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
soul_n that_o shall_v accept_v he_o gaze_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o the_o bless_a tender_a say_v to_o thy_o unbelieve_a mind_n o_o my_o crooked_a and_o unbelieving_a mind_n will_v thou_o not_o consent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o yonder_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n yonder_o god_n of_o truth_n itself_o that_o can_v lie_v say_v o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v accept_v yonder_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n behold_v what_o transcendent_a glory_n thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o o_o my_o soul_n will_v not_o thou_o trust_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o make_v such_o a_o offer_n will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o subject_v all_o thy_o reason_n and_o sensual_a argument_n to_o his_o authority_n still_o strive_v again_o say_v o_o my_o heart_n though_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n though_o the_o devil_n have_v cozen_v thou_o these_o many_o year_n though_o thou_o have_v deal_v false_o with_o the_o lord_n all_o this_o time_n yet_o the_o transcendent_a love_n of_o yonder_o god_n cease_v not_o to_o work_v towards_o thou_o o_o take_v up_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n credit_v the_o lord_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o wait_v o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n to_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o prime_n effectual_a infallible_a mean_n of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o your_o poor_a perplex_a torture_a soul_n by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o fear_n that_o your_o evidence_n be_v delusion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o never_o fail_a mean_n of_o discover_v to_o your_o poor_a dark_a obscure_a soul_n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o your_o evidence_n that_o your_o soul_n can_v discern_v true_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o direction_n that_o ever_o i_o commend_v to_o you_o i_o must_v set_v a_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la upon_o this_o remedy_n it_o be_v a_o try_v one_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o approve_a one_o a_o experience_a one_o i_o beseech_v you_o follow_v it_o let_v your_o soul_n be_v hold_v no_o long_o pore_v upon_o your_o former_a evidence_n as_o though_o you_o have_v no_o spring_n of_o refreshment_n but_o in_o those_o suppose_v your_o heart_n to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o devil_n possible_o can_v make_v it_o yet_o strive_v with_o your_o unbelieving_a mind_n and_o heart_n to_o accept_v anew_o of_o union_n tender_v to_o your_o poor_a lose_v perish_v soul_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n pre._n 5._o in_o the_o five_o place_n i_o shall_v further_o premise_v this_o that_o a_o impartial_a just_a and_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o any_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v only_o be_v take_v while_o those_o evidence_n remain_v in_o their_o perspicuity_n clearness_n and_o satisfy_a power_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v only_o precious_a orient_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n send_v forth_o from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n into_o the_o obscure_a soul_n join_v also_o with_o a_o precious_a exciting_a power_n send_v forth_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o light_a inherent_a in_o the_o same_o soul_n too_o while_o the_o evidence_n be_v go_v it_o can_v be_v that_o any_o soul_n receive_v such_o evidence_n shall_v just_o try_v weigh_v examine_v and_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o those_o evidence_n no_o long_o than_o those_o evidence_n do_v continue_v there_o must_v be_v light_n without_o and_o light_v within_o to_o enable_v a_o soul_n to_o make_v a_o examination_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o both_o the_o light_n without_o and_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o evidence_n itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n thence_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o examination_n to_o be_v prosecute_v or_o follow_v only_o while_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v those_o evidence_n in_o their_o brightness_n clearness_n and_o satisfy_a power_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n send_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n on_o purpose_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o a_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thence_o indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o witness_n shall_v be_v hear_v speak_v for_o themselves_o before_o any_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o testimony_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o soul_n now_o these_o witness_n never_o speak_v for_o themselves_o but_o while_o they_o be_v actual_o bear_v witness_n that_o be_v while_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n do_v actual_o shine_v into_o the_o obscure_a soul_n now_o when_o once_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n be_v withdraw_v the_o soul_n be_v now_o in_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n or_o no._n now_o that_o those_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n can_v be_v only_o take_v while_o the_o evidence_n do_v thus_o continue_v actual_o in_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v collect_v from_o john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v nf_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o be_v be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o the_o word_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n that_o the_o jew_n propound_v to_o jesus_n christ_n or_o they_o be_v a_o prevention_n to_o a_o question_n that_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v propound_v christ_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o teach_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o his_o father_n that_o send_v he_o v._o 16._o now_o it_o may_v be_v object_v but_o how_o can_v you_o prove_v that_o your_o doctrine_n be_v your_o father_n and_o not_o your_o own_o how_o will_v you_o manifest_v it_o to_o those_o that_o deny_v your_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o it_o be_v divine_a christ_n answer_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v whosoever_v heart_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o precious_a readiness_n actual_o to_o obey_v my_o father_n will_n he_o shall_v actual_o know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n so_o that_o two_o proposition_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n the_o one_o express_o the_o other_o implicit_o the_o first_o be_v affirm_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o discern_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n be_v only_o peculiar_a to_o obedient_a soul_n second_o it_o be_v implicit_o affirm_v that_o whatever_o soul_n be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o father_n bless_a will_n can_v during_o his_o disobedience_n discern_v truth_n divinity_n and_o infallibility_n of_o gospel_n truth_n now_o thence_o may_v be_v collect_v that_o believe_v soul_n do_v enjoy_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o their_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o do_v best_a and_o most_o perspicuous_o and_o clear_o understand_v the_o lord_n bless_a will_n and_o see_v the_o reality_n of_o every_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o infallibility_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n now_o mark_n then_o only_o believe_v soul_n do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o father_n will_n and_o do_v actual_o obey_v gospel_n truth_n when_o their_o soul_n receive_v through_o believe_v some_o evidence_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v their_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n through_o their_o believe_v in_o he_o every_o believe_a act_n be_v but_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o believer_n heart_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o word_n bear_v witness_v of_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o a_o believer_n receive_v the_o evidence_a light_n of_o the_o bless_a word_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o accept_n of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v then_o only_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o prime_a way_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v faith_n when_o he_o be_v receive_v some_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thence_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o just_a and_o impartial_a a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v only_o be_v take_v while_o those_o evidence_n do_v actual_o continue_v in_o their_o clearness_n and_o power_n for_o the_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o take_v these_o two_o reason_n i._o in_o regard_n then_o only_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_o dispose_v to_o take_v the_o examination_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o divers_a particular_n 1._o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n do_v actual_o remain_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o enable_v to_o conceive_v of_o and_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
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
of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n pre._n 2._o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v a_o distinction_n between_o assurance_n of_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n as_o in_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o say_v he_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o we_o he_o make_v a_o twofold_a assurance_n a_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n now_o indeed_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v both_o the_o property_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n now_o in_o both_o these_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n arise_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n gather_v the_o conclusion_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o behold_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n gather_v the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n pre._n 3._o three_o that_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n associate_n or_o companion_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n cotemporary_a that_o be_v accompany_v one_o another_o that_o when_o one_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v assurance_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v also_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o for_o a_o threefold_a reason_n 1._o in_o regard_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v witness_v or_o declare_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n whenever_o the_o lord_n reveal_v from_o his_o own_o word_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o take_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o lord_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n his_o soul_n want_v all_o the_o holiness_n the_o hungry_a or_o empty_a soul_n be_v breathe_v after_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v the_o soul_n he_o shall_v have_v love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o shall_v have_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o strength_n over_o corruption_n 2._o through_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v beget_v immediate_o now_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v thus_o necessary_o beget_v thence_o it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o they_o come_v to_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o lively_a working_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o grace_n be_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o soul_n by_o or_o through_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o the_o soul_n a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n mourn_v for_o sin_n more_o sweet_o and_o melt_v more_o precious_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o before_o though_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v some_o heart-breaking_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o wretchedness_n former_o it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o poor_a in_o himself_o and_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o more_o than_o ever_o before_o pre._n 4._o four_o though_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o soul_n yet_o the_o assurance_n of_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o according_a to_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n draw_v from_o his_o own_o grace_n when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n manifest_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o right_n orderly_a way_n never_o flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o arise_v upon_o these_o two_o ground_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o soul_n by_o god_n that_o do_v procure_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o appear_v thus_o the_o grace_n or_o love_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n then_o the_o lord_n do_v draw_v the_o the_o soul_n to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n when_o he_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o own_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o take_v it_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o mere_a disposition_n of_o his_o own_o will_v alone_o for_o no_o other_o respect_n whatever_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o now_o those_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o grace_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o grace_n in_o particular_a unto_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v through_o grace_n reveal_v that_o grace_n have_v its_o right_a proper_a effect_n in_o a_o soul_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n it_o have_v the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o effect_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v when_o we_o behold_v he_o through_o that_o sight_n we_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o divers_a place_n as_o john_n 15.16_o say_v christ_n you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n now_o at_o present_a as_o their_o portion_n but_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v christ_n first_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n choose_v their_o soul_n first_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n choose_v jesus_n christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o light_a reveal_n to_o a_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n choice_n of_o he_o so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o strength_n wherewith_o the_o will_n close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o choice_n again_o now_o the_o choice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o any_o habit_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o any_o soul_n bring_v forth_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a act_n true_o gracious_o act_v by_o any_o soul_n till_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v in_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v he_o to_o union_n with_o himself_o upon_o which_o the_o will_v also_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o and_o again_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o that_o know_a place_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o say_v he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o not_o that_o from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n love_v their_o love_n do_v proceed_v though_o that_o be_v true_a but_o from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gala._n 5_o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o love_n the_o very_a first_o operation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n towards_o christ_n be_v by_o love_n the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o grasp_v hold_n of_o christ_n it_o reach_v out_o also_o a_o hand_n of_o love_n unto_o christ_n now_o then_o observe_v the_o grace_n and_o working_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o gather_v assurance_n of_o knowledge_n from_o and_o those_o grace_n not_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o soul_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o lord_n manifestation_n unto_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n remain_v dark_a and_o hide_a and_o obscure_a to_o the_o
have_v any_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n or_o quality_n inherent_a in_o he_o but_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n former_o dark_a about_o his_o union_n must_v have_v respect_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o gift_n be_v manifest_v else_o the_o gift_n can_v be_v close_v with_o as_o suitable_a thence_o it_o must_v be_v manifest_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o poor_a despicable_a and_o desperate_a rebellious_a wretch_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v with_o the_o great_a commander_n of_o heaven_n for_o pardon_v to_o such_o a_o poor_a despicable_a rebel_n it_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o day_n man_n that_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o both_o partay_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o at_o difference_n to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o open_v the_o work_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o faith_n consider_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o ungodly_a one_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o rom._n 4_o 5._o ii_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v first_o in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v hitherto_o set_v in_o darkness_n must_v be_v a_o manifestation_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o those_o very_a grace_n and_o the_o grace_n themselves_o consider_v as_o give_v be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o his_o free_a will_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o those_o grace_n that_o must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o question_n open_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n use_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n there_o be_v another_o question_n to_o be_v open_v that_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n all_o the_o absolute_a promise_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o absolute_a promise_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o particular_a soul_n that_o be_v his_o own_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o or_o any_o other_o know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o particular_a soul_n in_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o particularise_v of_o any_o soul_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v first_o open_v what_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o every_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o lie_v down_o two_o conclusion_n for_o the_o full_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n of_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o absolute_a promise_n alone_o be_v like_o jacob_n ladder_n it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a ladder_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o come_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o precious_a golden_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o precious_a marriage_n knot_n of_o union_n be_v only_o knit_v by_o that_o chain_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o absolute_a good_a will_n unto_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o first_o ground_n of_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o revelation_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v soul_n now_o thence_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v than_o it_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v from_o eternity_n and_o so_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o lord_n elective_a love_n but_o rather_o the_o first_o and_o primary_n cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n shall_v be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o so_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n truth_n it_o shall_v be_v of_o he_o that_o will_v and_o run_v and_o not_o of_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o grace_n acceptable_a to_o god_n presuppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o union_n with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o conditional_a promise_n or_o a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v now_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o condition_n or_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o such_o a_o holy_a quality_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o holy_a quality_n conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n acceptable_a to_o god_n before_o union_n then_o either_o the_o soul_n must_v receive_v some_o holy_a quality_n that_o flow_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o deny_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o in_o col._n 1.9_o and_o john_n 1.16_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o some_o grace_n some_o holy_a quality_n shall_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n still_o remain_v a_o stranger_n to_o god_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o quality_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o union_n than_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v a_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n out_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n alone_o in_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v pre._n 2._o that_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v ever_o by_o or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v not_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n then_o the_o devil_n faith_n shall_v hold_v equal_a proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v as_o full_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a absolute_a promise_n as_o any_o unite_a soul_n and_o do_v as_o full_o expect_v the_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o shall_v the_o soul_n dependence_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o suitable_a ground_n for_o the_o dependence_n the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n but_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n all_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v describe_v in_o any_o word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a promise_n those_o be_v not_o discover_v at_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o absolute_a promise_n prove_v a_o particular_a ground_n to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o absolute_a promise_n see_v the_o lord_n particular_o tender_v himself_o to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o dependence_n prem_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o soul_n
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_n of_o believe_v be_v make_v sweet_o conscious_a to_o itself_o that_o it_o do_v right_o believe_v whence_o the_o renew_a conscience_n determine_v bold_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v everlasting_o one_o with_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o perspicuous_o unfold_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o shall_v take_v the_o description_n in_o piece_n and_o open_v it_o in_o part_n first_o you_o be_v to_o understand_v in_o the_o description_n the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o testimony_n unto_o sense_n the_o act_n be_v a_o act_n of_o irradiation_n a_o clothing_n the_o believer_n soul_n with_o a_o transparent_a glory_n and_o brightness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v but_o a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o light_n to_o faith_n and_o light_n to_o sense_n that_o be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o the_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n there_o be_v three_o act_n to_o be_v observe_v concern_v this_o irradiate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._o it_o be_v a_o immediate_a irradiation_n nay_o it_o proceed_v from_o that_o bless_a spirit_n so_o immediate_o that_o nothing_o can_v concur_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o cast_v that_o precious_a light_n upon_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o immediate_a as_o none_o of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o effect_v or_o produce_v instrumental_o this_o precious_a manifestation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n to_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v frequent_o yea_o constant_o through_o some_o precious_a ordinance_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v vouchsafe_v thus_o to_o irradiate_a or_o manifest_a to_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o of_o these_o ordinance_n 2._o it_o be_v such_o a_o immediate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o demonstration_n either_o from_o the_o antecedent_n or_o consequent_a from_o the_o cause_n or_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o believe_v have_v no_o place_n here_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o may_v be_v infallible_a demonstration_n draw_v by_o a_o believe_a soul_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o believe_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v true_a sincere_a and_o upright_o in_o believe_v yet_o the_o spirit_n do_v so_o immediate_o manifest_v this_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o do_v not_o send_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o or_o that_o work_n to_o see_v what_o holiness_n or_o strength_n of_o love_n or_o affection_n unto_o christ_n nor_o what_o readiness_n of_o heart_n to_o all_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o believe_v but_o the_o bless_a spirit_n do_v immediate_o in_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o the_o soul_n act_v that_o believe_a act_n cast_v a_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n upon_o that_o very_a act_n that_o there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o act_n itself_o that_o the_o act_n be_v a_o true_a believe_a act_n according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n 3._o this_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o immediate_a act_n that_o the_o spirit_n use_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o discursive_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o collect_v from_o the_o description_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o word_n that_o his_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a according_a to_o the_o lord_n will_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n it_o do_v discover_v clear_o infallible_o and_o unquestionable_o all_o the_o property_n whereby_o believer_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n also_o yet_o in_o this_o that_o be_v proper_o call_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n in_o its_o manifest_v the_o believe_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o discursive_a power_n in_o the_o mind_n the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o soul_n shall_v compare_v together_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o true_a believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v in_o the_o word_n so_o as_o thence_o to_o collect_v by_o discourse_n that_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v true_a 2_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a act_n full_a of_o perspicuity_n and_o transparency_n the_o spirit_n in_o this_o irradiation_n cast_v as_o clear_v a_o light_n upon_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n to_o make_v it_o discover_v itself_o as_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v cast_v a_o natural_a light_n upon_o its_o own_o natural_a act_n so_o that_o it_o be_v proportionable_o evident_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o his_o soul_n do_v believe_v as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o soul_n live_v or_o that_o the_o soul_n will_v or_o that_o it_o have_v a_o be_v 3_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n be_v authoritative_a irresistible_o powerful_a this_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n act_v have_v such_o a_o command_a power_n include_v in_o it_o that_o it_o even_o command_v the_o beâ—…_n yea_o it_o command_v undeniable_o so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o shut_v its_o eye_n but_o it_o must_v see_v ii_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o testimony_n unto_o sense_n the_o object_n name_v in_o the_o description_n be_v the_o soul_n believe_v act_n or_o confidence_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o very_a act_n of_o credit_n that_o the_o soul_n give_v to_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o that_o particular_a loveless_a soul_n shall_v adhere_v &_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o &_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o likewise_o testify_v that_o in_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o that_o word_n oâ—_n god_n it_o shall_v everlasting_o enjoy_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n now_o there_o be_v 4._o thing_n observable_a under_o this_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n i._o you_o must_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o present_a believe_a act_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o spirit_n manifestation_n or_o irradiation_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o cast_v those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n upon_o the_o soul_n former_a and_o past_a act_n of_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v be_v multiply_v but_o only_o upon_o the_o present_a momentany_a act_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v draw_v forth_o from_o the_o soul_n by_o its_o manifest_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o reveal_v the_o tender_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o despicable_a sinner_n in_o its_o glory_n and_o brightness_n ii_o you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o believe_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o the_o principal_a and_o primary_n object_n of_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n upon_o no_o other_o act_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n at_o present_a but_o only_o upon_o that_o act_n common_o the_o spirit_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o clothe_v the_o act_n of_o love_n with_o such_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n as_o that_o be_v also_o visible_a in_o the_o same_o moment_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o see_v unquestionable_o his_o arm_n of_o love_n grasp_a the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o well_o as_o he_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o confidence_n in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o iii_o you_o must_v observe_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_a or_o manifest_v this_o believe_a act_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o believe_v 1._o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n to_o make_v it_o unquestionable_a and_o undeniable_a to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o his_o wretched_a corrupt_a heart_n do_v not_o delude_v nor_o deceive_v he_o but_o that_o his_o heart_n do_v rely_v with_o some_o degree_n of_o strength_n and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v union_n and_o communion_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o it_o make_v apparent_a the_o uprightness_n that_o be_v the_o strait_a conformity_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o command_v of_o believe_v iv_o you_o may_v observe_v here_o how_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o soul_n everlasting_a inheritance_n or_o of_o the_o soul_n everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o as_o the_o spirit_n do_v irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v
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 theâ—_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
the_o spirit_n itself_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o these_o thing_n mention_v teach_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mark_v and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o teach_v you_o so_o that_o you_o know_v it_o be_v truth_n and_o you_o know_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v while_n that_o so_o teach_v or_o in_o its_o teach_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o former_a word_n that_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v they_o not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n still_o for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o the_o precious_a act_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o all_o these_o draw_v forth_o for_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o believe_a soul_n but_o thus_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o that_o be_v you_o need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v you_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o and_o thence_o also_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n v._o 10._o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o truth_n to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n now_o this_o must_v be_v further_o confirm_v by_o divers_a reason_n that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n now_o that_o witness_n or_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n if_o it_o do_v not_o evidence_n even_o by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o unto_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v than_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v unless_o the_o soul_n understand_v clear_o that_o the_o light_n that_o now_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v god_n witness_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v testify_v as_o the_o consideration_n of_o he_o who_o it_o be_v that_o testify_v that_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o evidence_n be_v the_o testimony_n from_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n satisfaction_n concern_v his_o union_n to_o revive_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n to_o send_v his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o they_o john_n 14.16_o he_o name_v the_o spirit_n the_o comforter_n reveal_v what_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v by_o his_o name_n now_o shall_v not_o the_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n evidence_n itself_o also_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o that_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o doubtful_a scrupulous_a soul_n therefore_o doubtless_o the_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v always_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o itself_o to_o evidence_n from_o itself_o whence_o it_o be_v see_v god_n intend_v those_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o regard_v that_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n or_o testimony_n unto_o a_o soul_n concern_v his_o union_n now_o see_v that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n there_o be_v a_o necessicity_n that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n shall_v evidence_n themselves_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o their_o own_o otherwise_o their_o witness_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o something_o else_o so_o that_o the_o high_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v come_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o holy_a quality_n and_o that_o precious_a disposition_n 4._o shall_v not_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n and_o sense_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o bless_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o useless_a those_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n be_v the_o spirit_n voice_n and_o shall_v it_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o be_v shall_v not_o its_o voice_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o voice_n the_o spirit_n shall_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n that_o be_v all_o the_o light_n that_o it_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v be_v frustrate_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n necssary_o fulfil_v the_o office_n to_o which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o the_o lord_n have_v destinate_a that_o spirit_n of_o he_o to_o seal_v up_o believer_n to_o seal_v up_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 13._o chap._n 4.30_o now_o a_o seal_n be_v destinate_a on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o peculiar_a confirmation_n of_o the_o thing_n sealed_n yea_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v destinate_a to_o be_v the_o earnest_a in_o the_o believer_n soul_n who_o it_o be_v send_v to_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o his_o inheritance_n according_a to_o that_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o say_v the_o original_a it_o be_v translate_v which_o but_o it_o be_v rather_o who_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n or_o who_o be_v the_o pledge_n the_o word_n signify_v some_o part_n of_o a_o price_n pay_v beforehand_o to_o assure_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o full_a price_n for_o some_o commodity_n buy_v so_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v who_o be_v give_v you_o as_o a_o part_n beforehand_o of_o that_o full_a inheritance_n that_o you_o may_v expect_v and_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v that_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a inheritance_n now_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n send_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o soul_n shall_v remain_v dubious_a after_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o seal_v office_n shall_v be_v no_o earnest_n see_v the_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o earnest_a as_o it_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n 6._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o only_a discoverer_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n manifest_v it_o be_v light_a that_o make_v all_o thing_n manifest_a now_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n so_o that_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o what_o some_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n must_v manifest_v and_o then_o observe_v it_o whatever_o reason_n any_o soul_n shall_v study_v to_o prove_v the_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o be_v send_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n to_o discover_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n even_o that_o reason_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o by_o some_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o unless_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o it_o to_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o very_a reason_n that_o he_o study_v up_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o former_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o be_v send_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n come_v down_o from_o the_o spirit_n to_o speak_v more_o plain_o thus_o see_v the_o
trust_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o the_o fulfil_n that_o his_o word_n now_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o no_o particular_a word_n speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o say_v thou_o thomas_n and_o thou_o john_n or_o thou_o elisabeth_n or_o thou_o marry_o shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o thou_o will_v accept_v he_o 1._o i_o answer_v that_o either_o every_o particular_a be_v perfect_o comprehend_v in_o the_o universal_a offer_n and_o universal_a command_n of_o believe_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v name_v every_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n of_o assurance_n concern_v any_o gospel-truth_n whatever_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assurance_n that_o our_o body_n shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o john_n or_o thou_o mary_n shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n again_o and_o come_v to_o judgement_n yet_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o beam_n of_o spiritual_a light_n shine_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n will_v acknwledge_v that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v reveal_v particular_o that_o this_o soul_n and_o that_o soul_n even_o his_o own_o soul_n shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dust_n and_o come_v to_o judgeman_n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o any_o particular_a soul_n faith_n of_o his_o certain_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_n to_o judgement_n 2._o either_o all_o those_o particular_n be_v to_o be_v full_o comprehend_v in_o that_o universal_a offer_n and_o universal_a unlimited_a command_n of_o believe_v or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n command_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n whatever_o nor_o no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reprove_v it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o john_n shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o mary_n shall_v receive_v i_o as_o thy_o only_a god_n and_o worship_v i_o only_o likewise_o no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v reprove_v it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o john_n shall_v not_o lie_v thou_o mary_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n yet_o i_o conceive_v thou_o who_o believe_a disposition_n be_v most_o out_o of_o exercise_n at_o present_a dare_v not_o say_v god_n have_v not_o say_v to_o thy_o soul_n do_v not_o steal_v do_v not_o lie_v that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n appoint_v so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o particular_a soul_n undoubted_o their_o certain_a admission_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o case_n they_o accept_v he_o second_o the_o precious_a write_a word_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o particular_a soul_n sense_n their_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whenever_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n send_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v irradiate_a the_o precious_a write_a word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o make_v its_o own_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v into_o a_o dark_a heart_n and_o also_o irradiate_a at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o cast_v beam_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o precious_a believe_a act_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v beget_v in_o that_o soul_n than_o that_o light_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o particular_o declare_v to_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n its_o certain_a actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o its_o general_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o write_a word_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v in_o general_a and_o declare_v that_o believe_a act_n to_o be_v require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o every_o soul_n that_o write_v word_n of_o god_n do_v particular_o reveal_v unto_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n his_o actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o thus_o the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n to_o be_v a_o come_n to_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 11.28_o to_o be_v receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o he_o give_v concern_v his_o son_n sell_v to_o its_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o a_o receive_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o be_v a_o receive_n of_o christ_n himself_o john_n 1.12_o to_o be_v a_o will_n in_o the_o soul_n concur_v with_o what_o the_o lord_n tender_v rev._n 22.17_o now_o i_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n the_o lord_n require_v it_o do_v speak_v particular_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o evidence_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o declare_v the_o soul_n certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o thus_o the_o spirit_n have_v first_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v have_v sweet_o encourage_v the_o soul_n yea_o powerful_o irresistible_o effectual_o command_v the_o soul_n to_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o to_o say_v lord_n be_v it_o unto_o thy_o servant_n as_o thou_o have_v speak_v then_o the_o same_o spirit_n irradiate_v that_o write_a word_n that_o describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n let_v the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v a_o sweet_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o he_o to_o reconcile_v the_o father_n and_o he_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_v also_o the_o precious_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n that_o holy_a trust_n and_o confidence_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o write_a word_n say_v particular_o that_o thou_o do_v consent_v to_o accept_v of_o what_o the_o lord_n thus_o tender_v in_o christ_n to_o thou_o thou_o be_v certain_o and_o everlasting_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v he_o who_o do_v receive_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v propound_v in_o christ_n so_o thou_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v certain_o lodge_v in_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o the_o second_o way_n that_o the_o write_a word_n dclare_v unto_o the_o particular_a soul_n sense_n his_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v by_o its_o description_n of_o the_o constant_a certain_a and_o inseparable_a operation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n describe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n or_o describe_v the_o various_a effect_n of_o faith_n 1._o by_o the_o write_a word_n declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 5.6_o 2._o by_o declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o abase_v the_o soul_n in_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o altogether_o nothing_o rom._n 3.27_o 3._o the_o scripture_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o purify_n the_o heart_n cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o unholy_a disposition_n acts._n 15_o 9_o 4._o in_o declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o high_a and_o unspeakable_a estimation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o now_o thus_o the_o write_a word_n declare_v the_o proper_a manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n do_v declare_v particular_o unto_o any_o particular_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o same_o write_a word_n declare_v that_o in_o whatever_o heart_n the_o believe_a disposition_n thus_o particular_o work_v there_o be_v that_o precious_a believe_a act_n the_o lord_n require_v there_o be_v that_o precious_a faith_n unfeigned_a that_o jesus_n christ_n command_v in_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o so_o it_o speak_v particular_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n thou_o do_v believe_v with_o that_o precious_a faith_n unfeigned_a that_o jesus_n christ_n require_v and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o make_v this_o write_a word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n understanding_n what_o it_o do_v always_o speak_v in_o itself_o which_o be_v that_o that_o particular_a soul_n do_v now_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o
now_o in_o open_v of_o it_o he_o amplify_v it_o first_o by_o the_o original_a cause_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o verse_n 9_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n good_a pleasure_n pure_o in_o himself_o then_o he_o open_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n effect_v this_o in_o this_o manner_n that_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o these_o word_n 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 on_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o word_n they_o contain_v the_o intend_a effect_n or_o end_v the_o lord_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o this_o intend_a effect_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n observable_a 1._o the_o act_n itself_o in_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n that_o be_v union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o indeed_o the_o union_n be_v twofold_a first_o of_o all_o with_o christ_n second_o one_o with_o another_o they_o be_v make_v both_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o one_o body_n within_o themselves_o 2._o observe_v here_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o this_o effect_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o these_o word_n all_o thing_n the_o object_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o general_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o person_n predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o will_n to_o be_v his_o own_o in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v they_o together_o in_o one_o second_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o more_o particular_o and_o that_o by_o a_o double_a distribution_n of_o the_o person_n into_o the_o several_a place_n where_o they_o remain_v in_o those_o word_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n all_o those_o that_o be_v already_o full_o join_v and_o complete_o unite_v to_o he_o in_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v intend_v to_o bring_v into_o that_o glorious_a union_n 3._o observe_v here_o the_o subject_n with_o who_o this_o union_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v and_o that_o be_v christ_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o very_a punctum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v he_o be_v that_o one_o point_n in_o which_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o 4._o here_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o word_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n those_o word_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o they_o be_v a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o adjunct_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v where_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v put_v for_o the_o various_a successive_a time_n in_o their_o own_o order_n various_o dispense_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o in_o the_o various_a season_n purpose_v by_o god_n himself_o successive_o according_a to_o the_o lord_n wise_a dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n in_o their_o order_n the_o lord_n may_v thus_o gather_v together_o all_o to_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n a_o little_a open_v and_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o end_n that_o in_o the_o successive_a time_n that_o he_o have_v purpose_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o he_o be_v dispense_n they_o in_o his_o own_o wisdom_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v one_o in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v divers_a thing_n worthy_a our_o observation_n out_o of_o these_o word_n first_o we_o may_v consider_v they_o as_o they_o have_v dependence_n upon_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o therein_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o act_n itself_o name_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v to_o gather_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n from_o thence_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o conclusion_n doct._n that_o the_o purpose_n and_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o their_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o union_n they_o may_v be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o and_o christ_n be_v one_o by_o transgression_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n we_o be_v all_o estrange_v from_o god_n and_o there_o be_v a_o high_a wall_n of_o separation_n build_v up_o between_o he_o and_o our_o soul_n hence_o in_o col._n 1.21_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.18_o but_o though_o we_o have_v deal_v thus_o unworthy_o with_o god_n in_o our_o breach_n of_o union_n and_o despise_v communion_n the_o lord_n love_n do_v condescend_v so_o low_a and_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o compassion_n have_v be_v so_o unconceivable_o tender_a towards_o poor_a worthless_a sinner_n that_o he_o have_v again_o provide_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n for_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v so_o depart_v from_o he_o to_o have_v access_n to_o himself_o he_o have_v provide_v his_o son_n a_o mediator_n between_o himself_o and_o such_o wretched_a soul_n and_o in_o and_o through_o that_o one_o mediator_n through_o that_o one_o days-man_n he_o offer_v to_o make_v himself_o one_o again_o with_o the_o soul_n and_o least_o soul_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o incomprehensible_a kindness_n of_o he_o he_o have_v write_v a_o glorious_a gospel_n by_o the_o great_a secretary_n of_o heaven_n discover_v the_o precious_a working_n of_o his_o own_o love_n and_o send_v messenger_n on_o purpose_n to_o proclaim_v it_o to_o every_o soul_n and_o the_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o all_o be_v only_o this_o that_o he_o may_v gather_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o so_o by_o that_o union_n himself_o and_o those_o soul_n may_v again_o be_v one_o for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v divers_a question_n that_o soul_n will_v willing_o have_v answer_v quest_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v one_o with_o jesus_n christ_n first_o i_o must_v answer_v you_o negative_o what_o it_o be_v not_o second_o affirmative_o show_v you_o what_o the_o union_n be_v answ_n first_o negative_o what_o it_o be_v not_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o man_n be_v call_v to_o by_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o call_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n which_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o divine_a now_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_a that_o christ_n take_v upon_o he_o and_o not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o four_o person_n take_v into_o the_o trinity_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o union_n of_o dependence_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o primary_n be_v the_o first_o be_v of_o being_n in_o the_o world_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o be_v proceed_v from_o god_n the_o first_o be_v and_o be_v preserve_v in_o that_o be_v by_o influence_n from_o god_n now_o shall_v the_o union_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v break_v than_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o fall_v into_o nothing_o now_o in_o that_o respect_n all_o the_o creature_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v union_n with_o god_n so_o the_o poor_a herb_n and_o weed_n have_v a_o union_n of_o dependence_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o the_o union_n of_o presence_n that_o be_v of_o the_o essential_a presence_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n be_v a_o infinite_a be_v fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o be_v not_o circumscribe_v in_o both_o that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o both_o but_o be_v infinite_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o own_o be_v be_v as_o present_v in_o hell_n as_o in_o heaven_n in_o this_o place_n as_o in_o that_o place_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v a_o union_n of_o presence_n every_o creature_n sensible_a and_o unsensible_a have_v such_o a_o union_n there_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o they_o god_n have_v his_o way_n in_o the_o poor_a weed_n that_o have_v a_o be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o
one_o jota_n or_o tittle_n from_o the_o great_a god_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o command_v a_o fullness_n of_o belief_n from_o every_o soul_n 2._o the_o soul_n make_v all_o these_o invite_a promise_n to_o be_v mere_o in_o vain_a for_o if_o these_o invite_a promise_n do_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v a_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n that_o have_v be_v at_o enmity_n to_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v it_o with_o firmness_n of_o confidence_n than_o they_o be_v altogether_o useless_a they_o can_v be_v no_o incentive_a and_o motive_n to_o invite_v the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o soul_n must_v say_v thus_o that_o those_o invite_a promise_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v apply_v particular_o unto_o particular_a soul_n with_o that_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n now_o herein_o be_v great_a injury_n do_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v deny_v those_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o one_o soul_n under_o heaven_n now_o herein_o the_o soul_n show_v much_o impudence_n and_o boldness_n to_o set_v limit_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n where_o he_o be_v please_v to_o set_v no_o limit_n 2._o then_o those_o invite_a promise_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o justify_v faith_n according_a as_o it_o do_v justify_v for_o questionless_a that_o which_o be_v call_v justify_v faith_n according_a as_o it_o do_v justify_v or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o that_o justify_n way_n that_o do_v particular_o apply_v those_o promise_n to_o the_o particular_a soul_n 3._o there_o be_v one_o imagination_n more_o of_o the_o soul_n upon_o which_o it_o ground_n this_o conceit_n that_o the_o invite_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n may_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n believe_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o be_v to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v doubtful_a and_o question_v of_o his_o union_n all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o a_o soul_n may_v believe_v with_o all_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o take_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n habitual_o though_o not_o actual_o and_o so_o be_v question_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o habitual_o but_o alas_o this_o come_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o indeed_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v true_o that_o a_o soul_n have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o take_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o a_o soul_n can_v be_v say_v proper_o habitual_o to_o believe_v this_o for_o indeed_o the_o weak_a believer_n that_o have_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o faith_n have_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o this_o habit_n of_o faith_n proceed_v and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n believe_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o beam_n the_o devil_n forge_v to_o cast_v into_o the_o soul_n eye_n there_o be_v a_o second_o kind_n of_o beam_n of_o darkness_n and_o those_o be_v dark_a distemper_n though_o the_o devil_n grand_a policy_n be_v to_o keep_v false_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n judgement_n whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v discern_v all_o in_o a_o false_a way_n that_o god_n propound_v to_o he_o yet_o he_o have_v another_o policy_n to_o flee_v to_o and_o that_o be_v distemper_n in_o the_o heart_n now_o these_o be_v also_o dangerous_a and_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o assurance_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n while_o those_o remain_n in_o the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o be_v a_o second_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o pluck_v out_o those_o dark_a distemper_n and_o these_o be_v also_o divers_a the_o first_o dark_a distemper_n be_v spiritual_a pride_n it_o be_v natural_a pride_n work_v spiritual_o though_o sometime_o it_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n and_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o humour_n or_o swell_v in_o the_o spirit_n or_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o lift_v up_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o crossness_n and_o averseness_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o the_o devil_n cause_v to_o grow_v like_o a_o wen_n upon_o the_o soul_n spiritual_a eye_n whereby_o he_o prevent_v the_o soul_n see_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o to_o he_o there_o be_v two_o special_a working_n of_o this_o distemper_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v prevent_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o it_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o have_v his_o thought_n take_v up_o chief_o in_o look_v after_o and_o seek_v out_o some_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n itself_o whereupon_o it_o may_v stay_v its_o soul_n and_o uphold_v its_o sink_a spirit_n and_o hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v though_o the_o heart_n little_a mind_n it_o and_o think_v itself_o far_o enough_o off_o from_o pride_n the_o soul_n eye_n be_v always_o upon_o his_o own_o prayer_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n upon_o his_o own_o tear_n mourn_v and_o groan_v upon_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o its_o working_n towards_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o god_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n complain_v of_o under_o this_o distemper_n be_v common_o that_o which_o a_o soul_n will_v little_o think_v proceed_v from_o pride_n that_o he_o can_v find_v any_o goodness_n in_o himself_o whereas_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o heart_n search_v to_o the_o bottom_n he_o think_v he_o have_v much_o goodness_n 2._o it_o make_v the_o heart_n averse_a to_o the_o thought_n of_o receive_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o shall_v have_v only_o through_o mere_a gift_n alone_o the_o proud_a heart_n will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o all_o but_o will_v have_v all_o in_o his_o own_o way_n hence_o arise_v a_o threefold_a distemper_n 1._o the_o soul_n insnarle_v itself_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o interpret_v all_o the_o promise_n against_o itself_o thence_o the_o soul_n think_v concern_v every_o promise_n it_o be_v but_o give_v to_o aggravate_v my_o condemnation_n 2._o hence_o arise_v a_o conclusion_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o must_v not_o nay_o sometime_o that_o it_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n till_o it_o find_v such_o and_o such_o disposition_n as_o the_o soul_n conceive_v necessary_a to_o be_v in_o itself_o say_v the_o soul_n if_o i_o can_v find_v my_o heart_n enlarge_v towards_o god_n and_o my_o deadness_n and_o coldness_n remove_v if_o i_o can_v find_v a_o mighty_a fervency_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v think_v indeed_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v belong_v to_o i_o so_o that_o here_o the_o soul_n sit_v wait_v for_o and_o pursue_v after_o something_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v with_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v come_v with_o his_o penny_n to_o take_v his_o pennyworth_n of_o that_o which_o god_n propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o from_o this_o averseness_n to_o receive_v all_o from_o free_a grace_n arise_v a_o neglect_n and_o disregard_n of_o search_v into_o the_o promise_n what_o they_o hold_v forth_o propound_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n alas_o say_v the_o soul_n what_o be_v this_o to_o i_o none_o of_o these_o promise_n belong_v to_o i_o now_o thence_o the_o soul_n be_v keep_v in_o his_o doleful_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n through_o want_n of_o gaze_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n it_o hold_v forth_o a_o second_o distemper_n be_v the_o rashness_n and_o unadvisedness_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o rashness_n be_v a_o unadvised_a sudden_a draw_v up_o determination_n concern_v the_o soul_n condition_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n draw_v that_o determination_n and_o without_o a_o due_a weigh_v of_o those_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n questionless_a this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o distemper_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o least_o beam_n that_o the_o devil_n keep_v in_o the_o soul_n eye_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o secret_a dangerous_a snare_n that_o the_o devil_n catch_v the_o foot_n of_o soul_n in_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o rational_a way_n i_o know_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n temporary_a
reveal_v a_o fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o so_o strength_n itself_o to_o the_o soul_n but_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v call_v himself_o by_o that_o name_n of_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n 2._o the_o soul_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v against_o all_o fear_n of_o his_o not_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o mercy_n and_o love_n and_o goodness_n that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v he_o may_v behold_v the_o lord_n name_v to_o be_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n not_o only_a goodness_n but_o abound_v have_v more_o than_o a_o fullness_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v run_v over_o into_o empty_a soul_n like_o river_n abound_v with_o water_n free_o overflow_a his_o bank_n 5._o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v to_o a_o complete_a perfect_a fulfil_n of_o his_o reveal_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o loveless_a sinner_n his_o name_n you_o see_v be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n so_o that_o god_n must_v lose_v that_o beam_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o bless_a name_n which_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n shall_v the_o least_o tittle_n the_o least_o jota_n of_o any_o word_n reveal_v mercy_n and_o love_n to_o loveless_a sinner_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n 6._o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v for_o the_o accept_n every_o soul_n into_o grace_n and_o favour_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o make_v any_o exception_n against_o any_o one_o soul_n whatever_o the_o lord_n name_v you_o see_v be_v the_o lord_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o that_o be_v for_o infinite_a number_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o name_n be_v he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n to_o every_o soul_n without_o exception_n 7._o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v to_o secure_a soul_n that_o no_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n can_v be_v a_o prevention_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o a_o soul_n into_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n his_o name_n you_o see_v be_v the_o lord_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n that_o be_v forgive_a all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n 8._o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v be_v engage_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o receive_a soul_n into_o love_n and_o favour_n shall_v be_v only_o his_o own_o precious_a will_n his_o name_n be_v he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n exod._n 33.9_o so_o that_o when_o the_o soul_n confidence_n begin_v to_o waver_v about_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o accept_v he_o into_o love_n and_o favour_n because_o he_o behold_v no_o ground_n or_o argument_n of_o love_n than_o the_o soul_n may_v behold_v the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n that_o have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n look_v for_o no_o argument_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n but_o his_o own_o will._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a name_n be_v engage_v for_o assure_v soul_n of_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n discover_v and_o that_o be_v the_o six_o particular_a seven_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v give_v in_o his_o bless_a word_n precedent_n example_n and_o pattern_n suitable_a to_o the_o case_n and_o state_n of_o every_o soul_n upon_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v already_o effect_v whatever_o mercy_n and_o love_v the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o forlorn_a despicable_a loveless_a sinner_n the_o lord_n have_v so_o abound_v and_o superabound_v in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o love_n that_o out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o those_o his_o compassion_n towards_o loveless_a sinner_n he_o have_v condescend_v beneath_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o superexcellent_a majesty_n to_o give_v all_o kind_n of_o security_n whatever_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v to_o poor_a doubt_v spirit_n concern_v his_o gospel-love_n there_o be_v eight_o particular_a case_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o soul_n which_o case_n comprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o estate_n and_o temper_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o soul_n to_o be_v under_o i._o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o superlative_a height_n of_o soul_n wickedness_n the_o be_v plunge_v into_o a_o bottomless_a ocean_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o abomination_n and_o pollution_n that_o be_v imaginable_a in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v eminent_a pattern_n first_o if_o you_o look_v into_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o and_o read_v over_o the_o black_a bill_n of_o almost_o all_o kind_n of_o abomination_n that_o be_v there_o reckon_v up_o fornicatour_n idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n reviler_n extortioner_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v v._o 11._o that_o some_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o black_a bill_n of_o all_o pollution_n be_v wash_v sanctify_a justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o for_o say_v the_o text_n such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o another_o pattern_n the_o lord_n leave_v 2_o chron._n 33.11_o 12_o 13._o of_o manasseh_n who_o heap_v up_o wickedness_n upon_o wickedness_n yet_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o pattern_n of_o gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n another_z you_o have_v in_o paul_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o one_o drink_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n like_o water_n one_o blaspheme_v jesus_n christ_n offer_v all_o kind_n of_o injury_n and_o indignity_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a that_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o love_n manifest_v in_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o through_o christ_n and_o this_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o experiment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o who_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o to_o life_n everlasting_a so_o act._n 2.30_o those_o that_o have_v wash_v their_o malicious_a and_o envious_a hand_n in_o the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n so_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doleful_a story_n of_o our_o first_o fall_n by_o eve_n who_o do_v first_o provoke_v the_o anger_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n gen._n 3.15_o ii_o the_o second_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v pattern_n be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o unbelief_n the_o potency_n and_o prevalency_n of_o unbelieve_a disposition_n i_o shall_v propound_v but_o two_o pattern_n to_o you_o in_o this_o case_n first_o of_o david_n who_o under_o the_o rage_n of_o unbelief_n psal_n 116.11_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o those_o prophet_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o dissembler_n notwithstanding_o he_o have_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o message_n come_v from_o god_n the_o second_o pattern_n be_v in_o unbelieving_a thomas_n john_n 20.24_o 25_o 26._o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n except_o he_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n yet_o gospel_n love_n and_o mercy_n be_v discover_v to_o he_o vers_n 27._o under_o this_o case_n come_v in_o these_o two_o case_n of_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v 1._o in_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o feel_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n draw_v their_o heart_n to_o believe_v say_v the_o poor_a perplex_a soul_n sure_o the_o lord_n draw_v all_o that_o he_o intend_v shall_v come_v to_o christ_n through_o believe_v but_o alas_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o god_n have_v draw_v my_o heart_n therefore_o sure_o god_n have_v not_o choose_v i_o to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o love_n now_o the_o spirit_n may_v witness_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o soul_n as_o much_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o unbelieve_a disposition_n as_o his_o unbelieving_a spirit_n yet_o the_o bowel_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o restrain_v from_o they_o 2._o here_o come_v in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n towards_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o strong_a inclination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o receive_v security_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n from_o something_o that_o shall_v be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v also_o a_o common_a case_n of_o soul_n that_o they_o can_v discern_v any_o disposition_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o bosom_n
for_o that_o believe_a soul_n to_o question_v his_o own_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o confidence_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v as_o perfect_o and_o as_o clear_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o they_o strength_n to_o enable_v soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v those_o promise_n as_o they_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o a_o fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n for_o those_o soul_n that_o do_v embrace_v they_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v say_v it_o be_v my_o will_n that_o such_o perish_v sink_v despicable_a soul_n as_o will_v accept_v my_o tender_a shall_v be_v one_o with_o i_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o have_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o i_o have_v also_o say_v will_v allure_v and_o draw_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v according_a to_o my_o will_n this_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o in_o christ_n that_o i_o free_o tender_v you_o according_a to_o jer._n 31_o 32_o 33._o this_o shall_v be_v my_o covenant_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v infuse_v suitable_a disposition_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o embracer_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o incline_v dispose_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o fulfil_v all_o my_o reveal_v will_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v as_o sure_a a_o word_n reveal_v to_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o from_o whence_o may_v arise_v a_o confidence_n in_o it_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v everlasting_o to_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v a_o word_n whereupon_o his_o soul_n may_v depend_v and_o may_v be_v confident_a the_o lord_n will_v accept_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n that_o very_a confidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o infallible_a acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v the_o very_a act_n of_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n there_o be_v four_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n include_v under_o this_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o 1._o in_o this_o be_v include_v the_o election_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o be_v but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gospel_n require_v to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o now_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v the_o soul_n credence_n or_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v confident_a of_o the_o lord_n accept_n of_o it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o it_o be_v only_o because_o of_o such_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n or_o which_o the_o soul_n believe_v 3._o in_o this_o act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v a_o resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n whole_o unto_o christ_n such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o know_v who_o word_n it_o be_v that_o i_o give_v credit_n to_o and_o that_o i_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o i_o lean_v my_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o word_n for_o its_o everlasting_a happiness_n so_o that_o then_o in_o this_o act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v that_o mutual_a interchangable_n covenant_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n require_v from_o soul_n in_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v 4._o in_o this_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v a_o full_a dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n a_o hang_v the_o soul_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o word_n so_o that_o indeed_o all_o the_o act_n that_o the_o gospel_n require_v from_o soul_n be_v include_v in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o confidence_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n be_v also_o the_o act_n of_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n be_v gradual_o as_o strong_a as_o the_o act_n of_o its_o confidence_n of_o accept_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o cleave_v to_o he_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n question_v his_o own_o adherence_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o testimony_n foremention_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n and_o produce_v 〈◊〉_d confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n lie_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n the_o very_a confidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n beget_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o accept_n it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o cleave_v to_o he_o the_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v further_o that_o whenever_o the_o spirit_n by_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n do_v beget_v that_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o than_o the_o soul_n can_v question_v his_o own_o adhere_n unto_o christ_n any_o more_o than_o he_o question_n the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o faith_n be_v or_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o do_v equal_o beget_v a_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n to_o the_o confidence_n that_o it_o do_v beget_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o soul_n adhere_v to_o he_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o of_o all_o the_o promise_n the_o spirit_n in_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n clear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a glorious_a work_n of_o the_o union_n of_o loveless_n sinner_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o have_v its_o sole_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o manifest_v believe_v strength_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_o to_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o union_n with_o christ_n himself_o be_v tender_v now_o than_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n which_o follow_v this_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o large_a as_o its_o irradiation_n work_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n do_v in_o a_o judicial_a authoritative_a way_n witness_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o gospel_n truth_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v possible_o resist_v that_o determination_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v into_o its_o bosom_n now_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v enable_v it_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v unto_o its_o faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n every_o soul_n that_o will_v adhere_v to_o he_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o soul_n shall_v more_o question_v his_o adhere_n unto_o christ_n than_o he_o shall_v question_v the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o he_o
the_o readiness_n of_o the_o soul_n natural_o to_o concur_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o corrupt_a conscience_n while_o it_o bear_v witness_v against_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o regard_n the_o full_a bent_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o therefore_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o give_v matter_n for_o conscience_n to_o build_v a_o new_a judgement_n upon_o concern_v the_o soul_n everlasting_a estate_n ii_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o its_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n unto_o christ_n may_v every_o way_n counterpoise_v the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o its_o separation_n from_o christ_n there_o be_v three_o evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o separation_n from_o christ_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n do_v parallel_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n answerable_a to_o those_o three_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n separation_n from_o christ_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o bless_a word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n determine_v that_o every_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n be_v by_o merit_n and_o desert_n everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o actual_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o be_v void_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n work_v the_o contrary_a opposite_a rebellious_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o any_o soul_n natural_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 3.8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n that_o be_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o bent_n of_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a determination_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o will_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n found_v upon_o these_o contrary_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o christ_n now_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o three_o the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o even_o such_o a_o particular_a despicable_a lose_a sinner_n shall_v infallible_o in_o his_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n enjoy_v everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n add_v this_o testimony_n also_o unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n whereby_o he_o make_v the_o soul_n discern_v even_o from_o the_o move_n and_o work_v of_o his_o heart_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o from_o thence_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v witness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v actual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n iii_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v a_o super-addition_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o sense_n that_o the_o whole_a bless_a word_n of_o god_n may_v sweet_o concur_v together_o in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o for_o example_n that_o word_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.13_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o we_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n this_o word_n bear_v not_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o it_o bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o believe_a soul_n sense_n that_o be_v unite_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v from_o god_n into_o its_o bosom_n likewise_o that_o other_o word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o life_n and_o grace_n and_o holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o you_o that_o jesus_n christ_n act_n and_o work_n in_o you_o and_o through_o you_o know_v you_o not_o this_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n now_o this_o word_n bear_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n because_o the_o indwel_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o object_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n iv_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o believe_v soul_n may_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o everlasting_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n here_o below_o according_a to_o that_o eph._n 1.13_o you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n so_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o earnest_n import_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o soul_n part_n of_o his_o everlasting_a portion_n before_o hand_n two_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v that_o small_a portion_n as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a inheritance_n now_o in_o the_o spirit_n testify_v unto_o sense_n the_o soul_n union_n the_o spirit_n do_v clear_o manifest_v the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o its_o participation_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n already_o in_o regard_n it_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v actual_o inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n v._o the_o lord_n superadd_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n unto_o its_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v effect_v the_o full_a degree_n of_o conformity_n to_o his_o whole_a will_n in_o the_o soul_n two_o command_n be_v impossible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o yield_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o without_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n first_o the_o command_n of_o examine_v and_o prove_v the_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o all_o command_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o examine_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n whether_o love_v to_o god_n or_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o no_o there_o can_v be_v no_o effectual_a obedience_n to_o any_o command_n of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o discover_v all_o its_o precious_a working_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o command_n of_o perpetual_a rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o obey_v without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n though_o indeed_o believe_v be_v the_o primary_n original_a of_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n yet_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o its_o believe_v be_v a_o necessary_a adjunct_n to_o make_v up_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n vi_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o his_o testimony_n to_o faith_n that_o the_o believe_a soul_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n all_o those_o glorious_a portion_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n whereby_o believer_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o precious_a habit_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o their_o heart_n will_v be_v as_o so_o many_o strong_a hold_v for_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o fortify_v in_o against_o the_o believer_n soul_n and_o will_v be_v turn_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o hell_n into_o condemn_a sentence_n against_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o precious_a tower_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n will_v be_v always_o batter_v the_o sweet_a stream_n of_o comfort_n will_v always_o meet_v with_o one_o interruption_n or_o other_o in_o their_o flow_a down_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n sense_n what_o the_o spirit_n witness_n be_v unto_o sense_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v a_o precious_a secret_a immediate_a clear_a and_o authoritative_a irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n or_o confidence_n cause_v the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o believe_v to_o shine_v so_o resplendent_o that_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o
act_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o become_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o soul_n inheritance_n that_o be_v that_o it_o become_v as_o a_o small_a portion_n give_v by_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o hand_n in_o testimony_n that_o it_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a inheritance_n the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o earnest_n in_o irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n three_o way_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n manifest_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o its_o irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n in_o discover_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o do_v upright_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n believe_v it_o do_v discover_v holiness_n to_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o discover_v itself_o to_o have_v take_v up_o its_o habitation_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o sight_n that_o the_o spirit_n put_v into_o the_o believe_a act_n make_v it_o visible_a to_o his_o own_o eye_n discern_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o thus_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o precious_a earnest_n give_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o communion_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o believe_a act_n appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v begin_v the_o soul_n discern_v jesus_n christ_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n by_o discern_v infallible_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n 3._o in_o regard_v it_o enter_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o very_a fruition_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o become_v indeed_o a_o first_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n give_v it_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o high_a blessedness_n that_o sanctify_v soul_n shall_v possess_v in_o heaven_n the_o fruition_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o it_o have_v of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n second_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n nothing_o though_o it_o be_v possess_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v enjoy_v unless_o the_o party_n possess_v of_o it_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o good_a that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o iii_o the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o manifestation_n or_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o precious_a sweet_a consciousness_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n in_o his_o very_a act_n of_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v right_o believe_v it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o precious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n understanding_n that_o the_o soul_n discern_v by_o faith_n the_o bosom_n of_o that_o bless_a redeemer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n ready_a to_o receive_v his_o loveless_a perish_v sink_a soul_n into_o the_o near_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n see_v also_o as_o clear_o that_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o open_a bosom_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n iv_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o its_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o inseparable_a adjunct_n or_o concomitant_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n that_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o renew_a conscience_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o he_o be_v everlasting_o one_o with_o christ_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o sense_n whereas_o the_o light_n of_o every_o grace_n though_o they_o be_v luminous_a body_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n be_v such_o a_o small_a light_n in_o itself_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o addition_n by_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n it_o shine_v not_o apparent_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o believer_n own_o spirit_n or_o of_o his_o renew_a understanding_n or_o conscience_n be_v but_o the_o consummation_n or_o the_o consequent_a of_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n yet_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o it_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n but_o the_o renew_a conscience_n answer_v also_o thou_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o believer_n spirit_n or_o of_o the_o renew_a conscience_n be_v but_o the_o echo_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o spirit_n according_a to_o rom._n 9.1_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v that_o put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o renew_a conscience_n it_o do_v but_o answer_v what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o echo_n answer_v our_o voice_n now_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o in_o its_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o soul_n shall_v be_v infallible_o admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o in_o that_o witness_n have_v draw_v out_o the_o believe_a disposition_n to_o act_v in_o its_o strength_n and_o then_o cast_v a_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n upon_o the_o believe_a act_n that_o it_o shine_v thus_o apparent_o in_o the_o soul_n eye_n yea_o so_o apparent_o that_o the_o renew_a conscience_n bear_v witness_v that_o the_o soul_n do_v right_o believe_v then_o do_v the_o soul_n say_v with_o those_o in_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o i_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n bear_v to_o this_o my_o loveless_n soul_n then_o be_v the_o poor_a waver_a soul_n establish_v and_o settle_v as_o upon_o a_o everlasting_a rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n then_o 1._o all_o the_o beginning_n of_o hell_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v past_a all_o the_o condemn_a sentence_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v every_o day_n be_v obliterated_a and_o blot_v out_o i_o mean_v so_o long_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o continue_v all_o the_o frown_n of_o conscience_n be_v go_v 2._o all_o torment_a fear_n be_v banish_v the_o inward_a perplexity_n anguish_n and_o vexation_n that_o perplex_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o everlasting_a separation_n from_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n all_o cease_v and_o there_o be_v a_o bless_a calm_a possess_v the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v like_o a_o weather-beaten_a ship_n into_o the_o sweet_a and_o most_o commodious_a haven_n of_o rest_n 3._o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n possess_v the_o believe_a soul_n then_o be_v its_o contentment_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n infinite_a unspeakable_a then_o do_v it_o rejoice_v yea_o triumph_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n rom._n 5.3_o thus_o through_o this_o testimony_n unto_o sense_n add_v to_o the_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v even_o set_v down_o with_o one_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n sweet_o expect_v his_o full_a fruition_n of_o that_o transcendent_a glory_n that_o it_o solace_v itself_o in_o the_o sweet_a expectation_n of_o till_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o faith_n and_o expectation_n shall_v cease_v and_o sight_n and_o vision_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o sealing-witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v unto_o sense_n there_o be_v now_o some_o caution_n that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v give_v to_o you_o believe_v soul_n to_o prevent_v any_o sad_a mistake_n about_o this_o great_a mystery_n caution_n 1_o first_o therefore_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o though_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o soul_n infallible_a certainty_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v depend_v upon_o this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o faith_n and_o sense_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v much_o comfortable_a evidence_n to_o many_o believe_a soul_n of_o their_o certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o he_o do_v not_o send_v this_o bless_a spirit_n thus_o to_o avouch_v and_o attest_v to_o their_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v by_o those_o four_o former_a precious_a effect_n upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n establish_v their_o soul_n in_o a_o sweet_a soul-chearing_a soul-reviving_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o whole_a materiality_n
through_o a_o clear_a evidence_n have_v beget_v such_o a_o precious_a confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o say_v concern_v that_o his_o confidence_n as_o job_n say_v concern_v he_o job_n 27.5_o i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o i_o will_v not_o let_v go_v this_o my_o confidence_n till_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o whence_o this_o confidence_n do_v arise_v this_o also_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o diminish_n of_o this_o confidence_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n before_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v a_o infinite_a injury_n to_o the_o sweet_a comforter_n the_o bless_a spirit_n who_o through_o the_o manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o precious_a confidence_n the_o reject_v of_o that_o confidence_n so_o wrought_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o most_o precious_a office_n and_o a_o disparagement_n of_o the_o very_a witness_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o sinful_a unconstancy_n and_o fickleness_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n receive_v before_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o receive_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n rhat_o the_o lord_n require_v shall_v be_v in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a sanctify_a reason_n so_o that_o this_o confidence_n before_o trial_n ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n in_o case_n such_o a_o confidence_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o evidence_n former_o receive_v that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n then_o by_o the_o way_n will_v be_v open_v but_o will_v the_o soul_n say_v wherefore_o then_o be_v the_o command_v give_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o say_v and_o so_o consequent_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n if_o we_o must_v not_o be_v dubious_a and_o anxious_a whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v true_a or_o no_o before_o we_o proceed_v ro_o the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n by_o the_o way_n brief_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o these_o command_n of_o soul_n examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v give_v universal_o to_o all_o soul_n on_o purpose_n that_o delude_a soul_n by_o the_o try_v and_o prove_v themselves_o may_v discover_v their_o own_o delusion_n and_o discern_v their_o lie_a confidence_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o these_o command_n be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o believe_a soul_n to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o command_n be_v occasion_n to_o soul_n true_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o review_v over_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n actual_a admission_n of_o they_o into_o union_n now_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n view_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n the_o more_o it_o view_v that_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o case_n he_o accept_v it_o and_o by_o the_o soul_n gaze_v upon_o that_o bless_a word_n it_o discern_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n infallibility_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o that_o word_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_o and_o full_o the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o strong_a be_v its_o confidence_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v even_o that_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thence_o there_o be_v more_o occasion_n for_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o irradiate_a rhe_n soul_n believe_v act_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v and_o feel_v itself_o to_o believe_v aright_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o actual_a confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n admission_n with_o christ_n live_v and_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o strength_n 3._o these_o command_n be_v give_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o preparedness_n against_o all_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v from_o hell_n against_o those_o soul_n through_o this_o examination_n believe_v soul_n have_v their_o confidence_n maintain_v in_o its_o life_n and_o strength_n and_o so_o be_v fortify_v against_o temptation_n because_o it_o discern_v clear_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o his_o own_o confidence_n stand_v 4._o the_o lord_n give_v these_o command_n on_o purpose_n to_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n all_o manner_n of_o holy_a disposition_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o renew_a view_n of_o that_o light_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n or_o unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thenâ—…_n be_v the_o precious_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n act_v then_o be_v the_o correspondent_a love_n of_o the_o soul_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n draw_v out_o in_o its_o strength_n then_o be_v all_o the_o thirsting_n after_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n act_v pre._n 3._o three_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o whenever_o they_o do_v prevail_v in_o any_o soul_n during_o their_o prevalency_n they_o do_v incapacitate_v those_o soul_n for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n there_o be_v especial_o four_o of_o those_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a unto_o believe_v soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n incident_a to_o every_o believe_a soul_n indeed_o our_o spirit_n be_v natural_o impatient_a under_o every_o burden_n but_o when_o any_o arrow_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v shoot_v into_o the_o conscience_n or_o any_o arrow_n from_o hell_n stick_v fast_o there_o i_o mean_v any_o doubtfulness_n any_o terror_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o conceive_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n then_o be_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o superlative_a manner_n prone_a to_o fret_v and_o vex_v and_o fume_n by_o the_o prevail_a of_o unruly_a passion_n thus_o david_n under_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o break_v out_o into_o most_o dreadful_a impatience_n in_o 1_o sam._n 27.1_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n so_o in_o psal_n 116.11_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n so_o psal_n 31.22_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n so_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n chap._n 3.3_o and_o chap._n 6.8_o 9_o now_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o distemper_n of_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n their_o spirit_n be_v make_v uncable_a of_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v two_o way_n how_o this_o sinful_a distemper_n do_v incapacitate_v soul_n for_o the_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n 1._o it_o do_v prevent_v a_o serious_a deliberate_a view_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o draw_v out_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o fear_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n when_o any_o passion_n prevail_v in_o any_o spirit_n it_o draw_v out_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o way_n now_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v out_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o his_o fear_n the_o ground_n of_o his_o doubt_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o his_o union_n by_o this_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v unsuitable_a to_o take_v any_o right_n deliberate_a
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
spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v only_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n whatever_o holy_a disposition_n whatever_o precious_a heavenly_a quality_n any_o believe_a soul_n shall_v discern_v in_o itself_o it_o must_v be_v discern_v by_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n second_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_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 which_o beget_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o precious_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v so_o clear_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n that_o can_v make_v any_o addition_n or_o increase_n of_o that_o precious_a clearness_n it_o shine_v so_o bright_o with_o the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o it_o as_o nothing_o can_v make_v it_o more_o manifest_a to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n than_o its_o own_o light_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o divers_a particular_n i._o in_o regard_v that_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n discover_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a not_o only_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o discover_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n to_o who_o it_o do_v discover_v it_o now_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v infallible_o true_a then_o have_v it_o the_o first_o property_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o potent_a demonstration_n ii_o in_o regard_v that_o light_n which_o discover_v the_o first_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o again_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o now_o that_o be_v the_o high_a demonstrative_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o thing_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o that_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n first_o light_n do_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o medium_fw-la no_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v high_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o first_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v from_o god_n iii_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o most_o evident_a perspicuous_a discovery_n of_o those_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o be_v from_o god_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v every_o reason_n from_o whence_o any_o conclusion_n be_v collect_v must_v be_v clear_a and_o more_o evident_a than_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v more_o evident_a and_o clear_a than_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o draw_v that_o the_o evidence_n be_v real_o from_o god_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o high_a proof_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n than_o this_o very_a light_n that_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o themselves_o than_o there_o must_v be_v some_o light_n clear_a than_o the_o very_a first_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o discover_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n iv_o in_o regard_v it_o be_v that_o light_n only_o that_o can_v true_o enforce_v or_o cause_v the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v from_o god_n now_o that_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o demonstrative_a reason_n to_o show_v the_o truth_n or_o reality_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v collect_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o conclusion_n now_o thus_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o my_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v real_o from_o god_n why_o because_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n such_o premise_n as_o these_o to_o say_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o discover_v that_o must_v of_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o god_n do_v even_o force_v the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v whereas_o nothing_o else_o have_v so_o much_o power_n in_o it_o to_o cause_v the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v as_o that_o light_a that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n now_o from_o these_o thing_n open_v you_o may_v hence_o take_v notice_n that_o every_o soul_n to_o whole_a faith_n and_o sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v true_o reveal_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v full_a satisfaction_n clear_a undoubted_a satisfaction_n concern_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o its_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a meditation_n and_o contemplation_n so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v remain_v actual_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o doubt_n scruple_n or_o darkness_n in_o the_o soul_n about_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o any_o soul_n that_o have_v receive_v this_o truâ—…_n discovery_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n both_o unto_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n need_v not_o inquire_v for_o any_o more_o proof_n than_o his_o own_o soul_n possess_v at_o that_o instant_n that_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v one_o through_o christ_n §_o second_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 to_o that_o heart_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o lord_n precious_a word_n that_o heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o any_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a heart_n to_o reveal_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o it_o clear_o be_v only_o a_o precious_a spark_n that_o sparkle_v forth_o from_o the_o precious_a burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o do_v as_o it_o be_v incense_n and_o inflame_v that_o burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a word_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o send_v forth_o those_o bless_a spark_n into_o dark_a heart_n and_o it_o be_v that_o same_o bless_a spirit_n also_o that_o enlighten_v those_o dark_a heart_n to_o see_v discern_v and_o behold_v those_o spark_n that_o that_o burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n send_v forth_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o concause_n that_o joint_o and_o sweet_o join_v together_o to_o enlighten_v the_o doubtful_a soul_n and_o clear_o reveal_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o assurance_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o hand_n he_o have_v that_o secret_a light_n that_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o sense_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n and_o have_v the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v a_o letter_n write_v from_o the_o almighty_a to_o loveless_a soul_n that_o bear_v witness_v also_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n so_o that_o then_o the_o second_o reason_n next_o to_o the_o prime_a reason_n that_o the_o light_n that_o the_o soul_n receive_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n behold_v it_o clear_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n open_v first_o that_o a_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o receive_v that_o light_n as_o certain_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n second_o that_o the_o lord_n precious_a write_a word_n do_v discover_v to_o particular_a believe_a soul_n their_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o unto_o their_o faith_n and_o unto_o their_o sense_n first_o it_o must_v be_v clear_v that_o a_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o his_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o
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
that_o thence_o it_o appear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v and_o declare_v as_o particular_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o if_o it_o do_v speak_v to_o any_o soul_n by_o name_n for_o that_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o believe_v the_o write_a worb_n speak_v as_o plain_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v particular_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v declare_v to_o any_o particular_a rebellious_a obstinate_a sinner_n that_o he_o particular_o do_v sin_n the_o word_n say_v whosoever_o walk_v thus_o or_o thus_o transgress_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o this_o speak_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n so_o sin_v que._n but_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n own_o word_n may_v there_o not_o be_v some_o mixture_n of_o man_n god_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o write_v word_n of_o god_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o question_n first_o negative_o second_o affirmative_o i._n negative_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v assure_v by_o all_o the_o power_n and_o possibility_n of_o man_n no_o not_o by_o any_o create_a power_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n may_v give_v some_o kind_n of_o ground_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o fear_v the_o great_a number_n among_o we_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o no_o testimony_n of_o man_n can_v assure_v the_o soul_n sufficient_o that_o these_o be_v the_o lord_n write_v word_n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v altogether_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v a_o beam_n of_o spiritual_a light_n that_o must_v satisfy_o and_o sufficient_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o do_v proceed_v from_o god_n 2._o all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a reason_n that_o the_o most_o elevate_a wit_n of_o man_n can_v extract_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v satisfy_o unto_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n himself_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n testify_v the_o most_o wise_a have_v be_v most_o oppsite_a to_o receive_v it_o 1._o cor._n 1.26_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o wise_a of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o great_a opposer_n to_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n 3._o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n bare_o and_o simple_o take_v without_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n conrur_v with_o the_o word_n be_v not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n questionless_a if_o it_o be_v than_o whoever_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v that_o be_v write_v must_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o when_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v wrought_v some_o oppose_v and_o blaspheme_v but_o then_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o i._o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v clear_o evident_o satisfy_o and_o infallible_o unto_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v direct_o 1_v cor._n 2.9_o to_o 12_o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n can_v never_o comprehend_v and_o that_o all_o the_o thing_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o give_v and_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n therefore_o consequent_o it_o reveal_v that_o also_o to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o likewise_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o judge_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o be_v it_o be_v only_o the_o man_n beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o god_n and_o lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_n of_o truth_n to_o judge_v what_o truth_n have_v their_o original_a from_o god_n and_o to_o judge_n what_o have_v not_o their_o original_a thence_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n also_o say_v he_o that_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o discover_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o god_n to_o they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o divinity_n shine_v forth_o in_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o heighten_v reason_n of_o the_o accute_a son_n of_o adam_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n v._o 14._o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n to_o a_o believer_n heart_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n write_a word_n that_o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o the_o foundation_n of_o believer_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a authority_n neither_o can_v a_o believer_n say_v in_o believe_v any_o truth_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n that_o he_o know_v who_o he_o have_v believe_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n himself_o ii_o when_o that_o ever_o bless_a spirit_n do_v reveal_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n than_o the_o proper_a light_n of_o the_o write_a word_n itself_o shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o also_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o transcendent_a so_o far_o surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o weak_a man_n yea_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o word_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o holy_a so_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o tyranny_n and_o dominion_n that_o man_n corrupt_a affection_n natural_o desire_v to_o bear_v over_o he_o yea_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o word_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o unspeakable_o unconceivable_o excellent_a that_o the_o soul_n see_v infinite_a reason_n even_o in_o the_o word_n itself_o to_o persuade_v it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n word_n yea_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_a word_n speak_v the_o very_a language_n it_o speak_v favour_v so_o much_o of_o heaven_n that_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v so_o clothe_v with_o power_n and_o irresistible_a authority_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v such_o property_n of_o god_n himself_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n soul-searching_a heart-dividing_a property_n find_v out_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o then_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v compass_a about_o with_o reason_n clothe_v in_o with_o reason_n that_o appear_v shine_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o satisfy_v the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n divinity_n be_v then_o every_o way_n engrave_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n in_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o cast_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n into_o the_o beliving_a soul_n do_v write_v his_o own_o name_n upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o light_n also_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n also_o that_o the_o soul_n know_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o see_v they_o shine_v forth_o from_o that_o word_n of_o his_o that_o the_o soul_n believe_v with_o confidence_n yea_o so_o satisfy_o and_o so_o know_o to_o his_o full_a contentment_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v you_o that_o be_v confident_a this_o day_n that_o a_o light_n do_v shine_v into_o your_o soul_n to_o satisfy_v you_o concern_v your_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o this_o union_n be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o will_v you_o be_v assure_v as_o well_o to_o knowledge_n as_o to_o faith_n that_o you_o
in_o respect_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o his_o love_n that_o he_o reveal_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o to_o such_o unlovely_a sinner_n when_o thus_o the_o soul_n shall_v declare_v to_o the_o everlasting_a honour_n of_o god_n that_o true_a and_o faithful_a be_v his_o word_n he_o love_v upon_o his_o own_o will_v only_o and_o show_v mercy_n to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o because_o he_o will_n and_o thence_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a dishonour_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n for_o any_o soul_n to_o make_v any_o claim_n to_o that_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o quality_n or_o disposition_n whatever_o that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n whereby_o they_o be_v difference_v as_o they_o conceive_v from_o other_o soul_n and_o they_o have_v right_a to_o claim_v that_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n when_o other_o soul_n may_v not_o claim_v it_o this_o be_v a_o pollution_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o its_o vilify_n the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n 2._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o soul_n unwavering_a unshaken_a confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n to_o admit_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o sweet_a bosom_n of_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o loathsomeness_n and_o forlornness_n of_o the_o worthless_a soul_n when_o the_o soul_n manifest_v his_o confidence_n in_o that_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n then_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n exalt_v through_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n say_v with_o paul_n 2._o tim._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o wretched_a and_o most_o accurse_a wickedness_n of_o my_o vile_a heart_n i_o know_v he_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a he_o will_v let_v his_o love_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n work_n according_a as_o he_o have_v discover_v it_o free_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o own_o will_v only_o notwithstanding_o all_o my_o wickedness_n and_o mark_v it_o iâ—_n this_o one_o of_o the_o prime_a reason_n why_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o pattern_n of_o all_o prayer_n that_o he_o have_v free_o give_v we_o common_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n have_v command_v all_o soul_n and_o so_o believe_v soul_n to_o pray_v constant_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o trespass_n for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n because_o through_o that_o act_n perform_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o exalt_v through_o the_o believe_a soul_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o plead_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o believe_a soul_n be_v much_o mistake_v some_o soul_n dark_o and_o blind_o i_o have_v like_a to_o have_v say_v superstitious_o plead_v for_o the_o use_n of_o those_o very_a word_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o though_o no_o believinng_a soul_n can_v perform_v his_o duty_n without_o the_o repetition_n of_o those_o word_n and_o other_o soul_n from_o a_o abhorrency_n of_o the_o blindness_n and_o darkness_n of_o those_o that_o thus_o plead_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o bare_a word_n utter_o reject_v that_o petittion_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o as_o a_o pattern_n whereby_o to_o frame_v our_o petition_n determine_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o petition_n or_o such_o a_o request_n but_o certain_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o make_v the_o request_n right_o consider_v it_o may_v give_v light_a both_o to_o the_o one_o and_o to_o the_o other_o to_o give_v they_o to_o conceive_v aright_o how_o and_o why_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v pray_v and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o pardon_v his_o transgression_n though_o understanding_n through_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v already_o pardon_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o must_v concur_v together_o for_o the_o make_n of_o that_o request_n the_o first_o be_v a_o remember_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o precious_a promise_n wherein_o he_o offer_v reconciliation_n peace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o sinful_a despicable_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n make_v the_o request_n aright_o a_o actual_a apprehension_n that_o god_n have_v offer_v unto_o his_o soul_n reconcliation_n by_o christ_n and_o so_o remission_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n free_o by_o christ_n and_o questionless_a there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o declare_v of_o that_o promise_n also_o before_o the_o lord_n though_o sometime_o more_o brief_o sometime_o more_o large_o sometime_o in_o one_o manner_n sometime_o in_o another_o yet_o a_o remember_v of_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o his_o precious_a word_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o sincere_a desire_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o his_o heart_n and_o mind_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n as_o speak_v to_o his_o particular_a soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o desire_n to_o trust_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v that_o his_o precious_a word_n even_o to_o his_o particular_a soul_n full_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o present_v the_o request_n a_o right_n must_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o most_o accurse_a vileness_n turn_v his_o eye_n to_o that_o sweet_a tender_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n say_v secret_o at_o least_o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v speak_v it_o that_o thy_o will_n be_v to_o remit_v the_o sin_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o enmity_n of_o every_o rebellious_a soul_n that_o will_v accept_v the_o reconciliation_n thou_o do_v tender_a in_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o heart_n must_v proceed_v far_o say_v o_o lord_n see_v thou_o have_v speak_v it_o fulfil_v that_o thy_o word_n to_o this_o rebellious_a sinful_a soul_n of_o i_o my_o soul_n desire_v to_o trust_v to_o thy_o truth_n to_o fulfil_v it_o o_o let_v it_o be_v fulfil_v let_v that_o enmity_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o reconciliation_n be_v establish_v between_o thou_o and_o my_o soul_n 3._o the_o three_o way_n of_o the_o soul_n manifestation_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o freedom_n that_o be_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o despicable_a sinner_n by_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o soul_n maintain_v the_o same_o confidence_n of_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n truth_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o unlovely_a soul_n through_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o infirmity_n weakness_n imperfection_n and_o perverse_a crookedness_n that_o his_o heart_n shall_v discern_v a_o fresh_a to_o be_v in_o himself_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n after_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o curse_a disposition_n in_o his_o corrupt_a heart_n shall_v still_o act_v and_o manifest_v that_o precious_a confidence_n then_o do_v the_o soul_n give_v glory_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v in_o his_o love_n then_o do_v the_o soul_n declare_v that_o nothing_o can_v turn_v away_o or_o cause_n to_o cease_v the_o working_n oâ—_n that_o infinite_a free_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n than_o the_o soul_n declare_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o his_o precious_a will_n and_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v lovely_a and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n to_o six_o his_o love_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a thence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o soul_n pollute_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o before_o other_o also_o who_o confidence_n shake_v and_o waver_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o new_a infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n who_o confidence_n be_v cast_v away_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o new_a crooked_a disposition_n work_v in_o their_o heart_n upon_o every_o disposition_n to_o deadness_n vanity_n looseness_n by_o this_o they_o vail_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o love_n that_o be_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n and_o declare_v in_o effect_n the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o holy_a act_n of_o the_o foul_a towards_o god_n yea_o the_o soul_n declare_v in_o effect_n virtual_o at_o least_o that_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n increase_n and_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o holiness_n or_o unholiness_n that_o he_o discern_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n hence_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v believe_v foul_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n intercession_n to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n 4.15.16_o that_o the_o
be_v enough_o to_o cast_v they_o down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a lake_n of_o burn_a if_o the_o lord_n shall_v act_v in_o justice_n with_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o jesus_n christ_n draw_v forth_o the_o sweet_a believe_v act_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o accept_v of_o any_o chastisement_n that_o the_o lord_n inflict_v upon_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o transgression_n lament_v 3.39_o so_o that_o thence_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o clear_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n reveal_v unto_o they_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v common_o most_v fill_v with_o acclamation_n against_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n fill_v with_o self-judging_n and_o abhorring_n yea_o likewise_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o believe_v soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v fill_v with_o those_o high_a admiration_n and_o that_o their_o soul_n conceive_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o as_o a_o mystery_n unsearchable_a past_o find_v out_o either_o by_o man_n or_o angel_n because_o than_o they_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a worthiness_n of_o those_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o and_o million_o of_o iniquity_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o incense_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o their_o soul_n yea_o likewise_o hence_o also_o proceed_v those_o enlarge_a desire_n after_o the_o sweet_a melt_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n from_o those_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v certain_o evidence_v their_o union_n with_o he_o but_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o so_o reason_n testify_v that_o there_o can_v but_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o worthiness_n for_o the_o least_o transgression_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a indignation_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n do_v declare_v and_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o equity_n of_o a_o perfect_a subjection_n of_o every_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_v holy_a will_n when_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o unite_v to_o poor_a despicable_a rebellious_a wretch_n to_o those_o who_o heart_n swell_v with_o enmity_n against_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o glory_n yea_o when_o the_o spirit_n testify_v that_o the_o lord_n even_o seek_v and_o sue_v for_o the_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o soul_n thence_o it_o can_v but_o be_v clear_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v but_o infinite_o equal_a that_o a_o poor_a rebellious_a wretch_n yea_o such_o a_o desperate_a enemy_n to_o his_o bless_a majesty_n shall_v consent_v to_o what_o the_o lord_n propound_v now_o from_o this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o infinite_a equity_n of_o a_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o be_v give_v by_o every_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n from_o thence_o there_o be_v necessary_o such_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a injustice_n and_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o contradict_v that_o bless_a will_n that_o the_o soul_n conceive_v every_o such_o transgression_n or_o disobedience_n to_o that_o bless_a will_n to_o be_v infinite_o worthy_a to_o be_v punish_v with_o infinite_a and_o everlasting_a indignation_n 2._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n do_v declare_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n so_o as_o it_o manifest_v every_o motion_n of_o that_o will_v to_o be_v absolute_o transcendent_o good_a when_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v unto_o any_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o represent_v god_n only_o as_o a_o mass_n of_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o represent_v god_n will_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o good_a unto_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o and_o thence_o every_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o absolute_o good_a now_o by_o that_o mean_v every_o transgression_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v represent_v as_o in_o opposition_n to_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o thence_o every_o transgression_n can_v but_o be_v apprehend_v as_o a_o just_a occasion_n for_o infinite_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n to_o burn_v in_o its_o fierceness_n and_o extremity_n against_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v necessary_o occasion_v the_o soul_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n cause_v any_o soul_n to_o participate_v in_o some_o degree_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o the_o apostle_n testify_v in_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o that_o while_o they_o do_v with_o open-face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o in_o age_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o be_v they_o be_v conform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n while_o they_o see_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o excellency_n glitter_v upon_o they_o through_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o that_o gradual_o according_a as_o they_o behold_v the_o glory_n so_o they_o be_v change_v also_o by_o degree_n from_o glory_n unto_o glory_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o likeness_n unto_o god_n to_o another_o degree_n thus_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o john_n 1.5_o 6._o that_o god_n be_v light_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v holiness_n itself_o pure_o holy_a nothing_o but_o holy_a and_o then_o bear_v witness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o soul_n to_o have_v the_o least_o fellowship_n with_o he_o but_o we_o must_v be_v partaker_n of_o that_o holiness_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v in_o these_o word_n the_o lord_n be_v so_o infinite_o transcendent_o holy_a such_o a_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o a_o infinite_a averseness_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unholy_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v with_o he_o but_o he_o must_v participate_v of_o his_o holiness_n so_o in_o 1_o john_n 2.6_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v so_o likewise_o he_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n again_o in_o 1_o john_n 3._o 6._o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v he_o sin_v not_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o sin_v before_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v other_o disposition_n infuse_v into_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v some_o drop_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v to_o his_o soul_n through_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o that_o be_v whoever_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o be_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n void_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o profess_v he_o have_v not_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o join_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n he_o never_o have_v the_o true_a vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v not_o so_o see_v he_o whereby_o his_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n do_v necessary_o cause_v such_o a_o declaration_n that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n cause_n the_o soul_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n thence_o it_o be_v first_o that_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v so_o intolerable_o burdensome_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n melt_v and_o break_v so_o sweet_o under_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v confound_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o in_o regard_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v so_o eclipse_v and_o thence_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n wound_v so_o deep_o because_o in_o effect_n he_o by_o sensual_a formal_a unworthy_a walk_n do_v declare_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o make_v he_o partaker_n