Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	according_a	believe_v	faith_n	2,185	5	5.2251	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

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

the_o most_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o very_a secret_a working_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o a_o very_a probable_a way_n 1._o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v much_o of_o the_o thought_n and_o different_a working_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n by_o their_o outward_a action_n action_n be_v but_o the_o birth_n of_o thought_n as_o all_o action_n be_v the_o birth_n of_o habit_n they_o be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v deliberate_a and_o rational_a and_o thence_o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v very_o narrow_o into_o the_o thought_n by_o the_o outward_a action_n he_o can_v guess_v both_o by_o the_o gesture_n of_o person_n and_o by_o the_o very_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n what_o the_o inward_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v especial_o when_o he_o discern_v such_o and_o such_o to_o be_v the_o constant_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o person_n than_o he_o understand_v well_o what_o the_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v that_o lead_v such_o a_o person_n to_o order_v his_o conversation_n in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o devil_n can_v immediate_o discern_v what_o the_o image_n and_o species_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n image_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n be_v but_o like_o a_o shadow_n to_o the_o body_n whatever_o the_o working_n and_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o fancy_n as_o the_o shadow_n accompany_v the_o body_n so_o do_v these_o fancy_n accompany_v the_o understanding_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v also_o immediate_o to_o understand_v these_o from_o thence_o he_o can_v collect_v and_o gather_v what_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v 3._o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n the_o passion_n always_o work_v in_o the_o blood_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o from_o the_o heart_n thence_o the_o devil_n can_v immediate_o behold_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o passion_n and_o affection_n passion_n of_o fear_n or_o passion_n of_o love_n or_o joy_n and_o grief_n and_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n now_o these_o passion_n and_o affection_n always_o attend_v the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n always_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practical_a judgement_n thence_o also_o the_o devil_n can_v collect_v by_o the_o practice_n and_o affection_n what_o the_o inward_a notion_n or_o thought_n and_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v 4._o the_o devil_n can_v observe_v diligent_o what_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o his_o own_o suggestion_n be_v upon_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n he_o observe_v whatever_o false_a reason_n that_o he_o himself_o propound_v do_v produce_v ●n_v the_o person_n and_o from_o thence_o also_o he_o have_v a_o near_a discern_a from_o the_o ●ff●●t_n that_o he_o discern_v what_o the_o working_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n be_v 5._o he_o have_v a_o large_a and_o long_a time_n of_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o several_a and_o various_a act_n that_o various_a principle_n and_o various_a thought_n have_v produce_v for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o thought_n while_o they_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v either_o reveal_v by_o a_o passion_n or_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v apparent_o into_o action_n he_o than_o understand_v they_o now_o he_o for_o five_o thousand_o year_n and_o above_o treasure_v up_o all_o observation_n he_o have_v observe_v when_o one_o have_v confess_v these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o thought_n what_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thought_n be_v when_o another_o have_v confess_v these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o thought_n he_o have_v observe_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thought_n be_v now_o by_o his_o long_a and_o constant_a experience_n he_o can_v declare_v the_o action_n of_o one_o man_n with_o the_o action_n of_o another_o man_n what_o such_o and_o such_o thought_n have_v produce_v and_o thence_o can_v probable_o conclude_v what_o the_o working_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o any_o person_n be_v now_o in_o all_o these_o way_n he_o exercise_v his_o utmost_a skill_n his_o most_o exquisite_a act_n to_o discern_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o person_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v by_o any_o false_a reason_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o false_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v suggest_v to_o they_o may_v be_v suitable_a that_o they_o may_v take_v at_o the_o very_a first_o suggest_v of_o they_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o understanding_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v by_o all_o his_o skill_n and_o art_n 1._o he_o endeavour_v to_o discern_v the_o depth_n or_o shallowness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o person_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v by_o some_o false_a argument_n or_o other_o from_o whence_o he_o will_v fallacious_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o according_a to_o what_o he_o discern_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o person_n so_o he_o suit_n his_o reason_n and_o argument_n may_v be_v he_o discern_v a_o shallowness_n in_o some_o understanding_n thence_o he_o suit_n his_o reason_n proportionable_a to_o their_o understanding_n many_o poor_a shallow_a soul_n he_o can_v persuade_v that_o their_o good_a meaning_n be_v enough_o to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n another_o shallow_a soul_n he_o can_v persuade_v his_o good_a prayer_n his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o deal_v just_o be_v enough_o likewise_o when_o he_o discern_v a_o great_a depth_n of_o understanding_n in_o any_o person_n he_o lay_v out_o more_o of_o his_o curious_a skill_n and_o art_n he_o cover_v over_o his_o false_a reason_n more_o specious_o he_o lay_v his_o fallacy_n more_o indiscernable_o and_o deep_o there_o be_v no_o low_a argument_n that_o will_v satisfy_v a_o deep_a understanding_n though_o a_o natural_a one_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v yea_o no_o low_a fallacy_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o delude_v such_o a_o understanding_n but_o a_o false_a apprehension_n and_o notion_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n some_o mystical_a fallacy_n about_o the_o mystery_n of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o devil_n search_v into_o the_o notion_n and_o principle_n that_o be_v most_o settle_a and_o fix_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o person_n there_o be_v various_a notion_n that_o every_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o which_o according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o several_a person_n be_v truth_n some_o understanding_n be_v fill_v only_o with_o gross_a and_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a notion_n they_o conceive_v of_o god_n only_o in_o a_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n carnal_o other_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o notion_n that_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o spirituallity_n in_o they_o now_o the_o devil_n make_v a_o exact_a search_n to_o find_v out_o these_o that_o thereupon_o he_o may_v propound_v lie_v argument_n of_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n suitable_a to_o those_o notion_n so_o that_o when_o he_o perceive_v a_o understanding_n only_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o carnal_a notion_n of_o god_n he_o can_v propound_v his_o carnal_a outside_n appearance_n of_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o that_o soul_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o union_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n he_o need_v seek_v for_o no_o high_a depth_n to_o delude_v such_o a_o soul_n but_o when_o he_o perceive_v a_o understanding_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o high_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o than_o propound_v not_o only_o bare_a material_a outward_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o the_o lie_a ground_n to_o delude_v such_o a_o soul_n concern_v his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o propound_v inward_a act_n of_o transcient_a slight_o affection_n yea_o may_v be_v to_o such_o understanding_n he_o propound_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n a_o speculative_a faith_n and_o a_o historical_a faith_n in_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o this_o historical_a and_o speculative_a faith_n he_o insinuate_v into_o they_o their_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o certain_a salvation_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o the_o devil_n make_v a_o scrutiny_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n to_o discern_v its_o occasional_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o person_n meet_v with_o he_o pry_v into_o the_o understanding_n to_o discern_v what_o judgement_n it_o pass_v upon_o 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 same_o word_n former_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v in_o case_n the_o spirit_n of_o light_n shall_v absent_v itself_o long_o perchance_o begin_v to_o draw_v some_o sad_a conclusion_n that_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n receive_v be_v not_o a_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o lord_n word_n but_o some_o delusion_n from_o the_o devil_n transform_v himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n this_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n whence_o a_o soul_n may_v prove_v that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n receive_v be_v from_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n discern_v it_o to_o shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o demonstration_n whereby_o a_o soul_n may_v prove_v to_o himself_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n a_o posteriori_fw-la a_o demonstration_n take_v from_o the_o effect_n that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n discover_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n do_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o 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 death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o be_v heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o be_v you_o that_o be_v destinate_a unto_o your_o good_a to_o accomplish_v your_o salvation_n and_o you_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v you_o believe_v soul_n be_v destinate_a to_o accomplish_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n that_o be_v christ_n himself_o consider_v mystical_o as_o the_o mediator_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n for_o the_o exaltation_n of_o he_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n so_o as_o all_o may_v admire_v he_o and_o adore_v he_o there_o be_v three_o intent_n and_o precious_a end_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o eternity_n towards_o those_o believe_a soul_n first_o there_o be_v the_o accomplshment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n second_o the_o perfect_a of_o christ_n supernatural_a glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o three_o 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

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

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 impediment_n that_o hinder_v divine_a light_n and_o you_o have_v see_v what_o beam_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o also_o what_o dark_a distemper_n be_v pull_v out_o before_o the_o soul_n be_v fit_a to_o discern_v the_o light_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hold_v forth_o now_o the_o three_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o illumination_n be_v the_o spirit_n act_v by_o its_o own_o power_n the_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o a_o soul_n receive_v a_o faculty_n from_o the_o spirit_n but_o also_o the_o act_n of_o the_o faculty_n too_o though_o all_o act_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n be_v firm_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n yet_o they_o be_v original_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o so_o that_o also_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v illumination_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n not_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o see_a eye_n but_o that_o it_o must_v also_o have_v the_o see_v of_o the_o eye_n from_o the_o spirit_n though_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o eye_n dispose_v to_o see_v the_o divine_a light_n that_o the_o promise_n discover_v yet_o there_o must_v come_v in_o a_o power_n from_o the_o spirit_n also_o whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o act_v that_o very_a power_n receive_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o clear_v eye_n it_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o see_v any_o colour_n but_o it_o must_v be_v act_v by_o the_o rational_a soul_n otherwise_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n effect_n nothing_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o eye_n see_v not_o in_o sleep_n because_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v bind_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o operation_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o divine_a man_n though_o influence_n be_v communicate_v from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n right_o dispose_v to_o see_v spiritual_a object_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o spirit_n power_n to_o act_v that_o very_a eye_n that_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o see_v the_o spiritual_a object_n so_o that_o thus_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o by_o a_o renew_a power_n and_o as_o it_o be_v blow_n up_o those_o holy_a spark_n of_o divine_a light_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o work_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a natural_a way_n to_o make_v they_o see_v that_o precious_a divine_a light_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n discover_v to_o the_o poor_a dark_a soul_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o work_n or_o the_o first_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o soul_n towards_o the_o reveal_n to_o they_o from_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n irradiation_n the_o spirit_n irradiation_n ii_o we_o be_v now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o soul_n in_o

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

shall_v be_v break_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n become_v finite_a answ_n 2._o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o the_o union_n that_o the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v your_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v according_a as_o the_o scripture_n name_v it_o fivefold_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n or_o a_o union_n of_o peace_n make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n then_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v divide_v when_o there_o be_v jar_n and_o quarrel_n take_v up_o by_o one_o person_n against_o another_o but_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n between_o those_o person_n be_v the_o make_v those_o person_n one_o again_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n in_o adam_n as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o jar_n imaginable_a in_o god_n bosom_n against_o we_o nor_o in_o our_o bosom_n against_o god_n but_o through_o our_o curse_a transgression_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n we_o give_v god_n such_o offence_n as_o he_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n and_o our_o heart_n have_v a_o curse_a quarrel_n against_o god_n whence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n in_o our_o mind_n now_o the_o union_n god_n intend_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v the_o removing_z all_o those_o jar_n and_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o marriage_n or_o a_o matrimonial_a union_n the_o lord_n have_v such_o infinite_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n in_o his_o bosom_n towards_o soul_n that_o when_o they_o have_v despise_v that_o bless_a union_n with_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o by_o creation_n he_o will_v make_v they_o better_o again_o than_o they_o be_v first_o make_v by_o another_o union_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o marriage_n union_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n a_o spouse_n to_o christ_n and_o christ_n a_o husband_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o advance_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n above_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n they_o never_o have_v such_o a_o honour_n as_o to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n this_o union_n you_o find_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n in_o eph._n 5._o speak_v of_o marriage_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n say_v he_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n so_o rev._n 19.7_o and_o chap._n 21.9_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o spirit_n he_o will_v communicate_v of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v his_o wife_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o himself_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lively_a pattern_n of_o himself_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 8.29_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n hence_o he_o say_v 2_o pet._n 1.3_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v partaker_n of_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o union_n of_o nature_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o union_n of_o holiness_n that_o as_o he_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o will_v make_v his_o spouse_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nay_o we_o be_v say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4_o 18_o that_o be_v to_o live_v the_o same_o life_n of_o god_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o headship_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o head_n and_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v common_o call_v by_o man_n the_o mystical_a union_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hide_a union_n that_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o body_n this_o union_n be_v thus_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o elect_n that_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n choose_v to_o be_v vessel_n to_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o all_o eternity_n quest_n 2._o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n thus_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n will_v effect_v such_o a_o gracious_a work_n as_o this_o to_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n in_o all_o those_o way_n i_o answer_v first_o negative_o second_o affirmative_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n be_v the_o original_n principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n as_o though_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n do_v depend_v only_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n reveal_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o union_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o themselves_o either_o by_o resist_v or_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n that_o the_o reveal_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o will_n 2._o neither_o must_v you_o conceive_v that_o those_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v by_o their_o own_o effectual_a virtue_n produce_v this_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n faith_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n by_o which_o the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o do_v not_o produce_v this_o union_n by_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n and_o proper_a quality_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v wrought_v by_o those_o revelation_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n 3._o neither_o do_v those_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o outward_a ear_n work_v this_o effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v say_v john_n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o learn_v those_o truth_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n that_o immediate_o produce_v those_o effect_n but_o hear_v from_o the_o father_n that_o be_v by_o god_n give_v inward_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o he_o do_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o soul_n ans_fw-fr 2._o i_o answer_v affirmative_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v produce_v this_o union_n three_o way_n 1._o by_o discover_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o soul-alluring_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v instrumental_o that_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o a_o union_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n beauty_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o that_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n present_a condition_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v to_o accept_v of_o that_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n union_n can_v be_v effect_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n without_o a_o discovery_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n by_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n do_v gather_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a glass_n as_o it_o be_v whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v discover_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o by_o convey_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a soul_n to_o apprehend_v that_o union_n though_o the_o most_o orient_a bright_a glister_a colour_n be_v present_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n cover_v with_o darkness_n they_o can_v not_o take_v up_o a_o man_n meditation_n about_o they_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o now_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n that_o though_o the_o gospel_n hold_v forth_o the_o union_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v take_v up_o with_o it_o nor_o pass_v

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

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

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

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

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

guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o observe_v why_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o in_o this_o guide_n the_o soul_n into_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o office_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v design_v to_o first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n make_v know_v first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cast_v in_o the_o precious_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n whereby_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n apprehensive_a of_o any_o truth_n this_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o communicate_v of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o the_o soul_n or_o in_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a eye_n of_o discern_v we_o be_v all_o like_a poor_a bartimeus_n bear_v blind_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o now_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n alone_o to_o make_v a_o precious_a eye_n salve_n that_o may_v restore_v spiritual_a sight_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o discern_a truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.20_o in_o conversion_n we_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o know_v he_o a_o understanding_n capable_a of_o know_v he_o 2._o the_o spirit_n present_v truth_n to_o that_o spiritual_a eye_n t●●t_n that_o he_o have_v communicate_v therefore_o in_o eph._n 1.17_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o internal_a spiritual_a habit_n of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v truth_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n also_o that_o be_v of_o manifest_v the_o truth_n unto_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o make_v know_v spiritual_a truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o do_v prevent_v the_o discern_a of_o truth_n present_v though_o the_o spirit_n give_v eye_n and_z presents_z truth_n there_o may_v be_v such_o impediment_n between_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o the_o truth_n that_o may_v prevent_v the_o soul_n discern_v there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n or_o some_o corrupt_a humour_n some_o film_n of_o lust_n or_o selfishness_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o spirit_n make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n know_v the_o first_o truth_n that_o god_n discover_v to_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v his_o own_o sin_n his_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n must_v as_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o john_n 16.8_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sinful_a wretch_n that_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n also_o must_v make_v this_o application_n will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o equal_a and_o proportionable_a sense_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o every_o sinner_n understand_v sin_n and_o wrath_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o do_v make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v know_v it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o but_o so_o far_o as_o every_o soul_n do_v understand_v what_o sin_n and_o wrath_n be_v the_o effect_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o wrath_n will_v remain_v in_o such_o a_o heart_n but_o alas_o experience_n enough_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o sinner_n that_o have_v large_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v wrath_n and_o condemnation_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o effect_n in_o the_o least_o manner_n the_o effect_n be_v two_o condemnation_n in_o the_o soul_n judgement_n horror_n and_o anguish_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o condemnation_n he_o that_o understand_v sin_n right_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v damnable_a therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v condemnation_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o confess_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a and_o to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n but_o far_o off_o from_o draw_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a enough_o of_o the_o conclusion_n though_o they_o conclude_v sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n so_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o second_o effect_n that_o follow_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v horror_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o that_o condemnation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o soul_n go_v so_o far_o as_o almost_o to_o conclude_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damn_a condition_n yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o let_v it_o take_v effect_n upon_o his_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o the_o reveal_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n reveal_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n must_v say_v here_o be_v thy_o sin_n and_o yonder_o be_v the_o pit_n of_o misery_n before_o a_o man_n can_v apply_v those_o truth_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v the_o application_n in_o regard_n the_o terror_n and_o horror_n for_o sin_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o work_n alone_o whence_o you_o shall_v see_v rom._n 8.16_o fear_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o work_v fear_n and_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n of_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n 2._o the_o spirit_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n in_o evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spirit_n particular_a and_o peculiar_a office_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n have_v its_o office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o christ_n hence_o the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 16.17_o now_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v the_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n in_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o consolation_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o spirit_n shall_v give_v soul_n but_o small_a comfort_n can_v he_o not_o give_v they_o comfort_n unto_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n reveal_v the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n to_o be_v they_o everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v they_o and_o then_o let_v they_o see_v holiness_n in_o they_o to_o be_v a_o drop_n of_o the_o inheritance_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v feed_v itself_o with_o to_o eternity_n the_o comfort_n be_v but_o small_a 2._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v by_o appropriate_v the_o thing_n promise_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v any_o consolation_n there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n propriety_n and_o security_n the_o soul_n must_v see_v propriety_n or_o else_o no_o love_n at_o lest_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o while_o there_o be_v not_o the_o satiate_a of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n comfort_n be_v the_o content_a the_o soul_n have_v in_o behold_v his_o desire_a satisfaction_n now_o whatever_o the_o soul_n see_v it_o satisfi_v not_o till_o it_o have_v a_o propriety_n in_o it_o and_o till_o there_o be_v a_o security_n

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

evidence_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o subject_n if_o a_o soul_n through_o weakness_n of_o light_n receive_v conclude_v or_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n concern_v his_o soul_n than_o there_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o change_n of_o these_o determination_n when_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n come_v into_o his_o soul_n iii_o there_o may_v lawful_o be_v a_o suspicion_n and_o a_o jealousy_n over_o itself_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o unconstancy_n a_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o holy_a fear_n of_o his_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n when_o he_o see_v it_o settle_v upon_o a_o conclusion_n lest_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o right_o settle_v as_o god_n require_v there_o be_v two_o act_n a_o soul_n may_v do_v upon_o this_o ground_n 1._o he_o may_v be_v make_v a_o continual_a search_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o those_o conclusion_n and_o determination_n that_o be_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n 2._o a_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o draw_v up_o his_o spirit_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v his_o determination_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o determination_n and_o lay_v they_o all_o open_a before_o the_o lord_n now_o it_o must_v be_v open_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sad_a distemper_n of_o unconstancy_n in_o his_o determination_n and_o resolution_n there_o be_v three_o case_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o i._o when_o the_o soul_n remain_v waver_v in_o a_o unfixed_a unsettled_a frame_n of_o spirit_n upon_o any_o determination_n that_o it_o do_v draw_v up_o within_o itself_o when_o a_o soul_n apprehend_v reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o weight_n in_o both_o reason_n and_o thereupon_o suffer_v his_o soul_n to_o stand_v like_o scale_n with_o weight_n in_o both_o scale_n almost_o in_o a_o equipoise_n now_o turn_v this_o way_n than_o that_o way_n and_o stand_v steadfast_a no_o way_n now_o he_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o he_o the_o next_o morning_n he_o conceive_v not_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o thought_n of_o kindness_n for_o such_o a_o wretch_n as_o he_o yet_o do_v not_o mistake_v here_o for_o i_o must_v grant_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o equipoised_a spirit_n in_o soul_n without_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n concern_v which_o the_o soul_n remain_v in_o this_o waver_a state_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n hand_n some_o truth_n be_v more_o theoretical_a some_o more_o practical_a now_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o practical_a truth_n that_o god_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v not_o be_v sin_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o practical_a truth_n concern_v the_o soul_n act_v of_o faith_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v or_o the_o soul_n worship_v god_n in_o some_o ordinance_n of_o continual_a use_n then_o though_o it_o be_v through_o weakness_n and_o want_v of_o light_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o able_a to_o have_v his_o spirit_n settle_v upon_o a_o conclusion_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o excuse_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o case_n can_v come_v but_o the_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o too_o much_o ignorance_n that_o he_o may_v have_v avoid_v or_o guilty_a of_o unbelief_n that_o keep_v his_o spirit_n in_o the_o present_a case_n unswayed_a 2._o take_v this_o limitation_n that_o such_o a_o unsettledness_n of_o spirit_n concern_v a_o truth_n be_v after_o a_o soul_n strict_a endeavour_v for_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o determination_n of_o his_o spirit_n concern_v that_o truth_n ii_o the_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o inconstancy_n when_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n only_o do_v unsettle_v the_o soul_n from_o any_o determination_n or_o conclusion_n concern_v that_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v former_o draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o devil_n have_v a_o secret_a door_n into_o every_o heart_n through_o the_o fancy_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n back_o door_n it_o be_v his_o secret_a sally-port_n door_n that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n the_o devil_n steal_v into_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o fancy_n before_o ever_o the_o soul_n be_v aware_a of_o it_o without_o any_o alarm_n and_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o fancy_n he_o do_v suggest_v strange_a imagination_n in_o the_o soul_n without_o suggest_v a_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o such_o imagination_n be_v build_v iii_o then_o a_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sad_a distemper_n when_o it_o be_v unsettled_a and_o remove_v from_o its_o determination_n and_o conclusion_n with_o every_o just_a objection_n without_o a_o just_a comparison_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o objection_n with_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a persuasion_n and_o determination_n this_o be_v that_o sad_a distemper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o to_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n 2_o thes_n 2.1_o 2._o now_o the_o distemper_n be_v thus_o open_v in_o general_a you_o must_v note_v that_o there_o be_v three_o special_a conclusion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n concern_v which_o a_o soul_n become_v guilty_a of_o this_o distemper_n of_o unconstancy_n 1._o that_o the_o tender_a of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v reach_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n strive_v to_o maintain_v a_o constancy_n of_o spirit_n in_o this_o determination_n either_o keep_v the_o soul_n waver_v here_o not_o dare_v to_o resolve_v this_o bless_a truth_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o else_o in_o suggest_v strong_a imagination_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o give_v firm_a credit_n to_o that_o truth_n or_o by_o keep_v up_o objection_n upon_o objection_n against_o that_o precious_a truth_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v settle_v upon_o that_o conclusion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o evening_n if_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v remove_v in_o the_o morning_n 2._o that_o no_o wickedness_n wretchedness_n nor_o desperate_a vileness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v be_v any_o impediment_n to_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_v that_o the_o machiavilian_a brain_n of_o hell_n can_v produce_v shall_v be_v bring_v to_o evade_v this_o truth_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a soul_n immediate_o and_o at_o all_o time_n without_o the_o least_o delay_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v that_o particular_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n these_o precious_a truth_n be_v that_o precious_a heavenly_a crystal_n glass_n through_o which_o the_o spiritual_a eye_n come_v to_o discern_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o god_n towards_o it_o in_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o either_o the_o power_n or_o policy_n of_o hell_n can_v foment_n that_o distemper_n in_o the_o heart_n concern_v this_o principle_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o settle_v a_o full_a conclusion_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o shall_v be_v effect_v now_o this_o distemper_n prevent_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n by_o these_o five_o several_a effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n i._o it_o prevent_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o sufficient_a time_n to_o discern_v the_o inward_a of_o the_o lord_n promise_v of_o accept_v a_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o when_o he_o do_v behold_v the_o promise_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v in_o a_o promise_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o discern_a of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v discern_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n of_o a_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o must_v discern_v the_o compass_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v so_o wide_a as_o to_o take_v in_o his_o own_o particular_a soul_n 2._o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v the_o infinite_a freedom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o promise_n to_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o must_v see_v that_o god_n require_v nothing_o either_o to_o prepare_v or_o dispose_v the_o soul_n aright_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v see_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n to_o

exod._n 3.15_o this_o be_v my_o name_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v my_o memorial_n to_o all_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o distinction_n whereby_o i_o will_v be_v know_v to_o all_o generation_n that_o i_o be_o the_o god_n that_o send_v out_o a_o redeemer_n to_o lose_v sinner_n which_o implicit_o and_o virtual_o include_v thus_o much_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v my_o own_o honour_n the_o high_a title_n of_o my_o glory_n shall_v fail_v if_o i_o fail_v of_o embrace_v every_o loveless_a sinner_n through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o will_v accept_v i_o and_o thence_o you_o shall_v observe_v when_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o moses_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o the_o very_a name_n whereby_o he_o call_v himself_o be_v that_o which_o include_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n reveal_v to_o sinner_n the_o lord_n pass_v by_o he_o and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o be_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n own_v to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o honour_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v to_o be_v his_o title_n whereby_o he_o will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o whereby_o he_o will_v be_v know_v unto_o soul_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o sufficient_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o soul_n first_o it_o must_v be_v open_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n second_o that_o particular_a soul_n may_v have_v security_n unto_o themselves_o from_o that_o name_n of_o god_n and_o may_v safe_o through_o believe_v look_n upon_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n as_o engage_v to_o they_o to_o fulfil_v what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v first_o it_o must_v be_v open_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v be_v include_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v open_v it_o from_o that_o of_o exod._n 34.6_o 7._o which_o god_n own_v as_o his_o name_n there_o be_v eight_o title_n that_o the_o lord_n assume_v to_o himself_o that_o make_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n account_v his_o name_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v know_v unto_o soul_n i._o the_o first_o title_n of_o his_o honour_n that_o concur_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o his_o name_n be_v merciful_a the_o lord_n merciful_a which_o include_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v precious_a disposition_n unto_o infinite_a compassion_n natural_o dwell_v in_o god_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o jer._n 31.21_o which_o may_v be_v render_v bowel_n 2._o it_o include_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o act_v those_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o soul_n drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o most_o extreme_a misery_n misery_n and_o mercy_n be_v relative_n and_o according_a to_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n so_o be_v the_o height_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n now_o under_o that_o very_a one_o title_n be_v comprehend_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v there_o be_v but_o one_o voice_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v in_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o every_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o will_v accept_v his_o compassion_n tender_v ii_o the_o second_o title_n of_o god_n be_v gracious_a this_o imply_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o loveless_a sinner_n into_o favour_n 2._o the_o acceptance_n of_o miserable_a one_o into_o favour_n mere_o out_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o working_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n from_o motive_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o desert_n therefore_o the_o whole_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v iii_o the_o three_o title_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v up_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n long_o suffer_v or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v render_v he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n include_v 1._o it_o imply_v a_o long_a time_n of_o forbearance_n in_o god_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o own_o demerit_n 2_o pet._n 3.9_o 2._o it_o imply_v that_o that_o forbearance_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o sin_n be_v on_o purpose_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v accept_v into_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n isa_n 30.18_o iv_o the_o four_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n be_v the_o lord_n abundant_a in_o goodness_n or_o excel_v in_o kindness_n that_o imply_v three_o thing_n 1._o the_o complete_a fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v treasure_v up_o by_o god_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n for_o soul_n 2._o it_o imply_v a_o transcendency_n of_o all_o supply_n for_o empty_a soul_n to_o be_v in_o himself_o through_o christ_n it_o imply_v a_o superlative_a fullness_n a_o fullness_n that_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a a_o fullness_n that_o infinite_o exceed_v what_o ever_o a_o soul_n can_v want_v 3._o it_o imply_v the_o readiness_n and_o facility_n of_o god_n to_o be_v dispense_n that_o goodness_n unto_o soul_n v._o the_o five_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n name_n be_v that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n truth_n do_v not_o here_o imply_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n but_o it_o imply_v faithfulness_n in_o god_n to_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o so_o that_o truth_n imply_v the_o certainty_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v unto_o soul_n whatever_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o himself_o for_o they_o vi_o there_o be_v a_o six_o title_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v up_o the_o lord_n honour_n that_o be_v his_o reserve_n or_o his_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o large_a comprehensiveness_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v comprehend_v multitude_n of_o miserable_a undo_v sinner_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o it_o be_v a_o synechdochical_a speech_n a_o finite_a number_n be_v put_v for_o a_o infinite_a vii_o there_o be_v a_o seven_o title_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v up_o the_o lord_n honour_n and_o that_o be_v forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o be_v three_o several_a expression_n that_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n point_n at_o the_o same_o thing_n every_o iniquity_n be_v a_o transgression_n and_o every_o transgression_n be_v a_o sin_n yet_o certain_o something_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o proclaim_v his_o name_n thus_o some_o have_v conceive_v by_o iniquity_n to_o be_v mean_v sin_n against_o god_n himself_o by_o transgression_n to_o be_v mean_v sin_n against_o our_o neighbour_n and_o by_o sin_n to_o be_v mean_v sin_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n other_o have_v make_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n of_o malice_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n other_o conceive_v by_o iniquity_n because_o the_o word_n come_v from_o a_o root_n in_o the_o original_a that_o signify_v crookedness_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o transgression_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n through_o infirmity_n and_o by_o sin_n to_o be_v mean_v stubbornness_n against_o god_n however_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o under_o these_o three_o be_v comprehend_v all_o sin_n whatever_o of_o what_o nature_n and_o degree_n soever_o then_o this_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n imply_v thus_o much_o a_o impossibility_n for_o any_o degree_n of_o sin_n whatever_o to_o hinder_v the_o lord_n from_o show_v mercy_n and_o be_v gracious_a in_o that_o way_n of_o fullness_n of_o love_n that_o he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v incline_v to_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o nature_n viii_o the_o eight_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n include_v a_o gospel-discovery_n too_o and_o that_o be_v in_o those_o word_n that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o child_n child_n unto_o the_o three_o and_o to_o the_o four_o generation_n this_o seem_v indeed_o at_o first_o view_n to_o have_v little_a of_o gospel_n in_o it_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o consent_v here_o to_o the_o paraphrase_n the_o translator_n have_v give_v upon_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n be_v to_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

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

into_o union_n through_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o ii_o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n into_o exercise_n be_v general_n and_o universal_a now_o there_o be_v strength_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n tender_v as_o well_o as_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a work_n be_v thus_o general_a and_o universal_a it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o constant_a expectation_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o to_o be_v as_o confident_a of_o the_o soul_n everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n upon_o his_o cleave_v to_o he_o iii_o in_o regard_n the_o spirit_n do_v adjoyn_v a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v cleave_v unto_o christ_n to_o its_o testimony_n that_o it_o give_v to_o its_o faith_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n infallible_o in_o cleave_v unto_o he_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o bless_a a_o comforter_n that_o it_o send_v down_o live_v stream_n of_o refresh_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a sense_n when_o it_o have_v once_o testify_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o unquestionable_o and_o infallible_o that_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o embrace_v of_o he_o it_o then_o also_o testify_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o have_v embrace_v christ_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v already_o actual_o instate_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o now_o have_v open_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n sense_n the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o sense_n the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v its_o attestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a sense_n in_o this_o we_o must_v open_v three_o thing_n to_o you_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n beside_o the_o former_a record_n that_o it_o give_v unto_o faith_n second_o in_o what_o respect_v this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o spirit_n witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n three_o what_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n be_v first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n may_v appear_v from_o that_o one_o place_n alone_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n mith_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o hold_v forth_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n above_o and_o beside_o those_o holy_a disposition_n or_o precious_a gracious_a habit_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v communicate_v unto_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n now_o from_o hence_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n in_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a testimony_n unto_o particular_a soul_n of_o their_o actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o determinate_a sentence_n that_o the_o spirit_n pass_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v in_o general_a unto_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o for_o that_o be_v only_o thus_o that_o thou_o or_o thou_o or_o that_o particular_a soul_n in_o his_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v shall_v infallible_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n which_o be_v still_o a_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v it_o plain_o the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n of_o their_o soul_n real_a accept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n of_o say_v can_v be_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o witness_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a soul_n shall_v be_v adopt_v to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n in_o his_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o this_o testimony_n be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o particular_a soul_n of_o its_o actual_a adoption_n already_o that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o must_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n in_o regard_n the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o receive_v what_o be_v promise_v not_o receive_v what_o be_v do_v 2._o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o co-witness_n with_o believer_n spirit_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o adopt_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n through_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n say_v the_o original_a the_o spirit_n do_v bare_a witness_n together_o with_o our_o spirit_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v here_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o soul_n own_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o renew_a understanding_n or_o the_o sanctify_a conscience_n bear_v witness_n to_o now_o the_o renew_a conscience_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n can_v only_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o the_o spiris_fw-la witness_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o renew_a conscience_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n do_v witness_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n iii_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o peculiar_a office_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v destinate_a the_o spirit_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o comforter_n the_o most_o superlative_a eminent_a comforter_n now_o shall_v not_o the_o spirit_n witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v spiritual_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v not_o comfort_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n 1._o a_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v tender_v to_o his_o despicable_a lose_a soul_n there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o possibility_n that_o his_o poor_a lose_v sink_v soul_n may_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v weak_a 2._o there_o be_v the_o soul_n actual_a embrace_v this_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v there_o be_v infinite_a sweetness_n and_o peace_n in_o that_o very_a believe_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o sensibleness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o his_o own_o believe_v and_o so_o no_o sensibleness_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o which_o be_v the_o top_n stone_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n through_o believe_v now_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o give_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n as_o this_o to_o witness_v to_o the_o soul_n actual_a close_n with_o christ_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n the_o bless_a spririt_n who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n shall_v not_o comfort_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a comforter_n ii_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o the_o testimony_n that_o it_o give_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n there_o be_v five_o or_o six_o reason_n of_o it_o i._o to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n receive_v that_o determination_n of_o its_o corrupt_a conscience_n concern_v its_o everlasting_a estate_n in_o all_o the_o various_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o law_n witness_v and_o judge_n it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o first_o transgression_n so_o that_o in_o whatsoever_o state_n the_o soul_n remain_v when_o its_o conscience_n work_v according_a to_o its_o natural_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n it_o bear_v false_a witness_n and_o pass_v false_a judgement_n now_o therefore_o do_v the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o the_o false_a sentence_n that_o conscience_n pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v by_o it_o there_o be_v three_o respect_n wherein_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o sense_n unto_o the_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v to_o faith_n 1._o the_o depravedness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o testimony_n 2._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o the_o soul_n hear_v that_o testimony_n that_o conscience_n give_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o alive_a through_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o

of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o sense_n before_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n and_o sense_n though_o the_o spirit_n witness_n be_v the_o formality_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o its_z that_o which_o give_v the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n both_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o sense_n yet_o you_o must_v observe_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o union_n principal_o belong_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n 2._o whatever_o degree_n of_o evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v any_o such_o believe_a soul_n do_v enjoy_v before_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n and_o sense_n the_o witness_n unto_o sense_n be_v exceed_o weak_a imperfect_a and_o unsatisfy_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n now_o the_o soul_n conceive_v that_o he_o do_v feel_v his_o heart_n right_o answer_v that_o precious_a tender_a of_o union_n immediate_o again_o fear_v that_o that_o wretched_a curse_a heart_n of_o he_o do_v but_o delude_v and_o deceive_v he_o 3._o you_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o comfortable_a evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o many_o believe_a soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v frequent_o a_o addition_n unto_o faith_n only_o and_o to_o faith_n principal_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v very_o common_a that_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v thus_o a_o comfortable_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n when_o his_o bless_a pleasure_n be_v to_o withdraw_v all_o evidence_n of_o union_n from_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o bless_a head_n of_o all_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n mat._n 27.46_o say_v he_o my_o god_n my_o god_n here_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o the_o bless_a father_n but_o the_o evidence_n unto_o sense_n be_v total_o want_v why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o 4._o you_o must_v note_v also_o that_o this_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o many_o believe_a soul_n to_o who_o he_o do_v not_o send_v the_o spirit_n to_o attest_v their_o union_n be_v never_o a_o evidence_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n without_o a_o evidence_n unto_o their_o faith_n though_o the_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n have_v no_o such_o dependence_n upon_o the_o evidence_n unto_o sense_n but_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n have_v a_o entire_a and_o full_a dependence_n upon_o the_o soul_n evidence_n unto_o faith_n that_o it_o can_v consist_v without_o it_o the_o very_a matter_n or_o original_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n unto_o sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o believe_a act_n the_o soul_n reliance_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o fulfil_v his_o bless_a word_n offer_v reconciliation_n unto_o every_o unlovely_a sinner_n that_o will_n now_o without_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n of_o that_o soul_n particular_a admission_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o believe_a act_n be_v never_o draw_v forth_o in_o the_o believe_a soul_n caution_n 2._o second_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v much_o variety_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o unto_o faith_n and_o unto_o sense_n it_o do_v witness_n in_o a_o various_a manner_n to_o believe_v soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o there_o be_v much_o variety_n in_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o believe_a soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o full_a perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n the_o spirit_n speak_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o unto_o sense_n only_o by_o a_o secret_a resplendent_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n and_o that_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n have_v various_a degree_n of_o brightness_n wherein_o it_o shine_v in_o a_o various_a manner_n unto_o various_a believe_a soul_n to_o some_o believe_a soul_n that_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v with_o such_o a_o orient_a transcendent_a brightness_n with_o such_o transparent_a heavenly_a glory_n that_o no_o curtain_n of_o darkness_n or_o distrustfulness_n or_o unbelief_n or_o sinful_a jealousy_n can_v keep_v out_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o precious_a beam_n but_o to_o some_o other_o believe_v soul_n that_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o faith_n or_o light_n to_o sense_n shine_v only_o like_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n through_o a_o keyhole_n when_o the_o door_n remain_v shut_v still_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a degree_n of_o its_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n that_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o rom._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o where_o a_o threefold_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v mention_v 1._o there_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n as_o procure_v rest_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o toss_v perplex_a believe_v soul_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n 2._o a_o second_o degree_n we_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o joy_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o soul_n rest_n 3._o sometime_o the_o testimony_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a as_o it_o produce_v a_o holy_a triumph_n and_o glory_v in_o the_o believe_a soul_n vers_fw-la 3._o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n also_o yea_o this_o full_a perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n be_v that_o which_o procure_v such_o a_o general_a triumph_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o triumph_v over_o all_o external_a evil_n as_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n over_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n but_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o moment_n also_o triumph_v over_o all_o temptation_n even_o all_o the_o evil_a working_n of_o natural_a distrust_n and_o unbelief_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o variety_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o unto_o faith_n and_o sense_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o permanency_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n to_o one_o believe_v soul_n the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n of_o union_n by_o a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v to_o faith_n eye_n and_o by_o sweet_a holy_a ray_n cast_v upon_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n but_o these_o be_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n shut_v up_o again_o in_o a_o moment_n but_o to_o another_o believe_a soul_n the_o spirit_n render_v this_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n and_o unto_o sense_n in_o a_o abide_a way_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o variety_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o believe_a soul_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o frequency_n of_o its_o renew_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o one_o believe_v soul_n the_o spirit_n will_v testify_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o every_o occasion_n the_o spirit_n will_v step_v in_o very_o opportune_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o a_o pinch_n and_o renew_v its_o record_n to_o another_o believe_a soul_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n vouchsafe_v also_o the_o same_o testimony_n it_o shall_v be_v rare_o and_o for_o a_o moment_n caution_n 3._o three_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o whenever_o the_o bless_a spirit_n do_v avouch_v and_o attest_v most_o full_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o testimony_n do_v not_o always_o actual_o abide_v in_o the_o believe_a soul_n without_o interruption_n and_o intermission_n this_o heavenly_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o wisdom_n vouchsafe_v to_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v like_o elijah_n fiery_a chariot_n mount_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o three_o heaven_n for_o a_o season_n yet_o it_o must_v come_v down_o again_o though_o paul_n be_v wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n yet_o he_o must_v not_o abide_v there_o while_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o flesh_n though_o peter_n may_v have_v a_o soul-ravishing_a view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o a_o season_n in_o the_o mount_n yet_o he_o must_v not_o have_v a_o tabernacle_n there_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a pleasure_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n that_o the_o testimony_n shall_v not_o actual_o abide_v in_o the_o believe_a soul_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n ii_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v his_o honour_n in_o believe_v soul_n in_o his_o predestinate_v way_n the_o prime_a and_o principle_n way_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v from_o eternity_n to_o have_v honour_n from_o his_o saint_n while_o they_o be_v here_o below_o be_v from_o their_o believe_v his_o majesty_n upon_o his_o bare_a word_n 2._o cor._n 5.7_o iii_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o constant_a lively_a experimental_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n still_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o

his_o union_n four_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v instruct_v all_o other_o the_o better_a by_o his_o deal_n with_o some_o believe_a soul_n god_n instruct_v weak_a believer_n in_o this_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n be_v not_o essential_a unto_o union_n v._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o precious_a saint_n may_v be_v veil_v and_o hide_v and_o this_o may_v be_v in_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v stumble_v at_o the_o saint_n and_o judge_v they_o dispicable_a fool_n that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_n cau._n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o four_o causion_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o believe_a soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n aught_o to_o continue_v when_o the_o record_n itself_o do_v not_o actual_o continue_v the_o record_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v the_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o soul_n final_a estate_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v total_o definitive_a never_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o that_o believe_a soul_n but_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o after_o even_o in_o the_o sad_a interruption_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n ought_v to_o say_v though_o i_o do_v fall_n i_o shall_v arise_v though_o i_o have_v no_o vision_n of_o the_o sweet_a face_n of_o my_o redeemer_n yet_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o like_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v infinite_a sinfulness_n for_o that_o believe_a soul_n ever_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o love_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o avouch_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o grand_a question_n open_v which_o be_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n which_o be_v this_o que._n 2._o how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v konw_n certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o their_o evidence_n of_o this_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v only_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o a_o angelical_a glory_n now_o for_o the_o clear_a explication_n or_o unfolding_n this_o question_n there_o must_v be_v divers_a thing_n premise_v there_o be_v four_o thing_n i_o must_v premise_v concern_v those_o diabolical_a inspiration_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o soul_n trial_n of_o his_o evidence_n receive_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o delusion_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n pre._n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o implacable_a malice_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n be_v direct_o set_v a●_n work_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o darken_n the_o precious_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o centre_n wherein_o all_o the_o hellish_a design_n that_o be_v practise_v against_o a_o believe_a soul_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n that_o he_o shoot_v from_o his_o hellish_a quiver_n against_o believe_a soul_n be_v intend_v to_o batter_v down_o the_o tower_n of_o strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o most_o curse_a insinuation_n into_o any_o believe_a heart_n allure_a to_o any_o corruption_n intentional_o tend_v towards_o the_o darken_n the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n countenance_n that_o shine_v upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n certain_o the_o devil_n act_v with_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n against_o the_o apostle_n peter_n that_o cause_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n intentional_o end_v in_o this_o to_o overthrow_v his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n fail_v not_o nay_o the_o bless_a head_n of_o all_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o perfect_a example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o believe_a soul_n in_o temptation_n he_o be_v encounter_v withal_o in_o this_o way_n by_o the_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n the_o devil_n make_v his_o close_a and_o strong_a battery_n against_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o therefore_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n employ_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o especial_o endeavour_v to_o strike_v down_o their_o faith_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o over_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o particular_a 1_o thes_n 3.5_o say_v he_o i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n least_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n have_v tempt_v you_o and_o our_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a indeed_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n why_o the_o peculiar_a malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v work_v in_o all_o its_o strength_n against_o believer_n evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n with_o strength_n and_o power_n upon_o receive_v evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n and_o that_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a opposite_a of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n grand_a adversary_n in_o that_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n against_o all_o the_o devil_n encounter_n it_o be_v the_o shield_n that_o quench_v all_o the_o devil_n fiery_a dart_n eph._n 5.6_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o soul_n resist_v the_o devil_n till_o he_o gain_v the_o conquest_n and_o put_v that_o infernal_a adversary_n to_o flight_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o most_o triumphant_a conqueror_n over_o all_o his_o army_n that_o he_o call_v in_o for_o his_o assistance_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o john_n 5.4_o that_o be_v all_o that_o either_o within_o or_o without_o the_o soul_n shall_v concur_v to_o the_o draw_v it_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n will_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o receive_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o lord_n his_o most_o peculiar_a glory_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o precious_a truth_n by_o this_o the_o believe_a soul_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o now_o the_o devil_n peculiar_a malice_n be_v against_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n thence_o his_o malice_n be_v against_o this_o faith_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o soul_n receive_v evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v the_o unseparable_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v another_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n envy_n work_v infinite_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a joy_n as_o poor_a believe_a soul_n be_v fill_v with_o see_v angel_n who_o nature_n be_v more_o glorious_a be_v lef●_n absolute_o destitute_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n now_o from_o these_o working_n of_o envy_n hatred_n work_v also_o infinite_o and_o unspeakable_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n iii_o the_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diametrical_a opposition_n between_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o bless_a spirit_n every_o work_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n be_v infinite_o abominate_v by_o he_o and_o thence_o this_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v the_o particular_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o comforter_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n iv_o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n through_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o

very_a fallacy_n whereby_o the_o devil_n deceive_v those_o poor_a foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25.8_o 9_o 10._o they_o have_v lamp_n like_a unto_o the_o lamp_n of_o the_o wise_a virgin_n they_o have_v a_o profession_n agreeable_a and_o suitable_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o sincere_a christian_n and_o thence_o they_o never_o imagine_v but_o their_o estate_n be_v sure_a enough_o till_o they_o feel_v by_o dreadful_a experience_n that_o the_o lord_n abhor_v such_o a_o heartless_a formal_a external_a profession_n as_o they_o be_v 6._o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o other_o soul_n their_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o what_o they_o be_v former_o and_o thence_o insinuate_v into_o they_o their_o spiritual_a safety_n their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n this_o the_o devil_n do_v suggest_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o herod_n mark_v 6.20_o that_o his_o hear_n john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o his_o reform_v many_o thing_n be_v a_o certain_a ground_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n 7._o the_o devil_n may_v and_o do_v suggest_v to_o some_o other_o soul_n the_o death_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n though_o general_o break_o and_o confuse_o and_o from_o thence_o he_o deceiving_o insinuate_v into_o many_o soul_n their_o certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o christ_n when_o the_o high_a wall_n of_o enmity_n stand_v between_o christ_n and_o they_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o the_o bless_a spirit_n insinuation_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n bring_v to_o remembrance_n that_o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o this_o insinuation_n that_o th●n_o proceed_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n 1._o the_o devil_n suggestion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n unto_o soul_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v with_o false_a hope_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o general_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a maxim_n dolus_fw-la latet_fw-la in_o universalibus_fw-la that_o deceit_n lie_v under_o universals_z and_o general_n therefore_o the_o great_a master_n of_o deceit_n chief_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v his_o poor_a delude_a soul_n in_o general_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o the_o devil_n suggest_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n unto_o some_o understanding_n and_o mind_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v yet_o he_o avoid_v the_o suggestion_n of_o it_o in_o any_o particular_a manner_n he_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n but_o he_o hide_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a the_o quality_n of_o sinner_n for_o who_o jesus_n christ_n die_v i_o mean_v the_o quality_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o eternity_n to_o be_v effect_v in_o those_o sinner_n to_o who_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v apply_v common_o the_o notion_n be_v so_o universal_a they_o rather_o think_v jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o all_o sinner_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n in_o suggest_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o any_o soul_n suggest_v it_o particular_o to_o be_v for_o every_o unlovely_a sinner_n who_o shall_v receive_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v tender_v to_o they_o so_o that_o by_o its_o suggest_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o beget_v a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o tender_a of_o his_o death_n to_o make_v up_o union_n and_o communion_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o so_o indeed_o that_o very_a act_n give_v the_o soul_n evidence_n to_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o admission_n into_o union_n 2._o the_o devil_n present_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n break_o at_o peecemeal_n it_o may_v be_v he_o mind_v the_o soul_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n but_o he_o bring_v not_o one_o of_o the_o precious_a heart-breaking_a invitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n invite_v his_o forlorn_a despicable_a soul_n to_o partake_v of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n whereas_o the_o bless_a spirit_n bring_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o remembrance_n in_o a_o most_o sweet_a precious_a orderly_a and_o distinct_a way_n it_o present_v not_o only_o the_o death_n itself_o but_o it_o present_v the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v the_o sweet_a heart-breaking_a invitation_n to_o that_o particular_a soul_n to_o accept_v that_o tender_a 3._o the_o devil_n suggest_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n dark_o with_o as_o much_o obscurity_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o devil_n study_v obscurity_n in_o the_o present_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o delude_a soul_n that_o he_o may_v hide_v and_o vail_v that_o precious_a heart_n ravish_v love_n that_o will_v shine_v forth_o by_o a_o clear_a view_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o any_o loveless_a sinner_n yea_o he_o suggest_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o sinful_a soul_n so_o dark_o that_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o thought_n that_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v their_o curse_a rebellious_a heart_n and_o god_n into_o a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o love_n again_o shall_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o this_o heavenly_a light_n break_v forth_o in_o his_o suggest_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n their_o own_o conscience_n will_v soon_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o themselves_o and_o positive_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v far_o from_o any_o right_a or_o possession_n or_o interest_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o devil_n suggest_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n confuse_o in_o a_o distract_a disorderly_a manner_n so_o as_o the_o soul_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v shall_v have_v no_o kind_n of_o distinct_a orderly_a knowledge_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o suggest_v immediate_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o and_o persuade_v they_o with_o all_o his_o power_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n without_o any_o reference_n to_o any_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o soul_n shall_v build_v that_o persuasion_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o your_o poor_a delude_a soul_n will_v tell_v you_o immediate_o they_o believe_v but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o believe_v they_o know_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o they_o ii_o the_o second_o act_n of_o power_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o soul_n to_o delude_v they_o with_o vain_a hope_n be_v a_o discern_a power_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a and_o grand_a employment_n of_o all_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n to_o study_v man_n temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o man_n notion_n and_o apprehension_n that_o he_o may_v observe_v what_o false_a reason_n what_o rot_a argument_n be_v suitable_a to_o delude_v that_o soul_n with_o and_o what_o rot_a argument_n be_v suitable_a to_o delude_v another_o soul_n with_o object_n but_o here_o be_v a_o objection_n to_o be_v answer_v before_o we_o proceed_v but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v the_o devil_n look_v into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n the_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o know_v what_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v answ_n i_o answer_v negative_o that_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n can_v certain_o and_o infallible_o be_v discern_v by_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o policy_n of_o all_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n especial_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n can_v in_o and_o by_o themselves_o immediate_o be_v discern_v by_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o hell_n notwithstanding_o their_o strict_a scrutiny_n it_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o knower_n of_o the_o thought_n thence_o in_o heb._n 4.12_o 13._o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o as_o its_o peculiar_a property_n to_o divide_v between_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n so_o in_o 1_o cor_fw-la 4_o 5._o christ_n be_v say_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o bring_v to_o light_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o though_o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v immediate_o certain_o and_o infallible_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n or_o the_o secret_a thought_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o by_o themselves_o yet_o the_o devil_n can_v by_o other_o mean_n have_v near_o guess_v at_o

to_o close_o with_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o precious_a tender_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o soul_n now_o when_o the_o spirit_n light_a of_o manifestation_n whereby_o it_o do_v irradiate_a the_o word_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v withdraw_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v uncapable_a to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n for_o it_o be_v only_o through_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o word_n that_o any_o believe_a soul_n do_v at_o first_o clear_o and_o satisfy_o and_o unquestionable_o discern_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o light_n of_o manifestation_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v withdraw_v again_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o believe_a soul_n shall_v clear_o discern_v their_o precious_a truth_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v not_o this_o evidence_n unto_o he_o say_v of_o his_o certain_a acceptance_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n shall_v have_v any_o evidence_n unto_o sense_n see_v the_o evidence_n unto_o sense_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n 2._o in_o regard_v all_o the_o opposite_a power_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o soul_n unto_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v renew_v in_o some_o degree_n their_o tyranny_n over_o the_o soul_n yea_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n that_o do_v oppose_v the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v then_o furnish_v with_o renew_a argument_n and_o objection_n against_o the_o poor_a soul_n acceptance_n into_o union_n yea_o with_o such_o objection_n as_o nothing_o can_v answer_v but_o say_v itself_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o then_o carnal_a reason_n '_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o new_a matter_n of_o objection_n against_o the_o soul_n union_n carnal_a reason_n that_o say_v former_o thou_o be_v a_o rebel_n a_o enemy_n that_o have_v continue_v thus_o many_o year_n in_o enmity_n therefore_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v now_o say_v more_o thou_o have_v now_o deal_v unfaithful_o with_o god_n thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n a_o bacstslider_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o lord_n that_o bear_v thy_o enmity_n and_o rebellion_n shall_v bare_v thy_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n 2._o natural_a distrust_n of_o god_n curse_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n do_v renew_v their_o tyranny_n also_o when_o holiness_n decay_v now_o natural_a distrust_n and_o curse_a jealousy_n of_o god_n can_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v so_o just_a who_o have_v say_v he_o will_v avenge_v himself_o upon_o those_o that_o go_v on_o in_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v ever_o accept_v the●_n into_o reconciliation_n with_o himself_o 3._o the_o corrupt_a conscience_n renew_v his_o tyrannize_a power_n when_o the_o soul_n decay_n in_o holiness_n now_o conscience_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o new_a bill_n of_o indictment_n against_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o soul_n charge_v guile_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o heart_n with_o god_n and_o willing_a apostasy_n from_o god_n so_o that_o now_o it_o can_v with_o a_o full_a mouth_n pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o the_o soul_n afresh_o and_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o argument_n as_o nothing_o but_o faith_n can_v answer_v nothing_o but_o a_o renew_a vision_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v declare_v in_o his_o bless_a word_n to_o accept_v of_o every_o poor_a undo_v perish_v soul_n be_v he_o as_o bad_a as_o a_o incarnate_a devil_n in_o case_n the_o soul_n will_v accept_v of_o union_n with_o he_o can_v satisfy_v either_o carnal_a reason_n or_o suspicious_a argmment_n or_o conscience_n accusation_n 3._o the_o soul_n decay_v in_o holiness_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n the_o soul_n remain_v under_o a_o inevitable_a a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n that_o sense_n shall_v pass_v upon_o his_o soul_n now_o sense_n can_v pass_v no_o other_o judgemennt_v upon_o a_o soul_n estate_n that_o be_v decay_v in_o holiness_n but_o that_o certain_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o conceive_v he_o have_v receive_v be_v delusion_n sense_n can_v see_v none_o of_o those_o precious_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o a_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o sense_n can_v pass_v no_o other_o judgement_n unless_o it_o be_v captivate_v unto_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n 4._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v apparent_a defect_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n of_o the_o proper_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o the_o true_a manifestation_n to_o a_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o a_o evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o height_n of_o holiness_n now_o when_o holiness_n be_v decay_v satan_n can_v say_v by_o a_o fallacious_a argument_n thy_o evidence_n of_o thy_o union_n that_o thou_o think_v thou_o have_v be_v delusion_n indeed_o do_v not_o see_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o evidence_n those_o that_o have_v evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v their_o heart_n in_o a_o adore_a admire_a frame_n of_o god_n they_o have_v their_o heart_n enlarge_v to_o the_o utmost_a towards_o god_n in_o christ_n but_o thou_o have_v a_o blockish_a senselese_fw-mi careless_a heartless_a mindless_a unprofitable_a spirit_n sure_o thy_o evidence_n therefore_o be_v delusion_n now_o indeed_o here_o be_v a_o fallacy_n in_o satan_n argument_n that_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v discern_v here_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o satan_n here_o be_v one_o of_o those_o cunning_a device_n that_o most_o soul_n be_v ignorant_a of_o he_o fail_v of_o nothing_o in_o his_o argument_n but_o only_o in_o time_n his_o argument_n shall_v have_v run_v thus_o only_a soul_n that_o have_v true_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n whilst_o those_o evidence_n remain_v they_o be_v in_o a_o admire_a adore_a frame_n and_o their_o heart_n elevate_v and_o enlarge_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o holiness_n if_o this_o have_v be_v satan_n major_a proposition_n his_o assumption_n must_v have_v be_v false_a then_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v but_o thou_o in_o that_o moment_n and_o instant_n when_o those_o evidennes_n be_v give_v to_o the_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o evidence_n in_o their_o clear_a light_n that_o thou_o be_v unite_v thy_o heart_n be_v not_o enlarge_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o holiness_n and_o take_v with_o a_o precious_a admiration_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o soul_n be_v under_o a_o actual_a provocation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o a_o penal_a suspension_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n either_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v admit_v the_o soul_n he_o can_v never_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n satisfy_o and_o infallible_o without_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o light_n both_o manifest_v the_o word_n to_o the_o believe_a disposition_n and_o manifest_v the_o believe_a act_n also_o to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n now_o therefore_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v actual_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v that_o bless_a spirit_n and_o to_o suspend_v his_o operation_n unto_o the_o soul_n now_o here_o be_v a_o question_n necessary_o cast_v in_o to_o be_v open_v by_o the_o way_n before_o we_o can_v proceed_v any_o far_a que._n but_o will_v the_o soul_n say_v if_o soul_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o impatiency_n rashness_n irrational_a affection_n prejudicial_a conceit_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o soul_n under_o decay_n of_o holiness_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o a_o right_a trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n then_o what_o suitable_a mean_n remain_v for_o such_o soul_n under_o fear_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n be_v delusion_n ans_fw-fr first_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o only_a immediate_a effectual_a mean_v of_o redemption_n of_o such_o soul_n from_o such_o torture_a fear_n suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o delusion_n be_v a_o renew_a act_n of_o confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n to_o their_o particular_a soul_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n jesus_n free_o to_o every_o perish_a sinner_n that_o shall_v accept_v he_o to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o father_n for_o he_o though_o plunge_v into_o the_o most_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o sin_n the_o universal_a unlimited_a offer_n

of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o every_o particular_a perish_v and_o lose_a soul_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o be_v the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o all_o the_o righteous_a hope_n that_o ever_o dwell_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n all_o the_o expecttation_n and_o hope_n of_o believe_a soul_n be_v but_o the_o build_n upon_o that_o foundation_n now_o when_o the_o build_n of_o the_o soul_n hope_v shake_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o establish_v the_o building_n be_v to_o add_v strength_n to_o the_o foundation_n this_o you_o shall_v observe_v be_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o poor_a distress_a church_n lament_n 3.40_o after_o many_o distraction_n in_o her_o spirit_n many_o toss_n and_o tumbling_n this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n when_o she_o have_v feed_v upon_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n for_o a_o long_a time_n at_o last_o she_o be_v constrain_v to_o take_v this_o course_n to_o search_v and_o try_v her_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n she_o be_v constrain_v now_o to_o make_v a_o new_a convert_v work_n of_o the_o matter_n according_a as_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n except_o you_o be_v convert_v when_o they_o be_v already_o convert_v that_o be_v unless_o you_o renew_v the_o close_a of_o your_o spirit_n with_o i_o whereby_o you_o may_v have_v power_n against_o this_o particular_a sin_n and_o i_o conceive_v this_o also_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n isa_n 50.10_o in_o that_o sweet_a council_n to_o poor_a distress_a soul_n in_o this_o case_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n that_o be_v no_o refreshment_n no_o comfort_a hope_n to_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 here_o be_v first_o a_o renew_a act_n of_o faith_n immediate_o command_v to_o such_o a_o distress_a soul_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n second_o here_o be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n a_o act_n of_o faith_n proper_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v never_o put_v forth_o a_o believe_a act_n former_o here_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n require_v and_o command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o these_o soul_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o former_a comfort_n whether_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a or_o false_a without_o respect_n to_o their_o receive_a grace_n whether_o they_o have_v receive_v grace_n or_o not_o receive_v grace_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o clear_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o only_a immediate_a mean_n to_o deliver_v such_o decline_a soul_n from_o under_o the_o fear_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o delusion_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v in_o this_o renew_a act_n only_o that_o the_o former_a evidence_n and_o manifestation_n give_v to_o such_o soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o their_o perspicuity_n clearness_n and_o satisfy_a power_n then_o only_o when_o the_o soul_n do_v thus_o close_o afresh_o with_o that_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n offer_v to_o it_o there_o be_v both_o light_n within_o and_o light_n without_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o former_a manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o glory_n and_o power_n afresh_o 2._o in_o regard_n through_o this_o renew_a act_n only_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v again_o stir_v up_o and_o draw_v forth_o into_o their_o powerful_a operation_n now_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o want_n of_o those_o precious_a effect_n that_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o believe_a soul_n that_o do_v occasion_n the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n to_o suspect_v his_o own_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v jealous_a they_o be_v but_o delusion_n now_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o deliver_v these_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a soul_n from_o under_o the_o tyrannical_a power_n of_o these_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n must_v be_v this_o renew_v believe_v act_n this_o renew_a confidence_n in_o that_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n wherein_o he_o tender_a christ_n in_o general_a to_o every_o sinner_n in_o regard_n these_o bless_a effect_n the_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o soul_n be_v only_o make_v visible_a to_o these_o believe_a soul_n again_o by_o that_o mean_n 3._o in_o regard_v both_o the_o incapacity_n of_o soul_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n and_o the_o unsutableness_n of_o soul_n for_o trial_n also_o be_v remove_v by_o that_o renew_v believe_v act_n in_o regard_n those_o distemper_n be_v heal_v these_o be_v heal_v two_o way_n first_o by_o a_o more_o general_a influence_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n second_o by_o a_o more_o particular_a influence_n first_o by_o a_o more_o general_a inffuence_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n into_o those_o distemper_n the_o believe_a soul_n close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v so_o as_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o redemption_n from_o his_o sin_n and_o from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n through_o christ_n the_o notion_n under_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o proffer_n of_o christ_n unto_o sinner_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v so_o accept_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v beget_v a_o precious_a amity_n between_o the_o feather_n and_o the_o soul_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o love_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n as_o well_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o love_n towards_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o love_n towards_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o a_o soul_n acceptance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o tender_v the_o soul_n accept_v of_o christ_n necessary_o as_o a_o redeemer_n to_o redeem_v he_o from_o slavery_n under_o those_o enemy_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n even_o sin_n and_o satan_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o love_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n second_o this_o particular_a act_n have_v a_o particular_a influence_n into_o those_o particular_a distemper_n that_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a for_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o this_o renew_a belieeving_a act_n former_o mention_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a sweet_a act_n of_o submission_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n indeed_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v the_o high_a submission_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v by_o any_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o regard_n the_o soul_n in_o that_o case_n captivate_v all_o his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n only_o to_o the_o lord_n authority_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v so_o and_o so_o concern_v his_o soul_n now_o from_o hence_o this_o renew_v believe_v act_n have_v a_o precious_a influence_n into_o the_o distemper_a soul_n under_o impatiency_n to_o heal_v the_o impatiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o domeneerd_v in_o he_o for_o now_o the_o will_n be_v content_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n it_o be_v content_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o 2._o this_o believe_a act_n have_v a_o particular_a influence_n into_o the_o soul_n rashness_n to_o heal_v that_o distemper_n also_o in_o this_o renew_a act_n there_o be_v a_o renew_a sense_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n absolute_a nothingness_n now_o from_o the_o soul_n actual_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o nothingness_n proceed_v a_o holy_a awe_n a_o holy_a reverential_a fear_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n which_o do_v hold_v in_o bound_n the_o rash_a disorderly_a spirit_n so_o that_o by_o this_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o careful_a how_o it_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o any_o precious_a word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o believe_a act_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o disorderly_a affection_n the_o irrational_a affection_n which_o do_v also_o incapacitate_v believe_v soul_n for_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o their_o evidence_n in_o the_o believe_a the_o soul_n do_v captivate_v all_o the_o imagination_n and_o thought_n of_o sense_n and_o carnal_a reason_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o the_o disorderly_a affection_n jealousy_n doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v even_o captivate_v and_o bring_v under_o 4._o this_o renew_v believe_v act_n have_v a_o influence_n also_o into_o the_o prejudicial_a conceit_n or_o opinion_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n receive_v to_o subdue_v those_o in_o the_o believe_a act_n there_o be_v a_o renew_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o some_o degree_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o fear_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v delusion_n have_v lose_v the_o

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

to_o apprehend_v aright_o any_o truth_n from_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n propound_v to_o he_o even_o when_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v renew_v and_o some_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o poor_a soul_n so_o that_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n the_o blind_a soul_n become_v a_o see_a soul_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n also_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o communicate_v the_o see_a eye_n to_o the_o understanding_n shall_v also_o communicate_v the_o see_v of_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o communicate_v the_o habit_n shall_v communicate_v also_o the_o act_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o give_v a_o principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o act_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n actual_o know_v or_o understand_v any_o spiritual_a holy_a mystery_n aright_o now_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n actual_o remain_v then_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n thus_o actuate_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n then_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o holy_a knowledge_n draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v then_o enable_v to_o discern_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v only_o then_o take_v a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v conqueror_n over_o the_o natural_a enmity_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o oppose_v the_o mind_n consent_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n now_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n the_o believe_a soul_n remain_v unregenerate_a enmity_n still_o possess_v the_o believe_a mind_n and_o then_o only_o have_v the_o believer_n conquest_n over_o those_o relic_n of_o enmity_n that_o possess_v the_o mind_n when_o he_o have_v actual_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o mind_n against_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_a to_o take_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n the_o mind_n now_o be_v dispose_v to_o accept_v or_o agree_v unto_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n understand_v and_o believe_v what_o the_o true_a celestial_a star_n be_v from_o whence_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v real_o come_v from_o god_n evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v flow_v and_o arise_v the_o precious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n to_o every_o lose_a sinner_n declare_v that_o his_o will_n be_v to_o admit_v every_o of_o those_o soul_n that_o will_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o himself_o in_o christ_n be_v that_o precious_a bright_a orient_a star_n from_o whence_o those_o beautiful_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v or_o may_v discover_v unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v arise_v now_o it_o be_v then_o only_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o light_a shine_n from_o the_o word_n perspicuous_o and_o clear_o unto_o a_o soul_n declare_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v of_o reconciliation_n with_o they_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o understand_v and_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a heavenly_a star_n from_o whence_o the_o light_n that_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o union_n must_v flow_v 4._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o irresistible_a power_n that_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o any_o soul_n real_o from_o god_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n the_o irresistible_a power_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o discovery_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o receive_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o this_o irresistible_a power_n of_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n only_o take_v impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o light_a the_o soul_n enjoy_v discover_v unto_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o when_o those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v most_o clear_o in_o the_o most_o transcendent_a beauty_n then_o be_v the_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o most_o lively_a holy_a act_n then_o do_v love_n and_o fear_v and_o joy_n and_o delight_n work_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n take_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o then_o in_o exercise_n in_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n the_o prime_a evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n have_v be_v discover_v to_o you_o to_o be_v only_o a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o prime_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o evidence_n must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n give_v to_o faith_n only_o reason_n must_v not_o aspire_v so_o high_a to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o faith_n action_n still_o it_o must_v be_v another_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o must_v pass_v a_o security_n upon_o the_o former_a act_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o thence_o when_o the_o believe_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v strong_a in_o exercise_n then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n suitable_a to_o take_v a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o take_v examination_n of_o his_o evidence_n right_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o evidence_n themselves_o which_o then_o only_o appear_v in_o their_o native_a self-discovering_a glory_n it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o discover_v themselves_o real_o to_o be_v from_o god_n even_o by_o their_o own_o native_a lustre_n and_o glory_n those_o beam_n of_o light_n come_v forth_o with_o the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n no_o soon_o behold_v they_o but_o he_o read_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o their_o native_a self-discovering_a glory_n never_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n actual_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o their_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o influence_n than_o the_o soul_n can_v behold_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n what_o they_o be_v quest_n there_o be_v another_o question_n that_o here_o interpose_v itself_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v answer_v believe_v soul_n will_v now_o reply_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o any_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v be_v only_o take_v while_o the_o splendour_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o evidence_n remain_v in_o the_o soul_n then_o what_o use_n shall_v soul_n make_v of_o the_o evidence_n they_o conceive_v they_o have_v receive_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o lustre_n and_o orient_a brightness_n of_o their_o evidence_n be_v eclipse_v and_o their_o command_a power_n enervate_v or_o wound_v that_o their_o evidence_n cease_v to_o witness_v unto_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o soul_n in_o this_o scruple_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o divers_a proposition_n prop._n 1._o first_o whenever_o the_o celestial_a glory_n of_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o cast_v into_o any_o believe_a soul_n to_o evidence_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v dark_a and_o those_o invincible_a and_o impregnable_a demonstration_n that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v weaken_v yet_o it_o be_v

then_o doleful_a weakness_n yea_o abhor_a wickedness_n in_o any_o soul_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n admission_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o the_o oratory_n light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n or_o the_o superadded_a light_n to_o the_o word_n that_o cause_v the_o word_n to_o give_v so_o clear_a and_o satisfy_v a_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v withdraw_v and_o suspend_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a shine_a burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o stand_v constant_o shine_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o open_a bosom_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o outstretch_a arm_n ready_a to_o grasp_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o near_a union_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v dreadful_a horrid_a wickedness_n for_o any_o soul_n to_o neglect_v slight_a undervalue_n or_o disregard_n the_o light_n of_o that_o precious_a write_a word_n because_o those_o heavenly_a beam_n of_o superadded_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n sometime_o give_v be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o through_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o iniquity_n sometime_o suspend_v the_o command_n of_o believe_v stand_v as_o a_o everlasting_a command_n found_v and_o build_v upon_o the_o mere_a write_a word_n make_v a_o precious_a discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v every_o lose_v perish_v soul_n that_o will_v to_o be_v reconcile_v 1_o john_n 3.23_o now_o thence_o it_o be_v most_o wretched_a disobedience_n in_o any_o soul_n when_o he_o have_v lose_v that_o glorious_a light_n of_o manifestation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o disobey_v that_o precious_a heavenly_a command_n also_o prop._n 2._o second_o whenever_o any_o soul_n subject_n himself_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o unbelief_n that_o still_o dwell_v in_o he_o upon_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v the_o brightness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o satisfy_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o cast_v off_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n admission_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v uncapable_a while_o he_o so_o remain_v of_o make_v any_o precious_a holy_a use_n of_o those_o former_a evidence_n that_o his_o soul_n enjoy_v of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o in_o regard_n while_o the_o soul_n so_o remain_v there_o can_v be_v no_o holy_a conception_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o his_o soul_n do_v former_o enjoy_v first_o take_v holiness_n for_o all_o kind_n of_o strictness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n there_o can_v be_v no_o righteous_a conception_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n the_o soul_n can_v understand_v they_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o discern_v they_o as_o they_o be_v second_o take_v holiness_n effective_o for_o these_o conception_n that_o do_v excite_v and_o quicken_v a_o believe_a soul_n unto_o holy_a act_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n there_o can_v be_v no_o holy_a conception_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n while_o the_o soul_n so_o remain_v all_o such_o conception_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v as_o holy_a effective_o that_o be_v that_o produce_v or_o quicken_v a_o soul_n to_o holiness_n be_v such_o as_o do_v apprehend_v some_o beam_n of_o excellency_n shine_v forth_o from_o those_o way_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a soul_n good_a now_o while_o a_o soul_n cast_v off_o all_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o can_v conceive_v of_o his_o former_a evidence_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o conceive_v any_o beam_n of_o excellency_n shine_v forth_o from_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o particular_a soul_n 2._o while_o any_o heart_n so_o remain_v he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o make_v a_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n in_o regard_n the_o activity_n of_o all_o holy_a affection_n whatever_o depend_v upon_o the_o activity_n of_o that_o believe_a disposition_n they_o live_v and_o die_v together_o the_o move_a principle_n that_o move_v holy_a affection_n objective_o be_v the_o believe_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v the_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o through_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o while_o a_o soul_n cast_v off_o all_o his_o confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o admit_v his_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o move_a principle_n to_o move_v the_o affection_n to_o their_o exercise_n and_o so_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o activity_n of_o any_o precious_a holy_a affection_n 3._o in_o regard_v all_o the_o ordinance_n that_o shall_v excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o heart_n to_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n be_v make_v useless_a while_o the_o soul_n enslave_v himself_o to_o carnal_a reason_n through_o unbelief_n not_o believe_v god_n will_v to_o make_v he_o one_o with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o heaven_n to_o be_v mouth_n to_o those_o soul_n in_o prayer_n yet_o those_o ordinance_n can_v have_v no_o operation_n upon_o those_o soul_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 4.2_o the_o word_n that_o be_v preach_v profit_v not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o degree_n of_o confidence_n in_o that_o great_a and_o grand_a gospel-truth_n to_o the_o particular_a soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o mix_v faith_n with_o any_o other_o gospel-truth_n that_o shall_v be_v preach_v so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o have_v a_o precious_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o heart_n 4._o when_o any_o heart_n yield_v up_o himself_o captive_a to_o unbelieving_a reason_n and_o so_o cast_v off_o all_o that_o his_o precious_a confidence_n it_o can_v make_v a_o believe_a use_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a decrease_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o corruption_n while_o the_o soul_n so_o remain_v the_o heart_n be_v so_o natural_o active_a that_o it_o will_v be_v spend_v its_o strength_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o activity_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a act_n of_o the_o forename_a precious_a confidence_n be_v seal_v the_o heart_n will_v spend_v all_o its_o strength_n in_o corrupt_a working_n when_o the_o heavenly_a plant_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o weed_n that_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n garden_n will_v be_v all_o flourish_a hardness_n indisposition_n for_o god_n hard_a thought_n of_o god_n will_v all_o be_v augment_v daily_o prop._n 3._o three_o no_o soul_n ought_v to_o entertain_v such_o a_o superlative_a conceit_n of_o the_o use_n of_o those_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o former_o receive_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v those_o his_o evidence_n the_o sole_a or_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o principal_a prop_n or_o pillar_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o utmost_a use_n intend_v by_o god_n that_o believe_v soul_n shall_v make_v of_o former_a evidence_n receive_v can_v be_v but_o strengthning_n and_o encouragement_n to_o renew_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o fulfil_v his_o bless_a word_n unto_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v utter_o strange_a from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v make_v any_o one_o act_n of_o god_n towards_o or_o in_o the_o soul_n the_o principal_a pillar_n rock_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o to_o build_v its_o hope_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n all_o those_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whether_o by_o way_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n or_o by_o way_n of_o infusion_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v mere_o arbitrary_a except_v only_o the_o spirit_n constant_a influence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n and_o consequent_o changeable_a and_o various_a according_a as_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v see_v suitable_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o various_a soul_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o that_o transcendent_a riches_n of_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n have_v prepare_v unchangeable_a rock_n where_o the_o prime_a anchor_n of_o believe_a soul_n hope_v shall_v be_v fasten_v unmoving_a pillar_n that_o never_o shake_v whereupon_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o confidence_n must_v be_v lay_v according_a

to_o heb._n 6.17_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o 2._o immutable_a thing_n two_o thing_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o alteration_n or_o diminution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o his_o oath_n also_o they_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n that_o do_v flee_v from_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o they_o that_o be_v that_o do_v accept_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o hang_v thus_o the_o eternal_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o former_a evidence_n be_v too_o high_a a_o use_n to_o put_v the_o former_a evidence_n too_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o that_o the_o former_a evidence_a beam_n of_o light_a manifest_a that_o be_v only_o destinate_a to_o that_o precious_a use_n to_o build_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n admission_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o even_o that_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v even_o that_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o will_v aceept_v it_o and_o whenever_o scruple_n and_o objection_n and_o doubt_n possess_v the_o soul_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o former_a evidence_n the_o first-born_a of_o the_o soul_n endeavour_v shall_v be_v take_v up_o in_o in_o clear_v that_o truth_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v conceive_v some_o beam_n of_o light_n do_v evidence_n to_o he_o prop._n 4._o there_o be_v a_o strait_a command_n from_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n give_v unto_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o make_v a_o holy_a use_n advantage_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o he_o that_o one_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a testimony_n heb._n 10.32_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n this_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o confidence_n ver_fw-la 35._o thus_o asaph_n do_v psal_n 77.5_o 6._o when_o he_o be_v under_o darkness_n when_o the_o power_n of_o unbelief_n begin_v to_o rage_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o he_o than_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v improvement_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o he_o he_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v now_o he_o recall_v himself_o and_o begin_v to_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o the_o former_a testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n kindness_n to_o he_o i_o consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a the_o year_n of_o ancient_a time_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v the_o former_a comfortable_a communion_n i_o enjoy_v in_o god_n how_o god_n delight_v himself_o in_o communion_n with_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n again_o how_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o i_o and_o i_o answerable_o rejoice_v in_o god_n again_o and_o i_o commune_v with_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o look_v over_o the_o record_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v diligent_a search_n to_o see_v what_o experience_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o my_o soul_n be_v treasure_v up_o there_o yea_o then_o to_o help_v himself_o further_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v some_o improvement_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v and_o kindness_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n even_o to_o other_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o i_o will_v remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a there_o be_v a_o command_n from_o heaven_n upon_o believe_a soul_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o former_a evidence_n and_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o inherent_a power_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o act_v something_o in_o order_n to_o this_o holy_a use_n or_o improvement_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n now_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o those_o former_a evidence_n that_o believe_v soul_n be_v engage_v from_o heaven_n to_o make_v they_o be_v various_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o sum_n up_o 5._o or_o 6._o 1._o every_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o gather_v from_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n some_o strength_n to_o his_o present_a confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n i_o beseech_v you_o mistake_v not_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o probable_a fluctuate_a hope_n that_o some_o soul_n have_v enjoy_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n from_o some_o apprehension_n of_o some_o present_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o clear_v to_o they_o in_o some_o degree_n their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o foster_v up_o some_o hope_n of_o it_o those_o i_o say_v though_o they_o may_v be_v and_o be_v frequent_o such_o as_o real_o descend_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o also_o from_o such_o conceit_a and_o suppose_a act_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n proceed_v most_o of_o those_o soul-deluding_a hope_n that_o poor_a blind_a soul_n be_v delude_v with_o by_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o because_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v i_o dare_v not_o persuade_v any_o soul_n who_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v have_v evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o evidence_n have_v be_v only_o some_o flash_n of_o light_n from_o some_o conceive_a act_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v firm_o impregnable_o and_o unmovable_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o those_o his_o evidence_n do_v descend_v from_o god_n when_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v they_o those_o fluctuate_a evidence_n unto_o sense_n questionless_a if_o soul_n adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o must_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o trial_n by_o sense_n again_o therefore_o now_o observe_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o precious_a clear_a infallible_a evidence_n give_v unto_o a_o believe_a soul_n from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n to_o clear_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n unquestionable_o that_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n be_v to_o admit_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o case_n his_o soul_n will_v accept_v it_o through_o which_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n also_o the_o evidence_n unto_o sense_n have_v attain_v a_o clear_a beam_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o close_a of_o the_o believer_n heart_n with_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o mark_v also_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v have_v its_o relation_n sole_o to_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n give_v unto_o the_o believer_n faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o take_v a_o just_a examination_n of_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n former_o give_v to_o his_o faith_n when_o their_o glory_n be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v yet_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n though_o it_o can_v so_o clear_o and_o sensible_o discern_v it_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o soul_n from_o heaven_n continual_o to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v evidence_v be_v true_a and_o the_o soul_n engage_v from_o god_n to_o believe_v it_o the_o soul_n also_o stand_v engage_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o his_o former_a evidence_n that_o his_o soul_n receive_v concern_v the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o and_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o such_o a_o former_a mamanifestation_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n concern_v that_o bless_a good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o gather_v heart_n and_o strength_n and_o courage_n to_o renew_v the_o confidence_n of_o his_o poor_a waver_a rremble_a unstable_a heart_n 2._o the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n give_v unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o foster_v and_o nourish_v a_o lively_a hope_n in_o his_o soul_n that_o the_o same_o bless_a light_n of_o manifestation_n to_o manifest_a unto_o his_o faith_n clear_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v return_v that_o experience_n that_o such_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o light_n and_o a_o time_n of_o darkness_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v

the_o write_a word_n and_o aught_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o certain_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o write_a word_n this_o appear_v i._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o direct_a command_n of_o heaven_n that_o believe_v soul_n shall_v stick_v and_o cleave_v only_o to_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n and_o that_o believe_a soul_n shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o precious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o that_o 2_o tim._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n first_o it_o be_v necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v the_o occasion_n you_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n have_v foretold_v of_o perilous_a time_n approach_v wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o false_a doctor_n in_o the_o world_n in_o who_o snare_n many_o soul_n shall_v be_v take_v captive_n therefore_o lest_o timothy_n also_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v the_o apostle_n write_v these_o verse_n on_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v tymothy_n soul_n in_o the_o truth_n say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v receive_v they_o now_o the_o argument_n he_o use_v to_o settle_v timothy_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v two_o first_o from_o his_o apostolical_a call_n know_v from_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o from_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v in_o those_o next_o verse_n that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n cause_v to_o be_v write_v as_o a_o rule_n now_o this_o be_v his_o argument_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v the_o apostle_n do_v illustrate_v it_o by_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o he_o discovers_z to_o he_o that_o those_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v if_o his_o soul_n do_v receive_v those_o discovery_n in_o those_o scripture_n by_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_a folly_n in_o timothy_n to_o receive_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o what_o he_o have_v learned_a to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o second_o he_o illustrate_v this_o argument_n by_o a_o second_o reason_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v but_o the_o breathe_v of_o god_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o man_n that_o write_v it_o it_o be_v god_n voice_n to_o thy_o soul_n say_v he_o therefore_o take_v heed_n thou_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n there_o discover_v three_o he_o illustrate_v this_o argument_n by_o a_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o use_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n that_o be_v for_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v instruct_v thou_o say_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o lord_n command_v thy_o soul_n to_o believe_v yea_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o reproof_n also_o for_o overthrow_v all_o false_a opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o for_o correction_n that_o be_v for_o the_o reprove_v all_o evil_a manner_n whatever_o for_o correct_v all_o vicious_a way_n whatever_o they_o be_v yea_o for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v profitable_a to_o discover_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d full_a so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o thou_o to_o know_v yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o add_v a_o four_o reason_n to_o illustrate_v this_o argument_n and_o that_o be_v in_o those_o next_o word_n which_o he_o take_v for_o the_o end_n of_o write_v these_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v furnish_v unto_o all_o perfection_n ii_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n in_o regard_n the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o a_o everlasting_a unchangeable_a rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o fetch_v his_o high_a testimony_n from_o the_o write_a word_n as_o you_o may_v observe_v john_n 5._o in_o compare_v for_o 31_o and_o so_o on_o and_o ver_fw-la 39_o together_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o bear_v witness_n of_o himself_o lest_o his_o witness_n shall_v not_o have_v evidence_v demonstration_n enough_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v from_o himself_o but_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n the_o baptist_n bear_v witness_n to_o he_o ver_fw-la 33._o he_o give_v they_o a_o second_o argument_n from_o his_o work_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o ver_fw-la 37._o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o but_o ver_fw-la 39_o to_o give_v that_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n even_o unto_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o holy_a writing_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n they_o testify_v of_o he_o say_v he_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o hence_o when_o paul_n begin_v to_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazereth_n who_o he_o preach_v be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n he_o persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n acts._n 28.23_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o act_n 17.11_o that_o those_o man_n of_o berea_n preach_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o second_o it_o must_v be_v clear_v that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v particular_o reveal_v unto_o believe_a soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n both_o unto_o their_o faith_n and_o unto_o their_o sense_n first_o it_o do_v reveal_v particular_o unto_o their_o faith_n their_o infallible_a admission_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o appear_v in_o regard_n the_o lord_n testimony_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v every_o soul_n that_o will_v into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v absolute_o universal_a without_o the_o least_o acceptation_n or_o limitation_n so_o that_o it_o comprehend_v every_o particular_a soul_n whatever_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n so_o in_o john_n 6.37_o he_o that_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o and_o in_o act_n 10.43_o that_o whosover_n believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o know_a place_n rev._n 22.17_o whoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o wherein_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v include_v that_o the_o lord_n testimony_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o the_o particular_a soul_n be_v name_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o the_o soul_n will_v accept_v it_o if_o the_o soul_n will_v consent_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o