a place of but little beautie glory or felicitie if Communion with God and Christ were not to be injoyed in it Others desire Christ onely for heaven he desireth heaven chiefly for Christ Naturall men are even drunke and swallowed up in Creature delights but the interest of Christ prevaileth with a gracious heart against all other interests He may be interrupted in his motion to Christ in particular acts but he is the prime principall object his soule is moved and bent towards set and fixed upon and given up to Rom. 8.5 Phil. 3.20 Coloss 1.18 1 Pet. 2.7 Col. 3.11 Christ is all and in all Other-things are as nothing to him if Christ be not injoyed in them he is all in all injoyments all in all inlargements all in all duties all in all comforts Others apprehend that Christ it better then the gnawings of an accusing conscience better then the company of damned Spirits better then flames but they see no such beautie or excellency in Christ as should make him best or all in all here on earth They can verbally owne Christ as superlatively excellent but practitally they deny it And they know not Christ in those spirituall excellencies which advance him in the eyes of Saints Take him as cloathed with bolines and appearing against sin c. and they preferre other things that are base and low before him The following particulars will further discover when Christ is all in all 2. From his spending his highest desires and endevours after attaining Communion with God in Christ when the heart is set upon Christ or turned Christ-ward it cannot stand still without him it must be waiting for him and enquiring after him with utmost diligence Cant. 3.3 Saw ye not him whom my soule loveth Psal 130.5 6. Phil. 3.14 3. From his willingnes to part with all other things at Christs Call or for his sake Luk. 14.26.33 Whosoever forsaketh not all that he hath Mark 8.35 10. v. 29. he cannot be my Disciple Matth. 10.37 He that loveth father or mother more then me is not worthy of me 4. From the carriage of his heart under his withdrawings when these procure such heart-sicknesses as can be cured no way but by his returnings to it Cant. 5. v. 6.8 Tell him I am sick of love When the feare of hell is not upon them yet O the sighings sobbings cryings faintings of love-sicke soules for Christ's presence No quiet or satisfaction without him Like the childe that nothing can still but the breast so nothing can fill up Christs roome in the soule It reckoneth it selfe empty in the midst of fulnes without him It is resolved for ever to goe in widdow-hood if he will not owne it as his Spouse This argueth a Consent of heart to the Match and so a marriage union between Christ and the soule 5. From his injoyment of the leadings of the Spirit these are a certaine infallible evidence of Adoption to all that have them Rom. 8.14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God CHAP. XX. Of the soules Enjoying the leadings of the Spirit and when Qu VVHen doth a soule enjoy the leadings of the Spirit Answ 1. When a Complyance with the will of Christ becometh naturall to the soule as there is a propensitie in light things to moove upward and in heavie things to moove downward so in the soule to moove Christ-ward Suppose there were no wrath as the Consequences of disobedience nor no reward as the effect of Gospell obedience yet the sweetnes of the wayes themselves the respect it oweth to the will of Christ would be as the heart unto an owning of Christ therein Psal 119.30.173 I have chosen the way of truth c. And v. 35. for therein I delight So Rom. 7.22 Rom. 8. v. 1 2. For the law of the Spirit of life hath made me free from the law of sin and death Carnall men in their hearts call a libertie for sin freedome but such as are indeed freed from condemnation and walke after the Spirit they call this their libertie to be free for Christ and from the law of sin and reckon obligations to sin the greatest bondage and thraldome in the world The Spirit raiseth an admirable freenes in the soule to walke in the wayes of Christ 2 Corin. 3.17 Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is libertie And hence the Spirit of Adoption is opposed unto the Spirit of bondage Rom. 8.15 A man may exercise himselfe in the externall part of all duties that a Christian is engaged to and yet be without the leadings of the Spirit He may have many carnal enforcements hereunto but unlesse there be a libertie of heart to these wayes that he would not but be imployed in them and accounteth it a high favour from the Lord that he will use him in any services for himselfe and findeth more delectation in these then in any other wayes that it becometh even meate and drinke to him to doe the Lord service and it is a matter of great complaint and lamentation that he can doe no more for the Lord that he findeth a backwardnes in himselfe or any contrary principles which seek to obstruct and hinder his following the Lord in his wayes Rom. 7.22 23. Then he injoyeth the leadings of the Spirit 2. When it hath corroborations or assistances against those impediments that would hinder it in walking in the wayes of Christ or the Spirit leadeth by remooving these Carnal men wonder that any should complaine for want of strength unto duties they can easily come up to them But it ariseth partly from Satans not molesting them in the performance of duty because they looke not beyond the externall part of it they strive not to act in a right manner or for right ends or because they are insensible of the working of corruption when yet it doth act But a gracious heart findeth that if it be not strengthened by a power beyond its owne it cannot act any grace or performe any duty in an acceptable way to the Lord and hence the Apostle prayeth Ephes 3.16 That they might be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man Israel is said to be led by the Spirit of the Lord. Isai 63. v. 11 12 13 14. And how doth he lead them it is by dividing the water before them and keeping them that they should not stumble i.e. the Lord threw up and remooved impediments out of their way and took away what might cause them to fall and this was his leading of them So if thou hast been eagerly pursued by Satan and he hath raged against thee like a Lyon spoyled of his whelpes that thou wert beset with temptations and did'st finde many and strong lustings of the flesh to hinder thy following of the Lord Christ in the wayes of his appointment And if such mountaines have been made plaines and corruption borne downe when thou hast found thy heart
acceptation into favour with God and now through Christ may lay claime unto whatsoever that relation can entitle to this testimony telleth us that we may have an expectation of such provisions protections portions as it becometh such a Father to give out And hence Rom. 8.17 And if Children then heires heires of God and joynt-heires with Christ CHAP. II. The Observation from the Text. The Observation I shall speake to is this Doctr That the Divine Spirit doth witnes unto those which are in Christ with their Spirit their Adoption This is the secret language of many a Son of Sion Though I be adopted yet O it is impossible that I should ever attaine assurance of it alas I cannot climbe up to heaven to see my name written there How should I dive into such a secret as that is Methinke I finde the Lord answering such a soule and so as it might for ever silence it in such reasonings The Spirit it selfe beareth witnes c. As if he had said What testimony wouldest thou desire what wouldest thou reckon a sufficient evidence of thy Son-ship who might be a witnes that thou couldest confide in If the Divine Spirit might ascertaine thee of thy Adoption Behold that is nigh thee thou needest not ascend up to heaven to setch that thence that is descended to thee for every one that beleeveth hath the witnes within himselfe 1 Joh. 5.10 The Spirit knoweth the minde of God and how his heart standeth towards thee and that is sent from the bosome of the Father into thy bosome even on purpose to bring good newes from heaven of thy Fathers love and though with men it be impossible yet with the Spirit all things are possible That is able to give infallible and convincing demonstrations of thy Adoption and this Spirit it selfe witnesseth c. In the carrying on of this I shall shew 1. What this witnessing worke of the Spirit is 2. How the Spirit doth witnes to a soule its Adoption 3. Who are capable of attaining the witnessings of the Spirit 4. How a soule may know its injoyment of them 5. By what meanes a soule may attaine them CHAP. III. Of the witnessing worke of the Spirit or what it is for the Spirit to witnesse unto a soule its Adoption Qu 1. VVHat is this witnessing worke of the Spirit Or what is it for the Spirit to witnesse unto a soule its Adoption Answ It is a worke whereby the Spirit doth that towards the clearing up unto a soule of its Adoption that a witnes doth amongst men for the decision and determination of a matter dubious and uncertaine Now the use of a witnes is to give in evidence upon knowledge how the matter in question standeth purposely to ascertaine others thereof Deut. 19.15 Matth. 18.16 The end of witnessing is expressed to be that a matter may be established or confirmed and made to stand as firme and true by that record which is given in And hence Joh. 8.17 The testimony of two men is true i. e. is to be received as a sufficient evidence and may free from doubting It was certaine in it selfe before and by the testimony it is rendred certaine unto those that questioned it And when the Spirit by some operations doth what is equivalent unto this then is witnesseth The speakings of the Spirit are in a way sutable to it selfe who is the speaker and to the soule which is spoken to and therefore by operations not by voyce And the Spirit witnesseth 1. Objectively 2. Efficiently 1. Objectively when it affordeth such speciall operations as have an aptitude to ascertaine the soule of its Adoption There are some speciall and remarkeable Concurrences of the Spirit which by a due observation might manifest adoption and carry with them the force of affirmations and assertions thereof But many overlooke these evidences and will not heare what the Spirit saith unto them A soule may remaine without a knowledge of its Son-ship after the Spirit hath thus witnessed if its record be not received So Rev. 22.18 I testifie unto every man that heareth the words and yet every man to whom he speaketh this doe not beleeve what is asserted Joh. 3.11 Wee testifie and ye receive not our witnes It is but a testimony proposed or offered and is not effectual unlesse received And if nothing further were intended in the Text yet it were a Mine with much spiritual treasure layd up in it Severall things of great importance arise from this As 1. Hence a knowledge of Adoption is attaineable it is the very end of the Spirits witnessing to assure thereof It is not to render God more assured who are his Children he knoweth who are his Nor to make Adoption certaine in it selfe that must be before it can be witnessed But its scope drift and designe is to leave us assured or perswaded of it And that it should never attaine its end in this when it is so successull in other workes how unconceivable a thing is it 2. Hence it is a duty of great concernment to receive that testimony which the Spirit offereth may not the Spirit complaine unto many Christians as Christ did Joh. 3.11 So I have testified that you were the Children of God and you have not received my witnes Doubtles it is a sinfull neglect in those that are spoken to not no yeild attention unto the voyce of the Spirit which speaketh It is urged as a choyce duty and enforced by a powerful argument 1 Joh. 5 9. If ye receive the witnes of men how much more is a divine testimony to be received which is farre greater and it is the witnes of the Spirit he intendeth ver 6.8.10 Christians reckon it a small matter to deny the appearances of Gospell grace and to call the speciall operations of the Spirit delusions of Satan O but hereby you not onely hinder your owne peace comfort and establishment which might come in at that doore but which is farre worse you grieve the Spirit of God also Eph. 4.30 I may say to such as Isai 7.13 Is it a small thing for you to weary grieve and disquiet your owne Spirits but will you grieve the Spirit of my God also It s sad enough that carnal men deny attention to the voyce of the Spirit O let not Christians make it speake in vaine also or misse of its end in speaking to them But I suppose this is not all which the Text aymeth at or intendeth Therefore 2. The Spirit witnesseth efficiently it causeth the soule to conclude of its Adoption by its speakings to it As Calling doth often expresse not onely an Inviting to a participation of Gospel grace but the soules answering those Invitations which is effectual Calling Rom. 8.28.30 2 Thes 2.14 So witnessing expresseth an effectual efficacious witnessing And that this is intended in the Text may appeare 1. From the Context the scope of the Apostle is to give a knowledge of this who are in Christ so have
for the assuring us of our Adoption I finde no Rule for these The Spirit giveth a certainty of Adoption by its actings within the soule as well as if a hundred witnesses had affirmed it As 1. It maketh an effectual application of witnessing words when it testifieth by direct acts the hinting or giving in of a word is not enough as I shall shew in another place But then a word is applyed when it is powerfully set upon the heart by the Spirit and is so fixed setled and engraven there that it becometh an ingrafted word James 1.21 and worketh effectually towards its proper end 1 Thess 2.13 Coloss 1.29 And that it beareth downe all temptations objections and unbeleeving reasonings that were in the soule before against what it is called up to by the word and so is written upon the heart Jerem. 31. v. 33. It is onely the finger of the Spirit that can doe this 2 Corin. 3.3 And when there is such an application of a witnessing word as the heart is irresistibly overpowered into a pers wasion of Adoption by it then it it indeed witnessing And some of the Saints have found such a supernatural power coming alongst with a word that th ugh afflictions and temptations came yet they durst not could not but say to the Lord Doubtles thou art our Father Or as 2 Corin. 5.1 We know And at such a time the promise is as it were holden to the heart they are knitt and glued together that untill the Spirit suspendeth its operations it is as easie to make the soule leave the body as to make this perswasion of Adoption leave the soule as I shall shew more fully else where 2. The Spirit exciteth and draweth out some manifest speciall gracious acts when the way of testifying is by reflex acts the Gospel declareth and determineth saith and other graces to be infallible evidences of Adoption Now the Spirit enableth to act these Rom. 5.5 Gal. 5.22 And from these by reflex acts to draw Concsusions of Adoption I call them speciall gracious acts to difference them from those workes of the Spirit unbeleevers may have Hebr. 6. v. 4 5.6 that have not power to assert Adoption which is a speciall relation for nothing common can evidence that which is speciall And they must be manifest acts of grace for Witnesses are purposely to cleare up a matter which is dark dubious and therefore witnessing must ever be by what is more conspicuous and apparent and hence Christ referreth the Jewes to his workes and the Scriptures Joh. 5.36.39 Because they were more visible to them And I conceive there are many secret concurrences of the Spirit which though they be speciall workes yet are not intended for this but some other end and with the utmost diligence a soule can use are not capable of being improved unto witnessing being themselves so hardly discerneable Yet I dare not confine assurance unto eminent Saints I thinke few or no Christians are so weake that they are destitute of all such acts of grace as may witnesse to them Adoption as I shall prove afterward But there is a vast difference between the operations and the witnessing operations of the Spirit these must have light as well as peculiarnesse in them 3. The Spirit causeth the soule to apply it selfe unto the use of due meanes for the attaining assurance Sometimes his proceedings are graduall or by degrees the soule goeth on step by step towards it and it may be a great while before it arriveth at it As the Spirit may first Convince by the word that a Christian ought to seek after and may attaine unto more quietnes establishment then yet it selfe hath found 2 Pet. 1. ver 10. This part of the will of Christ it little minded before And then it may be the Lord removeth out of the way those impediments which formerly hindred Assurance subdueth some corruptions answereth some doubts causeth it to see the groundlesnesse of some feares it hath laboured under helpeth it to looke into Satans designes that have hindred the worke of Christ within it and to take notice of some glorious advantages in the attaining of Assurance which it thought not of before it seeth how it may glorifie God more in such a condition then it can doe under doubtings feares disquietings And thus the Spirit capacitateth the soule for such a mercy So Exod. 33. v. 9.11.14.17 Moses upon every new grant or returne of prayer taketh advantage to rise higher and higher in his requests and at last cryeth out ver 18. I beseech thee shew me thy glory And ver 19. compared with Exod. 34.6 All his goodnes passed before him So the Lord causeth a soule to seeke for some mercits and upon the Lords answering some desires it hath encouragement to goe with a holy boldnes for greater mercies and at last it is enabled to act faith in an eminent way for sights of Divine glory and in the face of Christ hath these also It obtaineth some mercies conducing to assurance at first and afterwards injoyeth that also I have mentioned this the rather 1. Because Christians thinke to have assurance all at once upon a sudden and are apt to be very much troubled if it commeth not in by the lumpe whereas the will of God is to let it in sometimes by little and little and the soule may be a long time in attaining it this is no matter of discouragement that thou hast it not presently if thou be'st in the way to it 2. Because many are very suspitious of a testimony if it be not by some violent powerfull heart-astonishing alterations whereas though sometimes it be by such invincible operations as doe not leave the soule to freedome whether it will owne them or not but overcometh the heart immediately to a reception of the testimony yet at other times the Spirit acteth in a more milde gentle and secret indiscernable way and doth more leave the soule to its choyce for owning it or not and by quenching the motions of the Spirit it may misse of that Assurance which they lead to Yet these operations when they doc effectually witnesse are so powerfull that ever they carry the heart alongst with them towards Christ When Assurance commeth in as the result of selfe-examination it may not cause such eminent alterations as a soule may expect and yet it may be good But there are sweet gracious effects that will follow reall witnessings of the Spirit which way soever they come in And that bowing of the heart to the use of meanes as selfe-examination c. is another worke of the Spirit as a witnesse 4. The Spirit affordeth Irradiations as a witnesse openeth a Case and sheweth how it standeth so the Spirit by shining forth with its bright glorious and heavenly beames into the darke dungeon-like soule doth cause it to discerne enough in the application of promises and in the exercise of graces to satisfie it about its adoption And though it
seemed to be under a midnight of spiritual darknesse before yet when the Spirit hath shined upon its owne workes in the soule and put new life into former experiences then it can conclude that the Sun of righteousnesse is arisen upon or in the heart who was hidden or unseene till then in a great measure And hence the Apostle prayeth Eph. 1. v. 17 18 19. That they might have the Spirit of revelation And for what end v. 18. That ye may know what is the hope of his calling i. e. that you may know upon what certain grounds Vt sciatis qualis quam certa sit spes qua nos sperare jussit Dominus atque ita ne ulla subeat animos vestros mentes vestras dubitatio de rebus non dum praestitis Zanch. and foundatioÌ„s your hopes are built and so may be freed from doubtings about the things hoped for And how is this attained The eyes of your understanding being enlightened v. 18. It is by the Spirits clearing and brightning of the understanding and enduing that with supernaturall light to know those things which naturally it could not know the Spirit raiseth heighneth and strengthneth the soules apprehensions of Divine things by darting in spiritual light and thus it attaineth a revelation knowledge and perswasion of Calling So Psal 36.9 Not in the light of our own understandings but in thy light i. e. in Divine light we shall see light If thy Spirit giveth us the light of knowledge then we shall be able to see what cometh from the Father of lights or hath a Divine stamp or impresse upon it and to put a difference between light and darknes we shall see light And often the Prophet beggeth for irradiations Psal 31.16 67. 1. 80.3.7.19 119. v. 135. Cause thy face to shine And hence 2 Corin. 4. v. 4.6 The light of the Gospell is said to shine in our hearts to give us a knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ By these irâ—â—diations a soule is enabled to see the minde of Christ in the Gospel and to compare its condition with and rightly to judge thereof by that perfect rule of righteousnesse 2. The Spirit witnesseth as by operations within so also by a written word without this doth contribute much to assurance The Word declareth 1. That such a Testimonie is attaineable and that the Spirit is the Witnes Rom. 8.16 1 Joh. 5. v. 8.10 2. What those workes of the Spirit are which doe evidence Adoption as faith Joh. 1.12 it giveth descriptions of faith and other graces and openeth the nature properties and effects of these or discovereth what operations a witnessing worke hath upon the hearts of those that are reall injoyers of it whereby a man may discerne whither those workes he hath found be of the right stamp reall and not counterfeit speciall and not common 3. What the wayes and meanes are whereby these workes may become witnessing 4. What application of a word doth make it witnessing Yet not the word alone but that in Conjunction with the Irradiations and other operations of the Spirit doth witnesse Adoption If the Spirit witnesseth by a reflexion upon acts of faith the word affordeth this proposition towards it He that beleeveth shall be saved Mark 16.16 The second proposition is But I beleeve Now towards this the Word telleth us what Faith is and the Spirit worketh and acteth faith in us and by its Irradiations helpeth us to see it in our selves and to say but I beleeve and then the Conclusion followeth from the Word Therefore I shall be saved And thus I have discovered what this witnessing worke of the Spirit is CHAP. VI. Of the Spirits Witnessing to the soule its Adoption and that first immediately by it selfe proved by foure Arguments Qu. 2. HOw doth the Spirit Witnesse to a soule its Adoption Ans 1. More Immediately by it selfe 2. By Water 3. By Bloud 1 Joh. 5 8. Ans 1. The Spirit witnesseth more Immediately by it selfe I say by it selfe not in opposition to the written word but to distinguish this way of witnessing from those by water and bloud 1 Joh. 5.8 It is the Concurrence of the Spirit with these that maketh them witnessing to us efficiently but besides the Spirit hath a more Immediate Testimonie of its owne which it affordeth to some beleevers whereby they are filled with satisfaction about their Adoption Sometimes when they are gasping after Communion with Christ the Spirit giveth them such sweet unexpressible heart-enamouring soule-ravishing manifestations of it selfe and of Divine love as effectually overcometh them into an undoubted perswasion thereof Ordinarily the Spirit maketh use of the written word in this way of witnessing he maketh the word without a voyce within by the effectual application of it unto a particular soule Or if it be not by an expresse word yet it is by some Scriptural consideration or in or presently after waiting upon the Lord in wayes of his owne appointment by the Word as prayer it may be for the very mercy of Assurance c. and so it is not properly an Immediate Revelation because in the use of meanes It may seeme very improper to call it Immediate and yet assert it to be by the Word But the expression may be borne withall 1. Because the Spirit hath such an eminent stroke here and doth more eminently manifest its owne presence in this then in the other wayes of witnessing Here it witnesseth not in a Discursive way by deducing Conclusions from premises but the Spirit â—â—â—â—â—eth the soule and thereby worketh it into the perswasion by a Direct act without any necessary reflexion upon workes formerly wrought within It effectually causeth the soule to beleeve its Adoption 2. Because the Scriptures are called the Word of the Lord and are the very breath of the Spirit 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Divine breathing or inspiration Men are said Immediately to speake unto one another when they use words to each other face to face Now the Scriptures are but the voyce of the Spirit 3. Because I use the word Immediate to distinguish this from the other wayes of witnessing Now that besides the Spirits witnessing by Water i. e. Sanctification and by Blood i. e. Justification there is such a distinct way of witnessing it may appeare upon these grounds Arg. 1. From the Apostles ascribing it to the Spirit himselfe Rom. 8.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is proper to say that a man doth that which his substitute or servant doth by his appointment Not the Spirit but the Spirit himselfe the Graces of the Spirit are witnesses as every effect is a witnes of its Cause but the Spirit himselfe doth it saith the Text. Symonds deserted soule Case and Cure pag. 453. a Lord doth many times by his Steward but if it be said that such a man himselfe hath performed any worke that argueth his doing it in his owne
not say he hath the witnes in heaven but within himselfe i. e. on Earth 3. Because if our Spirits were intended they must be our sanctified and renewed Spirits and these belong to and are included in the witnes of water which denoteth sanctification and so unlesse by Spirit be meant the Holy-Ghost there will yet be but two not three witnesses on Earth for our Spirits and water make but one Arg. 4. From the experience of the Saints I could name many that have had their Adoption ascertained to them by the Spirits applying a written word Although experience alone is not argument enough to prove yet with the former spirituall grounds it may confirme the thing to us But of this more in the second part I have insisted more largely upon the proose of this because some stumble at it and suppose that Assurance is attaineable onely by reflexion upon marks and signes or Qualifications within I shall answer a doubt or two further before I leave this point Object 1. Have not some poore soules languished in doubtings almost all their dayes in expectation of such a kinde of witnes and and doe not others dangerously erre by taking the strong conceit of their owne phantasie for the witnes of the Spirit Answ 1. I grant that the Spirit doth witnes by faith and other graces and any one of these testimonies may keepe him that hath it from languishing 2. Possibly a limiting or tying up the Spirit unto one way of witnessing may be the occasion of the soule distresse though asking asigne was lawfull in it selfe yet when the Pharisees desired it in a carnal way and limited Christ to this way when they had Miracles and the Scriptures to testifie of him besides this occasioned a denyal of their desires Matth. 12. v. 38 39. Let Christians beware of prescribing the Lord and tying him up to one way that they have met with him in when other meanes are Instituted for the same end besides that 3. Many that make inherent Qualifications the onely evidences yet take their owne phantasies for these Though distracted men say that all the houses and lands they travaile by are theirs yet men in their right mindes may know what is their owne so as I once heard a servant of Christ say though bedlam professors may say that Christ and eternal life are theirs when onely their owne phantasies tell them so yet it no way followeth thence that such a testimonie of the Spirit is not to be expected Object 2. But the three witnesses 1 Joh. 5.8 doe testifie Conjunction together not severally or one alone and so the Spirit may witnes with water and bloud or may put forth some distinct acts about these and not have a distinct way of witnessing Answ 1. If sanctification be discerned I aske whether it will not be granted that this witnesse is sufficient if so then they may witnesse severally and it is not necessary that the three be alwayes together in witnessing And why may not the Spirit also be alone in witnessing who is the highest witnesse 2. This was answered before Water and bloud are different in their wayes of witnessing and therefore also the Spirit different from them both because a third and chiefe witnes Yet I deny not but that Graces may witnesse at the same time when this more Immediate testimonie is afforded That light which is darted in may discover graces and former experiences yet the Immediate presence of the Spirit so gloriously accomplisheth the worke that the soule doth not or not primarily Conclude from these graces for the present yet afterwards when the Spirit hath suspended its operations then the remembrance of these may confirme and evidence that it was really the Spirit which did bow it into that perswasion and may difference it to others from all delusions And it is necessary to understand that these belong unto the other wayes of witnessing least the want of a distinct knowledge of one from the other should hinder a reception or owning of reall testimonies when water or bloud lie dark And this is the first way of the Spirits witnessing CHAP. VII Of the Spirits witnessing by water Ans 2. THe Spirit witnesseth by Water 1 Joh. 5.8 There are three that beare witnes on Earth the Spirit and the Water i. e. Sanctification And that this is intended by water is evident For it is something 1. Derived from Christ ver 6. He came by Water 2. That hath an aptitude to witnes v. 8. 3. That witnesseth in Earth v. 8. i. e. to or in us 4. That is distinguished from bloud ver 6.8 Now Sanctification is the priviledge injoyed or derived from Christ which the Scripture setteth out by Water in way of distinction from bloud and therefore that must needs be intended here This worke of Sanctification was typified under the Law by washing Exod. 19.10 Hebr. 9.10 because water hath a cleansing propertie and so the Communication of grace by the Spirit is expressed by powring out Zech. 12.10 And we read of the washing of regeneratio Tit. 3.5 and are exhorted to cleanse our selves 2 Cor. 7.1 Which are Metaphors taken from water and are used to set out sanctification But most clearely Eph. 5.26 That he might sanctifie and cleanse it i. e. his Church with the washing of water which fully evidenceth that sanctification is set forth by water and I know nothing else that those requisites aforementioned will agree to besides that And that the Spirit doth witnes unto soules their interest in Christ by sanctification is evident 1. Because it is expressely called a Witnes 1 Joh. 5.8 and there could not be three if that were not one 2. Because it is reckoned up amongst the peculiar priviledges and speciall favours which the Saints receive from Christ 1 Cor. 1.30 1 Cor. 6.11 Such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified Where it differenceth their state of Conversion to Christ from their state of nature wherein they were without Christ And it is attributed to the Spirit which is therefore frequently called the holy Spirit because it worketh holiness in the hearts of men 3. Because there is a necessary Connexion between sanctification and salvation 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 Act. 20.32 26.18 An inheritance among them that are sanctified And what ever hath salvation coupled with it being discovered must needs have a witnessing force in it Yet alwayes remember 1. That Water i. e. Sanctification cannot witnes Adoption without the Irradiations of the Spirit when a Christian hath had some sweet lively experience of God some sensible injoyment of him and a feeling of the Spirits operations exciting quickening and acting its owne graces yet by and by when this light from the Spirit is wanting it is ready to throw away all againe and say O I thought I had seen God in such a way and heard his voyce and felt his love but now I feare I was mistaken and yet afterwards when the Spirit
onely to have a probable opinion but a certaine knowledge that the Spirit dwelleth in them which is to know their Adoption Rom. 8. v. 9. And 1 Joh. 3.24 Hereby we know he abideth in us by the Spirit And those he writeth to are little Children v. 18. 1 Joh. 2.12 He telleth them that their sins are forgiven them which may assure us that it doth not make to the hurt of weake beleevers to know they are forgiven Arg. 4. Weake Christians ought to exercise themselves unto selfe-examination Ergo They are in a capacitie to attaine a knowledge of their state thereby 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves Prove your selves The ingemination of the exhortation argueth it to be a duty of high Concernment else he would not use so much earnestnes in exciting to it And it is their station they are to enquire about 1. Whither they be in the faith 2. Whither Christ be in them or not And that weake beleevers are not exempted from this duty is undenyable For 1. It extendeth or reacheth to unbeleevers those that have not Christ in them are to finde it out hereby they are to try whither they be in the faith or no 2. It hath no limitation unto strong beleevers let them prove it that will assert it 3. These were weake in the faith which are here twice over required to come up to it 2 Corin. 12. v. 20 21. Prone to envyings strifes backbitings whisperings swellings c. which are made the symptomes of but babes in Christ 1 Cor. 3. v. 1 2 3. Yet these are injoyned to examine 2 Cor. 13.5 There are some seasons then which all Christians even the weakest ought to take for self-examination about their union with Christ Ergo they are capable of doing it with good successe Either weake Christians must alwayes give in this verdict that they are without Christ and this is false and the Lord doth not command them to a false Conclusion Or else they must give in no verdict and then the duty is fruitlesse as to its proper end Or else they must conclude that they are in the faith And the Text calleth for one of these Conclusions Either 1. That they are in the faith Or 2. Reprobates i.e. unsound hypocrites without the Spirit Unto all which I may adde that these Romans were many of them weake in the faith Rom. 14. v. 1 2. c. And yet in the Text he excepteth and excludeth none but seemeth to conclude all under the witnessings of the Spirit By all which I cannot but apprehend Assurance to be ordinarily attaineable even by weake beleevers CHAP. XI Shewing how a soule may know whether it enjoyeth the witnessings of the Spirit or not and first the Immediate witnessings of the Spirit Qu 4. HOw may a soule know whither it injoyeth the witnessings of the Spirit or not Before I give a direct answer to this Question I shall premise that the answers to it will be usefull to such ends as these 1. To give satisfaction unto doubting soules many precious sons of Sion are full of feares about their Adoption could they but know that God were their Father they should account it a favour of great value Whereas the Spirit hath witnessed this to them but they know not its voyce or understand not that these operations which they have found doe amount to a testimonie of Divine love They question whither they be from the Spirit or not or else whither they be witnessing and intended by the Lord for that end By a due observation of what I shall here lay downe and the shinings of the Spirit on its owne workes without which nothing will be witnessing those that never had Assurance way attaine it and those that have lost it may recover it againe if by reflexion they can finde that such workes have passed upon their hearts as I shall speake of 2. To difference the testimonie of the Spirit from Delusions of Satan and the single testimonie of our owne Spirit that so the voyce of the Spirit may be owned and Satanicall delusions rejected 3. To confirme and establish those that doe injoy witnessings in the perswasion of their Adoption And the better to attaine these ends I shall 1 Speake particularly unto the feverall wayes of witnessing How a soule may know that 1. The Spirit 2. Water 3. Bloud have witnessed 2. Adde some Generall discoveries or secondary evidences which will respect all those wayes of witnessing According unto the threefold way of the Spirits witnessing so must I divide the Question into three Qu 1. How may a soule know whither the Spirit hath witnessed its Adoption to it in that more Immediate way or not Before I reply to this Question I shall give these pre-considerations Preconsid 1. That there must be some great and remarkeable impression and alteration made upon the heart working it into some strong perswasion of Adoption else there is not the least ground for a pretending to an Immediate testimony Those that never found any thing of this nature are not concerned in this Question for there must be something like the testimonie to make capable of tryal The Nature of an Immediate presence of the Spirit and the application of a word require that there be some great impression when ever they be injoyed Jam. 1.21 1 Thes 2.13 2 Corin 3.3 So that if a man should read over witnessing words never so often and his thoughts should run this way that God is his God and Christ and eternall life his yet if no power commeth alongst with the word to fix fasten and set it upon the heart there is not any colour for an Immediate testimonie The word must take deep rooting in the heart Matth. 13. v. 21.23 else no gracious effects at all are accomplished by it much lesse can it be witnessing But if a man hath found some great alteration made upon his Spirit that hath wrought towards a perswasion of Adoption Our enquiry is How he may know whither it be meerly a strong flashy opinion and fancy of his owne Spirit a delusion of Satan or indeed a testimonie from the Divine Spirit Precons 2. That my designe in answering this Question is not to discover who is interested in Christ and who not that will be the thing driven at when I come to speake of the Spirits witnessing by water bloud But if a man hath a testimonie of interest in Christ by some eminent impression made upon his Spirit our enquiry is whither it be from the Divine Spirit or be a Delusion I suppose that many reall beleevers may through their owne default want this Immediate testimonie of the Spirit and may be under false confidences through the Delusions of Satan i. e. Confidences taken up from such grounds as are not evidencing Revel 3.17 Psal 30.6 when by a due search they might finde infallible grounds for the same Conclusions This Question is not for the tryal of Christianitie but of some Confidences thereof
Spirit and so the Apostle asketh that they might have a distinct knowledge hereof which argueth that the Spirit discovereth that there is an improvement of its owne power and so evidenceth its owne presence in some of its actings especially in giving a knowledge of the hope of calling as v. 18. And the Spirit convinceth hereof by the exceeding greatnes of the power which is put forth 1. It overcometh the heart into an acceptation of the promise the soule seeth its owne utter insufficiency in it selfe to make such an application of a promise as now it hath felt and an utter aversnes and reall backwardnes thereunto though there had been abilitie It was ready with Sarah to laugh at the newes of the promise or to say with those 2 King 7.2 If the Lord should make windowes in heaven it could not be accomplished to me and yet it was not able to withstand the power that did draw it that way 2. It overcometh Satan the Spirit discovereth how Satan raised his utmost opposition against the closure with the promise and many temptations are brought to fresh remembrance whereby he sought to keep it at the greatest distance from it yea it seeth the same power that draweth to the promise laid out to the utmost against Satan therein And from hence saith the Spirit it could not be thy selfe or Satan for both run crosse to it and therefore it must needs be the Divine Spirit that hath done this 3. The Spirit convinceth it of Christs faithfulnes herein Psal 89. v. 1 2.5.8 I will make knowne thy faithfulnes to all generations v. 8. Who is a strong Lord like unto thee or to thy faithfulnes round about thee So a soule after such a testimonie is exceedingly taken up with the faithfuines of the Lord that it speaketh to God after this manner Thou didst formerly enable me to a dependance on thy selfe in this promise and when my heart flagged fainted failled and gave over all hopes of it yet now hast thou accomplished it and throwne the mercy into my lap and discovered thy faithfulnes when I was unfaithful 4. The Spirit convinceth it of Divine goodnes in the application of the promise Psal 31. v. 19. O how great is thy goodnes his soule is even swallowed up with admiration at the extensivenes of it O how great v. 21. Blessed be the Lord that hath shewed me marvellous kindnes-What maketh him so much wonder at Divine goodnes v. 22. I said in my hast I am cut off Neverthelesse thou heardest So the Spirit causeth a soule to see how full of distrust that hath been how ready to say that it was neglected of God and how neverthelesse the Lord dealt thus and thus graciously with it and it cannot but cry out O how great is thy goodnes it is even wrapped up as into the third heaven and so taken up with redeeming love in the application of some promise as for the time nothing can put it upon a denyal of the working of this love towards it And thus I have shewne what is the primary evidence By all that hath been said it may seeme that this Question How a soule may know this Testimonie is needlesse for such as are actually under it seing the very worke of the Spirit is to give a knowledge of Adoption But in regard 1. Afterward the Spirit may suspend its operations and then the soule may question it 2. Some have strong Conceits and Opinions that they injoy this more Immediate testimonie of the Spirit when they are meerly under delusions and this first answer though it holdeth out the primary evidence of it unto those that really injoy it yet it may seeme not to reach so farre as to discover who have it not 3. Immediate testimonies have admitted of signes for their Confirmation to us Luk. 1. v. 18 19 20. Matth. 3. v. 16 17. Act. 2. v. 2 3 4. Hence though I suppose such signes are ceased yet it not being inconsistent with the nature of an Immediate testimonie to assert some inferiour evidences of it and seing the Spirit doth accomplish some spiritual works in the soules of Saints in and by its witnessing acts which may supply the place of those extraordinary signes therefore I shall speake further CHAP. XIII Of what doth Secondarily Evidence the truth of Immediate Testimony Ans 2. THe Secondary Evidence of the more Immediate Testimonie is Faith there are some eminent acts of faith drawne out by it but Delusions of Satan or the single testimonie of our Spirit leane without these 1. Faith is exercised upon Christ in that witnessing word which is applyed that look how it is to act upon any other word in the same way and manner it doth upon this The Spirit applyeth the promise but faith receiveth it Heb. 10. v. 22. In full assurance of faith if a soule hath attained full assurance faith hath a hand in it or it is brought in by beleeving and therefore faith is called the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 There are varietie of examples in that Chapter of faith's acting upon various occasions Now if such acts be drawne out upon witnessing words as carry a correspondency with them unto those in Ahel Abraham Moses c. upon other or such words then they are Conclusive or witnessing And a reflexion upon those acts of faith must needs be very usefull and conducible towards the discovering a testimonie to be from the Spirit A reviewing of an Evidence is enough to decide the Controversie 2. Faith is exercised upon Christ in other promises besides that which is witnessing whil'st the soule was full of feares and questionings about its interest in adopting love it acted faith very little in comparison of what now it doth Whatsoever the witnessing word giveth it assurance of faith now liveth upon Christ in the promise for it Heb. 10.38 The just shall live by faith Psal 25.2 O my God I trust in thee Psal 63. v. 1.8 When a soule hath a sight of propriety in God this putteth it upon redoubled actings of saith If it can say my God it cannot but say I trust in thee Delusions set not faith upon the wing for the mercies that it supposeth it selfe to have interest in Nay they doe hinder the actings of it Revel 3.17 18.20 She neglected making out to Christ for all yea shut the doore of her soule against him that Christ stands without knocking and cannot have admittance so long as the voyce of her owne Spirit was attended to Object 1. But when is a word or promise received by faith and so when doth faith evidence a testimonie to be no Delusion Ans 1. When the heart is commanded into a perswasion of Adoption by the witnessing word as an act of obedience to the Lord not barely when there is a giving in of a word as I shall shew in another place but when the Spirit overaweth the soule with the Majestie that cometh alongst therewith to yeild subjection to
it Psal 42.8 The Lord will command his loving kindnes he not onely offereth it to the soule and leaves it to freedome whither it will own it or not but he exerciseth his Soveraignty and useth a Commanding voyce that his loving kindnesses must visit it and that in a sensible way for he addeth his Song shall be with me Psal 111. v. 9. He hath sent redemption to his people he hath Commanded his Covenant as when he cometh with a word of Conviction he commandeth stout-hearted ones to a submission so he commandeth his Covenant i.e. his promises unto his people by causing them to owne him therein Psal 133.3 He commanded blessing Thus the Spirit commandeth assurance into the Saints by promises and commandeth faith to owne his loving kindnesses and so not barely a perswasion that this promise or that mercy is mine doth make the act of faith evidencing but that Divine authoritie that attended the word to the heart and caused it to give credit thereunto out of respect and reverence to the Lord the Speaker Not every one that hath a perswasion that Christ is his doth injoy the witnessings of the Spirit for Baalim said My God Numb 22.18 and yet had not interest in God as his God and they Matth. 7.22 shall be consident of their interest in Christ and yet shall be found without it Satan doth raise such false confidences in many prophane wretches and backeth them with some Scriptures as that God willeth not the death of a sinner and Christ came to save sinners c. and their owne Spirits conclude that they are the sinners he came to save But unlesse such words have commanded the heart into such a perswasion out of respect to the Lord they are not evidencing 2. When those undoubtedly sinfull objections that swarmed in the soule before are suppressed by the reception of the word unbeliefe is the great sin yet soules are more unapt to be sensible of and affected with that then with other sins But if the Spirit hath acted faith upon Christ in any promise then it is pained and afflicted with the remembrance of its former mistrustfulnes and riseth up in opposition against it as Psal 42. v. 5.8 Why art thou cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within me hope in God Before it gave way to and fed the carnal reasonings of its owne Spirit against the free promise of God but now it calls off its heart from these and calleth it up to trusting in God Faith is called an Evidence Heb. 11.1 it is a Logical terme importing a Conviction by way of dispute As reason doth by premises draw up certain Conclusions about matters within its Sphaere so faith doth something answerable though the things it is conversant about be out of the reach of sense and reason that doth in able the soule by scriptural principles and grounds to dispute downe cavils and carnal reasonings against the free promise and thus it is an Evidence Delusions doe stupifie men that they seeke not for a satisfactory deliverance from objections but the Spirit like the Sun causeth such mists of darknes to flee away and putteth enough into the mouth to answer Satan in all 3. When its reception of the word or promise causeth selfe-abasement Matth. 15.27 The woman was so deeply sensible of her unworthines that she acknowledgeth her selfe to be a dog and then presently Christ owneth her faith v. 28. O woman great is thy faith Great faith causeth great selfe-abasement When all matter of discouragement that is throwne in the soules way to its mercy tendeth to the making it sensible of its owne nothingnes and yet causeth it to lay faster hold of the promise and when the stronger its assurance of the mercy be the greater selfe-annihilation and the lesse selfe-confidence then faith is acting and Christ taketh notice of and setteth a Character of respect upon such acts of faith But that which causeth selfe-advancement is the voyce of thy owne Spirit or a delusion of Satan Mark 14.31 Peter was carried out with vehemency of affection and resolution for Christ he declared his preferring Christ before his owne life and yet this was but the voyce of his owne Spirit because it did spring from selfe-confidence which is opposite unto faith 4. When the heart is carryed out Christ-ward by the reception of any promise beleeving is often called a coming to Christ as Joh. 6. v. 35.37 And on the other side soule departures from God are resolved into unbeleife Heb. 3.12 when there is not onely a perswasion wrought by the promise that Christ is mine c. but the whole heart runneth out after Christ upon the application of it If it taketh the promise as from his hand Eph. 3.6 and owneth him in the purchase of the mercies it is assured of builds its confidence upon him for the communication of them and is layd under strong obligations engagements to Christ for them it cryeth out What shall I render to him Psal 116.12 accounting nothing too deare for him and maketh improvement of them by and for Christ then the word is from Christ So Rom. 8. v. 35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ i.e. from that love wherewith we love Christ and thence he addeth Shall tribulations or distresse or persecution or famine c. i. e. None of these hardships shall breake off our love to him v. 36. As it is written for thy sake we are killed all the day long And when was their love to Christ so strong v. 33.38 39. It was when their perswasion was as strong of the love of God in Christ to them And now they oppose Christ without them against all charges v. 33. and not the perswasion within themselves yet that perswasion was usefull that way not abstractively from Christ but as it was a furtherance to their heartie owning of him Faith maketh use of such a generall as that Christ dyed against all charges that are brought in against a particular soule You may have such strong confidences of your interest in the love of God in Christ as no arguments a man can use can beate you off from these and yet you may be deluded if your hearts be not answerably drawne out after Christ to the strength of your confidences But if they be built and botromed upon him and his free favour in the free promises as Psal 30.7 And if your affection to Christ rise as high and be as strong as your perswasion of his love then you have injoyed the witnessings of the Spirit And thus there are many things in that faith which receiveth witnessing words besides the perswasion of the thing witnessed which may difference a testimony of the Spirit in this more Immediate way from a delusion of Satan or our owne Spirits Object 2. But may I not be very liable to be deceived about such acts of faith seing no Scripture either expressely or by Consequence saith of any particular man that
so full of deadnes hardnes unbeliefe and all manner of distempers that thou hast even despaired of acting in the duty as prayer c. in any acceptable way to the Lord and like the Israelites thou hast cryed out that thy destruction was at hand Yet if these spirituall enemies have been conquered and thy heart let out more then at other times towards Christ here are the leadings of the Spirit Rom. 8.13 If ye by the Spirit mortifie v. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit The particle For argueth mortification to appertain unto the leadings of the Spirit And so Gal. 5. v. 16.18 Those that are led and doe walke by the Spirit they shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh Not as if they were perfect and had no sin in them for he addeth v. 17. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit It doth not quite hinder the stirrings no nor the prevailings of sin for he saith ye cannot doe what ye would i.e. ye cannot act so spiritually and so circumspectly as ye would Ye cannot yet ye would The will prevaileth against and getteth the upper-hand of corruption even when duty is hindred or sin acted by the soule that corruption is not predominant in the soule Then they are the fruits of the spirit when thy love to Christ is predominant and ordinarily prevaileth against thy sinfull love to other things below Christ and thy Joy in the Lord is predominant or beareth sway against thy sinfull and carnall joy in creatures or lusts and thy peace by the blood of Christ helpeth thee to see that false peace which thou hadst taken up from other grounds and thy faith is predominant against thy unbeleife which discovered it self formerly in causing thee to choose and imbrace other objects besides Christ or in thy not coming up to a hearty accepting of him and so for all other fruits of the Spirit v. 22 23. There is an opposition made between the works of the flesh and of the Spirit v. 19.22 to shew that when the works of the flesh are kept underneath and prevailed against then a soule enjoyeth the leadings of the Spirit as v. 16.18 3 When the heart is under powerful drawings Christ-ward in being exercised in the wayes of Christ 1 There must be drawings The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth to be moved acted guided c. it may be taken from blind men that stand in need not onely of directions by word of mouth but of a hand to lead helpe and uphold in a way Or from weake persons as young children that need a hand to suportand sustaine yea an arme to carry them Men cannot goe alone in the wayes of Christ they may pray and heare c. but they cannot mixe faith with these or act spiritually if the Spirit hath not a greater stroake in such actions then themselves Joh. 15.5 Without me saith Christ ye can doe nothing i. e. nothing in a pleasing or acceptable way to God Psal 17.5 And the Spouse cryeth out Cant. 1.4 Draw me it denoteth impotency and unaptnes in the soule for such a motion No running after Christ without drawings from him 2. They must be heart-drawings if the heart be wanting though a man performeth never so many duties yet he is destitute of the leadings of the Spirit Deut. 4. v. 29. 6. v. 5 10. v. 12. All love or service that findeth acceptance with the Lord is with all the heart i. e. with the ruling or prevailing part of it Rom. 7. v. 22 23. There is a Law in the minde i. e. powerfull obligations and engagements laid upon that towards Christ Rom. 6.17 The lowest duties require the heart to the right performance of them Eph. 6. v. 5 6. 3. The drawings of the heart must be Christ-ward A man may be furnished with eminent gifts and may have sutable assistances in the laying out of those gifts from the Spirit and yet may be without the leadings of the Spirit as Saul 1 Sam. 10.10 And Christ shall say depart from me to many that have prophesied and cast out Devils in his name Math. 7.22 23. A man may have preaching gifts and praying gifts yea wonder-working gifts and may lay out these to the admiration of others and all these are from the Spirit 1 Corin. 12. v. 8 9 10 11. and yet be without Son-ship and therefore without the leadings of the Spirit which witnes adoption Rom. 8.14 These are rather for the profit of others then for his that hath them Gifts exercised cannot suppresse corruptions in a mans owne heart and hence though they used their gifts yet they are called workers of iniquitie Math. 7.23 Gifts doe not carry out the heart towards Christ but graces doe And if in the improvement of preaching or praying gifts thy heart hath been carryed out Christ-ward though thou hast found more streightnings in expression then at other times yet thou hast injoyed the leadings of the Spirit Jerem. 30. v. 21. I will cause him to draw neer for who is this that engageth his heart to approach unto me Then a man is caused by the Lord to draw neer unto him in any services when there are reall engagements upon his heart towards God and such the Lord will owne as his v. 22. And ye shall be my people and I will be your God It a man hath had never so much enlargednesse in expressions in prayer yet if his heart hath not been under drawings towards Christ it is not witnessing Cant. 1.4 Isai 29.13 14. But if a duty hath been of advantage that way then thou hast had the leadings of the Spirit how meane soever the duty hath seemed to be Ephes 6.6 4. When it hath been enabled to owne the mediation of Christ and Gospel promises in its actings A mans heart may really goe out after some enjoyments and faine he would have these as riches freedomes from affliction c. he may pray earnestly for them and yet he may be without the leadings of the Spirit It is the worke of a faithfull Leader to carry a man in the right way and the Spirit is promised to speake from God to us for direction into the way we should choose Isa 30. v. 21. Thine ears shall heare a voyce behinde thee saying This is the way walke ye in it The Lord doth not account himselfe glorified by the best and most shineing services a soule can performe nor doth not accept of them if it dealeth not with him by the Mediatour Eph. 1.6 3. v. 12. 1 Pet. 2.5 To offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ Many in words doe make use of Christ for acceptation with God but unles your hearts have been holden up and strongly drawne to make use of the name of Christ and the sufferings and intercession of Christ you have not the leadings of the Spirit And those that attaine unto this doe finde acceptance with God Joh. 14. v. 13 14. 15. v. 16.
hard thoughts of God for and then the heart worketh on this manner O I have said the Lord hath forsaken me my God hath forgotten me but now I see his thoughts were precious towards me even then I had wretchedly forgotten him but now I see that though a mother may forget her sucking childe yet he cannot forget me It cannot but expatiate in rebuking its owne heart for untoward workings against this God whose love it now feeleth it taketh Gods part against it selfe more then ever Job 42. v. 5 6. Now mine eye seeth thee wherfore I abhorre my selfe The clearest sights of God cause the greatest selfe-abhorrency Ezek. 16. v. 61. Then shalt thou remember thy wayes and be ashamed When v. 60. When I shall establish unto thee an everlasting Covenant and v. 63. When I am pacified towards thee That testimonie which blocketh up the way to selfe-detestation is very suspicious though it transporteth with joy and comfort for the Lord hath promised that a sight of pacification should be attended with Evangelicall humiliation A delusion hath a naturall tendency to the puffing up of the soule and though hypocrites may have a shaddow of humilitie at other times yet there is the least appearance of it under high attainements and a supposall of glorious revelations But Divine testimonies are of Correctine use unto a soule A Peter after a love-looke from Christ O how he figheth sobbeth melteth mourneth at the remembrance of a foregoing denyall of him A Thomas that hath risen high even unto redoubled actings of unbeliefe when he hath thus seen and felt too O he cannot but check himselfe and say My Lord and my God Joh. 20.28 Under such heart-ravishing revelations this pierceth woundeth and as it were stabbeth the soule that the Lord hath had such unsutable returnes from it after so large expressions of his love Evid 4. The witnessings of the Spirit lay powerfull engagements upon the heart towards selfe-purification though sanctification sometimes lieth so darke that a soule may not be able to make use of that as a witnes for the present yet ever in witnessing the Spirit layeth obligations upon the soule to seeke after it to its utmost for the future 1 Joh. 3.3 Not onely some men but every man that hath this hope i. e. of seing God as he is v. 2. purifieth himselfe And a little purity or holines will not satisfie A knowledge of Adoption as v. 1 2. putteth it upon pressing after the perfection of it to be pure as he i. e. as God is pure Whereas Delusions tend some way or other to unholines Satan driveth at some corrupt defignes therein Evid 5. The witnessings of the Spirit procure an expulsion of Satan out of the soule Christ evinceth his being no impostour and that he acted by the Spirit of God because he did cast out Satan Math. 12. v. 25 26.28 So if a testimonie of Adoption conduceth to the ejection of Satan out of the soule in his temptations suggestions c. this argueth it to be no delusion for if Satan should cast out Satan his kingdome were divided and could not stand v. 26. The binding of the strong man armed must be by the Spirit for none else is stronger then he When the word abideth in a soule then it overcometh the wicked one 1 Joh. 2.14 Every manifestation of Christ is for this end to destroy the workes of the Devil 1 Joh. 3.8 Delusions dimme and dazle the eyes of the soule that it cannot see into the craftie contrivances of that subtile adversary But the Spirit taketh off those vailes that were upon the heart and giveth notable discoveries of Satans close plottings crosse actings secret undermineings soule-ensnaring stratagems that it seeth into his wayes and methods more then ever 2 Corin. 3. v. 16 17 18. 12. v. 7. Yea it filleth the soule with detestation of and indignation against him in his enterprises and that because they tend to interrupt some designes of Christ and to contradict his ends Math. 3.17 with 4. v. 10. And also many temptations are overcome hereby Satan will be incensed when he seeth himselfe cast out and so floods of new temptations are to be expected Rev. 12. v. 13.15 But by the witnessings of the Spirit usually a soule obtaineth a release from those old ones that it hath grapled with and groaned yea even sunk under many a day And it speaketh the Spirit to be the author of a testimonie when it worketh this way for Satan is not cast out but entreth into the soule when delusions prevaile and Satan is expelled out of the soule when that is out of love with him and when his wayes are rendred odious and abominable to it Evid 6. Satan useth his utmost endeavours to draw and beate off the soule from and cause it to doubt of the Spirits testimonie but he seeketh to prevent a questioning of his owne I doe not make doubting an Evidence of Assurance but if thou can'st be sure that Satan tempteth thee to doubting and seeketh to divide between thee and a promise applyed that argueth thy closure with the promise not to be by his meanes And if thou be'st sure that he perswadeth thee to owne a testimonie still which thou bast received then it is very suspicious For Satan is no such friend or favourite unto the Spirit or its testimonie as to seeke the hindring its questioning thereof Neither is he such an enemie to himselfe as to beate off from hearkening unto his owne delusions when the soule is enclined to imbrace them Evid 7. The witnessings of the Spirit afford corroborations against the sharpest afflictions and sufferings a timerous fearfull Spirit that formerly thought it should never be able to hold up against smaller tryals yet after such a testimonie it is undaunted at the sight of greater The shineings of Gods face make it willing to doe or suffer any thing for God now it can venture to the utmost for him When they could claime interest in God Dan. 3.17 Our God This made them declare their resolutions for God v. 18. This will beare out against a fierie furnace Rom. 8.37 In all these things we are more then Conquerours We i. e. we that can say That nothing shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. as v. 39. We are in all these things in tribulations persecutions famine nakednes peril sword c. v. 36. Not onely after these but in them and in all these hard passages of providence by which many are provoked to doubt of Divine love yet in all these we are Conquerours i. e. whil'st we are under them they are overcome to us we are not subdued or kept under in our faith or patience by these but are kept above our tribulations and Conquerours i. e. of Satan who fighteth against us in these he backeth persecution with temptation but we overcome all and are Conquerours i. e. of Corruption that is ready to take advantage