behold_v some_o working_n in_o its_o spirit_n also_o some_o holy_a act_n in_o and_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o behold_v its_o receive_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o no_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a perform_v by_o the_o soul_n have_v sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o manifest_v themselves_o unto_o the_o soul_n nor_o from_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o manifest_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o inseparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o itself_o consider_v as_o be_v be_v the_o mere_a act_n and_o work_v of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n likewise_o be_v every_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n inward_a or_o outward_a of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v work_n of_o light_n and_o yet_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v so_o dim_o forth_o as_o they_o can_v discover_v their_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o can_v discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v those_o work_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o discover_v union_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a respect_n 1._o because_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o christ_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v very_o strong_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v yet_o dark_a a_o clear_a instance_n will_v be_v give_v in_o mat._n 27.46_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o believe_v when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exercise_v faith_n in_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o word_n my_o god_n yet_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n as_o mediator_n be_v dark_a that_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n be_v firm_a and_o as_o firm_a as_o now_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n be_v obscure_a when_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v bear_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n from_o he_o for_o a_o season_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o passive_a the_o union_n be_v complete_a between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n before_o any_o one_o act_n go_v forth_o from_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o the_o perfect_a or_o complete_n of_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v conceive_v there_o may_v be_v motion_n in_o dead_a person_n that_o there_o may_v be_v action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o life_n now_o the_o union_n be_v passive_a there_o may_v be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v complete_v i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v ordinary_a but_o i_o say_v there_o may_v be_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n come_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o instant_n and_o moment_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n do_v take_v actual_a possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o unite_v it_o unto_o himself_o now_o in_o case_n the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v so_o evidence_v with_o christ_n then_o shall_v all_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o the_o soul_n be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n 3._o in_o regard_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o work_n that_o do_v arise_v proper_o from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o not_o peculiarly_a may_v arise_v from_o other_o principle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o be_v three_o false_a original_n of_o such_o outward_a work_n 1._o god_n himself_o may_v be_v the_o original_a of_o such_o work_n in_o some_o soul_n though_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o union_n nor_o in_o relation_n unto_o union_n that_o be_v though_o the_o lord_n convey_v not_o any_o influence_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n peculiar_a unto_o union_n nor_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o convey_v those_o influence_n into_o the_o soul_n from_o whence_o those_o outward_a work_n proceed_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n prayer_n and_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o read_v of_o they_o and_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o other_o soul_n that_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n may_v convey_v large_a stream_n of_o gift_n and_o inward_a affection_n unto_o some_o soul_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o all_o those_o gift_n in_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n only_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o people_n soul_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v not_o any_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o those_o gift_n thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o cyrus_n isa_n 45.1_o and_o chap._n 44.28_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o cyrus_n he_o be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o shall_v perform_v all_o my_o pleasure_n even_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o to_o the_o temple_n thy_o foundation_n shall_v he_o lay_v the_o lord_n do_v convey_v strength_n to_o cyrus_n to_o carry_v he_o on_o in_o a_o glorious_a work_n of_o reform_v his_o worship_n and_o to_o build_v the_o temple_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o cyrus_n i_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o god_n furnish_v john_n with_o zeal_n against_o idolatry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n soul_n and_o it_o redound_v little_a to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v judas_n be_v furnish_v with_o as_o good_a gift_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seem_v to_o pray_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n and_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o none_o of_o those_o gift_n that_o judas_n have_v be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o christ_n nor_o be_v give_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n 2._o a_o second_o false_a original_n of_o such_o work_n be_v the_o soul_n own_o principle_n of_o self_n self_n end_n self_n lust_n self_n intendment_n may_v be_v like_o the_o spring_n that_o may_v set_v all_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o affection_n on_o work_n and_o produce_v all_o those_o outward_a expression_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a intendment_n in_o the_o pharisee_n in_o all_o their_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n in_o their_o conversation_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v themselves_o outward_o and_o to_o eternity_n and_o think_v to_o tie_v god_n to_o give_v they_o heaven_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o false_a original_n of_o work_n that_o proper_o flow_v from_o union_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o the_o working_n of_o prayer_n of_o hear_v of_o meditate_v or_o forsake_v sin_n in_o the_o conversation_n may_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o he_o take_v his_o opportunity_n to_o sail_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o row_v with_o the_o tide_n he_o see_v the_o affection_n work_v towards_o duty_n of_o holiness_n he_o press_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o that_o he_o may_v weary_v out_o the_o soul_n with_o they_o or_o else_o cause_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v place_v in_o they_o and_o the_o soul_n to_o promise_v itself_o happiness_n by_o they_o certain_o the_o zeal_n of_o paul_n that_o he_o have_v for_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v act_v by_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o saul_n that_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n before_o he_o go_v to_o battle_n it_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n those_o soul_n
guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o observe_v why_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o in_o this_o guide_n the_o soul_n into_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o office_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v design_v to_o first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n make_v know_v first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cast_v in_o the_o precious_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n whereby_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n apprehensive_a of_o any_o truth_n this_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o communicate_v of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o the_o soul_n or_o in_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a eye_n of_o discern_v we_o be_v all_o like_a poor_a bartimeus_n bear_v blind_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o now_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n alone_o to_o make_v a_o precious_a eye_n salve_n that_o may_v restore_v spiritual_a sight_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o discern_a truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.20_o in_o conversion_n we_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o know_v he_o a_o understanding_n capable_a of_o know_v he_o 2._o the_o spirit_n present_v truth_n to_o that_o spiritual_a eye_n tâ—â—t_n that_o he_o have_v communicate_v therefore_o in_o eph._n 1.17_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o internal_a spiritual_a habit_n of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v truth_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n also_o that_o be_v of_o manifest_v the_o truth_n unto_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o make_v know_v spiritual_a truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o do_v prevent_v the_o discern_a of_o truth_n present_v though_o the_o spirit_n give_v eye_n and_z presents_z truth_n there_o may_v be_v such_o impediment_n between_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o the_o truth_n that_o may_v prevent_v the_o soul_n discern_v there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n or_o some_o corrupt_a humour_n some_o film_n of_o lust_n or_o selfishness_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o spirit_n make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n know_v the_o first_o truth_n that_o god_n discover_v to_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v his_o own_o sin_n his_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n must_v as_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o john_n 16.8_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sinful_a wretch_n that_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n also_o must_v make_v this_o application_n will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o equal_a and_o proportionable_a sense_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o every_o sinner_n understand_v sin_n and_o wrath_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o do_v make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v know_v it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o but_o so_o far_o as_o every_o soul_n do_v understand_v what_o sin_n and_o wrath_n be_v the_o effect_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o wrath_n will_v remain_v in_o such_o a_o heart_n but_o alas_o experience_n enough_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o sinner_n that_o have_v large_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v wrath_n and_o condemnation_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o effect_n in_o the_o least_o manner_n the_o effect_n be_v two_o condemnation_n in_o the_o soul_n judgement_n horror_n and_o anguish_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o condemnation_n he_o that_o understand_v sin_n right_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v damnable_a therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v condemnation_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o confess_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a and_o to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n but_o far_o off_o from_o draw_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a enough_o of_o the_o conclusion_n though_o they_o conclude_v sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n so_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o second_o effect_n that_o follow_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v horror_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o that_o condemnation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o soul_n go_v so_o far_o as_o almost_o to_o conclude_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damn_a condition_n yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o let_v it_o take_v effect_n upon_o his_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o the_o reveal_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n reveal_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n must_v say_v here_o be_v thy_o sin_n and_o yonder_o be_v the_o pit_n of_o misery_n before_o a_o man_n can_v apply_v those_o truth_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v the_o application_n in_o regard_n the_o terror_n and_o horror_n for_o sin_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o work_n alone_o whence_o you_o shall_v see_v rom._n 8.16_o fear_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o work_v fear_n and_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n of_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n 2._o the_o spirit_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n in_o evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spirit_n particular_a and_o peculiar_a office_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n have_v its_o office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o christ_n hence_o the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 16.17_o now_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v the_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n in_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o consolation_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o spirit_n shall_v give_v soul_n but_o small_a comfort_n can_v he_o not_o give_v they_o comfort_n unto_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n reveal_v the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n to_o be_v they_o everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v they_o and_o then_o let_v they_o see_v holiness_n in_o they_o to_o be_v a_o drop_n of_o the_o inheritance_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v feed_v itself_o with_o to_o eternity_n the_o comfort_n be_v but_o small_a 2._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v by_o appropriate_v the_o thing_n promise_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v any_o consolation_n there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n propriety_n and_o security_n the_o soul_n must_v see_v propriety_n or_o else_o no_o love_n at_o lest_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o while_o there_o be_v not_o the_o satiate_a of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n comfort_n be_v the_o content_a the_o soul_n have_v in_o behold_v his_o desire_a satisfaction_n now_o whatever_o the_o soul_n see_v it_o satisfi_v not_o till_o it_o have_v a_o propriety_n in_o it_o and_o till_o there_o be_v a_o security_n
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 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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 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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
shall_v be_v break_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n become_v finite_a answ_n 2._o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o the_o union_n that_o the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v your_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v according_a as_o the_o scripture_n name_v it_o fivefold_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n or_o a_o union_n of_o peace_n make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n then_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v divide_v when_o there_o be_v jar_n and_o quarrel_n take_v up_o by_o one_o person_n against_o another_o but_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n between_o those_o person_n be_v the_o make_v those_o person_n one_o again_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n in_o adam_n as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o jar_n imaginable_a in_o god_n bosom_n against_o we_o nor_o in_o our_o bosom_n against_o god_n but_o through_o our_o curse_a transgression_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n we_o give_v god_n such_o offence_n as_o he_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n and_o our_o heart_n have_v a_o curse_a quarrel_n against_o god_n whence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n in_o our_o mind_n now_o the_o union_n god_n intend_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v the_o removing_z all_o those_o jar_n and_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o marriage_n or_o a_o matrimonial_a union_n the_o lord_n have_v such_o infinite_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n in_o his_o bosom_n towards_o soul_n that_o when_o they_o have_v despise_v that_o bless_a union_n with_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o by_o creation_n he_o will_v make_v they_o better_o again_o than_o they_o be_v first_o make_v by_o another_o union_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o marriage_n union_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n a_o spouse_n to_o christ_n and_o christ_n a_o husband_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o advance_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n above_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n they_o never_o have_v such_o a_o honour_n as_o to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n this_o union_n you_o find_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n in_o eph._n 5._o speak_v of_o marriage_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n say_v he_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n so_o rev._n 19.7_o and_o chap._n 21.9_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o spirit_n he_o will_v communicate_v of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v his_o wife_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o himself_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lively_a pattern_n of_o himself_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 8.29_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n hence_o he_o say_v 2_o pet._n 1.3_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v partaker_n of_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o union_n of_o nature_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o union_n of_o holiness_n that_o as_o he_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o will_v make_v his_o spouse_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nay_o we_o be_v say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4_o 18_o that_o be_v to_o live_v the_o same_o life_n of_o god_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o headship_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o head_n and_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v common_o call_v by_o man_n the_o mystical_a union_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hide_a union_n that_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o body_n this_o union_n be_v thus_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o elect_n that_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n choose_v to_o be_v vessel_n to_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o all_o eternity_n quest_n 2._o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n thus_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n will_v effect_v such_o a_o gracious_a work_n as_o this_o to_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n in_o all_o those_o way_n i_o answer_v first_o negative_o second_o affirmative_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n be_v the_o original_n principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n as_o though_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n do_v depend_v only_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n reveal_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o union_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o themselves_o either_o by_o resist_v or_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n that_o the_o reveal_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o will_n 2._o neither_o must_v you_o conceive_v that_o those_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v by_o their_o own_o effectual_a virtue_n produce_v this_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n faith_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n by_o which_o the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o do_v not_o produce_v this_o union_n by_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n and_o proper_a quality_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v wrought_v by_o those_o revelation_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n 3._o neither_o do_v those_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o outward_a ear_n work_v this_o effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v say_v john_n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o learn_v those_o truth_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n that_o immediate_o produce_v those_o effect_n but_o hear_v from_o the_o father_n that_o be_v by_o god_n give_v inward_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o he_o do_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o soul_n ans_fw-fr 2._o i_o answer_v affirmative_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v produce_v this_o union_n three_o way_n 1._o by_o discover_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o soul-alluring_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v instrumental_o that_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o a_o union_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n beauty_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o that_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n present_a condition_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v to_o accept_v of_o that_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n union_n can_v be_v effect_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n without_o a_o discovery_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n by_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n do_v gather_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a glass_n as_o it_o be_v whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v discover_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o by_o convey_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a soul_n to_o apprehend_v that_o union_n though_o the_o most_o orient_a bright_a glister_a colour_n be_v present_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n cover_v with_o darkness_n they_o can_v not_o take_v up_o a_o man_n meditation_n about_o they_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o now_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n that_o though_o the_o gospel_n hold_v forth_o the_o union_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v take_v up_o with_o it_o nor_o pass_v
christ_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v of_o holy_a pure_a undefiled_a eye_n pure_a than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n can_v think_v the_o lord_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o forlorn_a soul_n as_o thou_o that_o have_v so_o curse_o rebel_v against_o he_o o_o no_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o dare_v not_o conceive_v god_n will_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o be_o such_o a_o curse_a wretch_n alas_o poor_a soul_n thou_o think_v this_o to_o be_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v curse_v pride_n thou_o will_v have_v some_o ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o thyself_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v accept_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o think_v it_o great_a humility_n in_o thyself_o like_o another_o peter_n what_o jesus_n christ_n wash_v my_o foot_n now_o what_o near_a likeness_n be_v here_o between_o this_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o poor_a desire_v never_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o himself_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o ever_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o alas_o this_o difference_n be_v hardly_o discern_v thus_o also_o if_o you_o go_v to_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n say_v the_o soul_n though_o i_o do_v fail_v in_o my_o purpose_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o heart_n be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o be_v give_v as_o another_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n i_o say_v it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o mere_a work_n of_o ignorance_n sincerity_n be_v a_o single_a eye_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o what_o thou_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o soul_n judgement_n a_o soul_n act_v mere_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o ignorance_n may_v have_v a_o single_a eye_n at_o god_n glory_n rom._n 10.2_o 3._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o so_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n hence_o the_o soul_n will_v say_v i_o think_v i_o have_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n but_o i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v i_o may_v be_v deceive_v thus_o in_o these_o chief_a thing_n there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o discern_v the_o jewel_n from_o the_o counterfeit_n ii_o in_o regard_v those_o holy_a disposition_n inclination_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n do_v proper_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n so_o do_v these_o grace_n increase_n and_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v eclipse_v so_o do_v they_o decrease_v to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o most_o promise_v seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o be_v to_o mourner_n whence_o do_v true_a mourn_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n proceed_v be_v it_o not_o from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n yea_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n propriety_n in_o christ_n at_o least_o thus_o far_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o probable_a interest_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n behold_v first_o the_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n indeed_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n never_o appear_v but_o in_o the_o precious_a glass_n of_o the_o lord_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n to_o poor_a loveless_n soul_n iii_o in_o regard_n the_o right_a nature_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v discern_v but_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a conformity_n in_o those_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v command_v those_o holy_a quality_n shall_v i_o begin_v at_o the_o low_a which_o be_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v seldom_o i_o may_v say_v never_o see_v a_o conformity_n in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n be_v in_o eph._n 6.5_o 6._o it_o be_v speak_v concern_v servant_n but_o it_o hold_v in_o every_o duty_n servant_n be_v obedient_a to_o they_o that_o be_v your_o master_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o singleness_n of_o your_o heart_n as_o unto_o christ_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n true_a sincerity_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o command_n it_o be_v a_o singleness_n of_o heart_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n a_o single_a eye_n that_o be_v have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o christ_n alone_o the_o species_n of_o all_o the_o vision_n of_o that_o eye_n with_o which_o he_o respect_v the_o duty_n be_v take_v from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o now_o how_o far_o short_a shall_v a_o soul_n see_v itself_o of_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n when_o can_v the_o soul_n say_v his_o heart_n be_v single_a to_o christ_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o any_o ordinance_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o soul_n may_v behold_v at_o all_o time_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o those_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o heart_n can_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n the_o truth_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o themselves_o without_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o soul_n sight_n to_o discern_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n any_o know_a soul_n judge_v itself_o to_o be_v far_o unable_a to_o search_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n jer._n 17_o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n have_v never_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o himself_o from_o the_o quality_n itself_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o carnal_a heart_n because_o that_o remain_v unanswered_a the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a 2._o in_o regard_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n appear_v only_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o faith_n therefore_o unless_o the_o soul_n discern_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a quality_n hebr._n 11.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n now_o he_o that_o discern_v faith_n discern_v union_n with_o christ_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sight_n of_o union_n before_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n answ_n 3._o the_o three_o negative_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v by_o any_o thing_n do_v or_o effect_v by_o the_o soul_n or_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o do_v whether_o we_o look_v upon_o work_n internal_a or_o work_v external_a whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o inward_a move_n of_o the_o affection_n to_o to_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v the_o break_v out_o of_o those_o affection_n into_o prayer_n and_o constant_a intercession_n with_o god_n into_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n into_o holiness_n express_v in_o the_o conversation_n by_o none_o of_o these_o can_v the_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v clear_v and_o evidence_v yet_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a do_v by_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n though_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o clear_v the_o union_n and_o evidence_n it_o yet_o the_o work_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n in_o itself_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n where_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a nature_n the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o mean_a neither_o in_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v evidence_v without_o the_o soul_n behold_v any_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o itself_o for_o infallible_o and_o necessary_o in_o the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o do_v
that_o be_v press_v so_o violent_o unto_o prayer_n as_o they_o will_v neglect_v their_o calling_n to_o multiply_v duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o question_v not_o though_o such_o excitation_n come_v from_o conscience_n to_o urge_v they_o yet_o they_o be_v original_o from_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o certain_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v find_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o it_o in_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v weary_a of_o all_o duty_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o now_o in_o regard_n the_o original_n of_o the_o soul_n work_n that_o it_o perform_v be_v thus_o questionable_a whether_o they_o have_v their_o original_n from_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n or_o from_o one_o of_o these_o false_a principle_n thence_o these_o work_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o manifest_v the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o question_n must_v first_o be_v answer_v whether_o these_o duty_n flow_v from_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o no_o before_o the_o other_o question_n can_v be_v answer_v whether_o those_o work_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o union_n and_o till_o that_o question_n be_v answer_v the_o soul_n can_v never_o conclude_v from_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o nothing_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o soul_n can_v manifest_v the_o soul_n union_n in_o regard_n the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o work_n as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n ground_v upon_o a_o unchangeable_a and_o infallible_a reason_n that_o be_v the_o great_a distinction_n between_o opinion_n and_o knowledge_n that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o truth_n flow_v necessary_o from_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n whereas_o opinion_n flow_v only_o from_o a_o probable_a ground_n now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v never_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o three_o regard_n 1._o in_o regard_n no_o work_n simple_o consider_v in_o itself_o without_o respect_n to_o its_o original_n can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o fruit_n or_o consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o work_n may_v be_v perform_v from_o a_o false_a original_n as_o well_o by_o virtue_n of_o influence_n from_o the_o devil_n into_o our_o heart_n as_o from_o god_n therefore_o till_o it_o discern_v that_o the_o original_n be_v from_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o very_a motion_n and_o stir_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o work_n be_v do_v the_o soul_n can_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o his_o union_n now_o so_o long_o as_o the_o work_n can_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o in_o regard_n no_o work_n can_v manifest_v union_n but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o peculiar_a and_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n now_o no_o soul_n can_v discern_v his_o work_n to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n unless_o he_o can_v discern_v and_o conclude_v his_o soul_n shall_v continue_v and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n in_o those_o work_n but_o now_o no_o soul_n can_v discern_v or_o conclude_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o from_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v only_o unchangeable_a that_o he_o shall_v persevere_v in_o any_o holy_a work_n whatever_o and_o no_o soul_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o any_o promise_n till_o he_o can_v claim_v right_a to_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o no_o soul_n can_v see_v his_o perseverance_n in_o any_o such_o work_n till_o he_o see_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o in_o regard_v the_o judgement_n that_o the_o soul_n pass_v upon_o those_o work_n be_v a_o deceivable_a judgement_n the_o heart_n be_v a_o bottomless_a depth_n that_o be_v unsearchable_a the_o nature_n of_o all_o his_o work_n can_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o weak_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n thence_o the_o soul_n can_v draw_v that_o conclusion_n from_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a consequence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n ans_fw-fr 4._o neither_o can_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n be_v thus_o evidence_v from_o the_o outward_a revelation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v ordinary_o through_o those_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n cause_n the_o impression_n of_o truth_n to_o remain_v upon_o spirit_n the_o lord_n by_o reveal_v to_o soul_n a_o union_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o christ_n ordinary_o draw_v soul_n into_o union_n and_o by_o declare_v the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n do_v ordinary_o discover_v to_o soul_n thus_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o union_n consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o consider_v in_o themselves_o to_o manifest_v the_o union_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n i._o because_o those_o outward_a revelation_n reach_v no_o high_a than_o reason_n eye_n now_o while_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n pierce_v no_o far_o than_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n the_o right_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v never_o effect_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o sweet_a persuasion_n of_o god_n to_o allure_v soul_n into_o union_n take_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o know_v person_n because_o those_o outward_a revelation_n reach_v but_o to_o reason_n eye_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n before_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n john_n 6.45_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o union_n to_o soul_n unite_v as_o insufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n concern_v his_o union_n as_o those_o other_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o draw_v soul_n into_o union_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v apprehend_v which_o be_v the_o soul_n particular_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v far_o beyond_o reason_n comprehension_n now_o while_o the_o light_n reach_v no_o high_a than_o to_o reason_n eye_n reason_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n needs_o must_v the_o truth_n be_v inefficacious_a 2._o all_o the_o wrangling_n and_o objection_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o his_o union_n remain_v in_o full_a power_n notwithstanding_o those_o revelation_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n till_o a_o high_a light_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v lord_n controler_n as_o it_o be_v of_o reason_n the_o soul_n be_v never_o able_a to_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n ii_o in_o regard_v those_o communicate_v no_o light_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o which_o those_o truth_n be_v propound_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o lord_n conviction_n of_o a_o soul_n by_o the_o truth_n the_o outward_a reveal_n of_o it_o be_v insufficient_a in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o light_n by_o those_o revealing_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n eye_n for_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v make_v clear_a and_o apparent_a the_o eye_n be_v still_o blind_a therefore_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o convince_v so_o it_o be_v in_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n the_o revelation_n be_v insufficient_a in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o beam_n of_o light_n come_v to_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o though_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v light_n from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o light_n to_o discern_v the_o soul_n union_n must_v be_v a_o new_a light_n iii_o in_o regard_n unite_a soul_n that_o full_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o union_n may_v be_v and_o be_v frequent_o yet_o unsatisfied_a about_o their_o union_n questionless_a poor_a heman_n in_o psal_n 88_o know_v well_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v unite_v but_o give_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o dead_a man_n david_n when_o he_o make_v that_o 22_o psalm_n typical_o speak_v of_o christ_n though_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v his_o and_o do_v hang_v upon_o he_o yet_o he_o cry_v out_o fear_v god_n have_v forsake_v he_o now_o if_o the_o outward_a revelation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o soul_n understand_v its_o union_n then_o there_o be_v no_o unite_a soul_n
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 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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
soul_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n remain_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a the_o truth_n of_o grace_n appear_v most_o clear_o from_o their_o original_a from_o whence_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n upon_o which_o they_o grow_v in_o regard_n other_o fruit_n may_v have_v so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v so_o much_o darkness_n in_o it_o whilst_o it_o remain_v here_o below_o but_o when_o the_o original_n of_o grace_n appear_v when_o the_o soul_n see_v his_o love_n flow_v mere_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o even_o because_o of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o soul_n love_v god_n again_o it_o be_v then_o that_o love_n appear_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o indeed_o never_o till_o then_o so_o that_o till_o the_o love_n or_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o mourn_v for_o sin_n appear_v to_o the_o soul_n itself_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v doubtful_a when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o soul_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n now_o these_o thing_n consider_v when_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o question_n must_v be_v concern_v this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n for_o you_o presuppose_v yourselves_o not_o to_o have_v any_o union_n therefore_o observe_v what_o question_n you_o ask_v you_o ask_v how_o you_o may_v gain_v a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o your_o particular_a soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o question_n will_v divide_v itself_o into_o two_o question_n first_o how_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o how_o soul_n that_o do_v conceive_v and_o judge_n and_o estimate_n themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n may_v know_v whether_o their_o union_n be_v true_a whether_o their_o evidence_n be_v right_a evidence_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v delusion_n the_o first_o question_n must_v resolve_v every_o poor_a doubt_v scrupulous_a soul_n about_o his_o union_n but_o now_o observe_v such_o soul_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o i_o about_o the_o union_n of_o their_o soul_n nor_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v reveal_v unto_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o produce_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o act_n of_o almighty_a power_n as_o you_o may_v see_v ephe._n 1.19_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n he_o pray_v also_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o a_o mighty_a power_n that_o be_v a_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n as_o a_o incomprehensible_a essence_n for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n that_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n parallel_v that_o power_n that_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o the_o produce_v the_o consequence_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v also_o another_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o consequence_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o soul_n bosom_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o poor_a toss_a soul_n in_o his_o own_o wish_a for_o heaven_n now_o the_o beget_n such_o peace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n isa_n 57.18_o 19_o he_o create_v peace_n creation_n be_v a_o work_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o as_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o infinite_a divine_a essence_n creation_n be_v to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o creature_n whatever_o 3._o it_o must_v be_v a_o supernatural_a divine_a light_n that_o can_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v ephe._n 1.17_o 18._o how_o the_o apostle_n desire_v that_o those_o ephesian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v into_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o propound_v as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o lord_n call_v soul_n you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o understanding_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o light_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v those_o deep_a hide_a thing_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o understanding_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o your_o union_n can_v reveal_v no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o outward_a light_n to_o the_o outward_a eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v your_o scrupulous_a soul_n can_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n about_o your_o union_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n but_o i_o pray_v mistake_v not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o soul_n may_v not_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n through_o that_o as_o a_o mean_n but_o rather_o i_o affirm_v that_o through_o those_o revelation_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v true_a light_n into_o the_o spiritual_a understanding_n the_o lord_n strike_v in_o with_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a upon_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a into_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o truth_n 4._o in_o regard_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v a_o peculiar_a officer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o have_v design_v that_o work_n of_o satisfy_a soul_n about_o their_o union_n for_o that_o officer_n as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o alone_o thence_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o officer_n a_o name_n suitable_a for_o that_o end_n which_o be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 14.26_o and_o common_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o by_o that_o name_n alone_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o and_o it_o must_v be_v truth_n that_o be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o must_v give_v such_o soul_n satisfaction_n about_o their_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o their_o union_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o any_o thing_n reveal_v by_o any_o man_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o that_o be_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o reveal_v to_o their_o soul_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o common_o suppose_a ground_n from_o whence_o they_o seek_v for_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n second_o in_o raise_v their_o eye_n of_o expectation_n to_o the_o right_a original_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o great_a question_n how_o soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o before_o this_o question_n can_v be_v answer_v it_o will_v divide_v itself_o into_o there_o branch_n first_o from_o whence_o or_o from_o what_o ground_n soul_n do_v attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_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
it_o constrain_v it_o to_o receive_v that_o clear_a infallible_a demonstration_n that_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n give_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v his_o stubborn_a rebellious_a unworthy_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n indeed_o by_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v a_o most_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n give_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o if_o he_o will_v accept_v he_o but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o conviction_n be_v most_o proper_o the_o mighty_a overpower_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n constrain_a it_o to_o receive_v the_o demonstration_n conviction_n be_v proper_o the_o silence_v all_o cavil_n doubt_n of_o contradiction_n of_o the_o mind_n against_o any_o truth_n propound_v and_o a_o make_n of_o it_o undeniable_a to_o it_o that_o it_o dare_v not_o make_v any_o objection_n or_o raise_v any_o one_o cavil_v more_o to_o what_o the_o lord_n propound_v to_o his_o particular_a loveless_n soul_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v and_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n propound_v to_o he_o to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n indeed_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o with_o himself_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o convince_a the_o soul_n beside_o its_o illumination_n and_o its_o irradiration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o it_o and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o conscience_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o power_n of_o corruption_n have_v so_o captivate_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n that_o both_o the_o illumination_n of_o it_o and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a shall_v not_o the_o spirit_n strike_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o soul_n conviction_n there_o be_v a_o four_o fold_v disposition_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o do_v cause_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o this_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o mind_n i._o there_o be_v a_o wretched_a unteachableness_n that_o natural_o possess_v all_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v not_o only_a darkness_n possess_v the_o mind_n but_o a_o opposition_n against_o the_o receive_n light_n now_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n natural_o we_o be_v unapt_a to_o receive_v any_o thing_n the_o spirit_n reveal_v shall_v there_o not_o be_v a_o further_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o most_o superlative_a incredulity_n that_o remain_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 2_o cor._n 4.4_o not_o by_o a_o privative_a extinction_n of_o light_n infuse_v that_o be_v beyond_o the_o devil_n power_n but_o by_o a_o positive_a darkness_n a_o positive_a ignorance_n by_o persuade_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o to_o believe_v other_o principle_n such_o as_o contradict_v those_o bless_a principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o incredulity_n that_o possess_v our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v have_v a_o further_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o bare_a illumination_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n iii_o there_o be_v a_o indisposition_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o receive_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v now_o all_o the_o glorious_a discovery_n in_o that_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v incomprehensible_a thence_o the_o mind_n will_v receive_v none_o of_o those_o precious_a discovery_n though_o the_o spirit_n do_v irradiate_a the_o gospel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o it_o if_o another_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o heart_n to_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o it_o iv_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a enmity_n in_o the_o mind_n against_o those_o divine_a truth_n rom._n 8.7_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n now_o this_o curse_a enmity_n dwell_v in_o the_o unregenerate_a part_n make_v its_o constant_a opposition_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n against_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o so_o all_o the_o precious_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a shall_v not_o another_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o to_o conquer_v the_o curse_a enmity_n and_o to_o constrain_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o demonstration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v the_o loveless_n soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a second_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o the_o conscience_n be_v a_o register_n may_v and_o power_n place_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o understanding_n be_v what_o conscience_n be_v to_o record_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o equity_n or_o iniquity_n of_o they_o and_o to_o determine_v of_o they_o either_o with_o the_o soul_n or_o against_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o conscience_n be_v also_o so_o corrupt_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o this_o illumination_n and_o irradiation_n for_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v titus_n 1.15_o now_o there_o be_v two_o that_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a work_n of_o conscience_n i._o to_o discover_v the_o equity_n or_o iniquity_n of_o any_o thing_n propound_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v do_v or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o this_o the_o conscience_n be_v dreadful_o corrupt_a here_o the_o conscience_n call_v iniquity_n equity_n and_o equity_n iniquity_n call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a natural_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n now_o thence_o there_o be_v necessity_n of_o this_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o in_o regard_n the_o conscience_n will_v never_o determine_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o precious_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o it_o unless_o the_o spirit_n overpower_v the_o corrupt_a conscience_n and_o convince_v it_o of_o the_o equity_n of_o receive_v it_o ii_o the_o second_o act_n of_o conscience_n be_v to_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o do_v by_o the_o soul_n its_o work_n be_v to_o accuse_v and_o excuse_v the_o soul_n both_o in_o its_o do_v of_o thing_n and_o after_o the_o do_v of_o they_o now_o conscience_n be_v so_o dreadful_o corrupt_v natural_o that_o like_o a_o corrupt_a judge_n or_o a_o bribe_a judge_n it_o accuse_v when_o it_o shall_v excuse_v and_o excuse_v when_o it_o shall_v accuse_v it_o free_v the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a now_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o conscience_n though_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v illuminate_v the_o soul_n in_o part_n for_o its_o never_o high_a and_o then_o present_a the_o gospel_n to_o the_o enlighten_v understanding_n and_o give_v clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n yet_o the_o corrupt_a conscience_n will_v never_o determine_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o excuse_v the_o soul_n in_o receive_v those_o precious_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o it_o but_o will_v and_o will_v perpetual_o accuse_v the_o soul_n as_o a_o presumptuous_a wretch_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v exercise_v this_o convince_v power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n even_o after_o the_o work_n of_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o conviction_n draw_v clear_a unquestionable_a demonstration_n for_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v that_o particular_a despicable_a forlorn_a sinner_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o it_o consist_v also_o in_o the_o command_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o determination_n whereby_o it_o silence_v all_o cavilling_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v a_o holy_a constraint_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n to_o receive_v that_o determination_n as_o true_a and_o undeniable_a so_o that_o the_o spirit_n make_v he_o to_o confess_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n that_o even_o this_o my_o forlorn_a loathsome_a despicable_a unlovely_a soul_n shall_v be_v one_o with_o himself_o for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n conviction_n which_o be_v the_o three_o work_n of_o the_o
agent_n a_o outward_a agent_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o believe_v and_o then_o take_v up_o its_o habitation_n in_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o soul_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o reason_n itself_o be_v sufficient_a confutation_n of_o those_o imagination_n reason_n will_v tell_v we_o of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o a_o man_n mere_o unregenerate_a to_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n mere_o spiritual_a reason_n will_v tell_v we_o a_o habit_n or_o disposition_n must_v go_v before_o there_o be_v a_o act_n a_o tree_n there_o must_v be_v before_o there_o can_v be_v fruit_n and_o then_o also_o the_o spirit_n seal_v of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v declare_v to_o follow_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o soul_n believe_v it_o can_v be_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n seal_v speak_v of_o in_o these_o scripture_n shall_v be_v mean_v the_o infusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n grace_n into_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v be_v something_o beside_o the_o grace_n infuse_v ii_o all_o kind_n of_o holy_a habit_n or_o disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o one_o believe_v soul_n be_v infuse_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o soul_n believe_v now_o if_o the_o spirit_n seal_v be_v only_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n grace_n than_o every_o believe_a soul_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o experience_n bring_v testimony_n enough_o to_o the_o contrary_n iii_o the_o spirit_n seal_v mention_v in_o those_o former_a scripture_n be_v attribute_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n it_o do_v not_o say_v only_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v have_v be_v mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o even_o by_o a_o personal_a act_n the_o spirit_n atte_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o 14._o in_o who_o also_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n it_o be_v translate_v which_o but_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a to_o say_v who_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o relative_a be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v add_v unto_o believe_a soul_n for_o their_o abundant_a consolation_n even_o a_o witness_n from_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n of_o their_o admittance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o cleave_v to_o he_o beside_o all_o those_o other_o bless_a necessary_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n now_o i_o must_v further_o observe_v that_o this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o pertain_v peculiarly_a and_o sole_o unto_o faith_n as_o have_v reference_n unto_o faith_n only_o and_o to_o the_o beget_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o divine_a appointment_n this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n pertain_v also_o to_o sense_n to_o spiritual_a sense_n or_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o do_v beget_v assurance_n of_o sense_n and_o feel_v as_o well_o as_o it_o beget_v assurance_n of_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a mixture_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o it_o do_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n raise_v the_o soul_n to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o sense_n and_o feel_v and_o indeed_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o it_o never_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n in_o any_o measure_n of_o clearness_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o it_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v speak_v at_o present_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n do_v first_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n certain_o and_o infallible_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o so_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n we_o must_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n unto_o faith_n though_o we_o must_v also_o for_o open_v the_o full_a work_n of_o attestation_n open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n attest_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v for_o the_o open_n the_o first_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n to_o assure_v faith_n of_o its_o union_n faith_n the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n i_o shall_v open_v to_o you_o two_o thing_n first_o those_o respect_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v appoint_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o be_v add_v to_o all_o the_o former_a work_n as_o a_o 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a_o spiritual_a holy_a fear_n that_o remain_v also_o in_o the_o believe_a soul_n after_o the_o strength_n of_o believe_v the_o soul_n vision_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n inflame_v the_o believe_a soul_n heart_n with_o love_n unto_o union_n and_o communion_n and_o proportionable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o soul_n love_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n fear_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o soul_n fear_v the_o loss_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n wherein_o he_o love_v union_n and_o communion_n and_o this_o fear_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o go_v beyond_o its_o bound_n and_o to_o suspect_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n ii_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o atte_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o soul_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a distrust_n that_o in_o some_o degree_n remain_v in_o every_o believe_a soul_n though_o raise_v to_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o 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for_o that_o believe_a soul_n to_o question_v his_o own_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o confidence_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v as_o perfect_o and_o as_o clear_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o they_o strength_n to_o enable_v soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v those_o promise_n as_o they_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o a_o fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n for_o those_o soul_n that_o do_v embrace_v they_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v say_v it_o be_v my_o will_n that_o such_o perish_v sink_v despicable_a soul_n as_o will_v accept_v my_o tender_a shall_v be_v one_o with_o i_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o have_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o i_o have_v also_o say_v will_v allure_v and_o draw_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v according_a to_o my_o will_n this_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o in_o christ_n that_o i_o free_o tender_v you_o according_a to_o jer._n 31_o 32_o 33._o this_o shall_v be_v my_o covenant_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v infuse_v suitable_a disposition_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o embracer_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o incline_v dispose_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o fulfil_v all_o my_o reveal_v will_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v as_o sure_a a_o word_n reveal_v to_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o from_o whence_o may_v arise_v a_o 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
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 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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 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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 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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 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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
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