that_o thence_o it_o appear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v and_o declare_v as_o particular_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o if_o it_o do_v speak_v to_o any_o soul_n by_o name_n for_o that_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o believe_v the_o write_a worb_n speak_v as_o plain_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v particular_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v declare_v to_o any_o particular_a rebellious_a obstinate_a sinner_n that_o he_o particular_o do_v sin_n the_o word_n say_v whosoever_o walk_v thus_o or_o thus_o transgress_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o this_o speak_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n so_o sin_v que._n but_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n know_v 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divinity_n shine_v forth_o in_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o heighten_v reason_n of_o the_o accute_a son_n of_o adam_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n v._o 14._o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n to_o a_o believer_n heart_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n write_a word_n that_o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o the_o foundation_n of_o believer_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a authority_n neither_o can_v a_o believer_n say_v in_o believe_v any_o truth_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n that_o he_o know_v who_o he_o have_v believe_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n himself_o ii_o when_o that_o ever_o bless_a spirit_n do_v reveal_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n than_o the_o proper_a light_n of_o the_o write_a word_n itself_o shine_v forth_o so_o 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so_o clothe_v with_o power_n and_o irresistible_a authority_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v such_o property_n of_o god_n himself_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n soul-searching_a heart-dividing_a property_n find_v out_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o then_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v compass_a about_o with_o reason_n clothe_v in_o with_o reason_n that_o appear_v shine_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o satisfy_v the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n divinity_n be_v then_o every_o way_n engrave_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n in_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o cast_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n into_o the_o beliving_a soul_n do_v write_v his_o own_o name_n upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o light_n also_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n also_o that_o the_o soul_n know_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o see_v they_o shine_v forth_o from_o that_o word_n of_o his_o that_o the_o soul_n believe_v with_o confidence_n yea_o so_o satisfy_o and_o so_o know_o to_o his_o full_a contentment_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v you_o that_o be_v confident_a this_o day_n that_o a_o light_n do_v shine_v into_o your_o soul_n to_o satisfy_v you_o concern_v your_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o this_o union_n be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o will_v you_o be_v assure_v as_o well_o to_o knowledge_n as_o to_o faith_n that_o you_o
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 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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
of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n pre._n 2._o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v a_o distinction_n between_o assurance_n of_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n as_o in_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o say_v he_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o we_o he_o make_v a_o twofold_a assurance_n a_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n now_o indeed_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v both_o the_o property_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n now_o in_o both_o these_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n arise_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n gather_v the_o conclusion_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o behold_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n gather_v the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n pre._n 3._o three_o that_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n associate_n or_o companion_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n cotemporary_a that_o be_v accompany_v one_o another_o that_o when_o one_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v assurance_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v also_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o for_o a_o threefold_a reason_n 1._o in_o regard_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v witness_v or_o declare_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n whenever_o the_o lord_n reveal_v from_o his_o own_o word_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o take_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o lord_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n his_o soul_n want_v all_o the_o holiness_n the_o hungry_a or_o empty_a soul_n be_v breathe_v after_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v the_o soul_n he_o shall_v have_v love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o shall_v have_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o strength_n over_o corruption_n 2._o through_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v beget_v immediate_o now_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v thus_o necessary_o beget_v thence_o it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o they_o come_v to_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o lively_a working_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o grace_n be_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o soul_n by_o or_o through_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o the_o soul_n a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n mourn_v for_o sin_n more_o sweet_o and_o melt_v more_o precious_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o before_o though_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v some_o heart-breaking_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o wretchedness_n former_o it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o poor_a in_o himself_o and_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o more_o than_o ever_o before_o pre._n 4._o four_o though_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o soul_n yet_o the_o assurance_n of_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o according_a to_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n draw_v from_o his_o own_o grace_n when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n manifest_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o right_n orderly_a way_n never_o flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o arise_v upon_o these_o two_o ground_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o soul_n by_o god_n that_o do_v procure_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o appear_v thus_o the_o grace_n or_o love_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n then_o the_o lord_n do_v draw_v the_o the_o soul_n to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n when_o he_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o own_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o take_v it_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o mere_a disposition_n of_o his_o own_o will_v alone_o for_o no_o other_o respect_n whatever_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o now_o those_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o grace_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o grace_n in_o particular_a unto_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v through_o grace_n reveal_v that_o grace_n have_v its_o right_a proper_a effect_n in_o a_o soul_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n it_o have_v the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o effect_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v when_o we_o behold_v he_o through_o that_o sight_n we_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o divers_a place_n as_o john_n 15.16_o say_v christ_n you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n now_o at_o present_a as_o their_o portion_n but_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v christ_n first_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n choose_v their_o soul_n first_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n choose_v jesus_n christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o light_a reveal_n to_o a_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n choice_n of_o he_o so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o strength_n wherewith_o the_o will_n close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o choice_n again_o now_o the_o choice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o any_o habit_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o any_o soul_n bring_v forth_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a act_n true_o gracious_o act_v by_o any_o soul_n till_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v in_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v he_o to_o union_n with_o himself_o upon_o which_o the_o will_v also_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o and_o again_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o that_o know_a place_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o say_v he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o not_o that_o from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n love_v their_o love_n do_v proceed_v though_o that_o be_v true_a but_o from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gala._n 5_o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o love_n the_o very_a first_o operation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n towards_o christ_n be_v by_o love_n the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o grasp_v hold_n of_o christ_n it_o reach_v out_o also_o a_o hand_n of_o love_n unto_o christ_n now_o then_o observe_v the_o grace_n and_o working_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o gather_v assurance_n of_o knowledge_n from_o and_o those_o grace_n not_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o soul_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o lord_n manifestation_n unto_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n remain_v dark_a and_o hide_a and_o obscure_a to_o the_o
have_v any_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n or_o quality_n inherent_a in_o he_o but_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n former_o dark_a about_o his_o union_n must_v have_v respect_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o gift_n be_v manifest_v else_o the_o gift_n can_v be_v close_v with_o as_o suitable_a thence_o it_o must_v be_v manifest_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o poor_a despicable_a and_o desperate_a rebellious_a wretch_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v with_o the_o great_a commander_n of_o heaven_n for_o pardon_v to_o such_o a_o poor_a despicable_a rebel_n it_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o day_n man_n that_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o both_o partay_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o at_o difference_n to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o open_v the_o work_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o faith_n consider_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o ungodly_a one_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o rom._n 4_o 5._o ii_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v first_o in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v hitherto_o set_v in_o darkness_n must_v be_v a_o manifestation_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o those_o very_a grace_n and_o the_o grace_n themselves_o consider_v as_o give_v be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o his_o free_a will_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o those_o grace_n that_o must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o question_n open_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n use_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n there_o be_v another_o question_n to_o be_v open_v that_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n all_o the_o absolute_a promise_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o absolute_a promise_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o particular_a soul_n that_o be_v his_o own_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o or_o any_o other_o know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o particular_a soul_n in_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o particularise_v of_o any_o soul_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v first_o open_v what_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o every_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o lie_v down_o two_o conclusion_n for_o the_o full_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n of_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o absolute_a promise_n alone_o be_v like_o jacob_n ladder_n it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a ladder_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o come_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o precious_a golden_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o precious_a marriage_n knot_n of_o union_n be_v only_o knit_v by_o that_o chain_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o absolute_a good_a will_n unto_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o first_o ground_n of_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o revelation_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v soul_n now_o thence_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v than_o it_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v from_o eternity_n and_o so_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o lord_n elective_a love_n but_o rather_o the_o first_o and_o primary_n cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n shall_v be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o so_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n truth_n it_o shall_v be_v of_o he_o that_o will_v and_o run_v and_o not_o of_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o grace_n acceptable_a to_o god_n presuppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o union_n with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o conditional_a promise_n or_o a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v now_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o condition_n or_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o such_o a_o holy_a quality_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o holy_a quality_n conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n acceptable_a to_o god_n before_o union_n then_o either_o the_o soul_n must_v receive_v some_o holy_a quality_n that_o flow_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o deny_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o in_o col._n 1.9_o and_o john_n 1.16_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o some_o grace_n some_o holy_a quality_n shall_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n still_o remain_v a_o stranger_n to_o god_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o quality_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o union_n than_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v a_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n out_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n alone_o in_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v pre._n 2._o that_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v ever_o by_o or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v not_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n then_o the_o devil_n faith_n shall_v hold_v equal_a proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v as_o full_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a absolute_a promise_n as_o any_o unite_a soul_n and_o do_v as_o full_o expect_v the_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o shall_v the_o soul_n dependence_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o suitable_a ground_n for_o the_o dependence_n the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n but_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n all_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v describe_v in_o any_o word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a promise_n those_o be_v not_o discover_v at_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o absolute_a promise_n prove_v a_o particular_a ground_n to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o absolute_a promise_n see_v the_o lord_n particular_o tender_v himself_o to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o dependence_n prem_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o soul_n
the_o most_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o very_a secret_a working_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o a_o very_a probable_a way_n 1._o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v much_o of_o the_o thought_n and_o different_a working_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n by_o their_o outward_a action_n action_n be_v but_o the_o birth_n of_o thought_n as_o all_o action_n be_v the_o birth_n of_o habit_n they_o be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v deliberate_a and_o rational_a and_o thence_o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v very_o narrow_o into_o the_o thought_n by_o the_o outward_a action_n he_o can_v guess_v both_o by_o the_o gesture_n of_o person_n and_o by_o the_o very_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n what_o the_o inward_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v especial_o when_o he_o discern_v such_o and_o such_o to_o be_v the_o constant_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o person_n than_o he_o understand_v well_o what_o the_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v that_o lead_v such_o a_o person_n to_o order_v his_o conversation_n in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o devil_n can_v immediate_o discern_v what_o the_o image_n and_o species_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n image_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n be_v but_o like_o a_o shadow_n to_o the_o body_n whatever_o the_o working_n and_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o fancy_n as_o the_o shadow_n accompany_v the_o body_n so_o do_v these_o fancy_n accompany_v the_o understanding_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v also_o immediate_o to_o understand_v these_o from_o thence_o he_o can_v collect_v and_o gather_v what_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v 3._o the_o devil_n can_v discern_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n the_o passion_n always_o work_v in_o the_o blood_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o from_o the_o heart_n thence_o the_o devil_n can_v immediate_o behold_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o passion_n and_o affection_n passion_n of_o fear_n or_o passion_n of_o love_n or_o joy_n and_o grief_n and_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n now_o these_o passion_n and_o affection_n always_o attend_v the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n always_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o practical_a judgement_n thence_o also_o the_o devil_n can_v collect_v by_o the_o practice_n and_o affection_n what_o the_o inward_a notion_n or_o thought_n and_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v 4._o the_o devil_n can_v observe_v diligent_o what_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o his_o own_o suggestion_n be_v upon_o the_o fancy_n of_o men._n he_o observe_v whatever_o false_a reason_n that_o he_o himself_o propound_v do_v produce_v â—n_v the_o person_n and_o from_o thence_o also_o he_o have_v a_o near_a discern_a from_o the_o â—ffâ—â—t_n that_o he_o discern_v what_o the_o working_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n be_v 5._o he_o have_v a_o large_a and_o long_a time_n of_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o several_a and_o various_a act_n that_o various_a principle_n and_o various_a thought_n have_v produce_v for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o thought_n while_o they_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n yet_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v either_o reveal_v by_o a_o passion_n or_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v apparent_o into_o action_n he_o than_o understand_v they_o now_o he_o for_o five_o thousand_o year_n and_o above_o treasure_v up_o all_o observation_n he_o have_v observe_v when_o one_o have_v confess_v these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o thought_n what_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thought_n be_v when_o another_o have_v confess_v these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o thought_n he_o have_v observe_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thought_n be_v now_o by_o his_o long_a and_o constant_a experience_n he_o can_v declare_v the_o action_n of_o one_o man_n with_o the_o action_n of_o another_o man_n what_o such_o and_o such_o thought_n have_v produce_v and_o thence_o can_v probable_o conclude_v what_o the_o working_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o any_o person_n be_v now_o in_o all_o these_o way_n he_o exercise_v his_o utmost_a skill_n his_o most_o exquisite_a act_n to_o discern_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o person_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v by_o any_o false_a reason_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o false_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v suggest_v to_o they_o may_v be_v suitable_a that_o they_o may_v take_v at_o the_o very_a first_o suggest_v of_o they_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o understanding_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v by_o all_o his_o skill_n and_o art_n 1._o he_o endeavour_v to_o discern_v the_o depth_n or_o shallowness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o person_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o delude_v by_o some_o false_a argument_n or_o other_o from_o whence_o he_o will_v fallacious_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o according_a to_o what_o he_o discern_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o person_n so_o he_o suit_n his_o reason_n and_o argument_n may_v be_v he_o discern_v a_o shallowness_n in_o some_o understanding_n thence_o he_o suit_n his_o reason_n proportionable_a to_o their_o understanding_n many_o poor_a shallow_a soul_n he_o can_v persuade_v that_o their_o good_a meaning_n be_v enough_o to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n another_o shallow_a soul_n he_o can_v persuade_v his_o good_a prayer_n his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o deal_v just_o be_v enough_o likewise_o when_o he_o discern_v a_o great_a depth_n of_o understanding_n in_o any_o person_n he_o lay_v out_o more_o of_o his_o curious_a skill_n and_o art_n he_o cover_v over_o his_o false_a reason_n more_o specious_o he_o lay_v his_o fallacy_n more_o indiscernable_o and_o deep_o there_o be_v no_o low_a argument_n that_o will_v satisfy_v a_o deep_a understanding_n though_o a_o natural_a one_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v yea_o no_o low_a fallacy_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o delude_v such_o a_o understanding_n but_o a_o false_a apprehension_n and_o notion_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n some_o mystical_a fallacy_n about_o the_o mystery_n of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o devil_n search_v into_o the_o notion_n and_o principle_n that_o be_v most_o settle_a and_o fix_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o person_n there_o be_v various_a notion_n that_o every_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o which_o according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o several_a person_n be_v truth_n some_o understanding_n be_v fill_v only_o with_o gross_a and_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a notion_n they_o conceive_v of_o god_n only_o in_o a_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n carnal_o other_o understanding_n be_v fill_v with_o notion_n that_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o spirituallity_n in_o they_o now_o the_o devil_n make_v a_o exact_a search_n to_o find_v out_o these_o that_o thereupon_o he_o may_v propound_v lie_v argument_n of_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n suitable_a to_o those_o notion_n so_o that_o when_o he_o perceive_v a_o understanding_n only_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o carnal_a notion_n of_o god_n he_o can_v propound_v his_o carnal_a outside_n appearance_n of_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o a_o ground_n to_o that_o soul_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o union_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n he_o need_v seek_v for_o no_o high_a depth_n to_o delude_v such_o a_o soul_n but_o when_o he_o perceive_v a_o understanding_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o high_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 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then_o doleful_a weakness_n yea_o abhor_a wickedness_n in_o any_o soul_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n admission_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o the_o oratory_n light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n or_o the_o superadded_a light_n to_o the_o word_n that_o cause_v the_o word_n to_o give_v so_o clear_a and_o satisfy_v a_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v withdraw_v and_o suspend_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a shine_a burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o stand_v constant_o shine_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o open_a bosom_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o outstretch_a arm_n ready_a to_o grasp_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o near_a union_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v dreadful_a horrid_a wickedness_n for_o any_o soul_n to_o neglect_v slight_a undervalue_n or_o disregard_n the_o light_n of_o that_o 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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 efficacy_n upon_o the_o heart_n 4._o when_o any_o heart_n yield_v up_o himself_o captive_a to_o unbelieving_a reason_n and_o so_o cast_v off_o all_o that_o his_o precious_a confidence_n it_o can_v make_v a_o believe_a use_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a decrease_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o corruption_n while_o the_o soul_n so_o remain_v the_o heart_n be_v so_o natural_o active_a that_o it_o will_v be_v spend_v its_o strength_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o activity_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a act_n of_o the_o forename_a precious_a confidence_n be_v seal_v the_o heart_n will_v spend_v all_o its_o strength_n in_o corrupt_a working_n when_o the_o heavenly_a plant_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o weed_n that_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n garden_n will_v be_v all_o flourish_a hardness_n indisposition_n for_o god_n hard_a thought_n of_o god_n will_v all_o be_v augment_v daily_o prop._n 3._o three_o no_o soul_n ought_v to_o entertain_v such_o a_o superlative_a conceit_n of_o the_o use_n of_o those_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o former_o receive_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v those_o his_o evidence_n the_o sole_a or_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o principal_a prop_n or_o pillar_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o utmost_a use_n intend_v by_o god_n that_o believe_v soul_n shall_v make_v of_o former_a evidence_n receive_v can_v be_v but_o strengthning_n and_o encouragement_n to_o renew_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o fulfil_v his_o bless_a word_n unto_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v utter_o strange_a from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v make_v any_o one_o act_n of_o god_n towards_o or_o in_o the_o soul_n the_o principal_a pillar_n rock_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o to_o build_v its_o hope_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n all_o those_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whether_o by_o way_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n or_o by_o way_n of_o infusion_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v mere_o arbitrary_a except_v only_o the_o spirit_n constant_a influence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n and_o consequent_o changeable_a and_o various_a according_a as_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v see_v suitable_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o various_a soul_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o that_o transcendent_a riches_n of_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n have_v prepare_v unchangeable_a rock_n where_o the_o prime_a anchor_n of_o believe_a soul_n hope_v shall_v be_v fasten_v unmoving_a pillar_n that_o never_o shake_v whereupon_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o confidence_n must_v be_v lay_v according_a
to_o heb._n 6.17_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o 2._o immutable_a thing_n two_o thing_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o alteration_n or_o diminution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o his_o oath_n also_o they_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n that_o do_v flee_v from_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o they_o that_o be_v that_o do_v accept_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o hang_v thus_o the_o eternal_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o former_a evidence_n be_v too_o high_a a_o use_n to_o put_v the_o former_a evidence_n too_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o that_o the_o former_a evidence_a beam_n of_o light_a manifest_a that_o be_v only_o destinate_a to_o that_o precious_a use_n to_o build_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n admission_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o even_o that_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v even_o that_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o will_v aceept_v it_o and_o whenever_o scruple_n and_o objection_n and_o doubt_n possess_v the_o soul_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o former_a evidence_n the_o first-born_a of_o the_o soul_n endeavour_v shall_v be_v take_v up_o in_o in_o clear_v that_o truth_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v conceive_v some_o beam_n of_o light_n do_v evidence_n to_o he_o prop._n 4._o there_o be_v a_o strait_a command_n from_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n give_v unto_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o make_v a_o holy_a use_n advantage_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o he_o that_o one_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a testimony_n heb._n 10.32_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n this_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o confidence_n ver_fw-la 35._o thus_o asaph_n do_v psal_n 77.5_o 6._o when_o he_o be_v under_o darkness_n when_o the_o power_n of_o unbelief_n begin_v to_o rage_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o tyrannize_v over_o he_o than_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v improvement_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o he_o he_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v now_o he_o recall_v himself_o and_o begin_v to_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o the_o former_a testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n kindness_n to_o he_o i_o consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a the_o year_n of_o ancient_a time_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v the_o former_a comfortable_a communion_n i_o enjoy_v in_o god_n how_o god_n delight_v himself_o in_o communion_n with_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n again_o how_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o i_o and_o i_o answerable_o rejoice_v in_o god_n again_o and_o i_o commune_v with_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o look_v over_o the_o record_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v diligent_a search_n to_o see_v what_o experience_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o my_o soul_n be_v treasure_v up_o there_o yea_o then_o to_o help_v himself_o further_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v some_o improvement_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v and_o kindness_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n even_o to_o other_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o i_o will_v remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a there_o be_v a_o command_n from_o heaven_n upon_o believe_a soul_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o former_a evidence_n and_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o inherent_a power_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o act_v something_o in_o order_n to_o this_o holy_a use_n or_o improvement_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n now_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o those_o former_a evidence_n that_o believe_v soul_n be_v engage_v from_o heaven_n to_o make_v they_o be_v various_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o sum_n up_o 5._o or_o 6._o 1._o every_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o gather_v from_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n some_o strength_n to_o his_o present_a confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n i_o beseech_v you_o mistake_v not_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o probable_a fluctuate_a hope_n that_o some_o soul_n have_v enjoy_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n from_o some_o apprehension_n of_o some_o present_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o clear_v to_o they_o in_o some_o degree_n their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o foster_v up_o some_o hope_n of_o it_o those_o i_o say_v though_o they_o may_v be_v and_o be_v frequent_o such_o as_o real_o descend_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o also_o from_o such_o conceit_a and_o suppose_a act_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n proceed_v most_o of_o those_o soul-deluding_a hope_n that_o poor_a blind_a soul_n be_v delude_v with_o by_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o because_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v i_o dare_v not_o persuade_v any_o soul_n who_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v have_v evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o evidence_n have_v be_v only_o some_o flash_n of_o light_n from_o some_o conceive_a act_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v firm_o impregnable_o and_o unmovable_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o those_o his_o evidence_n do_v descend_v from_o god_n when_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v they_o those_o fluctuate_a evidence_n unto_o sense_n questionless_a if_o soul_n adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o must_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o trial_n by_o sense_n again_o therefore_o now_o observe_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o precious_a clear_a infallible_a evidence_n give_v unto_o a_o believe_a soul_n from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n to_o clear_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n unquestionable_o that_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n be_v to_o admit_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o case_n his_o soul_n will_v accept_v it_o through_o which_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n also_o the_o evidence_n unto_o sense_n have_v attain_v a_o clear_a beam_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o close_a of_o the_o believer_n heart_n with_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o mark_v also_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v have_v its_o relation_n sole_o to_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n give_v unto_o the_o believer_n faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o take_v a_o just_a examination_n of_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n former_o give_v to_o his_o faith_n when_o their_o glory_n be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v yet_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n though_o it_o can_v so_o clear_o and_o sensible_o discern_v it_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o soul_n from_o heaven_n continual_o to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v evidence_v be_v true_a and_o the_o soul_n engage_v from_o god_n to_o believe_v it_o the_o soul_n also_o stand_v engage_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o his_o former_a evidence_n that_o his_o soul_n receive_v concern_v the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o and_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o such_o a_o former_a mamanifestation_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n concern_v that_o bless_a good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o gather_v heart_n and_o strength_n and_o courage_n to_o renew_v the_o confidence_n of_o his_o poor_a waver_a rremble_a unstable_a heart_n 2._o the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n give_v unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o foster_v and_o nourish_v a_o lively_a hope_n in_o his_o soul_n that_o the_o same_o bless_a light_n of_o manifestation_n to_o manifest_a unto_o his_o faith_n clear_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v return_v that_o experience_n that_o such_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o light_n and_o a_o time_n of_o darkness_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v
the_o write_a word_n and_o aught_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o certain_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o write_a word_n this_o appear_v i._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o direct_a command_n of_o heaven_n that_o believe_v soul_n shall_v stick_v and_o cleave_v only_o to_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n and_o that_o believe_a soul_n shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o precious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o that_o 2_o tim._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n first_o it_o be_v necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v the_o occasion_n you_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n have_v foretold_v of_o perilous_a time_n approach_v wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o false_a doctor_n in_o the_o world_n in_o who_o snare_n many_o soul_n shall_v be_v take_v captive_n therefore_o lest_o timothy_n also_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v the_o apostle_n write_v these_o verse_n on_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v tymothy_n soul_n in_o the_o truth_n say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v receive_v they_o now_o the_o argument_n he_o use_v to_o settle_v timothy_n in_o the_o truth_n be_v two_o first_o from_o his_o apostolical_a call_n know_v from_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o from_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v in_o those_o next_o verse_n that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n cause_v to_o be_v write_v as_o a_o rule_n now_o this_o be_v his_o argument_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v the_o apostle_n do_v illustrate_v it_o by_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n first_o he_o discovers_z to_o he_o that_o those_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v if_o his_o soul_n do_v receive_v those_o discovery_n in_o those_o scripture_n by_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_a folly_n in_o timothy_n to_o receive_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o what_o he_o have_v learned_a to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o second_o he_o illustrate_v this_o argument_n by_o a_o second_o reason_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v but_o the_o breathe_v of_o god_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o man_n that_o write_v it_o it_o be_v god_n voice_n to_o thy_o soul_n say_v he_o therefore_o take_v heed_n thou_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n there_o discover_v three_o he_o illustrate_v this_o argument_n by_o a_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o use_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n that_o be_v for_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v instruct_v thou_o say_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o lord_n command_v thy_o soul_n to_o believe_v yea_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o reproof_n also_o for_o overthrow_v all_o false_a opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o for_o correction_n that_o be_v for_o the_o reprove_v all_o evil_a manner_n whatever_o for_o correct_v all_o vicious_a way_n whatever_o they_o be_v yea_o for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v profitable_a to_o discover_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d full_a so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o thou_o to_o know_v yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o add_v a_o four_o reason_n to_o illustrate_v this_o argument_n and_o that_o be_v in_o those_o next_o word_n which_o he_o take_v for_o the_o end_n of_o write_v these_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v furnish_v unto_o all_o perfection_n ii_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n in_o regard_n the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o a_o everlasting_a unchangeable_a rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o fetch_v his_o high_a testimony_n from_o the_o write_a word_n as_o you_o may_v observe_v john_n 5._o in_o compare_v for_o 31_o and_o so_o on_o and_o ver_fw-la 39_o together_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o bear_v witness_n of_o himself_o lest_o his_o witness_n shall_v not_o have_v evidence_v demonstration_n enough_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v from_o himself_o but_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n the_o baptist_n bear_v witness_n to_o he_o ver_fw-la 33._o he_o give_v they_o a_o second_o argument_n from_o his_o work_n ver_fw-la 36._o and_o ver_fw-la 37._o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o but_o ver_fw-la 39_o to_o give_v that_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n even_o unto_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o holy_a writing_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n they_o testify_v of_o he_o say_v he_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o hence_o when_o paul_n begin_v to_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazereth_n who_o he_o preach_v be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n he_o persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n acts._n 28.23_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o act_n 17.11_o that_o those_o man_n of_o berea_n preach_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o second_o it_o must_v be_v clear_v that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v particular_o reveal_v unto_o believe_a soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n both_o unto_o their_o faith_n and_o unto_o their_o sense_n first_o it_o do_v reveal_v particular_o unto_o their_o faith_n their_o infallible_a admission_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o appear_v in_o regard_n the_o lord_n testimony_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v every_o soul_n that_o will_v into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v absolute_o universal_a without_o the_o least_o acceptation_n or_o limitation_n so_o that_o it_o comprehend_v every_o particular_a soul_n whatever_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v according_a to_o that_o in_o john_n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n so_o in_o john_n 6.37_o he_o that_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o and_o in_o act_n 10.43_o that_o whosover_n believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o know_a place_n rev._n 22.17_o whoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o wherein_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v include_v that_o the_o lord_n testimony_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o the_o particular_a soul_n be_v name_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o the_o soul_n will_v accept_v it_o if_o the_o soul_n will_v consent_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o
trust_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o the_o fulfil_n that_o his_o word_n now_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o no_o particular_a word_n speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o say_v thou_o thomas_n and_o thou_o john_n or_o thou_o elisabeth_n or_o thou_o marry_o shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o thou_o will_v accept_v he_o 1._o i_o answer_v that_o either_o every_o particular_a be_v perfect_o comprehend_v in_o the_o universal_a offer_n and_o universal_a command_n of_o believe_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v name_v every_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n of_o assurance_n concern_v any_o gospel-truth_n whatever_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assurance_n that_o our_o body_n shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o john_n or_o thou_o mary_n shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n again_o and_o come_v to_o judgement_n yet_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o beam_n of_o spiritual_a light_n shine_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n will_v acknwledge_v that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v reveal_v particular_o that_o this_o soul_n and_o that_o soul_n even_o his_o own_o soul_n shall_v arise_v from_o the_o dust_n and_o come_v to_o judgeman_n now_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o any_o particular_a soul_n faith_n of_o his_o certain_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_n to_o judgement_n 2._o either_o all_o those_o particular_n be_v to_o be_v full_o comprehend_v in_o that_o universal_a offer_n and_o universal_a unlimited_a command_n of_o believe_v or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n command_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n whatever_o nor_o no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reprove_v it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o john_n shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n or_o thou_o mary_n shall_v receive_v i_o as_o thy_o only_a god_n and_o worship_v i_o only_o likewise_o no_o disobedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v reprove_v it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v thou_o thomas_n shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o john_n shall_v not_o lie_v thou_o mary_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n yet_o i_o conceive_v thou_o who_o believe_a disposition_n be_v most_o out_o of_o exercise_n at_o present_a dare_v not_o say_v god_n have_v not_o say_v to_o thy_o soul_n do_v not_o steal_v do_v not_o lie_v that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n appoint_v so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o particular_a soul_n undoubted_o their_o certain_a admission_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o case_n they_o accept_v he_o second_o the_o precious_a write_a word_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o particular_a soul_n sense_n their_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whenever_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n send_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v irradiate_a the_o precious_a write_a word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o make_v its_o own_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v into_o a_o dark_a heart_n and_o also_o irradiate_a at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o cast_v beam_n of_o light_n upon_o the_o precious_a believe_a act_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v beget_v in_o that_o soul_n than_o that_o light_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o particular_o declare_v to_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n its_o certain_a actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o these_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o its_o general_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o write_a word_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v in_o general_a and_o declare_v that_o believe_a act_n to_o be_v require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o every_o soul_n that_o write_v word_n of_o god_n do_v particular_o reveal_v unto_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n his_o actual_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o thus_o the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n to_o be_v a_o come_n to_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 11.28_o to_o be_v receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o he_o give_v concern_v his_o son_n sell_v to_o its_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o a_o receive_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o be_v a_o receive_n of_o christ_n himself_o john_n 1.12_o to_o be_v a_o will_n in_o the_o soul_n concur_v with_o what_o the_o lord_n tender_v rev._n 22.17_o now_o i_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n the_o lord_n require_v it_o do_v speak_v particular_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o evidence_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o declare_v the_o soul_n certain_a and_o infallible_a union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o thus_o the_o spirit_n have_v first_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v have_v sweet_o encourage_v the_o soul_n yea_o powerful_o irresistible_o effectual_o command_v the_o soul_n to_o set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o to_o say_v lord_n be_v it_o unto_o thy_o servant_n as_o thou_o have_v speak_v then_o the_o same_o spirit_n irradiate_v that_o write_a word_n that_o describe_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n let_v the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v a_o sweet_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o he_o to_o reconcile_v the_o father_n and_o he_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_v also_o the_o precious_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n that_o holy_a trust_n and_o confidence_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o write_a word_n say_v particular_o that_o thou_o do_v consent_v to_o accept_v of_o what_o the_o lord_n thus_o tender_v in_o christ_n to_o thou_o thou_o be_v certain_o and_o everlasting_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v he_o who_o do_v receive_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v propound_v in_o christ_n so_o thou_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v certain_o lodge_v in_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o the_o second_o way_n that_o the_o write_a word_n dclare_v unto_o the_o particular_a soul_n sense_n his_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v by_o its_o description_n of_o the_o constant_a certain_a and_o inseparable_a operation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n describe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n or_o describe_v the_o various_a effect_n of_o faith_n 1._o by_o the_o write_a word_n declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 5.6_o 2._o by_o declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o abase_v the_o soul_n in_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o altogether_o nothing_o rom._n 3.27_o 3._o the_o scripture_n do_v declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o purify_n the_o heart_n cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o unholy_a disposition_n acts._n 15_o 9_o 4._o in_o declare_v that_o the_o proper_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o high_a and_o unspeakable_a estimation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o now_o thus_o the_o write_a word_n declare_v the_o proper_a manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n do_v declare_v particular_o unto_o any_o particular_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o same_o write_a word_n declare_v that_o in_o whatever_o heart_n the_o believe_a disposition_n thus_o particular_o work_v there_o be_v that_o precious_a believe_a act_n the_o lord_n require_v there_o be_v that_o precious_a faith_n unfeigned_a that_o jesus_n christ_n command_v in_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o so_o it_o speak_v particular_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n thou_o do_v believe_v with_o that_o precious_a faith_n unfeigned_a that_o jesus_n christ_n require_v and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o make_v this_o write_a word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n understanding_n what_o it_o do_v always_o speak_v in_o itself_o which_o be_v that_o that_o particular_a soul_n do_v now_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o
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
do_v go_v before_o the_o act_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n in_o those_o soul_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o habit_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o in_o time_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v also_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n work_n and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o act_v before_o any_o other_o habit_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n must_v be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o in_o regard_n this_o particular_a way_n in_o apply_v these_o absolute_a promise_n be_v without_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o word_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o this_o faith_n can_v arise_v this_o be_v general_o grant_v of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a general_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n first_o confidence_n or_o adherence_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o the_o general_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v particular_o to_o every_o soul_n who_o attain_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a evidence_n to_o assure_v a_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v open_v in_o two_o conclusion_n conclu_n 1._o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n a_o certainty_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o equivalency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o run_v to_o all_o soul_n to_o any_o particular_a promise_n that_o can_v be_v make_v paul_n manifest_v as_o full_a a_o certainty_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o he_o in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a word_n from_o heaven_n say_v thou_o paul_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n what_o be_v that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n here_o be_v as_o far_o off_o a_o remote_a promise_n as_o can_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n what_o then_o of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v i_o where_o he_o make_v christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n particular_o to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o certain_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n that_o particular_a certainty_n that_o paul_n do_v receive_v do_v the_o same_o light_n appear_v from_o the_o promise_n as_o do_v to_o paul_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o equivalency_n in_o what_o the_o absolute_a promise_n can_v give_v to_o testify_v union_n to_o what_o a_o particular_a promise_n give_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o latitude_n or_o largeness_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a mercy_n and_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o people_n soul_n they_o be_v all_o propound_v as_o indefinite_a proposition_n that_o be_v without_o any_o certain_a bound_n in_o that_o promise_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v to_o it_o neither_o this_o kind_n of_o sinner_n or_o that_o kind_a of_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o rebellious_a but_o sinner_n so_o mark_v 16.15_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n preach_v the_o gospel_n what_o be_v that_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v say_v go_v and_o tell_v every_o soul_n my_o father_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o myself_o and_o unless_o this_o be_v receive_v tender_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o preach_v exclude_v the_o declare_v of_o god_n will_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o you_o exclude_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o angel_n luke_n 2.10_o when_o he_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o who_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n no_o i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o people_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bound_n set_v but_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creature_n he_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o can_v say_v but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n if_o he_o will_v embrace_v the_o lord_n christ_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o expresness_n of_o the_o command_n to_o every_o soul_n particular_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n 1_o john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o believe_v can_v contain_v but_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o and_o sure_o this_o can_v be_v mean_v for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v as_o much_o or_o else_o a_o receive_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n what_o the_o lord_n there_o tender_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o you_o observe_v it_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n general_o hold_v forth_o believe_v in_o this_o sense_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o believe_a and_o receive_v in_o scripture_n be_v put_v both_o for_o one_o 1_o john_n 1.12_o now_o that_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o command_n of_o believe_a reach_n thus_o far_o to_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o themselves_o will_v be_v clear_v by_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_v all_o unbelief_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o eminent_o forbid_v in_o this_o command_n of_o believe_v when_o any_o positive_a duty_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o contrary_n must_v needs_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o same_o law_n virtual_o and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v now_o believe_v be_v enjoin_v virtual_o unbelief_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v forbid_v the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v doubt_v and_o so_o all_o doubt_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n of_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v content_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o all_o this_o doubt_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v there_o forbid_a virtual_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n command_v because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n unbelief_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o faith_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_o certain_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n the_o lord_n do_v in_o that_o command_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v fullness_n of_o assurance_n from_o the_o very_a promise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n yet_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o command_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n that_o it_o do_v express_o command_v every_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n for_o then_o the_o promise_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n in_o regard_n the_o great_a number_n be_v at_o enmity_n but_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n be_v to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v he_o and_o this_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v the_o most_o rebellious_a wretch_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n come_v the_o first_o command_n to_o such_o rebellious_a soul_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_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
of_o thy_o judgement_n declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v that_o thy_o affection_n do_v work_v so_o powerful_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o and_o do_v not_o more_o frequent_o stir_v up_o high_a affection_n in_o soul_n in_o the_o first_o hold_v forth_o of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o than_o he_o always_o intend_v afterward_o to_o they_o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o prodigal_n luke_o 15.44_o have_v always_o those_o expression_n of_o his_o father_n delight_n in_o his_o return_n that_o he_o have_v when_o he_o first_o return_v then_o there_o must_v be_v the_o best_a robe_n put_v upon_o he_o and_o a_o feast_n and_o music_n but_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o his_o father_n put_v he_o on_o such_o apparel_n every_o day_n and_o make_v he_o a_o feast_n every_o day_n so_o the_o lord_n may_v and_o i_o believe_v do_v at_o the_o first_o reveal_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v more_o affection_n than_o he_o intend_v to_o continue_v and_o more_o stir_n of_o grace_n infuse_v than_o he_o intend_v afterward_o constant_o to_o continue_v yet_o though_o there_o remain_v not_o the_o same_o activity_n vivacity_n liveliness_n of_o affection_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o affection_n remain_v nay_o it_o may_v be_v the_o affection_n may_v be_v grow_v in_o its_o fixedness_n and_o steadiness_n and_o in_o its_o orderly_a way_n of_o work_v towards_o jesus_n christ_n though_o it_o appear_v not_o work_v so_o powerful_o and_o mighty_o as_o it_o do_v before_o you_o see_v plain_o the_o conclusion_n be_v rash_o draw_v though_o from_o a_o true_a principle_n consider_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o three_o distemper_n be_v fearfulness_n the_o timorous_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n now_o you_o must_v right_o understand_v this_o distemper_n for_o though_o the_o devil_n cast_v in_o the_o distemper_n of_o fearfulness_n into_o some_o soul_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o union_n with_o christ_n yet_o he_o cast_v in_o the_o distemper_n of_o presumption_n into_o more_o soul_n to_o prevent_v they_o from_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o lead_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o darkness_n we_o shall_v clear_v it_o in_o two_o or_o three_o conclusion_n 1._o there_o can_v be_v too_o much_o holy_a fear_n possess_v any_o heart_n that_o be_v there_o can_v be_v too_o much_o awful_a reverence_n of_o the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n nor_o too_o much_o awful_a respect_n of_o god_n as_o he_o present_v himself_o clothe_v with_o the_o precious_a robe_n of_o mercy_n &_o love_a kindness_n &_o goodness_n this_o fear_n god_n require_v ps_n 130.4_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o terror_n and_o dread_n and_o horror_n of_o the_o avenge_a justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o displease_v this_o god_n appear_v in_o this_o manner_n lest_o his_o anger_n shall_v be_v so_o kindle_v that_o flame_n of_o indignation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o he_o to_o the_o consume_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v this_o fear_n that_o be_v too_o much_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n dear_a one_o this_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v but_o a_o judas_n his_o fear_n and_o a_o cain_n fear_n and_o a_o saul_n fear_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a affection_n of_o fear_n that_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n as_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v this_o a_o perturbation_n or_o a_o trouble_v or_o perplex_v or_o cause_v the_o heart_n to_o suffer_v through_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o animal_n spirit_n to_o and_o fro_o upon_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v some_o evil_n that_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v this_o kind_n of_o fear_n be_v not_o a_o evil_a fear_n absolute_o consider_v but_o this_o fear_n become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n through_o the_o inordinateness_n of_o it_o as_o 1._o when_o it_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v perplex_v with_o some_o evil_n he_o shall_v suffer_v and_o can_v give_v no_o ground_n of_o this_o fear_n the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n tender_v in_o christ_n and_o can_v render_v no_o good_a account_n according_a to_o reason_n why_o his_o soul_n be_v thus_o afraid_a 2._o when_o it_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v when_o it_o exceed_v the_o bound_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n when_o it_o prove_v a_o distract_n fear_n and_o unfit_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o duty_n god_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o this_o distemper_n arise_v from_o three_o principle_n and_o according_o produce_v three_o effect_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v prevent_v from_o discern_v the_o light_a the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o common_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o guiltiness_n the_o sense_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o guilty_a person_n natural_o stir_v up_o fear_n of_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n as_o man_n and_o work_v with_o natural_a conscience_n it_o stir_v up_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n hereafter_o and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v that_o sinful_a fear_n prevail_v and_o cloud_n the_o soul_n 2._o it_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o height_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n right_a establishment_n fear_n be_v beget_v by_o look_v upon_o the_o danger_n it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n stand_v upon_o a_o high_a tower_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o downfall_n though_o he_o stand_v firm_a it_o pale_v the_o man_n and_o make_v he_o afraid_a so_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o tower_n of_o eternity_n come_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o thence_o arise_v this_o fear_n of_o heart_n 3._o this_o fear_n arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n wherein_o the_o soul_n remain_v i_o mean_v his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o right_a establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o those_o promise_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o soul_n like_o a_o blind_a man_n that_o be_v in_o continual_a fear_n lest_o he_o meet_v with_o danger_n and_o stumble_v and_o fall_v walk_v in_o darkness_n strike_v a_o fear_n natural_o in_o any_o person_n much_o more_o do_v this_o spiritual_a darkness_n produce_v fear_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o darkness_n thus_o rise_v have_v three_o effect_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o create_v strange_a unheard_a of_o danger_n to_o himself_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n work_v by_o fear_n the_o very_a strength_n of_o fancy_n when_o this_o distemper_n of_o fear_n prevail_v cause_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v new_a danger_n to_o itself_o every_o moment_n and_o to_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v and_o thence_o he_o multiply_v one_o objection_n upon_o another_o and_o the_o answer_v of_o one_o objection_n be_v but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o another_o objection_n 2._o this_o distemper_n of_o fearfulness_n do_v prevent_v the_o soul_n right_a use_n of_o the_o appoint_a mean_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o real_a danger_n discover_v the_o soul_n think_v to_o escape_v presumption_n by_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n lest_o it_o have_v no_o right_n to_o he_o prevent_v itself_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o right_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n it_o make_v the_o soul_n mindless_a of_o what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 3._o this_o distemper_n darken_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o cloud_n the_o precious_a divine_a light_n that_o god_n have_v infuse_v into_o it_o it_o look_v upon_o god_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o dark_a glass_n of_o fear_n and_o so_o be_v drive_v from_o god_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a with_o full_a confidence_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o do_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o distemper_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n present_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o love_n compassion_n and_o tender_a nature_n clothe_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o lovingkindness_n and_o thereupon_o begin_v to_o allay_v that_o passion_n of_o fear_n to_o prevent_v the_o rage_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n present_v the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v come_v down_o with_o a_o still_o gentle_a voice_n speak_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o precious_a allure_a soul-conquering_a heart-inamouring_a way_n and_o thereby_o the_o heart_n begin_v to_o have_v disposition_n beget_v in_o it_o to_o close_v with_o god_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n whereas_o it_o stand_v before_o afar_o off_o affright_v and_o astonish_v 2._o the_o spirit_n use_v to_o expostulate_v with_o the_o
evidence_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o subject_n if_o a_o soul_n through_o weakness_n of_o light_n receive_v conclude_v or_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n concern_v his_o soul_n than_o there_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o change_n of_o these_o determination_n when_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n come_v into_o his_o soul_n iii_o there_o may_v lawful_o be_v a_o suspicion_n and_o a_o jealousy_n over_o itself_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o unconstancy_n a_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o holy_a fear_n of_o his_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n when_o he_o see_v it_o settle_v upon_o a_o conclusion_n lest_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o right_o settle_v as_o god_n require_v there_o be_v two_o act_n a_o soul_n may_v do_v upon_o this_o ground_n 1._o he_o may_v be_v make_v a_o continual_a search_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o those_o conclusion_n and_o determination_n that_o be_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n 2._o a_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o draw_v up_o his_o spirit_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v his_o determination_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o determination_n and_o lay_v they_o all_o open_a before_o the_o lord_n now_o it_o must_v be_v open_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sad_a distemper_n of_o unconstancy_n in_o his_o determination_n and_o resolution_n there_o be_v three_o case_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o i._o when_o the_o soul_n remain_v waver_v in_o a_o unfixed_a unsettled_a frame_n of_o spirit_n upon_o any_o determination_n that_o it_o do_v draw_v up_o within_o itself_o when_o a_o soul_n apprehend_v reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o weight_n in_o both_o reason_n and_o thereupon_o suffer_v his_o soul_n to_o stand_v like_o scale_n with_o weight_n in_o both_o scale_n almost_o in_o a_o equipoise_n now_o turn_v this_o way_n than_o that_o way_n and_o stand_v steadfast_a no_o way_n now_o he_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o he_o the_o next_o morning_n he_o conceive_v not_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o thought_n of_o kindness_n for_o such_o a_o wretch_n as_o he_o yet_o do_v not_o mistake_v here_o for_o i_o must_v grant_v there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o equipoised_a spirit_n in_o soul_n without_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n concern_v which_o the_o soul_n remain_v in_o this_o waver_a state_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n hand_n some_o truth_n be_v more_o theoretical_a some_o more_o practical_a now_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o practical_a truth_n that_o god_n require_v from_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v not_o be_v sin_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o practical_a truth_n concern_v the_o soul_n act_v of_o faith_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v or_o the_o soul_n worship_v god_n in_o some_o ordinance_n of_o continual_a use_n then_o though_o it_o be_v through_o weakness_n and_o want_v of_o light_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o able_a to_o have_v his_o spirit_n settle_v upon_o a_o conclusion_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o excuse_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o case_n can_v come_v but_o the_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o too_o much_o ignorance_n that_o he_o may_v have_v avoid_v or_o guilty_a of_o unbelief_n that_o keep_v his_o spirit_n in_o the_o present_a case_n unswayed_a 2._o take_v this_o limitation_n that_o such_o a_o unsettledness_n of_o spirit_n concern_v a_o truth_n be_v after_o a_o soul_n strict_a endeavour_v for_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o determination_n of_o his_o spirit_n concern_v that_o truth_n ii_o the_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o inconstancy_n when_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n only_o do_v unsettle_v the_o soul_n from_o any_o determination_n or_o conclusion_n concern_v that_o truth_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v former_o draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o devil_n have_v a_o secret_a door_n into_o every_o heart_n through_o the_o fancy_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n back_o door_n it_o be_v his_o secret_a sally-port_n door_n that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n the_o devil_n steal_v into_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o fancy_n before_o ever_o the_o soul_n be_v aware_a of_o it_o without_o any_o alarm_n and_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o fancy_n he_o do_v suggest_v strange_a imagination_n in_o the_o soul_n without_o suggest_v a_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o such_o imagination_n be_v build_v iii_o then_o a_o soul_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sad_a distemper_n when_o it_o be_v unsettled_a and_o remove_v from_o its_o determination_n and_o conclusion_n with_o every_o just_a objection_n without_o a_o just_a comparison_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o objection_n with_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a persuasion_n and_o determination_n this_o be_v that_o sad_a distemper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o to_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n 2_o thes_n 2.1_o 2._o now_o the_o distemper_n be_v thus_o open_v in_o general_a you_o must_v note_v that_o there_o be_v three_o special_a conclusion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n concern_v which_o a_o soul_n become_v guilty_a of_o this_o distemper_n of_o unconstancy_n 1._o that_o the_o tender_a of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v reach_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n strive_v to_o maintain_v a_o constancy_n of_o spirit_n in_o this_o determination_n either_o keep_v the_o soul_n waver_v here_o not_o dare_v to_o resolve_v this_o bless_a truth_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o else_o in_o suggest_v strong_a imagination_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o give_v firm_a credit_n to_o that_o truth_n or_o by_o keep_v up_o objection_n upon_o objection_n against_o that_o precious_a truth_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v settle_v upon_o that_o conclusion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o evening_n if_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v remove_v in_o the_o morning_n 2._o that_o no_o wickedness_n wretchedness_n nor_o desperate_a vileness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v be_v any_o impediment_n to_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_v that_o the_o machiavilian_a brain_n of_o hell_n can_v produce_v shall_v be_v bring_v to_o evade_v this_o truth_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a soul_n immediate_o and_o at_o all_o time_n without_o the_o least_o delay_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v that_o particular_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n these_o precious_a truth_n be_v that_o precious_a heavenly_a crystal_n glass_n through_o which_o the_o spiritual_a eye_n come_v to_o discern_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o god_n towards_o it_o in_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o either_o the_o power_n or_o policy_n of_o hell_n can_v foment_n that_o distemper_n in_o the_o heart_n concern_v this_o principle_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o settle_v a_o full_a conclusion_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o shall_v be_v effect_v now_o this_o distemper_n prevent_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n by_o these_o five_o several_a effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n i._o it_o prevent_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o sufficient_a time_n to_o discern_v the_o inward_a of_o the_o lord_n promise_v of_o accept_v a_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o when_o he_o do_v behold_v the_o promise_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v in_o a_o promise_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o discern_a of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v discern_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n of_o a_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o must_v discern_v the_o compass_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v so_o wide_a as_o to_o take_v in_o his_o own_o particular_a soul_n 2._o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v the_o infinite_a freedom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o promise_n to_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o must_v see_v that_o god_n require_v nothing_o either_o to_o prepare_v or_o dispose_v the_o soul_n aright_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v see_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n to_o
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
any_o further_a than_o the_o spirit_n concur_v with_o the_o light_n reveal_v now_o 1._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a complacency_n in_o behold_v the_o precious_a divine_a light_n that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v 2._o the_o spirit_n move_v a_o insatiable_a thirst_n in_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o precious_a divine_a light_n shine_v from_o the_o gospel_n into_o his_o poor_a obscure_a heart_n 3._o the_o spirit_n melt_v the_o heart_n by_o the_o behold_v that_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n put_v into_o it_o so_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v most_o precious_o tender_a and_o pliable_a and_o flexible_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n 2._o the_o spirit_n impel_v constrain_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v strong_o the_o lord_n rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o royal_a sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n but_o not_o as_o the_o word_n be_v bare_o reveal_v unto_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o but_o as_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n sway_v not_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o word_n lose_v its_o imperial_a royal_a authority_n that_o it_o have_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n lie_v not_o under_o so_o strong_a a_o obligation_n to_o any_o duty_n as_o it_o do_v when_o the_o spirit_n bring_v the_o word_n to_o the_o heart_n 3._o the_o three_o act_n be_v the_o enable_v the_o soul_n powerful_o to_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o in_o phil._n 2.13_o by_o he_o we_o receive_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o be_v both_o the_o disposition_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o disposition_n both_o a_o inward_a bent_n of_o spirit_n to_o believe_v and_o power_n also_o to_o act_v that_o disposition_n this_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n that_o work_v in_o those_o that_o believe_v eph._n 1.19_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o can_v only_o believe_v waver_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v his_o despicable_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v by_o the_o powerful_a ability_n of_o the_o spirit_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o fix_o to_o believe_v it_o undoubted_o unquestionable_o without_o the_o least_o inconstancy_n for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o bless_a god_n of_o love_n will_v out_o of_o his_o own_o free_a love_n accept_v his_o despicable_a loveless_a soul_n into_o the_o near_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o himself_o through_o he_o that_o be_v the_o exciting_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v now_o the_o five_o and_o last_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o soul_n for_o that_o end_n to_o be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o the_o soul_n attestation_n the_o spirit_n attestation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o witness_v unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v certain_o infallible_o in_o its_o cleave_v to_o lord_n jesus_n admit_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o to_o show_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n concern_v believe_a soul_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o show_v more_o than_o sufficiency_n the_o unchangableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o such_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o precious_a place_n hebr._n 6.17_o the_o lord_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o council_n exit_fw-la abundanti_fw-la as_o beza_n translate_v the_o original_a the_o lord_n have_v a_o precious_a good_a will_n to_o show_v in_o a_o way_n more_o and_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_a soul_n the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o soul_n fail_v of_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 he_o do_v therefore_o now_o add_v his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o comforter_n of_o believe_a soul_n not_o only_o in_o a_o degree_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o for_o which_o end_n all_o those_o four_o former_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o soul_n be_v appoint_v but_o the_o lord_n appoint_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o comforter_n beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v to_o believe_a soul_n a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o as_o thereby_o the_o spirit_n have_v fill_v their_o soul_n with_o strong_a consolation_n yet_o the_o lord_n appoint_v the_o spirit_n to_o add_v a_o high_a work_n which_o be_v its_o attestation_n this_o attestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v find_v eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v in_o who_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v which_o import_v the_o near_a conjunction_n of_o these_o two_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o immediate_a follow_v of_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n upon_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o you_o find_v also_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1.21_o 22._o now_o he_o that_o establish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v find_v also_o eph._n 4.30_o grieve_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o so_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n thaâ—_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n now_o lest_o any_o shall_v question_v whether_o the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o work_v in_o a_o witness_v way_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v the_o interpretation_n of_o most_o of_o those_o place_n from_o some_o other_o gloss_n that_o be_v frequent_o put_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o seal_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o soul_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v only_o that_o by_o grace_n and_o holy_a disposition_n that_o the_o spirit_n communicate_v unto_o believe_v soul_n it_o do_v confirm_v soul_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o beliveâ—s_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v only_o mean_v believer_n receive_v the_o precious_a work_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n in_o holy_a habit_n and_o dipsosition_n for_o answer_v i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v frequent_o mean_v in_o scripture_n the_o holy_a disposition_n infuse_v by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n into_o believe_a soul_n and_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v also_o that_o the_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o believe_a soul_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o witness_n unto_o soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v questionless_a that_o a_o effect_n may_v witness_v its_o own_o proper_a cause_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v express_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v witness_v of_o god_n act._n 14.17_o and_o so_o christ_n work_n be_v witness_n of_o his_o godhead_n john_n 5.36_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v primary_o intend_v in_o the_o former_a scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n seal_v the_o believe_a soul_n which_o may_v appear_v to_o you_o by_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n seal_v the_o believe_a soul_n be_v declare_v to_o follow_v the_o soul_n act_n of_o believe_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v or_o in_o who_o you_o believe_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n now_o all_o the_o precious_a holy_a habit_n that_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n infuse_v before_o there_o be_v any_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n though_o the_o believe_a act_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v be_v contemporary_a that_o be_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o the_o infuse_v of_o all_o the_o holy_a habit_n and_o disposition_n into_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v a_o precedency_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o believe_a act_n i_o confess_v some_o and_o those_o learned_a one_o too_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n shall_v work_v as_o a_o external_a
for_o that_o believe_a soul_n to_o question_v his_o own_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o confidence_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v as_o perfect_o and_o as_o clear_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o they_o strength_n to_o enable_v soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v those_o promise_n as_o they_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o a_o fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n for_o those_o soul_n that_o do_v embrace_v they_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v say_v it_o be_v my_o will_n that_o such_o perish_v sink_v despicable_a soul_n as_o will_v accept_v my_o tender_a shall_v be_v one_o with_o i_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o have_v everlasting_a communion_n with_o i_o have_v also_o say_v will_v allure_v and_o draw_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v according_a to_o my_o will_n this_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o in_o christ_n that_o i_o free_o tender_v you_o according_a to_o jer._n 31_o 32_o 33._o this_o shall_v be_v my_o covenant_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o will_v infuse_v suitable_a disposition_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o embracer_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o incline_v dispose_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o fulfil_v all_o my_o reveal_v will_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v as_o sure_a a_o word_n reveal_v to_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o from_o whence_o may_v arise_v a_o confidence_n in_o it_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v everlasting_o to_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v a_o word_n whereupon_o his_o soul_n may_v depend_v and_o may_v be_v confident_a the_o lord_n will_v accept_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n that_o very_a confidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o infallible_a acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v the_o very_a act_n of_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n there_o be_v four_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n include_v under_o this_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o 1._o in_o this_o be_v include_v the_o election_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o be_v but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gospel_n require_v to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o now_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o it_o be_v the_o very_o receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v the_o soul_n credence_n or_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v confident_a of_o the_o lord_n accept_n of_o it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o it_o be_v only_o because_o of_o such_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n or_o which_o the_o soul_n believe_v 3._o in_o this_o act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v a_o resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n whole_o unto_o christ_n such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o know_v who_o word_n it_o be_v that_o i_o give_v credit_n to_o and_o that_o i_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o i_o lean_v my_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o word_n for_o its_o everlasting_a happiness_n so_o that_o then_o in_o this_o act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v that_o mutual_a interchangable_n covenant_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n require_v from_o soul_n in_o accept_n the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v 4._o in_o this_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n there_o be_v include_v a_o full_a dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n a_o hang_v the_o soul_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o word_n so_o that_o indeed_o all_o the_o act_n that_o the_o gospel_n require_v from_o soul_n be_v include_v in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o confidence_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n be_v also_o the_o act_n of_o its_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n cleave_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n be_v gradual_o as_o strong_a as_o the_o act_n of_o its_o confidence_n of_o accept_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o cleave_v to_o he_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n question_v his_o own_o adherence_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o testimony_n foremention_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n and_o produce_v 〈◊〉_d confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n lie_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n the_o very_a confidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n beget_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o accept_n it_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o cleave_v to_o he_o the_o very_a act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o he_o answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v further_o that_o whenever_o the_o spirit_n by_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n do_v beget_v that_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o than_o the_o soul_n can_v question_v his_o own_o adhere_n unto_o christ_n any_o more_o than_o he_o question_n the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o adhere_n to_o he_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n unto_o faith_n be_v or_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o do_v equal_o beget_v a_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o everlasting_a cleave_v unto_o christ_n to_o the_o confidence_n that_o it_o do_v beget_v of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o soul_n adhere_v to_o he_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n attestation_n unto_o faith_n be_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o of_o all_o the_o promise_n the_o spirit_n in_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n clear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a glorious_a work_n of_o the_o union_n of_o loveless_n sinner_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o have_v its_o sole_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o manifest_v believe_v strength_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n full_o to_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o union_n with_o christ_n himself_o be_v tender_v now_o than_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n which_o follow_v this_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o large_a as_o its_o irradiation_n work_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n do_v in_o a_o judicial_a authoritative_a way_n witness_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o gospel_n truth_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v possible_o resist_v that_o determination_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v into_o its_o bosom_n now_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v enable_v it_o to_o cleave_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v unto_o its_o faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n every_o soul_n that_o will_v adhere_v to_o he_o thence_o it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o soul_n shall_v more_o question_v his_o adhere_n unto_o christ_n than_o he_o shall_v question_v the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o he_o
the_o readiness_n of_o the_o soul_n natural_o to_o concur_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o corrupt_a conscience_n while_o it_o bear_v witness_v against_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o regard_n the_o full_a bent_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o therefore_o the_o lord_n add_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o give_v matter_n for_o conscience_n to_o build_v a_o new_a judgement_n upon_o concern_v the_o soul_n everlasting_a estate_n ii_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o its_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n unto_o christ_n may_v every_o way_n counterpoise_v the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o its_o separation_n from_o christ_n there_o be_v three_o evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o separation_n from_o christ_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n do_v parallel_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n answerable_a to_o those_o three_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n separation_n from_o christ_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o bless_a word_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n determine_v that_o every_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n be_v by_o merit_n and_o desert_n everlasting_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o actual_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o be_v void_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n work_v the_o contrary_a opposite_a rebellious_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o any_o soul_n natural_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 3.8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n that_o be_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o bent_n of_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a determination_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o will_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n found_v upon_o these_o contrary_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o christ_n now_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o three_o the_o spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o even_o such_o a_o particular_a despicable_a lose_a sinner_n shall_v infallible_o in_o his_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n enjoy_v everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n add_v this_o testimony_n also_o unto_o sense_n and_o feeling_n whereby_o he_o make_v the_o soul_n discern_v even_o from_o the_o move_n and_o work_v of_o his_o heart_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o from_o thence_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v witness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v actual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n iii_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v a_o super-addition_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o sense_n that_o the_o whole_a bless_a word_n of_o god_n may_v sweet_o concur_v together_o in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o for_o example_n that_o word_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.13_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o we_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n this_o word_n bear_v not_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o it_o bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o believe_a soul_n sense_n that_o be_v unite_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v from_o god_n into_o its_o bosom_n likewise_o that_o other_o word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o life_n and_o grace_n and_o holiness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o you_o that_o jesus_n christ_n act_n and_o work_n in_o you_o and_o through_o you_o know_v you_o not_o this_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n now_o this_o word_n bear_v no_o testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n because_o the_o indwel_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o object_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n iv_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o believe_v soul_n may_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o everlasting_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n here_o below_o according_a to_o that_o eph._n 1.13_o you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n so_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o earnest_n import_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o soul_n part_n of_o his_o everlasting_a portion_n before_o hand_n two_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v that_o small_a portion_n as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a inheritance_n now_o in_o the_o spirit_n testify_v unto_o sense_n the_o soul_n union_n the_o spirit_n do_v clear_o manifest_v the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o union_n and_o its_o participation_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n already_o in_o regard_n it_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v actual_o inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n v._o the_o lord_n superadd_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n unto_o its_o testimony_n unto_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v effect_v the_o full_a degree_n of_o conformity_n to_o his_o whole_a will_n in_o the_o soul_n two_o command_n be_v impossible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o yield_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o without_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n first_o the_o command_n of_o examine_v and_o prove_v the_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o all_o command_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o examine_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n whether_o love_v to_o god_n or_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o no_o there_o can_v be_v no_o effectual_a obedience_n to_o any_o command_n of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o discover_v all_o its_o precious_a working_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o command_n of_o perpetual_a rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o obey_v without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n though_o indeed_o believe_v be_v the_o primary_n original_a of_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n yet_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o its_o believe_v be_v a_o necessary_a adjunct_n to_o make_v up_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n vi_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o his_o testimony_n to_o faith_n that_o the_o believe_a soul_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n all_o those_o glorious_a portion_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n whereby_o believer_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o precious_a habit_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o their_o heart_n will_v be_v as_o so_o many_o strong_a hold_v for_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o fortify_v in_o against_o the_o believer_n soul_n and_o will_v be_v turn_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o hell_n into_o condemn_a sentence_n against_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o precious_a tower_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n will_v be_v always_o batter_v the_o sweet_a stream_n of_o comfort_n will_v always_o meet_v with_o one_o interruption_n or_o other_o in_o their_o flow_a down_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n add_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n sense_n what_o the_o spirit_n witness_n be_v unto_o sense_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v what_o the_o spirit_n attestation_n to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v a_o precious_a secret_a immediate_a clear_a and_o authoritative_a irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n or_o confidence_n cause_v the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o believe_v to_o shine_v so_o resplendent_o that_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o
act_n of_o believe_v be_v make_v sweet_o conscious_a to_o itself_o that_o it_o do_v right_o believe_v whence_o the_o renew_a conscience_n determine_v bold_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v everlasting_o one_o with_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o perspicuous_o unfold_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o shall_v take_v the_o description_n in_o piece_n and_o open_v it_o in_o part_n first_o you_o be_v to_o understand_v in_o the_o description_n the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o testimony_n unto_o sense_n the_o act_n be_v a_o act_n of_o irradiation_n a_o clothing_n the_o believer_n soul_n with_o a_o transparent_a glory_n and_o brightness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v but_o a_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o light_n to_o faith_n and_o light_n to_o sense_n that_o be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o the_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n there_o be_v three_o act_n to_o be_v observe_v concern_v this_o irradiate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._o it_o be_v a_o immediate_a irradiation_n nay_o it_o proceed_v from_o that_o bless_a spirit_n so_o immediate_o that_o nothing_o can_v concur_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o cast_v that_o precious_a light_n upon_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o immediate_a as_o none_o of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o effect_v or_o produce_v instrumental_o this_o precious_a manifestation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n to_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v frequent_o yea_o constant_o through_o some_o precious_a ordinance_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v vouchsafe_v thus_o to_o irradiate_a or_o manifest_a to_o the_o believe_a soul_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o of_o these_o ordinance_n 2._o it_o be_v such_o a_o immediate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o demonstration_n either_o from_o the_o antecedent_n or_o consequent_a from_o the_o cause_n or_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o believe_v have_v no_o place_n here_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o may_v be_v infallible_a demonstration_n draw_v by_o a_o believe_a soul_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o believe_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v true_a sincere_a and_o upright_o in_o believe_v yet_o the_o spirit_n do_v so_o immediate_o manifest_v this_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o do_v not_o send_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o or_o that_o work_n to_o see_v what_o holiness_n or_o strength_n of_o love_n or_o affection_n unto_o christ_n nor_o what_o readiness_n of_o heart_n to_o all_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o believe_v but_o the_o bless_a spirit_n do_v immediate_o in_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o the_o soul_n act_v that_o believe_a act_n cast_v a_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n upon_o that_o very_a act_n that_o there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o act_n itself_o that_o the_o act_n be_v a_o true_a believe_a act_n according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n 3._o this_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o immediate_a act_n that_o the_o spirit_n use_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o discursive_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o collect_v from_o the_o description_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o word_n that_o his_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a according_a to_o the_o lord_n will_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n it_o do_v discover_v clear_o infallible_o and_o unquestionable_o all_o the_o property_n whereby_o believer_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n also_o yet_o in_o this_o that_o be_v proper_o call_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o sense_n in_o its_o manifest_v the_o believe_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o discursive_a power_n in_o the_o mind_n the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o soul_n shall_v compare_v together_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n and_o the_o description_n of_o the_o true_a believe_a act_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v in_o the_o word_n so_o as_o thence_o to_o collect_v by_o discourse_n that_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v true_a 2_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a act_n full_a of_o perspicuity_n and_o transparency_n the_o spirit_n in_o this_o irradiation_n cast_v as_o clear_v a_o light_n upon_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n to_o make_v it_o discover_v itself_o as_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v cast_v a_o natural_a light_n upon_o its_o own_o natural_a act_n so_o that_o it_o be_v proportionable_o evident_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o his_o soul_n do_v believe_v as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o soul_n live_v or_o that_o the_o soul_n will_v or_o that_o it_o have_v a_o be_v 3_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v act_n be_v authoritative_a irresistible_o powerful_a this_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n act_v have_v such_o a_o command_a power_n include_v in_o it_o that_o it_o even_o command_v the_o beâ—…_n yea_o it_o command_v undeniable_o so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o shut_v its_o eye_n but_o it_o must_v see_v ii_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o testimony_n unto_o sense_n the_o object_n name_v in_o the_o description_n be_v the_o soul_n believe_v act_n or_o confidence_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o very_a act_n of_o credit_n that_o the_o soul_n give_v to_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o that_o particular_a loveless_a soul_n shall_v adhere_v &_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o &_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o likewise_o testify_v that_o in_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o that_o word_n oâ—_n god_n it_o shall_v everlasting_o enjoy_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o spirit_n now_o there_o be_v 4._o thing_n observable_a under_o this_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n i._o you_o must_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o present_a believe_a act_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o spirit_n manifestation_n or_o irradiation_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o cast_v those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n upon_o the_o soul_n former_a and_o past_a act_n of_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v be_v multiply_v but_o only_o upon_o the_o present_a momentany_a act_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v draw_v forth_o from_o the_o soul_n by_o its_o manifest_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o reveal_v the_o tender_a of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o despicable_a sinner_n in_o its_o glory_n and_o brightness_n ii_o you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o believe_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o the_o principal_a and_o primary_n object_n of_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n cast_v beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n upon_o no_o other_o act_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n at_o present_a but_o only_o upon_o that_o act_n common_o the_o spirit_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o clothe_v the_o act_n of_o love_n with_o such_o a_o glorious_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n as_o that_o be_v also_o visible_a in_o the_o same_o moment_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o see_v unquestionable_o his_o arm_n of_o love_n grasp_a the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o well_o as_o he_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o confidence_n in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o iii_o you_o must_v observe_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n irradiate_a or_o manifest_v this_o believe_a act_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o believe_v 1._o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n to_o make_v it_o unquestionable_a and_o undeniable_a to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o his_o wretched_a corrupt_a heart_n do_v not_o delude_v nor_o deceive_v he_o but_o that_o his_o heart_n do_v rely_v with_o some_o degree_n of_o strength_n and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v union_n and_o communion_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o it_o make_v apparent_a the_o uprightness_n that_o be_v the_o strait_a conformity_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o command_v of_o believe_v iv_o you_o may_v observe_v here_o how_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o soul_n everlasting_a inheritance_n or_o of_o the_o soul_n everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o as_o the_o spirit_n do_v irradiate_a the_o soul_n believe_v
through_o a_o clear_a evidence_n have_v beget_v such_o a_o precious_a confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o say_v concern_v that_o his_o confidence_n as_o job_n say_v concern_v he_o job_n 27.5_o i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o i_o will_v not_o let_v go_v this_o my_o confidence_n till_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o whence_o this_o confidence_n do_v arise_v this_o also_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o diminish_n of_o this_o confidence_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n before_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v a_o infinite_a injury_n to_o the_o sweet_a comforter_n the_o bless_a spirit_n who_o through_o the_o manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o precious_a confidence_n the_o reject_v of_o that_o confidence_n so_o wrought_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o most_o precious_a office_n and_o a_o disparagement_n of_o the_o very_a witness_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o most_o sinful_a unconstancy_n and_o fickleness_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n receive_v before_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o receive_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n rhat_o the_o lord_n require_v shall_v be_v in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a sanctify_a reason_n so_o that_o this_o confidence_n before_o trial_n ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n in_o case_n such_o a_o confidence_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o evidence_n former_o receive_v that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n then_o by_o the_o way_n will_v be_v open_v but_o will_v the_o soul_n say_v wherefore_o then_o be_v the_o command_v give_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o say_v and_o so_o consequent_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n if_o we_o must_v not_o be_v dubious_a and_o anxious_a whether_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v true_a or_o no_o before_o we_o proceed_v ro_o the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n by_o the_o way_n brief_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o these_o command_n of_o soul_n examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v give_v universal_o to_o all_o soul_n on_o purpose_n that_o delude_a soul_n by_o the_o try_v and_o prove_v themselves_o may_v discover_v their_o own_o delusion_n and_o discern_v their_o lie_a confidence_n of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o these_o command_n be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o believe_a soul_n to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o command_n be_v occasion_n to_o soul_n true_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o review_v over_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n actual_a admission_n of_o they_o into_o union_n now_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n view_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n the_o more_o it_o view_v that_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o case_n he_o accept_v it_o and_o by_o the_o soul_n gaze_v upon_o that_o bless_a word_n it_o discern_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n infallibility_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o that_o word_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_o and_o full_o the_o soul_n discern_v that_o the_o strong_a be_v its_o confidence_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v admit_v even_o that_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thence_o there_o be_v more_o occasion_n for_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o irradiate_a rhe_n soul_n believe_v act_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v and_o feel_v itself_o to_o believe_v aright_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o actual_a confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n admission_n with_o christ_n live_v and_o be_v maintain_v in_o its_o strength_n 3._o these_o command_n be_v give_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o preparedness_n against_o all_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v from_o hell_n against_o those_o soul_n through_o this_o examination_n believe_v soul_n have_v their_o confidence_n maintain_v in_o its_o life_n and_o strength_n and_o so_o be_v fortify_v against_o temptation_n because_o it_o discern_v clear_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o his_o own_o confidence_n stand_v 4._o the_o lord_n give_v these_o command_n on_o purpose_n to_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n all_o manner_n of_o holy_a disposition_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o renew_a view_n of_o that_o light_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n or_o unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thenâ—…_n be_v the_o precious_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n act_v then_o be_v the_o correspondent_a love_n of_o the_o soul_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n draw_v out_o in_o its_o strength_n then_o be_v all_o the_o thirsting_n after_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n act_v pre._n 3._o three_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o whenever_o they_o do_v prevail_v in_o any_o soul_n during_o their_o prevalency_n they_o do_v incapacitate_v those_o soul_n for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n there_o be_v especial_o four_o of_o those_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a unto_o believe_v soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n incident_a to_o every_o believe_a soul_n indeed_o our_o spirit_n be_v natural_o impatient_a under_o every_o burden_n but_o when_o any_o arrow_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v shoot_v into_o the_o conscience_n or_o any_o arrow_n from_o hell_n stick_v fast_o there_o i_o mean_v any_o doubtfulness_n any_o terror_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o conceive_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n then_o be_v their_o spirit_n in_o a_o superlative_a manner_n prone_a to_o fret_v and_o vex_v and_o fume_n by_o the_o prevail_a of_o unruly_a passion_n thus_o david_n under_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o break_v out_o into_o most_o dreadful_a impatience_n in_o 1_o sam._n 27.1_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n so_o in_o psal_n 116.11_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n so_o psal_n 31.22_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n so_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n chap._n 3.3_o and_o chap._n 6.8_o 9_o now_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o distemper_n of_o impatiency_n and_o frowardness_n of_o spirit_n under_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n their_o spirit_n be_v make_v uncable_a of_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v two_o way_n how_o this_o sinful_a distemper_n do_v incapacitate_v soul_n for_o the_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n 1._o it_o do_v prevent_v a_o serious_a deliberate_a view_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o draw_v out_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o fear_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n when_o any_o passion_n prevail_v in_o any_o spirit_n it_o draw_v out_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o way_n now_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v out_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o his_o fear_n the_o ground_n of_o his_o doubt_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o his_o union_n by_o this_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v unsuitable_a to_o take_v any_o right_n deliberate_a
of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o every_o particular_a perish_v and_o lose_a soul_n that_o will_v accept_v it_o be_v the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o all_o the_o righteous_a hope_n that_o ever_o dwell_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n all_o the_o expecttation_n and_o hope_n of_o believe_a soul_n be_v but_o the_o build_n upon_o that_o foundation_n now_o when_o the_o build_n of_o the_o soul_n hope_v shake_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o establish_v the_o building_n be_v to_o add_v strength_n to_o the_o foundation_n this_o you_o shall_v observe_v be_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o poor_a distress_a church_n lament_n 3.40_o after_o many_o distraction_n in_o her_o spirit_n many_o toss_n and_o tumbling_n this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n when_o she_o have_v feed_v upon_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n for_o a_o long_a time_n at_o last_o she_o be_v constrain_v to_o take_v this_o course_n to_o search_v and_o try_v her_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n she_o be_v constrain_v now_o to_o make_v a_o new_a convert_v work_n of_o the_o matter_n according_a as_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n except_o you_o be_v convert_v when_o they_o be_v already_o convert_v that_o be_v unless_o you_o renew_v the_o close_a of_o your_o spirit_n with_o i_o whereby_o you_o may_v have_v power_n against_o this_o particular_a sin_n and_o i_o conceive_v this_o also_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n isa_n 50.10_o in_o that_o sweet_a council_n to_o poor_a distress_a soul_n in_o this_o case_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n that_o be_v no_o refreshment_n no_o comfort_a hope_n to_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n here_o be_v first_o a_o renew_a act_n of_o faith_n immediate_o command_v to_o such_o a_o distress_a soul_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n second_o here_o be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n a_o act_n of_o faith_n proper_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v never_o put_v forth_o a_o believe_a act_n former_o here_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n require_v and_o command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o these_o soul_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o former_a comfort_n whether_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a or_o false_a without_o respect_n to_o their_o receive_a grace_n whether_o they_o have_v receive_v grace_n or_o not_o receive_v grace_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o clear_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o only_a immediate_a mean_n to_o deliver_v such_o decline_a soul_n from_o under_o the_o fear_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o delusion_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v in_o this_o renew_a act_n only_o that_o the_o former_a evidence_n and_o manifestation_n give_v to_o such_o soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v shine_v forth_o in_o their_o perspicuity_n clearness_n and_o satisfy_a power_n then_o only_o when_o the_o soul_n do_v thus_o close_o afresh_o with_o that_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n offer_v to_o it_o there_o be_v both_o light_n within_o and_o light_n without_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o former_a manifestation_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o their_o glory_n and_o power_n afresh_o 2._o in_o regard_n through_o this_o renew_a act_n only_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v again_o stir_v up_o and_o draw_v forth_o into_o their_o powerful_a operation_n now_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o want_n of_o those_o precious_a effect_n that_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o believe_a soul_n that_o do_v occasion_n the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n to_o suspect_v his_o own_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v jealous_a they_o be_v but_o delusion_n now_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o deliver_v these_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a soul_n from_o under_o the_o tyrannical_a power_n of_o these_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n must_v be_v this_o renew_v believe_v act_n this_o renew_a confidence_n in_o that_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n wherein_o he_o tender_a christ_n in_o general_a to_o every_o sinner_n in_o regard_n these_o bless_a effect_n the_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o soul_n be_v only_o make_v visible_a to_o these_o believe_a soul_n again_o by_o that_o mean_n 3._o in_o regard_v both_o the_o incapacity_n of_o soul_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n and_o the_o unsutableness_n of_o soul_n for_o trial_n also_o be_v remove_v by_o that_o renew_v believe_v act_n in_o regard_n those_o distemper_n be_v heal_v these_o be_v heal_v two_o way_n first_o by_o a_o more_o general_a influence_n of_o that_o believe_a act_n second_o by_o a_o more_o particular_a influence_n first_o by_o a_o more_o general_a inffuence_n of_o the_o believe_a act_n into_o those_o distemper_n the_o believe_a soul_n close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v so_o as_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o redemption_n from_o his_o sin_n and_o from_o under_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n through_o christ_n the_o notion_n under_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o proffer_n of_o christ_n unto_o sinner_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v so_o accept_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v beget_v a_o precious_a amity_n between_o the_o feather_n and_o the_o soul_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o love_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n as_o well_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o love_n towards_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o love_n towards_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o a_o soul_n acceptance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o tender_v the_o soul_n accept_v of_o christ_n necessary_o as_o a_o redeemer_n to_o redeem_v he_o from_o slavery_n under_o those_o enemy_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n even_o sin_n and_o satan_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o love_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n second_o this_o particular_a act_n have_v a_o particular_a influence_n into_o those_o particular_a distemper_n that_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a for_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o this_o renew_a belieeving_a act_n former_o mention_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a sweet_a act_n of_o submission_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n indeed_o the_o believe_a act_n be_v the_o high_a submission_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v by_o any_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o regard_n the_o soul_n in_o that_o case_n captivate_v all_o his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n only_o to_o the_o lord_n authority_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v so_o and_o so_o concern_v his_o soul_n now_o from_o hence_o this_o renew_v believe_v act_n have_v a_o precious_a influence_n into_o the_o distemper_a soul_n under_o impatiency_n to_o heal_v the_o impatiency_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o domeneerd_v in_o he_o for_o now_o the_o will_n be_v content_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n it_o be_v content_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o 2._o this_o believe_a act_n have_v a_o particular_a influence_n into_o the_o soul_n rashness_n to_o heal_v that_o distemper_n also_o in_o this_o renew_a act_n there_o be_v a_o renew_a sense_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n absolute_a nothingness_n now_o from_o the_o soul_n actual_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o nothingness_n proceed_v a_o holy_a awe_n a_o holy_a reverential_a fear_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n which_o do_v hold_v in_o bound_n the_o rash_a disorderly_a spirit_n so_o that_o by_o this_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o careful_a how_o it_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o any_o precious_a word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o believe_a act_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o disorderly_a affection_n the_o irrational_a affection_n which_o do_v also_o incapacitate_v believe_v soul_n for_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o their_o evidence_n in_o the_o believe_a the_o soul_n do_v captivate_v all_o the_o imagination_n and_o thought_n of_o sense_n and_o carnal_a reason_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o the_o disorderly_a affection_n jealousy_n doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v even_o captivate_v and_o bring_v under_o 4._o this_o renew_v believe_v act_n have_v a_o influence_n also_o into_o the_o prejudicial_a conceit_n or_o opinion_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n receive_v to_o subdue_v those_o in_o the_o believe_a act_n there_o be_v a_o renew_a sight_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o some_o degree_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o fear_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v delusion_n have_v lose_v the_o
soul_n that_o shall_v accept_v he_o gaze_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o the_o bless_a tender_a say_v to_o thy_o unbelieve_a mind_n o_o my_o crooked_a and_o unbelieving_a mind_n will_v thou_o not_o consent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o yonder_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n yonder_o god_n of_o truth_n itself_o that_o can_v lie_v say_v o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v accept_v yonder_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n behold_v what_o transcendent_a glory_n thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o o_o my_o soul_n will_v not_o thou_o trust_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o make_v such_o a_o offer_n will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o subject_v all_o thy_o reason_n and_o sensual_a argument_n to_o his_o authority_n still_o strive_v again_o say_v o_o my_o heart_n though_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n though_o the_o devil_n have_v cozen_v thou_o these_o many_o year_n though_o thou_o have_v deal_v false_o with_o the_o lord_n all_o this_o time_n yet_o the_o 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to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o a_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thence_o indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o witness_n shall_v be_v hear_v speak_v for_o themselves_o before_o any_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o testimony_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o soul_n now_o these_o witness_n never_o speak_v for_o themselves_o but_o while_o they_o be_v actual_o bear_v witness_n that_o be_v while_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n do_v actual_o shine_v into_o the_o obscure_a soul_n now_o when_o once_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n be_v withdraw_v the_o soul_n be_v now_o in_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n or_o no._n now_o that_o those_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n can_v be_v only_o take_v while_o the_o evidence_n do_v thus_o continue_v actual_o in_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v collect_v from_o john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v nf_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o be_v be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o the_o word_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n that_o the_o jew_n propound_v to_o jesus_n christ_n or_o they_o be_v a_o prevention_n to_o a_o question_n that_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v propound_v christ_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o teach_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o his_o father_n that_o send_v he_o v._o 16._o now_o it_o may_v be_v object_v but_o how_o can_v you_o prove_v that_o your_o doctrine_n be_v your_o father_n and_o not_o your_o own_o how_o will_v you_o manifest_v it_o to_o those_o that_o deny_v your_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o it_o be_v divine_a christ_n answer_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v whosoever_v heart_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o precious_a readiness_n 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its_o come_n from_o god_n now_o mark_n then_o only_o believe_v soul_n do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o father_n will_n and_o do_v actual_o obey_v gospel_n truth_n when_o their_o soul_n receive_v through_o believe_v some_o evidence_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v their_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n through_o their_o believe_v in_o he_o every_o believe_a act_n be_v but_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o believer_n heart_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o word_n bear_v witness_v of_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o a_o believer_n receive_v the_o evidence_a light_n of_o the_o bless_a word_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o accept_n of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v then_o only_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o prime_a way_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v faith_n when_o he_o be_v receive_v some_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thence_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o just_a and_o impartial_a a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v only_o be_v take_v while_o those_o evidence_n do_v actual_o continue_v in_o their_o clearness_n and_o power_n for_o the_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o take_v these_o two_o reason_n i._o in_o regard_n then_o only_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_o dispose_v to_o take_v the_o examination_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o divers_a particular_n 1._o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n do_v actual_o remain_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o enable_v to_o conceive_v of_o and_o
the_o spirit_n itself_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o these_o thing_n mention_v teach_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mark_v and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o teach_v you_o so_o that_o you_o know_v it_o be_v truth_n and_o you_o know_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v while_n that_o so_o teach_v or_o in_o its_o teach_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o former_a word_n that_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v they_o not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n still_o for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o the_o precious_a act_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o all_o these_o draw_v forth_o for_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o believe_a soul_n but_o thus_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o that_o be_v you_o need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v you_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o and_o thence_o also_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o do_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n v._o 10._o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o truth_n to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n now_o this_o must_v be_v further_o confirm_v by_o divers_a reason_n that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n now_o that_o witness_n or_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n if_o it_o do_v not_o evidence_n even_o by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o unto_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o union_n it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v than_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v unless_o the_o soul_n understand_v clear_o that_o the_o light_n that_o now_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v god_n witness_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v testify_v as_o the_o consideration_n of_o he_o who_o it_o be_v that_o testify_v that_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o evidence_n be_v the_o testimony_n from_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n satisfaction_n concern_v his_o union_n to_o revive_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n to_o send_v his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o they_o john_n 14.16_o he_o name_v the_o spirit_n the_o comforter_n reveal_v what_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v by_o his_o name_n now_o shall_v not_o the_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n evidence_n itself_o also_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o that_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o doubtful_a scrupulous_a soul_n therefore_o doubtless_o the_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v always_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o itself_o to_o evidence_n from_o itself_o whence_o it_o be_v see_v god_n intend_v those_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o regard_v that_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n or_o testimony_n unto_o a_o soul_n concern_v his_o union_n now_o see_v that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n there_o be_v a_o necessicity_n that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n shall_v evidence_n themselves_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o their_o own_o otherwise_o their_o witness_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o something_o else_o so_o that_o the_o high_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v come_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o holy_a quality_n and_o that_o precious_a disposition_n 4._o shall_v not_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n and_o sense_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o bless_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o useless_a those_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n be_v the_o spirit_n voice_n and_o shall_v it_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o be_v shall_v not_o its_o voice_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o voice_n the_o spirit_n shall_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n that_o be_v all_o the_o light_n that_o it_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v be_v frustrate_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n necssary_o fulfil_v the_o office_n to_o which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o the_o lord_n have_v destinate_a that_o spirit_n of_o he_o to_o seal_v up_o believer_n to_o seal_v up_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 13._o chap._n 4.30_o now_o a_o seal_n be_v destinate_a on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o peculiar_a confirmation_n of_o the_o thing_n sealed_n yea_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v destinate_a to_o be_v the_o earnest_a in_o the_o believer_n soul_n who_o it_o be_v send_v to_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o his_o inheritance_n according_a to_o that_o in_o eph._n 1.13_o say_v the_o original_a it_o be_v translate_v which_o but_o it_o be_v rather_o who_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n or_o who_o be_v the_o pledge_n the_o word_n signify_v some_o part_n of_o a_o price_n pay_v beforehand_o to_o assure_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o full_a price_n for_o some_o commodity_n buy_v so_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v who_o be_v give_v you_o as_o a_o part_n beforehand_o of_o that_o full_a inheritance_n that_o you_o may_v expect_v and_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v that_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a inheritance_n now_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n send_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o 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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
be_v not_o delude_v then_o see_v whether_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v into_o your_o soul_n have_v shine_v from_o the_o lord_n write_v word_n yet_o let_v i_o add_v a_o caution_n in_o this_o lest_o i_o may_v possible_o shake_v some_o soul_n into_o who_o heart_n some_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n have_v real_o descend_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v into_o every_o soul_n which_o true_o proceed_v from_o god_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n write_v word_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o whenever_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n do_v discover_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n clear_o both_o to_o faith_n and_o sense_n that_o then_o the_o spirit_n fasten_v some_o particular_a portion_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n by_o name_n from_o such_o a_o chapter_n and_o verse_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v that_o light_n shine_v forth_o into_o that_o believe_a soul_n certain_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v send_v down_o precious_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o a_o dark_a soul_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n satisfy_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o to_o faith_n and_o sense_n when_o such_o a_o particular_a sentence_n that_o be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o book_n in_o such_o a_o chapter_n in_o such_o a_o verse_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n memory_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o extract_n of_o the_o quintessence_n that_o be_v of_o the_o prime_a light_n the_o most_o glorious_a light_n of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o concur_v together_o in_o one_o to_o testify_v the_o fame_n truth_n to_o the_o soul_n there_o may_v be_v a_o extract_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o grand_a truth_n that_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n believe_v act_n that_o the_o 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word_n as_o will_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o reveal_v to_o his_o soul_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o observe_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n must_v then_o so_o deliberate_a and_o so_o consult_v with_o his_o heart_n about_o the_o matter_n while_o the_o heavenly_a lustre_n and_o command_a power_n of_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n remain_v shine_v into_o his_o soul_n for_o in_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v bereave_v again_o upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o the_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n the_o soul_n may_v so_o far_o forget_v the_o very_a sentence_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v then_o dictate_v to_o it_o that_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n that_o pass_v upon_o he_o immediate_o again_o may_v for_o the_o present_a be_v uncapable_a of_o discern_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o soul_n clear_o discern_v in_o the_o same_o word_n former_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v in_o case_n the_o spirit_n of_o light_n shall_v absent_v itself_o long_o perchance_o begin_v to_o draw_v some_o sad_a conclusion_n that_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o soul_n receive_v be_v not_o a_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o lord_n word_n but_o some_o delusion_n from_o the_o devil_n transform_v himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n this_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n whence_o a_o soul_n may_v prove_v that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n receive_v be_v from_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n discern_v it_o to_o shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o demonstration_n whereby_o a_o soul_n may_v prove_v to_o himself_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n a_o posteriori_fw-la a_o demonstration_n take_v from_o the_o effect_n that_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n discover_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n do_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o any_o thing_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n beget_v in_o believe_v soul_n be_v but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a intent_n they_o be_v but_o the_o production_n of_o the_o lord_n precious_a thought_n of_o love_n towards_o those_o believe_a soul_n from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v so_o that_o whatever_o be_v communicate_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n if_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n by_o its_o effect_n that_o it_o beget_v in_o he_o it_o must_v then_o conduce_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o lord_n precious_a eternal_a will_n towards_o that_o believe_a soul_n now_o those_o eternal_a intent_n of_o god_n towards_o believe_v soul_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n sum_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o all_o be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o be_v heaven_n and_o earth_n all_o be_v you_o that_o be_v destinate_a unto_o your_o good_a to_o accomplish_v your_o salvation_n and_o you_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v you_o believe_v soul_n be_v destinate_a to_o accomplish_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n that_o be_v christ_n himself_o consider_v mystical_o as_o the_o mediator_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n for_o the_o exaltation_n of_o he_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n so_o as_o all_o may_v admire_v he_o and_o adore_v he_o there_o be_v three_o intent_n and_o precious_a end_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o eternity_n towards_o those_o believe_a soul_n first_o there_o be_v the_o accomplshment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n second_o the_o perfect_a of_o christ_n supernatural_a glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o three_o the_o perfect_a manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n through_o both_o these_o and_o therefore_o see_v these_o three_o be_v those_o prime_a and_o principal_a end_n the_o very_a ultimate_a end_n of_o god_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o compendium_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a thought_n that_o wrought_v in_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v thence_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o god_n into_o a_o believe_a soul_n must_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o tend_v towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o one_o of_o those_o end_n so_o that_o it_o must_v demonstrate_v itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n by_o one_o of_o those_o three_o effect_n if_o it_o any_o way_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o only_o by_o the_o way_n you_o must_v take_v this_o distinction_n for_o prevention_n of_o mistake_n the_o deal_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o saint_n do_v either_o immediate_o to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n or_o else_o they_o tend_v immediate_o the_o lord_n promissive_a will_n or_o the_o lord_n sufferance_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o sin_n do_v not_o immediate_o manifest_v any_o of_o these_o yet_o mediate_o it_o do_v perfect_a all_o that_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v the_o soul_n to_o slide_v and_o fall_v yet_o then_o through_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o love_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v send_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o to_o work_v in_o that_o believe_a soul_n that_o those_o very_a fall_n and_o slip_n and_o backslide_n of_o that_o believe_a soul_n shall_v produce_v more_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o own_o way_n more_o charity_n towards_o other_o more_o abomination_n of_o those_o
will_n between_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o top-stair_n of_o happiness_n that_o any_o soul_n can_v possible_o ascend_v to_o now_o thence_o see_v happiness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o every_o soul_n natural_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o itself_o without_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o will_n with_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o so_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o scripture_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o working_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o from_o reason_n itself_o that_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n give_v unto_o any_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v necessary_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o declare_v that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a satisfy_a object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v in_o every_o soul_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o brightness_n of_o its_o transcendent_a holiness_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v revael_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o you_o that_o be_v suitable_a according_a as_o have_v be_v open_v to_o take_v a_o righteous_a and_o just_a examination_n of_o your_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v to_o try_v whether_o you_o can_v prove_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n or_o demonstrate_v from_o this_o precious_a reason_n that_o your_o evidence_n of_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v have_v god_n for_o its_o father_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n only_o but_o as_o i_o say_v former_o so_o i_o say_v again_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o those_o soul_n who_o the_o spirit_n have_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n remain_v those_o soul_n have_v a_o testimony_n to_o their_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o real_a descension_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o heaven_n from_o this_o reason_n now_o open_v certain_o there_o be_v not_o a_o soul_n among_o we_o to_o who_o at_o present_a the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v witness_v his_o union_n but_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v witness_v that_o that_o very_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v cause_v the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o be_v exalt_v through_o his_o soul_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o soul_n certain_o but_o his_o heart_n testify_v that_o ever_o since_o he_o enjoy_v that_o precious_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o have_v bear_v record_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v profess_v apparent_o verbal_o and_o practical_o that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n pure_a holy_a will_n ought_v only_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n and_o questionless_a the_o soul_n also_o understand_v in_o some_o degree_n that_o from_o thence_o have_v proceed_v the_o dissatisfaction_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o pure_a act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_v will_n questionless_a the_o soul_n understand_v that_o thence_o it_o have_v be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o in_o his_o most_o holy_a duty_n when_o most_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v still_o groan_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unholiness_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o that_o largeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o will_n with_o the_o lord_n bless_a will_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n in_o his_o compliance_n with_o the_o lord_n will_v that_o he_o be_v convince_v aught_o to_o have_v be_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o questionless_a also_o that_o soul_n understand_v that_o even_o from_o thence_o have_v proceed_v those_o precious_a desire_n that_o have_v ever_o since_o 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