Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n john_n spirit_n worship_v 7,067 5 9.7470 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

soul_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n remain_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a the_o truth_n of_o grace_n appear_v most_o clear_o from_o their_o original_a from_o whence_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n upon_o which_o they_o grow_v in_o regard_n other_o fruit_n may_v have_v so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v so_o much_o darkness_n in_o it_o whilst_o it_o remain_v here_o below_o but_o when_o the_o original_n of_o grace_n appear_v when_o the_o soul_n see_v his_o love_n flow_v mere_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o even_o because_o of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o soul_n love_v god_n again_o it_o be_v then_o that_o love_n appear_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o indeed_o never_o till_o then_o so_o that_o till_o the_o love_n or_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o mourn_v for_o sin_n appear_v to_o the_o soul_n itself_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v doubtful_a when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o soul_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n now_o these_o thing_n consider_v when_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o question_n must_v be_v concern_v this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n for_o you_o presuppose_v yourselves_o not_o to_o have_v any_o union_n therefore_o observe_v what_o question_n you_o ask_v you_o ask_v how_o you_o may_v gain_v a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o your_o particular_a soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o question_n will_v divide_v itself_o into_o two_o question_n first_o how_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o how_o soul_n that_o do_v conceive_v and_o judge_n and_o estimate_n themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n may_v know_v whether_o their_o union_n be_v true_a whether_o their_o evidence_n be_v right_a evidence_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v delusion_n the_o first_o question_n must_v resolve_v every_o poor_a doubt_v scrupulous_a soul_n about_o his_o union_n but_o now_o observe_v such_o soul_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o i_o about_o the_o union_n of_o their_o soul_n nor_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v reveal_v unto_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o produce_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o act_n of_o almighty_a power_n as_o you_o may_v see_v ephe._n 1.19_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n he_o pray_v also_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o a_o mighty_a power_n that_o be_v a_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n as_o a_o incomprehensible_a essence_n for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n that_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n parallel_v that_o power_n that_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o the_o produce_v the_o consequence_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v also_o another_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o consequence_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o soul_n bosom_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o poor_a toss_a soul_n in_o his_o own_o wish_a for_o heaven_n now_o the_o beget_n such_o peace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n isa_n 57.18_o 19_o he_o create_v peace_n creation_n be_v a_o work_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o as_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o infinite_a divine_a essence_n creation_n be_v to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o creature_n whatever_o 3._o it_o must_v be_v a_o supernatural_a divine_a light_n that_o can_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v ephe._n 1.17_o 18._o how_o the_o apostle_n desire_v that_o those_o ephesian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v into_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o propound_v as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o lord_n call_v soul_n you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o understanding_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o light_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v those_o deep_a hide_a thing_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o understanding_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o your_o union_n can_v reveal_v no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o outward_a light_n to_o the_o outward_a eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v your_o scrupulous_a soul_n can_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n about_o your_o union_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n but_o i_o pray_v mistake_v not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o soul_n may_v not_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n through_o that_o as_o a_o mean_n but_o rather_o i_o affirm_v that_o through_o those_o revelation_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v true_a light_n into_o the_o spiritual_a understanding_n the_o lord_n strike_v in_o with_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a upon_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a into_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o truth_n 4._o in_o regard_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v a_o peculiar_a officer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o have_v design_v that_o work_n of_o satisfy_a soul_n about_o their_o union_n for_o that_o officer_n as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o alone_o thence_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o officer_n a_o name_n suitable_a for_o that_o end_n which_o be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 14.26_o and_o common_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o by_o that_o name_n alone_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o and_o it_o must_v be_v truth_n that_o be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o must_v give_v such_o soul_n satisfaction_n about_o their_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o their_o union_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o any_o thing_n reveal_v by_o any_o man_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o that_o be_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o reveal_v to_o their_o soul_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o common_o suppose_a ground_n from_o whence_o they_o seek_v for_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n second_o in_o raise_v their_o eye_n of_o expectation_n to_o the_o right_a original_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o great_a question_n how_o soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o before_o this_o question_n can_v be_v answer_v it_o will_v divide_v itself_o into_o there_o branch_n first_o from_o whence_o or_o from_o what_o ground_n soul_n do_v attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n
and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o they_o be_v both_o but_o witness_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v one_o and_o the_o same_o conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n iii_o there_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o true_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n behold_v the_o very_a juice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o precious_a vine_n flow_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n as_o into_o one_o of_o his_o branch_n the_o soul_n find_v the_o same_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n drop_v down_o into_o his_o bosom_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n conclude_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o head_n have_v influence_n from_o it_o now_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v about_o this_o which_o be_v concause_n which_o may_v clear_v up_o to_o our_o understanding_n what_o may_v be_v safe_o hold_v forth_o in_o these_o 1._o that_o none_o of_o these_o neither_o the_o shine_a of_o faith_n nor_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n nor_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n be_v concause_n in_o evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o take_v the_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o promise_n itself_o afford_v this_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o sole_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o disposition_n inclination_n believe_v qualification_n whatever_o can_v be_v imagine_v 2._o these_o three_o be_v only_a concause_n in_o produce_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o effect_n of_o that_o first_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o own_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o first_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o take_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v proper_o a_o coadjoyn_a cause_n in_o the_o make_n up_o a_o soul_n evidence_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n those_o two_o latter_a do_v follow_v after_o the_o first_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o can_v come_v in_o as_o joint_a concause_n to_o make_v up_o the_o evidence_n answ_n 3._o three_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v indeed_o three_o joint_n concur_v cause_n for_o the_o make_n up_o this_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n take_v the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n only_o for_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n that_o soul_n do_v receive_v and_o have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n free_o give_v by_o god_n to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o conscience_n do_v only_o answer_v as_o it_o be_v like_o a_o precious_a echo_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o light_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n show_v the_o soul_n receive_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n consent_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o give_v the_o echo_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n answ_n 4._o four_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v concause_n or_o join_v concur_v cause_n in_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n in_o the_o promise_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o but_o subordinate_a cause_n to_o one_o prime_a principal_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v i_o take_v these_o three_o which_o some_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v joint_a concur_v cause_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n yet_o all_o these_o come_v in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o the_o principal_a efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n you_o see_v the_o internal_a vision_n or_o internal_a light_n they_o have_v of_o any_o grace_n of_o any_o gift_n be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v upon_o those_o gift_n or_o put_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o discern_v those_o gift_n so_o likewise_o of_o the_o second_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n whatever_o testimony_n conscience_n will_v give_v be_v it_o either_o through_o practical_a or_o experimental_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o only_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n own_o act_n and_o so_o take_v only_o for_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n own_o believe_v yet_o also_o this_o witness_n of_o conscience_n have_v its_o subordination_n to_o that_o principal_a cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o rom._n 9.1_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o any_o good_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v through_o the_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o the_o conscience_n be_v altogether_o corrupt_v natural_o the_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o discern_a by_o which_o it_o judge_v be_v only_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v also_o that_o every_o act_n of_o that_o renew_a light_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v infuse_v into_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o out_o of_o all_o question_n the_o act_n of_o every_o habit_n of_o grace_n receive_v do_v as_o well_o depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o first_o infusion_n of_o it_o into_o the_o soul_n do_v and_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o three_o also_o which_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o union_n that_o come_v under_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o all_o gift_n all_o gift_n of_o grace_n through_o union_n must_v be_v discern_v through_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o heart_n enable_v soul_n to_o discern_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v well_o illustrate_v it_o v._o 11_o compare_v the_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v give_v to_o they_o to_o discern_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v in_o man_n what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o all_o the_o working_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o it_o as_o the_o use_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v to_o discover_v to_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o man_n answ_n 5._o five_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o principal_n most_o immediate_a and_o natural_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o promise_n evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o you_o see_v there_o be_v divers_a cause_n that_o may_v afar_o off_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o influence_n yet_o no_o influence_n further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o they_o and_o through_o they_o and_o however_o the_o sight_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v concause_n yet_o the_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n that_o have_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n that_o which_o strike_v the_o first_o and_o last_o stroke_n that_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v on_o work_v all_o other_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v this_o principal_a efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n i_o shall_v clear_v to_o you_o by_o some_o demonstration_n i._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o general_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n be_v design_v to_o that_o office_n alone_o to_o reveal_v truth_n or_o to_o guide_v soul_n into_o all_o truth_n as_o appear_v john_n 16.43_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v
guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o observe_v why_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o in_o this_o guide_n the_o soul_n into_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o office_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v design_v to_o first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n make_v know_v first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cast_v in_o the_o precious_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n whereby_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n apprehensive_a of_o any_o truth_n this_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o communicate_v of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o the_o soul_n or_o in_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a eye_n of_o discern_v we_o be_v all_o like_a poor_a bartimeus_n bear_v blind_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o now_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n alone_o to_o make_v a_o precious_a eye_n salve_n that_o may_v restore_v spiritual_a sight_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o discern_a truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.20_o in_o conversion_n we_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o know_v he_o a_o understanding_n capable_a of_o know_v he_o 2._o the_o spirit_n present_v truth_n to_o that_o spiritual_a eye_n t●●t_n that_o he_o have_v communicate_v therefore_o in_o eph._n 1.17_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o internal_a spiritual_a habit_n of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v truth_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n also_o that_o be_v of_o manifest_v the_o truth_n unto_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o make_v know_v spiritual_a truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o do_v prevent_v the_o discern_a of_o truth_n present_v though_o the_o spirit_n give_v eye_n and_z presents_z truth_n there_o may_v be_v such_o impediment_n between_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o the_o truth_n that_o may_v prevent_v the_o soul_n discern_v there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n or_o some_o corrupt_a humour_n some_o film_n of_o lust_n or_o selfishness_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o spirit_n make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n know_v the_o first_o truth_n that_o god_n discover_v to_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v his_o own_o sin_n his_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n must_v as_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o john_n 16.8_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sinful_a wretch_n that_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n also_o must_v make_v this_o application_n will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o equal_a and_o proportionable_a sense_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o every_o sinner_n understand_v sin_n and_o wrath_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o do_v make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v know_v it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o but_o so_o far_o as_o every_o soul_n do_v understand_v what_o sin_n and_o wrath_n be_v the_o effect_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o wrath_n will_v remain_v in_o such_o a_o heart_n but_o alas_o experience_n enough_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o sinner_n that_o have_v large_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v wrath_n and_o condemnation_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o effect_n in_o the_o least_o manner_n the_o effect_n be_v two_o condemnation_n in_o the_o soul_n judgement_n horror_n and_o anguish_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o condemnation_n he_o that_o understand_v sin_n right_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v damnable_a therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v condemnation_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o confess_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a and_o to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n but_o far_o off_o from_o draw_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a enough_o of_o the_o conclusion_n though_o they_o conclude_v sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n so_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o second_o effect_n that_o follow_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v horror_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o that_o condemnation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o soul_n go_v so_o far_o as_o almost_o to_o conclude_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damn_a condition_n yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o let_v it_o take_v effect_n upon_o his_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o the_o reveal_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n reveal_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n must_v say_v here_o be_v thy_o sin_n and_o yonder_o be_v the_o pit_n of_o misery_n before_o a_o man_n can_v apply_v those_o truth_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v the_o application_n in_o regard_n the_o terror_n and_o horror_n for_o sin_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o work_n alone_o whence_o you_o shall_v see_v rom._n 8.16_o fear_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o work_v fear_n and_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n of_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n 2._o the_o spirit_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n in_o evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spirit_n particular_a and_o peculiar_a office_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n have_v its_o office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o christ_n hence_o the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 16.17_o now_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v the_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n in_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o consolation_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o spirit_n shall_v give_v soul_n but_o small_a comfort_n can_v he_o not_o give_v they_o comfort_n unto_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n reveal_v the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n to_o be_v they_o everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v they_o and_o then_o let_v they_o see_v holiness_n in_o they_o to_o be_v a_o drop_n of_o the_o inheritance_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v feed_v itself_o with_o to_o eternity_n the_o comfort_n be_v but_o small_a 2._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v by_o appropriate_v the_o thing_n promise_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v any_o consolation_n there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n propriety_n and_o security_n the_o soul_n must_v see_v propriety_n or_o else_o no_o love_n at_o lest_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o while_o there_o be_v not_o the_o satiate_a of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n comfort_n be_v the_o content_a the_o soul_n have_v in_o behold_v his_o desire_a satisfaction_n now_o whatever_o the_o soul_n see_v it_o satisfi_v not_o till_o it_o have_v a_o propriety_n in_o it_o and_o till_o there_o be_v a_o security_n
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
shall_v be_v break_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n become_v finite_a answ_n 2._o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o the_o union_n that_o the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v your_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v according_a as_o the_o scripture_n name_v it_o fivefold_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n or_o a_o union_n of_o peace_n make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n then_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v divide_v when_o there_o be_v jar_n and_o quarrel_n take_v up_o by_o one_o person_n against_o another_o but_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n between_o those_o person_n be_v the_o make_v those_o person_n one_o again_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n in_o adam_n as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o jar_n imaginable_a in_o god_n bosom_n against_o we_o nor_o in_o our_o bosom_n against_o god_n but_o through_o our_o curse_a transgression_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n we_o give_v god_n such_o offence_n as_o he_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n and_o our_o heart_n have_v a_o curse_a quarrel_n against_o god_n whence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n in_o our_o mind_n now_o the_o union_n god_n intend_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v the_o removing_z all_o those_o jar_n and_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o marriage_n or_o a_o matrimonial_a union_n the_o lord_n have_v such_o infinite_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n in_o his_o bosom_n towards_o soul_n that_o when_o they_o have_v despise_v that_o bless_a union_n with_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o by_o creation_n he_o will_v make_v they_o better_o again_o than_o they_o be_v first_o make_v by_o another_o union_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o marriage_n union_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n a_o spouse_n to_o christ_n and_o christ_n a_o husband_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o advance_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n above_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n they_o never_o have_v such_o a_o honour_n as_o to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n this_o union_n you_o find_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n in_o eph._n 5._o speak_v of_o marriage_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n say_v he_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n so_o rev._n 19.7_o and_o chap._n 21.9_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o spirit_n he_o will_v communicate_v of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v his_o wife_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o himself_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lively_a pattern_n of_o himself_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 8.29_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n hence_o he_o say_v 2_o pet._n 1.3_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v partaker_n of_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o union_n of_o nature_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o union_n of_o holiness_n that_o as_o he_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o will_v make_v his_o spouse_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nay_o we_o be_v say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4_o 18_o that_o be_v to_o live_v the_o same_o life_n of_o god_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o headship_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o head_n and_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v common_o call_v by_o man_n the_o mystical_a union_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hide_a union_n that_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o body_n this_o union_n be_v thus_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o elect_n that_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n choose_v to_o be_v vessel_n to_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o all_o eternity_n quest_n 2._o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n thus_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n will_v effect_v such_o a_o gracious_a work_n as_o this_o to_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n in_o all_o those_o way_n i_o answer_v first_o negative_o second_o affirmative_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n be_v the_o original_n principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n as_o though_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n do_v depend_v only_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n reveal_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o union_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o themselves_o either_o by_o resist_v or_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n that_o the_o reveal_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o will_n 2._o neither_o must_v you_o conceive_v that_o those_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v by_o their_o own_o effectual_a virtue_n produce_v this_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n faith_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n by_o which_o the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o do_v not_o produce_v this_o union_n by_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n and_o proper_a quality_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v wrought_v by_o those_o revelation_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n 3._o neither_o do_v those_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o outward_a ear_n work_v this_o effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v say_v john_n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o learn_v those_o truth_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n that_o immediate_o produce_v those_o effect_n but_o hear_v from_o the_o father_n that_o be_v by_o god_n give_v inward_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o he_o do_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o soul_n ans_fw-fr 2._o i_o answer_v affirmative_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v produce_v this_o union_n three_o way_n 1._o by_o discover_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o soul-alluring_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v instrumental_o that_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o a_o union_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n beauty_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o that_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n present_a condition_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v to_o accept_v of_o that_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n union_n can_v be_v effect_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n without_o a_o discovery_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n by_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n do_v gather_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a glass_n as_o it_o be_v whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v discover_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o by_o convey_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a soul_n to_o apprehend_v that_o union_n though_o the_o most_o orient_a bright_a glister_a colour_n be_v present_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n cover_v with_o darkness_n they_o can_v not_o take_v up_o a_o man_n meditation_n about_o they_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o now_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n that_o though_o the_o gospel_n hold_v forth_o the_o union_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v take_v up_o with_o it_o nor_o pass_v
judgement_n upon_o it_o till_o the_o eye_n be_v open_v therefore_o the_o gospel_n present_v a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v and_o give_v eye_n to_o see_v that_o union_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v part_n of_o christ_n office_n isa_n 42.6_o 7._o to_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o thence_o we_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.2_o to_o receive_v a_o understanding_n to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o by_o infuse_v a_o disposition_n into_o the_o will_n to_o embrace_v that_o union_n propound_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n by_o those_o inward_a revelation_n do_v convey_v a_o holy_a inclination_n into_o the_o perverse_a obstinate_a will_n whereby_o the_o will_n be_v draw_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o union_n propound_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o once_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n by_o those_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n to_o apprehend_v a_o union_n tender_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o beauty_n excellency_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o it_o that_o very_a vision_n of_o that_o union_n with_o the_o property_n of_o it_o do_v change_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o wrought_v in_o opposition_n against_o god_n former_o and_o cause_v the_o will_n to_o desire_v that_o union_n propound_v in_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o then_o by_o the_o light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o truth_n reveal_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v that_o union_n as_o the_o only_a chief_a good_a and_o then_o the_o will_n can_v but_o close_v with_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o then_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o embrace_v that_o union_n the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o four_o respect_n mention_v from_o whence_o do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n and_o that_o be_v make_v up_o from_o those_o former_a union_n two_o way_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o necessary_a communion_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n upon_o those_o first_o union_n make_v up_o no_o soon_o do_v christ_n become_v a_o head_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n a_o member_n of_o christ_n by_o consent_n of_o will_n but_o some_o influence_n flow_v from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n now_o those_o influence_n be_v part_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n part_n of_o his_o holiness_n 2._o the_o union_n of_o likeness_n follow_v by_o the_o constrain_a argument_n of_o the_o understanding_n unto_o the_o soul_n likeness_n unto_o christ_n when_o once_o the_o will_n through_o the_o disposition_n infuse_v into_o it_o by_o behold_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n consent_n the_o understanding_n present_o draw_v such_o argument_n from_o various_a particular_n or_o adjunct_n that_o always_o attend_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n that_o thence_o the_o soul_n be_v constrain_v to_o a_o likeness_n to_o christ_n 1._o then_o the_o understanding_n begin_v to_o constrain_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o intent_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o unite_n the_o soul_n unto_o himself_o thence_o the_o understanding_n compel_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o may_v see_v rom._n 6.5_o 6._o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v partake_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o be_v like_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o life_n how_o know_v that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o death_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n that_o be_v thus_o our_o understanding_n argue_v and_o discuss_v thus_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o than_o we_o have_v a_o part_n in_o his_o death_n than_o be_v our_o sin_n crucify_v in_o his_o death_n know_v this_o by_o this_o discussive_a power_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o through_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o the_o injury_n and_o indignity_n the_o soul_n have_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n whereby_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o what_o the_o lord_n propound_v to_o it_o than_o the_o understanding_n begin_v to_o argue_v thus_o what_o be_v thou_o unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n then_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v conformable_a to_o his_o image_n and_o can_v thou_o walk_v contrary_a to_o christ_n 2._o the_o understanding_n constrain_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o engagement_n to_o be_v like_a to_o christ_n first_o the_o understanding_n will_v urge_v the_o engagement_n of_o god_n honour_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n than_o thou_o be_v engage_v to_o hold_v up_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n in_o thy_o conversation_n thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o golden_a pillar_n whereupon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o great_a character_n second_o the_o union_n of_o likeness_n follow_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o agreement_n and_o sutableness_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n disposition_n through_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o embrace_v union_n propound_v with_o christ_n there_o be_v such_o a_o disposition_n prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sweet_o close_v with_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o become_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o unlike_a to_o he_o quest_n 3._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o answer_v this_o question_n two_o thing_n must_v first_o be_v premise_v in_o general_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a efficient_a cause_n of_o another_o act_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n will_v have_v determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v one_o thing_n that_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v another_o thing_n as_o though_o the_o first_o act_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o second_o act_n of_o god_n will_v for_o god_n will_v be_v god_n himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o simple_a act_n of_o god_n will_v he_o will_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o at_o once_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v nothihg_v that_o the_o lord_n determine_v that_o move_v inward_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v another_o thing_n as_o the_o consequent_a of_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n that_o all_o his_o operation_n be_v dependent_a in_o himself_o yet_o as_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v effect_v by_o other_o so_o proper_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o thing_n for_o another_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o thing_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o end_n as_o the_o lord_n will_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n to_o have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o thing_n below_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o be_v and_o keep_v the_o natural_a virtue_n communicate_v to_o they_o though_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n will_n yet_o they_o be_v will_v to_o that_o end_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v there_o be_v divers_a end_n which_o may_v improper_o be_v call_v cause_n of_o the_o lord_n intent_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n reas_n 1._o because_o the_o union_n of_o god_n the_o father_n with_o soul_n be_v effect_v by_o and_o through_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n col._n 1.19_o 20._o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o have_v make_v peace_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o it_o be_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v to_o himself_o that_o shall_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o union_n of_o agreement_n with_o god_n so_o that_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v that_o bond_n of_o connexion_n between_o god_n and_o any_o soul_n as_o in_o job_n 9.33_o where_o job_n complain_v he_o can_v not_o come_v
behold_v some_o working_n in_o its_o spirit_n also_o some_o holy_a act_n in_o and_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o behold_v its_o receive_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o no_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a perform_v by_o the_o soul_n have_v sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o manifest_v themselves_o unto_o the_o soul_n nor_o from_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o manifest_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o inseparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o itself_o consider_v as_o be_v be_v the_o mere_a act_n and_o work_v of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n likewise_o be_v every_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n inward_a or_o outward_a of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v work_n of_o light_n and_o yet_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v so_o dim_o forth_o as_o they_o can_v discover_v their_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o can_v discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v those_o work_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n in_o themselves_o to_o discover_v union_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a respect_n 1._o because_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o christ_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v very_o strong_a in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v yet_o dark_a a_o clear_a instance_n will_v be_v give_v in_o mat._n 27.46_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o believe_v when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exercise_v faith_n in_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o word_n my_o god_n yet_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n as_o mediator_n be_v dark_a that_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n be_v firm_a and_o as_o firm_a as_o now_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n be_v obscure_a when_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v bear_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n from_o he_o for_o a_o season_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o passive_a the_o union_n be_v complete_a between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n before_o any_o one_o act_n go_v forth_o from_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o the_o perfect_a or_o complete_n of_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v conceive_v there_o may_v be_v motion_n in_o dead_a person_n that_o there_o may_v be_v action_n where_o there_o be_v no_o life_n now_o the_o union_n be_v passive_a there_o may_v be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v complete_v i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v ordinary_a but_o i_o say_v there_o may_v be_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n come_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o instant_n and_o moment_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n do_v take_v actual_a possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o unite_v it_o unto_o himself_o now_o in_o case_n the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v so_o evidence_v with_o christ_n then_o shall_v all_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o the_o soul_n be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o union_n 3._o in_o regard_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o work_n that_o do_v arise_v proper_o from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n though_o not_o peculiarly_a may_v arise_v from_o other_o principle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o be_v three_o false_a original_n of_o such_o outward_a work_n 1._o god_n himself_o may_v be_v the_o original_a of_o such_o work_n in_o some_o soul_n though_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o union_n nor_o in_o relation_n unto_o union_n that_o be_v though_o the_o lord_n convey_v not_o any_o influence_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a influence_n peculiar_a unto_o union_n nor_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o convey_v those_o influence_n into_o the_o soul_n from_o whence_o those_o outward_a work_n proceed_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n prayer_n and_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o read_v of_o they_o and_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o other_o soul_n that_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n may_v convey_v large_a stream_n of_o gift_n and_o inward_a affection_n unto_o some_o soul_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o all_o those_o gift_n in_o all_o outward_a work_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n only_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o people_n soul_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v not_o any_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o partake_v of_o those_o gift_n thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o cyrus_n isa_n 45.1_o and_o chap._n 44.28_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o cyrus_n he_o be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o shall_v perform_v all_o my_o pleasure_n even_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o to_o the_o temple_n thy_o foundation_n shall_v he_o lay_v the_o lord_n do_v convey_v strength_n to_o cyrus_n to_o carry_v he_o on_o in_o a_o glorious_a work_n of_o reform_v his_o worship_n and_o to_o build_v the_o temple_n when_o the_o lord_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o cyrus_n i_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o god_n furnish_v john_n with_o zeal_n against_o idolatry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n soul_n and_o it_o redound_v little_a to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v judas_n be_v furnish_v with_o as_o good_a gift_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seem_v to_o pray_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n and_o publish_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o none_o of_o those_o gift_n that_o judas_n have_v be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o christ_n nor_o be_v give_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o bring_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n 2._o a_o second_o false_a original_n of_o such_o work_n be_v the_o soul_n own_o principle_n of_o self_n self_n end_n self_n lust_n self_n intendment_n may_v be_v like_o the_o spring_n that_o may_v set_v all_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o affection_n on_o work_n and_o produce_v all_o those_o outward_a expression_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a intendment_n in_o the_o pharisee_n in_o all_o their_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n in_o their_o conversation_n that_o they_o may_v advance_v themselves_o outward_o and_o to_o eternity_n and_o think_v to_o tie_v god_n to_o give_v they_o heaven_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o false_a original_n of_o work_n that_o proper_o flow_v from_o union_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o the_o working_n of_o prayer_n of_o hear_v of_o meditate_v or_o forsake_v sin_n in_o the_o conversation_n may_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o he_o take_v his_o opportunity_n to_o sail_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o row_v with_o the_o tide_n he_o see_v the_o affection_n work_v towards_o duty_n of_o holiness_n he_o press_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o that_o he_o may_v weary_v out_o the_o soul_n with_o they_o or_o else_o cause_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v place_v in_o they_o and_o the_o soul_n to_o promise_v itself_o happiness_n by_o they_o certain_o the_o zeal_n of_o paul_n that_o he_o have_v for_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v act_v by_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o saul_n that_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n before_o he_o go_v to_o battle_n it_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n those_o soul_n
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
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
there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o sense_n in_o which_o this_o proposition_n can_v be_v take_v first_o it_o must_v either_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n must_v not_o be_v apply_v for_o comfort_v of_o soul_n too_o much_o that_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o comfort_v the_o soul_n in_o his_o necessity_n with_o two_o great_a a_o confidence_n now_o there_o it_o cross_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v he_o whole_a with_o all_o his_o privilege_n propound_v to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_v at_o all_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o or_o second_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o must_v be_v mean_v thus_o that_o he_o may_v be_v apply_v too_o confident_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o too_o large_a a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o all_o excellency_n that_o be_v treasure_v up_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o comfort_n too_o much_o this_o way_n do_v also_o direct_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n 1._o it_o be_v common_o the_o frequent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o full_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o their_o soul_n eph._n 1.17_o 18._o he_o pray_v that_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o glorious_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o eph._n 3.18_o he_o will_v have_v they_o know_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v he_o will_v have_v they_o comprehend_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o people_n may_v have_v fullness_n of_o joy_n john_n 15.11_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a that_o be_v also_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n rom._n 15.13_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o the_o soul_n comprehend_v the_o excellency_n treasure_v up_o in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o soul_n that_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o clear_o contradict_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o say_v the_o soul_n must_v not_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o much_o that_o be_v with_o too_o large_a a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v about_o this_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o 1._o though_o jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v apply_v for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o what_o condition_n it_o can_v be_v yet_o the_o lord_n christ_n may_v be_v look_v into_o for_o comfort_v a_o soul_n too_o much_o that_o be_v when_o soul_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o comfort_n without_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v tender_v by_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o object_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v that_o do_v send_v down_o strength_n and_o life_n into_o the_o heart_n in_o behold_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o object_n appropriate_v to_o its_o self_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v apply_v by_o other_o for_o comfort_v their_o soul_n too_o much_o i_o mean_v to_o affirm_v to_o any_o particular_a soul_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o his_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v he_o this_o be_v apply_v jesus_n christ_n for_o comfort_v they_o too_o much_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v out_o of_o god_n way_n though_o these_o two_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v remove_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v one_o principle_n of_o darkness_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n must_v discern_v his_o peculiar_a right_n to_o darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n before_o he_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o that_o he_o must_v behold_v some_o promise_n pass_v over_o to_o he_o by_o jesus_n christ_n before_o he_o can_v believe_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o principle_n be_v so_o cunning_o forge_v in_o hell_n that_o it_o be_v scarce_o discern_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o light_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o help_v you_o to_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o find_v three_o foundation_n upon_o which_o this_o principle_n be_v build_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o say_v the_o soul_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v through_o a_o soul_n right_a to_o some_o promise_n that_o he_o come_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o be_v a_o false_a foundation_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o interest_n nor_o right_v the_o soul_n can_v have_v to_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n before_o the_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o first_o promise_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o very_a primary_n object_n of_o faith_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v gen._n 3.15_o the_o first_o promise_n that_o be_v give_v to_o adam_n be_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o when_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o renew_v to_o abraham_n it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v what_o be_v that_o seed_n it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n gal._n 3.16_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v lay_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o first_o object_n of_o faith_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o a_o three_o foundation_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o only_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o holy_a qualiquality_n in_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v assure_v promise_n or_o promise_n that_o can_v assure_v unto_o a_o soul_n faith_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n say_v the_o soul_n there_o be_v invite_v promise_n and_o assure_v promise_n now_o invite_v promise_n speak_v so_o general_a as_o none_o can_v discern_v his_o union_n from_o thence_o but_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o grace_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n particularize_v soul_n now_o hence_o the_o soul_n conclude_v thus_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o necessary_a precedent_n before_o a_o soul_n assurance_n that_o god_n will_v take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o see_v some_o holy_a quality_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o such_o promise_n now_o observe_v the_o gross_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n in_o conceive_v invite_a promise_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v assurance_n to_o a_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o then_o the_o soul_n must_v conceive_v that_o those_o promise_n that_o the_o lord_n propound_v in_o the_o invite_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n now_o 1._o thence_o the_o soul_n must_v conceive_v that_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o be_v believe_v undoubted_o by_o the_o soul_n now_o what_o a_o high_a indignity_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n that_o any_o