v to_o his_o soul_n in_o particular_a whereas_o before_o he_o have_v some_o confidence_n of_o it_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o note_n about_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o cleave_a unto_o those_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n do_v make_v the_o whole_a life_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n depend_v only_o upon_o sense_n when_o the_o soul_n trust_v to_o those_o alone_a he_o trust_v only_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n both_o in_o see_v his_o happiness_n for_o the_o present_a and_o for_o eternity_n now_o from_o thence_o first_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n be_v prevent_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v shut_v the_o great_a window_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o only_o open_v the_o small_a crevice_n of_o sense_n and_o experience_n now_o needs_o must_v the_o fullness_n of_o light_n in_o the_o house_n be_v prevent_v when_o the_o great_a window_n be_v shut_v voluntary_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n prevent_v when_o the_o great_a window_n of_o comfort_n be_v shut_v second_o the_o constancy_n of_o consolation_n be_v prevent_v the_o soul_n may_v both_o see_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o be_v unchangeable_a towards_o he_o in_o take_v he_o into_o union_n and_o may_v see_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o union_n and_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o take_v his_o soul_n
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 with_o all_o the_o notion_n conception_n and_o apprehension_n from_o whence_o holy_a act_n do_v arise_v be_v maintain_v and_o increase_v and_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o which_o holiness_n decay_v and_o consume_v in_o any_o soul_n these_o holy_a notion_n from_o whence_o holiness_n proceed_v be_v principal_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o fullness_n of_o all_o love_n and_o mercy_n tender_v free_o by_o god_n to_o this_o poor_a unlovely_a soul_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o infinite_o rich_a in_o his_o love_n that_o he_o do_v pass_v over_o all_o that_o can_v be_v suitable_a for_o the_o poor_a empty_a soul_n free_o to_o it_o in_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o renew_a believe_v act_n without_o these_o notion_n be_v bring_v fresh_a to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n 2._o all_o the_o holy_a affection_n be_v excite_v also_o to_o a_o renew_a exercise_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o renew_a act._n all_o the_o affection_n be_v under_o the_o 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
behold_v some_o working_n in_o its_o spirit_n also_o some_o holy_a act_n in_o and_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o behold_v its_o receive_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o no_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a perform_v by_o the_o soul_n have_v sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o manifest_v themselves_o unto_o the_o soul_n nor_o from_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o manifest_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o inseparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o itself_o consider_v as_o be_v be_v the_o mere_a act_n and_o work_v of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n likewise_o be_v every_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n inward_a or_o outward_a of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v work_n of_o light_n and_o yet_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v so_o dim_o forth_o as_o they_o can_v discover_v their_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o can_v discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v those_o work_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o discover_v union_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a respect_n 1._o because_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o christ_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v very_o strong_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v yet_o dark_a a_o clear_a instance_n will_v be_v give_v in_o mat._n 27.46_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o believe_v when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exercise_v faith_n in_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o word_n my_o god_n yet_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n as_o mediator_n be_v dark_a that_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n be_v firm_a and_o as_o firm_a as_o now_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n be_v obscure_a when_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v bear_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n from_o he_o for_o a_o season_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o passive_a the_o union_n be_v complete_a between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n before_o any_o one_o act_n go_v forth_o from_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o the_o perfect_a or_o complete_n of_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v conceive_v there_o may_v be_v motion_n in_o dead_a person_n that_o there_o may_v be_v action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o life_n now_o the_o union_n be_v passive_a there_o may_v be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v complete_v i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v ordinary_a but_o i_o say_v there_o may_v be_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n come_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o instant_n and_o moment_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n do_v take_v actual_a possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o unite_v it_o unto_o himself_o now_o in_o case_n the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v so_o evidence_v with_o christ_n then_o shall_v all_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o the_o soul_n be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n 3._o in_o regard_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o work_n that_o do_v arise_v proper_o from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o not_o peculiarly_a may_v arise_v from_o other_o principle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o be_v three_o false_a original_n of_o such_o outward_a work_n 1._o god_n himself_o may_v be_v the_o original_a of_o such_o work_n in_o some_o soul_n though_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o union_n nor_o in_o relation_n unto_o union_n that_o be_v though_o the_o lord_n convey_v not_o any_o influence_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n peculiar_a unto_o union_n nor_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o convey_v those_o influence_n into_o the_o soul_n from_o whence_o those_o outward_a work_n proceed_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n prayer_n and_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o read_v of_o they_o and_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o other_o soul_n that_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n may_v convey_v large_a stream_n of_o gift_n and_o inward_a affection_n unto_o some_o soul_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o all_o those_o gift_n in_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n only_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o people_n soul_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v not_o any_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o those_o gift_n thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o cyrus_n isa_n 45.1_o and_o chap._n 44.28_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o cyrus_n he_o be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o shall_v perform_v all_o my_o pleasure_n even_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o to_o the_o temple_n thy_o foundation_n shall_v he_o lay_v the_o lord_n do_v convey_v strength_n to_o cyrus_n to_o carry_v he_o on_o in_o a_o glorious_a work_n of_o reform_v his_o worship_n and_o to_o build_v the_o temple_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o cyrus_n i_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o god_n furnish_v john_n with_o zeal_n against_o idolatry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n soul_n and_o it_o redound_v little_a to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v judas_n be_v furnish_v with_o as_o good_a gift_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seem_v to_o pray_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n and_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o none_o of_o those_o gift_n that_o judas_n have_v be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o christ_n nor_o be_v give_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n 2._o a_o second_o false_a original_n of_o such_o work_n be_v the_o soul_n own_o principle_n of_o self_n self_n end_n self_n lust_n self_n intendment_n may_v be_v like_o the_o spring_n that_o may_v set_v all_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o affection_n on_o work_n and_o produce_v all_o those_o outward_a expression_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a intendment_n in_o the_o pharisee_n in_o all_o their_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n in_o their_o conversation_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v themselves_o outward_o and_o to_o eternity_n and_o think_v to_o tie_v god_n to_o give_v they_o heaven_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o false_a original_n of_o work_n that_o proper_o flow_v from_o union_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o the_o working_n of_o prayer_n of_o hear_v of_o meditate_v or_o forsake_v sin_n in_o the_o conversation_n may_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o he_o take_v his_o opportunity_n to_o sail_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o row_v with_o the_o tide_n he_o see_v the_o affection_n work_v towards_o duty_n of_o holiness_n he_o press_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o that_o he_o may_v weary_v out_o the_o soul_n with_o they_o or_o else_o cause_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v place_v in_o they_o and_o the_o soul_n to_o promise_v itself_o happiness_n by_o they_o certain_o the_o zeal_n of_o paul_n that_o he_o have_v for_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v act_v by_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o saul_n that_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n before_o he_o go_v to_o battle_n it_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n those_o soul_n
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
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
of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n pre._n 2._o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v a_o distinction_n between_o assurance_n of_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n as_o in_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o say_v he_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o we_o he_o make_v a_o twofold_a assurance_n a_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n now_o indeed_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v both_o the_o property_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n now_o in_o both_o these_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n arise_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n gather_v the_o conclusion_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o behold_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n gather_v the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n pre._n 3._o three_o that_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n associate_n or_o companion_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n cotemporary_a that_o be_v accompany_v one_o another_o that_o when_o one_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v assurance_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v also_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o for_o a_o threefold_a reason_n 1._o in_o regard_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v witness_v or_o declare_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n whenever_o the_o lord_n reveal_v from_o his_o own_o word_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o take_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o lord_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n his_o soul_n want_v all_o the_o holiness_n the_o hungry_a or_o empty_a soul_n be_v breathe_v after_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v the_o soul_n he_o shall_v have_v love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o shall_v have_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o strength_n over_o corruption_n 2._o through_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v beget_v immediate_o now_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v thus_o necessary_o beget_v thence_o it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o they_o come_v to_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o lively_a working_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o grace_n be_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o soul_n by_o or_o through_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o the_o soul_n a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n mourn_v for_o sin_n more_o sweet_o and_o melt_v more_o precious_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o before_o though_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v some_o heart-breaking_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o wretchedness_n former_o it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o poor_a in_o himself_o and_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o more_o than_o ever_o before_o pre._n 4._o four_o though_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o soul_n yet_o the_o assurance_n of_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o according_a to_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n draw_v from_o his_o own_o grace_n when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n manifest_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o right_n orderly_a way_n never_o flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o arise_v upon_o these_o two_o ground_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o soul_n by_o god_n that_o do_v procure_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o appear_v thus_o the_o grace_n or_o love_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n then_o the_o lord_n do_v draw_v the_o the_o soul_n to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n when_o he_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o own_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o take_v it_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o mere_a disposition_n of_o his_o own_o will_v alone_o for_o no_o other_o respect_n whatever_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o now_o those_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o grace_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o grace_n in_o particular_a unto_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v through_o grace_n reveal_v that_o grace_n have_v its_o right_a proper_a effect_n in_o a_o soul_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n it_o have_v the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o effect_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v when_o we_o behold_v he_o through_o that_o sight_n we_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o divers_a place_n as_o john_n 15.16_o say_v christ_n you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n now_o at_o present_a as_o their_o portion_n but_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v christ_n first_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n choose_v their_o soul_n first_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n choose_v jesus_n christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o light_a reveal_n to_o a_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n choice_n of_o he_o so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o strength_n wherewith_o the_o will_n close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o choice_n again_o now_o the_o choice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o any_o habit_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o any_o soul_n bring_v forth_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a act_n true_o gracious_o act_v by_o any_o soul_n till_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v in_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v he_o to_o union_n with_o himself_o upon_o which_o the_o will_v also_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o and_o again_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o that_o know_a place_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o say_v he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o not_o that_o from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n love_v their_o love_n do_v proceed_v though_o that_o be_v true_a but_o from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gala._n 5_o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o love_n the_o very_a first_o operation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n towards_o christ_n be_v by_o love_n the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o grasp_v hold_n of_o christ_n it_o reach_v out_o also_o a_o hand_n of_o love_n unto_o christ_n now_o then_o observe_v the_o grace_n and_o working_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o gather_v assurance_n of_o knowledge_n from_o and_o those_o grace_n not_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o soul_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o lord_n manifestation_n unto_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n remain_v dark_a and_o hide_a and_o obscure_a to_o the_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
do_v go_v before_o the_o act_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n in_o those_o soul_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o habit_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o in_o time_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v also_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n work_n and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o act_v before_o any_o other_o habit_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n must_v be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o in_o regard_n this_o particular_a way_n in_o apply_v these_o absolute_a promise_n be_v without_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o word_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o this_o faith_n can_v arise_v this_o be_v general_o grant_v of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a general_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n first_o confidence_n or_o adherence_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o the_o general_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v particular_o to_o every_o soul_n who_o attain_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a evidence_n to_o assure_v a_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v open_v in_o two_o conclusion_n conclu_n 1._o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n a_o certainty_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o equivalency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o run_v to_o all_o soul_n to_o any_o particular_a promise_n that_o can_v be_v make_v paul_n manifest_v as_o full_a a_o certainty_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o he_o in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a word_n from_o heaven_n say_v thou_o paul_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n what_o be_v that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n here_o be_v as_o far_o off_o a_o remote_a promise_n as_o can_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o then_o of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v i_o where_o he_o make_v christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n particular_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o certain_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n that_o particular_a certainty_n that_o paul_n do_v receive_v do_v the_o same_o light_n appear_v from_o the_o promise_n as_o do_v to_o paul_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o equivalency_n in_o what_o the_o absolute_a promise_n can_v give_v to_o testify_v union_n to_o what_o a_o particular_a promise_n give_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o latitude_n or_o largeness_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a mercy_n and_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o people_n soul_n they_o be_v all_o propound_v as_o indefinite_a proposition_n that_o be_v without_o any_o certain_a bound_n in_o that_o promise_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v to_o it_o neither_o this_o kind_n of_o sinner_n or_o that_o kind_a of_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o rebellious_a but_o sinner_n so_o mark_v 16.15_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n preach_v the_o gospel_n what_o be_v that_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v say_v go_v and_o tell_v every_o soul_n my_o father_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o myself_o and_o unless_o this_o be_v receive_v tender_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o preach_v exclude_v the_o declare_v of_o god_n will_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o you_o exclude_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o angel_n luke_n 2.10_o when_o he_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o who_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n no_o i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o people_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bound_n set_v but_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creature_n he_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o can_v say_v but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n if_o he_o will_v embrace_v the_o lord_n christ_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o expresness_n of_o the_o command_n to_o every_o soul_n particular_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n 1_o john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o believe_v can_v contain_v but_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o and_o sure_o this_o can_v be_v mean_v for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v as_o much_o or_o else_o a_o receive_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n what_o the_o lord_n there_o tender_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o you_o observe_v it_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n general_o hold_v forth_o believe_v in_o this_o sense_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o believe_a and_o receive_v in_o scripture_n be_v put_v both_o for_o one_o 1_o john_n 1.12_o now_o that_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o command_n of_o believe_a reach_n thus_o far_o to_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o themselves_o will_v be_v clear_v by_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_v all_o unbelief_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o eminent_o forbid_v in_o this_o command_n of_o believe_v when_o any_o positive_a duty_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o contrary_n must_v needs_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o same_o law_n virtual_o and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v now_o believe_v be_v enjoin_v virtual_o unbelief_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v forbid_v the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v doubt_v and_o so_o all_o doubt_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n of_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v content_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o all_o this_o doubt_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v there_o forbid_a virtual_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n command_v because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n unbelief_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o faith_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_o certain_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n the_o lord_n do_v in_o that_o command_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v fullness_n of_o assurance_n from_o the_o very_a promise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n yet_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o command_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n that_o it_o do_v express_o command_v every_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n for_o then_o the_o promise_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n in_o regard_n the_o great_a number_n be_v at_o enmity_n but_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n be_v to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v he_o and_o this_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v the_o most_o rebellious_a wretch_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n come_v the_o first_o command_n to_o such_o rebellious_a soul_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n
and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o they_o be_v both_o but_o witness_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v one_o and_o the_o same_o conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n iii_o there_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o true_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n behold_v the_o very_a juice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o precious_a vine_n flow_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n as_o into_o one_o of_o his_o branch_n the_o soul_n find_v the_o same_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n drop_v down_o into_o his_o bosom_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n conclude_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o head_n have_v influence_n from_o it_o now_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v about_o this_o which_o be_v concause_n which_o may_v clear_v up_o to_o our_o understanding_n what_o may_v be_v safe_o hold_v forth_o in_o these_o 1._o that_o none_o of_o these_o neither_o the_o shine_a of_o faith_n nor_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n nor_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n be_v concause_n in_o evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o take_v the_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o promise_n itself_o afford_v this_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o sole_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o disposition_n inclination_n believe_v qualification_n whatever_o can_v be_v imagine_v 2._o these_o three_o be_v only_a concause_n in_o produce_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o effect_n of_o that_o first_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o own_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o first_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o take_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v proper_o a_o coadjoyn_a cause_n in_o the_o make_n up_o a_o soul_n evidence_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n those_o two_o latter_a do_v follow_v after_o the_o first_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o can_v come_v in_o as_o joint_a concause_n to_o make_v up_o the_o evidence_n answ_n 3._o three_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v indeed_o three_o joint_n concur_v cause_n for_o the_o make_n up_o this_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n take_v the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n only_o for_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n that_o soul_n do_v receive_v and_o have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n free_o give_v by_o god_n to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o conscience_n do_v only_o answer_v as_o it_o be_v like_o a_o precious_a echo_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o light_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n show_v the_o soul_n receive_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n consent_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o give_v the_o echo_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n answ_n 4._o four_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v concause_n or_o join_v concur_v cause_n in_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n in_o the_o promise_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o but_o subordinate_a cause_n to_o one_o prime_a principal_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v i_o take_v these_o three_o which_o some_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v joint_a concur_v cause_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n yet_o all_o these_o come_v in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o the_o principal_a efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n you_o see_v the_o internal_a vision_n or_o internal_a light_n they_o have_v of_o any_o grace_n of_o any_o gift_n be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v upon_o those_o gift_n or_o put_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o discern_v those_o gift_n so_o likewise_o of_o the_o second_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n whatever_o testimony_n conscience_n will_v give_v be_v it_o either_o through_o practical_a or_o experimental_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o only_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n own_o act_n and_o so_o take_v only_o for_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o believe_v yet_o also_o this_o witness_n of_o conscience_n have_v its_o subordination_n to_o that_o principal_a cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o rom._n 9.1_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o any_o good_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v through_o the_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o the_o conscience_n be_v altogether_o corrupt_v natural_o the_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o discern_a by_o which_o it_o judge_v be_v only_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v also_o that_o every_o act_n of_o that_o renew_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v infuse_v into_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o out_o of_o all_o question_n the_o act_n of_o every_o habit_n of_o grace_n receive_v do_v as_o well_o depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o first_o infusion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o soul_n do_v and_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o three_o also_o which_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o union_n that_o come_v under_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o all_o gift_n all_o gift_n of_o grace_n through_o union_n must_v be_v discern_v through_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o heart_n enable_v soul_n to_o discern_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v well_o illustrate_v it_o v._o 11_o compare_v the_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v give_v to_o they_o to_o discern_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v in_o man_n what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o all_o the_o working_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o it_o as_o the_o use_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v to_o discover_v to_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o man_n answ_n 5._o five_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o principal_n most_o immediate_a and_o natural_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o promise_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o you_o see_v there_o be_v divers_a cause_n that_o may_v afar_o off_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o influence_n yet_o no_o influence_n further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o they_o and_o through_o they_o and_o however_o the_o sight_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v concause_n yet_o the_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n that_o have_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n that_o which_o strike_v the_o first_o and_o last_o stroke_n that_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v on_o work_v all_o other_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v this_o principal_a efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n i_o shall_v clear_v to_o you_o by_o some_o demonstration_n i._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o general_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n be_v design_v to_o that_o office_n alone_o to_o reveal_v truth_n or_o to_o guide_v soul_n into_o all_o truth_n as_o appear_v john_n 16.43_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v
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
to_o the_o soul_n too_o soon_o yet_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o they_o do_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o though_o they_o be_v vile_a sinner_n yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o saviour_n and_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a principle_n that_o the_o devil_n use_v as_o his_o grand_a snare_n wherein_o he_o catch_v many_o soul_n now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o soul_n may_v conceive_v dangerous_o and_o destructive_o their_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o 1._o when_o they_o conceive_v they_o shall_v certain_o attain_v heaven_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o have_v a_o eye_n or_o respect_n to_o any_o other_o benefit_n by_o christ_n now_o indeed_o do_v the_o soul_n conceit_n his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o when_o it_o neglect_v all_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v propound_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o neglect_v the_o behold_v the_o manner_n how_o jesus_n christ_n be_v propound_v and_o confuse_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n alone_o which_o be_v heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o fancy_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v attain_v these_o by_o he_o though_o indeed_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n may_v be_v fix_v upon_o one_o particular_a benefit_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o his_o eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o another_o benefit_n and_o thereupon_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o as_o he_o save_v be_v the_o primary_n object_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o object_n of_o the_o first_o act_v of_o the_o soul_n faith_n yet_o this_o be_v still_o but_o only_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o be_v thus_o the_o soul_n can_v right_o have_v his_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o one_o benefit_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o must_v have_v his_o eye_n upon_o all_o other_o benefit_n also_o propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o poor_a needy_a soul_n 2._o a_o soul_n conceit_v his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o when_o he_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v attain_v heaven_n by_o christ_n without_o look_v for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o nothing_o can_v dash_v in_o sunder_o their_o confidence_n and_o hope_n though_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o and_o their_o practice_n the_o same_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v yet_o you_o must_v conceive_v it_o be_v only_o herein_o that_o this_o conceit_a salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v too_o soon_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v preposterous_a it_o be_v a_o draw_v conclusion_n without_o premise_n that_o be_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n upon_o then_o a_o soul_n conceive_v right_o when_o he_o conceive_v first_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v mediate_v between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o offence_n and_o displeasure_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n conclude_v therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o if_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o soul_n salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o any_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o he_o do_v build_v this_o conceit_n than_o it_o be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v too_o soon_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o indeed_o as_o for_o order_n of_o time_n this_o give_a credit_n to_o such_o a_o word_n of_o god_n as_o hold_v forth_o salvation_n to_o he_o by_o christ_n might_n and_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o word_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v his_o union_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o father_n through_o christ_n 2._o observe_v that_o this_o conceit_v their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v no_o application_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n tender_v or_o offer_v as_o a_o saviour_n by_o god_n a_o soul_n may_v conceit_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o saviour_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o god_n offer_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o a_o complete_a saviour_n heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o to_o the_o uttermost_a even_o unto_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o save_v they_o exact_o in_o all_o thing_n from_o all_o evil_n and_o from_o all_o fear_n and_o danger_n that_o can_v possible_o accrue_v now_o he_o that_o conceit_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v save_v he_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n guilt_n and_o misery_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v cast_v into_o do_v not_o conceit_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v his_o complete_a saviour_n and_o so_o apply_v christ_n too_o soon_o 2._o the_o salvation_n that_o god_n tender_v by_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o tender_v he_o as_o a_o saviour_n be_v twofold_a first_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o deliver_v and_o redeem_v the_o soul_n from_o his_o obligation_n unto_o punishment_n now_o this_o salvation_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v reconciliation_n which_o be_v the_o remove_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v bind_v it_o over_o to_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_n why_o christ_n receive_v his_o name_n mat._n 1.21_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v jesus_n for_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n second_o god_n tender_v by_o christ_n to_o save_v soul_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o apply_v christ_n right_o as_o a_o saviour_n apply_v he_o thus_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n invite_v his_o soul_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o conquest_n and_o thereupon_o his_o heart_n close_v with_o the_o tender_a and_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o seven_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n must_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o in_o a_o way_n of_o comfort_n darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v common_o receive_v by_o many_o that_o comfort_n be_v more_o dangerous_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o meddle_v with_o than_o lie_v under_o horror_n and_o terror_n still_o they_o common_o illustrate_v it_o by_o this_o similitude_n say_v they_o some_o drop_n of_o aquavitae_n may_v be_v exceed_o helpful_a to_o a_o poor_a faint_a spirit_n it_o may_v revive_v a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n but_o pour_v in_o of_o much_o may_v overcome_v a_o man_n and_o choke_v the_o natural_a vital_a heat_n and_o so_o endanger_v a_o man_n life_n just_o thus_o say_v they_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v sink_v and_o faint_v and_o press_v down_o through_o fear_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o sin_n it_o may_v be_v good_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v some_o drop_n of_o the_o precious_a water_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o pour_v in_o too_o much_o you_o may_v endanger_v the_o soul_n life_n to_o eternity_n this_o be_v another_o hellbred_a principle_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n sight_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o ground_n of_o this_o principle_n first_o that_o the_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o much_o for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n may_v make_v the_o soul_n presumptuous_a thus_o they_o prove_v it_o say_v they_o the_o apply_v the_o law_n too_o much_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o open_v the_o terrible_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n too_o much_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n despair_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o open_n and_o apply_v the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o may_v put_v it_o upon_o a_o desperate_a rock_n of_o presumption_n second_o a_o second_o ground_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o will_v too_o soon_o dry_a up_o the_o penitent_a tear_n it_o will_v soon_o seal_v up_o the_o spring_n of_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v that_o be_v break_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o
principle_n of_o darkness_n there_o be_v first_o something_o to_o be_v premise_v first_o that_o the_o soul_n understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o comfort_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o apply_v comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o comfort_n be_v mean_v only_o that_o strength_n and_o that_o life_n and_o refreshment_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o good_a of_o any_o object_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o poor_a needy_a despicable_a loveless_n soul_n according_a as_o god_n the_o father_n tender_v he_o to_o the_o soul_n to_o speak_v more_o plain_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v free_o to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o poor_a despicable_a soul_n to_o make_v up_o a_o league_n and_o amity_n and_o love_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o break_v in_o sunder_o those_o chain_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n be_v clog_v by_o sin_n to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o soul_n happiness_n both_o here_o and_o for_o eternity_n now_o i_o shall_v answer_v direct_o to_o that_o first_o foundation_n upon_o which_o this_o first_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v build_v and_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o apply_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n shall_v make_v the_o soul_n in_o danger_n to_o miscarry_v through_o presumption_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o great_a preservative_n against_o presumption_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o more_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v enlarge_v through_o the_o application_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o clear_a be_v that_o curse_a root_n of_o self-confidence_n root_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n the_o comfort_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v empty_a the_o soul_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o self-confidence_n in_o regard_n it_o remove_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o imaginary_a dependence_n upon_o its_o self_n either_o for_o comfort_n here_o or_o for_o mercy_n and_o happiness_n to_o eternity_n the_o soul_n perfect_a nothingness_n in_o itself_o be_v only_o by_o behold_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o yet_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o eph._n 3.19_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o they_o may_v comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o know_v this_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n this_o fullness_n of_o god_n can_v be_v wrought_v by_o nothing_o but_o by_o the_o full_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o comfort_n ii_o in_o regard_n it_o raise_v the_o soul_n thought_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n and_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o when_o the_o soul_n apply_v most_o incomprehensive_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o his_o privilege_n for_o the_o refresh_n of_o his_o soul_n then_o do_v the_o soul_n see_v most_o large_o into_o the_o incomprehensive_a gulf_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n see_v jesus_n christ_n most_o clear_o as_o altogether_o incomprehensible_a then_o be_v the_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o high_a thought_n that_o can_v be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n iii_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o large_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v do_v beget_v a_o more_o precious_a fear_n in_o the_o heart_n than_o all_o the_o terror_n sight_n and_o vision_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o the_o soul_n for_o sin_n can_v possible_o beget_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v endanger_v the_o soul_n to_o presume_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o apply_v christ_n in_o two_o large_a a_o measure_n in_o his_o comfort_n shall_v make_v the_o soul_n without_o fear_n now_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o fill_v with_o holy_a fear_n as_o when_o it_o have_v the_o large_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o large_a comprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o natural_a be_v the_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n now_o love_n be_v extend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n when_o it_o rest_v upon_o he_o or_o fetch_v in_o joy_n through_o believe_v and_o according_a as_o love_n be_v extend_v so_o be_v fear_v extend_v love_n and_o fear_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n you_o can_v divide_v they_o a_o man_n of_o large_a love_n be_v a_o man_n of_o large_a fear_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o more_o dear_a any_o object_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o a_o man_n fear_v to_o lose_v it_o four_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v apply_v most_o for_o comfort_n then_o do_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n rise_v high_a in_o the_o heart_n when_o love_n rise_v high_a jealousy_n rise_v high_a jealousy_n be_v compound_v of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o love_n and_o hatred_n where_o love_n run_v out_o large_o in_o zeal_n there_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o hatred_n against_o all_o that_o shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o it_o put_v a_o fearful_a man_n and_o a_o jealous_a man_n together_o to_z watch_z over_o a_o belove_a object_n and_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v their_o sleep_v thus_o fear_v and_o jealousy_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o soul_n will_v make_v it_o watchful_a lest_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o outgoing_a of_o the_o heart_n from_o jesus_n christ_n second_o neither_o can_v it_o dry_v up_o the_o repent_v or_o penitent_a tear_n too_o soon_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o the_o spring_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v be_v seal_v up_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o large_a measure_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v make_v the_o soul_n presume_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o discern_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o sin_n shall_v be_v discern_v shall_v be_v close_v up_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o large_a comfort_n from_o jesus_n christ_n second_o that_o the_o sight_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o defect_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a shall_v be_v the_o original_a of_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n and_o so_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v perish_v when_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n suitable_a to_o his_o needy_a soul_n appear_v now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o he_o may_v see_v his_o own_o wretchedness_n merit_n and_o desert_n be_v more_o clear_a by_o the_o sight_n of_o enlarge_a comfort_n from_o jesus_n christ_n i._o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v more_o divine_a light_n to_o discover_v sin_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o by_o how_o much_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n the_o soul_n apprehend_v enlarge_v comfort_n through_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o be_v that_o precious_a eyesalve_n speak_v of_o rev._n 3._o that_o christ_n invit_v soul_n to_o come_v and_o buy_v of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n mary_n weep_v so_o much_o and_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o her_o tear_n christ_n tell_v you_o it_o be_v because_o she_o love_v much_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o love_n but_o only_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n to_o she_o in_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o defect_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n christ_n suitable_a to_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a can_v be_v a_o spring_n or_o head_n from_o whence_o the_o stream_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n flow_v godly_a sorrow_n must_v arise_v from_o the_o clear_a most_o spiritual_a sin_n now_o you_o see_v the_o clear_a discern_v of_o sin_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o clear_a discern_v of_o those_o enlarge_a comfort_n through_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o indeed_o as_o those_o increase_n so_o do_v godly_a sorrow_n increase_v the_o great_a comfort_v soul_n be_v the_o great_a mourning_n soul_n now_o you_o see_v the_o foundation_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o this_o principle_n and_o also_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n
one_o jota_n or_o tittle_n from_o the_o great_a god_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o command_v a_o fullness_n of_o belief_n from_o every_o soul_n 2._o the_o soul_n make_v all_o these_o invite_a promise_n to_o be_v mere_o in_o vain_a for_o if_o these_o invite_a promise_n do_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v a_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n that_o have_v be_v at_o enmity_n to_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v it_o with_o firmness_n of_o confidence_n than_o they_o be_v altogether_o useless_a they_o can_v be_v no_o incentive_a and_o motive_n to_o invite_v the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o soul_n must_v say_v thus_o that_o those_o invite_a promise_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v apply_v particular_o unto_o particular_a soul_n with_o that_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n now_o herein_o be_v great_a injury_n do_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v deny_v those_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o one_o soul_n under_o heaven_n now_o herein_o the_o soul_n show_v much_o impudence_n and_o boldness_n to_o set_v limit_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n where_o he_o be_v please_v to_o set_v no_o limit_n 2._o then_o those_o invite_a promise_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o justify_v faith_n according_a as_o it_o do_v justify_v for_o questionless_a that_o which_o be_v call_v justify_v faith_n according_a as_o it_o do_v justify_v or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o that_o justify_n way_n that_o do_v particular_o apply_v those_o promise_n to_o the_o particular_a soul_n 3._o there_o be_v one_o imagination_n more_o of_o the_o soul_n upon_o which_o it_o ground_n this_o conceit_n that_o the_o invite_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n may_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n believe_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o be_v to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v doubtful_a and_o question_v of_o his_o union_n all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o a_o soul_n may_v believe_v with_o all_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o take_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n habitual_o though_o not_o actual_o and_o so_o be_v question_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o habitual_o but_o alas_o this_o come_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o indeed_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v true_o that_o a_o soul_n have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o take_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o a_o soul_n can_v be_v say_v proper_o habitual_o to_o believe_v this_o for_o indeed_o the_o weak_a believer_n that_o have_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o faith_n have_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o this_o habit_n of_o faith_n proceed_v and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n believe_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o beam_n the_o devil_n forge_v to_o cast_v into_o the_o soul_n eye_n there_o be_v a_o second_o kind_n of_o beam_n of_o darkness_n and_o those_o be_v dark_a distemper_n though_o the_o devil_n grand_a policy_n be_v to_o keep_v false_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n judgement_n whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v discern_v all_o in_o a_o false_a way_n that_o god_n propound_v to_o he_o yet_o he_o have_v another_o policy_n to_o flee_v to_o and_o that_o be_v distemper_n in_o the_o heart_n now_o these_o be_v also_o dangerous_a and_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o assurance_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n while_o those_o remain_n in_o the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o be_v a_o second_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o pluck_v out_o those_o dark_a distemper_n and_o these_o be_v also_o divers_a the_o first_o dark_a distemper_n be_v spiritual_a pride_n it_o be_v natural_a pride_n work_v spiritual_o though_o sometime_o it_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n and_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o humour_n or_o swell_v in_o the_o spirit_n or_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o lift_v up_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o crossness_n and_o averseness_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o the_o devil_n cause_v to_o grow_v like_o a_o wen_n upon_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a eye_n whereby_o he_o prevent_v the_o soul_n see_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o to_o he_o there_o be_v two_o special_a working_n of_o this_o distemper_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v prevent_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o it_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o have_v his_o thought_n take_v up_o chief_o in_o look_v after_o and_o seek_v out_o some_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n itself_o whereupon_o it_o may_v stay_v its_o soul_n and_o uphold_v its_o sink_a spirit_n and_o hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v though_o the_o heart_n little_a mind_n it_o and_o think_v itself_o far_o enough_o off_o from_o pride_n the_o soul_n eye_n be_v always_o upon_o his_o own_o prayer_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n upon_o his_o own_o tear_n mourn_v and_o groan_v upon_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o its_o working_n towards_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o god_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n complain_v of_o under_o this_o distemper_n be_v common_o that_o which_o a_o soul_n will_v little_o think_v proceed_v from_o pride_n that_o he_o can_v find_v any_o goodness_n in_o himself_o whereas_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o heart_n search_v to_o the_o bottom_n he_o think_v he_o have_v much_o goodness_n 2._o it_o make_v the_o heart_n averse_a to_o the_o thought_n of_o receive_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o shall_v have_v only_o through_o mere_a gift_n alone_o the_o proud_a heart_n will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o all_o but_o will_v have_v all_o in_o his_o own_o way_n hence_o arise_v a_o threefold_a distemper_n 1._o the_o soul_n insnarle_v itself_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o interpret_v all_o the_o promise_n against_o itself_o thence_o the_o soul_n think_v concern_v every_o promise_n it_o be_v but_o give_v to_o aggravate_v my_o condemnation_n 2._o hence_o arise_v a_o conclusion_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o must_v not_o nay_o sometime_o that_o it_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n till_o it_o find_v such_o and_o such_o disposition_n as_o the_o soul_n conceive_v necessary_a to_o be_v in_o itself_o say_v the_o soul_n if_o i_o can_v find_v my_o heart_n enlarge_v towards_o god_n and_o my_o deadness_n and_o coldness_n remove_v if_o i_o can_v find_v a_o mighty_a fervency_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v think_v indeed_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v belong_v to_o i_o so_o that_o here_o the_o soul_n sit_v wait_v for_o and_o pursue_v after_o something_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v with_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v come_v with_o his_o penny_n to_o take_v his_o pennyworth_n of_o that_o which_o god_n propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o from_o this_o averseness_n to_o receive_v all_o from_o free_a grace_n arise_v a_o neglect_n and_o disregard_n of_o search_v into_o the_o promise_n what_o they_o hold_v forth_o propound_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n alas_o say_v the_o soul_n what_o be_v this_o to_o i_o none_o of_o these_o promise_n belong_v to_o i_o now_o thence_o the_o soul_n be_v keep_v in_o his_o doleful_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n through_o want_n of_o gaze_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n it_o hold_v forth_o a_o second_o distemper_n be_v the_o rashness_n and_o unadvisedness_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o rashness_n be_v a_o unadvised_a sudden_a draw_v up_o determination_n concern_v the_o soul_n condition_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n draw_v that_o determination_n and_o without_o a_o due_a weigh_v of_o those_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n questionless_a this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o distemper_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o least_o beam_n that_o the_o devil_n keep_v in_o the_o soul_n eye_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o secret_a dangerous_a snare_n that_o the_o devil_n catch_v the_o foot_n of_o soul_n in_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o rational_a way_n i_o know_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n temporary_a
of_o thy_o judgement_n declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v that_o thy_o affection_n do_v work_v so_o powerful_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o and_o do_v not_o more_o frequent_o stir_v up_o high_a affection_n in_o soul_n in_o the_o first_o hold_v forth_o of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o than_o he_o always_o intend_v afterward_o to_o they_o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o prodigal_n luke_o 15.44_o have_v always_o those_o expression_n of_o his_o father_n delight_n in_o his_o return_n that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o first_o return_v then_o there_o must_v be_v the_o best_a robe_n put_v upon_o he_o and_o a_o feast_n and_o music_n but_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o his_o father_n put_v he_o on_o such_o apparel_n every_o day_n and_o make_v he_o a_o feast_n every_o day_n so_o the_o lord_n may_v and_o i_o believe_v do_v at_o the_o first_o reveal_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v more_o affection_n than_o he_o intend_v to_o continue_v and_o more_o stir_n of_o grace_n infuse_v than_o he_o intend_v afterward_o constant_o to_o continue_v yet_o though_o there_o remain_v not_o the_o same_o activity_n vivacity_n liveliness_n of_o affection_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o affection_n remain_v nay_o it_o may_v be_v the_o affection_n may_v be_v grow_v in_o its_o fixedness_n and_o steadiness_n and_o in_o its_o orderly_a way_n of_o work_v towards_o jesus_n christ_n though_o it_o appear_v not_o work_v so_o powerful_o and_o mighty_o as_o it_o do_v before_o you_o see_v plain_o the_o conclusion_n be_v rash_o draw_v though_o from_o a_o true_a principle_n consider_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o three_o distemper_n be_v fearfulness_n the_o timorous_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n now_o you_o must_v right_o understand_v this_o distemper_n for_o though_o the_o devil_n cast_v in_o the_o distemper_n of_o fearfulness_n into_o some_o soul_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o he_o cast_v in_o the_o distemper_n of_o presumption_n into_o more_o soul_n to_o prevent_v they_o from_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o lead_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o darkness_n we_o shall_v clear_v it_o in_o two_o or_o three_o conclusion_n 1._o there_o can_v be_v too_o much_o holy_a fear_n possess_v any_o heart_n that_o be_v there_o can_v be_v too_o much_o awful_a reverence_n of_o the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n nor_o too_o much_o awful_a respect_n of_o god_n as_o he_o present_v himself_o clothe_v with_o the_o precious_a robe_n of_o mercy_n &_o love_a kindness_n &_o goodness_n this_o fear_n god_n require_v ps_n 130.4_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o terror_n and_o dread_n and_o horror_n of_o the_o avenge_a justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o displease_v this_o god_n appear_v in_o this_o manner_n lest_o his_o anger_n shall_v be_v so_o kindle_v that_o flame_n of_o indignation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o he_o to_o the_o consume_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v this_o fear_n that_o be_v too_o much_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n dear_a one_o this_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v but_o a_o judas_n his_o fear_n and_o a_o cain_n fear_n and_o a_o saul_n fear_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a affection_n of_o fear_n that_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n as_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v this_o a_o perturbation_n or_o a_o trouble_v or_o perplex_v or_o cause_v the_o heart_n to_o suffer_v through_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o animal_n spirit_n to_o and_o fro_o upon_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v some_o evil_n that_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v this_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v not_o a_o evil_a fear_n absolute_o consider_v but_o this_o fear_n become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n through_o the_o inordinateness_n of_o it_o as_o 1._o when_o it_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v perplex_v with_o some_o evil_n he_o shall_v suffer_v and_o can_v give_v no_o ground_n of_o this_o fear_n the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n tender_v in_o christ_n and_o can_v render_v no_o good_a account_n according_a to_o reason_n why_o his_o soul_n be_v thus_o afraid_a 2._o when_o it_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v when_o it_o exceed_v the_o bound_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n when_o it_o prove_v a_o distract_n fear_n and_o unfit_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o duty_n god_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o this_o distemper_n arise_v from_o three_o principle_n and_o according_o produce_v three_o effect_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v prevent_v from_o discern_v the_o light_a the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o common_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o guiltiness_n the_o sense_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o guilty_a person_n natural_o stir_v up_o fear_n of_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n as_o man_n and_o work_v with_o natural_a conscience_n it_o stir_v up_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n hereafter_o and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v that_o sinful_a fear_n prevail_v and_o cloud_n the_o soul_n 2._o it_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o height_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n right_a establishment_n fear_n be_v beget_v by_o look_v upon_o the_o danger_n it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n stand_v upon_o a_o high_a tower_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o downfall_n though_o he_o stand_v firm_a it_o pale_v the_o man_n and_o make_v he_o afraid_a so_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o tower_n of_o eternity_n come_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o thence_o arise_v this_o fear_n of_o heart_n 3._o this_o fear_n arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n wherein_o the_o soul_n remain_v i_o mean_v his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o right_a establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o those_o promise_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o soul_n like_o a_o blind_a man_n that_o be_v in_o continual_a fear_n lest_o he_o meet_v with_o danger_n and_o stumble_v and_o fall_v walk_v in_o darkness_n strike_v a_o fear_n natural_o in_o any_o person_n much_o more_o do_v this_o spiritual_a darkness_n produce_v fear_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o darkness_n thus_o rise_v have_v three_o effect_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o create_v strange_a unheard_a of_o danger_n to_o himself_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n work_v by_o fear_n the_o very_a strength_n of_o fancy_n when_o this_o distemper_n of_o fear_n prevail_v cause_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v new_a danger_n to_o itself_o every_o moment_n and_o to_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v and_o thence_o he_o multiply_v one_o objection_n upon_o another_o and_o the_o answer_v of_o one_o objection_n be_v but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o another_o objection_n 2._o this_o distemper_n of_o fearfulness_n do_v prevent_v the_o soul_n right_a use_n of_o the_o appoint_a mean_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o real_a danger_n discover_v the_o soul_n think_v to_o escape_v presumption_n by_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n lest_o it_o have_v no_o right_n to_o he_o prevent_v itself_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o right_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n it_o make_v the_o soul_n mindless_a of_o what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 3._o this_o distemper_n darken_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o cloud_n the_o precious_a divine_a light_n that_o god_n have_v infuse_v into_o it_o it_o look_v upon_o god_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o dark_a glass_n of_o fear_n and_o so_o be_v drive_v from_o god_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a with_o full_a confidence_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o do_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o distemper_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n present_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o love_n compassion_n and_o tender_a nature_n clothe_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o lovingkindness_n and_o thereupon_o begin_v to_o allay_v that_o passion_n of_o fear_n to_o prevent_v the_o rage_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n present_v the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v come_v down_o with_o a_o still_o gentle_a voice_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o precious_a allure_a soul-conquering_a heart-inamouring_a way_n and_o thereby_o the_o heart_n begin_v to_o have_v disposition_n beget_v in_o it_o to_o close_v with_o god_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n whereas_o it_o stand_v before_o afar_o off_o affright_v and_o astonish_v 2._o the_o spirit_n use_v to_o expostulate_v with_o the_o
poor_a tremble_a soul_n about_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o distemper_n of_o heart_n the_o spirit_n come_v and_o expostulate_v with_o the_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o afraid_a thou_o tremble_v soul_n why_o do_v stand_v shake_v like_o a_o leaf_n in_o the_o forest_n shake_v with_o the_o wind_n why_o be_v thy_o heart_n so_o perplex_v say_v the_o spirit_n christ_n will_v receive_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o passion_n of_o fear_n be_v allay_v and_o the_o soul_n bring_v to_o close_v with_o the_o tender_a of_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_a lay_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n before_o god_n think_v himself_o worthy_a to_o go_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o woe_n for_o ever_o yet_o yield_v to_o receive_v what_o the_o lord_n propound_v in_o christ_n a_o four_o distemper_n be_v over_o much_o jealousy_n jealousy_n of_o god_n and_o jealousy_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n the_o soul_n be_v exceed_o prone_a out_o of_o measure_n to_o a_o strange_a unheard_a of_o jealousy_n of_o god_n to_o have_v evil_a surmising_n of_o god_n look_v to_o some_o profane_a one_o 1._o they_o have_v such_o evil_a surmising_n as_o they_o suspect_v god_n in_o his_o be_v psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n 2._o a_o second_o sort_n surmise_v that_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o other_o will_v persuade_v they_o like_o those_o psal_n 50_o 21._o that_o think_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o they_o think_v there_o need_v be_v no_o such_o strictness_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o other_o will_v make_v toem_n believe_v that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o thou_o think_v i_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o thou_o think_v i_o will_v admit_v thou_o into_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o transgression_n thou_o live_v in_o 3._o other_o surmise_v that_o god_n be_v a_o hard_a master_n one_o that_o put_v heavy_a yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o think_v it_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n that_o they_o can_v take_v none_o of_o their_o curse_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v as_o good_a be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v they_o come_v to_o that_o near_a close_n and_o join_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o 4._o a_o four_o sort_n surmise_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o though_o they_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o iniquity_n if_o they_o repent_v at_o last_o 5._o a_o five_o sort_n be_v the_o formal_a civil_a one_o who_o think_v god_n will_v be_v satisfy_v if_o they_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o do_v none_o any_o wrong_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n he_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n 6._o a_o six_o sort_n be_v those_o that_o be_v detain_v from_o god_n by_o a_o distemper_n of_o unbelief_n unbelief_n can_v think_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n nay_o say_v the_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v the_o contrary_a all_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n therefore_o those_o expresion_n of_o his_o love_n belong_v not_o to_o i_o say_v the_o soul_n now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n how_o this_o distemper_n come_v thus_o to_o prevail_v and_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o sad_a effect_n it_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n 1._o this_o distemper_n proceed_v from_o another_o distemper_n even_o as_o bad_a and_o that_o be_v from_o a_o sensual_a judgement_n maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inevident_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n yea_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n be_v thing_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o man_n never_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n as_o man_n never_o hear_v nor_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o man_n never_o conceive_v a_o man_n must_v needs_o pass_v a_o false_a judgement_n upon_o they_o when_o he_o judge_v by_o a_o sensual_a judgement_n and_o say_v with_o nicodemus_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v what_o to_o have_v such_o iniquity_n and_o rebellion_n cast_v by_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o never_o remember_v any_o more_o to_o have_v my_o pollute_a soul_n look_v upon_o as_o righteous_a as_o a_o angel_n itself_o by_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v it_o be_v now_o by_o judge_v the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o by_o a_o sensual_a judgement_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v jealous_a and_o suspicious_a of_o god_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n intend_v such_o love_n towards_o his_o soul_n as_o he_o manifest_v in_o his_o expression_n 2._o this_o jealousy_n arise_v from_o the_o soul_n measure_v god_n way_n by_o its_o own_o way_n according_a to_o this_o principle_n the_o soul_n think_v if_o any_o man_n shall_v offer_v such_o injury_n to_o i_o as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o god_n i_o may_v profess_v love_n but_o i_o can_v never_o forget_v he_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v the_o lord_n can_v never_o forget_v those_o injury_n his_o soul_n have_v offer_v to_o he_o but_o god_n tell_v we_o isa_n 55.7_o his_o way_n be_v above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v do_v not_o conceive_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o pardon_v so_o abundant_o that_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o now_o in_o judge_a god_n way_n according_a to_o our_o way_n this_o jealousy_n prevail_v and_o do_v produce_v these_o sad_a effect_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o prevent_v the_o soul_n discern_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n 1._o by_o this_o distemper_n there_o be_v groundless_a conclusion_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o soul_n against_o itself_o the_o soul_n once_o entertain_v jealous_a thought_n of_o god_n seldom_o stay_v there_o but_o jealousy_n like_o a_o canker_n eat_v off_o more_o and_o more_o the_o good_a thought_n it_o shall_v have_v of_o god_n till_o at_o last_o it_o draw_v full_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o good_a thought_n at_o all_o towards_o it_o the_o soul_n common_o proceed_v from_o care_n to_o fear_v from_o fear_n to_o jealousy_n and_o from_o jealous_a suspicion_n to_o hard_a conclusion_n 2._o this_o distemper_n cause_v a_o evil_a eye_n in_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v this_o he_o draw_v a_o evil_a conclusion_n from_o all_o god_n work_n let_v god_n vouchsafe_v precious_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n through_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o while_o the_o heart_n remain_v under_o this_o distemper_n what_o say_v the_o heart_n i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v but_o to_o harden_v i_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v to_o increase_v my_o condemnation_n let_v god_n take_v away_o his_o ordinance_n again_o and_o there_o be_v as_o ill_a a_o construction_n make_v of_o that_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o jealousy_n present_o conclude_v iâ—_n if_o the_o lord_n intend_v any_o good_a to_o his_o soul_n he_o will_v let_v he_o use_v the_o mean_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o have_v abuse_v the_o mean_n and_o now_o be_o deprive_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n again_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o the_o soul_n outward_o if_o the_o lord_n lie_v affliction_n upon_o he_o now_o i_o may_v see_v indeed_o say_v he_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a the_o lord_n indignation_n be_v kindle_v against_o i_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o beginning_n of_o my_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o the_o soul_n never_o search_v whether_o it_o may_v out_o of_o faithfulness_n that_o the_o lord_n come_v thus_o to_o chastise_v outward_o according_a to_o that_o in_o ps_n 119.95_o or_o let_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v prosperity_n outward_o to_o such_o a_o soul_n ten_o to_o one_o as_o sad_a construction_n be_v make_v of_o such_o deal_n of_o god_n too_o 3._o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o rely_v upon_o sight_n and_o sense_n alone_o in_o its_o search_n and_o seek_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o jealous_a heart_n will_v trust_v god_n no_o further_o than_o he_o see_v he_o so_o that_o hereby_o the_o soul_n remain_v under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v any_o assurance_n to_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n by_o this_o the_o soul_n do_v even_o renounce_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o spirit_n seek_v to_o remove_v this_o distemper_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o sweet_a confidence_n of_o god_n and_o
disproportion_n a_o soul_n find_v out_o between_o himself_o and_o other_o christian_n his_o grace_n and_o their_o grace_n his_o duty_n and_o their_o duty_n be_v make_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o draw_v a_o final_a conclusion_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n from_o as_o thus_o when_o a_o soul_n argue_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o see_v there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o precious_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o behold_v and_o see_v apparent_a be_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o and_o such_o christian_n they_o have_v their_o heart_n so_o powerful_o draw_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o close_v with_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o union_n that_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o a_o mighty_a power_n from_o god_n to_o believe_v but_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n draw_v my_o heart_n and_o come_v with_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o constrain_v my_o soul_n to_o close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v and_o therefore_o sure_o god_n never_o intend_v good_a to_o my_o soul_n that_o this_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o sinful_a distemper_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a thing_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o disproportion_n between_o one_o christian_n and_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a disproportion_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n without_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o degree_n yea_o in_o the_o very_o be_v of_o all_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o actual_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n by_o any_o act_n of_o believe_v first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n that_o other_o christian_n have_v have_v upon_o they_o before_o their_o actual_a consent_n to_o the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n that_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o have_v second_o a_o disproportion_n may_v be_v in_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n for_o sin_n that_o other_o christian_n have_v have_v upon_o they_o for_o sin_n before_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n thy_o soul_n have_v hitherto_o have_v upon_o thâ—â—_n three_o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o effect_n that_o fear_v of_o conscience_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n do_v natural_o produce_v in_o soul_n as_o doubtfulness_n and_o multitude_n of_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o thy_o own_o soul_n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a effect_n that_o grief_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n produce_v and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o thy_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o yet_o no_o sin_n neither_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o because_o neither_o fear_n of_o conscience_n nor_o doubt_n of_o mind_n nor_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o the_o soul_n do_v in_o the_o least_o commend_v any_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v sin_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n sin_n and_o all_o those_o doubt_n and_o objection_n sin_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o the_o least_o virtue_n in_o they_o to_o commend_v a_o soul_n to_o god_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n without_o sin_n first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o by_o which_o he_o measure_v himself_o it_o may_v be_v he_o yet_o remain_v but_o a_o green_a tender_a plant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o measure_n himself_o by_o a_o old_a flourish_a green_a olive_n in_o god_n house_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o help_n and_o mean_n of_o growth_n the_o field_n be_v not_o blame_v because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o fruitful_a as_o the_o garden_n when_o the_o garden_n be_v daily_o water_v and_o dress_v 3._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o no_o sin_n first_o in_o regard_n there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n to_o occasion_n to_o act_v grace_n in_o thou_o that_o be_v in_o other_o the_o occasion_n be_v like_o the_o wind_n to_o the_o ship_n that_o set_v the_o ship_n a_o go_v they_o be_v but_o the_o heavenly_a wind_n as_o it_o be_v that_o blow_n upon_o grace_n that_o set_v grace_n a_o work_n and_o various_a grace_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n now_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o god_n bind_v himself_o in_o covenant_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n may_v be_v act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o call_v it_o extraordinary_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_a at_o all_o time_n to_o all_o christian_n that_o have_v some_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a gale_n from_o heaven_n his_o grace_n may_v be_v act_v and_o through_o thy_o want_n of_o those_o quickning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thy_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v so_o act_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n three_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o outward_a excitation_n and_o quicken_a unto_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n a_o soul_n stand_v not_o only_o in_o necessity_n of_o the_o inward_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o outward_a excitation_n too_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v through_o the_o outward_a excitation_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v those_o inward_a breathe_n of_o his_o quicken_a spirit_n now_o if_o other_o christian_n by_o who_o thy_o soul_n do_v measure_n itself_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o excitation_n that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v more_o bellows_o blow_v upon_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n than_o thou_o though_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o the_o act_n the_o bare_a disproportion_n may_v not_o be_v thy_o sin_n second_o there_o may_v be_v many_o sinful_a disproportion_n that_o yet_o destroy_v not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o faith_n itself_o first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o want_n of_o most_o of_o the_o high_a and_o excellent_a operation_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o be_v of_o union_n destroy_v second_o faith_n may_v be_v oppress_v with_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v suppress_v three_o there_o may_v be_v the_o want_n of_o almost_o all_o steadfastness_n stability_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o soul_n can_v seldom_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o believe_a frame_n one_o moment_n and_o yet_o that_o sinful_a defect_n may_v not_o nullify_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o sinful_a disproportion_n in_o all_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o union_n with_o christ_n hold_v that_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a motion_n towards_o god_n may_v be_v unactive_a when_o thou_o see_v other_o full_a of_o life_n and_o activity_n and_o yet_o this_o sinful_a disproportion_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o union_n now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o sad_a distemper_n thus_o to_o measure_v the_o soul_n by_o other_o 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v such_o a_o disproportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o other_o christian_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v out_o discover_v nothing_o but_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o soul_n sin_n in_o its_o neglect_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v god_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v isa_n 55.7_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v abundant_o to_o pardon_v to_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v 2._o in_o regard_v when_o the_o great_a disproportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o other_o christian_n be_v find_v out_o yet_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o jesus_n christ_n now_o come_v to_o woo_v and_o persuade_v and_o beseech_v to_o be_v one_o with_o his_o father_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o distemper_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v or_o whence_o it_o arise_v in_o soul_n i._o it_o be_v common_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o lord_n maintain_v a_o proportion_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n now_o what_o a_o dark_a blind_a principle_n be_v this_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o 1._o you_o must_v conceive_v the_o lord_n do_v equal_o dispense_v to_o all_o his_o people_n soul_n all_o kind_n of_o grace_n he_o leave_v suitable_a disposition_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o his_o bless_a will_n thus_o far_o the_o lord_n proportion_v grace_n but_o then_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o proportion_v the_o
degree_n of_o grace_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o concord_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v for_o the_o better_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o christian_n have_v particular_a different_a grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.25_o 26._o second_o it_o it_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v so_o compact_v together_o that_o one_o member_n shall_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o member_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o all_o his_o grace_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o only_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a love_n in_o dispense_n grace_n to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o dispense_n it_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o degree_n he_o please_v 2._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o grace_n arise_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o various_a gift_n ii_o the_o second_o distemper_n upon_o which_o this_o principle_n do_v arise_v be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v conceive_v there_o must_v be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n go_v before_o the_o soul_n attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o thence_o the_o soul_n seek_v into_o the_o life_n and_o heart_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o measure_n himself_o by_o those_o think_v upon_o a_o sight_n of_o a_o conformity_n in_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o duty_n he_o may_v then_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o assurance_n and_o then_o have_v some_o confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o hence_o so_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n conceive_v a_o defect_n in_o himself_o in_o those_o grace_n he_o behold_v to_o be_v in_o other_o christian_n he_o sit_v down_o discourage_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o also_o be_v a_o vile_a principle_n of_o darkness_n must_v be_v also_o make_v appear_v yet_o first_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o must_v premise_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o superlative_a degree_n of_o grace_n ii_o that_o every_o soul_n that_o attain_v unto_o that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n to_o receive_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o accept_v he_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v attain_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o grace_n also_o there_o be_v the_o special_a working_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n wherever_o there_o be_v this_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o knowledge_n ignorance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o vice_n the_o very_a womb_n wherein_o unbelief_n be_v conceive_v withal_o its_o brat_n withal_o its_o scruple_n and_o objection_n whatever_o and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o that_o ignorance_n of_o god_n be_v heal_v so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o soul_n attain_v towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n beget_v in_o the_o soul_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o contentment_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o love_n to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v to_o he_o love_n beget_v love_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o a_o soul_n apprehend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n so_o be_v the_o answerable_a degree_n of_o the_o working_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n again_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o raisedness_n of_o spirit_n above_o all_o thing_n below_o i_o give_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n which_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v in_o soul_n where_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v attain_v but_o now_o to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o principle_n itself_o notwithstanding_o this_o yet_o the_o principle_n itself_o be_v a_o dark_a principle_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n go_v before_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o faith_n to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o assurance_n only_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v receive_v before_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n ii_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n any_o better_a ground_n to_o act_v faith_n in_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n word_n wherein_o he_o reveal_v that_o his_o bless_a will_n now_o the_o lord_n word_n speak_v as_o plain_o and_o reveal_v his_o will_n as_o clear_o to_o the_o soul_n not_o have_v the_o least_o portion_n of_o grace_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n iii_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o portion_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n duty_n even_o when_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o rebel_n when_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n the_o lord_n do_v as_o strict_o command_v he_o from_o heaven_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o bless_a word_n reveal_v his_o good_a will_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n if_o he_o will_v be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v command_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v it_o after_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o grace_n iv_o those_o very_a portion_n of_o grace_n great_a or_o small_a that_o be_v attain_v to_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v assurance_n unto_o faith_n they_o be_v all_o attain_v through_o the_o soul_n believe_v with_o that_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n of_o sanctification_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o grace_n the_o six_o and_o last_o dark_a distemper_n be_v distemper_n dark_a distemper_n the_o soul_n unconstancy_n this_o unconstancy_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n the_o one_o in_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o second_o be_v the_o unconstancy_n of_o the_o soul_n determination_n and_o conclusion_n natural_o we_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n seldom_o stay_v a_o moment_n in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o distemper_n there_o must_v be_v divers_a thing_n open_v i._o we_o must_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o strict_a close_a unmovable_a adherence_n to_o their_o determination_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v once_o draw_v up_o in_o a_o soul_n that_o these_o command_n require_v from_o any_o soul_n that_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a a_o distemper_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n therefore_o observe_v there_o be_v three_o case_n in_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v too_o much_o settle_v and_o adhere_v too_o fast_o to_o his_o own_o conclusion_n 1._o when_o the_o soul_n stick_v fast_o to_o any_o conclusion_n without_o spiritual_a divine_a light_n compel_v and_o constrain_a the_o soul_n to_o it_o 2._o when_o a_o soul_n be_v so_o take_v with_o any_o determination_n that_o he_o have_v draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n concern_v truth_n that_o his_o own_o spirit_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o take_v a_o right_a view_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o propound_v to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o when_o a_o soul_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o any_o determination_n draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v a_o prejudicial_a opinion_n against_o whatever_o seem_v to_o contradict_v that_o his_o own_o determination_n ii_o you_o must_v know_v there_o be_v case_n wherein_o there_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v alteration_n and_o change_n in_o a_o soul_n own_o determination_n concern_v truth_n and_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o those_o case_n be_v especial_o two_o 1._o where_o there_o be_v clear_a evidence_n concern_v the_o object_n convey_v into_o a_o soul_n 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o clear_a
christ_n 1._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o those_o soul_n be_v augment_v there_o be_v no_o more_o prevail_a argument_n of_o love_n than_o suffer_v evil_a for_o the_o belove_a one_o 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v from_o thence_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o near_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o propriety_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o well_o augment_v by_o his_o suffering_n as_o his_o love_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o why_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n 3._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o union_n with_o they_o therefore_o isa_n 53.11_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v soul_n gather_v in_o to_o he_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n and_o this_o shall_v satisfy_v he_o now_o from_o hence_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o unsatiable_a long_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o union_n of_o those_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o 3._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o gather_v such_o lose_a soul_n as_o will_v embrace_v he_o into_o union_n with_o he_o this_o you_o may_v find_v john_n 10.15_o 16._o say_v christ_n i_o have_v other_o sheep_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o i_o must_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v there_o be_v necessity_n i_o be_o engage_v by_o duty_n to_o my_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o command_n my_o father_n lay_v upon_o i_o to_o gather_v those_o lose_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o i_o 4._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o it_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v gather_v lose_v undo_v sinner_n into_o union_n with_o he_o his_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o abstract_n or_o quintessence_n of_o love_n as_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o natural_a to_o he_o to_o be_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o love_n into_o empty_a soul_n second_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o expression_n of_o those_o long_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o himself_o i._o the_o spirit_n present_v jesus_n christ_n seek_v after_o such_o lose_a sinner_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o union_n with_o he_o when_o their_o back_n be_v altogether_o turn_v upon_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v altogether_o forget_v he_o this_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o luke_n 19.10_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v my_o office_n say_v christ_n for_o which_o i_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n ii_o the_o spirit_n manifest_v the_o lord_n christ_n strong_a compassionate_a cry_n of_o love_n after_o such_o soul_n to_o accept_v of_o a_o bless_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o this_o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o hear_v rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o so_o isa_n 55.1_o 2._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o be_v in_o any_o want_n in_o any_o necessity_n any_o poor_a thirsty_a soul_n come_v you_o say_v he_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n here_o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n 1._o to_o discerern_v the_o loud_a cry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o such_o poor_a dead_a sluggish_a soul_n to_o embrace_v they_o 2._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v the_o redouble_a of_o his_o cry_n and_o call_v come_v you_o say_v christ_n yea_o again_o come_v and_o again_o come_v as_o if_o his_o bowel_n yearned_a 3._o the_o spirit_n lot_n the_o soul_n see_v his_o propound_v all_o the_o precious_a argument_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v to_o prevail_v with_o soul_n come_v say_v christ_n buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n take_v the_o most_o precious_a soul-ravishing_a comfort_n the_o sweet_a cordial_n to_o thy_o poor_a needy_a faint_a soul_n iii_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o low_a condescension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o become_v a_o entreater_n a_o beseecher_n of_o soul_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o union_n propound_v according_a to_o 2._o cor._n 5.20_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n that_o be_v be_v you_o one_o with_o god_n iv_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o own_o spirit_n in_o commission_n for_o that_o end_n to_o make_v all_o these_o long_n of_o his_o evident_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o these_o expression_n of_o his_o long_n in_o his_o cry_n and_o entreaty_n effectual_a upon_o soul_n the_o spirit_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v so_o superlative_a as_o to_o take_v care_n least_o after_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o long_n the_o soul_n shall_v still_o remain_v unconquered_a and_o therefore_o he_o add_v as_o it_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o all_o his_o former_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o he_o add_v his_o own_o spirit_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o constant_a officer_n for_o that_o end_n to_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o long_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v union_n with_o he_o therefore_o he_o send_v the_o comforter_n john_n 16.7_o v._o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n tender_v pitiful_a compassionate_a discovery_n of_o the_o dreadful_a danger_n of_o neglect_n of_o union_n with_o he_o according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 3.17_o 18._o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v i_o tell_v you_o soul_n say_v christ_n the_o very_a intention_n of_o my_o father_n in_o send_v i_o be_v not_o to_o augment_v your_o sin_n that_o your_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v augment_v but_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o then_o v._n 18._o he_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o desperate_a state_n of_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o salvation_n that_o he_o bring_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vi_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v that_o the_o lord_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o even_o wait_v as_o it_o be_v the_o leisure_n of_o poor_a lose_v undo_v soul_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o bless_a union_n tender_v the_o spirit_n present_v the_o lord_n jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o heart_n and_o knock_v till_o his_o head_n be_v wet_a with_o the_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n wait_v for_o the_o soul_n accept_v of_o that_o bless_a union_n with_o himself_o that_o he_o tender_v there_o be_v a_o four_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n the_o spirit_n cause_v further_a to_o sparkle_v forth_o from_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o work_n of_o irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n of_o it_o light_n four_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o absolute_a independency_n of_o this_o willingness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o soul_n who_o he_o be_v thus_o willing_a to_o accept_v and_o after_o union_n with_o he_o his_o soul_n thus_o belong_v there_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o way_n of_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o all_o matter_n of_o fear_n vanish_v and_o all_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o the_o clear_a satisfaction_n it_o give_v the_o soul_n concern_v his_o acceptance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n to_o those_o multitude_n of_o fear_n that_o common_o arise_v in_o soul_n concern_v the_o unsutableness_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v take_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o take_v away_o those_o occasion_n of_o fear_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n and_o the_o long_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o union_n with_o soul_n have_v not_o the_o least_o dependence_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o soul_n itself_o whence_o he_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n now_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v evidence_n these_o three_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n i._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o glorious_a deity_n to_o be_v move_v 〈◊〉_d any_o thing_n
when_o he_o look_v out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n it_o must_v arise_v only_o from_o that_o mystical_a body_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o mystical_a body_n be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o one_o with_o one_o single_a eye_n every_o soul_n in_o that_o mystical_a body_n may_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o god_n 4._o every_o such_o soul_n as_o shall_v and_o will_v accept_v gospel-discovery_n be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o contentment_n of_o god_n that_o he_o take_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o result_n of_o the_o mystical_a working_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o its_o final_a dissolution_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o god_n to_o reflect_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o working_n of_o his_o own_o attribute_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n when_o he_o have_v make_v it_o to_o behold_v how_o good_a it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v delight_v himself_o in_o behold_v the_o working_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n now_o the_o lord_n only_o behold_v the_o result_n of_o the_o admirable_a working_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n in_o that_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o mystical_a body_n only_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o delight_n that_o he_o take_v in_o the_o result_n and_o issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n now_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v reveal_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v firm_a engagement_n lay_v upon_o god_n himself_o to_o fulfil_v whatever_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o i._o hence_o god_n be_v engage_v by_o his_o express_a love_n to_o the_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o let_v out_o his_o love_n in_o the_o most_o absolute_a complete_a perfect_a divine_a unspeakable_a working_n of_o it_o to_o every_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o do_v embrace_v and_o accept_v gospel-discovery_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o consequent_o the_o lord_n stand_v engage_v first_o to_o let_v out_o his_o love_n to_o work_v free_o with_o out_o motive_n incentive_a or_o argument_n incline_v his_o love_n to_o work_v towards_o every_o such_o soul_n embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o soul_n be_v one_o of_o the_o divine_a glorious_a perfection_n of_o love_n and_o shall_v that_o be_v want_v some_o degree_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o delight_n and_o contentment_n that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o receive_v from_o every_o such_o soul_n to_o himself_o must_v also_o be_v want_v second_o thence_o the_o lord_n stand_v engage_v to_o let_v out_o his_o love_n wonderful_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n three_o thence_o he_o be_v engage_v to_o let_v out_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o love_n to_o such_o soul_n as_o shall_v embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n full_o and_o complete_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n four_o from_o hence_o also_o the_o lord_n be_v engage_v to_o let_v out_o his_o love_n to_o work_v infinite_o without_o measure_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v these_o gospel_n discovery_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v but_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o work_v not_o according_a to_o its_o perfection_n till_o it_o work_v infinite_o now_o from_o hence_o 1._o here_o be_v full_a security_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v any_o doubt_a soul_n concern_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o gospel_n discovery_n into_o his_o bosom_n in_o his_o embrace_v of_o it_o when_o the_o soul_n do_v doubt_n because_o of_o the_o indisposedness_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o any_o duty_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o and_o because_o of_o his_o inability_n to_o those_o duty_n 2._o hence_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v full_a security_n to_o the_o waver_a unstable_a soul_n who_o stand_v tremble_v lest_o he_o shall_v presume_v in_o cast_v his_o forlorn_a loveless_n soul_n into_o those_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o love_n because_o of_o the_o abominable_a perverseness_n and_o crookedness_n of_o his_o heart_n against_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 3._o hence_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v security_n to_o any_o waver_a soul_n who_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v shake_v and_o quiver_n and_o dare_v not_o with_o any_o confidence_n grasp_v the_o bless_a tender_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n through_o christ_n because_o of_o his_o wretched_a abuse_n of_o the_o precious_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v towards_o he_o in_o christ_n already_o ii_o hence_o also_o the_o spirit_n may_v reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o same_o dear_a love_n to_o his_o own_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o dispose_v every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n into_o a_o capacity_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o near_a most_o absolute_a entire_a communion_n with_o himself_o under_o this_o particular_a the_o spirit_n may_v reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v engage_v to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o remove_v all_o the_o opposition_n unto_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o remain_v in_o any_o heart_n to_o suppress_v overpower_v yea_o to_o heal_n all_o the_o crookedness_n and_o all_o the_o averseness_n of_o any_o heart_n embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n 2._o hence_o the_o spirit_n may_v reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v engage_v to_o infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n such_o disposition_n as_o shall_v be_v full_o complete_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n so_o as_o to_o make_v so_o bless_v a_o concurrence_n between_o his_o own_o pure_a nature_n and_o the_o soul_n corrupt_a nature_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o opposite_a to_o the_o soul_n disposition_n nor_o nothing_o in_o the_o soul_n disposition_n or_o nature_n opposite_a unto_o god_n 3._o in_o this_o the_o spirit_n may_v reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v engage_v to_o heighten_v or_o elevate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o communication_n and_o influence_n from_o god_n now_o what_o abundant_a security_n may_v the_o spirit_n give_v to_o any_o soul_n that_o tremble_v to_o embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n against_o fear_n 1._o what_o security_n may_v the_o spirit_n give_v to_o soul_n fear_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o gospel_n discovery_n because_o of_o the_o averseness_n and_o contrariety_n of_o their_o spirit_n unto_o communion_n with_o god_n hence_o the_o spirit_n may_v say_v to_o every_o soul_n without_o exception_n that_o shall_v embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n it_o be_v a_o choose_a object_n of_o the_o high_a eternal_a delight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n 2._o hence_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v full_a security_n unto_o the_o soul_n against_o all_o fear_n because_o of_o the_o unstableness_n and_o fickleness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o any_o degree_n of_o communion_n once_o 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to_o make_v every_o such_o soul_n a_o partaker_n of_o his_o own_o spotless_a purity_n and_o holiness_n yea_o to_o make_v it_o participate_v of_o his_o divine_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o life_n so_o as_o the_o same_o life_n that_o dwell_v in_o himself_o and_o that_o himself_o live_v by_o shall_v also_o dwell_v in_o every_o such_o sinful_a soul_n embrace_v those_o gospel_n discovery_n nay_o the_o engagement_n be_v so_o invincible_a that_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o communicate_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o his_o communicable_a perfection_n to_o every_o such_o loveless_n forlorn_a sinner_n as_o shall_v and_o will_v embrace_v gospel_n discovery_n he_o shall_v bereave_v himself_o of_o that_o sweet_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n that_o his_o soul_n take_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n see_v every_o such_o soul_n be_v the_o choose_a object_n in_o who_o the_o lord_n determin_n from_o eternity_n to_o delight_v himself_o by_o the_o
spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n towards_o the_o draw_v forth_o its_o faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n or_o by_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v proceed_v to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o four_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o heart_n for_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n certain_o and_o infallible_o excitation_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n so_o as_o to_o give_v the_o demonstration_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n former_o infuse_v into_o their_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a exercise_n now_o here_o you_o must_v observe_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o quicken_v inlve_v and_o actuate_v all_o kind_n of_o gracious_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o sanctify_a soul_n in_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n assure_v its_o faith_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n for_o indeed_o the_o soul_n assurance_n unto_o faith_n do_v not_o proper_o arise_v from_o any_o of_o the_o act_n of_o those_o holy_a disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o it_o but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n unto_o loveless_n sinner_n for_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o excitation_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o assure_v the_o soul_n through_o believe_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v only_o and_o peculiar_o the_o believe_a disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n at_o christ_n first_o comprehend_v the_o soul_n for_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o as_o exercise_v influence_n chief_o flow_v down_o from_o that_o believe_a disposition_n now_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o three_o former_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o heart_n in_o regard_n all_o these_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n be_v but_o preparative_n to_o this_o 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of_o the_o lord_n accept_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o cast_v out_o the_o anchor_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o own_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n another_o time_n upon_o the_o quickening_n and_o enlarging_n of_o their_o heart_n through_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o never_o entertain_v the_o least_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v of_o they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n any_o further_a than_o they_o can_v discern_v those_o quicken_a enlarge_v 〈◊〉_d inlivening_n of_o that_o sanctify_a spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n 2._o that_o do_v prepare_v privative_o for_o the_o assurance_n by_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o seek_v in_o a_o false_a manner_n after_o the_o attain_n of_o confidence_n upon_o a_o true_a bottom_n before_o the_o spirit_n full_a illumination_n the_o soul_n common_o mistake_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o cast_v out_o a_o anchor_n of_o confidence_n upon_o that_o true_a ground_n as_o 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hither_o and_o thither_o by_o a_o apprehension_n of_o reason_v that_o always_o dwell_v within_o he_o the_o heart_n sometime_o incline_v to_o a_o dreadful_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o his_o forlorn_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n another_o time_n again_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o by_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscienee_n the_o contrariety_n of_o reason_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v the_o reason_n for_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n bear_v more_o weight_n with_o the_o spirit_n than_o all_o the_o objection_n and_o contradiction_n that_o hell_n and_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n can_v make_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n discern_v more_o ground_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n than_o he_o discern_v ground_n to_o think_v the_o contrary_n 2._o through_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n the_o uproar_v and_o tumult_n in_o the_o soul_n affection_n be_v allay_v and_o help_v through_o the_o contrariety_n of_o reason_v in_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o affection_n be_v put_v into_o a_o tumult_n and_o rage_n when_o one_o kind_n of_o reason_v prevail_v than_o one_o kind_n of_o affection_n work_v strong_o and_o when_o contrary_a reason_n prevail_v then_o contrary_a affection_n work_v as_o high_o 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o spirit_n manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v prepare_v for_o the_o soul_n receive_v assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o remove_v the_o distraction_n that_o possess_v the_o soul_n thought_n as_o the_o affection_n common_o be_v in_o a_o confusion_n so_o the_o thought_n also_o the_o mind_n be_v constant_a in_o nothing_o else_o but_o unconstancy_n stay_v or_o fix_v upon_o nothing_o now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o soul_n receive_v assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n privative_o to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o it_o removes_z this_o distemper_n second_o they_o be_v preparation_n positive_o also_o i._o the_o spirit_n work_v of_o illumination_n that_o do_v prepare_v the_o subject_n for_o assurance_n it_o be_v through_o that_o illumination_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v dispose_v into_o a_o possible_a condition_n and_o a_o capable_a condition_n to_o discern_v that_o everlasting_a rock_n of_o age_n whereupon_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n shall_v be_v cast_v ii_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v also_o prepare_v positive_o for_o the_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n that_o prepare_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o assurance_n that_o discover_v the_o true_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v confident_a of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n iii_o the_o three_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v conviction_n that_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o receive_v the_o assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o apply_v the_o matter_n of_o assurance_n particular_o unto_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o discover_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o soul_n may_v be_v confident_a of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n conviction_n that_o make_v particular_a application_n of_o that_o ground_n of_o confidence_n those_o three_o former_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o preparative_a unto_o assurance_n the_o formality_n of_o assurance_n be_v still_o behind_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n come_v with_o this_o four_o work_n which_o be_v the_o exciting_a and_o stir_a up_o this_o believe_a disposition_n into_o exercise_n therefore_o now_o we_o must_v open_v to_o you_o what_o this_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v
he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o it_o dare_v not_o trust_v its_o heart_n when_o it_o deal_v most_o plain_o and_o upright_o now_o from_o this_o holy_a jealousy_n there_o arise_v a_o difficulty_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o all_o waver_a in_o its_o conscience_n now_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o inward_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n in_o its_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o iv_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unconstancy_n that_o possess_v every_o such_o believe_a soul_n in_o some_o degree_n ever_o since_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o first_o bless_a centre_n it_o have_v natural_o be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o its_o resting_n now_o from_o this_o 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spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n now_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o sense_n but_o there_o be_v a_o objection_n will_v be_v cast_v in_o that_o must_v first_o be_v open_v whereby_o the_o depth_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a mystery_n may_v be_v something_o more_o unfolded_a obj._n some_o soul_n may_v say_v if_o the_o spirit_n give_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o this_o that_o his_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o accept_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o and_o produce_v no_o other_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o this_o that_o i_o even_o i_o this_o unlovely_a soul_n of_o i_o in_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v infallible_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o to_o all_o eternity_n then_o say_v the_o soul_n even_o after_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o its_o 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for_o that_o believe_a soul_n to_o question_v his_o own_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o confidence_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v as_o perfect_o and_o as_o clear_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o they_o strength_n to_o enable_v soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v those_o promise_n as_o they_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o a_o fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n for_o those_o soul_n that_o do_v embrace_v they_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v say_v it_o be_v my_o will_n that_o such_o perish_v sink_v despicable_a soul_n as_o will_v accept_v my_o tender_a shall_v be_v one_o with_o i_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o have_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o i_o have_v also_o say_v will_v allure_v and_o draw_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v according_a to_o my_o will_n this_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o in_o christ_n that_o i_o free_o tender_v you_o according_a to_o jer._n 31_o 32_o 33._o this_o shall_v be_v my_o covenant_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v infuse_v suitable_a disposition_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o embracer_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o incline_v dispose_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o fulfil_v all_o my_o reveal_v will_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v as_o sure_a a_o word_n reveal_v to_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o from_o whence_o may_v arise_v a_o 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as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o now_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v the_o soul_n credence_n or_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v confident_a of_o the_o lord_n accept_n of_o it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o it_o be_v only_o because_o of_o such_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n or_o which_o the_o soul_n believe_v 3._o in_o this_o act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v a_o resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n whole_o unto_o christ_n such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o know_v who_o word_n it_o be_v that_o i_o give_v credit_n to_o and_o that_o i_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o i_o lean_v my_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o word_n for_o its_o everlasting_a happiness_n so_o that_o then_o in_o this_o act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v that_o mutual_a interchangable_n covenant_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n require_v from_o soul_n in_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v 4._o in_o this_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v a_o full_a dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n a_o hang_v the_o soul_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o word_n so_o that_o indeed_o all_o the_o act_n that_o the_o gospel_n require_v from_o soul_n be_v include_v in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o confidence_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n be_v also_o the_o act_n of_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n be_v gradual_o as_o strong_a as_o the_o act_n of_o its_o confidence_n of_o accept_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o cleave_v to_o he_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n question_v his_o own_o adherence_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o testimony_n foremention_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n and_o produce_v 〈◊〉_d confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n lie_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n the_o very_a confidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n beget_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o accept_n it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o cleave_v to_o he_o the_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v further_o that_o whenever_o the_o spirit_n by_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n do_v beget_v that_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o than_o the_o soul_n can_v question_v his_o own_o adhere_n unto_o christ_n any_o more_o than_o he_o question_n the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o faith_n be_v or_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o do_v equal_o beget_v a_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n to_o the_o confidence_n that_o it_o do_v beget_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n 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judicial_a authoritative_a way_n witness_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o gospel_n truth_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v possible_o resist_v that_o determination_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v into_o its_o bosom_n now_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v enable_v it_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v unto_o its_o faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n every_o soul_n that_o will_v adhere_v to_o he_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o soul_n shall_v more_o question_v his_o adhere_n unto_o christ_n than_o he_o shall_v question_v the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o he_o
his_o union_n four_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v instruct_v all_o other_o the_o better_a by_o his_o deal_n with_o some_o believe_a soul_n god_n instruct_v weak_a believer_n in_o this_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n be_v not_o essential_a unto_o union_n v._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o precious_a saint_n may_v be_v veil_v and_o hide_v and_o this_o may_v be_v in_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v stumble_v at_o the_o saint_n and_o judge_v they_o dispicable_a fool_n that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_n cau._n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o four_o causion_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o believe_a soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n aught_o to_o continue_v when_o the_o record_n itself_o do_v not_o actual_o continue_v the_o record_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v the_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o soul_n final_a estate_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v total_o definitive_a never_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o that_o believe_a soul_n but_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o after_o even_o in_o the_o sad_a interruption_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n ought_v to_o say_v though_o i_o do_v fall_n i_o shall_v arise_v though_o i_o have_v no_o vision_n of_o the_o sweet_a face_n of_o my_o redeemer_n yet_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o like_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v infinite_a sinfulness_n for_o that_o believe_a soul_n ever_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o love_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o avouch_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o grand_a question_n open_v which_o be_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n which_o be_v this_o que._n 2._o how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v konw_n certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o their_o evidence_n of_o this_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v only_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o a_o angelical_a glory_n now_o for_o the_o clear_a explication_n or_o unfolding_n this_o question_n there_o must_v be_v divers_a thing_n premise_v there_o be_v four_o thing_n i_o must_v premise_v concern_v those_o diabolical_a inspiration_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o soul_n trial_n of_o his_o evidence_n receive_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o delusion_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n pre._n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o implacable_a malice_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n be_v direct_o set_v aâ—_n work_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o darken_n the_o precious_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o centre_n wherein_o all_o the_o hellish_a design_n that_o be_v practise_v against_o a_o believe_a soul_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n that_o he_o shoot_v from_o his_o hellish_a quiver_n against_o believe_a soul_n be_v intend_v to_o batter_v down_o the_o tower_n of_o strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o most_o curse_a insinuation_n into_o any_o believe_a heart_n allure_a to_o any_o corruption_n intentional_o tend_v towards_o the_o darken_n the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n countenance_n that_o shine_v upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n certain_o the_o devil_n act_v with_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n against_o the_o apostle_n peter_n that_o cause_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n intentional_o end_v in_o this_o to_o overthrow_v his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n fail_v not_o nay_o the_o bless_a head_n of_o all_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o perfect_a example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o believe_a soul_n in_o temptation_n he_o be_v encounter_v withal_o in_o this_o way_n by_o the_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n the_o devil_n make_v his_o close_a and_o strong_a battery_n against_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o therefore_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n employ_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o especial_o endeavour_v to_o strike_v down_o their_o faith_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o over_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o particular_a 1_o thes_n 3.5_o say_v he_o i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n least_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n have_v tempt_v you_o and_o our_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a indeed_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n why_o the_o peculiar_a malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v work_v in_o all_o its_o strength_n against_o believer_n evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n with_o strength_n and_o power_n upon_o receive_v evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n and_o that_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a opposite_a of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n grand_a adversary_n in_o that_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n against_o all_o the_o devil_n encounter_n it_o be_v the_o shield_n that_o quench_v all_o the_o devil_n fiery_a dart_n eph._n 5.6_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o soul_n resist_v the_o devil_n till_o he_o gain_v the_o conquest_n and_o put_v that_o infernal_a adversary_n to_o flight_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o most_o triumphant_a conqueror_n over_o all_o his_o army_n that_o he_o call_v in_o for_o his_o assistance_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o john_n 5.4_o that_o be_v all_o that_o either_o within_o or_o without_o the_o soul_n shall_v concur_v to_o the_o draw_v it_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n will_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o receive_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o lord_n his_o most_o peculiar_a glory_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o precious_a truth_n by_o this_o the_o believe_a soul_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o now_o the_o devil_n peculiar_a malice_n be_v against_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n thence_o his_o malice_n be_v against_o this_o faith_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o soul_n receive_v evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v the_o unseparable_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v another_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n envy_n work_v infinite_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a joy_n as_o poor_a believe_a soul_n be_v fill_v with_o see_v angel_n who_o nature_n be_v more_o glorious_a be_v lefâ—_n absolute_o destitute_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n now_o from_o these_o working_n of_o envy_n hatred_n work_v also_o infinite_o and_o unspeakable_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n iii_o the_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diametrical_a opposition_n between_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o bless_a spirit_n every_o work_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n be_v infinite_o abominate_v by_o he_o and_o thence_o this_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v the_o particular_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o comforter_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n iv_o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n through_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o
all_o his_o labour_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a by_o consent_v to_o a_o doubtful_a trial_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v when_o the_o soul_n stagger_v and_o waver_v in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n which_o christ_n receive_v and_o proceed_v in_o that_o timorous_a tremble_a waver_a manner_n to_o a_o examination_n of_o that_o his_o evidence_n than_o the_o soul_n either_o seek_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n than_o what_o he_o receive_v former_o or_o else_o he_o seek_v for_o infallible_a demonstration_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v that_o that_o evidence_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n now_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v be_v the_o evidence_n from_o that_o precious_a witness_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n seek_v all_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n or_o else_o in_o case_n the_o soul_n seek_v to_o prove_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o effect_n wrought_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o soul_n also_o labour_v in_o vain_a in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v dubious_a and_o anxious_a about_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o conceive_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v dubious_a whether_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n iii_o in_o regard_n satan_n indiscernable_o gain_v these_o advantage_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o solicit_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o doubtful_a trial_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n by_o satan_n solicit_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o doubtful_a trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v he_o do_v indeed_o appear_v in_o angelical_a glory_n clothe_v with_o a_o glitter_v garment_n of_o heavenly_a light_n he_o thus_o bespeak_v the_o poor_a believe_a soul_n take_v heed_n o_o soul_n thou_o be_v not_o delude_v in_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o eternity_n man_n heart_n be_v natural_o too_o ready_a to_o presume_v say_v satan_n take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o befool_v thyself_o with_o vain_a hope_n thus_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n send_v on_o purpose_n to_o press_v one_o of_o the_o bless_a command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v try_v examine_v and_o prove_v itself_o only_o he_o secret_o mix_v a_o curse_a principle_n of_o darkness_n with_o that_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n he_o incite_v the_o believe_a soul_n to_o a_o dubious_a anxious_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o so_o consequent_o procure_v the_o soul_n to_o reject_v the_o bless_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n intend_v a_o precious_a believe_a trial_n for_o the_o soul_n more_o abundant_a establishment_n and_o consolation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o glory_n pre._n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_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 ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n his_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n whilst_o he_o endeavour_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v his_o evidence_n of_o union_n receive_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n sueh_n be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o try_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o this_o his_o confidence_n that_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o measure_n as_o that_o soul_n waver_v in_o this_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n be_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o a_o right_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v so_o that_o in_o case_n the_o confidence_n shall_v whole_o fail_v the_o soul_n be_v whole_o uncapable_a of_o a_o right_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o soul_n be_v dispose_v to_o this_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v fix_v upon_o that_o glass_n through_o which_o the_o light_n that_o evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v the_o glass_n wherein_o the_o lord_n discover_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v he_o be_v his_o word_n wherein_o he_o declare_v it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v every_o rebel_n and_o enemy_n that_o will_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o through_o he_o now_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v only_o fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o this_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n through_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n because_o this_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o confidence_n and_o the_o object_n be_v only_o in_o they_o when_o there_o be_v act_v of_o faith_n upon_o the_o object_n 2._o it_o be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n that_o a_o clearness_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_a to_o discern_v that_o light_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v it_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o confidence_n fail_v a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n and_o reason_n this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n arise_v in_o the_o soul_n every_o one_o of_o these_o objection_n scruple_n and_o reason_n be_v like_o a_o mote_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o prevent_v his_o clear_a discern_v of_o what_o the_o light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n put_v upon_o it_o now_o by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n those_o objection_n reason_n and_o scrupling_n be_v silence_v and_o suppress_v and_o so_o a_o precious_a clearness_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o readiness_n to_o discern_v whatever_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n the_o spirit_n shall_v cause_v to_o shine_v forth_o from_o that_o precious_a word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v it_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o when_o this_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n fail_v it_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n the_o act_n of_o this_o very_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v actual_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o when_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n cease_v then_o be_v the_o very_a matter_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n sense_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n take_v away_o how_o shall_v the_o bless_a spirit_n cause_v the_o believe_a soul_n to_o see_v its_o self_n believe_v when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a to_o any_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o any_o holiness_n whatever_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v cause_v the_o soul_n to_o discern_v in_o itself_o from_o whence_o it_o discern_v actual_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o then_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n fail_v or_o cease_v its_o act_n the_o very_a original_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n unto_o sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v take_v away_o second_o the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v the_o diminish_n of_o this_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n while_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v but_o he_o ought_v also_o to_o forbear_v the_o diminish_n of_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n already_o in_o case_n the_o lord_n
through_o a_o clear_a evidence_n have_v beget_v such_o a_o precious_a confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o say_v concern_v that_o his_o confidence_n as_o job_n say_v concern_v he_o job_n 27.5_o i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o i_o will_v not_o let_v go_v this_o my_o confidence_n till_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o whence_o this_o confidence_n do_v arise_v this_o also_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o diminish_n of_o this_o confidence_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n before_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v a_o infinite_a injury_n to_o the_o sweet_a comforter_n the_o bless_a spirit_n who_o through_o the_o manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o precious_a confidence_n the_o reject_v of_o that_o confidence_n so_o wrought_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o most_o precious_a office_n and_o a_o disparagement_n of_o the_o very_a witness_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o sinful_a unconstancy_n and_o fickleness_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n receive_v before_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o receive_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n rhat_o the_o lord_n require_v shall_v be_v in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a sanctify_a reason_n so_o that_o this_o confidence_n before_o trial_n ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n in_o case_n such_o a_o confidence_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o evidence_n former_o receive_v that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n then_o by_o the_o way_n will_v be_v open_v but_o will_v the_o soul_n say_v wherefore_o then_o be_v the_o command_v give_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o say_v and_o so_o consequent_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n if_o we_o must_v not_o be_v dubious_a and_o anxious_a whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v true_a or_o no_o before_o we_o proceed_v ro_o the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n by_o the_o way_n brief_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o these_o command_n of_o soul_n examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v give_v universal_o to_o all_o soul_n on_o purpose_n that_o delude_a soul_n by_o the_o try_v and_o prove_v themselves_o may_v discover_v their_o own_o delusion_n and_o discern_v their_o lie_a confidence_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o these_o command_n be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o believe_a soul_n to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o command_n be_v occasion_n to_o soul_n true_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o review_v over_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n actual_a admission_n of_o they_o into_o union_n now_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n view_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n the_o more_o it_o view_v that_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o case_n he_o accept_v it_o and_o by_o the_o soul_n gaze_v upon_o that_o bless_a word_n it_o discern_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n infallibility_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o that_o word_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_o and_o full_o the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o strong_a be_v its_o confidence_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v even_o that_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thence_o there_o be_v more_o occasion_n for_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o irradiate_a rhe_n soul_n believe_v act_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v and_o feel_v itself_o to_o believe_v aright_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o actual_a confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n admission_n with_o christ_n live_v and_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o strength_n 3._o these_o command_n be_v give_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o preparedness_n against_o all_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v from_o hell_n against_o those_o soul_n through_o this_o examination_n believe_v soul_n have_v their_o confidence_n maintain_v in_o its_o life_n and_o strength_n and_o so_o be_v fortify_v against_o temptation_n because_o it_o discern_v clear_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o his_o own_o confidence_n stand_v 4._o the_o lord_n give_v these_o command_n on_o purpose_n to_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n all_o manner_n of_o holy_a disposition_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o renew_a view_n of_o that_o light_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n or_o unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thenâ—…_n be_v the_o precious_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n act_v then_o be_v the_o correspondent_a love_n of_o the_o soul_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n draw_v out_o in_o its_o strength_n then_o be_v all_o the_o thirsting_n after_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n act_v pre._n 3._o three_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o whenever_o they_o do_v prevail_v in_o any_o soul_n during_o their_o prevalency_n they_o do_v incapacitate_v those_o soul_n for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n there_o be_v especial_o four_o of_o those_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a unto_o believe_v soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n incident_a to_o every_o believe_a soul_n indeed_o our_o spirit_n be_v natural_o impatient_a under_o every_o burden_n but_o when_o any_o arrow_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v shoot_v into_o the_o conscience_n or_o any_o arrow_n from_o hell_n stick_v fast_o there_o i_o mean_v any_o doubtfulness_n any_o terror_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o conceive_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n then_o be_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o superlative_a manner_n prone_a to_o fret_v and_o vex_v and_o fume_n by_o the_o prevail_a of_o unruly_a passion_n thus_o david_n under_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o break_v out_o into_o most_o dreadful_a impatience_n in_o 1_o sam._n 27.1_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n so_o in_o psal_n 116.11_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n so_o psal_n 31.22_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n so_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n chap._n 3.3_o and_o chap._n 6.8_o 9_o now_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o distemper_n of_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n their_o spirit_n be_v make_v uncable_a of_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v two_o way_n how_o this_o sinful_a distemper_n do_v incapacitate_v soul_n for_o the_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n 1._o it_o do_v prevent_v a_o serious_a deliberate_a view_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o draw_v out_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o fear_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n when_o any_o passion_n prevail_v in_o any_o spirit_n it_o draw_v out_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o way_n now_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v out_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o his_o fear_n the_o ground_n of_o his_o doubt_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o his_o union_n by_o this_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v unsuitable_a to_o take_v any_o right_n deliberate_a
to_o apprehend_v aright_o any_o truth_n from_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n propound_v to_o he_o even_o when_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v renew_v and_o some_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o poor_a soul_n so_o that_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n the_o blind_a soul_n become_v a_o see_a soul_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n also_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o communicate_v the_o see_a eye_n to_o the_o understanding_n shall_v also_o communicate_v the_o see_v of_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o communicate_v the_o habit_n shall_v communicate_v also_o the_o act_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o give_v a_o principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o act_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n actual_o know_v or_o understand_v any_o spiritual_a holy_a mystery_n aright_o now_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n actual_o remain_v then_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n thus_o actuate_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n then_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o holy_a knowledge_n draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v then_o enable_v to_o discern_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v only_o then_o take_v a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v conqueror_n over_o the_o natural_a enmity_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o oppose_v the_o mind_n consent_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n now_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n the_o believe_a soul_n remain_v unregenerate_a enmity_n still_o possess_v the_o believe_a mind_n and_o then_o only_o have_v the_o believer_n conquest_n over_o those_o relic_n of_o enmity_n that_o possess_v the_o mind_n when_o he_o have_v actual_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o mind_n against_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_a to_o take_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n the_o mind_n now_o be_v dispose_v to_o accept_v or_o agree_v unto_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n understand_v and_o believe_v what_o the_o true_a celestial_a star_n be_v from_o whence_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v real_o come_v from_o god_n evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v flow_v and_o arise_v the_o precious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n to_o every_o lose_a sinner_n declare_v that_o his_o will_n be_v to_o admit_v every_o of_o those_o soul_n that_o will_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o himself_o in_o christ_n be_v that_o precious_a bright_a orient_a star_n from_o whence_o those_o beautiful_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v or_o may_v discover_v unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v arise_v now_o it_o be_v then_o only_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o light_a shine_n from_o the_o word_n perspicuous_o and_o clear_o unto_o a_o soul_n declare_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v of_o reconciliation_n with_o they_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o understand_v and_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a heavenly_a star_n from_o whence_o the_o light_n that_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o union_n must_v flow_v 4._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o irresistible_a power_n that_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o any_o soul_n real_o from_o god_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n the_o irresistible_a power_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o discovery_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o receive_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o this_o irresistible_a power_n of_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n only_o take_v impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o light_a the_o soul_n enjoy_v discover_v unto_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o when_o those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v most_o clear_o in_o the_o most_o transcendent_a beauty_n then_o be_v the_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o most_o lively_a holy_a act_n then_o do_v love_n and_o fear_v and_o joy_n and_o delight_n work_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n take_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o then_o in_o exercise_n in_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n the_o prime_a evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n have_v be_v discover_v to_o you_o to_o be_v only_o a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o prime_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o evidence_n must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n give_v to_o faith_n only_o reason_n must_v not_o aspire_v so_o high_a to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o faith_n action_n still_o it_o must_v be_v another_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o must_v pass_v a_o security_n upon_o the_o former_a act_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o thence_o when_o the_o believe_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v strong_a in_o exercise_n then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n suitable_a to_o take_v a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o take_v examination_n of_o his_o evidence_n right_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o evidence_n themselves_o which_o then_o only_o appear_v in_o their_o native_a self-discovering_a glory_n it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o discover_v themselves_o real_o to_o be_v from_o god_n even_o by_o their_o own_o native_a lustre_n and_o glory_n those_o beam_n of_o light_n come_v forth_o with_o the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n no_o soon_o behold_v they_o but_o he_o read_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o their_o native_a self-discovering_a glory_n never_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n actual_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o their_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o influence_n than_o the_o soul_n can_v behold_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n what_o they_o be_v quest_n there_o be_v another_o question_n that_o here_o interpose_v itself_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v answer_v believe_v soul_n will_v now_o reply_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o any_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v be_v only_o take_v while_o the_o splendour_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o evidence_n remain_v in_o the_o soul_n then_o what_o use_n shall_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 and_o their_o command_a power_n enervate_v or_o wound_v that_o their_o evidence_n cease_v to_o witness_v unto_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o soul_n in_o this_o scruple_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o divers_a proposition_n prop._n 1._o first_o whenever_o the_o celestial_a glory_n of_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o cast_v into_o any_o believe_a soul_n to_o evidence_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v dark_a and_o those_o invincible_a and_o impregnable_a demonstration_n that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v weaken_v yet_o it_o be_v
trust_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o the_o fulfil_n that_o his_o word_n now_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o no_o particular_a word_n speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o say_v thou_o thomas_n and_o thou_o john_n or_o thou_o elisabeth_n or_o thou_o marry_o shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o thou_o will_v accept_v he_o 1._o i_o answer_v that_o either_o every_o particular_a be_v perfect_o comprehend_v in_o the_o universal_a offer_n and_o universal_a command_n of_o believe_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v name_v every_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n of_o assurance_n concern_v any_o gospel-truth_n whatever_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assurance_n that_o our_o body_n shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o john_n or_o thou_o mary_n shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n again_o and_o come_v to_o judgement_n yet_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o beam_n of_o spiritual_a light_n shine_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n will_v acknwledge_v that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v reveal_v particular_o that_o this_o soul_n and_o that_o soul_n even_o his_o own_o soul_n shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dust_n and_o come_v to_o judgeman_n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o any_o particular_a soul_n faith_n of_o his_o certain_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_n to_o judgement_n 2._o either_o all_o those_o particular_n be_v to_o be_v full_o comprehend_v in_o that_o universal_a offer_n and_o universal_a unlimited_a command_n of_o believe_v or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n command_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n whatever_o nor_o no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reprove_v it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o john_n shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o mary_n shall_v receive_v i_o as_o thy_o only_a god_n and_o worship_v i_o only_o likewise_o no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v reprove_v it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o john_n shall_v not_o lie_v thou_o mary_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n yet_o i_o conceive_v thou_o who_o believe_a disposition_n be_v most_o out_o of_o exercise_n at_o present_a dare_v not_o say_v god_n have_v not_o say_v to_o thy_o soul_n do_v not_o steal_v do_v not_o lie_v that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n appoint_v so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o particular_a soul_n undoubted_o their_o certain_a admission_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o case_n they_o accept_v he_o second_o the_o precious_a write_a word_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o particular_a soul_n sense_n their_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whenever_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n send_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v irradiate_a the_o precious_a write_a word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o make_v its_o own_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v into_o a_o dark_a heart_n and_o also_o irradiate_a at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o cast_v beam_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o precious_a believe_a act_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v beget_v in_o that_o soul_n than_o that_o light_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o particular_o declare_v to_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n its_o certain_a actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o its_o general_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o write_a word_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v in_o general_a and_o declare_v that_o believe_a act_n to_o be_v require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o every_o soul_n that_o write_v word_n of_o god_n do_v particular_o reveal_v unto_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n his_o actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o thus_o the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n to_o be_v a_o come_n to_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 11.28_o to_o be_v receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o he_o give_v concern_v his_o son_n sell_v to_o its_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o a_o receive_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o be_v a_o receive_n of_o christ_n himself_o john_n 1.12_o to_o be_v a_o will_n in_o the_o soul_n concur_v with_o what_o the_o lord_n tender_v rev._n 22.17_o now_o i_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n the_o lord_n require_v it_o do_v speak_v particular_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o evidence_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o declare_v the_o soul_n certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o thus_o the_o spirit_n have_v first_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v have_v sweet_o encourage_v the_o soul_n yea_o powerful_o irresistible_o effectual_o command_v the_o soul_n to_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o to_o say_v lord_n be_v it_o unto_o thy_o servant_n as_o thou_o have_v speak_v then_o the_o same_o spirit_n irradiate_v that_o write_a word_n that_o describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n let_v the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v a_o sweet_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o he_o to_o reconcile_v the_o father_n and_o he_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_v also_o the_o precious_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n that_o holy_a trust_n and_o confidence_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o write_a word_n say_v particular_o that_o thou_o do_v consent_v to_o accept_v of_o what_o the_o lord_n thus_o tender_v in_o christ_n to_o thou_o thou_o be_v certain_o and_o everlasting_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v he_o who_o do_v receive_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v propound_v in_o christ_n so_o thou_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v certain_o lodge_v in_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o the_o second_o way_n that_o the_o write_a word_n dclare_v unto_o the_o particular_a soul_n sense_n his_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v by_o its_o description_n of_o the_o constant_a certain_a and_o inseparable_a operation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n describe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n or_o describe_v the_o various_a effect_n of_o faith_n 1._o by_o the_o write_a word_n declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 5.6_o 2._o by_o declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o abase_v the_o soul_n in_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o altogether_o nothing_o rom._n 3.27_o 3._o the_o scripture_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o purify_n the_o heart_n cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o unholy_a disposition_n acts._n 15_o 9_o 4._o in_o declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o high_a and_o unspeakable_a estimation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o now_o thus_o the_o write_a word_n declare_v the_o proper_a manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n do_v declare_v particular_o unto_o any_o particular_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o same_o write_a word_n declare_v that_o in_o whatever_o heart_n the_o believe_a disposition_n thus_o particular_o work_v there_o be_v that_o precious_a believe_a act_n the_o lord_n require_v there_o be_v that_o precious_a faith_n unfeigned_a that_o jesus_n christ_n command_v in_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o so_o it_o speak_v particular_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n thou_o do_v believe_v with_o that_o precious_a faith_n unfeigned_a that_o jesus_n christ_n require_v and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o make_v this_o write_a word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n understanding_n what_o it_o do_v always_o speak_v in_o itself_o which_o be_v that_o that_o particular_a soul_n do_v now_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o
be_v indeed_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o christ_n yea_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v already_o lodge_v in_o that_o precious_a bosom_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o the_o soul_n behold_v such_o a_o unspeakable_a preciousness_n in_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o wait_v upon_o such_o a_o unbeliever_n such_o a_o crooked_a opposite_a wretch_n so_o long_o that_o the_o soul_n set_v down_o silent_o to_o admire_v and_o be_v swallow_v to_o the_o depth_n in_o admiration_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o soul_n amaze_a brightness_n appear_v in_o the_o soul_n eye_n in_o the_o independence_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v when_o that_o bright_a beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o soul_n see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n to_o have_v thought_n of_o love_n towards_o he_o nothing_o that_o incline_v his_o bless_a will_n to_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o only_o his_o precious_a disposition_n only_o his_o eternal_a thought_n of_o kindness_n that_o old_a love_a kindness_n of_o he_o from_o eternity_n then_o the_o soul_n say_v as_o david_n in_o 1_o sam._n 7.21_o for_o thy_o word_n sake_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o own_o heart_n have_v thou_o do_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n to_o make_v thy_o servant_n know_v they_o then_o the_o believe_a soul_n say_v though_o my_o wretched_a unbelieve_a heart_n can_v not_o trust_v thou_o yet_o for_o thy_o word_n sake_n thou_o have_v fulfil_v it_o according_a to_o thy_o own_o heart_n thou_o have_v do_v it_o o_o lord_n what_o can_v thy_o pure_a eye_n behold_v in_o this_o forlorn_a soul_n of_o i_o what_o can_v have_v move_v the_o lord_n think_v the_o soul_n but_o his_o own_o bless_a will_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o useless_a such_o a_o unserviceable_a such_o a_o unprofitable_a such_o a_o barren_a such_o a_o foolish_a yea_o such_o a_o cross_a heart_a wretch_n as_o i_o 3._o the_o glorious_a irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a love_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o loveless_a soul_n shine_v glorious_o when_o once_o the_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n how_o many_o curse_a contradiction_n think_v a_o believe_a soul_n do_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n suffer_v from_o my_o soul_n how_o often_o do_v my_o vile_a believe_a heart_n give_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n the_o lie_n how_o many_o year_n do_v i_o sleight_v this_o i_o stop_v my_o ear_n i_o hearken_v to_o none_o of_o his_o bless_a tender_n yet_o than_o he_o bore_v my_o ear_n and_o constrain_v i_o to_o hear_v o_o think_v the_o soul_n what_o a_o froward_a perverse_a heart_a wretch_n have_v i_o be_v to_o this_o dear_a god_n of_o i_o certain_o think_v the_o soul_n if_o rebellion_n if_o enmity_n if_o the_o work_n of_o a_o devil_n heart_n can_v have_v oppose_v it_o it_o have_v be_v turn_v away_o from_o i_o four_o the_o orient_a brightness_n of_o the_o lord_n infallible_a truth_n shine_v before_o the_o soul_n these_o beam_n of_o the_o lord_n glory_n shine_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n before_o the_o soul_n eye_n but_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n that_o also_o with_o these_o shine_v in_o the_o same_o moment_n into_o the_o same_o soul_n when_o a_o light_n proceed_v from_o god_n to_o discever_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n then_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o contrive_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n appear_v then_o do_v the_o very_a beauty_n of_o justice_n itself_o appear_v in_o the_o lord_n contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o loveless_a soul_n in_o such_o a_o way_n wherein_o justice_n and_o mercy_n may_v meet_v together_o and_o kiss_v each_o other_o so_o that_o indeed_o a_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n that_o incompass_v the_o soul_n round_o about_o that_o the_o soul_n stand_v amaze_v and_o astonish_v gaze_v upon_o those_o beam_n of_o glory_n that_o appear_v shine_v forth_o from_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n into_o his_o soul_n ii_o a_o second_o act_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o sensible_a apprehension_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v infinite_o worthy_a to_o receive_v all_o prefection_n of_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o praise_n for_o ever_o now_o this_o precious_a god_n sanctify_v act_n be_v also_o the_o infallible_a necessary_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n as_o do_v true_o shine_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n into_o any_o soul_n to_o discover_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o be_v effect_v in_o david_n heart_n upon_o the_o prophet_n discover_v of_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o jesus_n to_o he_o in_o 2._o sam._n 7.26_o let_v thy_o name_n be_v magnify_v for_o ever_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o god_n over_o israel_n yea_o this_o act_n be_v infallible_o produce_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n by_o every_o visible_a motion_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n or_o love_n towards_o the_o soul_n so_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o exod._n 15.20_o miriam_n cry_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o judah_n sing_v you_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v triumph_v glorious_o so_o rev._n 4.10_o 11._o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o that_o sit_v before_o he_o upon_o the_o throne_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o soul_n vision_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v necessary_o produce_v this_o apprehension_n or_o estimation_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n 1._o upon_o the_o soul_n discovery_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v lively_o enlarge_v act_n of_o love_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n every_o renew_a vision_n of_o love_n inflame_v the_o believer_n heart_n with_o love_n again_o correspondent_o now_o from_o those_o quicken_v and_o enlarge_v act_n of_o love_n do_v arise_v necessary_o high_a estimation_n and_o glorious_a conception_n of_o the_o majesty_n god_n that_o thence_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v he_o infinite_o to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o 2._o upon_o the_o soul_n discern_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o follow_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o follow_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o soul_n owe_v all_o that_o he_o be_v and_o enjoy_v unto_o god_n by_o way_n of_o retribution_n now_o from_o a_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o he_o owe_v more_o than_o he_o be_v or_o have_v unto_o god_n he_o conceive_v he_o infinite_o worthy_a to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o from_o all_o the_o creation_n he_o himself_o can_v never_o render_v glory_n sufficient_a therefore_o he_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o the_o whole_a creation_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o exalt_v this_o bless_a majesty_n iii_o the_o three_o act_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v be_v a_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o dispicableness_n worthlesness_n and_o nothingness_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o all_o that_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o earth_n afford_v without_o god_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n now_o this_o god-exalting_a act_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v also_o the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n then_o indeed_o be_v the_o soul_n a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n then_o be_v he_o empty_a and_o poor_a yea_o absolute_o nothing_o without_o communion_n with_o that_o his_o god_n yea_o then_o be_v all_o the_o creation_n but_o mere_a shadow_n fly_v vanity_n without_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n then_o do_v the_o quintessence_n of_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n if_o it_o can_v be_v abstract_v appear_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n yea_o as_o vanity_n without_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n thus_o in_o psal_n 8.4_o upon_o the_o psalmist_n apprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a glory_n of_o god_n he_o immediate_o cry_v out_o into_o admiration_n of_o the_o nothingness_n of_o man_n lord_z what_o be_v man_n iv_o the_o four_o act_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v be_v the_o soul_n actual_a prostration_n or_o subjection_n of_o all_o its_o power_n and_o possibility_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o lord_n glorious_a majesty_n now_o this_o precious_a god_n sanctify_v act_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v the_o
act_n of_o say_v there_o can_v also_o but_o be_v constant_a veiw_n of_o the_o soul_n most_o abhor_a wickedness_n the_o soul_n by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n view_v the_o reconciliation_n wrought_v by_o christ_n for_o he_o it_o can_v also_o but_o view_n the_o enmity_n of_o his_o soul_n against_o god_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o from_o the_o constant_a view_n of_o the_o soul_n vileness_n there_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a abhorrence_n of_o that_o vileness_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o its_o own_o baseness_n the_o soul_n can_v be_v ravish_v in_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o love_n but_o it_o must_v sit_v down_o and_o admire_v and_o wonder_v now_o the_o soul_n can_v never_o wonder_v at_o that_o love_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v but_o it_o must_v take_v in_o itself_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o love_n whereby_o it_o be_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o love_n shine_v forth_o so_o infinite_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o say_v who_o be_o i_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n discern_v in_o i_o that_o such_o riches_n of_o love_n shall_v work_v towards_o i_o so_o that_o thence_o the_o heart_n during_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n be_v keep_v constant_o work_v against_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o vileness_n the_o soul_n proceed_v to_o a_o sensible_a acknowledgement_n thereof_o 6._o in_o regard_v such_o a_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n do_v necessary_o produce_v a_o dear_a tenderness_n in_o the_o heart_n towards_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o produce_v a_o infinite_a contentment_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v exalt_v god_n now_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o that_o way_n of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o he_o but_o he_o must_v begin_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o abhor_a wretchedness_n towards_o who_o such_o mercy_n have_v be_v discover_v he_o can_v never_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v also_o speak_v of_o the_o wretchedness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o himself_o towards_o who_o that_o love_n work_v otherwise_o the_o soul_n veil_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o hence_o also_o necessary_o proceed_v sensible_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o soul_n accurse_a wretchedness_n whenever_o a_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o the_o second_o way_n of_o manifestation_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v which_o be_v by_o the_o soul_n manifest_v a_o unwavering_a confidence_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o vouchsafe_v the_o sweet_a embrace_n of_o love_n to_o the_o loveless_a soul_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o wretchedness_n even_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a certain_a and_o infallible_a effect_n of_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o 2._o cor._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o apostle_n declare_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n they_o have_v receive_v a_o pawn_n from_o heaven_n a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n say_v he_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n so_o likewise_o in_o rom._n 8.23_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v groan_n after_o the_o full_a redemption_n of_o their_o body_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a confidence_n as_o you_o may_v observe_v ver_fw-la 33.34_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n thas_o die_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o indeed_o this_o can_v but_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_a reveal_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n see_v the_o rock_n of_o everlasting_a certainty_n whereupon_o the_o soul_n may_v build_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n towards_o he_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_a reveal_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n for_o you_o know_v the_o prime_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_a reveal_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n be_v by_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o admit_v that_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v not_o execute_v its_o office_n in_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n shall_v it_o not_o establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o unwavering_a confidence_n while_o that_o light_n remain_v of_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a embrace_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v notwithstanding_o all_o its_o vileness_n three_o the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o manifest_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n which_o be_v by_o the_o soul_n manifest_v its_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o same_o confidence_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n work_v towards_o it_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o new_a infirmity_n imperfection_n crookedness_n even_o that_o be_v also_o the_o certain_a necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o that_o 2._o cor._n 5._o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o imperfection_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o they_o be_v nevertheless_o confident_a have_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o rom._n 7.23_o compare_v with_o rom._n 8.1_o paul_n though_o he_o fight_v new_a combat_n though_o he_o be_v never_o lead_v captive_a by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n no_o sentence_n of_o vengeance_n or_o dictate_v of_o justice_n that_o can_v pass_v out_o against_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v now_o admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o this_o indeed_o can_v but_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o god_n to_o manifest_v unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n see_v that_o beam_n of_o light_n first_o discover_v the_o lord_n bless_v unchangeable_a will_n to_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n thus_o when_o the_o glory_n and_o lustre_n of_o the_o light_n continue_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n weakness_n sinful_a disposition_n imperfection_n can_v shake_v the_o soul_n confidence_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o clear_a apprehension_n that_o then_o possess_v the_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o hope_n for_o and_o in_o regard_n also_o a_o dear_a apprehension_n possess_v the_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o motive_n and_o argument_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o ever_o bless_a god_n of_o love_n yet_o to_o love_v that_o unlovely_a soul_n notwithstanding_o his_o new_a infirmity_n his_o new_a backslide_a disposition_n or_o proneness_n to_o backslide_v now_o such_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o new_a infirmity_n can_v but_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n in_o regard_n the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o admit_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o light_n so_o that_o while_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o light_n continue_v though_o new_a corrupt_a disposition_n arise_v in_o the_o believe_a soul_n yet_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n shake_v not_o because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o fulfil_v his_o bless_a will_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o will_v of_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a so_o that_o then_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o every_o believe_a soul_n in_o the_o glorious_a freedom_n of_o his_o love_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n by_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n discovery_n to_o the_o soul_n certain_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n iii_o a_o soul_n do_v manifest_v the_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n to_o
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