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 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see_v thy_o heart_n close_v with_o that_o gracious_a tender_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v thou_o see_v such_o holy_a disposition_n in_o thy_o soul_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o thy_o union_n thence_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v conclude_v thy_o evidence_n be_v from_o these_o when_o it_o be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o work_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v demand_v whether_o thy_o qualification_n thus_o consider_v be_v evidence_n i_o answer_v negative_o and_o affirmative_o first_o they_o be_v no_o right_a kind_n of_o evidence_n 1._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o faith_n with_o such_o a_o authority_n that_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o revealer_n of_o that_o truth_n the_o soul_n do_v believe_v it_o and_o close_o with_o it_o now_o in_o that_o manner_n the_o word_n alone_o be_v proper_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v always_o have_v a_o divine_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o now_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a ground_n but_o a_o divine_a word_n and_o thy_o own_o disposition_n and_o grace_n be_v no_o divine_a but_o a_o humane_a ground_n 2._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o necessary_a truth_n build_v upon_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n or_o reason_n now_o the_o union_n of_o thy_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v never_o be_v right_o take_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n build_v upon_o thy_o own_o work_n as_o the_o unchangeable_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v no_o work_n do_v by_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v a_o unchangeable_a reason_n upon_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v build_v such_o a_o truth_n as_o this_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n in_o regard_n thou_o be_v never_o yet_o full_o certain_a of_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o those_o thy_o work_n or_o of_o those_o disposition_n in_o thy_o soul_n from_o whence_o thou_o do_v gather_v those_o thought_n of_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o they_o may_v be_v improper_o call_v evidence_n and_o they_o may_v have_v beget_v a_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o thy_o soul_n though_o not_o a_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n opinion_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o some_o truth_n propound_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n propound_v now_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v afford_v some_o probable_a argument_n of_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o from_o thence_o may_v have_v fly_v these_o three_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o thence_o may_v have_v rise_v a_o quiet_a and_o calm_a in_o the_o soul_n a_o cessation_n from_o those_o perturbation_n and_o tumult_n the_o soul_n be_v disquiet_v with_o former_o 2._o hence_o may_v flow_v some_o refreshment_n a_o hope_n of_o possibility_n to_o the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n bring_v admirable_a refreshment_n much_o like_o a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n at_o sea_n see_v but_o a_o ship_n come_v towards_o he_o gives_z him_z hope_v of_o be_v take_v in_o 3._o from_o hence_o may_v arise_v some_o flit_a joy_n though_o christ_n do_v but_o pass_v by_o as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o soul_n do_v but_o see_v his_o face_n through_o a_o crevice_n it_o refresh_v his_o heart_n thus_o far_o they_o may_v be_v evidence_n of_o opinion_n unto_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n that_o must_v be_v note_v about_o this_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n lest_o we_o mistake_v for_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o many_o soul_n may_v prove_v such_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a issue_n of_o they_o may_v hold_v to_o eternity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o safety_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o soul_n therefore_o observe_v i._o that_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o soul_n do_v yet_o fall_v short_a of_o raise_v those_o soul_n into_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n about_o and_o concern_v evidence_n of_o union_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o certainty_n and_o that_o strength_n of_o confidence_n that_o the_o rule_n concern_v evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n do_v require_v soul_n to_o be_v raise_v to_o when_o this_o opinion_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n there_o can_v be_v a_o full_a certainty_n now_o the_o scripture_n require_v soul_n to_o attain_v a_o full_a confidence_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n heb._n 10.22_o 2._o in_o regard_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n in_o these_o evidence_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o ground_n disagree_v to_o the_o rule_n the_o rule_n be_v only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v immutable_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v build_v heb._n 6.17_o 18._o 3._o in_o regard_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unsuitable_a in_o measure_n and_o degree_n to_o that_o which_o god_n intend_v for_o his_o people_n soul_n he_o intend_v full_a consolation_n to_o they_o a_o plerophery_a of_o consolation_n but_o how_o weak_a be_v those_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o those_o weak_a fluctuate_a inherent_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n quality_n or_o the_o work_n of_o those_o quality_n ii_o you_o must_v note_v about_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n that_o no_o soul_n may_v just_o satisfy_v or_o content_v itself_o with_o only_a those_o evidence_n of_o
act_v by_o his_o own_o power_n the_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n p._n 233._o 2._o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o promise_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v reveal_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o many_o particular_n from_o p._n 234._o to_o 340._o the_o first_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 236._o a_o second_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 254._o a_o three_o p._n 262._o a_o four_o p._n 267._o a_o five_o p._n 269._o a_o six_o p._n 274._o the_o security_n give_v to_o soul_n from_o the_o covenant_n oath_n seal_n p._n 274._o from_o the_o many_o engagement_n upon_o god_n himself_o p._n 305._o 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n p._n 340._o what_o conscience_n be_v the_o two_o most_o eminent_a work_n of_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n former_o infuse_v into_o their_o proper_a exercise_n p._n 345._o what_o the_o spirit_n excitatjoin_v be_v p._n 350._o 5._o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n both_o its_o attestation_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o faith_n p._n 355._o to_o 392._o quest_n how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v know_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n p._n 392._o several_a thing_n concern_v diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 393._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a act_n of_o the_o devil_n policy_n towards_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n p._n 406._o quest_n can_v the_o devil_n look_v into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o know_v what_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v p._n 425._o 2._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n p._n 431._o 3._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n p._n 436._o premise_n about_o a_o soul_n trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v whether_o it_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 437._o four_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n when_o doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidenc_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o do_v incapacitate_v for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n p_o 445._o quest_n if_o soul_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o impatiency_n rashness_n irrational_a affection_n prejudicial_a conceit_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o under_o decay_n of_o holiness_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o a_o right_a trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n then_o what_o suitable_a mean_n remain_v for_o such_o soul_n in_o these_o sad_a condition_n under_o fear_n that_o their_o eaidence_n be_v delusion_n answer_n p._n 455._o if_o the_o examination_n can_v only_o be_v take_v from_o those_o evidence_n which_o remain_v in_o their_o perspicity_n clearness_n and_o sanctify_a power_n then_o quest_n what_o use_n can_v soul_n make_v of_o the_o evidence_n they_o conceive_v they_o have_v receive_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o lustre_n and_o orient_a brightness_n of_o their_o evidence_n be_v eclipse_v p._n 472._o answer_v in_o 4_o proposition_n six_o holy_a use_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v for_o former_a evidence_n p._n 479._o nine_o argument_n from_o former_a evidence_n to_o plead_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n p._n 483._o from_o all_o those_o consideration_n the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v quest_n how_o shall_v any_o soul_n that_o conceive_v he_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v actual_o enjoy_v certain_a and_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n demonstrate_v from_o certain_a necessary_a and_o evident_a reason_n that_o those_o his_o evidence_n be_v real_o from_o god_n p._n 491._o answ_n there_o be_v but_o two_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o certain_a ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o cause_n now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o which_o concur_v together_o and_o be_v never_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n bless_v write_v word_n and_o that_o precious_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o the_o first_o primary_n and_o principal_a reason_n from_o whence_o a_o soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n be_v that_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n two_o thing_n open_v to_o clear_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o evidence_n to_o any_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n p._n 493._o 2._o that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o potent_a invincible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o own_o proceed_n from_o god_n p._n 499._o the_o second_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o shine_v into_o any_o heart_n real_o from_o god_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n precious_a word_n p._n 502._o where_o be_v clear_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 512._o 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o demonstration_n a_o posterioti_fw-la take_v from_o the_o effect_n five_o act_n in_o believe_a soul_n whereby_o they_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n soul_n confident_a they_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v by_o christ_n put_v upon_o it_o to_o search_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o serious_o lay_v six_o thing_n before_o they_o to_o consider_v of_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 1.10_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o the_o apostle_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n after_o his_o departure_n from_o it_o write_v this_o epistle_n for_o the_o establish_n their_o heart_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n free_a grace_n in_o christ_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v their_o soul_n partaker_n of_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v excite_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o all_o suitable_a walk_n to_o such_o privilege_n this_o be_v his_o scope_n in_o this_o first_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o glorious_a privilege_n by_o their_o several_a name_n in_o their_o several_a cause_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o he_o break_v out_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n into_o a_o holy_a rapture_n of_o praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o those_o high_a privilege_n as_o election_n justification_n vocation_n and_o glorification_n now_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o their_o vocation_n in_o those_o word_n wherein_o he_o have_v abound_v towards_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n or_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o which_o grace_n and_o love_n before_o name_v the_o lord_n have_v abound_v towards_o we_o through_o the_o communicate_v that_o grace_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o we_o that_o be_v that_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o receive_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v thus_o name_v the_o privilege_n itself_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o effect_v this_o grace_n upon_o their_o soul_n in_o these_o word_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o himself_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n manifest_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o 13_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n he_o mean_v indeed_o the_o salvation_n preach_v in_o and_o through_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o which_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o now_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v that_o grace_n and_o understanding_n to_o they_o whereby_o they_o do_v embrace_v that_o precious_a doctrine_n that_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n
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
view_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n 2._o impatiency_n of_o spirit_n under_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v occasion_n every_o seem_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n to_o appear_v great_a than_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n thence_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o soul_n under_o this_o distemper_n every_o suggestion_n from_o hell_n bear_v such_o weight_n upon_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fume_n upon_o every_o such_o suggestion_n conceive_v there_o be_v abundant_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o union_n whereas_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o same_o objection_n by_o the_o same_o soul_n with_o a_o quiet_a calm_a spirit_n those_o objection_n appear_v to_o be_v invalid_a to_o have_v no_o weight_n nor_o scarce_o any_o colour_n whereby_o they_o shall_v manifest_v the_o falseness_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n ii_o the_o second_o sinful_a distemper_n be_v a_o irrationality_n that_o the_o soul_n subject_n itself_o to_o in_o all_o the_o conclusion_n that_o it_o draw_v up_o against_o itself_o now_o whenever_o a_o believe_a soul_n subject_n himself_o to_o this_o sinful_a distemper_n that_o he_o endeavour_v not_o to_o suppress_v every_o affection_n of_o hope_n fear_v or_o joy_n which_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o some_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n than_o the_o soul_n do_v make_v itself_o uncapable_a of_o examine_v and_o try_v just_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o soul_n will_v of_o necessity_n be_v irrational_a in_o all_o its_o conclusion_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v irrational_a in_o its_o confusion_n it_o be_v uncapable_a of_o a_o just_a trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o be_v uncapable_a of_o compare_v that_o bless_a golden_a rule_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n and_o his_o own_o evidence_n together_o 2._o in_o regard_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o distract_a when_o any_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o thought_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o union_n that_o soul_n without_o examination_n immediate_o entertain_v some_o hope_n again_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v object_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o prove_v the_o falseness_n of_o his_o evidence_n immediate_o again_o the_o soul_n entertain_v fear_n without_o examine_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o be_v object_v against_o his_o evidence_n and_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n continue_v interchangeable_o work_v make_v such_o distraction_n in_o the_o soul_n thought_n that_o it_o make_v it_o uncapable_a for_o any_o deliberate_a view_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n 3._o the_o three_o sinful_a distemper_n be_v a_o rashness_n hastiness_n or_o suddenness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o former_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n because_o of_o some_o backslide_n from_o god_n that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o will_v sudden_o from_o such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o heb._n 6.4_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v presumptuous_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o renew_v they_o again_o by_o repentance_n or_o unto_o repentance_n the_o word_n run_v thus_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n whereas_o do_v those_o soul_n examine_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v easy_o to_o discern_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v those_o who_o final_o apostatise_v from_o god_n not_o intend_v any_o slip_n and_o fall_v and_o backslide_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v there_o but_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o this_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n by_o collect_v it_o and_o compare_v with_o another_o word_n that_o will_v testify_v many_o saint_n to_o have_v have_v their_o fall_n and_o backslide_n after_o their_o taste_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o after_o their_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n â—…ly_o in_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o spirit_n mean_v here_o he_o mean_v here_o by_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n only_o some_o participation_n of_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n other_o scripture_n testify_v david_n and_o abram_n to_o have_v have_v their_o fall_n yea_o almost_o every_o saint_n after_o their_o taste_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o by_o repentance_n now_o this_o distemper_n do_v make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 2_o way_n i._o in_o regard_v this_o rashness_n make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o discern_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_v to_o obscure_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o sinful_a rashness_n occasion_n the_o soul_n only_o to_o take_v a_o superficial_a of_o whatever_o be_v suggest_v or_o propound_v now_o satan_n suggestion_n have_v some_o sparkle_a of_o angelical_a glory_n some_o varnish_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n so_o that_o every_o suggestion_n of_o hell_n whilst_o the_o distemper_n of_o rashness_n prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o build_v a_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n upon_o and_o then_o satan_n be_v always_o watchful_a to_o maintain_v a_o dispute_n that_o he_o once_o begin_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v reply_n against_o whatever_o can_v be_v object_v against_o his_o first_o suggestion_n every_o of_o these_o objection_n of_o satan_n they_o will_v be_v count_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o rash_a soul_n to_o draw_v another_o safe_a conclusion_n or_o to_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o draw_v its_o former_a false_a conclusion_n 2._o this_o rashness_n also_o beget_v a_o confusion_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n draw_v conclusion_n upon_o conclusion_n upon_o every_o seem_a ground_n and_o one_o conclusion_n maintain_v contradict_v another_o a_o contradition_n of_o hope_n contradict_v a_o conclusion_n of_o fear_n and_o there_o be_v no_o examination_n through_o the_o domineer_a power_n of_o rashness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o other_o these_o conclusion_n begin_v to_o fight_v in_o the_o soul_n at_o once_o yea_o multitude_n of_o conclusion_n seem_v contrary_a each_o to_o other_o 4._o the_o four_o distemper_n that_o do_v incapacitate_v a_o soul_n for_o the_o just_a trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n be_v a_o prejudicial_a conceit_n against_o his_o own_o evidence_n even_o before_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a distemper_n that_o prevail_v in_o asaph_n psal_n 77.2_o my_o soul_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v he_o do_v refuse_v to_o receive_v any_o evidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v faithful_a but_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o church_n lamen_n 3.17_o 18._o thou_o have_v remove_v my_o soul_n far_o off_o from_o peace_n i_o forget_v prosperity_n or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v render_v by_o some_o i_o forget_v god_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a she_o refuse_v to_o entertain_v any_o of_o those_o thought_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o be_v gracious_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o soul_n under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o distemper_n do_v study_n to_o wind_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o truth_n that_o shall_v lay_v hold_n upon_o their_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n and_o cavil_n against_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o this_o distemper_n do_v make_v soul_n uncapable_a while_o it_o prevail_v of_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o exidence_n in_o regard_n it_o cause_v slighty_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o their_o own_o union_n pre._n 4._o four_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenever_o any_o soul_n be_v decline_v from_o or_o decay_v in_o his_o former_a activity_n and_o operation_n of_o holiness_n he_o be_v then_o unsuitable_a to_o examine_v and_o to_o try_v just_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o be_v unsuitable_a in_o these_o five_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o light_n of_o manifestation_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o suspend_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o this_o decay_a temper_n in_o holiness_n when_o ever_o any_o heart_n decay_n in_o holiness_n his_o first_o original_a decay_n be_v in_o the_o activity_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o precious_a believe_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n