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
three_o in_o what_o manner_n those_o mean_n produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n quest_n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v from_o whence_o soul_n attain_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a peculiar_a ground_n substantial_o from_o whence_o soul_n can_v expect_v to_o receive_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o free_a promise_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n alone_o to_o poor_a despisable_a soul_n wherein_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v or_o bestow_v the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o their_o soul_n now_o that_o this_o free_a promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n will_v appear_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n i._o in_o regard_v a_o divine_a word_n must_v be_v the_o proper_a adequate_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 10.17_o the_o whole_a gospel_n consider_v as_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o word_n from_o which_o faith_n come_v that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o that_o produce_v faith_n but_o through_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n reveal_v that_o word_n unto_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o true_a infallible_a foundation_n for_o soul_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n past_a out_o from_o god_n as_o a_o promise_n unto_o soul_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o true_a hope_n unto_o soul_n say_v david_n psal_n 119.49_o remember_v thy_o word_n that_o be_v thy_o promise_n unto_o thy_o servant_n upon_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o hope_v now_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n thus_o consider_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a promise_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n of_o his_o free_a donation_n and_o give_v christ_n unto_o a_o soul_n that_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o act_n of_o every_o assure_v faith_n it_o must_v be_v through_o some_o light_n and_o apprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o the_o lord_n free_a will_n concern_v his_o soul_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v one_o that_o any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n faith_n respect_n thing_n only_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o speech_n from_o some_o person_n or_o other_o and_o respect_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n that_o be_v upon_o which_o faith_n do_v believe_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o sarahs_n faith_n heb._n 11.11_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o paul_n faith_n be_v express_v thus_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a now_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o mind_n concern_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o such_o soul_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n thence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n or_o the_o lord_n donation_n or_o give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n before_o there_o can_v follow_v any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n faith_n proper_a exercise_n consist_v only_o in_o receive_v whence_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o believe_v and_o receive_v be_v both_o put_v for_o one_o ordinary_o john_n 1.12_o and_o chap._n 3.33_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n for_o every_o right_a exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o something_o give_v that_o may_v be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v of_o indispensable_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o it_o before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n iii_o it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a infallible_a certainty_n to_o faith_n eye_n in_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o faith_n of_o evidence_n do_v act_n faith_n work_v only_o as_o a_o receiver_n can_v receive_v no_o full_a certainty_n or_o have_v any_o full_a confidence_n in_o itself_o of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v or_o do_v than_o it_o see_v manifest_a from_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o it_o take_v that_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n now_o the_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a counsel_n have_v determine_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o certainty_n but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.16_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n from_o whence_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o you_o see_v be_v only_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o yet_o here_o be_v another_o question_n soul_n will_v cast_v in_o before_o we_o answer_v the_o second_o by_o what_o mean_n quest_n but_o may_v the_o soul_n say_v be_v it_o not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o near_a ground_n the_o proximate_a ground_n but_o the_o remote_a ground_n the_o further_a off_o ground_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n fulfil_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o near_a ground_n and_o the_o immediate_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o union_n for_o answer_v to_o it_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n to_o be_v premise_v and_o then_o to_o come_v to_o the_o direct_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a receive_v division_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v either_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a absolute_a make_v and_o found_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o to_o be_v accomplish_v only_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o because_o he_o will_n or_o else_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o some_o particular_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o soul_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o division_n divide_v the_o promise_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o know_a division_n promise_v legal_a and_o promise_n evangelical_a promise_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n prem_n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o call_v conditional_a promise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o condition_n include_v in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o any_o one_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o promise_n into_o promise_n absolute_a and_o promise_n conditional_a can_v hold_v right_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o every_o promise_n consider_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v all_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v simple_o and_o full_o determine_v to_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o latitude_n wherein_o he_o do_v propound_v they_o unto_o soul_n and_o that_o without_o any_o impediment_n or_o interruption_n so_o that_o whatever_o can_v possible_o intervene_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v shall_v prevail_v in_o perform_v the_o promise_n thence_o you_o shall_v observe_v jer._n 31.32_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o old_a covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o nation_n in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n whole_o absolute_a contain_v nothing_o but_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o
thing_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o question_n that_o the_o soul_n propound_v can_v stand_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v conclude_v his_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o have_v his_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n it_o can_v be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o such_o condition_n that_o a_o soul_n shall_v have_v his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o question_n quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n first_o reveal_v those_o grace_n that_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o people_n by_o to_o be_v in_o soul_n and_o then_o through_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o clear_a to_o soul_n that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o lord_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_v alone_o through_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v through_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o grace_n as_o god_n describe_v to_o be_v in_o his_o people_n that_o a_o soul_n must_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n people_n answ_n 1._o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v reserve_v to_o himself_o his_o own_o liberty_n concern_v his_o own_o particular_a word_n from_o whence_o he_o do_v reveal_v to_o soul_n infallible_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o bind_v himself_o from_o a_o reveal_n unto_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o some_o word_n describe_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o people_n unite_v unto_o christ_n nor_o from_o some_o word_n only_o invite_v soul_n unto_o christ_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o evidence_n unto_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o some_o measure_n or_o degree_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v the_o lord_n own_o people_n by_o when_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n he_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o willing_a accept_n of_o christ_n so_o give_v and_o that_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o soul_n see_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v see_v such_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n answ_n 3._o three_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o reveal_v any_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o any_o soul_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n intend_v in_o this_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n never_o reveal_v those_o grace_n in_o soul_n to_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o soul_n right_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n never_o manifest_v unto_o any_o soul_n that_o because_o there_o be_v such_o and_o such_o holy_a disposition_n or_o precious_a heavenly_a quality_n that_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o he_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v incline_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o confer_v the_o lord_n jesus_n upon_o he_o or_o to_o accept_v he_o into_o union_n through_o christ_n but_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o willing_a to_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o poor_a despicable_a worthless_a soul_n without_o the_o least_o good_a disposition_n or_o holy_a inclination_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v in_o their_o heart_n second_o the_o lord_n never_o reveal_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o because_o there_o be_v such_o grace_n or_o such_o precious_a habit_n in_o his_o soul_n therefore_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o believe_v the_o lord_n free_a sender_n and_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o it_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v those_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n hope_v and_o comfort_n shall_v rest_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o god_n shall_v discover_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v cause_v the_o soul_n by_o discover_v grace_n to_o be_v in_o he_o to_o bottom_v its_o hope_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n than_o shall_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o rather_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n see_v now_o the_o scripture_n never_o propound_v any_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n consider_v the_o quality_n as_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n the_o scripture_n propound_v believe_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o of_o those_o quality_n as_o that_o which_o every_o soul_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o with_o his_o great_a strength_n john_n 20.29_o second_o shall_v the_o lord_n manifest_a grace_n to_o be_v in_o soul_n first_o so_o as_o to_o bottom_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n than_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o soul_n upon_o a_o immutable_a unchangeable_a ground_n the_o spirit_n itself_o in_o all_o its_o working_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o work_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o time_n of_o such_o working_n be_v well_o compare_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o list_v and_o so_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o working_n of_o those_o grace_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v changeable_a thing_n and_o shall_v the_o lord_n ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o soul_n upon_o a_o changeable_a ground_n he_o shall_v walk_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n heb._n 6.18_o he_o have_v give_v two_o immutable_a ground_n his_o word_n and_o oath_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v there_o shall_v be_v everlasting_a constant_a unchangeable_a ground_n upon_o which_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v build_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v unmoveable_a and_o unchangeable_a consolation_n answ_n 4._o four_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v and_o do_v to_o some_o soul_n reveal_v grace_n to_o be_v in_o they_o before_o he_o do_v evidence_n unto_o their_o faith_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o lord_n may_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v some_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n some_o break_a heartedness_n for_o sin_n some_o precious_a change_n before_o he_o do_v assure_v unto_o their_o faith_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o then_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o conclusion_n first_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n unquestionable_o so_o as_o to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o the_o acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o dreadful_a storm_n of_o fear_n and_o terror_n that_o may_v be_v rise_v upon_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v much_o allay_v but_o alas_o there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o wave_n go_v over_o the_o soul_n still_o second_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n hold_v equal_a proportion_n with_o that_o evidence_n the_o lord_n give_v to_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n free_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o he_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o the_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n run_v parallel_v together_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o clear_a together_o hold_v one_o equal_a proportion_n and_o therefore_o until_o god_n assure_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n have_v not_o a_o unquestionable_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n answ_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o poor_a doubt_a soul_n but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a uncontrollable_a will_n to_o receive_v a_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n faith_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o union_n with_o he_o now_o this_o
i_o shall_v desire_v to_o clear_v from_o divers_a particular_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 4.16_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v be_v gift_n alone_o appear_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o regard_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o must_v be_v grace_n eph._n 1.6_o 7._o that_o we_o may_v be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n therefore_o in_o ezek._n 16.62_o 63._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n what_o be_v the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v and_o never_o open_v thy_o mouth_n any_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o shame_n when_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o for_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v strange_a one_o will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o consounded_a when_o god_n be_v pacify_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v pacify_v but_o here_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n lay_v grace_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o they_o purposely_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o that_o god_n communicate_v to_o soul_n may_v be_v to_o himself_o alone_o second_o in_o regard_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v ground_n of_o certainty_n it_o must_v be_v either_o grace_n in_o god_n or_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n either_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v thing_n see_v ad_fw-la therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.1_o 2._o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o regard_n faith_n can_v discern_v no_o certainty_n of_o god_n difference_v one_o soul_n from_o another_o but_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o lord_n difference_v one_o soul_n from_o another_o but_o only_o his_o own_o will_n rom._n 9.12.18_o 3._o in_o regard_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n right_a of_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v secret_o allure_v the_o heart_n from_o those_o dark_a vision_n of_o christ_n to_o embrace_v he_o true_o so_o as_o there_o be_v a_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o soul_n can_v judge_v aright_o of_o his_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n so_o tender_v to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o soul_n till_o he_o see_v that_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o the_o right_a ground_n 4._o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n duty_n to_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o that_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manifest_v his_o give_v of_o his_o gift_n now_o the_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n propound_v his_o gift_n be_v first_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o then_o the_o gift_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o the_o adjunct_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o thence_o the_o lord_n invite_v the_o soul_n and_o command_v the_o soul_n first_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v partake_v of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o those_o disposition_n of_o holiness_n the_o soul_n belong_v for_o 5._o in_o that_o the_o lord_n judge_v it_o sufficient_a for_o assure_v the_o waver_a tremble_v soul_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n fear_v the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n you_o shall_v read_v gen._n 3.15_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n give_v to_o adam_n when_o out_o of_o question_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n a_o mere_a discovery_n of_o his_o absolute_a free_a will_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o soul_n themselves_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v sole_o by_o a_o way_n devise_v by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n by_o a_o mediator_n by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o conquer_a the_o power_n of_o hell_n that_o do_v then_o hold_v poor_a soul_n captive_a can_v adam_n have_v receive_v no_o evidence_n nor_o no_o assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o again_o in_o christ_n from_o that_o promise_n the_o soul_n of_o adam_n have_v be_v leave_v altogether_o comfortless_a there_o be_v no_o description_n give_v by_o god_n of_o any_o grace_n that_o his_o own_o spirit_n do_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o that_o he_o have_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o himself_o 6._o in_o regard_v the_o pattern_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n of_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n from_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n from_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n alone_o to_o do_v good_a unto_o their_o soul_n in_o gen._n 15.6_o 7_o 8_o compare_v with_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o all_o believer_n he_o receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n he_o in_o christ_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o take_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n only_o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a will_n towards_o he_o another_o pattern_n you_o see_v isa_n 6.5_o 6_o 7_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o wretchedness_n cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o be_o undo_v etc._n etc._n a_o seraphim_n fly_v unto_o he_o have_v a_o live_a coal_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o take_v off_o the_o altar_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o his_o mouth_n you_o must_v conceive_v it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o vision_n and_o say_v lo_o this_o have_v touch_v thy_o lip_n and_o thy_o iniquity_n be_v take_v away_o and_o thy_o sin_n purge_v here_o be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o lord_n free_a love_n to_o isaiah_n it_o give_v he_o no_o character_n at_o all_o but_o tell_v he_o his_o iniquity_n be_v take_v away_o and_o this_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n of_o isaiah_n as_o you_o may_v see_v v._o 8._o by_o his_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n here_o i_o be_o send_v i_o and_o the_o case_n be_v every_o way_n parallel_n only_o this_o particularize_v the_o person_n of_o isaiah_n whereas_o other_o promise_n be_v hold_v forth_o general_o but_o yet_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v as_o full_o include_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o absolute_o speak_v to_o every_o soul_n receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o isaiah_n and_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o promise_n that_o do_v put_v as_o much_o particularity_n and_o do_v as_o much_o particularize_v the_o promise_n to_o any_o one_o soul_n as_o this_o promise_n be_v particularise_v to_o isaiah_n in_o a_o vision_n so_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n absolute_a will_n alone_o that_o the_o soul_n receive_v a_o full_a ground_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o 5_o conclusion_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o five_o conclusion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a soul_n doubtful_a of_o his_o union_n that_o do_v thus_o evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n now_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n still_o dark_a in_o his_o union_n can_v be_v in_o order_n the_o first_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n though_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n the_o soul_n may_v by_o the_o discover_n of_o those_o grace_n see_v his_o union_n and_o conclude_v his_o union_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a ground_n that_o give_v the_o certainty_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v i._o in_o regard_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n can_v be_v first_o receive_v of_o a_o soul_n by_o faith_n as_o a_o soul_n be_v gracious_a or_o by_o the_o soul_n be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o
do_v go_v before_o the_o act_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n in_o those_o soul_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o habit_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o in_o time_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v also_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n work_n and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o act_v before_o any_o other_o habit_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n must_v be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o in_o regard_n this_o particular_a way_n in_o apply_v these_o absolute_a promise_n be_v without_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o word_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o this_o faith_n can_v arise_v this_o be_v general_o grant_v of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a general_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n first_o confidence_n or_o adherence_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o the_o general_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v particular_o to_o every_o soul_n who_o attain_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a evidence_n to_o assure_v a_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v open_v in_o two_o conclusion_n conclu_n 1._o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n a_o certainty_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o equivalency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o run_v to_o all_o soul_n to_o any_o particular_a promise_n that_o can_v be_v make_v paul_n manifest_v as_o full_a a_o certainty_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o he_o in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a word_n from_o heaven_n say_v thou_o paul_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n what_o be_v that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n here_o be_v as_o far_o off_o a_o remote_a promise_n as_o can_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o then_o of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v i_o where_o he_o make_v christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n particular_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o certain_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n that_o particular_a certainty_n that_o paul_n do_v receive_v do_v the_o same_o light_n appear_v from_o the_o promise_n as_o do_v to_o paul_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o equivalency_n in_o what_o the_o absolute_a promise_n can_v give_v to_o testify_v union_n to_o what_o a_o particular_a promise_n give_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o latitude_n or_o largeness_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a mercy_n and_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o people_n soul_n they_o be_v all_o propound_v as_o indefinite_a proposition_n that_o be_v without_o any_o certain_a bound_n in_o that_o promise_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v to_o it_o neither_o this_o kind_n of_o sinner_n or_o that_o kind_a of_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o rebellious_a but_o sinner_n so_o mark_v 16.15_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n preach_v the_o gospel_n what_o be_v that_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v say_v go_v and_o tell_v every_o soul_n my_o father_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o myself_o and_o unless_o this_o be_v receive_v tender_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o preach_v exclude_v the_o declare_v of_o god_n will_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o you_o exclude_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o angel_n luke_n 2.10_o when_o he_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o who_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n no_o i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o people_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bound_n set_v but_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creature_n he_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o can_v say_v but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n if_o he_o will_v embrace_v the_o lord_n christ_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o expresness_n of_o the_o command_n to_o every_o soul_n particular_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n 1_o john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o believe_v can_v contain_v but_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o and_o sure_o this_o can_v be_v mean_v for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v as_o much_o or_o else_o a_o receive_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n what_o the_o lord_n there_o tender_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o you_o observe_v it_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n general_o hold_v forth_o believe_v in_o this_o sense_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o believe_a and_o receive_v in_o scripture_n be_v put_v both_o for_o one_o 1_o john_n 1.12_o now_o that_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o command_n of_o believe_a reach_n thus_o far_o to_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o themselves_o will_v be_v clear_v by_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_v all_o unbelief_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o eminent_o forbid_v in_o this_o command_n of_o believe_v when_o any_o positive_a duty_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o contrary_n must_v needs_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o same_o law_n virtual_o and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v now_o believe_v be_v enjoin_v virtual_o unbelief_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v forbid_v the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v doubt_v and_o so_o all_o doubt_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n of_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v content_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o all_o this_o doubt_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v there_o forbid_a virtual_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n command_v because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n unbelief_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o faith_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_o certain_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n the_o lord_n do_v in_o that_o command_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v fullness_n of_o assurance_n from_o the_o very_a promise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n yet_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o command_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n that_o it_o do_v express_o command_v every_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n for_o then_o the_o promise_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n in_o regard_n the_o great_a number_n be_v at_o enmity_n but_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n be_v to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v he_o and_o this_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v the_o most_o rebellious_a wretch_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n come_v the_o first_o command_n to_o such_o rebellious_a soul_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n
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
and_o indeed_o if_o we_o look_v over_o all_o those_o famous_a man_n as_o calvin_n greenham_n and_o that_o skilful_a physician_n mr._n rogers_n etc._n etc._n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o minister_n but_o we_o may_v extract_v some_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o from_o they_o as_o take_v heed_n you_o apply_v not_o comfort_v too_o soon_o after_o you_o be_v wound_v take_v heed_n you_o take_v not_o away_o the_o corrosive_n and_o apply_v heal_v to_o soon_o if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o tent_n say_v one_o of_o they_o before_o the_o corrupt_a matter_n be_v heal_v it_o will_v heal_v of_o itself_o too_o soon_o and_o break_v out_o most_o dangerous_o thus_o if_o the_o tent_n of_o fear_n and_o horror_n and_o soul-affliction_n for_o sin_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o soul_n too_o soon_o the_o soul_n take_v comfort_n too_o soon_o the_o wound_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o heal_v too_o soon_o and_o so_o will_v either_o break_v out_o more_o dangerous_o or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a death_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o observe_v how_o soul_n mistake_v this_o ground_n in_o conceive_v these_o expression_n to_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n upon_o which_o to_o build_v such_o a_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o divine_n in_o give_v these_o caution_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o apply_v comfort_n too_o soon_o be_v only_o this_o that_o such_o as_o deal_v with_o afflict_a conscience_n must_v take_v heed_n they_o do_v not_o too_o ready_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o jesus_n christ_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v certain_o accept_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o indeed_o these_o comfort_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n too_o soon_o for_o this_o be_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o first_o application_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o soul_n the_o very_a first_o act_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o itself_o be_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v my_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_a my_o soul_n and_o purchase_v life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o i_o thus_o indeed_o a_o soul_n may_v apply_v jesus_n christ_n too_o soon_o but_o the_o first_o application_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o apply_v the_o lord_n tender_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o the_o particular_a soul_n it_o be_v a_o assure_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o what_o it_o behold_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o his_o word_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o that_o he_o do_v embrace_v christ_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o 2._o observe_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o different_a ground_n that_o a_o soul_n do_v receive_v assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o other_o soul_n do_v manifest_v any_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v one_o ground_n for_o the_o soul_n own_o apprehension_n that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o another_o ground_n that_o any_o soul_n may_v apply_v a_o promise_n by_o way_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v assurance_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v invisible_a to_o all_o other_o when_o it_o be_v first_o visible_a to_o the_o soul_n itself_o the_o lord_n may_v and_o do_v frequent_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n so_o open_a the_o very_a secret_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o mind_n unto_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o his_o willingness_n his_o long_a desire_n to_o accept_v he_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v beget_v yerning_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o beget_v a_o bless_a close_o between_o christ_n and_o that_o soul_n but_o alas_o no_o other_o eye_n but_o his_o own_o see_v this_o bless_a close_n 2._o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o any_o other_o may_v assure_v a_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o apprehension_n of_o christ_n acceptance_n of_o it_o into_o union_n with_o he_o so_o that_o observe_v if_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n shall_v apply_v comfort_n in_o their_o sense_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o present_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o may_v do_v it_o indeed_o too_o soon_o because_o he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n till_o he_o have_v apply_v jesus_n christ_n in_o particular_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o application_n have_v bring_v forth_o some_o preceious_a fruit_n that_o be_v till_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o contrition_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n emptiness_n nothingness_n a_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o sink_v perish_v condition_n till_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o gasp_v and_o long_v and_o pant_v after_o jesus_n christ_n no_o spiritual_a physician_n have_v any_o ground_n to_o assure_v or_o tell_v the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o these_o divine_n call_v comfort_n and_o therefore_o they_o propound_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v discern_v by_o every_o spiritual_a physician_n before_o he_o apply_v comfort_n to_o they_o first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n behold_v the_o soul_n wound_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n sensible_a of_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o his_o sin_n and_o sensible_a of_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n second_o say_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o spiritual_a physician_n shall_v discern_v in_o the_o afflict_a soul_n a_o sincere_a cordial_a upright_a single_a purpose_n and_o intention_n a_o absolute_a resolution_n to_o abandon_v all_o those_o sin_n a_o purpose_n to_o hate_n they_o and_o loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o three_o say_v they_o that_o he_o must_v discern_v a_o sincere_a purpose_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o a_o universal_a way_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o his_o only_a king_n and_o ruler_n and_o governor_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o will_n alone_o four_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o discern_v earnest_a long_n and_o pant_n and_o breathe_n after_o jesus_n christ_n a_o unsatiable_a thirst_n after_o he_o such_o a_o thirst_n as_o none_o can_v quench_v but_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o such_o a_o thirst_n as_o make_v he_o so_o prize_n jesus_n christ_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o mountain_n of_o gold_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o thirst_n say_v they_o must_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n to_o be_v only_o after_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o have_v the_o pardon_v pass_v from_o heaven_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o stand_v pure_a and_o clean_a and_o innocent_a before_o god_n and_o then_o say_v they_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n may_v apply_v comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o their_o own_o principle_n what_o they_o mean_v by_o caution_v soul_n to_o take_v heed_n they_o do_v not_o apply_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a conscience_n to_o soon_o and_o yet_o further_o these_o divine_n in_o their_o application_n of_o comfort_n also_o acknowledge_v it_o can_v be_v but_o in_o a_o conditional_a way_n that_o any_o one_o can_v lawful_o aver_v to_o a_o soul_n and_o assure_v it_o from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o that_o be_v be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o say_v they_o it_o must_v be_v only_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o those_o thing_n i_o name_v before_o be_v true_o and_o real_o and_o sincere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n that_o be_v apply_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o see_v not_o any_o safety_n that_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o application_n of_o comfort_n in_o this_o way_n unto_o afflict_a conscience_n in_o regard_n it_o must_v rather_o establish_v the_o soul_n upon_o a_o humane_a authority_n than_o a_o divine_a ii_o a_o second_o ground_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n do_v not_o strait_a way_n belong_v to_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v wound_v and_o terrify_v
there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o sense_n in_o which_o this_o proposition_n can_v be_v take_v first_o it_o must_v either_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n must_v not_o be_v apply_v for_o comfort_v of_o soul_n too_o much_o that_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o comfort_v the_o soul_n in_o his_o necessity_n with_o two_o great_a a_o confidence_n now_o there_o it_o cross_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v he_o whole_a with_o all_o his_o privilege_n propound_v to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_v at_o all_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o or_o second_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o must_v be_v mean_v thus_o that_o he_o may_v be_v apply_v too_o confident_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o too_o large_a a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o all_o excellency_n that_o be_v treasure_v up_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o comfort_n too_o much_o this_o way_n do_v also_o direct_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n 1._o it_o be_v common_o the_o frequent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o full_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o their_o soul_n eph._n 1.17_o 18._o he_o pray_v that_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o glorious_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o eph._n 3.18_o he_o will_v have_v they_o know_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v he_o will_v have_v they_o comprehend_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o people_n may_v have_v fullness_n of_o joy_n john_n 15.11_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a that_o be_v also_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n rom._n 15.13_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o the_o soul_n comprehend_v the_o excellency_n treasure_v up_o in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o soul_n that_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o clear_o contradict_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o say_v the_o soul_n must_v not_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o much_o that_o be_v with_o too_o large_a a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v about_o this_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o 1._o though_o jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v apply_v for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o what_o condition_n it_o can_v be_v yet_o the_o lord_n christ_n may_v be_v look_v into_o for_o comfort_v a_o soul_n too_o much_o that_o be_v when_o soul_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o comfort_n without_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v tender_v by_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o object_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v that_o do_v send_v down_o strength_n and_o life_n into_o the_o heart_n in_o behold_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o object_n appropriate_v to_o its_o self_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v apply_v by_o other_o for_o comfort_v their_o soul_n too_o much_o i_o mean_v to_o affirm_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o his_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v he_o this_o be_v apply_v jesus_n christ_n for_o comfort_v they_o too_o much_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v out_o of_o god_n way_n though_o these_o two_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v remove_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v one_o principle_n of_o darkness_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v his_o peculiar_a right_n to_o darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n before_o he_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o that_o he_o must_v behold_v some_o promise_n pass_v over_o to_o he_o by_o jesus_n christ_n before_o he_o can_v believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o principle_n be_v so_o cunning_o forge_v in_o hell_n that_o it_o be_v scarce_o discern_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o light_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o help_v you_o to_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o find_v three_o foundation_n upon_o which_o this_o principle_n be_v build_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o say_v the_o soul_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v through_o a_o soul_n right_a to_o some_o promise_n that_o he_o come_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o be_v a_o false_a foundation_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o interest_n nor_o right_v the_o soul_n can_v have_v to_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n before_o the_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o first_o promise_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o very_a primary_n object_n of_o faith_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v gen._n 3.15_o the_o first_o promise_n that_o be_v give_v to_o adam_n be_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o when_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o renew_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v what_o be_v that_o seed_n it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n gal._n 3.16_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v lay_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o first_o object_n of_o faith_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o a_o three_o foundation_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o only_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o holy_a qualiquality_n in_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v assure_v promise_n or_o promise_n that_o can_v assure_v unto_o a_o soul_n faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n say_v the_o soul_n there_o be_v invite_v promise_n and_o assure_v promise_n now_o invite_v promise_n speak_v so_o general_a as_o none_o can_v discern_v his_o union_n from_o thence_o but_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o grace_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n particularize_v soul_n now_o hence_o the_o soul_n conclude_v thus_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o necessary_a precedent_n before_o a_o soul_n assurance_n that_o god_n will_v take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v some_o holy_a quality_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o such_o promise_n now_o observe_v the_o gross_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n in_o conceive_v invite_a promise_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v assurance_n to_o a_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o then_o the_o soul_n must_v conceive_v that_o those_o promise_n that_o the_o lord_n propound_v in_o the_o invite_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n now_o 1._o thence_o the_o soul_n must_v conceive_v that_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o be_v believe_v undoubted_o by_o the_o soul_n now_o what_o a_o high_a indignity_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n that_o any_o
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
whence_o to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o his_o contrary_a state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o other_o christian_n that_o he_o behold_v to_o excel_v he_o in_o so_o a_o high_a a_o measure_n when_o it_o rise_v to_o this_o it_o become_v a_o sinful_a dark_a distemper_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o divers_a thing_n 1._o this_o may_v prove_v a_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o love_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v a_o argue_v mere_o from_o a_o soul_n want_v of_o light_a to_o discern_v god_n good_a will_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n 3._o it_o make_v the_o soul_n draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o total_a want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o grace_n while_o a_o soul_n thus_o conclude_v because_o he_o see_v no_o grace_n shine_v forth_o in_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o other_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o may_v come_v to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n because_o i_o see_v my_o soul_n be_v not_o such_o a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n as_o such_o a_o christian_a therefore_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o as_o smoke_a flax_n 4._o this_o argument_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o soul_n infirmity_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o tyranny_n that_o some_o lust_n have_v exercise_v over_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o conclude_v it_o be_v under_o the_o voluntary_a service_n of_o his_o lust_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o want_n of_o fruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n to_o the_o want_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o the_o want_n of_o all_o fritfulness_n whatsoever_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v about_o to_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n as_o these_o from_o its_o measure_n itself_o by_o other_o christian_n let_v these_o thing_n be_v observe_v 1._o he_o must_v first_o assure_v himself_o that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v a_o sinful_a defect_n four_o thing_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v the_o defect_n come_v not_o from_o before_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v the_o defect_n be_v sin_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o through_o the_o suspension_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o comfort_a spirit_n of_o christ_n second_o it_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o be_v not_o through_o the_o lord_n suspend_v the_o arbitrary_a influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n you_o must_v conceive_v there_o be_v influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n well_o be_v these_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v be_v never_o withdraw_v but_o the_o influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n well_o be_v be_v communicate_v in_o various_a degree_n to_o various_a soul_n which_o therefore_o i_o call_v arbitrary_a influance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o as_o god_n dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o divers_a degree_n at_o divers_a time_n and_o to_o divers_a soul_n in_o divers_a time_n three_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n proceed_v not_o only_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o gift_n thar_z other_o furnish_v with_o the_o same_o grace_n enjoy_v above_o he_o gift_n be_v like_o a_o precious_a cundit-pipe_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o let_v out_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o now_o if_o another_o soul_n have_v more_o abundance_n of_o those_o kind_n of_o gift_n more_o readiness_n of_o capacity_n quickness_n of_o understanding_n great_a depth_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n clearness_n of_o light_n more_o readiness_n of_o expression_n then_o thy_o soul_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o judge_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n than_o in_o thy_o soul_n in_o regard_n he_o have_v a_o great_a opportunity_n of_o expression_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o great_a aptness_n to_o hold_v forth_o grace_n receive_v than_o thou_o have_v four_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n only_o without_o any_o negligence_n of_o any_o mean_n by_o the_o soul_n that_o his_o defect_n of_o grace_n proceed_v from_o 2._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o those_o defect_n that_o he_o behold_v in_o himself_o be_v such_o defect_n as_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n whatever_o give_v a_o true_a and_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o its_o cause_n must_v be_v a_o effect_n that_o proceed_v proper_o from_o such_o a_o cause_n only_o that_o can_v proceed_v from_o another_o cause_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v also_o sure_a that_o spiritual_a rashness_n and_o wilfulness_n or_o ignorance_n or_o temptation_n do_v not_o overcloud_v his_o judgement_n in_o his_o search_v out_o and_o try_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o soul_n therein_o i_o shall_v advise_v to_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o trust_v not_o his_o own_o light_n alone_o 2._o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o bring_v all_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o substance_n and_o in_o their_o circumstance_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o 3._o a_o soul_n must_v endeavour_v that_o his_o judgement_n be_v settle_v by_o god_n that_o be_v thus_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v his_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n to_o bring_v himself_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o heart_n search_v god_n with_o a_o serious_a apprehension_n and_o meditation_n that_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v open_a before_o god_n and_o then_o and_o there_o in_o this_o frame_n to_o view_v over_o again_o and_o meditate_v upon_o that_o judgement_n that_o he_o find_v himself_o ready_a to_o pass_v against_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o observe_v whether_o his_o spirit_n then_o dare_v pass_v this_o conclusion_n against_o himself_o iii_o when_o a_o soul_n in_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o make_v the_o defect_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o matter_n of_o impediment_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n by_o look_v upon_o some_o other_o christian_n and_o behold_v many_o precious_a gracious_a holy_a disposition_n shine_v forth_o like_v so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o low_a orb_n when_o he_o see_v much_o holy_a fire_n drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o drop_v forth_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o look_v upon_o himself_o and_o see_v a_o defect_n in_o all_o see_v his_o own_o heart_n overgrow_v with_o dulness_n stupidness_n blockishness_n carelessness_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n regardlesness_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n make_v these_o defect_n of_o grace_n apprehend_v in_o himself_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o his_o soul_n to_o beat_v it_o off_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o back_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n then_o this_o distemper_n of_o judge_v themselves_o by_o other_o prevail_v too_o far_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o join_n with_o the_o wretched_a corrupt_a opposite_a heart_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o furnish_n the_o soul_n with_o matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o scruple_n against_o the_o bless_a tender_n of_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o by_o this_o the_o soul_n make_v that_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o perform_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o disobedience_n the_o soul_n by_o look_v upon_o the_o grace_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o any_o christian_n seem_v to_o do_v a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n command_v and_o in_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n seem_v to_o do_v another_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o both_o these_o be_v make_v disobedience_n when_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o defect_n of_o grace_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o discouragement_n to_o himself_o in_o exercise_v faith_n 3._o the_o soul_n cross_v god_n in_o his_o high_a end_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n iv_o the_o four_o case_n wherein_o a_o soul_n do_v measure_v himself_o too_o much_o by_o other_o so_o as_o it_o become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n be_v when_o the_o
to_o make_v his_o love_n glorious_a in_o those_o object_n therefore_o the_o end_n must_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n be_v before_o the_o mean_n though_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o once_o and_o by_o one_o act_n do_v by_o god_n so_o that_o according_a to_o our_o conception_n the_o love_n must_v be_v first_o fix_v and_o settle_v upon_o soul_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v the_o intention_n of_o love_n must_v be_v first_o unto_o soul_n before_o the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o gift_n of_o love_n through_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o give_v but_o also_o call_v out_o to_o the_o work_n of_o mediatorship_n heb._n 5.1_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n by_o god_n the_o father_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o soul_n 3._o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o that_o high_a charge_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o soul_n that_o will_v embrace_v he_o but_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o his_o people_n comfort_n see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n i_o speak_v of_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n i_o say_v see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a simple_a necessity_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v at_o such_o high_a cost_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o soul_n to_o partake_v of_o this_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v do_v free_o of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n thence_o it_o appear_v there_o can_v be_v no_o high_a end_n than_o the_o lord_n own_o praise_n the_o manifest_v the_o beam_n of_o the_o lord_n transcendent_a glory_n more_o abundant_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o it_o eph._n 1.4.6_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v he_o have_v choose_v we_o as_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o first_o elect_n of_o god_n and_o that_o head_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n that_o god_n have_v glorify_v himself_o in_o this_o he_o have_v do_v say_v he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o destinate_a we_o to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v the_o father_n love_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o end_n v._n 6._o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o love_n wherein_o that_o be_v in_o which_o love_n he_o have_v make_v we_o acccept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o be_v in_o christ_n now_o this_o may_v be_v take_v rwo_a way_n either_o for_o his_o praise_n active_o to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o the_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v or_o else_o passive_o to_o be_v manifest_v through_o this_o way_n unto_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v in_o both_o way_n the_o lord_n intend_v to_o have_v his_o glorious_a love_n admire_v and_o adore_v and_o himself_o sanctify_v in_o the_o behold_n of_o it_o through_o the_o effect_n and_o convey_v of_o that_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n unto_o soul_n through_o such_o cost_n and_o charge_n in_o give_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n now_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v especial_o two_o way_n how_o the_o partaker_n of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n the_o gospel_n discover_v do_v active_o give_v the_o lord_n the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n 1._o in_o admire_v the_o unmeasurable_a dimension_n of_o his_o love_n in_o gaze_v upon_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o his_o love_n so_o as_o to_o see_v it_o unmeasurable_a and_o bottomless_a and_o to_o adore_v god_n in_o behold_v it_o 2._o in_o their_o soul_n rely_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n upon_o god_n for_o that_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n wherein_o a_o soul_n take_v up_o its_o rest_n in_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o a_o soul_n sanctify_v god_n in_o his_o heart_n therefore_o be_v 8.13_o when_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v they_o to_o sanctify_v god_n he_o say_v fear_v not_o their_o fear_n but_o make_v he_o your_o fear_n and_o your_o dread_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v therein_o you_o shall_v sanctify_v he_o when_o your_o spirit_n take_v up_o their_o rest_n in_o he_o alone_o now_o as_o god_n be_v thus_o sanctify_a in_o the_o heart_n in_o general_n so_o he_o be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o respect_n of_o every_o particular_a attribute_n of_o he_o in_o this_o way_n only_o when_o a_o soul_n confidence_n be_v in_o he_o alone_o and_o thus_o in_o particular_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o love_n god_n have_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n from_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o heart_n take_v up_o its_o full_a rest_n in_o god_n with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n for_o all_o love_n through_o christ_n now_o observe_v these_o be_v the_o two_o special_a way_n how_o the_o lord_n have_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a love_n from_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o love_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v and_o then_o both_o these_o proceed_n from_o a_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n thence_o it_o must_v needs_o appear_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o the_o high_a cost_n to_o effect_v all_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o soul_n through_o the_o death_n of_o that_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n that_o this_o must_v be_v on_o purpose_n do_v by_o god_n for_o the_o make_n that_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v more_o sure_a and_o certain_a unto_o soul_n embrace_v it_o in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n three_o the_o spirit_n discover_v the_o lord_n own_o bond_n give_v out_o to_o the_o person_n themselves_o that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n for_o their_o assurance_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v all_o the_o promise_v write_v in_o the_o lord_n bless_a book_n be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o bond_n of_o god_n own_o writing_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a secretary_n of_o heaven_n the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v and_o assure_v soul_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v the_o spirit_n reveal_v promise_n upon_o promise_n to_o seal_v to_o and_o confirm_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o you_o may_v see_v heb._n 6.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v there_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o lord_n counsel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o infallible_a and_o unchangeable_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v four_o the_o spirit_n rise_v high_a he_o add_v the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o oath_n the_o high_a oath_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o swear_v which_o be_v by_o himself_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v security_n upon_o security_n to_o his_o weak_a apprehension_n five_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o add_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o seal_n to_o the_o bond._n the_o spirit_n manifest_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v employ_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o testator_n to_o soul_n that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o testator_n the_o testament_n or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v make_v unquestionable_o certain_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v fullness_n of_o security_n to_o his_o poor_a scrupulous_a spirit_n now_o security_n come_v in_o upon_o security_n to_o a_o superabuddance_n of_o it_o six_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v engage_v the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o everblessed_n name_n for_o the_o better_a secure_v soul_n and_o full_a assure_v they_o of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o they_o this_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o exod._n 33.19_o i_o will_v proclaim_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o thou_o say_v god_n to_o moses_n and_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o who_o i_o will_v be_v gracious_a and_o will_v show_v mercy_n to_o who_o i_o will_v show_v mercy_n which_o do_v both_o include_v a_o disposition_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o a_o free_a disposition_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o it_o include_v that_o grace_n of_o he_o to_o be_v order_v only_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n now_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n free_o love_v loveless_a sinner_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o his_o own_o will_v which_o be_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v than_o this_o title_n of_o god_n honour_n shall_v be_v deface_v and_o blemish_v but_o god_n say_v
be_v render_v thus_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o in_o purify_n he_o will_v not_o purify_v or_o in_o absolve_v will_v not_o absolve_v not_o mention_v either_o wicked_a one_o or_o guilty_a one_o or_o any_o person_n whatever_o for_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n shall_v the_o word_n run_v thus_o the_o lord_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a therefore_o i_o shall_v hold_v to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o may_v be_v most_o near_o render_v that_o be_v forgive_a sin_n and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o cleanse_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n and_o then_o if_o you_o observe_v this_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o will_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n include_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v and_o will_v exercise_v his_o mercy_n his_o grace_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o his_o abundant_a goodness_n unto_o soul_n only_o upon_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o will_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o to_o no_o other_o person_n upon_o no_o other_o respect_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o himself_o free_o will_n and_o then_o that_o include_v the_o last_o beam_n of_o the_o gospel-light_n after_o all_o the_o other_o former_o discover_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o that_o be_v that_o all_o those_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v only_o to_o those_o person_n who_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v though_o they_o be_v so_o tender_v to_o every_o loveless_a soul_n in_o general_a that_o will_v embrace_v he_o so_o that_o thus_o now_o you_o see_v the_o first_o thing_n clear_v that_o all_o gospel-discovery_n be_v at_o least_o virtual_o include_v in_o the_o lord_n own_o name_n second_o it_o must_v be_v clear_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v behold_v by_o believe_v the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n engage_v for_o his_o security_n and_o for_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o it_o this_o may_v be_v open_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o general_n 2._o more_o particular_o discover_v the_o particular_a security_n the_o soul_n may_v have_v against_o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o apprehend_v in_o its_o security_n first_o in_o general_a it_o appear_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v behold_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v engage_v for_o his_o security_n and_o assurance_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v unto_o soul_n but_o the_o same_o be_v include_v in_o the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n two_o thing_n follow_v from_o hence_o 1._o the_o soul_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o the_o lord_n change_v that_o his_o ever_o bless_a name_n the_o word_n be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o that_o be_v his_o name_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o be_v his_o memorial_n to_o all_o generation_n thence_o the_o soul_n may_v assure_v itself_o that_o though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o and_o melt_v like_o wax_n yet_o not_o one_o title_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n discover_v can_v possible_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n see_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v change_v 2._o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o thete_n be_v a_o necessity_n for_o the_o bless_a god_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o to_o trample_v under_o his_o foot_n his_o dear_a glory_n if_o the_o least_o title_n of_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v shall_v fail_v see_v all_o be_v include_v in_o his_o name_n for_o ever_o second_o the_o soul_n may_v behold_v through_o believe_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v to_o be_v engage_v for_o his_o security_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n discover_v in_o particular_a against_o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n 1._o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o depth_n of_o misery_n so_o deep_a as_o relief_n and_o succour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o poor_a perish_v sink_v soul_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v up_o his_o name_n he_o be_v merciful_a that_o be_v he_o have_v bowel_n of_o mercy_n for_o soul_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o great_a misery_n thence_o the_o soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o bless_a title_n of_o the_o lord_n name_n must_v fail_v that_o link_n in_o the_o golden_a chain_n must_v be_v cut_v asunder_o shall_v the_o most_o unspeakable_a depth_n of_o misery_n that_o ever_o soul_n be_v plunge_v in_o be_v a_o case_n hopeless_a or_o 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text_n such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o another_o pattern_n the_o lord_n leave_v 2_o chron._n 33.11_o 12_o 13._o of_o manasseh_n who_o heap_v up_o wickedness_n upon_o wickedness_n yet_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o pattern_n of_o gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n another_z you_o have_v in_o paul_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o one_o drink_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n like_o water_n one_o blaspheme_v jesus_n christ_n offer_v all_o kind_n of_o injury_n and_o indignity_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a that_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o love_n manifest_v in_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o through_o christ_n and_o this_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o experiment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o who_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o to_o life_n everlasting_a so_o act._n 2.30_o those_o that_o have_v wash_v their_o malicious_a and_o envious_a hand_n in_o the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n so_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doleful_a story_n of_o our_o first_o fall_n by_o eve_n who_o do_v first_o provoke_v the_o anger_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n gen._n 3.15_o ii_o the_o second_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v pattern_n be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o unbelief_n the_o potency_n and_o prevalency_n of_o unbelieve_a disposition_n i_o shall_v propound_v but_o two_o pattern_n to_o you_o in_o this_o case_n first_o of_o david_n who_o under_o the_o rage_n of_o unbelief_n psal_n 116.11_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o those_o prophet_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o dissembler_n notwithstanding_o he_o have_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o message_n come_v from_o god_n the_o second_o pattern_n be_v in_o unbelieving_a thomas_n john_n 20.24_o 25_o 26._o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n except_o he_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n yet_o gospel_n love_n and_o mercy_n be_v discover_v to_o he_o vers_n 27._o under_o this_o case_n come_v in_o these_o two_o case_n of_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v 1._o in_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o feel_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n draw_v their_o heart_n to_o believe_v say_v the_o poor_a perplex_a soul_n sure_o the_o lord_n draw_v all_o that_o he_o intend_v shall_v come_v to_o christ_n through_o believe_v but_o alas_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o god_n have_v draw_v my_o heart_n therefore_o sure_o god_n have_v not_o choose_v i_o to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o love_n now_o the_o spirit_n may_v witness_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o soul_n as_o much_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o unbelieve_a disposition_n as_o his_o unbelieving_a spirit_n yet_o the_o bowel_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o restrain_v from_o they_o 2._o here_o come_v in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n towards_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o strong_a inclination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o receive_v security_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n from_o something_o that_o shall_v be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v also_o a_o common_a case_n of_o soul_n that_o they_o can_v discern_v any_o disposition_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o bosom_n
himself_o to_o be_v a_o poor_a despicable_a useless_a wretch_n a_o low_a contemptible_a worm_n not_o have_v any_o thing_n wherein_o to_o be_v serviceable_a for_o the_o lord_n honour_n as_o other_o have_v yea_o be_v far_o deep_a drench_v into_o sin_n than_o other_o soul_n be_v here_o be_v a_o pattern_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v to_o stand_v upon_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o fulfil_n a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n notwithstanding_o all_o unlikelihood_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v 2._o under_o this_o come_v in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o soul_n inability_n and_o insufficiency_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v that_o mercy_n and_o love_v the_o gospel_n reveal_v according_a as_o the_o lord_n require_v that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n in_o gaze_v upon_o those_o bless_a tender_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n begin_v to_o say_v within_o itself_o i_o be_o so_o dead_a in_o sin_n that_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ability_n to_o receive_v that_o mercy_n and_o love_v tender_v according_a as_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v the_o object_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n see_v i_o can_v receive_v it_o now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o this_o precious_a pattern_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v of_o abraham_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o testify_v that_o the_o lord_n promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o abraham_n be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n when_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ability_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v effect_v by_o he_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n 3._o under_o this_o come_v in_o that_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o soul_n behold_v nothing_o but_o opposition_n in_o his_o heart_n against_o that_o mercy_n and_o love_n that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v so_o that_o if_o the_o soul_n shall_v begin_v to_o say_v within_o itself_o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o that_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n see_v his_o heart_n nothing_o else_o but_o speak_v against_o it_o then_o the_o spirit_n may_v bring_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n that_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v as_o a_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n unto_o abraham_n he_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o hope_n but_o all_o thing_n against_o hope_n of_o that_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o believe_v viii_o there_o be_v a_o eight_o case_n of_o wretched_a treacherous_a backslide_n from_o god_n after_o mutual_a closure_n and_o embrace_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v precious_a precedent_n of_o his_o gospel_n love_n and_o mercy_n that_o have_v be_v communicate_v unto_o soul_n so_o backslide_v you_o may_v first_o look_v upon_o aaron_n case_n who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o backslider_n exod._n 32.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o aaron_z that_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o be_v his_o god_n here_o become_v a_o wretched_a backslider_n from_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n to_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n to_o make_v a_o grave_a image_n a_o idol_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n and_o to_o make_v a_o altar_n too_o still_o all_o contrary_n to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n worship_n and_o yet_o if_o you_o look_v into_o exod._n 40.12_o 13._o you_o shall_v find_v this_o very_a aaron_n notwithstanding_o this_o backslide_n take_v to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n so_o as_o to_o be_v choose_v minister_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n to_o be_v of_o the_o very_o high_a office_n of_o the_o lord_n worship_v here_o below_o to_o be_v make_v the_o most_o immediate_a type_n of_o represent_v jesus_n christ_n that_o bless_a true_a high_a priest_n another_o pattern_n of_o backslide_v you_o may_v behold_v in_o solomon_n in_o 1_o king_n 7.11_o he_o build_v a_o high_a place_n for_o chemosh_fw-mi the_o abomination_n of_o moab_n yet_o this_o backslider_n notwithstanding_o be_v a_o object_n of_o his_o special_a gospel_n love_n and_o mercy_n as_o appear_v psal_n 89.32_o 33._o my_o love_n will_v i_o never_o take_v from_o he_o i_o need_v not_o name_n peter_n case_n and_o david_n case_n it_o be_v know_v to_o you_o all_o you_o see_v it_o be_v apparent_a the_o lord_n have_v give_v eminent_a pattern_n in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n backslide_v so_o that_o herein_o many_o particular_a case_n of_o soul_n come_v in_o as_o the_o case_n of_o negligence_n and_o slightness_n of_o heart_n towards_o god_n the_o case_n of_o estrangeness_n from_o god_n after_o it_o once_o taste_v of_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o case_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o wretchedness_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v call_v to_o remembrance_n against_o itself_o or_o that_o possible_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v and_o mercy_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o he_o so_o that_o in_o case_n upon_o any_o such_o ground_n as_o the_o soul_n wretched_a wicked_a deal_n with_o god_n after_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o its_o turn_n aside_o from_o god_n the_o soul_n shall_v suffer_v its_o confidence_n to_o waver_v concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a backslide_a soul_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n than_o the_o spirit_n may_v bring_v to_o its_o remembrance_n those_o precious_a partern_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v concern_v his_o acceptance_n of_o such_o backslide_a wretch_n after_o such_o discovery_n of_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o seven_o particular_a that_o the_o spirit_n may_v reveal_v and_o bring_v to_o soul_n remembrance_n to_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v security_n upon_o security_n abundance_n and_o superabundance_n of_o security_n to_o assure_v soul_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v eighthly_a the_o last_o particular_a that_o the_o spirit_n bring_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n or_o do_v or_o may_v reveal_v to_o it_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v peculiar_a near_o invaluable_a engagement_n upon_o god_n himself_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o to_o fulfil_v those_o precious_a gospel-discovery_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v or_o accept_v they_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n have_v so_o curious_o contrive_v that_o gospel-love_n to_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o he_o have_v sweet_o interweave_v his_o own_o interest_n with_o their_o interest_n and_o certain_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o own_o interest_n thus_o to_o be_v in_o the_o complete_n of_o his_o gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n to_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o on_o purpose_n to_o secure_v their_o waver_a unstable_a spirit_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o more_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n in_o christ_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n through_o believe_v the_o engagement_n that_o be_v upon_o god_n himself_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o to_o fulfil_v gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o be_v divers_a 1._o the_o first_o engagement_n upon_o god_n himself_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o from_o whence_o soul_n may_v have_v security_n be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v every_o such_o particular_a loveless_a sinner_n as_o shall_v accept_v of_o his_o gospel-discovery_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o own_o family_n and_o his_o own_o household_n hence_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o eph._n 3.15_o that_o all_o believer_n be_v call_v but_o one_o family_n and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o and_o in_o heb._n 3.6_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o christ_n now_o what_o abundant_a security_n may_v the_o believe_a soul_n receive_v concern_v fulfil_n gospel-discovery_n from_o the_o spirit_n bring_v to_o remembrance_n this_o engagement_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o to_o fulfil_v gospel-discovery_n 1._o from_o hence_o the_o soul_n may_v behold_v through_o believe_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o remove_v all_o jar_n difference_n breach_n and_o disagreement_n from_o himself_o and_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v accept_v those_o gospel-discovery_n from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v argue_v sweet_o within_o his_o own_o spirit_n against_o all_o objection_n and_o scruple_n concern_v its_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n and_o say_v thus_o will_v not_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n have_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o family_n in_o his_o own_o household_n 2._o from_o thence_o the_o believe_a soul_n may_v behold_v the_o lord_n engage_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a a_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n if_o he_o will_v embrace_v the_o gospel-discovery_n though_o he_o be_v altogether_o unclean_a though_o he_o
ii_o every_o such_o soul_n be_v choose_v perpetual_o to_o behold_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n in_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n 1._o they_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v the_o admirable_a mystery_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o be_v now_o a_o inexplicable_a mystery_n to_o the_o believer_n eye_n shall_v then_o by_o god_n choose_v they_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n be_v discern_v 2._o it_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v all_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o glory_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o mystical_a union_n of_o so_o many_o lose_a rebellious_a sink_v perish_v soul_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o one_o head_n 3._o every_o such_o soul_n be_v choose_v to_o behold_v the_o transcendent_a perfection_n of_o the_o secret_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o such_o unlovely_a sinner_n while_o they_o be_v altogether_o loveless_n while_o they_o be_v altogether_o abominable_a matter_n of_o loathe_v to_o his_o pure_a eye_n iii_o every_o such_o soul_n be_v choose_v from_o eternity_n to_o attend_v upon_o the_o royal_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n in_o his_o sacred_a palace_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o bright_a manner_n 1._o he_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v those_o bright_a beam_n of_o majesty_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o positive_a way_n 2._o it_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o transcendent_a majesty_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o immediate_a way_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o speech_n to_o represent_v the_o lord_n to_o our_o understanding_n as_o there_o be_v now_o 3._o it_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o lord_n majesty_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o simple_a pure_a way_n not_o relative_o or_o by_o relation_n as_o gospel_n embracer_n for_o present_a behold_v the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n glory_n as_o when_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n we_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o the_o most_o absolute_a monarch_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n this_o be_v but_o relation_n but_o we_o shall_v then_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o suitable_a way_n even_o as_o he_o be_v 4._o it_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v they_o full_o not_o to_o behold_v the_o reflection_n only_o but_o the_o sun_n itself_o of_o glory_n 5._o it_o be_v choose_v to_o behold_v they_o everlasting_o hence_o the_o soul_n may_v discern_v god_n to_o be_v engage_v by_o his_o high_a relation_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a contentment_n to_o perfect_v both_o union_n and_o communion_n between_o himself_o and_o every_o unlovely_a sinner_n that_o shall_v and_o will_v accept_v gospel_n discovery_n see_v every_o such_o soul_n as_o shall_v accept_v gospel_n discovery_n be_v design_v by_o himself_o from_o eternity_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o royal_a attendant_n in_o his_o sacred_a palace_n that_o shall_v behold_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n now_o before_o i_o can_v pass_v from_o this_o second_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o soul_n there_o be_v five_o or_o six_o thing_n that_o every_o soul_n of_o we_o must_v remember_v lest_o we_o misunderstand_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_a the_o gospel_n unto_o soul_n i._o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n cause_n these_o glorious_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o promise_n into_o dark_a soul_n the_o spirit_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o dark_a soul_n do_v to_o some_o reveal_v only_o some_o of_o those_o precious_a soul_n ravish_v beam_n of_o light_n that_o you_o have_v hear_v open_v to_z other_o he_o cause_v more_o abundance_n of_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o from_o hence_o various_a soul_n have_v various_a degree_n of_o this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o various_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n slow_v forth_o from_o that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n ii_o you_o must_v also_o observe_v concern_v this_o work_n of_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_v those_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n from_o the_o gospel_n in_o different_a degree_n of_o clearness_n unto_o soul_n iii_o you_o must_v also_o observe_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o a_o different_a degree_n continue_v the_o manifestation_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o different_a soul_n i_o speak_v still_o of_o those_o soul_n that_o do_v receive_v through_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o assurance_n unto_o their_o faith_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n iv_o you_o must_v also_o understand_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o this_o heavenly_a light_n the_o sum_n and_o compendium_n of_o all_o that_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o cause_v it_o to_o shine_v into_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n this_o the_o spirit_n do_v cause_n to_o shine_v into_o every_o soul_n that_o attain_v unto_o any_o degree_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o spirit_n work_v various_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o reveal_v what_o it_o do_v reveal_v and_o various_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o time_n and_o continuance_n of_o its_o manifestation_n of_o that_o heavenly_a light_n unto_o soul_n yet_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cause_v to_o glitter_v forth_o from_o the_o promise_n unto_o soul_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v reveal_v unto_o every_o soul_n that_o attain_v unto_o any_o assurance_n of_o faith_n v._o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v out_o of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n select_v the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o will_v assure_v any_o particular_a soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o those_o particular_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n mention_v be_v in_o the_o substance_n reveal_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n give_v union_n yet_o the_o particular_a wherein_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o brightness_n the_o glory_n the_o lustre_n the_o satisfy_n and_o overpower_v glory_n of_o those_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n eye_n these_o be_v select_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o substance_n also_o or_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o particular_n whereby_o we_o have_v reveal_v those_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o you_o vi_o you_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v or_o manifest_v all_o the_o bright_a shine_a of_o divine_a light_n from_o the_o promise_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o moment_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o draw_v forth_o the_o soul_n faith_n unto_o act_n of_o assurance_n the_o spirit_n may_v be_v instruct_v the_o dark_a soul_n many_o year_n in_o the_o precious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n before_o it_o raise_v the_o soul_n faith_n unto_o assure_v act_n and_o may_v be_v increase_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n gradual_o in_o every_o ordinance_n in_o all_o those_o year_n but_o yet_o wherever_o the_o spirit_n draw_v out_o the_o god_n believe_v disposition_n that_o it_o have_v infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n to_o act_v by_o way_n of_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n than_o the_o spirit_n present_v all_o this_o precious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o once_o and_o give_v the_o soul_n one_o glorious_a view_n of_o it_o three_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n proceed_v from_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o conviction_n conscience_n the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o powerful_a efficacy_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n infuse_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o precious_a concurrence_n of_o the_o sweet_a light_n of_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o light_a inherent_a arise_v a_o powerful_a inward_a conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 16.9_o 10._o the_o spirit_n shall_v reprove_v and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n it_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v of_o free_a justification_n of_o despicable_a forlorn_a guilty_a sinner_n through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n alone_o this_o conviction_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o of_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a unquestionable_a and_o infallible_a demonstration_n give_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o doubtful_a soul_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v that_o even_o that_o his_o particular_a forlorn_a worthless_a stubborn_a soul_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o command_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n exercise_v upon_o the_o soul_n whereby_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 four_o effect_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v this_o four_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n draw_v forth_o believe_v disposition_n into_o act_n which_o be_v the_o formality_n of_o assurance_n or_o assurance_n itself_o the_o other_o only_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a preparative_n unto_o the_o assurance_n they_o be_v preparation_n indeed_o both_o privative_o and_o positive_o but_o they_o be_v but_o preparation_n first_o these_o three_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v preparation_n privative_o by_o prevent_v all_o impediment_n and_o obstruction_n that_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o act_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n i._o the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v its_o illumination_n that_o do_v privative_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o assure_v act_n of_o faith_n 1._o by_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o bottome_v its_o confidence_n upon_o the_o sand_n before_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o illumination_n soul_n mistake_v the_o right_a bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n 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 conceive_v there_o be_v no_o right_a manner_n of_o any_o soul_n cast_v himself_o with_o confidence_n upon_o the_o lord_n unless_o the_o soul_n do_v first_o discern_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o beleiver_n ii_o the_o second_o work_n also_o of_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o soul_n be_v to_o prepare_v privative_o for_o the_o assure_v of_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n through_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n all_o misapprehension_n about_o the_o tender_a of_o union_n with_o christ_n with_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v iii_o by_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v privative_o for_o the_o assure_v his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n and_o that_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o remove_v of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o possessess_v the_o soul_n before_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o that_o irradiation_n the_o heart_n be_v hale_v 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
agent_n a_o outward_a agent_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o believe_v and_o then_o take_v up_o its_o habitation_n in_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o soul_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o reason_n itself_o be_v sufficient_a confutation_n of_o those_o imagination_n reason_n will_v tell_v we_o of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o a_o man_n mere_o unregenerate_a to_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n mere_o spiritual_a reason_n will_v tell_v we_o a_o habit_n or_o disposition_n must_v go_v before_o there_o be_v a_o act_n a_o tree_n there_o must_v be_v before_o there_o can_v be_v fruit_n and_o then_o also_o the_o spirit_n seal_v of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v declare_v to_o follow_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o soul_n believe_v it_o can_v be_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n seal_v speak_v of_o in_o these_o scripture_n shall_v be_v mean_v the_o infusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n grace_n into_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v be_v something_o beside_o the_o grace_n infuse_v ii_o all_o kind_n of_o holy_a habit_n or_o disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o one_o believe_v soul_n be_v infuse_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o soul_n believe_v now_o if_o the_o spirit_n seal_v be_v only_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n grace_n than_o every_o believe_a soul_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o experience_n bring_v testimony_n enough_o to_o the_o contrary_n iii_o the_o spirit_n seal_v mention_v in_o those_o former_a scripture_n be_v attribute_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n it_o do_v not_o say_v only_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v have_v be_v mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o even_o by_o a_o personal_a act_n the_o spirit_n atte_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o 14._o in_o who_o also_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n it_o be_v translate_v which_o but_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a to_o say_v who_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o relative_a be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v add_v unto_o believe_a soul_n for_o their_o abundant_a consolation_n even_o a_o witness_n from_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n of_o their_o admittance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o cleave_v to_o he_o beside_o all_o those_o other_o bless_a necessary_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n now_o i_o must_v further_o observe_v that_o this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o pertain_v peculiarly_a and_o sole_o unto_o faith_n as_o have_v reference_n unto_o faith_n only_o and_o to_o the_o beget_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o divine_a appointment_n this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n pertain_v also_o to_o sense_n to_o spiritual_a sense_n or_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o do_v beget_v assurance_n of_o sense_n and_o feel_v as_o well_o as_o it_o beget_v assurance_n of_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a mixture_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o it_o do_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n raise_v the_o soul_n to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o sense_n and_o feel_v and_o indeed_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o it_o never_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n in_o any_o measure_n of_o clearness_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o it_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v speak_v at_o present_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n do_v first_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n certain_o and_o infallible_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o so_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n we_o must_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n unto_o faith_n though_o we_o must_v also_o for_o open_v the_o full_a work_n of_o attestation_n open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n attest_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v for_o the_o open_n the_o first_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n to_o assure_v faith_n of_o its_o union_n faith_n the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n i_o shall_v open_v to_o you_o two_o thing_n first_o those_o respect_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v appoint_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o the_o former_a work_n as_o a_o redundancy_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o despicable_a soul_n second_o we_o shall_v open_v what_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n be_v for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o respect_n why_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o work_n of_o attestation_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n after_o he_o have_v persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v thus_o powerful_o with_o confidence_n i._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o fear_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o believe_a soul_n after_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o fear_n that_o still_o remain_v in_o some_o degree_n both_o in_o the_o seed_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o though_o none_o of_o they_o remain_v in_o their_o absolute_a dominion_n 1._o there_o be_v both_o the_o seed_n and_o fruit_n of_o slavish_a fear_n though_o through_o the_o mighty_a exciting_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n follow_v the_o spirit_n irradiation_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o cleave_v to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o perfection_n of_o confidence_n and_o it_o be_v only_o perfect_a confidence_n that_o beget_v perfect_a love_n and_o only_o perfect_a love_n that_o cast_v out_o slavish_a fear_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o pure_a natural_a fear_n that_o still_o remain_v the_o matter_n of_o believe_v be_v of_o such_o high_a concernment_n that_o the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o it_o strike_v the_o soul_n with_o some_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v the_o venture_v the_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n for_o eternity_n and_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o confidence_n a_o soul_n can_v be_v void_a of_o fear_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a holy_a fear_n that_o remain_v also_o in_o the_o believe_a soul_n after_o the_o strength_n of_o believe_v the_o soul_n vision_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n inflame_v the_o believe_a soul_n heart_n with_o love_n unto_o union_n and_o communion_n and_o proportionable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o soul_n love_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n fear_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o soul_n fear_v the_o loss_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n wherein_o he_o love_v union_n and_o communion_n and_o this_o fear_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o go_v beyond_o its_o bound_n and_o to_o suspect_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n ii_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o atte_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o soul_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a distrust_n that_o in_o some_o degree_n remain_v in_o every_o believe_a soul_n though_o raise_v to_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o indisposition_n natural_o in_o the_o soul_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o inability_n full_o to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v such_o a_o word_n into_o his_o bosom_n but_o also_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a disposition_n in_o dwell_v in_o every_o soul_n that_o incline_v the_o heart_n strong_o to_o give_v the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n the_o lie_n to_o distrust_v that_o bless_a record_n that_o the_o lord_n bear_v of_o his_o own_o son_n iii_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n that_o possess_v every_o believe_a soul_n lest_o his_o corrupt_a deceitful_a heart_n shall_v delude_v he_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v so_o conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o variety_n of_o cozen_v delude_v trick_n that_o his_o corrupt_a heart_n have_v put_v upon_o
he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o it_o dare_v not_o trust_v its_o heart_n when_o it_o deal_v most_o plain_o and_o upright_o now_o from_o this_o holy_a jealousy_n there_o arise_v a_o difficulty_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o all_o waver_a in_o its_o conscience_n now_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o inward_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n in_o its_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o iv_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unconstancy_n that_o possess_v every_o such_o believe_a soul_n in_o some_o degree_n ever_o since_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o first_o bless_a centre_n it_o have_v natural_o be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o its_o resting_n now_o from_o this_o unconstancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o heart_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o have_v its_o confidence_n shake_v when_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o work_n of_o attestation_n for_o the_o perfect_a establish_n of_o the_o waver_a soul_n v._o there_o be_v all_o the_o concurrent_a rage_n of_o hell_n employ_v against_o every_o soul_n attain_v that_o confidence_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o now_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v a_o witness_n from_o heaven_n or_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n than_o any_o dictate_v of_o the_o counsel_n of_o hell_n the_o believe_a soul_n will_v soon_o call_v in_o question_n the_o precious_a word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o incline_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o hell_n counsel_n therefore_o in_o respect_n to_o this_o lest_o the_o believe_a soul_n through_o this_o mean_n shall_v be_v robe_v of_o that_o precious_a joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n intend_v the_o lord_n have_v determine_v that_o his_o bless_a spirit_n shall_v become_v the_o soul_n comforter_n by_o way_n of_o attestation_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o that_o so_o the_o witness_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v of_o high_a authority_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o all_o those_o curse_a lie_v dictate_v of_o hell_n frequent_o propound_v to_o that_o believe_a soul_n now_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v what_o this_o attestation_n or_o witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n be_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v i_o conceive_v that_o this_o attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n dart_v into_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n clear_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n approbation_n of_o the_o soul_n act_v of_o believe_v or_o confidence_n and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o unspeakable_a divine_a authority_n as_o be_v irresistible_a by_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o hereby_o the_o soul_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o plerophery_n or_o more_o than_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o this_o description_n that_o you_o must_v observe_v i._o this_o attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n dart_v into_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o witness_n this_o be_v as_o common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_z christians_o a_o secret_a voice_n or_o a_o sweet_a whisper_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thence_o many_o have_v sad_o mistake_v and_o conceive_v that_o witness_n to_o be_v some_o strange_a kind_n of_o revelation_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o secret_a voice_n because_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v right_o call_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n witness_v that_o be_v bear_v record_n give_v a_o testimony_n now_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n be_v to_o declare_v a_o thing_n verbal_o now_o indeed_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o a_o voice_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o word_n now_o by_o this_o secret_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n dart_v into_o the_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v secret_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n ii_o this_o attestation_n or_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n as_o do_v clearly_n and_o infallible_o and_o unquestionable_o demonstrate_v or_o manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n approbation_n of_o his_o act_n of_o believe_v or_o of_o his_o act_n of_o confidence_n all_o the_o unquiet_a toss_n and_o agitation_n and_o perplex_v waver_n of_o soul_n from_o what_o occasion_n soever_o they_o have_v their_o original_a in_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n that_o their_o forlorn_a despicable_a soul_n shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o he_o now_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v into_o the_o understanding_n be_v on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v and_o make_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v infinite_o please_v to_o the_o bless_a god_n that_o even_o that_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n itself_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v testify_v to_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v iii_o you_o must_v observe_v in_o the_o description_n that_o this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o so_o clear_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n approbation_n of_o his_o act_n of_o believe_v or_o his_o act_n of_o confidence_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o inconceivable_a divine_a authority_n it_o be_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_a as_o have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o heart_n to_o make_v resistance_n iv_o observe_v in_o the_o description_n that_o it_o establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o plerophery_n a_o more_o than_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n a_o triumph_v confidence_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o fix_v the_o waver_a unconstant_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n now_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o sense_n but_o there_o be_v a_o objection_n will_v be_v cast_v in_o that_o must_v first_o be_v open_v whereby_o the_o depth_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a mystery_n may_v be_v something_o more_o unfolded_a obj._n some_o soul_n may_v say_v if_o the_o spirit_n give_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o this_o that_o his_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v certain_o and_o infallible_o accept_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o and_o produce_v no_o other_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o this_o that_o i_o even_o i_o this_o unlovely_a soul_n of_o i_o in_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v infallible_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o to_o all_o eternity_n then_o say_v the_o soul_n even_o after_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n still_o see_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n and_o see_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v by_o the_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v its_o whole_a dependence_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n ans_fw-fr 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o grand_a objection_n first_o when_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n and_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o particular_a unlovely_a forlorn_a soul_n shall_v certain_o and_o infallible_o be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o rest_n upon_o christ_n for_o union_n it_o be_v not_o then_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o solid_a ground_n
the_o readiness_n of_o the_o soul_n natural_o to_o concur_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o corrupt_a conscience_n while_o it_o bear_v witness_v against_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o regard_n the_o full_a bent_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o therefore_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o give_v matter_n for_o conscience_n to_o build_v a_o new_a judgement_n upon_o concern_v the_o soul_n everlasting_a estate_n ii_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o its_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n unto_o christ_n may_v every_o way_n counterpoise_v the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o its_o separation_n from_o christ_n there_o be_v three_o evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o separation_n from_o christ_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n do_v parallel_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n answerable_a to_o those_o three_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n separation_n from_o christ_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o bless_a word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n determine_v that_o every_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n be_v by_o merit_n and_o desert_n everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o actual_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o be_v void_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n work_v the_o contrary_a opposite_a rebellious_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o any_o soul_n natural_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 3.8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n that_o be_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o bent_n of_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a determination_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o will_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n found_v upon_o these_o contrary_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o christ_n now_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o three_o the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o even_o such_o a_o particular_a despicable_a lose_a sinner_n shall_v infallible_o in_o his_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n enjoy_v everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n add_v this_o testimony_n also_o unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n whereby_o he_o make_v the_o soul_n discern_v even_o from_o the_o move_n and_o work_v of_o his_o heart_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o from_o thence_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v witness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v actual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n iii_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v a_o super-addition_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o sense_n that_o the_o whole_a bless_a word_n of_o god_n may_v sweet_o concur_v together_o in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o for_o example_n that_o word_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.13_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o we_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n this_o word_n bear_v not_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o it_o bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o believe_a soul_n sense_n that_o be_v unite_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v from_o god_n into_o its_o bosom_n likewise_o that_o other_o word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o life_n and_o grace_n and_o holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o you_o that_o jesus_n christ_n act_n and_o work_n in_o you_o and_o through_o you_o know_v you_o not_o this_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n now_o this_o word_n bear_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n because_o the_o indwel_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o object_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n iv_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o believe_v soul_n may_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o everlasting_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n here_o below_o according_a to_o that_o eph._n 1.13_o you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n so_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o earnest_n import_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o soul_n part_n of_o his_o everlasting_a portion_n before_o hand_n two_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v that_o small_a portion_n as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a inheritance_n now_o in_o the_o spirit_n testify_v unto_o sense_n the_o soul_n union_n the_o spirit_n do_v clear_o manifest_v the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o its_o participation_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n already_o in_o regard_n it_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v actual_o inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n v._o the_o lord_n superadd_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n unto_o its_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v effect_v the_o full_a degree_n of_o conformity_n to_o his_o whole_a will_n in_o the_o soul_n two_o command_n be_v impossible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o yield_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o without_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n first_o the_o command_n of_o examine_v and_o prove_v the_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o all_o command_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o examine_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n whether_o love_v to_o god_n or_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o no_o there_o can_v be_v no_o effectual_a obedience_n to_o any_o command_n of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o discover_v all_o its_o precious_a working_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o command_n of_o perpetual_a rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o obey_v without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n though_o indeed_o believe_v be_v the_o primary_n original_a of_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n yet_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o its_o believe_v be_v a_o necessary_a adjunct_n to_o make_v up_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n vi_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o his_o testimony_n to_o faith_n that_o the_o believe_a soul_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n all_o those_o glorious_a portion_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n whereby_o believer_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o precious_a habit_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o their_o heart_n will_v be_v as_o so_o many_o strong_a hold_v for_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o fortify_v in_o against_o the_o believer_n soul_n and_o will_v be_v turn_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o hell_n into_o condemn_a sentence_n against_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o precious_a tower_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n will_v be_v always_o batter_v the_o sweet_a stream_n of_o comfort_n will_v always_o meet_v with_o one_o interruption_n or_o other_o in_o their_o flow_a down_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n sense_n what_o the_o spirit_n witness_n be_v unto_o sense_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v a_o precious_a secret_a immediate_a clear_a and_o authoritative_a irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n or_o confidence_n cause_v the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o believe_v to_o shine_v so_o resplendent_o that_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o
that_o thence_o it_o appear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v and_o declare_v as_o particular_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o if_o it_o do_v speak_v to_o any_o soul_n by_o name_n for_o that_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o believe_v the_o write_a worb_n speak_v as_o plain_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v particular_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v declare_v to_o any_o particular_a rebellious_a obstinate_a sinner_n that_o he_o particular_o do_v sin_n the_o word_n say_v whosoever_o walk_v thus_o or_o thus_o transgress_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o this_o speak_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n so_o sin_v que._n but_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n know_v 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divinity_n shine_v forth_o in_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o heighten_v reason_n of_o the_o accute_a son_n of_o adam_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n v._o 14._o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n to_o a_o believer_n heart_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n write_a word_n that_o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o the_o foundation_n of_o believer_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a authority_n neither_o can_v a_o believer_n say_v in_o believe_v any_o truth_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n that_o he_o know_v who_o he_o have_v believe_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n himself_o ii_o when_o that_o ever_o bless_a spirit_n do_v reveal_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n than_o the_o proper_a light_n of_o the_o write_a word_n itself_o shine_v forth_o so_o 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so_o clothe_v with_o power_n and_o irresistible_a authority_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v such_o property_n of_o god_n himself_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n soul-searching_a heart-dividing_a property_n find_v out_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o then_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v compass_a about_o with_o reason_n clothe_v in_o with_o reason_n that_o appear_v shine_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o satisfy_v the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n divinity_n be_v then_o every_o way_n engrave_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n in_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o cast_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n into_o the_o beliving_a soul_n do_v write_v his_o own_o name_n upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o light_n also_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n there_o 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worthless_a unlovely_a sinner_n by_o manifest_v such_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o sinful_a soul_n as_o that_o love_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o variation_n alteration_n or_o shadow_n change_n when_o the_o soul_n so_o walk_v as_o he_o declare_v practical_o that_o the_o rich_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o unworthy_a soul_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o stand_v firm_a and_o unmoveable_a like_a mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v then_o do_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o lord_n glorious_a love_n shine_v through_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o it_o thus_o god_n glorify_v himself_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o balak_n through_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n balaam_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n israel_n by_o send_v that_o message_n to_o balaam_n numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v that_o be_v not_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o his_o thought_n shall_v change_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v it_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v his_o word_n concern_v his_o people_n shall_v certain_o be_v fulfil_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n intend_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o name_n in_o his_o people_n heart_n mal._n 3.6_o he_o discover_v to_o they_o his_o precious_a thought_n of_o love_n concern_v they_o in_o declare_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o say_v he_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o change_v not_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v so_o the_o church_n exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o she_o lament_v 3.22.22_o it_o 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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 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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
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
with_o himself_o conclu_n 2._o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o particular_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o union_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_n confidence_n of_o the_o particularity_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v both_o of_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n take_v away_o particular_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n particular_a will_n towards_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o you_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o adherence_n take_v away_o the_o particular_a confidence_n and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v tender_v 2._o both_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o say_v of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o indeed_o that_o the_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v when_o he_o once_o act_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n differ_v gradual_o that_o be_v in_o many_o degree_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o adherence_n yet_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o be_v both_o substantial_o the_o same_o they_o be_v but_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o take_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o only_o this_o differ_v in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o faith_n of_o assurance_n act_v that_o confidence_n by_o way_n of_o the_o time_n past_a that_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o good_a will_v alone_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n whereas_o that_o confidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o dependence_n or_o adherence_n may_v work_v thus_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v now_o at_o this_o present_a to_o receive_v my_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n now_o all_o man_n grant_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o build_v say_v of_o adherence_n or_o dependence_n upon_o otherwise_o you_o must_v take_v away_o all_o ground_n upon_o which_o a_o soul_n must_v believe_v and_o you_o must_v leave_v a_o soul_n under_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v have_v no_o bottom_n upon_o which_o to_o set_v his_o faith_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o open_n of_o the_o second_o question_n and_o that_o be_v quest_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v a_o soul_n receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o have_v be_v determine_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o every_o poor_a despicable_a loveless_a forlorn_a soul_n that_o will_v receive_v he_o be_v the_o only_a unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o certain_a infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n but_o now_o say_v the_o soul_n by_o what_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n make_v efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o bare_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_a to_o the_o particular_a soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n i_o must_v first_o premise_v divers_a thing_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o then_o lie_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n in_o what_o condition_n soever_o under_o what_o temptation_n in_o what_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n soever_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v accept_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o though_o indeed_o the_o promise_n work_v this_o effect_n very_o rare_o in_o soul_n yet_o at_o all_o time_n the_o promise_n have_v that_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o addition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o promise_n neither_o by_o word_n nor_o light_n neither_o by_o way_n of_o particularise_v soul_n nor_o by_o way_n of_o comprehensiveness_n to_o make_v it_o conclude_v soul_n neither_o do_v the_o soul_n build_v upon_o any_o thing_n add_v to_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n itself_o be_v the_o absolute_a ground_n that_o the_o soul_n always_o build_v upon_o in_o receive_v evidence_n from_o it_o now_o because_o the_o promise_n itself_o do_v not_o at_o every_o time_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n manifest_a unto_o that_o soul_n thus_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o who_o it_o have_v evidence_v his_o union_n therefore_o think_v some_o soul_n it_o be_v something_o superad_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o some_o again_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o position_n itself_o that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n shall_v give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o some_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o kind_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o soul_n name_n to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n shall_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o some_o superadded_a revelation_n but_o neither_o of_o both_o these_o must_v be_v conceive_v but_o the_o promise_n have_v always_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o light_a to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o only_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o tower_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o it_o be_v with_o this_o foundation_n as_o with_o other_o foundation_n when_o the_o timber_n be_v hew_v and_o square_a fit_n for_o a_o groundsel_n it_o must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o foundation_n so_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v instruction_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v see_v his_o assurance_n stand_v firm_a upon_o it_o prem_n 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o a_o subordination_n to_o his_o will_n for_o the_o effect_v any_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o produce_v or_o effect_v such_o a_o end_n this_o i_o premise_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o mean_n when_o we_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v this_o promise_n make_v sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o primary_n efficient_a cause_n upon_o which_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o dependence_n and_o all_o thing_n employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v that_o be_v inferior_a cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o be_v call_v mean_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o create_a cause_n some_o such_o inferior_a cause_n may_v be_v call_v a_o principal_a cause_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v this_o end_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o that_o use_n prem_n 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o various_a mean_n that_o do_v common_o concur_v together_o for_o effect_v one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o have_v divers_a relation_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o work_v diverse_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a kind_n of_o influence_n from_o divers_a thing_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n and_o whatever_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a cause_n it_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mean_n so_o in_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o evidence_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v and_o do_v concur_v for_o effect_v that_o bless_a end_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n though_o those_o various_a thing_n work_v in_o a_o various_a manner_n and_o one_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n and_o another_o have_v another_o influence_n and_o so_o be_v look_v at_o as_o divers_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o assurance_n prem_n 4._o four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o
distinction_n about_o cause_n or_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o understand_v this_o question_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v understand_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n and_o the_o less_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n though_o there_o be_v proper_o unto_o every_o action_n but_o one_o principal_a cause_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o instrumental_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v the_o respect_n of_o efficient_a cause_n for_o the_o produce_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a neither_o unless_o it_o be_v coordinate_a 2._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o mean_n or_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v divide_v again_o into_o natural_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n and_o artificial_a the_o natural_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o work_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a inbred_a virtue_n that_o be_v by_o a_o proper_a disposition_n of_o its_o own_o and_o by_o a_o power_n that_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o any_o create_a cause_n though_o nothing_o that_o be_v a_o instrumental_a cause_n can_v be_v say_v to_o work_v by_o his_o own_o virtue_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n 3._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v again_o either_o as_o those_o that_o be_v mediate_a cause_n or_o immediate_a cause_n the_o mediate_a efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o contribute_v something_o to_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n that_o be_v that_o which_o have_v some_o influence_n into_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o far_o off_o there_o be_v many_o immediate_a thing_n that_o come_v between_o that_o make_v up_o the_o soul_n evidence_n the_o immediate_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o work_v so_o immediate_o that_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n assurance_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o which_o have_v the_o last_o stroke_n as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o be_v proper_o the_o immediate_a cause_n that_o which_o be_v once_o effect_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n do_v immediate_o and_o without_o intermission_n of_o time_n draw_v the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n 4._o instrumental_a cause_n be_v such_o as_o either_o solitary_a efficient_a cause_n or_o combine_v efficient_a cause_n that_o be_v such_o cause_n as_o work_v by_o themselves_o without_o other_o to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n or_o else_o such_o as_o work_v by_o other_o cause_v not_o without_o respect_n there_o be_v a_o efficient_a cause_n alone_o and_o a_o concause_n with_o another_o and_o both_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n 5._o these_o efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v divide_v again_o into_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o coordinate_a cause_n that_o be_v such_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o though_o they_o work_v together_o be_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n or_o else_o such_o as_o produce_v a_o equal_a power_n joint_o together_o for_o the_o effect_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o that_o efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v subordinate_a when_o one_o have_v the_o supremacy_n and_o all_o have_v dependence_n upon_o one_o though_o many_o thing_n have_v influence_n into_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v coordinate_a when_o they_o have_v equal_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o one_o not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v without_o another_o now_o all_o these_o distinction_n of_o cause_n must_v be_v understand_v for_o a_o right_n clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o question_n by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n answ_n 1._o first_o i_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a mediate_v and_o less_o principal_a cause_n that_o do_v afar_o off_o help_v something_o for_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n there_o be_v divers_a such_o cause_n that_o be_v partly_o artificial_a and_o partly_o natural_a of_o this_o nature_n i_o may_v reckon_v up_o divers_a as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o open_n and_o clear_v the_o nature_n the_o largeness_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o a_o soul_n likewise_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n either_o of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o element_n of_o water_n in_o one_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o discover_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o water_n and_o to_o signify_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n by_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o so_o consequent_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n consequent_o seal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o he_o and_o live_v for_o he_o so_o the_o other_o sacrament_n the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o signify_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o break_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o application_n of_o those_o element_n to_o he_o be_v element_n by_o which_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v refresh_v and_o clear_v be_v appoint_v to_o show_v the_o life_n and_o nourishment_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o christ_n alone_o these_o sacrament_n in_o their_o right_a institution_n may_v be_v instrumental_a immediate_a cause_n afar_o off_o to_o contribute_v to_o a_o soul_n something_o of_o his_o union_n so_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o christian_a conference_n inquire_v into_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o and_o every_o spiritual_a ordinance_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o any_o remembrance_n may_v contribute_v something_o to_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v proper_o artificial_a cause_n not_o natural_a but_o of_o a_o mix_a kind_n partly_o artificial_a and_o partly_o natural_a and_o all_o these_o be_v in_o this_o kind_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v mean_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v never_o but_o god_n use_v one_o of_o these_o mean_n to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v common_o â—â—â—eived_v that_o there_o be_v three_o more_o immediate_a joint_n concur_v cause_n to_o make_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n from_o the_o promise_n though_o those_o forename_a mean_n do_v work_v instrumental_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v work_v more_o inward_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v to_o be_v joint_a cause_n work_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n i_o mean_v for_o assure_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o i._o the_o irradiation_n i_o mean_v the_o bright_a shine_a light_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o precious_a heavenly_a lamp_n that_o shine_v so_o clear_o into_o the_o dark_a soul_n that_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n see_v in_o a_o sensible_a way_n that_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o promise_n and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v in_o that_o promise_n faith_n give_v the_o soul_n such_o a_o feel_a experience_n that_o it_o do_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v even_o when_o it_o be_v receive_v of_o it_o his_o soul_n grasp_v jesus_n christ_n so_o powerful_o as_o he_o feel_v his_o arm_n grasp_v jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n ii_o there_o be_v the_o conclusion_n renew_v conscience_n draw_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o spiritual_a and_o experimental_a reason_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o his_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o promise_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v son_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v witness_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o renew_a understanding_n or_o conscience_n that_o give_v the_o testimony_n and_o both_o of_o they_o witness_n at_o one_o
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
neither_o bind_v itself_o in_o order_n nor_o degree_n nor_o be_v express_v to_o the_o life_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o do_v assure_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o the_o spirit_n keep_v its_o constant_a order_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o faith_n it_o do_v assure_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o in_o every_o soul_n in_o this_o work_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o assurance_n itself_o that_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o those_o effect_n be_v altogether_o unspeakable_a from_o that_o evidence_n of_o assurance_n if_o those_o effect_n perish_v or_o decay_v the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n the_o soul_n have_v from_o the_o promise_n perish_v and_o decay_v and_o if_o those_o effect_n do_v but_o live_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o evidence_n the_o soul_n have_v from_o the_o promise_n be_v maintain_v they_o live_v together_o and_o die_v together_o now_o these_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v produce_v in_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o it_o do_v manifest_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n in_o some_o measure_n or_o degree_n be_v these_o five_o in_o the_o open_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o great_a question_n first_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n second_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n three_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o soul_n four_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n or_o stir_v up_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n five_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n pass_v the_o determination_n final_o upon_o the_o soul_n whole_a estate_n these_o five_o kind_n of_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o spirit_n work_v be_v by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n illumination_n the_o spirit_n illumination_n you_o shall_v read_v eph._n 1.18_o that_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n hope_v for_o in_o their_o call_n and_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o his_o prayer_n be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o what_o end_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n observe_v it_o the_o very_a first_o spiritual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n be_v for_o spiritual_a enlighten_v of_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o enlighten_v consist_v in_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n second_o in_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o from_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v prevent_v the_o soul_n see_v or_o discern_v the_o divine_a light_n infuse_v three_o in_o the_o quicken_a or_o stir_v up_o or_o put_v into_o act_n and_o exercise_n the_o habit_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v infuse_v first_o this_o illumination_n be_v a_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n light_n infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n the_o soul_n sit_v altogether_o in_o darkness_n until_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v into_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n eph._n 5.8_o now_o though_o there_o be_v some_o habitual_a divine_a light_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o there_o be_v after_o union_n a_o continual_a increase_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v eph._n 1.18_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v now_o if_o you_o read_v the_o whole_a chapter_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o be_v saint_n that_o be_v enlighten_v already_o so_o that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o poor_a weak_a feeble_a purblind_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o this_o divine_a light_n so_o we_o grow_v up_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n till_o we_o be_v like_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o who_o be_v light_a and_o no_o darkness_n at_o all_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o this_o work_n consist_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n that_o do_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n sight_n removal_n of_o impediment_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spiritual_a light_n infuse_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o yet_o through_o some_o distemper_a humour_n a_o film_n may_v grow_v over_o the_o eye_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v no_o object_n some_o waterish_a humour_n or_o some_o mote_n or_o dust_n may_v prevent_v the_o see_n of_o the_o eye_n there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n of_o corruption_n and_o of_o distemper_n many_o malignant_a humour_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o rheum_n that_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o prevent_v that_o sight_n we_o haâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o next_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o pluck_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n eye_v all_o the_o mote_n to_o take_v off_o all_o the_o film_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o soul_n spiritual_a sight_n though_o at_o first_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o faculty_n of_o see_v we_o be_v like_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o christ_n cure_v he_o see_v man_n walk_v like_o tree_n we_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o hellish_a fog_n or_o mist_n or_o beam_n that_o the_o devil_n chief_o labour_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a eye_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o divine_a spiritual_a light_n receive_v and_o both_o these_o must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n before_o there_o can_v be_v assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v first_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n second_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n first_o there_o be_v the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n these_o be_v like_o the_o rheum_n that_o distil_v from_o the_o brain_n into_o the_o eye_n whereby_o the_o sight_n be_v prevent_v darkness_n mist_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o hellish_a mist_n of_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n be_v like_o the_o distemper_n of_o melancholy_a or_o choler_n that_o have_v their_o original_n from_o the_o liver_n and_o so_o fume_v into_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o prevent_v his_o sight_n or_o rather_o the_o first_o be_v like_a to_o a_o false_a colour_a glass_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n look_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v of_o these_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v tender_v to_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o true_o see_v darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o soul_n i_o see_v there_o be_v a_o fullness_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o say_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o their_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o groan_v heavy_o under_o that_o want_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o my_o want_n of_o christ_n alas_o i_o have_v a_o blockish_a heart_n i_o be_o a_o ignorant_a wretch_n i_o have_v a_o blind_a understanding_n i_o dare_v not_o trust_v my_o deceitful_a heart_n i_o fear_v i_o never_o have_v a_o true_a fight_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v lest_o i_o shall_v presume_v that_o christ_n be_v tender_v unto_o i_o this_o be_v a_o main_a principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v brief_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o thy_o conceve_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v tender_v only_o to_o those_o that_o see_v the_o want_n of_o christ_n must_v suppose_v either_o a_o true_a spiritual_a
embrace_v the_o loveless_a soul_n that_o make_v the_o bowel_n of_o the_o soul_n yern_v towards_o christ_n again_o 4._o the_o soul_n must_v discern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o what_o it_o belong_v after_o now_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n that_o all_o these_o must_v be_v discern_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n a_o hour_n view_v or_o a_o day_n view_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n i_o mean_v unless_o the_o spirit_n cast_v in_o superlative_a light_n extraordinary_a will_v not_o suffice_v a_o soul_n to_o discern_v all_o these_o through_o the_o promise_n ii_o this_o inconstancy_n in_o the_o soul_n resolution_n expose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o temptation_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o temptation_n with_o be_v make_v void_a the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o precious_a word_n of_o god_n eph._n 6.17_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v unsettled_a in_o his_o own_o determination_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o particular_a he_o have_v no_o precious_a use_n of_o that_o precious_a sword_n the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v the_o tempter_n with_o 2._o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v weaken_v i_o mean_v the_o readiness_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v in_o exercise_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hinder_v the_o heart_n be_v more_o indispose_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n by_o how_o much_o the_o seldome_a faith_n be_v draw_v out_o to_o exercise_v 3._o carnal_a reason_n of_o the_o heart_n grow_v strong_a the_o more_o any_o corruption_n prevail_v the_o more_o strength_n it_o get_v sin_n be_v never_o decrepit_a the_o old_a it_o grow_v the_o strong_a it_o grow_v thus_o carnal_a reason_n of_o the_o heart_n grow_v old_a by_o the_o constant_a prevail_a over_o the_o soul_n it_o grow_v strong_a all_o these_o concur_v a_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o dreadful_a measure_n expose_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o all_o temptation_n first_o temptation_n that_o batter_v down_o the_o hope_n of_o election_n second_o temptation_n unto_o slavish_a fear_n and_o dread_a and_o horror_n of_o execution_n of_o present_a vengeance_n three_o a_o soul_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o power_n and_o violence_n of_o that_o temptation_n that_o it_o be_v wicked_a abominable_a presumption_n for_o his_o wretched_a soul_n to_o have_v a_o thought_n that_o god_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o accept_v he_o in_o christ_n iii_o through_o that_o inconstancy_n the_o devil_n himself_o be_v provoke_v to_o tempt_v it_o be_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o rule_v the_o lord_n give_v concern_v our_o fight_n with_o satan_n be_v to_o resist_v and_o the_o rule_n concern_v fight_v with_o sin_n be_v flee_v 1_o pet._n 5.9_o now_o it_o be_v think_v it_o be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o lord_n give_v this_o rule_n because_o flee_v give_v the_o devil_n advantage_n and_o make_v he_o more_o violent_a in_o his_o temptation_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o give_v the_o devil_n discouragement_n in_o tempt_v but_o a_o sight_n of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o prevail_v iv_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o resolution_n and_o determination_n prevent_v the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n you_o shall_v observe_v in_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n urge_v the_o saint_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n he_o give_v they_o a_o admonition_n to_o take_v heed_n they_o fall_v not_o from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n intimate_v thus_o much_o while_o their_o soul_n remain_v unstable_a in_o receive_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o precious_a truth_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v reveal_v there_o can_v be_v no_o growth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n v._o this_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v leave_v it_o like_o a_o lose_a one_o in_o a_o mere_a wilderness_n it_o leave_v it_o wander_v in_o devious_a path_n it_o know_v not_o whither_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o unstable_a concern_v those_o precious_a principle_n forenamed_a the_o soul_n be_v leave_v without_o a_o pilot_n without_o a_o compass_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n know_v not_o how_o to_o steer_v its_o course_n to_o the_o precious_a haven_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o this_o distemper_n must_v be_v heal_v before_o the_o soul_n can_v discern_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o the_o spirit_n heal_v this_o distemper_n two_o way_n 1._o by_o vouchsafe_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a manifestation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o precious_a forename_a principle_n by_o cast_v in_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o forename_a conclusion_n out_o of_o question_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n the_o soul_n receive_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o judgement_n be_v settle_v either_o more_o or_o less_o firm_o upon_o it_o now_o the_o spirit_n do_v so_o manifest_a those_o precious_a truth_n and_o so_o clear_v the_o eye_n as_o it_o see_v they_o without_o scruple_n and_o then_o the_o judgement_n begin_v to_o be_v settle_v with_o some_o firmness_n upon_o they_o 2._o the_o spirit_n heal_v it_o by_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o first_o manifestation_n of_o those_o truth_n so_o that_o a_o fullness_n of_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o soul_n conclude_v upon_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n remain_v in_o a_o fix_a settle_a way_n cleave_v and_o stick_v to_o those_o truth_n so_o conclude_v upon_o now_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o second_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o first_o general_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o heart_n open_v which_o be_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o 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and_o what_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o be_v include_v under_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n unto_o its_o operation_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n be_v a_o gracious_a free_a extraordinary_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o believe_a manifestation_n be_v what_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n be_v former_o infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n or_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a powerful_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o believe_a disposition_n the_o holy_a disposition_n that_o incline_v the_o heart_n habitual_o to_o believe_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o assurance_n sow_o in_o the_o heart_n but_o there_o must_v be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o seed_n or_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o seed_n to_o make_v it_o fructify_v so_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o this_o 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first_o that_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n second_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o growth_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n 1._o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n every_n creature_n that_o have_v any_o life_n have_v some_o maintenance_n for_o that_o life_n which_o maintenance_n be_v withdraw_v the_o creature_n life_n will_v decay_v however_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o every_o live_a creature_n must_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o influence_n from_o the_o first_o be_v of_o being_n to_o maintain_v its_o life_n as_o the_o angel_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a spiritual_a kind_n of_o influence_n from_o god_n now_o that_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v shall_v maintain_v the_o spiritual_a life_n beget_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o absolute_o necessary_a influence_n be_v that_o which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o any_o one_o believe_v soul_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o lord_n free_o pass_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n lay_v a_o engagement_n upon_o the_o bless_a god_n to_o maintain_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v no_o more_o at_o liberty_n in_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o life_n he_o beget_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n according_a to_o that_o in_o jer._n 32.40_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o they_o shall_v never_o die_v again_o a_o spiritual_a death_n 2._o the_o absolute_a necessary_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o which_o maintain_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n towards_o perfection_n now_o that_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o the_o lord_n have_v absolute_o engage_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o communicate_v at_o all_o time_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n in_o regard_n he_o have_v engage_v to_o perfect_v the_o likeness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n do_v continual_o issue_v down_o life_n from_o the_o head_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n into_o every_o believe_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o member_n unto_o that_o head_n every_o member_n receive_v from_o the_o head_n continual_o some_o kind_n of_o virtue_n now_o both_o these_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a though_o they_o be_v free_a original_o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n to_o sinner_n embrace_v the_o promise_n he_o stand_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v those_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n continual_o but_o now_o this_o other_o influence_n be_v a_o free_a influence_n in_o another_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n nor_o growth_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o manner_n that_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o engage_v to_o communicate_v it_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n but_o he_o stand_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o dispense_v it_o to_o who_o he_o will_v to_o send_v this_o exciting_a spirit_n into_o what_o soul_n he_o please_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o all_o believe_a soul_n so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o a_o eminent_a superlative_a manner_n be_v say_v of_o this_o exciting_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o believe_a disposition_n what_o christ_n say_v of_o the_o breathe_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o general_a that_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v where_o it_o list_v it_o be_v mere_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o any_o believe_a soul_n partake_v of_o this_o exciting_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o believe_a disposition_n iii_o you_o must_v observe_v in_o the_o description_n that_o it_o be_v a_o gracious_a free_a and_o extraordinary_a concurence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o believe_a disposition_n infuse_v there_o be_v a_o ordinary_a exciting_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o believe_a disposition_n no_o gracious_a disposition_n infuse_v will_v show_v forth_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n do_v not_o the_o spirit_n concur_v with_o the_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o so_o consequent_o there_o will_v be_v no_o operation_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o now_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v constant_a operation_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o conversion_n in_o one_o degree_n or_o other_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v there_o be_v a_o ordinary_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o believe_a disposition_n that_o be_v in_o every_o believe_a soul_n but_o this_o exciting_a influence_n into_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o that_o ordinary_a but_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a it_o be_v a_o abundant_a breathe_v of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o believe_a disposition_n mighty_o draw_v it_o forth_o into_o exercise_n in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o power_n cause_v the_o believe_a disposition_n to_o be_v victorious_a and_o triumph_n glorious_o over_o all_o doubt_n objection_n and_o question_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n now_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v three_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n that_o may_v be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o do_v all_o tend_v unto_o the_o full_a powerful_a mighty_a excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n unto_o exercise_n i._o it_o affect_v the_o heart_n sweet_o with_o the_o precious_a divine_a light_n discover_v unto_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o it_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n discovery_n affect_v not_o the_o heart_n
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 confidence_n in_o it_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v everlasting_o to_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v a_o word_n whereupon_o his_o soul_n may_v depend_v and_o may_v be_v confident_a the_o lord_n will_v accept_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n that_o very_a confidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o infallible_a acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v the_o very_a act_n of_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n there_o be_v four_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n include_v under_o this_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o 1._o in_o this_o be_v include_v the_o election_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o be_v but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gospel_n require_v to_o as_o many_o 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 with_o himself_o in_o the_o soul_n adhere_v to_o he_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o of_o all_o the_o promise_n the_o spirit_n in_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n clear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a glorious_a work_n of_o the_o union_n of_o loveless_n sinner_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o have_v its_o sole_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o manifest_v believe_v strength_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_o to_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o union_n with_o christ_n himself_o be_v tender_v now_o than_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n which_o follow_v this_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o large_a as_o its_o irradiation_n work_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n do_v in_o a_o 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
the_o spirit_n itself_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o these_o thing_n mention_v teach_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mark_v and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o teach_v you_o so_o that_o you_o know_v it_o be_v truth_n and_o you_o know_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v while_n that_o so_o teach_v or_o in_o its_o teach_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o former_a word_n that_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v they_o not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n still_o for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o the_o precious_a act_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o all_o these_o draw_v forth_o for_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o believe_a soul_n but_o thus_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o that_o be_v you_o need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v you_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o and_o thence_o also_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n v._o 10._o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o truth_n to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n now_o this_o must_v be_v further_o confirm_v by_o divers_a reason_n that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n now_o that_o witness_n or_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n if_o it_o do_v not_o evidence_n even_o by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o unto_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v than_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v unless_o the_o soul_n understand_v clear_o that_o the_o light_n that_o now_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v god_n witness_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v testify_v as_o the_o consideration_n of_o he_o who_o it_o be_v that_o testify_v that_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o evidence_n be_v the_o testimony_n from_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n satisfaction_n concern_v his_o union_n to_o revive_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n to_o send_v his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o they_o john_n 14.16_o he_o name_v the_o spirit_n the_o comforter_n reveal_v what_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v by_o his_o name_n now_o shall_v not_o the_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n evidence_n itself_o also_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o that_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o doubtful_a scrupulous_a soul_n therefore_o doubtless_o the_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v always_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o itself_o to_o evidence_n from_o itself_o whence_o it_o be_v see_v god_n intend_v those_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o regard_v that_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n or_o testimony_n unto_o a_o soul_n concern_v his_o union_n now_o see_v that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n there_o be_v a_o necessicity_n that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n shall_v evidence_n themselves_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o their_o own_o otherwise_o their_o witness_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o something_o else_o so_o that_o the_o high_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v come_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o holy_a quality_n and_o that_o precious_a disposition_n 4._o shall_v not_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n and_o sense_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o bless_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o useless_a those_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n be_v the_o spirit_n voice_n and_o shall_v it_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o be_v shall_v not_o its_o voice_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o voice_n the_o spirit_n shall_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n that_o be_v all_o the_o light_n that_o it_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v be_v frustrate_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n necssary_o fulfil_v the_o office_n to_o which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o the_o lord_n have_v destinate_a that_o spirit_n of_o he_o to_o seal_v up_o believer_n to_o seal_v up_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 13._o chap._n 4.30_o now_o a_o seal_n be_v destinate_a on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o peculiar_a confirmation_n of_o the_o thing_n sealed_n yea_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v destinate_a to_o be_v the_o earnest_a in_o the_o believer_n soul_n who_o it_o be_v send_v to_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o his_o inheritance_n according_a to_o that_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o say_v the_o original_a it_o be_v translate_v which_o but_o it_o be_v rather_o who_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n or_o who_o be_v the_o pledge_n the_o word_n signify_v some_o part_n of_o a_o price_n pay_v beforehand_o to_o assure_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o full_a price_n for_o some_o commodity_n buy_v so_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v who_o be_v give_v you_o as_o a_o part_n beforehand_o of_o that_o full_a inheritance_n that_o you_o may_v expect_v and_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v that_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a inheritance_n now_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n send_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o soul_n shall_v remain_v dubious_a after_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o seal_v office_n shall_v be_v no_o earnest_n see_v the_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o earnest_a as_o it_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n 6._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o only_a discoverer_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n manifest_v it_o be_v light_a that_o make_v all_o thing_n manifest_a now_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n so_o that_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o what_o some_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n must_v manifest_v and_o then_o observe_v it_o whatever_o reason_n any_o soul_n shall_v study_v to_o prove_v the_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o be_v send_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n to_o discover_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n even_o that_o reason_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o by_o some_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o unless_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o it_o to_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o very_a reason_n that_o he_o study_v up_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o former_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o be_v send_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n come_v down_o from_o the_o spirit_n to_o speak_v more_o plain_o thus_o see_v the_o
be_v not_o delude_v then_o see_v whether_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v into_o your_o soul_n have_v shine_v from_o the_o lord_n write_v word_n yet_o let_v i_o add_v a_o caution_n in_o this_o lest_o i_o may_v possible_o shake_v some_o soul_n into_o who_o heart_n some_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n have_v real_o descend_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v into_o every_o soul_n which_o true_o proceed_v from_o god_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n write_v word_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o whenever_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n do_v discover_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n clear_o both_o to_o faith_n and_o sense_n that_o then_o the_o spirit_n fasten_v some_o particular_a portion_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n by_o name_n from_o such_o a_o chapter_n and_o verse_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v that_o light_n shine_v forth_o into_o that_o believe_a soul_n certain_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v send_v down_o precious_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o a_o dark_a soul_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n satisfy_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o to_o faith_n and_o sense_n when_o such_o a_o particular_a sentence_n that_o be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o book_n in_o such_o a_o chapter_n in_o such_o a_o verse_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n memory_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o extract_n of_o the_o quintessence_n that_o be_v of_o the_o prime_a light_n the_o most_o glorious_a light_n of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o concur_v together_o in_o one_o to_o testify_v the_o fame_n truth_n to_o the_o soul_n there_o may_v be_v a_o extract_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o grand_a truth_n that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n that_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n from_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cause_v to_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n be_v still_o from_o the_o write_a word_n and_o the_o soul_n discern_v it_o to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n while_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o light_n actual_o remain_v that_o it_o do_v shine_v from_o the_o precious_a write_a word_n though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o soul_n can_v not_o at_o that_o time_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v such_o and_o such_o particular_a sentence_n from_o such_o a_o chapter_n and_o such_o a_o verse_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o say_v also_o but_o as_o the_o soul_n receive_v that_o certain_a evidence_n do_v discern_v that_o that_o sweet_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o his_o soul_n shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n so_o likewise_o upon_o recollect_v of_o himself_o and_o upon_o serious_a deliberation_n with_o himself_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v such_o portion_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n as_o will_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o reveal_v to_o his_o soul_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o observe_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n must_v then_o so_o deliberate_a and_o so_o consult_v with_o his_o heart_n about_o the_o matter_n while_o the_o heavenly_a lustre_n and_o command_a power_n of_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n remain_v shine_v into_o his_o soul_n for_o in_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v bereave_v again_o upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o the_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n the_o soul_n may_v so_o far_o forget_v the_o very_a sentence_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v then_o dictate_v to_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n that_o pass_v upon_o he_o immediate_o again_o may_v for_o the_o present_a be_v uncapable_a of_o discern_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o soul_n clear_o discern_v in_o the_o 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all_o the_o effect_n that_o any_o thing_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n beget_v in_o believe_v soul_n be_v but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a intent_n they_o be_v but_o the_o production_n of_o the_o lord_n precious_a thought_n of_o love_n towards_o those_o believe_a soul_n from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v so_o that_o whatever_o be_v communicate_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n if_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n by_o its_o effect_n that_o it_o beget_v in_o he_o it_o must_v then_o conduce_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o lord_n precious_a eternal_a will_n towards_o that_o believe_a soul_n now_o those_o eternal_a intent_n of_o god_n towards_o believe_v soul_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n sum_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o all_o be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o 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the_o perfect_a manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n through_o both_o these_o and_o therefore_o see_v these_o three_o be_v those_o prime_a and_o principal_a end_n the_o very_a ultimate_a end_n of_o god_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o compendium_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a thought_n that_o wrought_v in_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v thence_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o god_n into_o a_o believe_a soul_n must_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o tend_v towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o one_o of_o those_o end_n so_o that_o it_o must_v demonstrate_v itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n by_o one_o of_o those_o three_o effect_n if_o it_o any_o way_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o only_o by_o the_o way_n you_o must_v take_v this_o distinction_n for_o prevention_n of_o mistake_n the_o deal_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o saint_n do_v either_o immediate_o to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n or_o else_o they_o tend_v immediate_o the_o lord_n promissive_a will_n or_o the_o lord_n sufferance_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o sin_n do_v not_o immediate_o manifest_v any_o of_o these_o yet_o mediate_o it_o do_v perfect_a all_o that_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v the_o soul_n to_o slide_v and_o fall_v yet_o then_o through_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o love_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v send_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o to_o work_v in_o that_o believe_a soul_n that_o those_o very_a fall_n and_o slip_n and_o backslide_n of_o that_o believe_a soul_n shall_v produce_v more_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o own_o way_n more_o charity_n towards_o other_o more_o abomination_n of_o those_o
certainty_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n enjoy_v all_o that_o heaven_n afford_v at_o present_a so_o that_o needs_o must_v a_o superlative_a degree_n of_o joy_n possess_v the_o believe_a soul_n when_o he_o in_o a_o manner_n sit_v in_o heaven_n as_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a communion_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v as_o gaze_v upon_o that_o precious_a face_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o blessing_n himself_o also_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n ii_o the_o second_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o believe_a soul_n practical_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v all_o perfection_n and_o glory_n contain_v in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n whereby_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o he_o be_v the_o soul_n despise_v and_o disregard_v all_o difficulty_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v also_o the_o necessary_a the_o infallible_a effect_n of_o a_o beam_n of_o light_a proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v rom._n 8.34_o 35._o there_o you_o find_v the_o assure_v act_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v and_o ver_fw-la 37._o you_o shall_v find_v the_o apostle_n triumph_v over_o all_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n trample_v under_o foot_n persecution_n necessity_n famine_n nakedness_n piril_n and_o sword_n and_o profess_v we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o to_o overcome_v they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v no_o impediment_n or_o hindrance_n to_o we_o but_o we_o be_v able_a to_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n to_o make_v advantage_n even_o of_o those_o difficulty_n whereby_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o close_o pursue_v after_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o that_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o it_o do_v necessary_o cause_v the_o soul_n thus_o to_o despise_v all_o difficulty_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v that_o light_n ennoble_v and_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n communicate_v it_o heir_n view_v of_o their_o great_a possession_n greaten_v their_o spirit_n likewise_o do_v the_o believe_a soul_n vision_n of_o those_o glorious_a thing_n prepare_v for_o they_o heighten_v and_o elevate_v their_o spirit_n above_o all_o thing_n below_o 2._o in_o regard_v the_o precious_a light_n from_o the_o fpirit_n of_o light_n do_v present_v such_o unparal_v such_o incomprehensible_a glory_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n view_v that_o all_o thing_n appear_v as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o glory_n that_o be_v reveal_v now_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v but_o difficulty_n must_v appear_v as_o nothing_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o glory_n hence_o moses_n heb._n 11.26_o disregard_v pharoahs_n wrath_n because_o he_o see_v god_n that_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o affliction_n they_o meet_v with_o light_a affliction_n because_o they_o look_v at_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o 3._o in_o regard_v it_o do_v necessary_o produce_v enlarge_v enliven_a act_n of_o love_n every_o believe_a act_n produce_v a_o proportionable_a act_n of_o love_n therefore_o certain_o that_o high_a noble_a act_n of_o faith_n that_o act_n of_o certainty_n that_o be_v draw_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n at_o such_o a_o time_n do_v produce_v enlarge_v act_n of_o love_n it_o proportionable_o do_v send_v out_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o love_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n go_v out_o in_o believe_v 3._o a_o three_o mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n practical_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fullness_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v whereby_o the_o lord_n be_v exalt_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o soul_n pursuance_n with_o his_o utmost_a strength_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o clear_a vision_n of_o that_o love_n and_o the_o sweet_a freedom_n of_o the_o act_n and_o working_n of_o that_o love_n into_o and_o towards_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o also_o be_v the_o necessary_a eff_a of_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o evidence_n or_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n you_o shall_v observe_v in_o 2_o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o 4._o that_o soul_n certainty_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n shine_v into_o their_o heart_n it_o do_v produce_v such_o groan_a and_o long_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d the_o sweet_a and_o clear_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o that_o love_n we_o know_v say_v he_o there_o be_v the_o act_n of_o certainty_n that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n mark_v for_o this_o we_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n so_o ver_fw-la 4._o we_o groan_v be_v burden_v and_o so_o ver_fw-la 1._o they_o be_v willing_a to_o absent_v from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n the_o strength_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o pursue_v after_o the_o full_a the_o clear_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o love_n that_o they_o desire_v to_o breath_n out_o their_o life_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o clear_a vision_n of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o sweet_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o consider_v 1._o in_o that_o thing_n appear_v in_o their_o despicable_a nothingness_n by_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n into_o a_o believe_a soul_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n pursue_v after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n only_o see_v no_o other_o object_n appear_v worthy_a to_o be_v desire_v in_o comparison_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n discover_v by_o that_o light_n appear_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a intention_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o imply_v every_o faculty_n of_o it_o such_o a_o mystery_n appear_v in_o that_o fullness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n as_o take_v up_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n capacity_n to_o view_v and_o meditate_v upon_o yea_o it_o at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o depth_n never_o to_o be_v fathom_v and_o so_o drown_v the_o understanding_n in_o a_o depth_n of_o admiration_n yea_o that_o fullness_n of_o the_o lord_n love_n appear_v so_o to_o comprehend_v all_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o all_o thing_n desirable_a as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o every_o desire_n of_o every_o motion_n or_o reach_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o thence_o it_o take_v up_o all_o the_o intention_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n iv_o a_o four_o mean_v whereby_o believe_a soul_n do_v declare_v the_o lord_n love_v to_o be_v according_a as_o the_o lord_n reveal_v whereby_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o deadness_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o comparison_n to_o that_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n now_o even_o this_o crucify_a of_o the_o heart_n to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o love_n be_v the_o infallible_a effect_n also_o of_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n that_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o be_v enough_o to_o manifest_v it_o their_o certainty_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n produce_v a_o willingness_n in_o they_o even_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n itself_o a_o readiness_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o part_v with_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o love_n it_o choke_v and_o quench_v all_o desire_n of_o earthly_a object_n of_o beauty_n or_o excellency_n so_o as_o their_o spirit_n be_v so_o dead_a so_o void_a of_o desire_n so_o empty_a of_o all_o thirsting_n and_o endeavour_n after_o earthly_a object_n as_o they_o rather_o deny_v to_o be_v dissolve_v to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o their_o union_n even_o the_o full_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v but_o such_o a_o light_n from_o