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
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
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
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
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
he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n adopt_a justify_v &_o c_o sure_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v unwritten_a answ_n the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o certainty_n about_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o judge_v of_o any_o and_o due_o consider_v all_o requisite_n unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o ingredient_n or_o concur_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o apply_v of_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o better_a to_o evince_v this_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o clear_v this_o coast_n 1._o the_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n than_o the_o object_n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o right_a object_n for_o his_o faith_n &_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o right_a act_n about_o that_o object_n his_o faith_n can_v witness_v nothing_o thus_o joh._n 2.23_o many_o believe_v in_o christ_n name_n here_o be_v the_o right_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o you_o may_v see_v joh._n 1.12_o and_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a v._o 24_o 25._o and_o no_o evidence_n so_o joh._n 8.30_o 31._o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o god_n but_o the_o devil_n for_o their_o father_n v._o 34_o 39.44_o so_o act._n 8._o v._n 13._o yea_o jam._n 2.19_o the_o devil_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o tremble_v and_o the_o apostle_n declare_v this_o purposely_o to_o prove_v the_o defectivenes_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o may_v have_v a_o scriptural_a object_n a_o man_n may_v put_v forth_o but_o a_o natural_a act_n about_o a_o supernatural_a object_n may_v have_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n about_o divine_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 2.5_o there_o be_v more_o require_v unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o true_a faith_n than_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o credit_v or_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v now_o if_o the_o nature_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v considerable_a and_o must_v be_v discern_v before_o sonship_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o then_o see_v those_o difference_v thing_n about_o the_o act_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o application_n of_o witness_v word_n hence_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o then_o in_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o scripture_n declare_v such_o as_o do_v right_o believe_v to_o be_v adopt_v and_o justify_v and_o determine_v what_o faith_n be_v joh._n 1.12_o rom._n 5.1_o act._n 13.39_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v and_o the_o give_v such_o a_o characteristical_a note_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o particularise_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v thou_o john_n thomas_n thou_o be_v justify_v or_o adopt_a if_o legacy_n be_v give_v though_o their_o name_n which_o they_o be_v give_v to_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o will_n yet_o a_o distinguish_a character_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o name_n of_o they_o so_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o character_n of_o adopt_a one_o and_o so_o it_o be_v write_v and_o by_o good_a consequence_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n who_o be_v adopt_v 3._o the_o supervenient_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o a_o word_n be_v enough_o to_o particularize_v it_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v witness_v it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v in_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n that_o luther_n or_o calvin_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n yet_o see_v the_o general_a word_n about_o the_o resurrection_n do_v include_v all_o particular_n under_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o improper_a to_o say_v it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o shall_v rise_v again_o but_o though_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n application_n of_o those_o general_a word_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v that_o this_o or_o that_o person_n shall_v believe_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v conviction_n or_o supportment_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o or_o that_o sermon_n or_o that_o this_o scripture_n shall_v be_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n to_o one_o soul_n and_o another_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v some_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessary_a and_o hereby_o a_o general_a call_n be_v make_v particular_a and_o so_o this_o soul_n believe_v on_o christ_n when_o many_o that_o hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n have_v a_o call_n as_o well_o as_o he_o yet_o believe_v not_o and_o hence_o many_o scripture_n be_v press_v that_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o work_v a_o conviction_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o prevail_v not_o but_o as_o last_v one_o word_n be_v single_v out_o and_o work_v mighty_o that_o way_n at_o the_o same_o word_n act._n 17._o some_o mock_v v._o 32._o other_o believe_v v._o 34._o &_o hence_o many_o word_n suitable_a to_o a_o soul_n condition_n may_v be_v view_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o succour_v and_o at_o last_o one_o cull_v out_o from_o rest_n afford_v much_o relief_n to_o it_o all_o which_o do_v abundant_o evidence_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o particularize_v a_o word_n to_o a_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v ordinary_o afford_v for_o such_o end_n no_o soul_n be_v convert_v but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appropriate_a of_o gospel_n invitation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o like_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o some_o word_n will_v make_v they_o witness_v which_o make_v those_o convince_a convert_v support_v &c._n &c._n and_o the_o testimony_n will_v be_v as_o scriptural_a as_o any_o of_o those_o other_o work_n which_o be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o all_o grant_n and_o see_v in_o those_o testify_a act_n by_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n operate_v as_o efficacious_o and_o usual_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n then_o at_o other_o time_n hence_o they_o be_v as_o visible_a and_o act_n of_o faith_n here_o as_o evident_a as_o about_o other_o word_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n both_o direct_o and_o by_o consequence_n though_o the_o word_n alone_o do_v not_o witness_n yet_o by_o the_o spirit_n application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n indeed_o the_o spirit_n proper_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o hardly_o be_v a_o witness_n at_o all_o if_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n so_o as_o if_o it_o come_v from_o another_o as_o satan_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o we_o have_v know_n and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.9_o and_o heaven_n or_o eternal_a life_n be_v absolute_o promise_v unto_o all_o believer_n hebr._n 9.15_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o death_n they_o which_o be_v call_v may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a inheritance_n jam._n 2.5_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v to_o act_v upon_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n be_v undeniable_a what_o use_v else_o do_v they_o serve_v to_o and_o how_o else_o can_v those_o that_o be_v call_v receive_v they_o see_v gal._n 3._o v._n 18.22.29_o 1_o thes_n 5.8_o let_v we_o put_v on_o for_o a_o helmet_n the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n titus_n 1._o v._o 2._o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v whither_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v raise_v by_o a_o present_a particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o forego_v act_n of_o faith_n either_o way_n they_o must_v be_v divine_a because_o build_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v and_o if_o the_o latter_a way_n that_o strong_o prove_v that_o the_o interveen_n of_o reflex_n act_n can_v hinder_v assurance_n from_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o may_v give_v other_o secondary_a evidence_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o discern_v many_o of_o its_o former_a experience_n at_o such_o
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
not_o say_v he_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o heaven_n but_o within_o himself_o i_o e._n on_o earth_n 3._o because_o if_o our_o spirit_n be_v intend_v they_o must_v be_v our_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v spirit_n and_o these_o belong_v to_o and_o be_v include_v in_o the_o witness_n of_o water_n which_o denote_v sanctification_n and_o so_o unless_o by_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o holy-ghost_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v but_o two_o not_o three_o witness_n on_o earth_n for_o our_o spirit_n and_o water_n make_v but_o one_o arg._n 4._o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o can_v name_v many_o that_o have_v have_v their_o adoption_n ascertain_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v a_o write_a word_n although_o experience_n alone_o be_v not_o argument_n enough_o to_o prove_v yet_o with_o the_o former_a spiritual_a ground_n it_o may_v confirm_v the_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o second_o part_n i_o have_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o the_o prose_n of_o this_o because_o some_o stumble_v at_o it_o and_o suppose_v that_o assurance_n be_v attaineable_a only_o by_o reflection_n upon_o mark_n and_o sign_n or_o qualification_n within_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o doubt_n or_o two_o further_a before_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n object_n 1._o have_v not_o some_o poor_a soul_n languish_v in_o doubt_n almost_o all_o their_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o witness_n and_o and_o do_v not_o other_o dangerous_o err_v by_o take_v the_o strong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o i_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n by_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o any_o one_o of_o these_o testimony_n may_v keep_v he_o that_o have_v it_o from_o languish_v 2._o possible_o a_o limit_v or_o tie_v up_o the_o spirit_n unto_o one_o way_n of_o witness_v may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o soul_n distress_n though_o ask_v asigne_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o pharisee_n desire_v it_o in_o a_o carnal_a way_n and_o limit_a christ_n to_o this_o way_n when_o they_o have_v miracle_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o testify_v of_o he_o beside_o this_o occasion_v a_o denial_n of_o their_o desire_n matth._n 12._o v._n 38_o 39_o let_v christian_n beware_v of_o prescribe_v the_o lord_n and_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o one_o way_n that_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o he_o in_o when_o other_o mean_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o same_o end_n beside_o that_o 3._o many_o that_o make_v inherent_a qualification_n the_o only_a evidence_n yet_o take_v their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o these_o though_o distract_a man_n say_v that_o all_o the_o house_n and_o land_n they_o travail_v by_o be_v they_o yet_o man_n in_o their_o right_a mind_n may_v know_v what_o be_v their_o own_o so_o as_o i_o once_o hear_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n say_v though_o bedlam_n professor_n may_v say_v that_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v they_o when_o only_o their_o own_o fantasy_n tell_v they_o so_o yet_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v thence_o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v object_n 2._o but_o the_o three_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o do_v testify_v conjunction_n together_o not_o several_o or_o one_o alone_a and_o so_o the_o spirit_n may_v witness_v with_o water_n and_o blood_n or_o may_v put_v forth_o some_o distinct_a act_n about_o these_o and_o not_o have_v a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v answ_n 1._o if_o sanctification_n be_v discern_v i_o ask_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o witness_n be_v sufficient_a if_o so_o than_o they_o may_v witness_v several_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o three_o be_v always_o together_o in_o witness_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o spirit_n also_o be_v alone_o in_o witness_v who_o be_v the_o high_a witness_n 2._o this_o be_v answer_v before_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v different_a in_o their_o way_n of_o witness_v and_o therefore_o also_o the_o spirit_n different_a from_o they_o both_o because_o a_o three_o and_o chief_a witness_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o grace_n may_v witness_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o this_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v afford_v that_o light_n which_o be_v dart_v in_o may_v discover_v grace_n and_o former_a experience_n yet_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o glorious_o accomplish_v the_o work_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o or_o not_o primary_o conclude_v from_o these_o grace_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v suspend_v its_o operation_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o may_v confirm_v and_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v real_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v bow_v it_o into_o that_o persuasion_n and_o may_v difference_n it_o to_o other_o from_o all_o delusion_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v that_o these_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v lest_o the_o want_n of_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o one_o from_o the_o other_o shall_v hinder_v a_o reception_n or_o own_n of_o real_a testimony_n when_o water_n or_o blood_n lie_v dark_a and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n i._n e._n sanctification_n and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v by_o water_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v something_o 1._o derive_v from_o christ_n ver_fw-la 6._o he_o come_v by_o water_n 2._o that_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v v._o 8._o 3._o that_o witness_v in_o earth_n v._o 8._o i._n e._n to_o or_o in_o we_o 4._o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o blood_n ver_fw-la 6.8_o now_o sanctification_n be_v the_o privilege_n enjoy_v or_o derive_v from_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n set_v out_o by_o water_n in_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o blood_n and_o therefore_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v intend_v here_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v typify_v under_o the_o law_n by_o wash_v 9.10_o exod._n 19.10_o hebr._n 9.10_o because_o water_n have_v a_o cleanse_a property_n and_o so_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v express_v by_o pour_v out_o zech._n 12.10_o and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneratio_fw-la tit._n 3.5_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o which_o be_v metaphor_n take_v from_o water_n and_o be_v use_v to_o set_v out_o sanctification_n but_o most_o clear_o eph._n 5.26_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o i._n e._n his_o church_n with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n which_o full_o evidence_v that_o sanctification_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o water_n and_o i_o know_v nothing_o else_o that_o those_o requisite_n aforemention_v will_v agree_v to_o beside_o that_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n unto_o soul_n their_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o sanctification_n be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v express_o call_v a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o and_o there_o can_v not_o be_v three_o if_o that_o be_v not_o one_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v reckon_v up_o among_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o special_a favour_n which_o the_o saint_n receive_v from_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v where_o it_o difference_v their_o state_n of_o conversion_n to_o christ_n from_o their_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o it_o work_v holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 2_o thes_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o act._n 20.32_o &_o 26.18_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o what_o ever_o have_v salvation_n couple_v with_o it_o be_v discover_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o witness_v force_n in_o it_o yet_o always_o remember_v 1._o that_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n can_v witness_v adoption_n without_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o a_o christian_a have_v have_v some_o sweet_a lively_a experience_n of_o god_n some_o sensible_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o a_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n operation_n exciting_a quicken_a and_o act_v its_o own_o grace_n yet_o by_o and_o by_o when_o this_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o throw_v away_o all_o again_o and_o say_v o_o i_o think_v i_o have_v see_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o feel_v his_o love_n but_o now_o i_o fear_v i_o be_v mistake_v and_o yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o spirit_n