seem_v to_o be_v under_o a_o midnight_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n before_o yet_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v new_a life_n into_o former_a experience_n than_o it_o can_v conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v arisen_a upon_o or_o in_o the_o heart_n who_o be_v hide_v or_o unseen_a till_o then_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v eph._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n and_o for_o what_o end_n v._o 18._o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n i_o e._n that_o you_o may_v know_v upon_o what_o certain_a ground_n zanch._n ut_fw-la sciatis_fw-la qualis_fw-la &_o quam_fw-la certa_fw-la sit_fw-la spes_fw-la qua_fw-la nos_fw-la sperare_fw-la jussit_fw-la dominus_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la ne_fw-la ulla_fw-la subeat_fw-la animos_fw-la vestros_fw-la &_o mentes_fw-la vestras_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la non_fw-la dum_fw-la praestitis_fw-la zanch._n and_o foundation_n your_o hope_n be_v build_v and_o so_o may_v be_v free_v from_o doubt_n about_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o how_o be_v this_o attain_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v v._o 18._o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n clear_v and_o brightn_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o indue_a that_o with_o supernatural_a light_n to_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o natural_o it_o can_v not_o know_v the_o spirit_n raise_v heighn_v and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o dart_v in_o spiritual_a light_n and_o thus_o it_o attain_v a_o revelation_n knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o call_v so_o psal_n 36.9_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n but_o in_o thy_o light_n i_o e._n in_o divine_a light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a if_o thy_o spirit_n give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v what_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n or_o have_v a_o divine_a stamp_n or_o impress_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a and_o often_o the_o prophet_n beg_v for_o irradiation_n psal_n 31.16_o &_o 67._o 1._o &_o 80.3.7.19_o &_o 119._o v._o 135._o cause_o thy_o face_n to_o shine_v and_o hence_o 2_o corin._n 4._o v._n 4.6_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o these_o irâ—â—diations_n a_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o compare_v its_o condition_n with_o and_o right_o to_o judge_v thereof_o by_o that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v as_o by_o operation_n within_o so_o also_o by_o a_o write_a word_n without_o this_o do_v contribute_v much_o to_o assurance_n the_o word_n declare_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v attaineable_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 8.10_o 2._o what_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v which_o do_v evidence_n adoption_n as_o faith_n joh._n 1.12_o it_o give_v description_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o open_v the_o nature_n property_n and_o effect_n of_o these_o or_o discover_v what_o operation_n a_o witness_v work_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v real_a injoyer_n of_o it_o whereby_o a_o man_n may_v discern_v whither_o those_o work_n he_o have_v find_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_a special_a and_o not_o common_a 3._o what_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n be_v whereby_o these_o work_n may_v become_v witness_v 4._o what_o application_n of_o a_o word_n do_v make_v it_o witness_v yet_o not_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o irradiation_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v adoption_n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n afford_v this_o proposition_n towards_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_n 16.16_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v but_o i_o believe_v now_o towards_o this_o the_o word_n tell_v we_o what_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o act_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o its_o irradiation_n help_v we_o to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v yet_o i_o believe_v and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v from_o the_o word_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o adoption_n and_o that_o first_o immediate_o by_o itself_o prove_v by_o four_o argument_n qu._n 2._o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n ans_fw-fr 1._o more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o 2._o by_o water_n 3._o by_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 8._o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n witness_v more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o i_o say_v by_o itself_o not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o to_o distinguish_v this_o way_n of_o witness_v from_o those_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o it_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o these_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o we_o efficient_o but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o its_o own_o which_o it_o afford_v to_o some_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o satisfaction_n about_o their_o adoption_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v gasp_v after_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o such_o sweet_a unexpressible_a heart-enamouring_a soul-ravishing_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o divine_a love_n as_o effectual_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o undoubted_a persuasion_n thereof_o ordinary_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v he_o make_v the_o word_n without_o a_o voice_n within_o by_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o express_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o some_o scriptural_a consideration_n or_o in_o or_o present_o after_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o the_o word_n as_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o very_a mercy_n of_o assurance_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n it_o may_v seem_v very_o improper_a to_o call_v it_o immediate_a and_o yet_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n but_o the_o expression_n may_v be_v bear_v withal_o 1._o because_o the_o spirit_n have_v such_o a_o eminent_a stroke_n here_o and_o do_v more_o eminent_o manifest_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v here_o it_o witness_v not_o in_o a_o discursive_a way_n by_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o premise_n but_o the_o spirit_n â—â—â—â—â—eth_v the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o work_v it_o into_o the_o persuasion_n by_o a_o direct_a act_n without_o any_o necessary_a reflection_n upon_o work_n former_o wrought_v within_o it_o effectual_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v its_o adoption_n 2._o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v the_o very_a breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a breathe_n or_o inspiration_n man_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o speak_v unto_o one_o another_o when_o they_o use_v word_n to_o each_o other_o face_n to_o face_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o because_o i_o use_v the_o word_n immediate_a to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v now_o that_o beside_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n and_o by_o blood_n i._n e._n justification_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v it_o may_v appear_v upon_o these_o ground_n arg._n 1._o from_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n himself_o rom._n 8.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v proper_a to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o his_o substitute_n or_o servant_n do_v by_o his_o appointment_n 453._o not_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v a_o witness_n of_o its_o cause_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o do_v it_o say_v the_o text._n symonds_n desert_v soul_n case_n and_o cure_n pag._n 453._o a_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n by_o his_o steward_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n himself_o have_v perform_v any_o work_n that_o argue_v his_o do_v it_o in_o his_o own_o
because_o we_o think_v our_o name_n be_v any_o way_n worthy_a or_o can_v back_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o we_o intend_v the_o author_n commendation_n thereby_o we_o know_v he_o need_v it_o not_o where_o himself_o be_v know_v and_o his_o work_n we_o trust_v will_v approve_v he_o faithful_a with_o jesus_n christ_n only_o we_o aim_v at_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o some_o poor_a soul_n further_a to_o ponder_v and_o consult_v what_o be_v here_o write_v reader_n consider_v and_o view_v it_o over_o and_o see_v if_o thou_o can_v find_v the_o book_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o thou_o have_v peruse_v it_o through_o though_o thou_o miss_v spangle_n of_o eloquence_n yet_o thou_o will_v not_o account_v thy_o expense_n of_o time_n as_o to_o be_v thy_o loss_n grieve_v not_o that_o spirit_n by_o slight_v any_o piece_n that_o may_v familiarize_v his_o voice_n and_o language_n to_o thou_o here_o be_v question_n of_o moment_n flate_v open_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n clear_v up_o if_o thou_o meet_v with_o thy_o satisfaction_n give_v glory_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n if_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n drop_v but_o from_o one_o leaf_n or_o line_n upon_o thy_o spirit_n in_o thy_o consult_v it_o thy_o pain_n be_v recompense_v now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v redouble_v upon_o the_o author_n who_o have_v wage_v in_o this_o work_n and_o that_o thy_o profit_n who_o peruse_a it_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o travail_n of_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o we_o who_o be_v mean_a among_o the_o saint_n who_o yet_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o christ_n his_o truth_n his_o interest_n and_o his_o people_n so_o we_o bid_v thou_o farewell_n grace_n be_v with_o thy_o spirit_n amen_n sam_n habergham_n edw._n barker_n 1._o day_n 4._o more_n 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n dear_a friend_n the_o plentiful_a pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a privilege_n which_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o seek_v for_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n in_o all_o those_o way_n it_o be_v promise_v in_o among_o which_o its_o witness_v of_o adoption_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o clear_n up_o of_o that_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v my_o spirit_n to_o appear_v in_o it_o in_o so_o public_a a_o way_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o encouragement_n which_o i_o have_v have_v hereunto_o from_o diverse_a friend_n both_o minister_n and_o other_o 2._o because_o so_o few_o have_v write_v distinct_o on_o this_o subject_a the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v very_o little_o insist_v upon_o by_o any_o that_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o see_v assurance_n i_o confess_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o diverse_a book_n but_o there_o be_v many_o mark_n and_o sign_n lay_v down_o by_o some_o which_o i_o fear_v will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o because_o of_o the_o many_o delusion_n which_o multitude_n of_o soul_n be_v under_o in_o these_o day_n who_o yet_o be_v pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n therein_o here_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v may_v be_v conducible_a to_o the_o undeceive_n of_o such_o as_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n other_o against_o they_o 4._o because_o of_o those_o great_a perplexity_n and_o inward_a distress_n which_o myself_o and_o many_o heaven-borne_a soul_n have_v be_v in_o for_o want_v of_o light_n into_o that_o question_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i_o have_v be_v like_o noahâ—_n dove_n have_v not_o know_v where_o to_o set_v the_o foot_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n so_o as_o to_o be_v safe_a for_o eternity_n i_o know_v that_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n when_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v evid_v nce_v but_o how_o to_o know_v true_a faith_n from_o false_a and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o deceive_v i_o in_o pass_a judgement_n on_o my_o condition_n see_v satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o counterfeit_v every_o grace_n this_o have_v put_v i_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o search_n more_o than_o ever_o i_o have_v former_o about_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o deliver_v i_o from_o many_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n which_o heretofore_o i_o labour_v under_o lest_o i_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o evidence_n which_o be_v none_o i_o be_o hereby_o encourage_v to_o hope_n that_o these_o direction_n may_v be_v useful_a unto_o other_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o have_v be_v to_o i_o yet_o the_o special_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v make_v they_o effectual_a to_o a_o soul_n for_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o those_o experience_n of_o that_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o thou_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o a_o especial_a providence_n when_o i_o have_v well_o nigh_o finish_v the_o treatise_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o a_o harmony_n unto_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v convince_v i_o of_o before_o from_o his_o word_n yet_o be_v almost_o discourage_v for_o publish_v because_o i_o have_v find_v so_o little_a thereof_o in_o my_o own_o experience_n these_o have_v not_o only_o add_v much_o confirmation_n to_o i_o in_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o also_o have_v give_v i_o much_o encouragement_n to_o a_o proceed_n in_o the_o work_n the_o treatise_n by_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n may_v be_v useful_a 1._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o take_v they_o off_o those_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o they_o have_v build_v upon_o for_o eternity_n here_o they_o may_v see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n still_o though_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n etc._n etc._n yet_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o through-worke_n as_o bring_v in_o a_o heart_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o christ_n they_o will_v miscarry_v everlasting_o for_o all_o this_o the_o sway_v prevail_a part_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v christ-ward_n else_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o conversion_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o as_o a_o distinguish_a thing_n of_o saint_n from_o other_o jam._n 5.20_o math._n 18.3_o 4._o act._n 3.19_o psal_n 51.13_o ezek._n 18.30.32_o act._n 14.15_o act._n 26.18.20_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v or_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v turn_v 2._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o they_o towards_o peace_n joy_n comfort_n establishment_n and_o let_v they_o beware_v of_o disow_v any_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n whither_o in_o that_o immediate_a way_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a say_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n but_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o do_v right_o take_v christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o also_o do_v take_v he_o for_o sanctification_n but_o if_o hereby_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o lord_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o interest_n in_o he_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o blood_n be_v make_v a_o witness_n of_o adoption_n as_o well_o as_o water_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o hearty_a willingness_n in_o any_o unrenewed_a soul_n to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n joh._n 5.40_o hebr._n 2.3_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n be_v as_o distinguish_v as_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o either_o way_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o effectual_a hearty_a willingness_n it_o be_v not_o evidence_v of_o which_o see_v more_o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o and_o now_o reader_n search_v the_o scripture_n whither_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o if_o this_o poor_a treatise_n may_v but_o be_v a_o provocation_n unto_o other_o
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
so_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o a_o slave_n a_o captive_a may_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o command_v power_n there_o sin_n may_v dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o dominion_n there_o conclude_v not_o thyself_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o sin_n bare_o because_o thou_o find_v the_o in-being_a the_o inhabitation_n of_o it_o 2._o between_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n the_o saint_n have_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o divine_a promise_n that_o sin_n shall_v not_o haâ—â—_n dominion_n over_o they_o rom._n 6.14_o but_o yet_o believer_n be_v in_o part_n liable_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7.15_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i_o &_o five_o 16.23_o i_o see_v another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n thou_o may_v not_o only_o find_v strong_a stir_n of_o corruption_n within_o thyself_o but_o corrupt_a motion_n may_v sometime_o prevail_v to_o drive_v thou_o into_o some_o sin_n may_v take_v the_o prisoner_n and_o lead_v the_o captive_a for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o when_o thou_o have_v wage_v war_n against_o they_o &_o yet_o sin_v not_o reign_v in_o thou_o object_n but_o what_o difference_n can_v there_o be_v between_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o if_o they_o may_v be_v take_v captive_a answ_n 1._o a_o believer_n be_v but_o a_o partial_a captivity_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v a_o total_a paul_n have_v a_o law_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o make_v resistance_n rom._n 7._o v._n 16.23_o it_o be_v what_o he_o will_v not_o the_o prevail_a part_n of_o his_o will_n oppose_v whereas_o other_o be_v whole_o or_o in_o the_o great_a part_n captivate_v rom._n 6._o v._n 13.17_o 2_o tim._n 2.26_o now_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o reign_a power_n sin_n of_o believer_n be_v but_o with_o a_o incompleate_a will_n 2._o it_o be_v both_o a_o sovereign_n and_o a_o tyrant_n to_o unbeliever_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o and_o but_o a_o tyrant_n to_o believer_n 3._o it_o be_v tyranny_n over_o the_o saint_n be_v by_o usurpation_n but_o it_o have_v a_o right_a of_o dominion_n over_o other_o satan_n make_v a_o forcible_a entry_n upon_o the_o saint_n whereas_o other_o be_v his_o proper_a subject_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o joh._n 14.30_o 4._o believer_n make_v war_n against_o sin_n rom._n 7.23_o other_o want_v spiritual_a armour_n to_o fight_v with_o eph._n 6._o 5._o satan_n captivate_v believer_n but_o for_o a_o little_a season_n by_o and_o by_o they_o get_v victory_n again_o and_o captivity_n be_v lead_v captive_a other_o at_o all_o time_n be_v in_o captivity_n 6._o many_o gracious_a end_n the_o lord_n do_v accomplish_v by_o it_o in_o the_o saint_n which_o other_o be_v without_o rom._n 7_o 23_o 24._o it_o humble_v paul_n and_o much_o abase_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v bele_z captive_a by_o sin_n o_fw-la wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o 7._o believer_n make_v out_o to_o christ_n for_o help_v other_o cry_v not_o out_o to_o be_v rescue_v by_o he_o 3._o between_o a_o habitual_a frame_n of_o heart_n towards_o sin_n and_o a_o occasional_a fall_n into_o sin_n the_o former_a argue_v the_o reign_n of_o sin_n the_o latter_a not_z for_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n david_n become_v guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o peter_n of_o deny_v christ_n yet_o beside_o the_o after_o repentance_n which_o undoubted_o follow_v such_o fall_n as_o psal_n 51._o matth._n 26.45_o there_o be_v a_o habitual_a prevail_a inclination_n against_o sin_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v never_o lose_v which_o difference_v they_o from_o other_o it_o be_v not_o their_o path_n their_o way_n they_o walk_v in_o but_o as_o sickness_n to_o the_o body_n or_o eclipse_n to_o the_o sun_n they_o come_v very_o seldom_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v ague_n or_o hot_a fit_n against_o sin_n and_o gracious_a man_n may_v have_v cold_a fit_n in_o sin_n but_o the_o bent_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o ordinary_a course_n be_v another_o way_n 4._o between_o infirmity_n and_o grosser_n enormity_n the_o former_a be_v incident_a to_o the_o saint_n more_o frequent_o as_o every_o day_n and_o often_o there_o will_v be_v vain_a thought_n and_o word_n and_o corruption_n may_v get_v some_o advantage_n and_o grace_n may_v not_o act_v at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o there_o may_v be_v backwardness_n to_o some_o duty_n and_o distraction_n in_o they_o etc._n etc._n such_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n though_o more_o frequent_a yet_o be_v consistent_a with_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n know_v 1._o that_o freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n do_v always_o vast_o difference_n the_o ordinary_a course_n or_o conversation_n from_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o it_o many_o call_v their_o gross_a sin_n but_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n whereas_o those_o that_o seem_v very_o small_a sin_n in_o themselves_o by_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o they_o admit_v of_o may_v not_o be_v reckon_v of_o infirmity_n but_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o vast_o different_a conversation_n before_o and_o after_o conversion_n eph._n 2._o v._n 2_o 3._o those_o that_o be_v call_v out_o of_o this_o world_n can_v but_o walk_v otherwise_o than_o those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o though_o a_o man_n with_o paul_n be_v very_o religious_a before_o and_o as_o touch_v the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o conversion_n difference_v he_o from_o himself_o in_o his_o former_a state_n in_o point_n of_o conversation_n phil._n 3._o v._n 3.6_o and_o a_o frequent_a iteration_n of_o manifest_a work_n of_o the_o flesh_n on_o live_v in_o they_o be_v make_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n rom._n 8.13_o 1_o corin._n 6.10_o gal._n 5._o v._n 19_o 20_o 21._o now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_n and_o such_o like_a v._n 21._o they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n such_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n 2._o sin_n when_o real_o of_o infirmity_n be_v such_o be_v through_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o regenerate_a part_n be_v unavoidable_a or_o be_v against_o the_o main_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n rom._n 7.15_o 16._o what_o i_o will_v not_o and_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._o gal._n 5.17_o you_o can_v do_v what_o you_o will_v it_o be_v only_o out_o of_o impotency_n or_o weakness_n to_o withstand_v that_o corruption_n prevail_v not_o out_o of_o want_n of_o will_n to_o hinder_v it_o rom._n 7.18_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o the_o will_n against_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o its_o ability_n to_o make_v resistance_n the_o temptation_n be_v overcome_v in_o the_o will_n though_o it_o prevail_v else_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o be_v of_o infirmity_n answ_n it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o sin_n have_v not_o dominion_n over_o a_o man_n from_o his_o choose_n freedom_n or_o his_o consent_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n upon_o evangelicall_n account_v to_o part_v with_o sin_n herein_o consist_v the_o very_a reign_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o it_o rom._n 6.13_o 14.16_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whither_o of_o sin_n so_o that_o a_o free_a yield_a up_o to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o reign_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o a_o hearty_a choose_n and_o consent_v to_o part_n with_o it_o or_o a_o thorough_a unwillingnes_n to_o sin_n must_v needs_o argue_v freedom_n from_o that_o reign_n of_o it_o consent_v express_v paul_n subjection_n to_o god_n law_n when_o he_o fall_v short_a in_o practice_n rom._n 7.16_o and_o so_o a_o hearty_a consent_n to_o part_n with_o sin_n argue_v freedom_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o it_o even_o when_o one_o be_v rush_v into_o the_o act_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n reject_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o dreadful_a way_n against_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o choose_n that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n delight_v not_o isai_n 65._o v._n 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o measure_v yourselves_o by_o your_o choice_n you_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o the_o gross_a sin_n that_o other_o commit_v but_o if_o you_o choose_v sin_n it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o god_n account_n as_o if_o you_o act_v it_o matth._n 5.28_o chap._n xvii_o some_o discovery_n of_o such_o a_o freedom_n from_o and_o unwillingnes_n to_o sin_n as_o the_o gospel_n ow_v as_o a_o evidence_n
touchstone_n or_o rule_n for_o trial_n see_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 17.11_o though_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v evidence_n to_o itself_o especial_o in_o the_o more_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v and_o act_v so_o irresistible_o as_o the_o soul_n while_o that_o work_n continue_v can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v yet_o all_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n i._n e._n both_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o effect_n that_o follow_v it_o or_o those_o operation_n it_o have_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o if_o these_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n account_v it_o a_o delusion_n though_o the_o persuasion_n be_v very_o strong_a isa_n 8.20_o gal._n 1._o v._n 7_o 8._o &_o 6._o v._o 16._o it_o be_v dangerous_a with_o zacharias_n from_o a_o unbelieved_a suspicion_n upon_o non_fw-fr scripturall_a ground_n to_o doubt_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n with_o mary_n for_o information_n to_o inquire_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v luk._n 1.18_o 19_o 20.34_o 35_o 38._o though_o your_o confidence_n continue_v yet_o you_o be_v to_o weigh_v they_o afterward_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discern_a or_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n whither_o any_o and_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v attaineable_a and_o ordinary_o grant_v unto_o soul_n this_o may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v selfe-examination_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whither_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o now_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o that_o purposely_o to_o gain_v a_o knowledge_n what_o the_o state_n be_v this_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v with_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o inquire_v what_o the_o soul_n have_v meet_v withal_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v so_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o make_v water_n or_o blood_n effectual_o witness_v for_o without_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n to_o pass_v upon_o 2._o from_o clear_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 12.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n ezek_n 16._o v._n 61._o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a 3._o from_o experience_n christian_n that_o at_o some_o time_n through_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o deny_v such_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n can_v make_v large_a narration_n of_o many_o passage_n they_o have_v meet_v withal_o they_o can_v declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o word_n have_v wrought_v within_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o soul_n under_o miserable_a questioning_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n still_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v beyond_o question_v whither_o they_o have_v be_v under_o such_o working_n or_o no_o but_o here_o they_o stick_v they_o know_v not_o wither_v these_o be_v witnessing_n or_o not_o beware_v therefore_o of_o harbour_v any_o imagination_n that_o either_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o counterfeit_a working_n of_o satan_n shall_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o that_o this_o conceit_n raise_v by_o satan_n keep_v many_o a_o soul_n on_o this_o side_n assurance_n a_o great_a while_n 2._o the_o work_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v discern_v thou_o may_v examine_v and_o measure_v they_o by_o the_o write_a word_n whither_o they_o be_v special_a or_o common_a if_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o doubt_v and_o question_v whither_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v adoption_n or_o not_o by_o renew_a recourse_n to_o the_o word_n thou_o may_v find_v what_o they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o call_v grace_n or_o not_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chemic_n that_o they_o will_v so_o counterfeit_a gold_n that_o no_o touchstone_n can_v discover_v it_o satan_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chemistry_n he_o have_v many_o thing_n like_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n humility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o those_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v the_o most_o confident_a soul_n often_o to_o try_v their_o ground_n and_o here_o be_v a_o touchstone_n the_o write_a word_n that_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v discover_v his_o most_o glister_a counterfeit_a coin_n 3._o a_o knowledge_n or_o real_a discern_v that_o those_o special_a work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v or_o may_v give_v a_o certainty_n that_o a_o right_a judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o condition_n you_o may_v undoubted_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o witness_v if_o you_o can_v clear_o see_v know_v or_o find_v that_o those_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v witness_v for_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v create_v they_o there_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o this_o be_v a_o great_a perplex_v thing_n to_o many_o a_o saint_n can_v it_o but_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o work_n that_o it_o have_v be_v under_o than_o it_o can_v conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n from_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o a_o saul_n a_o judas_n a_o reprobate_n may_v have_v and_o therefore_o bare_o the_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o work_n thou_o have_v experience_n of_o be_v a_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o agent_n there_o be_v many_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v denominate_v testimony_n of_o adoption_n now_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o bear_v witness_n plain_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o best_o wrought_v into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v this_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o if_o blood_n be_v so_o apply_v as_o it_o be_v warrant_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o so_o for_o water_n than_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n with_o that_o be_v evidence_v when_o work_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o they_o do_v witness_v adoption_n it_o be_v my_o scope_n and_o drift_n to_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_n question_n in_o those_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o difference_n the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o those_o counterfeit_a work_n whereby_o satan_n and_o mens_fw-la own_o treachourous_a heart_n do_v prevail_v to_o the_o deceive_a of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v so_o the_o special_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o work_n themselves_o may_v ascertain_v thou_o that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o water_n and_o blood_n if_o thou_o can_v descry_v those_o operation_n within_o thyself_o they_o may_v assure_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v their_o author_n and_o that_o thy_o heart_n have_v not_o deceive_v thou_o in_o thy_o conclusion_n about_o thy_o adoption_n and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o beleive_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o some_o may_v inquire_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o none_o else_o be_v the_o witness_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n answer_v he_o that_o beleive_v believe_a do_v evidence_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o ground_n of_o thy_o judgement_n be_v certain_a than_o the_o act_n of_o thy_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falseness_n of_o the_o ground_n the_o act_n can_v be_v try_v without_o another_o act_n of_o judgement_n &_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n and_o
39_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o lord_n end_v herein_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o contradictory_n apprehension_n to_o his_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v pass_v just_a before_o but_o to_o give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n to_o believe_v above_o and_o against_o hope_n 7._o in_o all_o importunity_n with_o god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v use_n of_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o present_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o prayer_n or_o any_o performance_n of_o your_o own_o but_o urge_v his_o name_n nature_n word_n or_o free_a promise_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 63._o v._n 15._o he_o plead_v and_o expostulate_v with_o the_o lord_n where_o be_v thy_o zeal_n and_o strength_n the_o sound_v of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o i_o be_v they_o restrain_v and_o present_o there_o be_v assurance_n v._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n so_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n proclaim_v that_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o moses_n take_v advantage_n to_o challenge_v god_n of_o his_o word_n a_o long_a time_n after_o numb_a 14._o v._n 17_o 18._o as_o thou_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n forgive_a iniquity_n and_o at_o last_o he_o draw_v out_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o lord_n v._o 20._o i_o have_v pardon_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n 8._o seek_v for_o much_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o write_a word_n the_o word_n declare_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v a_o testimony_n by_o that_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o temptation_n if_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n psal_n 119.11_o math._n 4.10_o and_o these_o yield_v to_o do_v tend_v to_o weaken_v and_o darken_v assurance_n here_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o rule_n about_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v profitable_a not_o only_o towards_o assurance_n but_o to_o other_o end_n also_o 1._o some_o spiritual_a consideration_n see_v to_o arise_v from_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o well_o as_o express_v scripture_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o temptation_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v any_o express_a scripture_n to_o help_v thou_o against_o it_o yet_o some_o scripturall_a consideration_n may_v be_v beneficial_a towards_o thy_o relief_n and_o soule-establishment_n psal_n 73._o he_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o adversity_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o say_v v._o 13._o very_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n v._o 16_o 17._o when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o until_o i_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o how_o be_v he_o keep_v up_o against_o the_o temptation_n before_o his_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n v._o 15._o if_o i_o say_v i_o will_v speak_v thus_o behold_v i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n this_o spiritual_a consideration_n keep_v it_o from_o prevail_a viz._n that_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o he_o must_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n never_o have_v a_o people_n on_o earth_n for_o adam_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n and_o cross_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o consonant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o his_o main_a end_n in_o any_o scripture_n it_o to_o he_o own_v as_o of_o god_n though_o not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n in_o scripture_n a_o christian_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v stumble_v when_o some_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n though_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o entire_a sense_n be_v cast_v in_o if_o there_o be_v a_o variation_n in_o some_o term_n from_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o hereupon_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v it_o and_o to_o reckon_v it_o not_o from_o god_n whereas_o if_o it_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o one_o place_n or_o have_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o thou_o ought_v to_o improve_v it_o if_o suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n else_o all_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v useless_a math._n 4._o v._n 9_o satan_n tempt_v christ_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o christ_n oppose_v he_o with_o deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o by_o fear_v here_o be_v mean_v worship_n as_o fear_v isa_n 29.13_o be_v expound_v by_o worship_n math._n 15.9_o and_o serve_v he_o be_v intend_v exclusive_o of_o service_n to_o any_o other_o as_o appeareth_z deut._n 6.14_o and_o though_o neither_o worship_n nor_o only_a be_v find_v in_o the_o place_n he_o allege_v and_o the_o chief_a stress_n of_o the_o answer_n rest_v upon_o those_o two_o word_n yet_o because_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o they_o hence_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v so_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a against_o temptation_n and_o towards_o comfort_n or_o any_o spiritual_a end_n though_o the_o very_a term_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o thought_n 3._o a_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o in_o one_o condition_n may_v have_v much_o deducible_a from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v succour_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o another_o condition_n or_o that_o which_o be_v use_v upon_o one_o occasion_n may_v be_v useful_a on_o another_o occasion_n math._n 4._o v._n 7._o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o that_o scripture_n deut._n 6.16_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o israel_n christ_n allege_v it_o against_o satan_n here_o israel_n be_v forbid_v tempt_a god_n as_o at_o massab_n of_o which_o see_v exod._n 17._o v._o 1.7_o in_o their_o distress_n and_o want_v they_o tempt_v god_n by_o say_v be_v god_n among_o we_o their_o not_o trust_v god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n and_o provision_n be_v their_o tempt_a of_o he_o and_o yet_o christ_n allege_v it_o against_o trust_v of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n without_o a_o call_v to_o it_o or_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v afford_v 4._o a_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n may_v be_v intend_v for_o thy_o present_a advantage_n &_o not_o the_o whole_a math._n 4._o v._n 7._o christ_n make_v use_v of_o but_o part_n of_o that_o deut._n 6.16_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o waâ—_n suitable_a to_o his_o present_a occasion_n so_o one_o part_n of_o a_o promise_n may_v be_v fulfil_v to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n or_o no_o because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v not_o accomplish_v to_o thou_o 5._o a_o bare_a give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a ground_n for_o conclusion_n about_o what_o be_v a_o soul_n duty_n or_o condition_n i_o observe_v that_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n build_v much_o upon_o the_o give_v or_o bint_v in_o of_o word_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a ftreight_o about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v call_v to_o if_o a_o write_a word_n be_v hint_v though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n neither_o express_o nor_o by_o consequence_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v inclination_n thereupon_o to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o another_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v their_o call_n to_o lie_v there_o whereas_o if_o the_o word_n which_o be_v give_v in_o do_v evidence_n this_o to_o be_v duty_n at_o this_o time_n or_o in_o this_o condition_n then_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o bring_n to_o remembrance_n a_o word_n which_o be_v of_o directive_n use_v to_o they_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o make_v not_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n it_o felse_a the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n other_o that_o know_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o until_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a word_n hint_v in_o to_o encourage_v thereunto_o and_o they_o wait_v for_o this_o bless_v god_n when_o you_o have_v one_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v enjoin_v it_o once_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o voice_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n though_o he_o do_v not_o add_v inward_a impulsion_n to_o it_o other_o upon_o the_o give_n in_o of_o some_o consolatory_a or_o witness_v word_n be_v apt_a to_o conciude_v about_o their_o in_o to_o dit_fw-fr in_o christ_n thence_o but_o all_o these_o act_n very_o 〈…〉_o 1._o because_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d a_o hand_n in_o the_o
use_n solicitation_n by_o a_o word_n as_o well_o we_o the_o divine_a spirit_n meth._n 4._o v._o 6._o satan_n it_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n with_o a_o it_o be_v write_v 〈…〉_o excite_v thou_o to_o that_o which_o as_o not_o thy_o duty_n by_o a_o word_n therefore_o unless_o thou_o can_v certain_o promise_v thyself_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v evident_v either_o of_o what_o be_v thy_o duty_n or_o condition_n unless_o the_o word_n it_o false_a give_v in_o do_v evidence_n it_o 2._o because_o i_o finder_n no_o rule_n to_o evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n hime_v in_o of_o word_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o such_o conclusion_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o relate_v extraordinary_a passage_n of_o providence_n that_o attend_v the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o scripture_n on_o where_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o open_v the_o book_n it_o be_v the_o first_o plâ—â—â—_n the_o eye_n be_v cast_v upon_o etc._n etc._n now_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o own_v 〈…〉_o markable_a way_n as_o these_o be_v 〈…〉_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o hereby_o to_o 〈…〉_o conclude_v about_o their_o own_o condition_n for_o mediate_o from_o the_o hint_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n but_o mediate_o by_o their_o come_n upon_o 〈◊〉_d end_n that_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v hinâ—ed_v in_o point_v at_o a_o believer_n shall_v think_v thus_o with_o himself_o sure_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o i_o to_o improve_v this_o word_n lesser_a providence_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v up_o towards_o gospel_n end_n but_o great_a much_o more_o and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v i_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v about_o i_o that_o these_o remarkable_a one_o pass_v not_o away_o without_o attain_v some_o special_a end_n and_o if_o the_o word_n be_v improve_v for_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o as_o quicken_a supportment_n the_o act_n of_o some_o grace_n etc._n etc._n these_o improvement_n of_o it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o these_o be_v neglect_v the_o end_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o cast_v it_o in_o be_v unattain_v and_o so_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o it_o be_v ungrounded_a 3._o because_o the_o prophet_n david_n ascribe_v all_o such_o effect_n to_o the_o word_n itself_o psal_n 119._o v._n 24.50.105.133_o it_o be_v the_o word_n that_o direct_v counsel_v quicken_v and_o comsort_v he_o doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o word_n else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v accomplish_v these_o end_n but_o application_n denote_v the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o implantation_n engraft_v and_o work_v mighty_o there_o which_o be_v sarre_o more_o then_o a_o hint_n of_o it_o in_o or_o the_o bring_n it_o to_o mind_n and_o yet_o he_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o word_n itself_o apply_v rather_o than_o into_o the_o application_n 4._o because_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o usual_o attend_v build_a conclusion_n about_o its_o duty_n or_o condition_n upon_o the_o bare_a hint_n in_o of_o word_n as_o hence_o a_o foul_a be_v often_o ready_a to_o reject_v a_o word_n suitable_a to_o its_o condition_n which_o if_o own_a might_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o it_o o_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o whither_o it_o only_o come_v to_o my_o remembrance_n by_o often_o read_v of_o it_o or_o be_v give_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o thou_o ought_v to_o have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o word_n deut._n 6._o v._o 7._o and_o it_o be_v thy_o mercy_n if_o thy_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n suitable_a to_o the_o several_a exigency_n necessity_n and_o temptation_n thou_o meet_v withal_o their_o be_v familiarize_v to_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o occasion_v perplexity_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v thy_o great_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v they_o at_o hand_n when_o many_o be_v much_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o want_v of_o suitable_a word_n to_o their_o condition_n but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bundle_v up_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n thou_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o he_o by_o they_o for_o what_o thou_o want_v and_o so_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o disow_v a_o suitable_a word_n when_o hint_v in_o that_o thou_o ought_v to_o go_v and_o take_v a_o word_n when_o it_o be_v not_o give_v in_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o any_o matter_n and_o to_o improve_v any_o word_n futable_a to_o thy_o condition_n that_o thou_o find_v as_o well_o as_o if_o it_o be_v hint_v in_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n act_n 17._o v._o 11._o again_o some_o have_v persist_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n a_o great_a while_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n and_o have_v lose_v much_o communion_n with_o god_n hereby_o other_o seeing_z themselves_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n from_o the_o hint_n in_o of_o word_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o question_n of_o all_o their_o other_o experience_n therefore_o if_o a_o word_n suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n be_v give_v in_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o if_o not_o find_v out_o one_o and_o take_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o witness_v quicken_a support_v or_o comfort_v word_n and_o pray_v over_o it_o yea_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n until_o he_o have_v make_v a_o powerful_a application_n of_o thy_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o draw_v that_o out_o after_o christ_n by_o it_o and_o without_o this_o improvement_n of_o it_o for_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o point_v at_o the_o hint_n of_o it_o in_o will_v prove_v of_o but_o little_a advantage_n to_o there_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n 9_o last_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o he_o ow_v in_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jere._n 32._o v._o 40._o and_o see_v psal_n 89_o v._n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o if_o his_o child_n forsake_v my_o law_n if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v here_o the_o lord_n declare_v what_o he_o will_v do_v if_o his_o people_n sin_n not_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o correct_v they_o so_o isa_n 54._o v._n 8_o 9_o 10._o as_o i_o have_v swear_v that_o the_o water_n of_o noah_n shall_v no_o more_o go_v over_o the_o earth_n so_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v wroth_a with_o thou_o nor_o rebuke_v thou_o for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o a_o saint_n may_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o he_o can_v fall_v from_o his_o faith_n see_v luke_n 22.32_o comp_n with_o john_n 17.20_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n and_o thy_o peace_n will_v be_v like_o a_o morning_n dew_n that_o pass_v away_o but_o retain_v this_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la rose_n from_z sharon_n or_o sweet_a experience_n gather_v up_o by_o some_o precious_a heart_n whilst_o they_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n publish_a for_o public_a soul-advantage_n cant._n 4.16_o awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n cant._n 7.12_o let_v we_o get_v up_o early_o to_o the_o vineyard_n let_v we_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n flourish_n whither_o the_o tender_a grape_n appear_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v forth_o there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o livewell_n chapman_n 1654._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n as_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a aaron_n do_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a israelite_n on_o his_o heart_n so_o they_o also_o do_v bear_v his_o name_n on_o they_o they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o will_n write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o their_o inward_a man_n there_o be_v much_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o many_o sweet_a pussage_n which_o carnal_a heart_n know_v not_o of_o there_o be_v many_o outgoing_n of_o their_o joule_n towards_o christ_n and_o incoming_n of_o christ_n into_o