be_v the_o lord_n way_n of_o speak_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v often_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o word_n that_o david_n hope_v in_o for_o his_o salvation_n psal_n 119.81_o 82._o he_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o a_o promise_n before_o v._o 28._o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v he_o unless_o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v it_o over_o again_o he_o must_v have_v it_o apply_v to_o his_o inner_a man_n say_z â—o_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v internal_a speaking_n he_o pray_v for_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n outward_a salvation_n will_v be_v nothing_o to_o i_o without_o inward_a feeling_n of_o thy_o favour_n in_o they_o o_o say_v to_o my_o soul_n i._n e._n raise_v thou_o a_o inward_a persuasion_n in_o my_o heart_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n i._n e._n not_o only_o that_o he_o which_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o let_v i_o be_v particularise_v thy_n salvation_n and_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o wise_a deliver_v i_o out_o of_o my_o distress_n but_o say_v i_o not_o only_o will_v be_v but_o be_o thy_o salvation_n he_o beg_v here_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n by_o a_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o to_o his_o soul_n 3._o from_o a_o believer_n right_a and_o title_n to_o such_o word_n or_o promise_n christ_n be_v he_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n his_o in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o promise_v direct_v to_o particular_a person_n in_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v about_o thing_n of_o general_a concernment_n do_v admit_v of_o a_o general_a application_n and_o every_o believer_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o they_o as_o his_o that_o promise_n i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o or_o for_o sake_n thou_o be_v direct_v to_o joshua_n josh_n 1._o v._n 5._o yet_o be_v apply_v general_o heb._n 13.5_o and_o so_o general_a promise_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o particular_a application_n unto_o every_o individual_a believer_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o christian_n shall_v miss_v of_o that_o prosit_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o promiser_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v by_o they_o a_o believer_n be_v adopt_v 36.25_o isa_n 41.10_o ezek_n 36.25_o have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v clean_o water_v sprinkle_v on_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o word_n do_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o he_o though_o in_o a_o more_o secret_a way_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o the_o utter_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o more_o audible_a voice_n it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o father_n tell_v his_o child_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o be_v real_o his_o own_o before_o so_o christian_n have_v a_o propriety_n in_o such_o word_n or_o promise_v before_o and_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n unto_o believer_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o corin._n 2.12_o and_o so_o it_o will_v apply_v these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n for_o the_o gospel_n ow_v no_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n as_o if_o some_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v other_o not_z the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o any_o word_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o therefore_o witness_v word_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 4._o from_o the_o appointment_n of_o divine_a promise_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o witness_v which_o must_v be_v by_o application_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a word_n be_v often_o call_v god_n testimony_n psal_n 19.7_o &_o 119._o v._o 2.22.24_o etc._n etc._n &_o heb._n 6.18_o there_o be_v two_o immutable_a thing_n ordain_v on_o purpose_n to_o help_v we_o unto_o strong_a consolation_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o god_n promise_n 2._o his_o oath_n v._o 13.17_o but_o how_o do_v they_o bring_v in_o this_o consolation_n it_o be_v by_o witness_v for_o ver_fw-la 16._o a_o oath_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o confirmation_n and_o so_o the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n bring_v in_o this_o strong_a consolation_n as_o they_o serve_v for_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n to_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v of_o to_o abraham_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o to_o give_v they_o the_o same_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o be_v heir_n to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o oath_n must_v needs_o give_v testimony_n by_o direct_a rather_o than_o reflex_n act_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o do_v intimate_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n both_o which_o be_v without_o we_o do_v as_o proper_o conduce_v to_o the_o afford_v assurance_n of_o our_o propriety_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n by_o he_o as_o any_o inherent_a grace_n or_o qualification_n can_v do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v the_o application_n to_o abraham_n of_o these_o two_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o he_o gen_n 22._o v._n 12.16_o 17._o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o superadded_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n make_v a_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a soul_n as_o there_o be_v to_o abraham_n else_o they_o can_v add_v a_o confirmation_n or_o bring_v in_o consolation_n to_o any_o heir_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o end_v they_o be_v intend_v for_o argu._n 3_o from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o gospel_n ow_v 1_o joh._n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o give_v a_o distinct_a testimony_n from_o water_n and_o blood_n there_o be_v not_o three_o witness_n indeed_o neither_o water_n nor_o blood_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o witness_v but_o the_o spirit_n with_o water_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o hence_o the_o water_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n with_o blood_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o thence_o the_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v from_o its_o concurrence_n with_o these_o there_o be_v but_o two_o not_o three_o witness_n and_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v so_o distinct_a from_o blood_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o testify_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o distinct_a from_o they_o both_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o sound_v very_o harsh_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o same_o use_n which_o water_n or_o blood_n be_v of_o seal_v the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o blood_n and_o with_o water_n but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o distinct_a witness_v by_o way_n of_o enlarge_a the_o soul_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o witness_v unto_o we_o our_o condition_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n from_o sanctification_n but_o sometime_o immediate_o by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o friend_n comfort_v without_o help_n of_o discourse_n dr._n sibbs_n saint_n seal_v when_o they_o witness_v the_o same_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o when_o that_o witness_v and_o as_o they_o have_v something_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o when_o discern_v a_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v of_o interest_n in_o christ_n so_o the_o spirit_n have_v some_o peculiar_a act_n or_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o distinct_a from_o both_o which_o effectual_o beget_v the_o same_o persuasion_n which_o they_o do_v though_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n then_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inference_n from_o such_o promise_n as_o they_o attain_v it_o by_o object_n but_o by_o spirit_n be_v not_o mean_v here_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o our_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o three_o witness_n answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 1._o because_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o so_o the_o enumeration_n of_o witness_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o full_a if_o that_o be_v not_o intend_v 2._o because_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o to_o advance_v our_o spirit_n but_z the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o the_o witness_n on_o earth_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n and_o hereupon_o he_o number_v the_o witness_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o &_o ver_fw-la 10_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_v himself_o which_o argue_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o holy-spirit_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o do_v
only_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v their_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o he_o write_v to_o be_v little_a child_n v._o 18._o &_o 1_o joh._n 2.12_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o which_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o know_v they_o be_v forgive_v arg._n 4._o weak_a christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o selfe-examination_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n thereby_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o the_o ingemination_n of_o the_o exhortation_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n else_o he_o will_v not_o use_v so_o much_o earnestness_n in_o exciting_a to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o station_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v about_o 1._o whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2._o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n be_v undeniable_a for_o 1._o it_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o unbeliever_n those_o that_o have_v not_o christ_n in_o they_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o hereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o limitation_n unto_o strong_a believer_n let_v they_o prove_v it_o that_o will_v assert_v it_o 3._o these_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o twice_o over_o require_v to_o come_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o corin._n 12._o v._n 20_o 21._o prone_a to_o envy_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n &c._n &c._n which_o be_v make_v the_o symptom_n of_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o yet_o these_o be_v enjoin_v to_o examine_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o there_o be_v some_o season_n then_o which_o all_o christian_n even_o the_o weak_a aught_o to_o take_v for_o self-examination_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n either_o weak_a christian_n must_v always_o give_v in_o this_o verdict_n that_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v false_a and_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o a_o false_a conclusion_n or_o else_o they_o must_v give_v in_o no_o verdict_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n or_o else_o they_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o text_n call_v for_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n either_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o 2._o reprobate_n i.e._n unsound_a hypocrite_n without_o the_o spirit_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o these_o roman_n be_v many_o of_o they_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o text_n he_o except_v and_o exclude_v none_o but_o seem_v to_o conclude_v all_o under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o apprehend_v assurance_n to_o be_v ordinary_o attaineable_a even_o by_o weak_a believer_n chap._n xi_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v whether_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o and_o first_o the_o immediate_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o before_o i_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o such_o end_n as_o these_o 1._o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n many_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n be_v full_a of_o fear_n about_o their_o adoption_n can_v they_o but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n they_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o favour_n of_o great_a value_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v this_o to_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o its_o voice_n or_o understand_v not_o that_o these_o operation_n which_o they_o have_v find_v do_v amount_v to_o a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n they_o question_v whither_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o or_o else_o whither_o they_o be_v witness_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o end_n by_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o the_o shining_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o its_o own_o work_n without_o which_o nothing_o will_v be_v witness_v those_o that_o never_o have_v assurance_n way_n attain_v it_o and_o those_o that_o have_v lose_v it_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o if_o by_o reflection_n they_o can_v find_v that_o such_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o their_o heart_n as_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o 2._o to_o difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v own_v and_o satanical_a delusion_n reject_v 3._o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v witnessing_n in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o the_o better_a to_o attain_v these_o end_n i_o shall_v 1_o speak_v particular_o unto_o the_o feverall_a way_n of_o witness_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o spirit_n 2._o water_n 3._o blood_n have_v witness_v 2._o add_v some_o general_n discovery_n or_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o will_v respect_v all_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v according_a unto_o the_o threefold_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v so_o must_v i_o divide_v the_o question_n into_o three_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n to_o it_o in_o that_o more_o immediate_a way_n or_o not_o before_o i_o reply_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v give_v these_o preconsideration_n preconsid_n 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a impression_n and_o alteration_n make_v upon_o the_o heart_n work_v it_o into_o some_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o adoption_n else_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o a_o pretend_v to_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n those_o that_o never_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o question_n for_o there_o must_v be_v something_o like_o the_o testimony_n to_o make_v capable_a of_o trial_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a impression_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v enjoy_v jam._n 1.21_o 1_o thes_n 2.13_o 2_o corin_z 3.3_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v read_v over_o witness_v word_n never_o so_o often_o and_o his_o thought_n shall_v run_v this_o way_n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n his_o yet_o if_o no_o power_n come_v alongst_o with_o the_o word_n to_o fix_v fasten_v and_o set_v it_o upon_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n for_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n the_o word_n must_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n matth._n 13._o v._n 21.23_o else_o no_o gracious_a effect_n at_o all_o be_v accomplish_v by_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v find_v some_o great_a alteration_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n that_o have_v wrought_v towards_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n our_o enquiry_n be_v how_o he_o may_v know_v whither_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o strong_a flashy_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n precons_n 2._o that_o my_o design_n in_o answer_v this_o question_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o not_o that_o will_v be_v the_o thing_n drive_v at_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n &_o blood_n but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o testimony_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o some_o eminent_a impression_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n i_o suppose_v that_o many_o real_a believer_n may_v through_o their_o own_o default_n want_v this_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v under_o false_a confidence_n through_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i._n e._n confidence_n take_v up_o from_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v not_o evidence_v revel_v 3.17_o psal_n 30.6_o when_o by_o a_o due_a search_n they_o may_v find_v infallible_a ground_n for_o the_o same_o conclusion_n this_o question_n be_v not_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o some_o confidence_n thereof_o
know_v this_o be_v a_o main_a use_n which_o the_o spirit_n be_v intend_v for_o 1_o corin._n 2._o v._n 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n i_o e._n those_o thing_n v._o 9_o that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v and_o v._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n for_o what_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n whereas_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o give_v demonstration_n of_o its_o own_o presence_n in_o its_o revelation_n the_o soul_n may_v question_v whither_o the_o thing_n discover_v be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o and_o so_o the_o revelation_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n or_o advantage_n and_o can_v not_o sway_v the_o will_n to_o a_o rejection_n of_o what_o it_o have_v former_o own_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v at_o present_a reveal_v and_o what_o light_n can_v have_v more_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n in_o it_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o satanical_a illusion_n than_o the_o light_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o discover_v or_o manifest_v what_o be_v unknown_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o when_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o a_o witness_v way_n its_o light_n be_v like_o a_o candle_n or_o rather_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n dart_v into_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o see_v into_o the_o cunning_a insinuation_n unjust_a accusation_n violent_a and_o horrid_a temptation_n and_o curse_a delusion_n of_o satan_n more_o than_o at_o other_o time_n and_o know_v they_o to_o have_v their_o riste_n from_o he_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o the_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o to_o help_v against_o those_o seducer_n v._o 26._o i.e._n by_o the_o word_n as_o a_o mean_n it_o manife_v what_o be_v consentaneous_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o establish_v therein_o against_o all_o those_o crafty_a sophistication_n whereby_o satan_n seduce_v many_o &_o the_o same_o spirit_n take_v off_o the_o veil_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o give_v they_o open_a vision_n of_o divine_a glory_n 2_o corin._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o all_o which_o speak_v out_o thus_o much_o that_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n have_v a_o inbred_a property_n to_o evidence_n their_o own_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o discriminate_a or_o difference_n themselves_o from_o those_o flash_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o strive_v to_o his_o utmost_a to_o lead_v soul_n into_o groundless_a conclusion_n about_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v effectual_a to_o prevent_v seduction_n 2.26_o 1_o joh._n 2.26_o which_o be_v one_o special_a end_n they_o be_v ordain_v to_o that_o which_o convince_o discover_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n must_v evidence_n itself_o to_o come_v from_o god_n delusion_n may_v pretend_v to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o anoint_v within_o teach_v the_o saint_n what_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o word_n arg._n 4._o from_o the_o lord_n ordain_v the_o in-being_a or_o indwelling_a of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o adoption_n if_o itself_o be_v inevident_a it_o can_v not_o conduce_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o every_o reason_n from_o whence_o any_o conclusion_n be_v collect_v must_v be_v clear_a than_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o only_a light_n can_v manifest_v eph._n 5.13_o that_o which_o evidence_v another_o thing_n to_o i_o must_v needs_o itself_o be_v more_o discernible_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n successul_o to_o try_v his_o state_n by_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o that_o be_v not_o more_o manife_a than_o his_o state_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v evidence_n its_o indwelling_n but_o itself_o now_o this_o be_v often_o make_v the_o rule_n for_o trial_n as_o rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o you_o be_v not_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o and_o it_o be_v add_v he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n be_v none_o of_o his_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v know_v you_o not_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_a 1_o cor._n 3.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v test_n money_n to_o itself_o in_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n or_o evidence_n that_o neither_o satan_n nor_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o object_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o discearnable_a in_o its_o essence_n but_o in_o its_o operation_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o application_n of_o promise_n be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o its_o presence_n be_v as_o discernible_a as_o in_o any_o other_o of_o its_o operation_n ans_fw-fr 2._o those_o which_o be_v the_o witness_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o great_a aptitude_n to_o afford_v soule-satisfying_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n presence_n in_o themselves_o of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o they_o be_v to_o manifest_a adoption_n to_o the_o soul_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o see_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o presence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v a_o main_a requisite_a unto_o assurance_n by_o they_o hence_o they_o can_v fall_v short_a of_o discover_v that_o these_o operation_n have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a light_n life_n and_o strength_n in_o they_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o brightness_n from_o other_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o much_o as_o the_o clear_a sun-shiny_a day_n do_v from_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o the_o spirit_n be_v see_v in_o any_o operation_n it_o be_v in_o these_o which_o be_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o this_o sun_n the_o spirit_n by_o a_o secret_a touch_n irresistible_o strike_v the_o soul_n into_o such_o clear_a firm_a and_o strong_a apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o though_o it_o meet_v with_o much_o within_o and_o with_o ut_fw-la from_o satan_n it_o be_v own_o heart_n and_o christian_a friend_n to_o work_v it_o into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o say_v as_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v or_o as_o rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v as_o the_o spirit_n give_v effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v deny_v its_o guiltiness_n which_o former_o have_v assert_v its_o innocency_n and_o that_o without_o inquire_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v do_v this_o or_o not_o so_o it_o do_v work_v effectual_o into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n that_o till_o afterward_o it_o do_v not_o can_v or_o need_v not_o reflect_v to_o inquire_v whither_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o no._n and_o so_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o be_v discerneable_a and_o yet_o the_o testimony_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o the_o soul_n by_o operation_n it_o may_v conclude_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o give_v such_o a_o persuasion_n but_o also_o it_o discover_v some_o invincible_a ground_n and_o give_v such_o undeniable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o its_o own_o presence_n and_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v that_o as_o one_o under_o powerful_a conviction_n thereof_o it_o can_v but_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o and_o say_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n joh._n 16._o ver_fw-la 29_o 30._o now_o thou_o speak_v plain_o and_o speak_v no_o proverb_n by_o this_o i_o believe_v that_o thou_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o from_o some_o divine_a attribute_n that_o shine_v forth_o eminent_o in_o those_o witness_v act_n 1._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n as_o in_o the_o season_n of_o their_o come_n in_o and_o sutablenes_n unto_o its_o present_a condition_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n it_o find_v how_o satan_n be_v defeat_v in_o his_o enterprise_n thereby_o his_o method_n and_o snare_n discover_v and_o he_o confound_v and_o then_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o cry_v out_o as_o rom._n 11._o v._n 33._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n wisdom_n 2._o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o to_o see_v divine_a power_n improve_v for_o it_o in_o a_o glorious_a way_n and_o hence_o eph._n 1._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20._o he_o beg_v the_o enlightening_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v v._o 19_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o them-ward_n who_o believe_v etc._n etc._n the_o saint_n often_o feel_v a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n but_o they_o can_v tell_v who_o be_v the_o agent_n whither_o satan_n or_o the_o
touchstone_n or_o rule_n for_o trial_n see_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 17.11_o though_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v evidence_n to_o itself_o especial_o in_o the_o more_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v and_o act_v so_o irresistible_o as_o the_o soul_n while_o that_o work_n continue_v can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v yet_o all_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n i._n e._n both_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o effect_n that_o follow_v it_o or_o those_o operation_n it_o have_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o if_o these_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n account_v it_o a_o delusion_n though_o the_o persuasion_n be_v very_o strong_a isa_n 8.20_o gal._n 1._o v._n 7_o 8._o &_o 6._o v._o 16._o it_o be_v dangerous_a with_o zacharias_n from_o a_o unbelieved_a suspicion_n upon_o non_fw-fr scripturall_a ground_n to_o doubt_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n with_o mary_n for_o information_n to_o inquire_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v luk._n 1.18_o 19_o 20.34_o 35_o 38._o though_o your_o confidence_n continue_v yet_o you_o be_v to_o weigh_v they_o afterward_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discern_a or_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n whither_o any_o and_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v attaineable_a and_o ordinary_o grant_v unto_o soul_n this_o may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v selfe-examination_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whither_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o now_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o that_o purposely_o to_o gain_v a_o knowledge_n what_o the_o state_n be_v this_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v with_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o inquire_v what_o the_o soul_n have_v meet_v withal_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v so_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o make_v water_n or_o blood_n effectual_o witness_v for_o without_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n to_o pass_v upon_o 2._o from_o clear_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 12.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n ezek_n 16._o v._n 61._o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a 3._o from_o experience_n christian_n that_o at_o some_o time_n through_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o deny_v such_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n can_v make_v large_a narration_n of_o many_o passage_n they_o have_v meet_v withal_o they_o can_v declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o word_n have_v wrought_v within_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o soul_n under_o miserable_a questioning_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n still_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v beyond_o question_v whither_o they_o have_v be_v under_o such_o working_n or_o no_o but_o here_o they_o stick_v they_o know_v not_o wither_v these_o be_v witnessing_n or_o not_o beware_v therefore_o of_o harbour_v any_o imagination_n that_o either_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o counterfeit_a working_n of_o satan_n shall_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o that_o this_o conceit_n raise_v by_o satan_n keep_v many_o a_o soul_n on_o this_o side_n assurance_n a_o great_a while_n 2._o the_o work_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v discern_v thou_o may_v examine_v and_o measure_v they_o by_o the_o write_a word_n whither_o they_o be_v special_a or_o common_a if_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o doubt_v and_o question_v whither_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v adoption_n or_o not_o by_o renew_a recourse_n to_o the_o word_n thou_o may_v find_v what_o they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o call_v grace_n or_o not_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chemic_n that_o they_o will_v so_o counterfeit_a gold_n that_o no_o touchstone_n can_v discover_v it_o satan_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chemistry_n he_o have_v many_o thing_n like_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n humility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o those_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v the_o most_o confident_a soul_n often_o to_o try_v their_o ground_n and_o here_o be_v a_o touchstone_n the_o write_a word_n that_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v discover_v his_o most_o glister_a counterfeit_a coin_n 3._o a_o knowledge_n or_o real_a discern_v that_o those_o special_a work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v or_o may_v give_v a_o certainty_n that_o a_o right_a judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o condition_n you_o may_v undoubted_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o witness_v if_o you_o can_v clear_o see_v know_v or_o find_v that_o those_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v witness_v for_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v create_v they_o there_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o this_o be_v a_o great_a perplex_v thing_n to_o many_o a_o saint_n can_v it_o but_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o work_n that_o it_o have_v be_v under_o than_o it_o can_v conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n from_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o a_o saul_n a_o judas_n a_o reprobate_n may_v have_v and_o therefore_o bare_o the_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o work_n thou_o have_v experience_n of_o be_v a_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o agent_n there_o be_v many_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v denominate_v testimony_n of_o adoption_n now_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o bear_v witness_n plain_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o best_o wrought_v into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v this_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o if_o blood_n be_v so_o apply_v as_o it_o be_v warrant_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o so_o for_o water_n than_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n with_o that_o be_v evidence_v when_o work_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o they_o do_v witness_v adoption_n it_o be_v my_o scope_n and_o drift_n to_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_n question_n in_o those_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o difference_n the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o those_o counterfeit_a work_n whereby_o satan_n and_o mens_fw-la own_o treachourous_a heart_n do_v prevail_v to_o the_o deceive_a of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v so_o the_o special_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o work_n themselves_o may_v ascertain_v thou_o that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o water_n and_o blood_n if_o thou_o can_v descry_v those_o operation_n within_o thyself_o they_o may_v assure_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v their_o author_n and_o that_o thy_o heart_n have_v not_o deceive_v thou_o in_o thy_o conclusion_n about_o thy_o adoption_n and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o beleive_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o some_o may_v inquire_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o none_o else_o be_v the_o witness_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n answer_v he_o that_o beleive_v believe_a do_v evidence_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o ground_n of_o thy_o judgement_n be_v certain_a than_o the_o act_n of_o thy_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falseness_n of_o the_o ground_n the_o act_n can_v be_v try_v without_o another_o act_n of_o judgement_n &_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n and_o
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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 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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 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encourage_v to_o hope_n that_o these_o direction_n may_v be_v useful_a unto_o other_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o have_v be_v to_o i_o yet_o the_o special_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v make_v they_o effectual_a to_o a_o soul_n for_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o those_o experience_n of_o that_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o thou_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o a_o especial_a providence_n when_o i_o have_v well_o nigh_o finish_v the_o treatise_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o a_o harmony_n unto_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v convince_v i_o of_o before_o from_o his_o word_n yet_o be_v almost_o discourage_v for_o publish_v because_o i_o have_v find_v so_o little_a thereof_o in_o my_o own_o experience_n these_o have_v not_o only_o add_v much_o confirmation_n to_o i_o in_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o also_o have_v give_v i_o much_o encouragement_n to_o a_o proceed_n in_o the_o work_n the_o treatise_n by_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n may_v be_v useful_a 1._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o take_v they_o off_o those_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o they_o have_v build_v upon_o for_o eternity_n here_o they_o may_v see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n still_o though_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n etc._n etc._n yet_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o through-worke_n as_o bring_v in_o a_o heart_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o christ_n they_o will_v miscarry_v everlasting_o for_o all_o this_o the_o sway_v prevail_a part_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v christ-ward_n else_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o conversion_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o as_o a_o distinguish_a thing_n of_o saint_n from_o other_o jam._n 5.20_o math._n 18.3_o 4._o act._n 3.19_o psal_n 51.13_o ezek._n 18.30.32_o act._n 14.15_o act._n 26.18.20_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v or_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v turn_v 2._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o they_o towards_o peace_n joy_n comfort_n establishment_n and_o let_v they_o beware_v of_o disow_v any_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n whither_o in_o that_o immediate_a way_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a say_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n but_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o do_v right_o take_v christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o also_o do_v take_v he_o for_o sanctification_n but_o if_o hereby_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o lord_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o interest_n in_o he_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o blood_n be_v make_v a_o witness_n of_o adoption_n as_o well_o as_o water_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o hearty_a willingness_n in_o any_o unrenewed_a soul_n to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n joh._n 5.40_o hebr._n 2.3_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n be_v as_o distinguish_v as_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o either_o way_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o effectual_a hearty_a willingness_n it_o be_v not_o evidence_v of_o which_o see_v more_o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o and_o now_o reader_n search_v the_o scripture_n whither_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o if_o this_o poor_a treatise_n may_v but_o be_v a_o provocation_n unto_o other_o
acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o now_o through_o christ_n may_v lay_v claim_n unto_o whatsoever_o that_o relation_n can_v entitle_v to_o this_o testimony_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o expectation_n of_o such_o provision_n protection_n &_o portion_n as_o it_o become_v such_o a_o father_n to_o give_v out_o and_o hence_o rom._n 8.17_o and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n chap._n ii_o the_o observation_n from_o the_o text._n the_o observation_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o doctr_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v witness_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n this_o be_v the_o secret_a language_n of_o many_o a_o son_n of_o zion_n though_o i_o be_v adopt_v yet_o o_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o i_o shall_v ever_o attain_v assurance_n of_o it_o alas_o i_o can_v climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o see_v my_o name_n write_v there_o how_o shall_v i_o dive_v into_o such_o a_o secret_a as_o that_o be_v methinke_v i_o find_v the_o lord_n answer_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o so_o as_o it_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_n it_o in_o such_o reason_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o testimony_n will_v thou_o desire_v what_o will_v thou_o reckon_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sonship_n who_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n that_o thou_o can_v confide_v in_o if_o the_o divine_a spirit_n may_v ascertain_v thou_o of_o thy_o adoption_n behold_v that_o be_v nigh_o thou_o thou_o need_v not_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o setch_v that_o thence_o that_o be_v descend_v to_o thou_o for_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o how_o his_o heart_n stand_v towards_o thou_o and_o that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n into_o thy_o bosom_n even_o on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v good_a news_n from_o heaven_n of_o thy_o father_n love_n and_o though_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o with_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v infallible_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o thy_o adoption_n and_o this_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 2._o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n may_v attain_v they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n qu_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v it_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n do_v that_o towards_o the_o clear_n up_o unto_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o a_o witness_n do_v among_o man_n for_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n dubious_a and_o uncertain_a now_o the_o use_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n upon_o knowledge_n how_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n stand_v purposely_o to_o ascertain_v other_o thereof_o deut._n 19.15_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o end_n of_o witness_v be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o a_o matter_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o confirm_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v as_o firm_a and_o true_a by_o that_o record_n which_o be_v give_v in_o and_o hence_o joh._n 8.17_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o e._n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o may_v free_v from_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o before_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v render_v certain_a unto_o those_o that_o question_v it_o and_o when_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o operation_n do_v what_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o this_o then_o be_v witness_v the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o itself_o who_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o operation_n not_o by_o voice_n and_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 1._o objective_o 2._o efficient_o 1._o objective_o when_o it_o afford_v such_o special_a operation_n as_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n there_o be_v some_o special_a and_o remarkable_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o by_o a_o due_a observation_n may_v manifest_v adoption_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o affirmation_n and_o assertion_n thereof_o but_o many_o overlook_v these_o evidence_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o soul_n may_v remain_v without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sonship_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o witness_v if_o its_o record_n be_v not_o receive_v so_o rev._n 22.18_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v this_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v assert_v joh._n 3.11_o we_o testify_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o witness_n it_o be_v but_o a_o testimony_n propose_v or_o offer_v and_o be_v not_o effectual_a unless_o receive_v and_o if_o nothing_o further_a be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o mine_n with_o much_o spiritual_a treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o it_o several_a thing_n of_o great_a importance_n arise_v from_o this_o as_o 1._o hence_o a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n be_v attaineable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o assure_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o render_v god_n more_o assure_v who_o be_v his_o child_n he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o nor_o to_o make_v adoption_n certain_a in_o itself_o that_o must_v be_v before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o its_o scope_n drift_n and_o design_n be_v to_o leave_v we_o assure_v or_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o this_o when_o it_o be_v so_o successull_n in_o other_o work_n how_o unconceivable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o 2._o hence_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o receive_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n offer_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n complain_v unto_o many_o christian_n as_o christ_n do_v joh._n 3.11_o so_o i_o have_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v my_o witness_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v to_o not_o no_n yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o choice_n duty_n and_o enforce_v by_o a_o powerful_a argument_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 9_o if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v far_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o intend_v ver_fw-la 6.8.10_o christian_n reckon_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o deny_v the_o appearance_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o to_o call_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n delusion_n of_o satan_n o_o but_o hereby_o you_o not_o only_o hinder_v your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n and_o establishment_n which_o may_v come_v in_o at_o that_o door_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_a you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o eph._n 4.30_o i_o may_v say_v to_o such_o as_o isai_n 7.13_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n for_o you_o to_o weary_a grieve_v and_o disquiet_v your_o own_o spirit_n but_o will_v you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o my_o god_n also_o it_o be_v sad_a enough_o that_o carnal_a man_n deny_v attention_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n o_o let_v not_o christian_n make_v it_o speak_v in_o vain_a also_o or_o miss_v of_o its_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o text_n aim_v at_o or_o intend_v therefore_o 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v efficient_o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n by_o its_o speaking_n to_o it_o as_o call_v do_v often_o express_v not_o only_o a_o invite_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n but_o the_o soul_n answer_v those_o invitation_n which_o be_v effectual_a call_v rom._n 8.28.30_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o so_o witness_v express_v a_o effectual_a efficacious_a witness_v and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o context_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o so_o have_v
precons_n 3._o that_o the_o primary_n evidence_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v or_o restrain_v unto_o this_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v only_o for_o as_o grace_n do_v sometime_o discover_v their_o own_o proceed_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o at_o other_o time_n the_o spirit_n evidence_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a business_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o main_a errand_n it_o be_v send_v upon_o to_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n when_o it_o witness_v in_o this_o immediate_a way_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v have_v a_o great_a dependence_n here_o on_o its_o knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n and_o therefore_o usual_o it_o give_v the_o most_o transparent_a and_o remarkable_a token_n of_o of_o its_o own_o presence_n here_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o way_n of_o witness_v but_o sometime_o the_o spirit_n draw_v out_o grace_n to_o act_v at_o such_o a_o height_n more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o do_v so_o efficacious_o witness_v adoption_n by_o reflex_n act_n upon_o these_o as_o it_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o its_o own_o presence_n therein_o chap._n xii_o of_o what_o do_v primary_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n i_o shall_v now_o answer_v the_o question_n by_o show_v 1._o what_o do_v primary_o 2._o what_o do_v secondary_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n itself_o do_v primary_o evidence_n the_o proceed_n of_o its_o own_o witness_v act_n from_o itself_o while_o a_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o those_o irradiation_n and_o other_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v carry_v with_o they_o such_o clear_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o come_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o render_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v thereof_o there_o be_v such_o sparkling_n of_o divinity_n in_o they_o and_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v in_o such_o a_o lively_a way_n engrave_v or_o enstamp_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o do_v aloud_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o have_v their_o original_n from_o that_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o that_o degree_n of_o clearness_n which_o the_o spirit_n manife_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o soul_n strong_a or_o weak_a and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o plerophorie_n or_o full_a assurance_n all_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n light_v up_o to_o see_v the_o sun_n by_o which_o be_v best_a see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n best_o see_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o additional_a confirmation_n and_o secondary_a evidence_n hereof_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v indeed_o witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n heretofore_o and_o now_o its_o testimony_n be_v cloud_v or_o eclipse_v by_o a_o serious_a review_v the_o forego_v testimony_n and_o judicious_a reflection_n upon_o that_o usual_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o recover_v it_o again_o then_o by_o any_o extrinsecall_v demonstration_n or_o consequential_a effect_n whatever_o for_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o its_o witness_v act_n which_o be_v intend_v purposely_o to_o assure_v yet_o effect_n be_v very_o useful_a for_o confirmation_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v afford_v manifestation_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o own_o testimony_n or_o that_o it_o do_v operate_v so_o efficacious_o as_o be_v do_v evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o its_o witness_v act_n and_o give_v the_o soul_n that_o enjoy_v they_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o itself_o and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v from_o no_o other_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n arg._n 1._o from_o his_o appointment_n unto_o this_o witness_v work_n be_v not_o adoption_n a_o thing_n questionable_a and_o controversiall_a in_o the_o soul_n there_o need_v no_o call_n in_o of_o witness_n the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o be_v 22.21_o luk._n 22.21_o the_o determination_n and_o establishment_n of_o a_o matter_n against_o contradiction_n see_v matth._n 18.16_o 2_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o it_o be_v the_o special_a reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o be_v ordain_v as_o the_o witness_n because_o that_o be_v truth_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o if_o i_o question_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o witness_n the_o testimony_n be_v never_o certain_a to_o i_o and_o so_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v constitute_v as_o the_o witness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o revealer_n and_o hence_o v._o 9_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v great_a which_o import_v that_o the_o great_a inducement_n to_o receive_v the_o testimony_n or_o own_o and_o confide_v in_o it_o be_v this_o the_o greatness_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n of_o he_o which_o bear_v record_n it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o man_n and_o therefore_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o enforcement_n unto_o my_o reception_n of_o the_o testimony_n if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v my_o incentive_a to_o receive_v of_o it_o the_o main_a thing_n towards_o assurance_n will_v be_v want_v which_o be_v the_o fidelity_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o testify_v rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n here_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o well_o direct_v we_o to_o look_v for_o its_o presence_n in_o witness_v as_o express_v that_o it_o be_v its_o office_n to_o bear_v witness_n and_o how_o little_a it_o shall_v contribute_v towards_o efficacious_a witness_v if_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_v itself_o in_o its_o operation_n you_o may_v eafy_o conceive_v by_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o satan_n to_o bring_v in_o contradictory_n testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n not_o know_v which_o to_o own_o or_o choose_v a_o conscientious_a satisfaction_n must_v arise_v from_o assurance_n that_o the_o witness_n be_v faithful_a if_o my_o own_o spirit_n and_o satan_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o one_o testimony_n of_o my_o adoption_n it_o be_v invalid_a because_o the_o witness_n be_v unfaithful_a satan_n can_v assert_v and_o give_v impulsion_n to_o receive_v his_o record_n therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o its_o testimony_n against_o satan_n delude_a voice_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v no_o near_o satisfaction_n about_o its_o state_n then_o before_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 2._o then_o the_o spirit_n shall_v answer_v one_o doubt_n with_o another_o for_o the_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o witness_n may_v create_v as_o much_o dissatisfaction_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o yea_o it_o raise_v a_o new_a ground_n of_o perplexity_n o_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o fear_v my_o condition_n former_o and_o here_o be_v a_o testimony_n but_o whence_o it_o come_v i_o know_v not_o i_o doubt_v as_o much_o of_o that_o as_o i_o do_v before_o of_o my_o adoption_n and_o o_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o satan_n and_o i_o shall_v own_v it_o my_o condition_n will_v be_v yet_o worse_o than_o before_o and_o if_o it_o must_v seek_v for_o other_o demonstration_n whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o no_o it_o be_v in_o as_o much_o darkness_n as_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o do_v nothing_o to_o ward_n the_o end_n it_o be_v send_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o matter_n remain_v as_o dubious_a as_o former_o and_o the_o soul_n no_o near_o satisfaction_n arg._n 2._o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n ergo_fw-la it_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n or_o its_o own_o presence_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v something_o to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n that_o the_o testimony_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o can_v be_v none_o high_o than_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v it_o for._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v other_o thing_n witness_v therefore_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a witness_n no_o grace_n or_o experience_n can_v witness_v without_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 6._o 10._o and_o if_o any_o inferior_a witness_n can_v evidence_n itself_o or_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o high_a witness_n may_v evidence_n itself_o much_o more_o arg._n 3._o from_o its_o special_a appointment_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o give_v manifestation_n unto_o the_o saint_n of_o what_o they_o shall_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