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
the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o essay_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o open_v and_o answer_v these_o follow_a weighty_a query_n q._n 1._o what_o be_v the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adaption_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 may_v a_o soul_n know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v a_o soul_n attain_v they_o to_o which_o be_v add_v rose_n from_o sharon_n or_o sweet_a experience_n reach_v out_o by_o christ_n to_o some_o of_o his_o beloved_a one_o in_o this_o wilderness_n by_o samuel_n petto_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o sandcroft_n in_o suffolk_n isaiah_n 59_o 19_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o london_n print_v for_o livewell_n chapman_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o popes-head-alley_n 1654._o to_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o sandcroft_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o father_n have_v purchase_v redemption_n bring_v in_o a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n so_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v design_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n not_o only_o to_o make_v application_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o bring_v soul_n into_o the_o relation_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n thereby_o but_o also_o to_o bear_v testimony_n of_o their_o stand_n in_o that_o bless_a relation_n to_o encourage_v unto_o a_o wait_a for_o and_o to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o now_o dear_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o rest_v not_o satisfy_v without_o a_o persuasion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n give_v over_o carnal_a reason_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a though_o you_o be_v under_o the_o hiding_n of_o god_n face_n at_o present_a 8.17_o isa_n 8.17_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v in_o their_o great_a distress_n than_o joseph_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o they_o gen._n 45._o v._n 1.3_o 4._o so_o when_o many_o charge_n and_o accusation_n be_v bring_v in_o against_o you_o and_o many_o seem_o hard_a passage_n be_v meet_v withal_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v down_o low_a &_o your_o fear_n to_o rise_v high_a yet_o then_o may_v your_o assurance_n be_v near_o christ_n your_o spiritual_a joseph_n as_o with_o reverence_n we_o may_v speak_v it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o refrain_v no_o long_o he_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o joseph_n your_o brother_n and_o if_o you_o enjoy_v a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n at_o last_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v you_o of_o all_o your_o wait_a it_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cluster_n of_o grape_n from_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n that_o will_v give_v you_o a_o foreknowledge_n how_o good_a the_o land_n be_v this_o will_v sweeten_v your_o bitter_a cup_n and_o your_o worst_a condition_n to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v enough_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n your_o heart_n be_v now_o fearful_a of_o meddle_v with_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v precious_a promise_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o or_o not_o such_o a_o testimony_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v you_o because_o christ_n be_v you_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n indeed_o when_o you_o want_v assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n by_o faith_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o promise_n suitable_a to_o your_o condition_n but_o satan_n hinder_v oftentimes_o therein_o when_o you_o can_v see_v your_o interest_n in_o christ_n hereby_o also_o you_o will_v see_v your_o liberty_n for_o near_a approaching_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n because_o he_o be_v your_o father_n and_o may_v hope_v of_o be_v successful_a in_o all_o your_o drawing_n near_o to_o he_o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v freedom_n from_o or_o establishment_n against_o many_o temptation_n which_o a_o doubt_a condition_n expose_v you_o to_o you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o have_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o murmur_a discontent_a thought_n at_o his_o dispensation_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v be_v hereby_o you_o will_v be_v render_v thankful_a for_o your_o mercy_n whereas_o now_o you_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v the_o most_o special_a mercy_n common_a and_o that_o such_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o you_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v even_o joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v sandcroft_n 4_o more_o 20_o day_n 1654._o you_o in_o gospel_n engagement_n samuel_n petto_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o great_a god_n about_o the_o everlasting_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o abide_v after_o the_o number_n of_o our_o month_n be_v determine_v and_o that_o this_o body_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o the_o king_n of_o torror_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v open_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o at_o the_o present_a so_o hide_v that_o by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v either_o know_v love_n or_o hat_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o particular_a soul_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v those_o irreversible_a word_n go_v you_o curse_v come_v you_o bless_v yet_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n even_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v it_o be_v that_o have_v send_v for_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o curious_o and_o exact_o survey_v the_o very_a bottom_n counsel_n of_o god_n to_o make_v report_n of_o and_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n the_o precious_a assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n that_o so_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v may_v have_v consolation_n and_o hope_n and_o now_o a_o search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o language_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o whisper_n thereof_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o work_n worthy_a the_o utmost_a of_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v answerable_o esteem_v of_o by_o we_o according_a to_o its_o issue_n which_o be_v so_o great_a even_o of_o eternal_a moment_n beside_o multitude_n there_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n some_o on_o the_o one_o part_n lay_v claim_n to_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n who_o walking_n yet_o savour_v so_o rank_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o they_o declare_v they_o sensual_a and_o delude_v other_o there_o be_v who_o not_o only_o have_v taste_v the_o spirit_n sweetness_n but_o by_o he_o have_v be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o christ_n yet_o through_o over-elated_n thought_n and_o expectancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n witnessing_n much_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o too_o much_o raise_v account_n of_o some_o pompous_a and_o extraordinary_a appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n regardless_o of_o those_o precious_a whisper_n of_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o promise_n hint_n to_o the_o soul_n make_v they_o still_o froward_a and_o dissatisfy_v with_o god_n as_o not_o count_v their_o prayer_n hear_v or_o their_o person_n regard_v because_o not_o extraordinary_o visit_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o design_n and_o aim_v therefore_o of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o piece_n be_v to_o promote_v our_o understanding_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v he_o to_o relieve_v and_o edify_v the_o weak_a and_o doubt_v and_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v delude_v we_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v deal_v faithful_o both_o with_o christ_n and_o you_o in_o lay_v aside_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o treat_v of_o to_o speak_v home_o to_o either_o sort_n upon_o that_o short_a view_n we_o have_v of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v add_v our_o testimony_n to_o it_o not_o
person_n and_o not_o by_o another_o so_o if_o it_o be_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n witness_v than_o it_o may_v be_v by_o a_o proxy_n gift_n and_o grace_n but_o see_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n himself_o this_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n require_v its_o own_o more_o immediate_a presence_n i'faith_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n may_v receive_v the_o testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o and_o not_o grace_n in_o his_o stead_n else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v himself_o proper_o but_o grace_n for_o he_o as_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n be_v call_v a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o when_o grace_n testisie_n although_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o grace_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n so_o here_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v the_o witness_n rather_o than_o grace_n though_o grace_n may_v be_v use_v about_o this_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v about_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v they_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o mortification_n and_o conduct_n v._o 13_o 14._o for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n yet_o he_o foresee_v that_o they_o may_v question_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o justification_n therefore_o he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a mean_n for_o knowledge_n which_o may_v hold_v when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o spirit_n himself_o argu._n 2._o from_o the_o aptitude_n of_o many_o write_a word_n or_o promise_n by_o application_n to_o witness_v i_o account_v it_o very_o unsafe_a to_o draw_v up_o such_o conclusion_n from_o a_o scripture_n cast_v in_o as_o it_o have_v no_o natural_a tendency_n to_o enforce_v neither_o in_o its_o scope_n or_o sense_n direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n neither_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o nor_o by_o application_n this_o mistake_n too_o many_o labour_n under_o in_o these_o day_n when_o they_o be_v dubious_a about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o a_o word_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n although_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n look_v not_o the_o least_o that_o way_n yet_o that_o word_n be_v make_v a_o rule_n for_o action_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o the_o controversy_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o some_o other_o use_n or_o end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o that_o scripture_n for_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o speak_v bare_o in_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o these_o express_a thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n may_v be_v profane_a and_o yet_o use_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o satan_n often_o come_v with_o a_o it_o be_v write_v matth._n 4.6_o but_o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n of_o a_o witness_v nature_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v this_o use_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v confirm_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o these_o and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v or_o that_o they_o miss_v only_a application_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o instance_n among_o many_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o truth_n isai_n 41.10_o fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n isai_n 43._o v._n 25._o i_o even_o i_o be_o be_v that_o blot_v out_o thy_n transgression_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n i_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n matth._n 9.2_o son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_n sin_n be_v for_o give_v thou_o neither_o be_v this_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n only_o for_o christ_n intend_v to_o give_v other_o a_o knowledge_n hereby_o of_o his_o power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n as_o v._o 6._o so_o ezek._n 36.25_o i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o ver_fw-la 26._o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o ver_fw-la 27._o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o ver_fw-la 28._o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n sure_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n to_o man_n thy_o god_n and_o thy_n sin_n if_o he_o intend_v not_o their_o particular_a assurance_n by_o the_o application_n of_o such_o word_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v and_o that_o either_o of_o these_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n be_v undeniable_a what_o can_v satisfy_v a_o soul_n if_o this_o will_v not_o for_o the_o lord_n to_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n 41.10_o be_v 41.10_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o speak_v this_o over_o again_o to_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o to_o clear_v it_o further_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o assure_v promise_n of_o special_a mercy_n which_o be_v consequential_a to_o adoption_n now_o these_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o aptitude_n by_o application_n to_o give_v assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o that_o which_o it_o a_o necessary_a antedent_n as_o isai_n 41.10_o i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o heb._n 13.5_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o 2._o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n that_o direct_o tend_v to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n doubt_v of_o its_o adoption_n as_o if_o it_o question_v its_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o such_o heavy_a affliction_n these_o scripture_n tend_v to_o remove_v that_o doubt_n heb._n 12.6_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v be_v chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v if_o the_o variety_n or_o violence_n of_o temptation_n which_o it_o have_v meet_v withal_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o doubt_n it_o may_v find_v relief_n from_o heb._n 2.18_o &_o hebr._n 4.15_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o free_a from_o temptation_n and_o so_o christian_n may_v not_o look_v for_o exemption_n from_o temptation_n who_o abound_v with_o sin_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o say_a we_o be_v tempt_v if_o the_o feel_n strong_a working_n of_o corruption_n put_v the_o soul_n upon_o question_v its_o condition_n that_o may_v minister_v help_n that_o paul_n a_o eminent_a saint_n groan_v under_o the_o same_o burden_n rom._n 7.15_o yea_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o bitter_a lamentation_n ver_fw-la 24._o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n and_o thus_o many_o scripture_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v for_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a effect_n when_o apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o remove_v such_o doubt_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o arise_v from_o such_o cause_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o only_a obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o such_o scripture_n unto_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o their_o aptitude_n to_o witness_n that_o word_n isui_n 41.10_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n bring_v in_o god_n as_o speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o tell_v it_o of_o its_o interest_n in_o himself_o it_o have_v a_o witness_v voice_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o and_o so_o carry_v evidence_n with_o it_o that_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a design_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v apply_v word_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n they_o so_o clear_o point_v at_o be_v undeniable_a especial_o when_o the_o thing_n point_v at_o be_v undoubted_o a_o work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o witness_v be_v 2._o from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o spirit_n appli_v other_o word_n for_o those_o end_n which_o they_o apt_o serve_v to_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v reprove_v decline_v christian_n for_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n by_o such_o a_o word_n as_o that_o revel_n 2._o v._n 3.4.11_o or_o threaten_v lukewarm_a soul_n by_o revel_n 3.16_o or_o convince_v carnal_o confident_a soul_n of_o the_o sadness_n of_o their_o condition_n by_o revel_n 3._o five_o 17.22_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o shall_v apply_v the_o aforementioned_a scripture_n in_o a_o witness_v way_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n and_o hence_o when_o david_n be_v besiege_v and_o surround_v on_o every_o side_n with_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o keep_v silence_n he_o even_o put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n psal_n 35.3_o say_v thou_o i._n e._n by_o thy_o spirit_n in_o some_o word_n or_o promise_n for_o this_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