acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o now_o through_o christ_n may_v lay_v claim_n unto_o whatsoever_o that_o relation_n can_v entitle_v to_o this_o testimony_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o expectation_n of_o such_o provision_n protection_n &_o portion_n as_o it_o become_v such_o a_o father_n to_o give_v out_o and_o hence_o rom._n 8.17_o and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n chap._n ii_o the_o observation_n from_o the_o text._n the_o observation_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o doctr_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v witness_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n this_o be_v the_o secret_a language_n of_o many_o a_o son_n of_o zion_n though_o i_o be_v adopt_v yet_o o_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o i_o shall_v ever_o attain_v assurance_n of_o it_o alas_o i_o can_v climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o see_v my_o name_n write_v there_o how_o shall_v i_o dive_v into_o such_o a_o secret_a as_o that_o be_v methinke_v i_o find_v the_o lord_n answer_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o so_o as_o it_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_n it_o in_o such_o reason_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o testimony_n will_v thou_o desire_v what_o will_v thou_o reckon_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sonship_n who_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n that_o thou_o can_v confide_v in_o if_o the_o divine_a spirit_n may_v ascertain_v thou_o of_o thy_o adoption_n behold_v that_o be_v nigh_o thou_o thou_o need_v not_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o setch_v that_o thence_o that_o be_v descend_v to_o thou_o for_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o how_o his_o heart_n stand_v towards_o thou_o and_o that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n into_o thy_o bosom_n even_o on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v good_a news_n from_o heaven_n of_o thy_o father_n love_n and_o though_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o with_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v infallible_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o thy_o adoption_n and_o this_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 2._o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n may_v attain_v they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n qu_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v it_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n do_v that_o towards_o the_o clear_n up_o unto_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o a_o witness_n do_v among_o man_n for_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n dubious_a and_o uncertain_a now_o the_o use_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n upon_o knowledge_n how_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n stand_v purposely_o to_o ascertain_v other_o thereof_o deut._n 19.15_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o end_n of_o witness_v be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o a_o matter_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o confirm_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v as_o firm_a and_o true_a by_o that_o record_n which_o be_v give_v in_o and_o hence_o joh._n 8.17_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o e._n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o may_v free_v from_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o before_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v render_v certain_a unto_o those_o that_o question_v it_o and_o when_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o operation_n do_v what_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o this_o then_o be_v witness_v the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o itself_o who_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o operation_n not_o by_o voice_n and_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 1._o objective_o 2._o efficient_o 1._o objective_o when_o it_o afford_v such_o special_a operation_n as_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n there_o be_v some_o special_a and_o remarkable_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o by_o a_o due_a observation_n may_v manifest_v adoption_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o affirmation_n and_o assertion_n thereof_o but_o many_o overlook_v these_o evidence_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o soul_n may_v remain_v without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sonship_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o witness_v if_o its_o record_n be_v not_o receive_v so_o rev._n 22.18_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v this_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v assert_v joh._n 3.11_o we_o testify_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o witness_n it_o be_v but_o a_o testimony_n propose_v or_o offer_v and_o be_v not_o effectual_a unless_o receive_v and_o if_o nothing_o further_a be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o mine_n with_o much_o spiritual_a treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o it_o several_a thing_n of_o great_a importance_n arise_v from_o this_o as_o 1._o hence_o a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n be_v attaineable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o assure_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o render_v god_n more_o assure_v who_o be_v his_o child_n he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o nor_o to_o make_v adoption_n certain_a in_o itself_o that_o must_v be_v before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o its_o scope_n drift_n and_o design_n be_v to_o leave_v we_o assure_v or_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o this_o when_o it_o be_v so_o successull_n in_o other_o work_n how_o unconceivable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o 2._o hence_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o receive_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n offer_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n complain_v unto_o many_o christian_n as_o christ_n do_v joh._n 3.11_o so_o i_o have_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v my_o witness_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v to_o not_o no_n yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o choice_n duty_n and_o enforce_v by_o a_o powerful_a argument_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 9_o if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v far_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o intend_v ver_fw-la 6.8.10_o christian_n reckon_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o deny_v the_o appearance_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o to_o call_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n delusion_n of_o satan_n o_o but_o hereby_o you_o not_o only_o hinder_v your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n and_o establishment_n which_o may_v come_v in_o at_o that_o door_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_a you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o eph._n 4.30_o i_o may_v say_v to_o such_o as_o isai_n 7.13_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n for_o you_o to_o weary_a grieve_v and_o disquiet_v your_o own_o spirit_n but_o will_v you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o my_o god_n also_o it_o be_v sad_a enough_o that_o carnal_a man_n deny_v attention_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n o_o let_v not_o christian_n make_v it_o speak_v in_o vain_a also_o or_o miss_v of_o its_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o text_n aim_v at_o or_o intend_v therefore_o 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v efficient_o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n by_o its_o speaking_n to_o it_o as_o call_v do_v often_o express_v not_o only_o a_o invite_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n but_o the_o soul_n answer_v those_o invitation_n which_o be_v effectual_a call_v rom._n 8.28.30_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o so_o witness_v express_v a_o effectual_a efficacious_a witness_v and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o context_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o so_o have_v
freedom_n from_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 1._o and_o this_o he_o clear_v v._o 5.9.13_o 14._o but_o lest_o they_o shall_v doubt_v or_o question_n whither_o they_o find_v a_o mortification_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o spirit_n or_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_n to_o help_v a_o soul_n unto_o a_o sight_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n ver_fw-la 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o work_n be_v of_o a_o witness_v nature_n but_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o other_o help_n this_o make_v the_o other_o evidence_v and_o give_v sight_n of_o freedom_n from_o condemnation_n and_o of_o our_o sonship_n so_o that_o the_o context_n favour_v this_o interpretation_n 2._o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v testimony_n irresistible_o overcome_v our_o spirit_n i.e._n or_o conscience_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v thesame_a thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o joynt-testimony_n some_o time_n the_o spirit_n utter_v its_o voice_n and_o our_o spirit_n hold_v off_o but_o our_o spirit_n be_v fetch_v in_o and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v which_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n both_o agree_v in_o this_o numericall_a conclusion_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o efficacious_a witness_v i_o may_v clear_v it_o from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 33.38_o and_o from_o other_o scripture_n which_o call_v the_o persuasion_n or_o conclusion_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v witness_v a_o witness_v as_o luk._n 4.22_o all_o bear_v he_o witness_v i.e._n conclude_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o description_n which_o will_v further_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o manifest_a witness_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_n and_o special_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o to_o ascertain_v a_o soul_n by_o the_o word_n or_o gospel_n of_o its_o adoption_n or_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o clear_a irradiation_n and_o other_o effectual_a operation_n with_o the_o word_n to_o work_v a_o particular_a soul_n by_o direct_a or_o reflexive_a act_n into_o a_o knowledge_n persuasion_n or_o conclusion_n of_o its_o acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o wherein_o the_o witness_v work_n do_v consist_v here_o be_v many_o thing_n considerable_a as_o 1._o who_o be_v the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n this_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o text_n rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n who_o can_v lie_v be_v appoint_v by_o office_n unto_o this_o work_n that_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v testify_v be_v it_o any_o other_o it_o may_v remain_v under_o doubt_n and_o think_v it_o too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v god_n for_o its_o father_n and_o so_o be_v a_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n in_o that_o exceed_a eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n o_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v this_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o he_o say_v this_o may_v give_v a_o full_a assurance_n of_o son_n ship_n or_o free_v it_o from_o those_o fear_n doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n which_o it_o have_v labour_v under_o about_o this_o question_n this_o proclaim_v the_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o itself_o who_o be_v very_a god_n shall_v stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n in_o our_o matter_n who_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n that_o the_o creator_n shall_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o high_a favour_n indeed_o and_o hereby_o this_o testimony_n be_v difference_v 1._o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o bear_v false_a witness_n to_o the_o soul_n purposely_o to_o lead_v it_o into_o mistake_a conclusion_n about_o its_o condition_n and_o harken_v to_o his_o voice_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a 2._o from_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v effectual_o without_o our_o spirit_n but_o the_o text_n plain_o make_v two_o the_o spirit_n with_o our_o spirit_n so_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n by_o some_o act_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o be_v not_o in_o consociation_n with_o cur_n spirit_n the_o testimony_n be_v most_o unsafe_a dangerous_a and_o delude_v o_o take_v heed_n of_o trust_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o your_o own_o treacherous_a spirit_n in_o the_o but_o syne_v of_o your_o soul_n for_o eternity_n but_o if_o the_o holy-spirit_n have_v fetch_v in_o your_o spirit_n and_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o conclusion_n of_o your_o adoption_n you_o may_v safe_o own_v it_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o two_o witness_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n witness_v viz._n the_o sonship_n of_o particular_a soul_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o do_v not_o only_o give_v a_o persuasion_n that_o all_o which_o receive_v christ_n or_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n have_v authority_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o joh._n 1.12_o not_o bare_o that_o some_o that_o believer_n but_o say_v the_o text_n that_o we_o even_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 3._o wherein_o the_o witness_v work_n do_v consist_v viz._n in_o the_o spirit_n give_v manifestation_n and_o work_v the_o heart_n into_o persuasion_n and_o conclusion_n of_o adoption_n 1._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o afford_v such_o operation_n as_o be_v measure_v by_o gospel_n rule_n do_v give_v assertion_n or_o affirmation_n of_o adoption_n but_o a_o effectual_a witness_v be_v here_o intend_a such_o as_o indeed_o cause_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v establish_v which_o be_v to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o that_o witness_v as_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o spirit_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n through_o christ_n rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v etc._n etc._n and_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v make_v one_o end_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o spirit_n 2.12_o 1_o coriu_n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n 2_o corin._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1.6_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n &_o ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a so_o that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o give_v a_o knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o confist_n in_o its_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o consolation_n many_o if_o they_o find_v comfort_n by_o a_o word_n than_o they_o think_v the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v adoption_n else_o not_o whereas_o this_o witness_v work_n may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o very_a disconsolate_a condition_n job_n 19_o v._o 6_o 7.8_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n and_o yet_o much_o assurance_n ver_fw-la 25._o and_o matth._n 27.46_o there_o be_v a_o want_n of_o comfort_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o yet_o not_o a_o want_n of_o assurance_n for_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o challenge_v propriety_n in_o god_n twice_o over_o my_o god_n my_o god_n indeed_o this_o bless_a news_n do_v often_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n but_o this_o consolation_n be_v rather_o consequential_a to_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n then_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o it_o not_o a_o ingredient_n into_o it_o more_o than_o other_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n testification_n be_v a_o different_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o consolation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v this_o witness_v work_n in_o many_o particular_n 4._o in_o what_o way_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v this_o witness_v work_n in_o the_o description_n the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v 1._o by_o its_o operation_n within_o 2._o by_o its_o word_n without_o 1._o the_o spirit_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n by_o operation_n within_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o apparition_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o visible_a shape_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n or_o any_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o our_o outward_a ear_n be_v
as_o well_o as_o grace_n within_o we_o i_o take_v blood_n to_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n than_o water_n which_o be_v often_o muddy_a and_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o hence_o such_o a_o emphasis_n be_v put_v upon_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o he_o come_v not_o hy_z water_n only_o but_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n his_o say_n not_o by_o water_n only_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n he_o will_v have_v especial_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o blood_n that_o this_o be_v iterate_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o slight_a blood_n as_o if_o that_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o witness_n whereas_o although_o water_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v yet_o blood_n be_v most_o to_o be_v mind_v or_o more_o than_o water_n in_o this_o witness_v work_n for_o he_o strive_v most_o to_o advance_v that_o witness_n not_o by_o water_n only_o chap._n ix_o show_v who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o only_o believer_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o enjoy_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n for_o only_o they_o be_v adopt_v joh._n 1.12_o 1_o joh._n 3.1_o gal._n 4.26_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v adoption_n before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v adopt_a else_o there_o be_v a_o bear_v false_a witness_n which_o can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o that_o some_o eminent_a believer_n may_v and_o do_v attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v evident_a rom._n 8.16_o job_n 19.25_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o and_o often_o we_o read_v of_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n 2._o weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n about_o their_o adoption_n this_o position_n be_v question_v by_o some_o yet_o because_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o do_v direct_o tend_v to_o raise_v discouragement_n in_o their_o way_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o because_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v thing_n impossible_a and_o see_v the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o the_o thing_n itself_o much_o more_o hence_o i_o think_v good_a to_o offer_v some_o reason_n which_o for_o the_o present_a satisfy_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n intend_v by_o christ_n only_o for_o the_o tall_a cedar_n in_o christianity_n or_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a one_o but_o also_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v this_o legacy_n bequeath_v to_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n yet_o before_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o ground_n i_o shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v way_n for_o they_o prem_n 1._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v attaineable_a and_o yet_o not_o be_v attain_v christian_n be_v without_o much_o of_o that_o sweet_a communion_n which_o they_o may_v enjoy_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n he_o knock_v call_v &_o cry_v to_o the_o spouse_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n cant._n 5.2_o but_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o carnal_a security_n shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o and_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o ver_fw-la 3.6_o here_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o attain_v and_o yet_o be_v attaineable_a i_o do_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o weak_a believer_n do_v enjoy_v effectual_a witnessing_n though_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o that_o but_o i_o be_o only_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v attaineable_a even_o by_o babe_n in_o christ_n if_o they_o choke_v smother_v and_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o if_o follow_v up_o and_o cherish_v may_v have_v be_v witness_v and_o through_o negligence_n about_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n or_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n may_v go_v without_o they_o yet_o this_o speak_v not_o their_o incapacity_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v real_o weak_a not_o only_o in_o gift_n and_o natural_a ability_n but_o even_o in_o grace_n also_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v weak_a in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n see_v they_o may_v mis-judge_n about_o their_o measure_n and_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o however_o real_a weakness_n afford_v not_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n 3._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v admit_v of_o degree_n as_o its_o operation_n be_v at_o one_o time_n more_o potent_a conspicuous_a and_o manifest_a then_o at_o another_o so_o may_v the_o soul_n persuasion_n of_o its_o adoption_n be_v which_o be_v raise_v by_o these_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o one_o time_n may_v be_v so_o glorious_a and_o its_o act_n so_o powerful_a as_o all_o doubt_n fear_n or_o questioning_n about_o its_o state_n may_v be_v crush_v suppress_v and_o banish_v that_o if_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v under_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n yet_o it_o dare_v not_o it_o can_v not_o subscribe_v to_o they_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a or_o irresistible_a but_o liable_a to_o quenching_n by_o small_a mean_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a assert_v that_o witnessing_n in_o those_o high_a degree_n be_v attaineable_a by_o weak_a believer_n these_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v too_o strong_a meat_n for_o they_o to_o bear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o freedom_n in_o some_o measure_n from_o their_o doubt_n and_o of_o attain_v some_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n be_v they_o this_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v the_o rich_a man_n window_n may_v be_v wide_a than_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o so_o the_o sun_n may_v make_v his_o house_n more_o lightsome_a that_o the_o thing_n within_o it_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o discern_v there_o but_o the_o poor_a man_n may_v real_o enjoy_v the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o know_v that_o they_o come_v from_o it_o and_o may_v see_v what_o be_v in_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o he_o so_o the_o poor_a saint_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o for_o bright_a beam_n than_o he_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o 4._o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n towards_o assurance_n 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 5_o 6.8.10_o therefore_o this_o afford_v no_o encouragement_n unto_o any_o to_o content_n themselves_o with_o that_o measure_n which_o they_o be_v come_v up_o to_o nay_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v furtherance_n and_o provocation_n unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n if_o real_o enjoy_v rom._n 13._o v._n 11_o 12._o but_o yet_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o assurance_n but_o that_o a_o weak_a believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n may_v actaine_v it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o mercy_n that_o concern_v he_o in_o his_o well-being_n 5._o i_o deny_v not_o that_o a_o weak_a christian_n at_o some_o particular_a time_n may_v hinder_v himself_o of_o such_o a_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o eminent_a saint_n for_o they_o may_v by_o nourish_v some_o curruption_n weaken_v if_o not_o loose_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o psal_n 51.8.12_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a hindrance_n i_o be_o to_o prove_v a_o ordinary_a capacity_n neither_o do_v these_o so_o incapacitate_v as_o to_o forbid_v seek_v after_o witnessing_n for_o david_n when_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n he_o have_v lose_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o with_o that_o intermediate_v duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o plead_n for_o cleanse_v psal_n 51._o v._n 2.7_o he_o beg_v also_o that_o his_o joy_n may_v be_v restore_v v._o 12._o 6._o i_o be_o not_o about_o to_o prove_v the_o duration_n of_o these_o witnessing_n but_o the_o capability_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o attain_v they_o how_o little_a while_n soever_o they_o last_v i_o do_v not_o assert_v their_o have_v such_o a_o constant_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n as_o shall_v perpetual_o put_v they_o beyond_o doubt_n the_o multiplicity_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n which_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o unskilfulnes_n to_o resist_v the_o tempter_n may_v occasion_v a_o speedy_a loss_n of_o it_o again_o their_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o those_o way_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o cherish_v of_o this_o persuasion_n together_o with_o that_o great_a suspicion_n which_o they_o have_v
to_o a_o more_o through_o handle_v of_o this_o great_a point_n or_o may_v draw_v our_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o further_o distinguish_v the_o speaking_o of_o the_o spirit_n from_o satanical_a illusion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v to_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o reap'_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n by_o what_o thou_o read_v give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o send_v up_o some_o groan_n and_o cry_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n for_o i_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o practical_a experimental_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o a_o doctrinal_a way_n to_o clear_v up_o to_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o poor_a unworthy_a labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n s._n p._n courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o author_n far_a distance_n from_o the_o press_n many_o fault_n have_v escape_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v here_o note_v out_o which_o thou_o be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o errata_n page_n 3._o line_n 11._o for_o rathen_a read_v rather_o p._n 9_o l._n 18._o for_o no_o r._n to_o to_o yield_v attention_n p._n 11._o l._n 14._o for_o or_o conscience_n 1._o our_o conscience_n p._n 27._o l._n 17._o for_o time_n r._n thing_n p._n 30._o l._n 24._o for_o antedent_n r._n antecedent_n p._n 34._o l._n 17._o for_o understand_v r._n understand_v p._n 37._o l._n 18._o for_o promise_n r._n premise_n p._n 38._o for_o spiritual_a ground_n r._n scripturall_a ground_n p._n 40._o l._n 9_o for_o conjunction_n r._n conjunctim_fw-la or_o in_o canjunction_n p._n 44._o l._n 12._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 54._o l._n 13._o for_o curruption_n r._n corruption_n p._n 58._o l._n 16._o for_o appleate_a r._n appeal_n p._n 67._o l._n 9_o blot_n out_o of_o p._n 104._o l._n 14._o for_o himseife_n r._n himself_o p._n 113._o l._n 8._o read_v thus_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v say_v p._n 119._o l._n 20._o for_o be_v r._n as_o p._n 138._o l._n 19_o for_o bolines_n r._n holiness_n p._n 140._o l._n 12._o for_o consequence_n r._n consequence_n p._n 140._o l._n 16._o for_o be_v as_o r._n bias_n p._n 148._o l._n 26._o r._n they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n p._n 150._o l._n 5._o for_o have_v r._n have_v p._n 160._o l._n 8._o for_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v read_v thus_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v p._n 160._o l._n 10._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 81._o l._n 8._o for_o lean_a r._n leave_n p._n 166._o l._n 11._o for_o can_v r._n can_v not_o p._n 168._o l._n 18._o for_o spirit_n r._n spirit_n p._n 173._o l._n 25._o for_o the_o r._n they_o p._n 175._o on_o the_o margin_n for_o distincti_fw-la r._n distinctè_fw-la p._n 176._o l._n 3._o for_o hair_n r._n heir_n p._n 181._o l._n 30._o for_o its_o r._n he_o p._n 188._o l._n 5._o blot_n out_o it_o p._n 191._o l._n 6._o read_v thus_o be_v hint_v in_o a_o brief_a discovery_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n rom_n 8._o verse_n 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n chap._n i._o open_v the_o text_n and_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n this_o apostle_n paul_n have_v make_v it_o his_o great_a design_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n he_o draw_v up_o a_o comfortable_a conclusion_n chap_n 8.1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o as_o well_o to_o prevent_v a_o presumptuous_a claim_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o to_o deliver_v from_o ungrounded_a doubt_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d characterize_v those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n ver_fw-la 9_o with_o its_o concurrence_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o as_o a_o conductor_n or_o leader_n ver_fw-la 14._o these_o be_v make_v the_o great_a discriminate_v difference_v thing_n which_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v set_v out_o and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o but_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v &_o dream_v of_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o leading_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o they_o be_v without_o they_o therefore_o he_o add_v this_o ver_fw-la 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o word_n express_v the_o way_n whereby_o a_o soul_n attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o its_o freedom_n from_o condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n where_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n 1._o who_o witness_v the_o spirit_n itself_o with_o our_o spirit_n 2._o what_o be_v witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n i.e._n not_o only_a gift_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o worker_n or_o bestower_n of_o these_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v enable_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o which_o shall_v quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n ver_fw-la 11_o the_o spirit_n i.e._n who_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n who_o undoubted_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v adopt_v or_o not_o and_o who_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a he_o be_v truth_n itself_o this_o divine_a spirit_n not_o by_o a_o proxy_n but_o itself_o witness_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contestatur_fw-la testimonium_fw-la reddit_fw-la und_fw-ge testatur_fw-la i.e._n co-witnesseth_a or_o render_v a_o testimony_n or_o witness_v together_o say_v leigh_n sac._n crit._n sac._n the_o word_n be_v compose_v with_o the_o preposition_n together_o or_o with_o and_o so_o it_o denote_v a_o double_a or_o twin-testimony_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o our_o spirit_n it_o bear_v witness_n say_v he_o together_o with_o rathen_a then_o to_o our_o spirit_n yet_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o express_v a_o single_a testimony_n wicked_a man_n be_v confident_a of_o their_o adoption_n upon_o the_o false_a deceitful_a and_o delude_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o can_v lie_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n to_o testify_v fayus_n si_fw-mi unus_fw-la esset_fw-la testis_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la non_fw-la tolleretur_fw-la sed_fw-la duo_fw-la sunt_fw-la testes_fw-la itaque_fw-la nullus_fw-la restat_fw-la dubitationi_fw-la locus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la noster_fw-la fallere_fw-la posset_n nos_fw-la sed_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n non_fw-la sinit_fw-la nos_fw-la falli_fw-la fayus_n to_o or_o with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n here_o be_v two_o witness_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o our_o spirit_n i.e._n either_o 1._o our_o soul_n luke_n 23.46_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n i.e._n my_o soul_n act._n 7.59_o and_o so_o it_o be_v contra_fw-la distinguish_v from_o the_o body_n 1_o corin._n 6.20_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n i.e._n in_o your_o soul_n so_o 1_o cor._n 7.34_o and_o if_o you_o take_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o hold_v out_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a ear_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o spirit_n make_v report_n of_o divine_a mercy_n to_o the_o inner_a man_n the_o way_n of_o its_o witness_v be_v not_o external_a by_o a_o audible_a voice_n but_o internal_a by_o secret_a whisper_n to_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o outward_a expression_n but_o by_o inward_a unspeakable_a inspiration_n or_o 2._o our_o spirit_n i._o e_o our_o uunderstanding_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o be_v renew_v be_v call_v also_o by_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor_fw-la 2.11_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n here_o our_o spirit_n denote_v the_o know_a faculty_n and_o ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o judge_a power_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o take_v our_o spirit_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n or_o work_n of_o our_o understanding_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o receive_v embrace_v or_o refuse_v such_o testimony_n as_o be_v offer_v rom._n 2.15_o their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n witness_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n and_o with_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o e._n that_o we_o have_v
be_v the_o lord_n way_n of_o speak_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v often_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o word_n that_o david_n hope_v in_o for_o his_o salvation_n psal_n 119.81_o 82._o he_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o a_o promise_n before_o v._o 28._o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v he_o unless_o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v it_o over_o again_o he_o must_v have_v it_o apply_v to_o his_o inner_a man_n say_z â—o_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v internal_a speaking_n he_o pray_v for_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n outward_a salvation_n will_v be_v nothing_o to_o i_o without_o inward_a feeling_n of_o thy_o favour_n in_o they_o o_o say_v to_o my_o soul_n i._n e._n raise_v thou_o a_o inward_a persuasion_n in_o my_o heart_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n i._n e._n not_o only_o that_o he_o which_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o let_v i_o be_v particularise_v thy_n salvation_n and_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o wise_a deliver_v i_o out_o of_o my_o distress_n but_o say_v i_o not_o only_o will_v be_v but_o be_o thy_o salvation_n he_o beg_v here_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n by_o a_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o to_o his_o soul_n 3._o from_o a_o believer_n right_a and_o title_n to_o such_o word_n or_o promise_n christ_n be_v he_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n his_o in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o promise_v direct_v to_o particular_a person_n in_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v about_o thing_n of_o general_a concernment_n do_v admit_v of_o a_o general_a application_n and_o every_o believer_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o they_o as_o his_o that_o promise_n i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o or_o for_o sake_n thou_o be_v direct_v to_o joshua_n josh_n 1._o v._n 5._o yet_o be_v apply_v general_o heb._n 13.5_o and_o so_o general_a promise_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o particular_a application_n unto_o every_o individual_a believer_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o christian_n shall_v miss_v of_o that_o prosit_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o promiser_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v by_o they_o a_o believer_n be_v adopt_v 36.25_o isa_n 41.10_o ezek_n 36.25_o have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v clean_o water_v sprinkle_v on_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o word_n do_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o he_o though_o in_o a_o more_o secret_a way_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o the_o utter_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o more_o audible_a voice_n it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o father_n tell_v his_o child_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o be_v real_o his_o own_o before_o so_o christian_n have_v a_o propriety_n in_o such_o word_n or_o promise_v before_o and_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n unto_o believer_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o corin._n 2.12_o and_o so_o it_o will_v apply_v these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n for_o the_o gospel_n ow_v no_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n as_o if_o some_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v other_o not_z the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o any_o word_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o therefore_o witness_v word_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 4._o from_o the_o appointment_n of_o divine_a promise_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o witness_v which_o must_v be_v by_o application_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a word_n be_v often_o call_v god_n testimony_n psal_n 19.7_o &_o 119._o v._o 2.22.24_o etc._n etc._n &_o heb._n 6.18_o there_o be_v two_o immutable_a thing_n ordain_v on_o purpose_n to_o help_v we_o unto_o strong_a consolation_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o god_n promise_n 2._o his_o oath_n v._o 13.17_o but_o how_o do_v they_o bring_v in_o this_o consolation_n it_o be_v by_o witness_v for_o ver_fw-la 16._o a_o oath_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o confirmation_n and_o so_o the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n bring_v in_o this_o strong_a consolation_n as_o they_o serve_v for_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n to_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v of_o to_o abraham_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o to_o give_v they_o the_o same_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o be_v heir_n to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o oath_n must_v needs_o give_v testimony_n by_o direct_a rather_o than_o reflex_n act_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o do_v intimate_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n both_o which_o be_v without_o we_o do_v as_o proper_o conduce_v to_o the_o afford_v assurance_n of_o our_o propriety_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n by_o he_o as_o any_o inherent_a grace_n or_o qualification_n can_v do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v the_o application_n to_o abraham_n of_o these_o two_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o he_o gen_n 22._o v._n 12.16_o 17._o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o superadded_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n make_v a_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a soul_n as_o there_o be_v to_o abraham_n else_o they_o can_v add_v a_o confirmation_n or_o bring_v in_o consolation_n to_o any_o heir_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o end_v they_o be_v intend_v for_o argu._n 3_o from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o gospel_n ow_v 1_o joh._n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o give_v a_o distinct_a testimony_n from_o water_n and_o blood_n there_o be_v not_o three_o witness_n indeed_o neither_o water_n nor_o blood_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o witness_v but_o the_o spirit_n with_o water_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o hence_o the_o water_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n with_o blood_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o thence_o the_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v from_o its_o concurrence_n with_o these_o there_o be_v but_o two_o not_o three_o witness_n and_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v so_o distinct_a from_o blood_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o testify_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o distinct_a from_o they_o both_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o sound_v very_o harsh_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o same_o use_n which_o water_n or_o blood_n be_v of_o seal_v the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o blood_n and_o with_o water_n but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o distinct_a witness_v by_o way_n of_o enlarge_a the_o soul_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o witness_v unto_o we_o our_o condition_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n from_o sanctification_n but_o sometime_o immediate_o by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o friend_n comfort_v without_o help_n of_o discourse_n dr._n sibbs_n saint_n seal_v when_o they_o witness_v the_o same_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o when_o that_o witness_v and_o as_o they_o have_v something_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o when_o discern_v a_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v of_o interest_n in_o christ_n so_o the_o spirit_n have_v some_o peculiar_a act_n or_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o distinct_a from_o both_o which_o effectual_o beget_v the_o same_o persuasion_n which_o they_o do_v though_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n then_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inference_n from_o such_o promise_n as_o they_o attain_v it_o by_o object_n but_o by_o spirit_n be_v not_o mean_v here_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o our_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o three_o witness_n answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 1._o because_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o so_o the_o enumeration_n of_o witness_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o full_a if_o that_o be_v not_o intend_v 2._o because_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o to_o advance_v our_o spirit_n but_z the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o the_o witness_n on_o earth_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n and_o hereupon_o he_o number_v the_o witness_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o &_o ver_fw-la 10_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_v himself_o which_o argue_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o holy-spirit_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o do_v
only_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v their_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o he_o write_v to_o be_v little_a child_n v._o 18._o &_o 1_o joh._n 2.12_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o which_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o know_v they_o be_v forgive_v arg._n 4._o weak_a christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o selfe-examination_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n thereby_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o the_o ingemination_n of_o the_o exhortation_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n else_o he_o will_v not_o use_v so_o much_o earnestness_n in_o exciting_a to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o station_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v about_o 1._o whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2._o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n be_v undeniable_a for_o 1._o it_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o unbeliever_n those_o that_o have_v not_o christ_n in_o they_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o hereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o limitation_n unto_o strong_a believer_n let_v they_o prove_v it_o that_o will_v assert_v it_o 3._o these_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o twice_o over_o require_v to_o come_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o corin._n 12._o v._n 20_o 21._o prone_a to_o envy_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n &c._n &c._n which_o be_v make_v the_o symptom_n of_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o yet_o these_o be_v enjoin_v to_o examine_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o there_o be_v some_o season_n then_o which_o all_o christian_n even_o the_o weak_a aught_o to_o take_v for_o self-examination_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n either_o weak_a christian_n must_v always_o give_v in_o this_o verdict_n that_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v false_a and_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o a_o false_a conclusion_n or_o else_o they_o must_v give_v in_o no_o verdict_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n or_o else_o they_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o text_n call_v for_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n either_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o 2._o reprobate_n i.e._n unsound_a hypocrite_n without_o the_o spirit_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o these_o roman_n be_v many_o of_o they_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o text_n he_o except_v and_o exclude_v none_o but_o seem_v to_o conclude_v all_o under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o apprehend_v assurance_n to_o be_v ordinary_o attaineable_a even_o by_o weak_a believer_n chap._n xi_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v whether_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o and_o first_o the_o immediate_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o before_o i_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o such_o end_n as_o these_o 1._o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n many_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n be_v full_a of_o fear_n about_o their_o adoption_n can_v they_o but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n they_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o favour_n of_o great_a value_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v this_o to_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o its_o voice_n or_o understand_v not_o that_o these_o operation_n which_o they_o have_v find_v do_v amount_v to_o a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n they_o question_v whither_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o or_o else_o whither_o they_o be_v witness_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o end_n by_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o the_o shining_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o its_o own_o work_n without_o which_o nothing_o will_v be_v witness_v those_o that_o never_o have_v assurance_n way_n attain_v it_o and_o those_o that_o have_v lose_v it_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o if_o by_o reflection_n they_o can_v find_v that_o such_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o their_o heart_n as_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o 2._o to_o difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v own_v and_o satanical_a delusion_n reject_v 3._o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v witnessing_n in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o the_o better_a to_o attain_v these_o end_n i_o shall_v 1_o speak_v particular_o unto_o the_o feverall_a way_n of_o witness_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o spirit_n 2._o water_n 3._o blood_n have_v witness_v 2._o add_v some_o general_n discovery_n or_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o will_v respect_v all_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v according_a unto_o the_o threefold_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v so_o must_v i_o divide_v the_o question_n into_o three_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n to_o it_o in_o that_o more_o immediate_a way_n or_o not_o before_o i_o reply_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v give_v these_o preconsideration_n preconsid_n 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a impression_n and_o alteration_n make_v upon_o the_o heart_n work_v it_o into_o some_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o adoption_n else_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o a_o pretend_v to_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n those_o that_o never_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o question_n for_o there_o must_v be_v something_o like_o the_o testimony_n to_o make_v capable_a of_o trial_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a impression_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v enjoy_v jam._n 1.21_o 1_o thes_n 2.13_o 2_o corin_z 3.3_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v read_v over_o witness_v word_n never_o so_o often_o and_o his_o thought_n shall_v run_v this_o way_n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n his_o yet_o if_o no_o power_n come_v alongst_o with_o the_o word_n to_o fix_v fasten_v and_o set_v it_o upon_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n for_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n the_o word_n must_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n matth._n 13._o v._n 21.23_o else_o no_o gracious_a effect_n at_o all_o be_v accomplish_v by_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v find_v some_o great_a alteration_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n that_o have_v wrought_v towards_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n our_o enquiry_n be_v how_o he_o may_v know_v whither_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o strong_a flashy_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n precons_n 2._o that_o my_o design_n in_o answer_v this_o question_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o not_o that_o will_v be_v the_o thing_n drive_v at_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n &_o blood_n but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o testimony_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o some_o eminent_a impression_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n i_o suppose_v that_o many_o real_a believer_n may_v through_o their_o own_o default_n want_v this_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v under_o false_a confidence_n through_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i._n e._n confidence_n take_v up_o from_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v not_o evidence_v revel_v 3.17_o psal_n 30.6_o when_o by_o a_o due_a search_n they_o may_v find_v infallible_a ground_n for_o the_o same_o conclusion_n this_o question_n be_v not_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o some_o confidence_n thereof_o
a_o time_n and_o many_o gracious_a effect_n be_v produce_v by_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o these_o be_v more_o full_o open_v elsewhere_o especial_o under_o the_o general_a evidence_n object_n but_o many_o have_v have_v flash_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n luk._n 8.13_o yea_o have_v be_v raise_v unto_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o hope_n and_o even_o a_o triumph_a joy_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v hypocrite_n job_n 8.13_o &_o 27.8_o job_n 20._o v._o 5._o and_o other_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n &_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v under_o delusion_n all_o this_o while_n hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o how_o shall_v i_o discern_v that_o i_o go_v beyond_o these_o answ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n already_o hint_v that_o will_v difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o such_o slash_n as_o these_o be_v but_o further_o 1._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n cause_n glorious_a transsormation_n into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n delusion_n or_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n leave_v without_o these_o a_o man_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o it_o as_o saul_n do_v 1_o sam._n 10.10_o and_o yet_o no_o imprint_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o one_o affection_n as_o joy_n may_v arise_v upon_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n as_o matth._n 13.20_o 21._o and_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o root_n mark_n 4.6_o the_o heart_n not_o be_v change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v effectual_o by_o a_o word_n than_o there_o be_v a_o counterpane_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o hence_o jerem._n 31.33_o hebr._n 8.10_o the_o lord_n do_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o write_v his_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n some_o principle_n and_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n be_v wrought_v within_o that_o have_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o word_n 2_o corin._n 3.3.18_o we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v mr_n forbes_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o apothecaris_n shop_n which_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o receive_v although_o he_o never_o carry_v any_o of_o these_o odoriferous_a thing_n with_o he_o but_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o impart_v the_o thing_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o real_o to_o possess_v it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v see_v engrave_v in_o it_o mercy_n peace_n love_n righteousness_n life_n joy_n and_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v write_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v powerful_a operation_n in_o the_o heart_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o spiritual_a gospel_n end_v there_o the_o end_n any_o work_n drive_v at_o be_v a_o great_a discoverer_n what_o it_o be_v if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o light_o but_o effectual_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o the_o noise_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n be_v take_v even_o with_o carnal_a heart_n many_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 19_o v._n 16.22_o may_v be_v inquisitive_a after_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v desire_n to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o be_v very_o sorrowful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o these_o imply_v some_o tastig_fw-mi of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5._o a_o man_n may_v be_v elevate_v with_o rapture_n of_o joy_n upon_o a_o suppose_a interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n like_o haman_n he_o may_v think_v who_o will_v the_o lord_n honour_n but_o myself_o esth_n 6._o v._n 6._o but_o with_o the_o young_a man_n he_o may_v mind_v earthly_a thing_n more_o than_o christ_n or_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o say_v forbes_n as_o a_o physician_n that_o have_v prepare_v a_o comfortable_a potion_n for_o the_o health_n of_o a_o belove_a patient_n he_o will_v give_v to_o other_o a_o little_a of_o it_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v the_o taste_n of_o it_o but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o make_v any_o operation_n in_o the_o stomach_n so_o the_o lord_n may_v let_v some_o carnal_a man_n discern_v some_o goodness_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o these_o taste_n do_v not_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o refresh_a power_n of_o these_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v into_o a_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o glorious_a outward_a profession_n hereby_o but_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o to_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o mount_v up_o christ-ward_n and_o place_v their_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o alone_o but_o the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n cry_v out_o as_o cant._n 5.10_o 11._o my_o belove_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n v._o 16._o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a a_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o day_n can_v but_o reckon_v christ_n the_o top_n of_o its_o glory_n and_o it_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n but_o in_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o smile_n of_o his_o face_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o in_o its_o account_n reall-tasts_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a cause_n the_o soul_n to_o disrelish_v carnal_a delight_n and_o embitter_v those_o sweet_n to_o it_o say_v the_o soul_n shall_v i_o be_v take_v with_o the_o smile_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o the_o smile_a face_n of_o christ_n better_a shall_v i_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o sweet_a cup_n of_o worldly_a delight_n be_v not_o the_o wine_n in_o christ_n cellar_n better_a shall_v i_o feed_v upon_o ash_n after_o christ_n have_v lead_v i_o into_o his_o banquet_a house_n o_o no._n whither_o shall_v i_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o question_n chap._n fourteen_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n qu_n 2._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o the_o free_a promise_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o application_n of_o material_a blood_n but_o the_o gospel_n discover_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v intend_v and_o be_v useful_a for_o justification_n redemption_n etc._n etc._n and_o offer_v it_o for_o such_o use_n and_o end_n unto_o particular_a soul_n the_o application_n of_o blood_n be_v by_o faith_n rom._n 3.25_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v by_o a_o promise_n because_o faith_n ever_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n to_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rom._n 10_o v._n 8.10_o the_o apostle_n check_v &_o reprove_v for_o such_o carnal_a apprehension_n as_o that_o we_o must_v clamber_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n no_o say_v he_o the_o lord_n reach_v it_o forth_o and_o make_v it_o nigh_o to_o we_o in_o or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o word_n promise_v believer_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 9_o so_o that_o a_o divine_a word_n be_v the_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n unto_o soul_n and_o for_o their_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thereby_o this_o be_v god_n deed_n of_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v to_o show_v for_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o blood_n and_o all_o advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o and_o their_o acquittance_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o debt_n they_o do_v owe_v to_o justice_n many_o be_v possess_v with_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v assurance_n of_o interest_n in_o that_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o inward_a porplexity_n about_o it_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v the_o write_a word_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n whereas_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v you_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o several_a use_n it_o serve_v to_o be_v you_o also_o and_o that_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v you_o for_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o blood_n and_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10._o v._o 16.19_o &_o 12._o v._o 24._o &_o 13._o v._o 20._o and_o your_o conclusion_n of_o interest_n
lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a then_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o thou_o with_o the_o choice_a saint_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o secret_a sin_n have_v dominion_n over_o thou_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o hair_n of_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n for_o joh._n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v object_n 4._o i_o have_v find_v a_o great_a impression_n make_v upon_o my_o spirit_n by_o a_o word_n or_o promise_n but_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n i_o can_v conclude_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o satan_n or_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n what_o be_o i_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n answ_n 1._o observe_v what_o duty_n thy_o present_a condition_n call_v for_o and_o walk_v up_o to_o that_o that_o impression_n may_v be_v but_o a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o come_n hab._n 2._o v._n 3._o the_o vision_n be_v for_o a_o appoint_a time_n thou_o must_v wait_v for_o it_o and_o at_o last_o it_o will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v thou_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a in_o press_v forward_o towards_o what_o be_v before_o as_o in_o ponder_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_a christ_n do_v often_o speak_v in_o parable_n and_o the_o interpretation_n come_v afterward_o christ_n warm_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o his_o talk_n with_o they_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n until_o they_o come_v up_o to_o some_o other_o duty_n luk._n 24._o v._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o 2._o conclude_v not_o either_o way_n upon_o slighty_a ground_n if_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thou_o call_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o satan_n thou_o offere_v a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o the_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v from_o satan_n and_o thou_o call_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o deceive_v thy_o own_o soul_n better_o to_o leave_v it_o dubious_a then_o to_o conclude_v either_o way_n unsafe_o yet_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n neglect_v not_o the_o conclusion_n 3._o be_v careful_a to_o make_v some_o improvement_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n and_o against_o satan_n say_v thus_o with_o thyself_o this_o dispensation_n have_v a_o great_a stamp_n upon_o it_o whither_o it_o be_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o i_o can_v tell_v i_o will_v see_v if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o advantage_n towards_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o gospel_n grace_n as_o faith_n patience_n humility_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v but_o christ_n may_v have_v say_v to_o thou_o i_o be_o thou_o be_v sure_a thou_o make_v use_v of_o this_o towards_o selfe-resignation_n let_v thy_o heart_n answer_v this_o voice_n and_o echo_v back_o again_o lord_n i_o be_o thou_o zech._n 13.9_o and_o here_o satan_n will_v loose_v ground_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v he_o that_o speak_v to_o thou_o if_o christian_n do_v soon_o break_v off_o those_o distract_n perplex_v thought_n about_o that_o question_n whither_o those_o work_n they_o have_v feel_v proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o lie_v dark_a and_o do_v seek_v to_o find_v out_o his_o name_n that_o speak_v unto_o they_o by_o pursue_v gracious_a resolution_n not_o to_o let_v he_o go_v until_o they_o have_v obtain_v a_o blessing_n o_o how_o may_v they_o be_v free_v from_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o toss_n fear_n faint_n unsettlement_n which_o they_o labour_v under_o if_o they_o do_v improve_v such_o dispensation_n to_o the_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o satan_n 27.30_o gen._n 32._o v._n 26_o 27.30_o they_o may_v at_o last_o see_v god_n as_o it_o be_v face_n to_o face_n and_o so_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a chap._n xxiii_o of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o attain_n strengthen_v and_o preserve_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v attain_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o soul_n answ_n 1._o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n the_o lord_n be_v free_a and_o ready_a to_o afford_v it_o unto_o those_o he_o have_v own_v as_o his_o child_n luk._n 11._o v._n 13._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o without_o assurance_n because_o they_o look_v so_o little_a to_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o neither_o promise_n nor_o grace_n without_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v effectual_o witness_v 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 10.12_o a_o true_a dial_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o give_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n but_o unless_o the_o sun_n shine_v you_o can_v know_v nothing_o by_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v daylight_n with_o your_o soul_n and_o you_o may_v have_v precious_a grace_n that_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n but_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o shineing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v report_v that_o the_o sabine_a stone_n be_v of_o a_o dark_a duskish_a colour_n till_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o oil_n 588._o plin._n part_n 2._o p._n 588._o and_o then_o it_o will_v burn_v of_o a_o light_a fire_n so_o grace_n and_o experience_n be_v of_o a_o duskish_a colour_n till_o the_o oil_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o will_v burn_v forth_o with_o brightness_n so_o as_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n their_o adoption_n and_o therefore_o this_o direction_n must_v run_v through_o all_o those_o that_o follow_v 2._o maintain_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o account_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o a_o doubt_n and_o question_v condition_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o shall_v sin_v if_o they_o shall_v seek_v for_o assurance_n other_o breathe_v out_o sad_a complaint_n for_o their_o be_v without_o it_o and_o yet_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o seek_n after_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o duty_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o studious_a about_o that_o as_o well_o as_o other_o duty_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o permission_n but_o a_o injunction_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n and_o your_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v the_o press_n after_o assurance_n 3._o beware_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o assurance_n 1._o beware_v of_o suppose_v it_o impossible_a to_o attain_v it_o many_o labour_n under_o discouragement_n from_o hence_o and_o thereupon_o seek_v but_o little_a after_o it_o that_o it_o be_v attaineable_a see_v isai_n 45._o v._n 24._o &_o 63._o v._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 5._o v._n 1.6_o 2._o beware_v of_o limit_v the_o lord_n to_o your_o time_n some_o will_v fain_o enjoy_v it_o but_o they_o tie_v up_o the_o lord_n to_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o time_n and_o will_v not_o wait_v his_o ley_fw-fr sure_a for_o it_o 3._o beware_v of_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n ephes_n 4.30_o if_o you_o have_v any_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n o_o cherish_v improve_v follow_v up_o these_o for_o if_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o operation_n you_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n indeed_o for_o assurance_n 4._o beware_v of_o yield_v to_o carnal_a and_o unbelieved_a reason_n many_o dispute_v themselves_o into_o unbelief_n but_o he_o psal_n 42.5_o reason_v his_o own_o heart_n out_o of_o it_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n 5._o beware_v of_o nourish_v any_o sin_n heb._n 10._o v._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n what_o be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o one_o just_o accuse_v for_o or_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o evil_a conscience_n but_o by_o a_o hearty_a application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n and_o putification_n that_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v 1_o pet._n 1.2_o many_o set_v pore_v upon_o and_o complain_v of_o some_o corruption_n and_o that_o because_o of_o these_o they_o be_v without_o assurance_n but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v full_a assurance_n then_o seek_v to_o be_v sprinkle_v from_o they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 6._o beware_v of_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o carnal_a security_n heb._n 6.11_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o negligence_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o