Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n lead_v spirit_n true_a 4,122 5 5.5406 4 true
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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

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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
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
to_o apprehend_v aright_o any_o truth_n from_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n propound_v to_o he_o even_o when_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v renew_v and_o some_o precious_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o poor_a soul_n so_o that_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n the_o blind_a soul_n become_v a_o see_a soul_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n also_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o communicate_v the_o see_a eye_n to_o the_o understanding_n shall_v also_o communicate_v the_o see_v of_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o communicate_v the_o habit_n shall_v communicate_v also_o the_o act_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o give_v a_o principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o act_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n actual_o know_v or_o understand_v any_o spiritual_a holy_a mystery_n aright_o now_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n actual_o remain_v then_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n thus_o actuate_v by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n then_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o holy_a knowledge_n draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v then_o enable_v to_o discern_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v only_o then_o take_v a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v conqueror_n over_o the_o natural_a enmity_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o oppose_v the_o mind_n consent_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n now_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n the_o believe_a soul_n remain_v unregenerate_a enmity_n still_o possess_v the_o believe_a mind_n and_o then_o only_o have_v the_o believer_n conquest_n over_o those_o relic_n of_o enmity_n that_o possess_v the_o mind_n when_o he_o have_v actual_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o mind_n against_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_a to_o take_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n the_o mind_n now_o be_v dispose_v to_o accept_v or_o agree_v unto_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n 3._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o soul_n understand_v and_o believe_v what_o the_o true_a celestial_a star_n be_v from_o whence_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v real_o come_v from_o god_n evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v flow_v and_o arise_v the_o precious_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n to_o every_o lose_a sinner_n declare_v that_o his_o will_n be_v to_o admit_v every_o of_o those_o soul_n that_o will_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o himself_o in_o christ_n be_v that_o precious_a bright_a orient_a star_n from_o whence_o those_o beautiful_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v or_o may_v discover_v unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v arise_v now_o it_o be_v then_o only_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o light_a shine_n from_o the_o word_n perspicuous_o and_o clear_o unto_o a_o soul_n declare_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v of_o reconciliation_n with_o they_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o understand_v and_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a heavenly_a star_n from_o whence_o the_o light_n that_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o union_n must_v flow_v 4._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o the_o irresistible_a power_n that_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o any_o soul_n real_o from_o god_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n the_o irresistible_a power_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o discovery_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o receive_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o this_o irresistible_a power_n of_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n only_o take_v impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o light_a the_o soul_n enjoy_v discover_v unto_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o when_o those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v most_o clear_o in_o the_o most_o transcendent_a beauty_n then_o be_v the_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o most_o lively_a holy_a act_n then_o do_v love_n and_o fear_v and_o joy_n and_o delight_n work_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n take_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n 5._o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a disposition_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o then_o in_o exercise_n in_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n the_o prime_a evidence_n unto_o a_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n have_v be_v discover_v to_o you_o to_o be_v only_o a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o prime_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o evidence_n must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n give_v to_o faith_n only_o reason_n must_v not_o aspire_v so_o high_a to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o faith_n action_n still_o it_o must_v be_v another_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o must_v pass_v a_o security_n upon_o the_o former_a act_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o thence_o when_o the_o believe_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v strong_a in_o exercise_n then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n suitable_a to_o take_v a_o righteous_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o it_o be_v only_o then_o when_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o take_v examination_n of_o his_o evidence_n right_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o evidence_n themselves_o which_o then_o only_o appear_v in_o their_o native_a self-discovering_a glory_n it_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o those_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o discover_v themselves_o real_o to_o be_v from_o god_n even_o by_o their_o own_o native_a lustre_n and_o glory_n those_o beam_n of_o light_n come_v forth_o with_o the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o their_o forehead_n so_o that_o the_o believe_a soul_n no_o soon_o behold_v they_o but_o he_o read_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o their_o native_a self-discovering_a glory_n never_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o these_o beam_n of_o light_n actual_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o their_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o influence_n than_o the_o soul_n can_v behold_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n what_o they_o be_v quest_n there_o be_v another_o question_n that_o here_o interpose_v itself_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v answer_v believe_v soul_n will_v now_o reply_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o any_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n can_v be_v only_o take_v while_o the_o splendour_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o evidence_n remain_v in_o the_o soul_n then_o what_o use_n shall_v soul_n make_v of_o the_o evidence_n they_o conceive_v they_o have_v receive_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o lustre_n and_o orient_a brightness_n of_o their_o evidence_n be_v eclipse_v and_o their_o command_a power_n enervate_v or_o wound_v that_o their_o evidence_n cease_v to_o witness_v unto_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o soul_n in_o this_o scruple_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o divers_a proposition_n prop._n 1._o first_o whenever_o the_o celestial_a glory_n of_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o cast_v into_o any_o believe_a soul_n to_o evidence_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v dark_a and_o those_o invincible_a and_o impregnable_a demonstration_n that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v weaken_v yet_o it_o be_v
that_o thence_o it_o appear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v and_o declare_v as_o particular_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o if_o it_o do_v speak_v to_o any_o soul_n by_o name_n for_o that_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o believe_v the_o write_a worb_n speak_v as_o plain_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v particular_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v declare_v to_o any_o particular_a rebellious_a obstinate_a sinner_n that_o he_o particular_o do_v sin_n the_o word_n say_v whosoever_o walk_v thus_o or_o thus_o transgress_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o this_o speak_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n so_o sin_v que._n but_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n own_o word_n may_v there_o not_o be_v some_o mixture_n of_o man_n god_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o write_v word_n of_o god_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o question_n first_o negative_o second_o affirmative_o i._n negative_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v assure_v by_o all_o the_o power_n and_o possibility_n of_o man_n no_o not_o by_o any_o create_a power_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n may_v give_v some_o kind_n of_o ground_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o fear_v the_o great_a number_n among_o we_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n yet_o no_o testimony_n of_o man_n can_v assure_v the_o soul_n sufficient_o that_o these_o be_v the_o lord_n write_v word_n the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v altogether_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v a_o beam_n of_o spiritual_a light_n that_o must_v satisfy_o and_o sufficient_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o do_v proceed_v from_o god_n 2._o all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a reason_n that_o the_o most_o elevate_a wit_n of_o man_n can_v extract_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v satisfy_o unto_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n himself_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n testify_v the_o most_o wise_a have_v be_v most_o oppsite_a to_o receive_v it_o 1._o cor._n 1.26_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o wise_a of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o great_a opposer_n to_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n 3._o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n bare_o and_o simple_o take_v without_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n conrur_v with_o the_o word_n be_v not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n questionless_a if_o it_o be_v than_o whoever_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v that_o be_v write_v must_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o when_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v wrought_v some_o oppose_v and_o blaspheme_v but_o then_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o i._o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v clear_o evident_o satisfy_o and_o infallible_o unto_o a_o soul_n that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v direct_o 1_v cor._n 2.9_o to_o 12_o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n can_v never_o comprehend_v and_o that_o all_o the_o thing_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o give_v and_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n therefore_o consequent_o it_o reveal_v that_o also_o to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o likewise_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o judge_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o be_v it_o be_v only_o the_o man_n beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o god_n and_o lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_n of_o truth_n to_o judge_v what_o truth_n have_v their_o original_a from_o god_n and_o to_o judge_n what_o have_v not_o their_o original_a thence_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n also_o say_v he_o that_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o discover_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o god_n to_o they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o divinity_n shine_v forth_o in_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o heighten_v reason_n of_o the_o accute_a son_n of_o adam_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n v._o 14._o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n to_o a_o believer_n heart_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n write_a word_n that_o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o the_o foundation_n of_o believer_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a authority_n neither_o can_v a_o believer_n say_v in_o believe_v any_o truth_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n that_o he_o know_v who_o he_o have_v believe_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n himself_o ii_o when_o that_o ever_o bless_a spirit_n do_v reveal_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n than_o the_o proper_a light_n of_o the_o write_a word_n itself_o shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o also_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o transcendent_a so_o far_o surpass_v the_o capacity_n of_o weak_a man_n yea_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o word_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o holy_a so_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o tyranny_n and_o dominion_n that_o man_n corrupt_a affection_n natural_o desire_v to_o bear_v over_o he_o yea_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o word_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o unspeakable_o unconceivable_o excellent_a that_o the_o soul_n see_v infinite_a reason_n even_o in_o the_o word_n itself_o to_o persuade_v it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n word_n yea_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_a word_n speak_v the_o very_a language_n it_o speak_v favour_v so_o much_o of_o heaven_n that_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v so_o clothe_v with_o power_n and_o irresistible_a authority_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v such_o property_n of_o god_n himself_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n soul-searching_a heart-dividing_a property_n find_v out_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o then_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v compass_a about_o with_o reason_n clothe_v in_o with_o reason_n that_o appear_v shine_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o satisfy_v the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n divinity_n be_v then_o every_o way_n engrave_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n in_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o cast_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n into_o the_o beliving_a soul_n do_v write_v his_o own_o name_n upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o light_n also_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n also_o that_o the_o soul_n know_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o see_v they_o shine_v forth_o from_o that_o word_n of_o his_o that_o the_o soul_n believe_v with_o confidence_n yea_o so_o satisfy_o and_o so_o know_o to_o his_o full_a contentment_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v you_o that_o be_v confident_a this_o day_n that_o a_o light_n do_v shine_v into_o your_o soul_n to_o satisfy_v you_o concern_v your_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o this_o union_n be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o will_v you_o be_v assure_v as_o well_o to_o knowledge_n as_o to_o faith_n that_o you_o
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
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
discern_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v not_o come_v from_o jesus_n christ_n or_o else_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o light_n remain_v in_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o relic_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v let_v the_o soul_n see_v his_o absolute_a indispensable_a necessity_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o he_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o now_o observe_v what_o a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n this_o be_v it_o take_v away_o the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n and_o give_v they_o sight_n isa_n 42.7_o rev._n 3.18_o 2._o thou_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v have_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n before_o he_o be_v tender_v to_o he_o now_o no_o man_n dare_v own_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a light_n in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n christ_n heal_v his_o blindness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v conceive_v there_o shall_v be_v the_o discern_a of_o a_o spiritual_a object_n without_o a_o spiritual_a light_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 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 and_o for_o the_o second_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n before_o he_o be_v tender_v to_o he_o this_o every_o man_n abhor_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n one_o of_o the_o mote_n the_o devil_n will_v keep_v in_o the_o soul_n eye_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o truth_n about_o this_o thing_n that_o the_o devil_n miss_v in_o propound_v it_o as_o a_o glass_n to_o the_o soul_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o soul_n that_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n but_o have_v a_o true_a sight_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o he_o though_o no_o true_a spiritual_a discern_a can_v go_v before_o the_o tender_a of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v true_a that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n the_o lord_n allure_v the_o heart_n to_o accept_v of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n he_o do_v beget_v a_o true_a spiritual_a sight_n of_o his_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o christ_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o second_o truth_n that_o be_v narrow_o miss_v here_o and_o that_o be_v that_o this_o spiritual_a sight_n of_o the_o soul_n absolute_a indispensable_a want_n of_o christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v through_o the_o offer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o some_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v call_v preparation_n not_o beget_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o they_o distinguish_v by_o the_o law_n separate_v from_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o all_o grant_v that_o no_o true_a grace_n either_o of_o light_n sight_n or_o sense_n be_v convey_v any_o way_n but_o through_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v instrumental_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n now_o that_o which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o tender_a of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o tender_a jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o poor_a despicable_a loveless_a soul_n now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n i_o shall_v prove_v from_o scripture_n all_o those_o promise_n of_o scripture_n that_o offer_n christ_n free_o must_v be_v expunge_v if_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o light_n as_o isa_n 55.1_o rev._n 22.17_o john_n 6.37_o where_o the_o invitation_n be_v free_a whoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v if_o he_o have_v but_o a_o will_n let_v he_o be_v what_o he_o will_n a_o second_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v believe_v any_o good_a will_n of_o god_n intend_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v thus_o say_v the_o soul_n sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o fight_n of_o some_o holy_a disposition_n there_o must_v be_v a_o behold_v of_o some_o readiness_n to_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o some_o cast_n off_o the_o principle_n of_o corruption_n there_o must_v be_v a_o heart_n seek_v after_o god_n and_o pray_v and_o supplicate_v god_n before_o the_o soul_n may_v conceive_v the_o lord_n intend_v any_o good_a will_n to_o it_o in_o christ_n now_o the_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o this_o principle_n will_v appear_v in_o open_v four_o consequence_n flow_v from_o it_o 1._o if_o any_o such_o holy_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v in_o a_o soul_n before_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o lord_n intend_v good_a will_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n than_o some_o particular_a effect_n of_o savour_n or_o some_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n beside_o the_o lord_n promise_v and_o so_o shall_v not_o be_v convey_v through_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o lord_n shall_v convey_v grace_n into_o soul_n out_o of_o and_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o own_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o if_o any_o of_o these_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o it_o believe_v the_o lord_n good_a will_n than_o shall_v special_a grace_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o soul_n before_o engraft_v into_o christ_n so_o that_o life_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o shall_v partake_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n himself_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o soul_n shall_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n before_o it_o be_v engraft_v into_o jesus_n christ_n and_o become_v a_o good_a stock_n or_o good_a tree_n and_o so_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o evil_a tree_n shall_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n a_o soul_n in_o enmity_n to_o god_n shall_v bring_v forth_o holy_a disposition_n 3._o if_o the_o soul_n shall_v behold_v the_o act_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o soul_n before_o he_o believe_v the_o lord_n intend_v good_a will_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n then_o must_v the_o soul_n conceive_v that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o own_o soul_n belove_v actual_o of_o god_n even_o for_o the_o present_a before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o make_v atonement_n or_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n for_o he_o the_o soul_n must_v then_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v act_n of_o friendship_n from_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v step_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o union_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n before_o there_o shall_v be_v reconciliation_n 4_o if_o the_o soul_n shall_v of_o necessity_n see_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n before_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n intend_v good_a will_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n than_o a_o divine_a word_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o primary_n or_o principal_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n but_o rather_o the_o grace_n or_o the_o act_n of_o god_n good_a will_n discern_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o such_o a_o believe_a soul_n shall_v be_v mere_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o now_o nothing_o be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o abraham_n who_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o believer_n his_o faith_n be_v only_o build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v authority_n to_o it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n rom._n 4.20_o 21._o a_o three_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v presumption_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n so_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n see_v nothing_o but_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n and_o enmity_n in_o his_o heart_n against_o god_n this_o be_v another_o hellbred_a principle_n of_o darkness_n that_o smell_v much_o of_o the_o smoke_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o darkness_n will_v appear_v by_o some_o few_o consideration_n 1._o in_o regard_n there_o can_v be_v no_o rebellion_n nor_o no_o enmity_n heal_v but_o by_o virtue_n receive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n sin_n receive_v its_o deadly_a wound_n only_o upon_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o
exod._n 3.15_o this_o be_v my_o name_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v my_o memorial_n to_o all_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o distinction_n whereby_o i_o will_v be_v know_v to_o all_o generation_n that_o i_o be_o the_o god_n that_o send_v out_o a_o redeemer_n to_o lose_v sinner_n which_o implicit_o and_o virtual_o include_v thus_o much_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v my_o own_o honour_n the_o high_a title_n of_o my_o glory_n shall_v fail_v if_o i_o fail_v of_o embrace_v every_o loveless_a sinner_n through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o will_v accept_v i_o and_o thence_o you_o shall_v observe_v when_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o moses_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o the_o very_a name_n whereby_o he_o call_v himself_o be_v that_o which_o include_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n reveal_v to_o sinner_n the_o lord_n pass_v by_o he_o and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o be_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n own_v to_o be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o honour_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v to_o be_v his_o title_n whereby_o he_o will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o whereby_o he_o will_v be_v know_v unto_o soul_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o sufficient_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o soul_n first_o it_o must_v be_v open_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n second_o that_o particular_a soul_n may_v have_v security_n unto_o themselves_o from_o that_o name_n of_o god_n and_o may_v safe_o through_o believe_v look_n upon_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n as_o engage_v to_o they_o to_o fulfil_v what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v first_o it_o must_v be_v open_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v be_v include_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v open_v it_o from_o that_o of_o exod._n 34.6_o 7._o which_o god_n own_v as_o his_o name_n there_o be_v eight_o title_n that_o the_o lord_n assume_v to_o himself_o that_o make_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n account_v his_o name_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v know_v unto_o soul_n i._o the_o first_o title_n of_o his_o honour_n that_o concur_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o his_o name_n be_v merciful_a the_o lord_n merciful_a which_o include_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v precious_a disposition_n unto_o infinite_a compassion_n natural_o dwell_v in_o god_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o jer._n 31.21_o which_o may_v be_v render_v bowel_n 2._o it_o include_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o act_v those_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o soul_n drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o most_o extreme_a misery_n misery_n and_o mercy_n be_v relative_n and_o according_a to_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n so_o be_v the_o height_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n now_o under_o that_o very_a one_o title_n be_v comprehend_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n discover_v there_o be_v but_o one_o voice_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v in_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o every_o loveless_a sinner_n that_o will_v accept_v his_o compassion_n tender_v ii_o the_o second_o title_n of_o god_n be_v gracious_a this_o imply_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o loveless_a sinner_n into_o favour_n 2._o the_o acceptance_n of_o miserable_a one_o into_o favour_n mere_o out_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o working_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n from_o motive_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o desert_n therefore_o the_o whole_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v iii_o the_o three_o title_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v up_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n long_o suffer_v or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v render_v he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n include_v 1._o it_o imply_v a_o long_a time_n of_o forbearance_n in_o god_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o own_o demerit_n 2_o pet._n 3.9_o 2._o it_o imply_v that_o that_o forbearance_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o sin_n be_v on_o purpose_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v accept_v into_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n isa_n 30.18_o iv_o the_o four_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n be_v the_o lord_n abundant_a in_o goodness_n or_o excel_v in_o kindness_n that_o imply_v three_o thing_n 1._o the_o complete_a fullness_n of_o all_o goodness_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v treasure_v up_o by_o god_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n for_o soul_n 2._o it_o imply_v a_o transcendency_n of_o all_o supply_n for_o empty_a soul_n to_o be_v in_o himself_o through_o christ_n it_o imply_v a_o superlative_a fullness_n a_o fullness_n that_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a a_o fullness_n that_o infinite_o exceed_v what_o ever_o a_o soul_n can_v want_v 3._o it_o imply_v the_o readiness_n and_o facility_n of_o god_n to_o be_v dispense_n that_o goodness_n unto_o soul_n v._o the_o five_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n name_n be_v that_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o truth_n truth_n do_v not_o here_o imply_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n but_o it_o imply_v faithfulness_n in_o god_n to_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o so_o that_o truth_n imply_v the_o certainty_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o lord_n 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name_n thus_o some_o have_v conceive_v by_o iniquity_n to_o be_v mean_v sin_n against_o god_n himself_o by_o transgression_n to_o be_v mean_v sin_n against_o our_o neighbour_n and_o by_o sin_n to_o be_v mean_v sin_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n other_o have_v make_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n of_o malice_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n other_o conceive_v by_o iniquity_n because_o the_o word_n come_v from_o a_o root_n in_o the_o original_a that_o signify_v crookedness_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o transgression_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n through_o infirmity_n and_o by_o sin_n to_o be_v mean_v stubbornness_n against_o god_n however_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o under_o these_o three_o be_v comprehend_v all_o sin_n whatever_o of_o what_o nature_n and_o degree_n soever_o then_o this_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n imply_v thus_o much_o a_o impossibility_n for_o any_o degree_n of_o sin_n whatever_o to_o hinder_v the_o lord_n from_o show_v mercy_n and_o be_v gracious_a in_o that_o way_n of_o fullness_n of_o love_n that_o he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v incline_v to_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o nature_n viii_o the_o eight_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n include_v a_o gospel-discovery_n too_o and_o that_o be_v in_o those_o word_n that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o child_n child_n unto_o the_o three_o and_o to_o the_o four_o generation_n this_o seem_v indeed_o at_o first_o view_n to_o have_v little_a of_o gospel_n in_o it_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o consent_v here_o to_o the_o paraphrase_n the_o translator_n have_v give_v upon_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n be_v to_o
his_o union_n four_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v instruct_v all_o other_o the_o better_a by_o his_o deal_n with_o some_o believe_a soul_n god_n instruct_v weak_a believer_n in_o this_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n be_v not_o essential_a unto_o union_n v._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o precious_a saint_n may_v be_v veil_v and_o hide_v and_o this_o may_v be_v in_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v stumble_v at_o the_o saint_n and_o judge_v they_o dispicable_a fool_n that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_n cau._n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o four_o causion_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o bless_a record_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o believe_a soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n aught_o to_o continue_v when_o the_o record_n itself_o do_v not_o actual_o continue_v the_o record_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v the_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o spirit_n cast_v upon_o the_o soul_n final_a estate_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v total_o definitive_a never_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n by_o that_o believe_a soul_n but_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o after_o even_o in_o the_o sad_a interruption_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n ought_v to_o say_v though_o i_o do_v fall_n i_o shall_v arise_v though_o i_o have_v no_o vision_n of_o the_o sweet_a face_n of_o my_o redeemer_n yet_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o like_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v infinite_a sinfulness_n for_o that_o believe_a soul_n ever_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o love_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o avouch_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o grand_a question_n open_v which_o be_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n which_o be_v this_o que._n 2._o 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 konw_n certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o their_o evidence_n of_o this_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v only_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 a_o angelical_a glory_n now_o for_o the_o clear_a explication_n or_o unfolding_n this_o question_n there_o must_v be_v divers_a thing_n premise_v there_o be_v four_o thing_n i_o must_v premise_v concern_v those_o diabolical_a inspiration_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o soul_n trial_n of_o his_o evidence_n receive_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o delusion_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n pre._n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o implacable_a malice_n of_o the_o infernal_a power_n be_v direct_o set_v a●_n work_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o darken_n the_o precious_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o centre_n wherein_o all_o the_o hellish_a design_n that_o be_v practise_v against_o a_o believe_a soul_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n that_o he_o shoot_v from_o his_o hellish_a quiver_n against_o believe_a soul_n be_v intend_v to_o batter_v down_o the_o tower_n of_o strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o most_o curse_a insinuation_n into_o any_o believe_a heart_n allure_a to_o any_o corruption_n intentional_o tend_v towards_o the_o darken_n the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n countenance_n that_o shine_v upon_o the_o believe_a soul_n certain_o the_o devil_n act_v with_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n against_o the_o apostle_n peter_n that_o cause_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n intentional_o end_v in_o this_o to_o overthrow_v his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n fail_v not_o nay_o the_o bless_a head_n of_o all_o believe_a soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o perfect_a example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o believe_a soul_n in_o temptation_n he_o be_v encounter_v withal_o in_o this_o way_n by_o the_o grand_a adversary_n the_o devil_n the_o devil_n make_v his_o close_a and_o strong_a battery_n against_o his_o confidence_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o therefore_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n employ_v against_o every_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o especial_o endeavour_v to_o strike_v down_o their_o faith_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o over_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o particular_a 1_o thes_n 3.5_o say_v he_o i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n least_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n have_v tempt_v you_o and_o our_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a indeed_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n why_o the_o peculiar_a malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v work_v in_o all_o its_o strength_n against_o believer_n evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n with_o strength_n and_o power_n upon_o receive_v evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n and_o that_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a opposite_a of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n grand_a adversary_n in_o that_o lie_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n against_o all_o the_o devil_n encounter_n it_o be_v the_o shield_n that_o quench_v all_o the_o devil_n fiery_a dart_n eph._n 5.6_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o soul_n resist_v the_o devil_n till_o he_o gain_v the_o conquest_n and_o put_v that_o infernal_a adversary_n to_o flight_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o 2._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o most_o triumphant_a conqueror_n over_o all_o his_o army_n that_o he_o call_v in_o for_o his_o assistance_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o john_n 5.4_o that_o be_v all_o that_o either_o within_o or_o without_o the_o soul_n shall_v concur_v to_o the_o draw_v it_o from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n will_n 3._o that_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_o draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o receive_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o lord_n his_o most_o peculiar_a glory_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o precious_a truth_n by_o this_o the_o believe_a soul_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a john_n 3.33_o now_o the_o devil_n peculiar_a malice_n be_v against_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n thence_o his_o malice_n be_v against_o this_o faith_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n upon_o the_o soul_n receive_v evidence_n of_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v the_o unseparable_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v another_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n envy_n work_v infinite_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a joy_n as_o poor_a believe_a soul_n be_v fill_v with_o see_v angel_n who_o nature_n be_v more_o glorious_a be_v lef●_n absolute_o destitute_a of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n now_o from_o these_o working_n of_o envy_n hatred_n work_v also_o infinite_o and_o unspeakable_o in_o the_o devil_n bosom_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n iii_o the_o believer_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diametrical_a opposition_n between_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o bless_a spirit_n every_o work_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n be_v infinite_o abominate_v by_o he_o and_o thence_o this_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v the_o particular_a object_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o be_v the_o comforter_n of_o those_o believe_a soul_n iv_o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n through_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o
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 then●…_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
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
jesus_n will_v blemish_v the_o equity_n and_o seem_v right_a rectitude_n of_o satan_n application_n of_o such_o a_o lie_a argument_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n yea_o it_o will_v discover_v the_o false_a application_n of_o such_o a_o lie_a argument_n of_o his_o union_n iii_o the_o three_o defilement_n or_o corruption_n of_o conscience_n be_v its_o insensibleness_n or_o regardlesness_n of_o sin_n commit_v when_o discern_v this_o the_o devil_n maintain_v foment_n and_o increase_v with_o all_o his_o power_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o delude_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o foolish_a dream_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o in_o regard_n hereby_o satan_n present_v the_o frequency_n and_o strictness_n of_o the_o soul_n inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o own_o hope_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o hereby_o the_o positive_a slightness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o hope_n for_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o slightness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o hope_v for_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v dispose_v their_o poor_a foolish_a soul_n ready_o to_o receive_v any_o suggestion_n from_o hell_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v without_o any_o fear_n of_o danger_n whatever_o 3._o hereby_o the_o jealousy_n of_o satan_n suggestion_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v be_v whole_o prevent_v iv_o the_o four_o corruption_n or_o defilement_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o its_o record_v or_o register_n the_o soul_n iniquity_n now_o satan_n exercise_v this_o power_n upon_o the_o defilement_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o 1._o in_o regard_n hereby_o he_o do_v prevent_v the_o soul_n who_o he_o delude_v from_o discern_v or_o behold_v the_o contradict_a reason_n to_o their_o reason_n from_o whence_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o mighty_a weight_n to_o persuade_v the_o soul_n that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v unite_v and_o every_o aggravation_n of_o those_o sin_n but_o above_o all_o the_o reject_v of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n tender_v now_o satan_n well_o understanding_n that_o his_o foolish_a suggestion_n unto_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o reasonless_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v will_v never_o be_v admit_v of_o do_v the_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o suggest_v that_o they_o be_v unite_v discern_v the_o multitude_n of_o reason_n that_o may_v persuade_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v thence_o it_o be_v he_o do_v exercise_v his_o utmost_a power_n upon_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o conscience_n in_o register_n the_o soul_n iniquity_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o bring_v one_o of_o those_o iniquity_n to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n of_o a_o thousand_o 2._o by_o this_o unfaithfulness_n of_o conscience_n in_o register_n the_o soul_n iniquity_n the_o infiniteness_n and_o unspeakableness_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o union_n be_v undiscerned_a also_o by_o those_o soul_n the_o great_a apprehension_n of_o gild_n the_o great_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n in_o case_n the_o gild_n shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o their_o soul_n now_o by_o satan_n foster_a up_o conscience_n in_o its_o unfaithfulness_n in_o register_n up_o the_o soul_n iniquity_n it_o apprehend_v but_o a_o small_a slighty_a superficial_a view_n of_o his_o own_o gild_n and_o therefore_o have_v but_o slighty_a thought_n about_o the_o loss_n of_o union_n in_o case_n he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o v._o the_o five_o corruption_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o unjustness_n in_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o the_o soul_n estate_n conscience_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o it_o will_v be_v pass_o unjust_a sentence_n accuse_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v excuse_v and_o excuse_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v accuse_v now_o this_o unjustness_n in_o the_o conscience_n in_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o the_o soul_n satan_n exercise_v all_o his_o power_n upon_o to_o augment_v and_o increase_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a that_o by_o this_o mean_v conscience_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o any_o suggestion_n of_o he_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v and_o according_a to_o his_o bare_a suggestion_n to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n upon_o the_o soul_n final_a estate_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sect._n 3_o three_o the_o three_o power_n that_o satan_n exercise_v upon_o the_o affection_n or_o passion_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_n power_n that_o he_o exercise_v upon_o the_o affection_n or_o passion_n there_o be_v a_o moral_a power_n and_o a_o physical_a power_n i._o there_o be_v a_o moral_a power_n he_o exercise_v upon_o the_o affection_n that_o be_v by_o propound_v object_n suitable_a to_o stir_v and_o move_v those_o affection_n thus_o in_o propound_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o certain_a acceptance_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o everlasting_a salvation_n by_o he_o he_o propound_v a_o object_n suitable_a to_o move_v false_a joy_n and_o delight_n and_o contentment_n and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_n heighten_v the_o self-deluding_a joy_v and_o rejoice_v in_o those_o delude_v soul_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o physical_a power_n he_o excercise_v upon_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o be_v a_o immediate_a power_n that_o he_o exercise_v upon_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n through_o which_o those_o sensible_a motion_n of_o the_o will_v work_v it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o affection_n to_o cause_v the_o blood_n and_o the_o animal_n spirit_n to_o move_v to_o and_o fro_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v the_o body_n suffer_v now_o satan_n can_v immediate_o stir_v those_o humour_n in_o the_o body_n which_o the_o affection_n do_v in_o their_o working_n also_o stir_v and_o thence_o raise_v a_o affection_n beyond_o its_o bound_n now_o satan_n exercise_v these_o two_o power_n of_o his_o upon_o the_o affection_n 1._o in_o regard_n hereby_o the_o confidence_n in_o delude_v soul_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v occasion_v to_o work_v with_o a_o mighty_a violence_n with_o a_o kind_n of_o irresistableness_n 2._o hence_o that_o confidence_n of_o his_o delude_v once_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v make_v irrational_a through_o the_o violent_a work_n of_o such_o affection_n their_o judgement_n be_v blind_v their_o reason_n darken_v and_o obscure_v and_o when_o the_o matter_n pass_v to_o the_o affection_n all_o judgement_n perish_v than_o you_o shall_v have_v many_o delude_v soul_n that_o will_v hold_v with_o much_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n the_o conclusion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o jesus_n chyist_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o all_o their_o reason_n whereupon_o they_o build_v this_o hope_n that_o they_o be_v unite_v there_o be_v now_o second_o some_o consideratio_n about_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v before_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o that_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v powerful_o incite_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n to_o a_o dubious_a anxious_a solicitous_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n work_v this_o way_n in_o three_o respect_n i._o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v be_v enervate_v make_v of_o no_o force_n by_o a_o soul_n consent_v to_o a_o dubious_a and_o anxious_a examination_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o union_n receive_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v off_o from_o his_o evidence_n receive_v and_o now_o he_o conceive_v that_o his_o work_n and_o employment_n that_o god_n call_v for_o at_o present_a from_o his_o soul_n be_v to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o clear_a satisfy_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o his_o former_a evidence_n and_o whatever_o light_n shine_v from_o the_o former_a evidence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n to_o the_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v back_v with_o some_o other_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o some_o other_o principle_n either_o in_o the_o soul_n or_o without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n appear_v in_o this_o he_o do_v secret_o and_o indiscernable_o despoyl_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o precious_a jewel_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n while_o he_o solicit_v he_o to_o a_o dubious_a trial_n ii_o in_o regard_v the_o believe_a soul_n be_v lead_v in_o a_o devious_a path_n to_o weary_v his_o perplex_a soul_n in_o wherein_o
all_o his_o labour_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a by_o consent_v to_o a_o doubtful_a trial_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v when_o the_o soul_n stagger_v and_o waver_v in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n which_o christ_n receive_v and_o proceed_v in_o that_o timorous_a tremble_a waver_a manner_n to_o a_o examination_n of_o that_o his_o evidence_n than_o the_o soul_n either_o seek_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n than_o what_o he_o receive_v former_o or_o else_o he_o seek_v for_o infallible_a demonstration_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v that_o that_o evidence_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n now_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v be_v the_o evidence_n from_o that_o precious_a witness_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n seek_v all_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o a_o high_a evidence_n or_o else_o in_o case_n the_o soul_n seek_v to_o prove_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o effect_n wrought_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o soul_n also_o labour_v in_o vain_a in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v dubious_a and_o anxious_a about_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o conceive_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v dubious_a whether_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n iii_o in_o regard_n satan_n indiscernable_o gain_v these_o advantage_n against_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o solicit_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o doubtful_a trial_n of_o his_o own_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n by_o satan_n solicit_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o doubtful_a trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v he_o do_v indeed_o appear_v in_o angelical_a glory_n clothe_v with_o a_o glitter_v garment_n of_o heavenly_a light_n he_o thus_o bespeak_v the_o poor_a believe_a soul_n take_v heed_n o_o soul_n thou_o be_v not_o delude_v in_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o eternity_n man_n heart_n be_v natural_o too_o ready_a to_o presume_v say_v satan_n take_v heed_n lest_o thou_o befool_v thyself_o with_o vain_a hope_n thus_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n send_v on_o purpose_n to_o press_v one_o of_o the_o bless_a command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v try_v examine_v and_o prove_v itself_o only_o he_o secret_o mix_v a_o curse_a principle_n of_o darkness_n with_o that_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n he_o incite_v the_o believe_a soul_n to_o a_o dubious_a anxious_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o so_o consequent_o procure_v the_o soul_n to_o reject_v the_o bless_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n intend_v a_o precious_a believe_a trial_n for_o the_o soul_n more_o abundant_a establishment_n and_o consolation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o glory_n pre._n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n his_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n whilst_o he_o endeavour_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v his_o evidence_n of_o union_n receive_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n sueh_n be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o try_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o this_o his_o confidence_n that_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o measure_n as_o that_o soul_n waver_v in_o this_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n be_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o a_o right_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v so_o that_o in_o case_n the_o confidence_n shall_v whole_o fail_v the_o soul_n be_v whole_o uncapable_a of_o a_o right_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o soul_n be_v dispose_v to_o this_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v fix_v upon_o that_o glass_n through_o which_o the_o light_n that_o evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v the_o glass_n wherein_o the_o lord_n discover_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v he_o be_v his_o word_n wherein_o he_o declare_v it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o admit_v every_o rebel_n and_o enemy_n that_o will_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o through_o he_o now_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v only_o fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o this_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n through_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n because_o this_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o confidence_n and_o the_o object_n be_v only_o in_o they_o when_o there_o be_v act_v of_o faith_n upon_o the_o object_n 2._o it_o be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n that_o a_o clearness_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v suitable_a to_o discern_v that_o light_n that_o do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v it_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o confidence_n fail_v a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n and_o reason_n this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n arise_v in_o the_o soul_n every_o one_o of_o these_o objection_n scruple_n and_o reason_n be_v like_o a_o mote_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o prevent_v his_o clear_a discern_v of_o what_o the_o light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n put_v upon_o it_o now_o by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o confidence_n those_o objection_n reason_n and_o scrupling_n be_v silence_v and_o suppress_v and_o so_o a_o precious_a clearness_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o readiness_n to_o discern_v whatever_o beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n the_o spirit_n shall_v cause_v to_o shine_v forth_o from_o that_o precious_a word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v it_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o when_o this_o confidence_n in_o the_o soul_n fail_v it_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n the_o act_n of_o this_o very_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n sense_n that_o it_o be_v unite_v actual_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o when_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n cease_v then_o be_v the_o very_a matter_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n sense_n its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n take_v away_o how_o shall_v the_o bless_a spirit_n cause_v the_o believe_a soul_n to_o see_v its_o self_n believe_v when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o believe_a act_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_a to_o any_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o any_o holiness_n whatever_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v cause_v the_o soul_n to_o discern_v in_o itself_o from_o whence_o it_o discern_v actual_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o then_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n fail_v or_o cease_v its_o act_n the_o very_a original_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n unto_o sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v take_v away_o second_o the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v the_o diminish_n of_o this_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o admit_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n while_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v but_o he_o ought_v also_o to_o forbear_v the_o diminish_n of_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n already_o in_o case_n the_o lord_n