to_o try_v their_o own_o spirit_n if_o that_o after_o all_o their_o diligence_n thet_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o think_v of_o they_o all_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a which_o yet_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o preach_v and_o ames_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o donum_fw-la discretionis_fw-la which_o christian_n have_v by_o which_o they_o can_v discern_v true_a grace_n from_o counterfeit_n there_o be_v certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o may_v distinguish_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o themselves_o though_o not_o in_o other_o certain_o object_n 2._o if_o all_o thus_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n may_v know_v their_o own_o frame_n of_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v upright_o or_o no_o why_o then_o be_v not_o all_o true_a christian_n assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n what_o have_v they_o not_o their_o conscience_n and_o heart_n about_o they_o sol._n 1._o many_o be_v not_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o spirit_n they_o do_v not_o keep_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o verse_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o do_v try_v and_o search_v their_o way_n they_o have_v riches_n and_o a_o treasure_n and_o do_v not_o know_v of_o it_o sol._n 2._o it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o matter_n eternity_n do_v so_o amaze_v and_o swallow_v up_o the_o thought_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o tremble_v where_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o secure_a a_o man_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o tower_n know_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a enough_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o look_v down_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o fall_v 3._o conscience_n sometime_o give_v a_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a testimony_n when_o it_o be_v disquiet_v and_o charge_v with_o new_a guilt_n the_o soul_n can_v so_o clear_o read_v its_o evidence_n and_o then_o it_o begin_v to_o question_v its_o condition_n it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v deal_v hypocritical_o in_o some_o one_o particular_a and_o now_o it_o begin_v to_o question_v all_o its_o sincerity_n we_o do_v not_o say_v then_o that_o conscience_n do_v always_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n but_o sometime_o it_o do_v and_o that_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n 2._o now_o come_v in_o the_o second_o witness_n and_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n himself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o we_o render_v it_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o fountain_n be_v the_o spirit_n itself_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o object_n this_o testimony_n seem_v to_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o other_o for_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v his_o own_o sincerity_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v reveal_v a_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o soul_n can_v see_v its_o own_o face_n unless_o the_o spirit_n unmask_v it_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o present_a and_o conversant_a with_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v with_o itself_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v our_o heart_n but_o he_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sol._n we_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o least_o motion_n in_o spiritual_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o work_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o every_o believer_n have_v not_o present_o the_o seal_n set_v to_o he_o so_o that_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n can_v be_v without_o the_o help_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v clear_o distinct_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o here_o the_o spirit_n do_v enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v its_o grace_n by_o a_o present_a light_n by_o the_o soul_n light_n but_o when_o it_o come_v with_o a_o testimony_n than_o it_o bring_v a_o new_a light_n of_o its_o own_o and_o lend_v the_o soul_n some_o auxiliary_a beam_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a reveal_n of_o it_o so_o that_o you_o see_v according_a to_o that_o plain_a text_n in_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v two_o distinct_a testimony_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o st._n john_n be_v the_o most_o express_a belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n now_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 1._o a_o clear_a testimony_n a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o the_o soul_n scatter_v all_o cloud_n all_o doubt_n and_o question_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n 1_o john_n 3.24_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n when_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n he_o leave_v the_o comforter_n not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n but_o to_o every_o particular_a soul_n that_o believe_v to_o print_v his_o love_n upon_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o if_o a_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o glitter_a shall_v tell_v man_n so_o there_o may_v still_o be_v some_o hesitancy_n i_o but_o the_o spirit_n witness_n the_o secret_a and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a nay_o more_o powerful_a than_o if_o it_o be_v with_o a_o outward_a voice_n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o a_o christian_a by_o christ_n himself_o go_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o love_v he_o that_o i_o shed_v my_o blood_n for_o he_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a 2._o a_o sure_a testimony_n for_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sufficientissimum_fw-la testimonium_fw-la as_o cajetan_n 1._o he_o can_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v all_o eye_n omniscience_n itself_o and_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dwell_v in_o the_o breast_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n he_o be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o papist_n make_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o bring_v but_o a_o conjectural_a certainty_n but_o the_o most_o renown_a perkins_n answer_v they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v they_o cry_v abba_n father_n not_o only_o think_v so_o and_o speak_v so_o but_o with_o all_o courage_n confidence_n intention_n of_o spirit_n cry_v abba_n father_n 2._o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o therefore_o take_v away_o doubt_n and_o tremble_n 3._o the_o very_a end_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v all_o sure_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o seal_n and_o a_o earnest_n now_o he_o assure_v the_o soul_n 1._o by_o a_o powerful_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o as_o faith_n do_v appropriate_v the_o promise_n on_o our_o part_n so_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o on_o god_n part_n as_o satan_n that_o lie_a spirit_n cast_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o tremble_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n plot_n against_o the_o peace_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n so_o this_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o comfort_a work_v upon_o that_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v study_n and_o contrive_v the_o welfare_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n do_v strong_o apply_v wrath_n and_o the_o curse_n so_o this_o sweet_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n apply_v grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n strike_v terror_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o mighty_a application_n of_o wrath_n this_o curse_n flame_n against_o thou_o this_o threaten_v this_o curse_n flame_n against_o thou_o this_o threaten_n be_v shoot_v off_o against_o thou_o these_o vial_n of_o wrath_n be_v prepare_v for_o thy_o soul_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v set_v on_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o mercy_n this_o pearl_n of_o price_n it_o be_v to_o enrich_v thou_o these_o evangelical_n cordial_n be_v to_o revive_v thou_o this_o balm_n in_o gilead_n be_v prepare_v for_o thy_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n speak_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o pardon_n and_o that_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o as_o when_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o
to_o be_v weary_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v it_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o languish_a representation_n it_o be_v true_a of_o intellectual_a beam_n too_o radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la o_o how_o quick_o be_v man_n weary_a of_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o melancholy_a interruption_n turbida_fw-la intervalla_fw-la you_o have_v need_n of_o good_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o entertain_v a_o serious_a thought_n outward_a object_n these_o divert_v the_o mind_n and_o take_v it_o off_o from_o its_o great_a work_n as_o a_o man_n that_o see_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n as_o st._n james_n speak_v go_v his_o way_n and_o present_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v the_o soul_n scarce_o know_v its_o own_o visage_n it_o look_v abroad_o and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o itself_o many_o a_o man_n soul_n have_v scarce_o look_v upon_o itself_o all_o his_o life-time_n iii_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o reflex_n act_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o differ_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v our_o divine_n go_v somewhat_o too_o far_o calvin_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o put_v all_o justify_v faith_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n ames_n say_v it_o be_v when_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o papist_n who_o put_v it_o in_o a_o bar_n assent_v but_o i_o think_v they_o shall_v rather_o be_v more_o wary_a there_o leave_v they_o give_v the_o enemy_n too_o much_o advantage_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o be_v man_n eminent_o pious_a it_o be_v as_o they_o find_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o all_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a in_o christ_n assurance_n be_v the_o top_n and_o triumph_v of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v our_o victory_n by_o which_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o assurance_n that_o be_v our_o triumph_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n it_o be_v flos_fw-la fidei_fw-la the_o very_a lustre_n and_o eminency_n of_o faith_n i'faith_o that_o be_v the_o root_n assurance_n be_v the_o top-branch_n the_o flourish_a of_o faith_n faith_n with_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o justify_v faith_n that_o do_v not_o only_o dwell_v in_o the_o understanding_n in_o nudo_fw-la assensu_fw-la but_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v too_o which_o must_v embrace_v a_o promise_n indeed_o it_o call_v for_o a_o act_n result_v from_o the_o whole_a soul_n which_o must_v receive_v christ_n offer_v unto_o it_o but_o now_o assurance_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o there_o you_o have_v the_o difference_n between_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n only_o it_o arise_v e_fw-la sensu_fw-la quodam_fw-la spirituali_fw-la whereby_o we_o know_v and_o perceive_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o when_o i_o say_v every_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n i_o do_v say_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v assure_v of_o it_o no_o every_o one_o be_v to_o labour_v for_o it_o to_o give_v diligence_n as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v but_o every_o one_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v it_o assurance_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o save_v though_o he_o have_v not_o assurance_n he_o can_v have_v little_a sweetness_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o little_a joy_n and_o peace_n but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o safe_a though_o in_o a_o sad_a condition_n it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la not_o to_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o believer_n 1._o for_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o direct_a act_n and_o not_o to_o the_o reflex_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v believe_v now_o there_o be_v many_o a_o weak_a christian_n that_o have_v faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o faith_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n lie_v hide_v for_o a_o while_n but_o it_o have_v a_o vigorous_a and_o operative_a spirit_n and_o will_v work_v out_o in_o time_n and_o spread_v itself_o into_o goodly_a branch_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a bring_v salvation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v assurance_n 2._o many_o true_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n all_o their_o light_n be_v eclipse_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v put_v out_o nay_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n as_o that_o they_o very_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o be_v in_o a_o true_a state_n of_o grace_n their_o condition_n be_v cloudy_a and_o dark_a and_o very_o uncomfortable_a for_o the_o present_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v safe_a they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o yet_o far_o enough_o from_o assurance_n a_o excellent_a place_n in_o isaiah_n for_o this_o isa_n 50.10_o who_o be_v among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n some_o may_v true_o fear_v god_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n not_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o assurance_n no_o beam_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n yet_o let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n he_o may_v do_v this_o though_o he_o have_v no_o light_n he_o may_v multiply_v direct_a act_n though_o he_o have_v no_o reflex_n act_n and_o here_o he_o may_v lay_v all_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o salvation_n lean_a upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o sweet_a recumbancy_n rest_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o consideration_n may_v strengthen_v many_o 〈◊〉_d bruise_v reed_n and_o revive_v many_o a_o droop_a spirit_n who_o for_o the_o present_n do_v not_o know_v that_o â—hey_n believe_v their_o case_n may_v be_v good_a for_o all_o this_o â—hou_fw-mi may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n though_o thou_o be_v â—ut_v a_o weak_a believer_n nay_o though_o thou_o think_v â—â—y_a self_n no_o believer_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o that_o â—â—y_n shall_v rest_v in_o this_o condition_n no_o this_o be_v â—gainst_a the_o text_n all_o must_v give_v diligence_n to_o make_v â—â—eir_n call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o a_o christiâ—â—_n can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o quiet_a till_o he_o attain_v to_o â—â—surance_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o assurance_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n prove_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n 1._o ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la many_o christian_a have_v be_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n scarce_o any_o eminent_a christian_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n but_o have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o his_o own_o particular_a experience_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a as_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o choice_a one_o have_v have_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_v their_o eternal_a condition_n to_o they_o but_o they_o say_v it_o be_v by_o way_n oâ—_n extraordinary_a revelation_n a_o special_a priviledgâ—_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o few_o of_o god_n choice_a worthy_n by_o a_o rare_a indulgence_n but_o this_o be_v spokeâ—_n gratis_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o present_a experienâ—â—_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n 1_o john_n 5_o 1â—_n the_o very_a drift_n of_o st._n john_n epistle_n be_v that_o christians_n may_v have_v assurance_n and_o beside_o thoâ—_n medium_n by_o which_o christian_n attain_v to_o assurance_n be_v common_a to_o all_o all_o of_o theâ—â—_n have_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o all_o haâ—â—_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a teâ—â—_n money_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n though_o some_o haâ—â—_n it_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n and_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o pâ—â—rophory_n all_o come_v not_o to_o this_o full_a assurance_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d attain_v to_o it_o which_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n they_o be_v via_fw-la regâ—â—_n and_o yet_o via_fw-la trita_fw-la too_o add_v to_o this_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n st._n peter_n exhort_v all_o to_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a which_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o if_o it_o come_v only_o by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o diligence_n 2._o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o
you_o will_v see_v that_o it_o do_v much_o tend_v to_o assurance_n and_o have_v some_o vicinity_n with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o double_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o most_o acute_a ames_n observe_v 1._o the_o actus_fw-la primus_fw-la by_o which_o i_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o justify_v of_o my_o person_n which_o be_v proper_o justify_v faith_n 2._o actus_fw-la ex_fw-la fide_fw-la emanans_fw-la by_o which_o i_o believe_v that_o my_o sin_n be_v remit_v which_o do_v necessary_o presuppose_v the_o former_a act_n for_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v remit_v which_o do_v necessary_o presuppose_v the_o former_a act_n for_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v remit_v then_o any_o other_o till_o thou_o have_v first_o receive_v christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o general_n for_o this_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o yet_o tremble_v but_o the_o christian_a peculiarize_n it_o and_o draw_v sweetness_n out_o of_o it_o i_o believe_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o of_o this_o latter_a it_o be_v mean_v that_o fidelis_fw-la certus_fw-la esse_fw-la potest_fw-la certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la de_fw-la remissione_n peccatorum_fw-la rom._n 5.1_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sweet_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o holy_a security_n of_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n be_v nothing_o but_o apex_n fidei_fw-la the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o aquinas_n quicunque_fw-la habet_fw-la scientiam_fw-la vel_fw-la fidem_fw-la certus_fw-la est_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la home_n sit_fw-la certus_fw-la dei_fw-la his_fw-la quorum_fw-la habet_fw-la fidem_fw-la faith_n do_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n raise_v and_o advance_v itself_o to_o assurance_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o apply_v and_o appropriate_a virtue_n which_o be_v in_o it_o it_o be_v faith_n idiom_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n by_o a_o sweet_a monopoly_n it_o engross_v all_o to_o its_o self_n and_o yet_o leave_v enough_o for_o other_o now_o a_o man_n that_o strong_o grasp_v a_o jewel_n in_o his_o hand_n know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o it_o receive_v he_o so_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n in_o a_o believer_n do_v mere_o flow_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v be_v two_o distinct_a act_n yet_o this_o you_o must_v know_v and_o observe_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o clearness_n of_o a_o direct_a act_n will_v necessary_o infer_v a_o reflex_n act_n those_o truth_n which_o i_o do_v clear_o and_o evident_o know_v i_o also_o know_v that_o i_o know_v they_o and_o that_o which_o i_o strong_o believe_v i_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n come_v from_o the_o imbecility_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o papist_n that_o place_n faith_n only_o in_o a_o mere_a assent_n may_v well_o deny_v assurance_n for_o they_o take_v away_o that_o clasp_a and_o close_v power_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v unite_v its_o self_n with_o its_o object_n 3._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n now_o a_o believer_n can_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o unstable_a comfort_n without_o assurance_n what_o if_o all_o the_o cluster_n of_o canaan_n be_v lay_v on_o a_o heap_n what_o if_o all_o the_o cordial_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v strain_v into_o one_o cup_n be_v the_o soul_n any_o thing_n the_o better_a if_o it_o must_v only_o tantalise_v see_v they_o and_o want_v they_o what_o sweetness_n can_v a_o christian_n draw_v from_o a_o promise_n till_o he_o know_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o he_o will_v this_o enrich_v a_o man_n to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v pearl_n and_o diamond_n in_o the_o world_n will_v this_o satisfy_v a_o faint_a israelite_n to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o canaan_n a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n although_o it_o may_v be_v he_o shall_v never_o come_v near_o it_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a sting_n and_o vexation_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o think_v i_o know_v there_o be_v pure_a fountain_n and_o pleasant_a stream_n but_o yet_o i_o may_v die_v with_o thirst_n there_o be_v spiritual_a dainty_n and_o precious_a delicacy_n but_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a to_o have_v one_o taste_n of_o they_o many_o a_o promise_n look_v with_o a_o pleasant_a and_o propitious_a eye_n but_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v upon_o my_o soul_n so_o that_o take_v away_o a_o christian_n interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o a_o promise_n and_o what_o become_v of_o his_o consolation_n god_n have_v give_v his_o word_n his_o oath_n his_o seal_n his_o earnest_n and_o all_o to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o a_o poor_a christian_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a consolation_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o be_v to_o annihilate_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o frustrate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o evacuate_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o make_v he_o lose_v his_o earnest_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a condition_n 4._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a hope_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o moralist_n hope_v and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o theological_a grace_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v scarce_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o require_v these_o three_o ingredient_n into_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n that_o it_o must_v be_v 1._o bonum_fw-la 2._o futurum_fw-la 3._o incertum_fw-la but_o christian_a hope_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a it_o look_v upon_o good_a as_o to_o come_v and_o as_o certain_a to_o come_v indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clem._n alexand._n elegant_o blood_n run_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o faith_n if_o hope_n expire_v faith_n will_v present_o bleed_v to_o death_n that_o good_a which_o faith_n see_v hope_n wait_v for_o faith_n eye_n it_o as_o present_v but_o yet_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o hope_n tarry_v for_o it_o till_o it_o come_v christian_n hope_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o wait_a and_o expectation_n of_o a_o certain_a good_a you_o have_v a_o pregnant_a text_n for_o this_o in_o heb._n 6.19_o which_o hope_v we_o have_v as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a hope_n be_v but_o a_o poor_a anchor_n if_o it_o shall_v leave_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o courtesy_n of_o a_o wave_n to_o the_o clemency_n of_o a_o rock_n to_o the_o dispose_n of_o a_o storm_n hope_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a anchor_n if_o it_o shall_v let_v the_o soul_n be_v lose_v with_o uncertainty_n if_o it_o shall_v leave_v it_o in_o danger_n of_o shipwreck_n ay_o but_o this_o anchor_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o pierce_v within_o the_o vail_n it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v fast_o hold_v it_o will_v fix_v upon_o heaven_n itself_o upon_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la see_v another_o rom._n 5.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o that_o be_v a_o poor_a glory_n to_o triumph_v in_o uncertainty_n to_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n little_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o exaltation_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v provide_v for_o eternity_n i_o can_v tell_v you_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o be_v damn_v be_v enough_o to_o extinguish_v joy_n so_o that_o till_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n safe_a for_o all_o eternity_n and_o till_o it_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o this_o safe_a condition_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v joyful_a as_o that_o it_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o be_v quiet_a a_o probable_a hope_n will_v bear_v up_o and_o support_v the_o soul_n a_o door_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n but_o it_o will_v not_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n the_o least_o dawn_a of_o hope_n in_o the_o initial_o of_o grace_n do_v mighty_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v the_o soul_n o_o how_o pleasant_a be_v the_o eyelid_n of_o the_o morning_n how_o welcome_n be_v the_o daybreak_n after_o a_o dark_a and_o disconsolate_a night_n nay_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o be_v save_v be_v that_o which_o first_o draw_v we_o all_o to_o look_v after_o heaven_n the_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v balm_n in_o gilead_n but_o the_o weary_a soul_n will_v never_o rest_v here_o the_o dove_n will_v never_o take_v this_o for_o a_o ark_n
sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ_n be_v general_o propound_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o a_o one_o and_o do_v seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o faith_n say_v this_o promise_n be_v i_o this_o belong_v to_o i_o the_o spirit_n do_v strong_o apply_v it_o this_o be_v thou_o indeed_o and_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o thou_o these_o be_v the_o secret_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whisper_n and_o breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o secret_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o it_o converse_v with_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v free_a and_o often_o intercourse_n with_o a_o believe_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o any_o vain_a enthusiasm_n any_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o be_v no_o imaginary_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o many_o a_o soul_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o have_v taste_v of_o 2._o by_o a_o bright_a irradiation_n beam_a out_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v its_o evidence_n discover_v its_o grace_n and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a not_o only_o by_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v for_o that_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o former_a testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n bring_v in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o make_v those_o grace_n which_o be_v visible_a before_o more_o eminent_o conspicuous_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v which_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o dim_a light_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o manifest_v the_o object_n i_o but_o now_o there_o be_v glorious_a sunbeam_n come_v rush_v in_o upon_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n shine_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o flow_n like_o a_o pure_a and_o crystalline_a stream_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n shine_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o gild_v the_o water_n see_v a_o plain_a text_n for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n light_n set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o spiritual_a light_n give_v a_o lustre_n and_o oriency_n to_o grace_n it_o put_v a_o beauty_n upon_o they_o such_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o take_v with_o we_o have_v receive_v anâ—_n heavenly_a light_n that_o we_o may_v see_v heavenly_a thing_n now_o thou_o know_v thy_o faith_n to_o be_v lively_a and_o thy_o repentance_n to_o be_v sound_n thy_o sorrow_n to_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o thy_o obedience_n sincere_a thy_o love_n to_o be_v unfeigned_a and_o thy_o fear_n to_o be_v filial_a for_o thâ—_n spirit_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o all_o thy_o grace_n and_o haâ—_n acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o own_o object_n 1._o o_o but_o many_o have_v think_v they_o hauâ—_n have_v the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o the_o devil_n that_o foul_a spirit_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n sol._n but_o 1._o one_o man_n self-deceit_n do_v not_o prejudice_v another_o certainty_n what_o if_o one_o man_n flatter_v himself_o in_o a_o false_a light_n and_o please_v himself_o iâ—â—_n a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o assurance_n must_v all_o man_n need_v follow_v his_o example_n a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dreaâ—_n think_v himself_o awake_a when_o he_o be_v not_o i_o but_o 〈◊〉_d hope_n for_o all_o this_o a_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o many_o a_o travel_n 〈◊〉_d have_v think_v himself_o in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v out_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hindeâ—_n but_o that_o he_o that_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o tâ—â—_n road_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n whâ—â—_n if_o one_o man_n take_v copper_n for_o gold_n must_v all_o mâ—â—_n do_v so_o too_o one_o man_n folly_n and_o vanity_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a another_o assurance_n 2._o the_o spirit_n come_v with_o a_o convince_a beam_n light_n show_v both_o itself_o and_o other_o thing_n too_o the_o sun_n by_o its_o glorious_a beam_n do_v paraphrase_n and_o comment_n upon_o its_o own_o glitter_a essence_n and_o the_o spirit_n display_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o presence_n the_o soul_n know_v the_o aspect_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_a than_o we_o do_v the_o face_n of_o a_o friend_n the_o light_n of_o a_o presumptuous_a wretch_n be_v like_o a_o blaze_a comet_n and_o do_v but_o portend_v his_o ruin_n it_o carry_v a_o venomous_a and_o malignant_a influence_n in_o it_o and_o the_o light_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n be_v but_o a_o flash_n and_o coruscation_n very_o brief_a and_o transient_a a_o man_n may_v soon_o take_v a_o glow-worm_n for_o the_o sun_n than_o a_o experience_a christian_n can_v take_v a_o false_a delusion_n for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o twin-light_n spring_v from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n try_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n in_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n can_v contradict_v himself_o you_o do_v but_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n whoer'e_o you_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o any_o revelation_n that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n nay_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a mind_n in_o the_o word_n and_o will_v give_v no_o other_o revelation_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o rebel_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n he_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n whilst_o thou_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o direct_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o quicken_a and_o cherish_v beam_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o double_a testimony_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o so_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o be_v significant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v proper_o of_o one_o that_o do_v only_o confirm_v what_o the_o other_o say_v but_o then_o 2._o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o spirit_n as_o it_o breathe_v when_o it_o please_v so_o it_o shine_v when_o it_o please_v too_o well_o then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o christian_a who_o have_v but_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n mr._n perkins_n propound_v the_o case_n and_o resolve_v it_o thus_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v than_o the_o other_o testimony_n the_o sanctification_n of_o heart_n will_v suffice_v to_o assure_v we_o we_o know_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o paint_a fire_n if_o there_o be_v heat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o flame_n thus_o he_o and_o his_o meaning_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a assurance_n though_o not_o so_o bright_a a_o assurance_n i_o may_v see_v a_o thing_n certain_o by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n and_o yet_o i_o may_v see_v it_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o certainty_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o punto_n but_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o latitude_n and_o receive_v magis_fw-la and_o minus_fw-la and_o the_o contrary_a principle_n do_v delude_v many_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o i_o know_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n well_o but_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o by_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n and_o i_o think_v this_o add_v to_o my_o certainty_n so_o here_o though_o one_o testimony_n be_v enough_o for_o assurance_n yet_o a_o double_a testimony_n make_v it_o more_o glorious_a certainty_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v already_o certain_a of_o take_v two_o christian_n both_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o yet_o one_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a assurance_n than_o the_o other_o have_v one_o may_v have_v a_o double_a testimony_n and_o another_o but_o a_o single_a nay_o the_o same_o soul_n may_v have_v at_o one_o time_n a_o double_a testimony_n and_o at_o another_o but_o a_o single_a the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v often_o