person_n and_o not_o by_o another_o so_o if_o it_o be_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n witness_v than_o it_o may_v be_v by_o a_o proxy_n gift_n and_o grace_n but_o see_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n himself_o this_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n require_v its_o own_o more_o immediate_a presence_n i'faith_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n may_v receive_v the_o testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o and_o not_o grace_n in_o his_o stead_n else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v himself_o proper_o but_o grace_n for_o he_o as_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n be_v call_v a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o when_o grace_n testisie_n although_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o grace_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n so_o here_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v the_o witness_n rather_o than_o grace_n though_o grace_n may_v be_v use_v about_o this_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v about_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v they_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o mortification_n and_o conduct_n v._o 13_o 14._o for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n yet_o he_o foresee_v that_o they_o may_v question_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o justification_n therefore_o he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a mean_n for_o knowledge_n which_o may_v hold_v when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o spirit_n himself_o argu._n 2._o from_o the_o aptitude_n of_o many_o write_a word_n or_o promise_n by_o application_n to_o witness_v i_o account_v it_o very_o unsafe_a to_o draw_v up_o such_o conclusion_n from_o a_o scripture_n cast_v in_o as_o it_o have_v no_o natural_a tendency_n to_o enforce_v neither_o in_o its_o scope_n or_o sense_n direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n neither_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o nor_o by_o application_n this_o mistake_n too_o many_o labour_n under_o in_o these_o day_n when_o they_o be_v dubious_a about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o a_o word_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n although_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n look_v not_o the_o least_o that_o way_n yet_o that_o word_n be_v make_v a_o rule_n for_o action_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o the_o controversy_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o some_o other_o use_n or_o end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o that_o scripture_n for_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o speak_v bare_o in_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o these_o express_a thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n may_v be_v profane_a and_o yet_o use_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o satan_n often_o come_v with_o a_o it_o be_v write_v matth._n 4.6_o but_o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n of_o a_o witness_v nature_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v this_o use_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v confirm_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o these_o and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v or_o that_o they_o miss_v only_a application_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o instance_n among_o many_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o truth_n isai_n 41.10_o fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n isai_n 43._o v._n 25._o i_o even_o i_o be_o be_v that_o blot_v out_o thy_n transgression_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n i_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n matth._n 9.2_o son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_n sin_n be_v for_o give_v thou_o neither_o be_v this_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n only_o for_o christ_n intend_v to_o give_v other_o a_o knowledge_n hereby_o of_o his_o power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n as_o v._o 6._o so_o ezek._n 36.25_o i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o ver_fw-la 26._o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o ver_fw-la 27._o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o ver_fw-la 28._o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n sure_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n to_o man_n thy_o god_n and_o thy_n sin_n if_o he_o intend_v not_o their_o particular_a assurance_n by_o the_o application_n of_o such_o word_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v and_o that_o either_o of_o these_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n be_v undeniable_a what_o can_v satisfy_v a_o soul_n if_o this_o will_v not_o for_o the_o lord_n to_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n 41.10_o be_v 41.10_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o speak_v this_o over_o again_o to_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o to_o clear_v it_o further_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o assure_v promise_n of_o special_a mercy_n which_o be_v consequential_a to_o adoption_n now_o these_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o aptitude_n by_o application_n to_o give_v assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o that_o which_o it_o a_o necessary_a antedent_n as_o isai_n 41.10_o i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o heb._n 13.5_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o 2._o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n that_o direct_o tend_v to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n doubt_v of_o its_o adoption_n as_o if_o it_o question_v its_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o such_o heavy_a affliction_n these_o scripture_n tend_v to_o remove_v that_o doubt_n heb._n 12.6_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v be_v chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v if_o the_o variety_n or_o violence_n of_o temptation_n which_o it_o have_v meet_v withal_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o doubt_n it_o may_v find_v relief_n from_o heb._n 2.18_o &_o hebr._n 4.15_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o free_a from_o temptation_n and_o so_o christian_n may_v not_o look_v for_o exemption_n from_o temptation_n who_o abound_v with_o sin_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o say_a we_o be_v tempt_v if_o the_o feel_n strong_a working_n of_o corruption_n put_v the_o soul_n upon_o question_v its_o condition_n that_o may_v minister_v help_n that_o paul_n a_o eminent_a saint_n groan_v under_o the_o same_o burden_n rom._n 7.15_o yea_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o bitter_a lamentation_n ver_fw-la 24._o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n and_o thus_o many_o scripture_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v for_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a effect_n when_o apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o remove_v such_o doubt_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o arise_v from_o such_o cause_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o only_a obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o such_o scripture_n unto_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o their_o aptitude_n to_o witness_n that_o word_n isui_n 41.10_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n bring_v in_o god_n as_o speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o tell_v it_o of_o its_o interest_n in_o himself_o it_o have_v a_o witness_v voice_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o and_o so_o carry_v evidence_n with_o it_o that_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a design_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v apply_v word_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n they_o so_o clear_o point_v at_o be_v undeniable_a especial_o when_o the_o thing_n point_v at_o be_v undoubted_o a_o work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o witness_v be_v 2._o from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o spirit_n appli_v other_o word_n for_o those_o end_n which_o they_o apt_o serve_v to_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v reprove_v decline_v christian_n for_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n by_o such_o a_o word_n as_o that_o revel_n 2._o v._n 3.4.11_o or_o threaten_v lukewarm_a soul_n by_o revel_n 3.16_o or_o convince_v carnal_o confident_a soul_n of_o the_o sadness_n of_o their_o condition_n by_o revel_n 3._o five_o 17.22_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o shall_v apply_v the_o aforementioned_a scripture_n in_o a_o witness_v way_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n and_o hence_o when_o david_n be_v besiege_v and_o surround_v on_o every_o side_n with_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o keep_v silence_n he_o even_o put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n psal_n 35.3_o say_v thou_o i._n e._n by_o thy_o spirit_n in_o some_o word_n or_o promise_n for_o this_o
be_v the_o lord_n way_n of_o speak_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v often_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o word_n that_o david_n hope_v in_o for_o his_o salvation_n psal_n 119.81_o 82._o he_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o a_o promise_n before_o v._o 28._o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v he_o unless_o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v it_o over_o again_o he_o must_v have_v it_o apply_v to_o his_o inner_a man_n say_z â—o_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v internal_a speaking_n he_o pray_v for_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n outward_a salvation_n will_v be_v nothing_o to_o i_o without_o inward_a feeling_n of_o thy_o favour_n in_o they_o o_o say_v to_o my_o soul_n i._n e._n raise_v thou_o a_o inward_a persuasion_n in_o my_o heart_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n i._n e._n not_o only_o that_o he_o which_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o let_v i_o be_v particularise_v thy_n salvation_n and_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o wise_a deliver_v i_o out_o of_o my_o distress_n but_o say_v i_o not_o only_o will_v be_v but_o be_o thy_o salvation_n he_o beg_v here_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n by_o a_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o to_o his_o soul_n 3._o from_o a_o believer_n right_a and_o title_n to_o such_o word_n or_o promise_n christ_n be_v he_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n his_o in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o promise_v direct_v to_o particular_a person_n in_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v about_o thing_n of_o general_a concernment_n do_v admit_v of_o a_o general_a application_n and_o every_o believer_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o they_o as_o his_o that_o promise_n i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o or_o for_o sake_n thou_o be_v direct_v to_o joshua_n josh_n 1._o v._n 5._o yet_o be_v apply_v general_o heb._n 13.5_o and_o so_o general_a promise_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o particular_a application_n unto_o every_o individual_a believer_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o christian_n shall_v miss_v of_o that_o prosit_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o promiser_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v by_o they_o a_o believer_n be_v adopt_v 36.25_o isa_n 41.10_o ezek_n 36.25_o have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v clean_o water_v sprinkle_v on_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o word_n do_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o he_o though_o in_o a_o more_o secret_a way_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o the_o utter_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o more_o audible_a voice_n it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o father_n tell_v his_o child_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o be_v real_o his_o own_o before_o so_o christian_n have_v a_o propriety_n in_o such_o word_n or_o promise_v before_o and_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n unto_o believer_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o corin._n 2.12_o and_o so_o it_o will_v apply_v these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n for_o the_o gospel_n ow_v no_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n as_o if_o some_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v other_o not_z the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o any_o word_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o therefore_o witness_v word_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 4._o from_o the_o appointment_n of_o divine_a promise_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o witness_v which_o must_v be_v by_o application_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a word_n be_v often_o call_v god_n testimony_n psal_n 19.7_o &_o 119._o v._o 2.22.24_o etc._n etc._n &_o heb._n 6.18_o there_o be_v two_o immutable_a thing_n ordain_v on_o purpose_n to_o help_v we_o unto_o strong_a consolation_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o god_n promise_n 2._o his_o oath_n v._o 13.17_o but_o how_o do_v they_o bring_v in_o this_o consolation_n it_o be_v by_o witness_v for_o ver_fw-la 16._o a_o oath_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o confirmation_n and_o so_o the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n bring_v in_o this_o strong_a consolation_n as_o they_o serve_v for_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n to_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v of_o to_o abraham_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o to_o give_v they_o the_o same_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o be_v heir_n to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o oath_n must_v needs_o give_v testimony_n by_o direct_a rather_o than_o reflex_n act_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o do_v intimate_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n both_o which_o be_v without_o we_o do_v as_o proper_o conduce_v to_o the_o afford_v assurance_n of_o our_o propriety_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n by_o he_o as_o any_o inherent_a grace_n or_o qualification_n can_v do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v the_o application_n to_o abraham_n of_o these_o two_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o he_o gen_n 22._o v._n 12.16_o 17._o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o superadded_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n make_v a_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a soul_n as_o there_o be_v to_o abraham_n else_o they_o can_v add_v a_o confirmation_n or_o bring_v in_o consolation_n to_o any_o heir_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o end_v they_o be_v intend_v for_o argu._n 3_o from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o gospel_n ow_v 1_o joh._n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o give_v a_o distinct_a testimony_n from_o water_n and_o blood_n there_o be_v not_o three_o witness_n indeed_o neither_o water_n nor_o blood_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o witness_v but_o the_o spirit_n with_o water_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o hence_o the_o water_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n with_o blood_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o thence_o the_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v from_o its_o concurrence_n with_o these_o there_o be_v but_o two_o not_o three_o witness_n and_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v so_o distinct_a from_o blood_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o testify_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o distinct_a from_o they_o both_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o sound_v very_o harsh_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o same_o use_n which_o water_n or_o blood_n be_v of_o seal_v the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o blood_n and_o with_o water_n but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o distinct_a witness_v by_o way_n of_o enlarge_a the_o soul_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o witness_v unto_o we_o our_o condition_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n from_o sanctification_n but_o sometime_o immediate_o by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o friend_n comfort_v without_o help_n of_o discourse_n dr._n sibbs_n saint_n seal_v when_o they_o witness_v the_o same_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o when_o that_o witness_v and_o as_o they_o have_v something_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o when_o discern_v a_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v of_o interest_n in_o christ_n so_o the_o spirit_n have_v some_o peculiar_a act_n or_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o distinct_a from_o both_o which_o effectual_o beget_v the_o same_o persuasion_n which_o they_o do_v though_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n then_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inference_n from_o such_o promise_n as_o they_o attain_v it_o by_o object_n but_o by_o spirit_n be_v not_o mean_v here_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o our_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o three_o witness_n answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 1._o because_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o so_o the_o enumeration_n of_o witness_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o full_a if_o that_o be_v not_o intend_v 2._o because_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o to_o advance_v our_o spirit_n but_z the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o the_o witness_n on_o earth_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n and_o hereupon_o he_o number_v the_o witness_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o &_o ver_fw-la 10_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_v himself_o which_o argue_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o holy-spirit_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o do_v
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
for_o the_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o adoption_n i_o find_v no_o rule_n for_o these_o the_o spirit_n give_v a_o certainty_n of_o adoption_n by_o its_o act_n within_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o if_o a_o hundred_o witness_n have_v affirm_v it_o as_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o effectual_a application_n of_o witness_v word_n when_o it_o testify_v by_o direct_a act_n the_o hint_n or_o give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n be_v not_o enough_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o another_o place_n but_o then_o a_o word_n be_v apply_v when_o it_o be_v powerful_o set_v upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v settle_a and_o engrave_v there_o that_o it_o become_v a_o engraft_a word_n james_n 1.21_o and_o work_v effectual_o towards_o its_o proper_a end_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o coloss_n 1.29_o and_o that_o it_o bear_v down_o all_o temptation_n objection_n and_o unbelieved_a reason_n that_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o against_o what_o it_o be_v call_v up_o to_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n jerem._n 31._o v._o 33._o it_o be_v only_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o can_v do_v this_o 2_o corin._n 3.3_o and_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o application_n of_o a_o witness_v word_n as_o the_o heart_n be_v irresistible_o overpower_v into_o a_o pers_n wasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o it_o than_o it_o it_o indeed_o witness_v and_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v find_v such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n come_v alongst_o with_o a_o word_n that_o the_o ugh_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n come_v yet_o they_o dare_v not_o can_v not_o but_o say_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n or_o as_o 2_o corin._n 5.1_o we_o know_v and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n the_o promise_n be_v as_o it_o be_v hold_v to_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v knit_v and_o glue_v together_o that_o until_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o operation_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n leave_v the_o body_n as_o to_o make_v this_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o else_o where_o 2._o the_o spirit_n excit_v and_o draw_v out_o some_o manifest_a special_a gracious_a act_n when_o the_o way_n of_o testify_v be_v by_o reflex_n act_n the_o gospel_n declare_v and_o determine_v say_v and_o other_o grace_n to_o be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o adoption_n now_o the_o spirit_n enable_v to_o act_v these_o rom._n 5.5_o gal._n 5.22_o and_o from_o these_o by_o reflex_n act_n to_o draw_v concsusion_n of_o adoption_n i_o call_v they_o special_a gracious_a act_n to_o difference_n they_o from_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n unbeliever_n may_v have_v hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5.6_o that_o have_v not_o power_n to_o assert_v adoption_n which_o be_v a_o special_a relation_n for_o nothing_o common_a can_v evidence_n that_o which_o be_v special_a and_o they_o must_v be_v manifest_a act_n of_o grace_n for_o witness_n be_v purposely_o to_o clear_v up_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v dark_a &_o dubious_a and_o therefore_o witness_v must_v ever_o be_v by_o what_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o apparent_a and_o hence_o christ_n refer_v the_o jew_n to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 5.36.39_o because_o they_o be_v more_o visible_a to_o they_o and_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v many_o secret_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o though_o they_o be_v special_a work_n yet_o be_v not_o intend_v for_o this_o but_o some_o other_o end_n and_o with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n a_o soul_n can_v use_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v improve_v unto_o witness_v be_v themselves_o so_o hardly_o discerneable_a yet_o i_o dare_v not_o confine_v assurance_n unto_o eminent_a saint_n i_o think_v few_o or_o no_o christian_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o such_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v witness_v to_o they_o adoption_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v afterward_o but_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o operation_n and_o the_o witness_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o must_v have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o peculiarnesse_v in_o they_o 3._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o apply_v itself_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o due_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_n assurance_n sometime_o his_o proceed_n be_v gradual_a or_o by_o degree_n the_o soul_n go_v on_o step_n by_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o it_o arrive_v at_o it_o as_o the_o spirit_n may_v first_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n that_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o and_o may_v attain_v unto_o more_o quietness_n &_o establishment_n then_o yet_o itself_o have_v find_v 2_o pet._n 1._o ver_fw-la 10._o this_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o little_o mind_v before_o and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n those_o impediment_n which_o former_o hinder_v assurance_n subdue_v some_o corruption_n answer_v some_o doubt_n cause_v it_o to_o see_v the_o groundlessness_n of_o some_o fear_n it_o have_v labour_v under_o help_v it_o to_o look_v into_o satan_n design_n that_o have_v hinder_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o it_o and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o glorious_a advantage_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o assurance_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o before_o it_o see_v how_o it_o may_v glorify_v god_n more_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n than_o it_o can_v do_v under_o doubt_n fear_n disquieting_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n capacitate_v the_o soul_n for_o such_o a_o mercy_n so_o exod._n 33._o v._o 9.11.14.17_o moses_n upon_o every_o new_a grant_n or_o return_v of_o prayer_n take_v advantage_n to_o rise_v high_a and_o high_o in_o his_o request_n and_o at_o last_o cry_v out_o ver_fw-la 18._o i_o beseech_v thou_o show_v i_o thy_o glory_n and_o ver_fw-la 19_o compare_v with_o exod._n 34.6_o all_o his_o goodness_n pass_v before_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n cause_v a_o soul_n to_o seek_v for_o some_o mercit_n and_o upon_o the_o lord_n answer_v some_o desire_n it_o have_v encouragement_n to_o go_v with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n for_o great_a mercy_n and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o act_v faith_n in_o a_o eminent_a way_n for_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n have_v these_o also_o it_o obtain_v some_o mercy_n conduce_v to_o assurance_n at_o first_o and_o afterward_o enjoy_v that_o also_o i_o have_v mention_v this_o the_o rather_o 1._o because_o christian_n think_v to_o have_v assurance_n all_o at_o once_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v very_o much_o trouble_v if_o it_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o lump_n whereas_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o let_v it_o in_o sometime_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o long_a time_n in_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n that_o thou_o have_v it_o not_o present_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o 2._o because_o many_o be_v very_o suspicious_a of_o a_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o some_o violent_a powerful_a heart-astonishing_a alteration_n whereas_o though_o sometime_o it_o be_v by_o such_o invincible_a operation_n as_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o freedom_n whether_o it_o will_v own_v they_o or_o not_o but_o overcome_v the_o heart_n immediate_o to_o a_o reception_n of_o the_o testimony_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n the_o spirit_n act_v in_o a_o more_o mild_a gentle_a and_o secret_a indiscernible_a way_n and_o do_v more_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o choice_n for_o own_v it_o or_o not_o and_o by_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v miss_v of_o that_o assurance_n which_o they_o lead_v to_o yet_o these_o operation_n when_o they_o doc_fw-fr effectual_o witness_v be_v so_o powerful_a that_o ever_o they_o carry_v the_o heart_n alongst_o with_o they_o towards_o christ_n when_o assurance_n come_v in_o as_o the_o result_n of_o selfe-examination_n it_o may_v not_o cause_v such_o eminent_a alteration_n as_o a_o soul_n may_v expect_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v good_a but_o there_o be_v sweet_a gracious_a effect_n that_o will_v follow_v real_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o come_v in_o and_o that_o bow_v of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o selfe-examination_n etc._n etc._n be_v another_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o witness_n 4._o the_o spirit_n afford_v irradiation_n as_o a_o witness_n open_v a_o case_n and_o show_v how_o it_o stand_v so_o the_o spirit_n by_o shine_v forth_o with_o its_o bright_a glorious_a and_o heavenly_a beam_n into_o the_o dark_a dungeon-like_a soul_n do_v cause_v it_o to_o discern_v enough_o in_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n to_o satisfy_v it_o about_o its_o adoption_n and_o though_o it_o
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
spirit_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n ask_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n hereof_o which_o argue_v that_o the_o spirit_n discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o its_o own_o power_n and_o so_o evidence_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o some_o of_o its_o act_n especial_o in_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o call_v as_o v._o 18._o and_o the_o spirit_n convince_v hereof_o by_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o 1._o it_o overcome_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o acceptation_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o soul_n see_v its_o own_o utter_a insufficiency_n in_o itself_o to_o make_v such_o a_o application_n of_o a_o promise_n as_o now_o it_o have_v feel_v and_o a_o utter_a averseness_n and_o real_a backwardness_n thereunto_o though_o there_o have_v be_v ability_n it_o be_v ready_a with_o sarah_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o news_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o to_o say_v with_o those_o 2_o king_n 7.2_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v window_n in_o heaven_n it_o can_v not_o be_v accomplish_v to_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o power_n that_o do_v draw_v it_o that_o way_n 2._o it_o overcome_v satan_n the_o spirit_n discover_v how_o satan_n raise_v his_o utmost_a opposition_n against_o the_o closure_n with_o the_o promise_n and_o many_o temptation_n be_v bring_v to_o fresh_a remembrance_n whereby_o he_o seek_v to_o keep_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o yea_o it_o see_v the_o same_o power_n that_o draw_v to_o the_o promise_n lay_v out_o to_o the_o utmost_a against_o satan_n therein_o and_o from_o hence_o say_v the_o spirit_n it_o can_v not_o be_v thyself_o or_o satan_n for_o both_o run_v cross_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o have_v do_v this_o 3._o the_o spirit_n convince_v it_o of_o christ_n faithfulness_n herein_o psal_n 89._o v._n 1_o 2.5.8_o i_o will_v make_v know_v thy_o faithfulness_n to_o all_o generation_n v._o 8._o who_o be_v a_o strong_a lord_n like_o unto_o thou_o or_o to_o thy_o faithfulness_n round_o about_o thou_o so_o a_o soul_n after_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v exceed_o take_v up_o with_o the_o faithfuine_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o speak_v to_o god_n after_o this_o manner_n thou_o do_v former_o enable_v i_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o thyself_o in_o this_o promise_n and_o when_o my_o heart_n flag_v faint_v faill_v and_o give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o it_o yet_o now_o have_v thou_o accomplish_v it_o and_o throw_v the_o mercy_n into_o my_o lap_n and_o discover_v thy_o faithfulness_n when_o i_o be_v unfaithful_a 4._o the_o spirit_n convince_v it_o of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n psal_n 31._o v._n 19_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n his_o soul_n be_v even_o swallow_v up_o with_o admiration_n at_o the_o extensivenes_n of_o it_o o_o how_o great_a &_o v._o 21._o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v show_v i_o marvellous_a kindnes-what_a make_v he_o so_o much_o wonder_n at_o divine_a goodness_n v._o 22._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o nevertheless_o thou_o hear_v so_o the_o spirit_n cause_v a_o soul_n to_o see_v how_o full_a of_o distrust_n that_o have_v be_v how_o ready_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neglect_v of_o god_n and_o how_o nevertheless_o the_o lord_n deal_v thus_o and_o thus_o gracious_o with_o it_o and_o it_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n it_o be_v even_o wrap_v up_o as_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o so_o take_v up_o with_o redeem_v love_n in_o the_o application_n of_o some_o promise_n as_o for_o the_o time_n nothing_o can_v put_v it_o upon_o a_o denial_n of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o love_n towards_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o be_v the_o primary_n evidence_n by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v seem_v that_o this_o question_n how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v this_o testimony_n be_v needless_a for_o such_o as_o be_v actual_o under_o it_o see_v the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n but_o in_o regard_n 1._o afterward_o the_o spirit_n may_v suspend_v its_o operation_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v question_v it_o 2._o some_o have_v strong_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n that_o they_o enjoy_v this_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v mere_o under_o delusion_n and_o this_o first_o answer_n though_o it_o hold_v out_o the_o primary_n evidence_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o that_o real_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o it_o may_v seem_v not_o to_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o discover_v who_o have_v it_o not_o 3._o immediate_a testimony_n have_v admit_v of_o sign_n for_o their_o confirmation_n to_o we_o luk._n 1._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20._o matth._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17._o act._n 2._o v._n 2_o 3_o 4._o hence_o though_o i_o suppose_v such_o sign_n be_v cease_v yet_o it_o not_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o assert_v some_o inferior_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o see_v the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v some_o spiritual_a work_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o saint_n in_o and_o by_o its_o witness_v act_n which_o may_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a sign_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v further_o chap._n xiii_o of_o what_o do_v secondary_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o immediate_a testimony_n ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o secondary_a evidence_n of_o the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v faith_n there_o be_v some_o eminent_a act_n of_o faith_n draw_v out_o by_o it_o but_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o spirit_n lean_a without_o these_o 1._o faith_n be_v exercise_v upon_o christ_n in_o that_o witness_v word_n which_o be_v apply_v that_o look_v how_o it_o be_v to_o act_v upon_o any_o other_o word_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n it_o do_v upon_o this_o the_o spirit_n appli_v the_o promise_n but_o faith_n receive_v it_o heb._n 10._o v._o 22._o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n if_o a_o soul_n have_v attain_v full_a assurance_n faith_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o or_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o believe_v and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v call_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o example_n in_o that_o chapter_n of_o faith_n act_v upon_o various_a occasion_n now_o if_o such_o act_n be_v draw_v out_o upon_o witness_v word_n as_o carry_v a_o correspondency_n with_o they_o unto_o those_o in_o ahel_n abraham_n moses_n etc._n etc._n upon_o other_o or_o such_o word_n than_o they_o be_v conclusive_a or_o witness_v and_o a_o reflection_n upon_o those_o act_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o conducible_a towards_o the_o discover_v a_o testimony_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n a_o review_v of_o a_o evidence_n be_v enough_o to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n 2._o faith_n be_v exercise_v upon_o christ_n in_o other_o promise_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v witness_v while_o the_o soul_n be_v full_a of_o fear_n and_o questioning_n about_o its_o interest_n in_o adopt_v love_n it_o act_v faith_n very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o witness_v word_n give_v it_o assurance_n of_o faith_n now_o live_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n for_o it_o heb._n 10.38_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n psal_n 25.2_o o_o my_o god_n i_o trust_v in_o thou_o psal_n 63._o v._o 1.8_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v a_o sight_n of_o propriety_n in_o god_n this_o put_v it_o upon_o redouble_a act_n of_o say_v if_o it_o can_v say_v my_o god_n it_o can_v but_o say_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o delusion_n set_v not_o faith_n upon_o the_o wing_n for_o the_o mercy_n that_o it_o suppose_v itself_o to_o have_v interest_n in_o nay_o they_o do_v hinder_v the_o act_n of_o it_o revel_v 3.17_o 18.20_o she_o neglect_v make_v out_o to_o christ_n for_o all_o yea_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o her_o soul_n against_o he_o that_o christ_n stand_v without_o knock_v and_o can_v have_v admittance_n so_o long_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o her_o own_o spirit_n be_v attend_v to_o object_n 1._o but_o when_o be_v a_o word_n or_o promise_n receive_v by_o faith_n and_o so_o when_o do_v faith_n evidence_n a_o testimony_n to_o be_v no_o delusion_n ans_fw-fr 1._o when_o the_o heart_n be_v command_v into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o witness_v word_n as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n not_o bare_o when_o there_o be_v a_o give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o another_o place_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n overaw_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o majesty_n that_o come_v alongst_o therewith_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o
hard_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o and_o then_o the_o heart_n work_v on_o this_o manner_n o_o i_o have_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v i_o my_o god_n have_v forget_v i_o but_o now_o i_o see_v his_o thought_n be_v precious_a towards_o i_o even_o then_o i_o have_v wretched_o forget_v he_o but_o now_o i_o see_v that_o though_o a_o mother_n may_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n yet_o he_o can_v forget_v i_o it_o can_v but_o expatiate_v in_o rebuke_v its_o own_o heart_n for_o untoward_a working_n against_o this_o god_n who_o love_n it_o now_o feel_v it_o take_v god_n part_n against_o itself_o more_o than_o ever_o job_n 42._o v._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o wherefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o the_o clear_a sight_n of_o god_n cause_n the_o great_a selfe-abhorrency_a ezek._n 16._o v._o 61._o then_o shall_v thou_o remember_v thy_o way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a when_o v._o 60._o when_o i_o shall_v establish_v unto_o thou_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o v._o 63._o when_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o that_o testimony_n which_o block_v up_o the_o way_n to_o selfe-detestation_n be_v very_o suspicious_a though_o it_o transport_v with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o a_o sight_n of_o pacification_n shall_v be_v attend_v with_o evangelicall_n humiliation_n a_o delusion_n have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o puff_v up_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v a_o shadow_n of_o humility_n at_o other_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o it_o under_o high_a attainement_n and_o a_o supposal_n of_o glorious_a revelation_n but_o divine_a testimony_n be_v of_o correctine_n use_n unto_o a_o soul_n a_o peter_n after_o a_o love-looke_a from_o christ_n o_o how_o he_o figh_v sob_v melt_v mourn_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o forego_n denial_n of_o he_o a_o thomas_n that_o have_v rise_v high_a even_o unto_o redouble_a act_n of_o unbelief_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o see_v and_o feel_v too_o o_o he_o can_v but_o check_v himself_o and_o say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20.28_o under_o such_o heart-ravishing_a revelation_n this_o pierce_v wound_v and_o as_o it_o be_v stab_v the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v such_o unsuitable_a return_n from_o it_o after_o so_o large_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n evid_v 4._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n lay_v powerful_a engagement_n upon_o the_o heart_n towards_o selfe-purification_n though_o sanctification_n sometime_o lie_v so_o dark_a that_o a_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o as_o a_o witness_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o ever_o in_o witness_v the_o spirit_n lay_v obligation_n upon_o the_o soul_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o to_o its_o utmost_a for_o the_o future_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o not_o only_o some_o man_n but_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n i_o e._n of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v v._o 2._o purify_v himself_o and_o a_o little_a purity_n or_o holiness_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n as_o v._o 1_o 2._o put_v it_o upon_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o to_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o i._n e._n as_o god_n be_v pure_a whereas_o delusion_n tend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o unholines_n satan_n drive_v at_o some_o corrupt_a defigne_n therein_o evid_v 5._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n procure_v a_o expulsion_n of_o satan_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n christ_n evince_v his_o being_n no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o he_o do_v cast_v out_o satan_n math._n 12._o v._n 25_o 26.28_o so_o if_o a_o testimony_n of_o adoption_n conduce_v to_o the_o ejection_n of_o satan_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n in_o his_o temptation_n suggestion_n etc._n etc._n this_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v no_o delusion_n for_o if_o satan_n shall_v cast_v out_o satan_n his_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v and_o can_v not_o stand_v v._o 26._o the_o bind_n of_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o none_o else_o be_v strong_a than_o he_o when_o the_o word_n abide_v in_o a_o soul_n than_o it_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o joh._n 2.14_o every_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3.8_o delusion_n dim_a and_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v see_v into_o the_o crafty_a contrivance_n of_o that_o subtle_a adversary_n but_o the_o spirit_n take_v off_o those_o veil_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o give_v notable_a discovery_n of_o satan_n close_o plotting_n cross_a act_n secret_a undermineing_n soule-ensnaring_a stratagem_n that_o it_o see_v into_o his_o way_n and_o method_n more_o than_o ever_o 2_o corin._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o &_o 12._o v._o 7._o yea_o it_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o detestation_n of_o and_o indignation_n against_o he_o in_o his_o enterprise_n and_o that_o because_o they_o tend_v to_o interrupt_v some_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o contradict_v his_o end_n math._n 3.17_o with_o 4._o v._o 10._o and_o also_o many_o temptation_n be_v overcome_v hereby_o satan_n will_v be_v incense_v when_o he_o see_v himself_o cast_v out_o and_o so_o flood_n of_o new_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v rev._n 12._o v._n 13.15_o but_o by_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n usual_o a_o soul_n obtain_v a_o release_n from_o those_o old_a one_o that_o it_o have_v grapple_v with_o and_o groan_v yea_o even_o sink_v under_o many_o a_o day_n and_o it_o speak_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o testimony_n when_o it_o work_v this_o way_n for_o satan_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o but_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n when_o delusion_n prevail_v and_o satan_n be_v expel_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o that_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o he_o and_o when_o his_o way_n be_v render_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o it_o evid_v 6._o satan_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o draw_v and_o beat_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n but_o he_o seek_v to_o prevent_v a_o question_n of_o his_o own_o i_o do_v not_o make_v doubt_v a_o evidence_n of_o assurance_n but_o if_o thou_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o satan_n tempt_v thou_o to_o doubt_v and_o seek_v to_o divide_v between_o thou_o and_o a_o promise_v apply_v that_o argue_v thy_o closure_n with_o the_o promise_n not_o to_o be_v by_o his_o mean_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o persuade_v thou_o to_o own_o a_o testimony_n still_o which_o thou_o baste_v receive_v than_o it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a for_o satan_n be_v no_o such_o friend_n or_o favourite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n or_o its_o testimony_n as_o to_o seek_v the_o hinder_v its_o question_n thereof_o neither_o be_v he_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o beat_v off_o from_o harken_v unto_o his_o own_o delusion_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v incline_v to_o embrace_v they_o evid_v 7._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n afford_v corroboration_n against_o the_o sharp_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n a_o timorous_a fearful_a spirit_n that_o former_o think_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v up_o against_o small_a trial_n yet_o after_o such_o a_o testimony_n it_o be_v undaunted_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o great_a the_o shineing_n of_o god_n face_n make_v it_o willing_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n now_o it_o can_v venture_v to_o the_o utmost_a for_o he_o when_o they_o can_v claim_v interest_n in_o god_n dan._n 3.17_o our_o god_n this_o make_v they_o declare_v their_o resolution_n for_o god_n v._n 18._o this_o will_v bear_v out_o against_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n rom._n 8.37_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n we_o i._o e._n we_o that_o can_v say_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o v._o 39_o we_o be_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n peril_n sword_n etc._n etc._n v._n 36._o not_o only_o after_o these_o but_o in_o they_o and_o in_o all_o these_o hard_a passage_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o many_o be_v provoke_v to_o doubt_v of_o divine_a love_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o we_o be_v conqueror_n i._n e._n while_o we_o be_v under_o they_o they_o be_v overcome_v to_o we_o we_o be_v not_o subdue_v or_o keep_v under_o in_o our_o faith_n or_o patience_n by_o these_o but_o be_v keep_v above_o our_o tribulation_n and_o conqueror_n i._n e._n of_o satan_n who_o fight_v against_o we_o in_o these_o he_o back_v persecution_n with_o temptation_n but_o we_o overcome_v all_o and_o be_v conqueror_n i._n e._n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n
touchstone_n or_o rule_n for_o trial_n see_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 17.11_o though_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v evidence_n to_o itself_o especial_o in_o the_o more_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v and_o act_v so_o irresistible_o as_o the_o soul_n while_o that_o work_n continue_v can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v yet_o all_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n i._n e._n both_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o effect_n that_o follow_v it_o or_o those_o operation_n it_o have_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o if_o these_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n account_v it_o a_o delusion_n though_o the_o persuasion_n be_v very_o strong_a isa_n 8.20_o gal._n 1._o v._n 7_o 8._o &_o 6._o v._o 16._o it_o be_v dangerous_a with_o zacharias_n from_o a_o unbelieved_a suspicion_n upon_o non_fw-fr scripturall_a ground_n to_o doubt_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n with_o mary_n for_o information_n to_o inquire_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v luk._n 1.18_o 19_o 20.34_o 35_o 38._o though_o your_o confidence_n continue_v yet_o you_o be_v to_o weigh_v they_o afterward_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discern_a or_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n whither_o any_o and_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v attaineable_a and_o ordinary_o grant_v unto_o soul_n this_o may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v selfe-examination_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whither_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o now_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o that_o purposely_o to_o gain_v a_o knowledge_n what_o the_o state_n be_v this_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v with_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o inquire_v what_o the_o soul_n have_v meet_v withal_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v so_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o make_v water_n or_o blood_n effectual_o witness_v for_o without_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n to_o pass_v upon_o 2._o from_o clear_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 12.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n ezek_n 16._o v._n 61._o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a 3._o from_o experience_n christian_n that_o at_o some_o time_n through_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o deny_v such_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n can_v make_v large_a narration_n of_o many_o passage_n they_o have_v meet_v withal_o they_o can_v declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o word_n have_v wrought_v within_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o soul_n under_o miserable_a questioning_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n still_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v beyond_o question_v whither_o they_o have_v be_v under_o such_o working_n or_o no_o but_o here_o they_o stick_v they_o know_v not_o wither_v these_o be_v witnessing_n or_o not_o beware_v therefore_o of_o harbour_v any_o imagination_n that_o either_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o counterfeit_a working_n of_o satan_n shall_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o that_o this_o conceit_n raise_v by_o satan_n keep_v many_o a_o soul_n on_o this_o side_n assurance_n a_o great_a while_n 2._o the_o work_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v discern_v thou_o may_v examine_v and_o measure_v they_o by_o the_o write_a word_n whither_o they_o be_v special_a or_o common_a if_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o doubt_v and_o question_v whither_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v adoption_n or_o not_o by_o renew_a recourse_n to_o the_o word_n thou_o may_v find_v what_o they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o call_v grace_n or_o not_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chemic_n that_o they_o will_v so_o counterfeit_a gold_n that_o no_o touchstone_n can_v discover_v it_o satan_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chemistry_n he_o have_v many_o thing_n like_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n humility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o those_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v the_o most_o confident_a soul_n often_o to_o try_v their_o ground_n and_o here_o be_v a_o touchstone_n the_o write_a word_n that_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v discover_v his_o most_o glister_a counterfeit_a coin_n 3._o a_o knowledge_n or_o real_a discern_v that_o those_o special_a work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v or_o may_v give_v a_o certainty_n that_o a_o right_a judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o condition_n you_o may_v undoubted_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o witness_v if_o you_o can_v clear_o see_v know_v or_o find_v that_o those_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v witness_v for_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v create_v they_o there_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o this_o be_v a_o great_a perplex_v thing_n to_o many_o a_o saint_n can_v it_o but_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o work_n that_o it_o have_v be_v under_o than_o it_o can_v conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n from_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o a_o saul_n a_o judas_n a_o reprobate_n may_v have_v and_o therefore_o bare_o the_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o work_n thou_o have_v experience_n of_o be_v a_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o agent_n there_o be_v many_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v denominate_v testimony_n of_o adoption_n now_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o bear_v witness_n plain_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o best_o wrought_v into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v this_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o if_o 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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
thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o delusion_n of_o satan_n answ_n 1._o i_o know_v it_o be_v of_o god_n by_o the_o evidence_n the_o spirit_n do_v give_v of_o itself_o in_o its_o own_o testimony_n 2._o by_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n 3._o there_o be_v then_o give_v i_o a_o review_n of_o my_o former_a experience_n of_o the_o lord_n working_n in_o reference_n unto_o conversion_n and_o of_o passage_n since_o and_o i_o have_v a_o certainty_n of_o all_o those_o work_n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o from_o the_o spirit_n 4._o my_o weakness_n in_o natural_a part_n and_o incapacitie_n of_o myself_o for_o such_o thing_n do_v make_v it_o conspicuous_a that_o all_o this_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n 5._o by_o the_o effect_n which_o this_o work_n have_v produce_v upon_o i_o i_o be_o since_o look_v for_o participation_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n and_o seek_v for_o sanctification_n and_o transformation_n and_o this_o be_v my_o business_n and_o i_o 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the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n upon_o i_o as_o i_o apprehend_v my_o heart_n be_v altogether_o stony_a hereby_o show_v i_o my_o evil_n for_o i_o shall_v have_v bless_v god_n for_o any_o measure_n of_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o i_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o the_o promise_n in_o my_o own_o strength_n i_o have_v this_o apprehension_n as_o god_n have_v give_v the_o promise_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n also_o to_o apply_v it_o and_o go_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v as_o a_o poor_a empty_a nothing_o creature_n look_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o apply_v it_o i_o have_v find_v that_o while_o i_o have_v be_v believe_v a_o quiet_a wait_a god_n time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o promise_n and_o not_o make_v such_o haste_n as_o the_o unquietnes_n and_o over-eager_a hastiness_n of_o my_o spirit_n have_v put_v i_o upon_o at_o other_o time_n 3._o i_o have_v have_v such_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v the_o creature_n and_o all_o its_o power_n rage_n act_v &c._n &c._n to_o be_v as_o nothing_o 4._o i_o have_v be_v for_o a_o time_n as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n and_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o such_o fail_n of_o heart_n as_o at_o other_o time_n 5._o hear_v a_o christian_a in_o private_a utter_v these_o word_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n i_o have_v a_o very_a sweet_a apprehension_n that_o our_o faith_n eye_v the_o sweet_a love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o dear_a &_o tender_a love_n of_o the_o son_n do_v gather_v strength_n thence_o and_o work_v effectual_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o love_n 6._o be_v bring_v to_o a_o great_a stand_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o corruption_n in_o i_o and_o almost_o beat_v off_o from_o believe_v that_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n with_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n joseph_n go_v and_o ask_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n bold_o so_o i_o shall_v venture_v by_o believe_v on_o a_o crucify_a christ_n 7._o at_o another_o time_n be_v exceed_o low_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o corruption_n break_v forth_o i_o come_v into_o the_o society_n of_o some_o godly_a people_n and_o hear_v one_o in_o prayer_n mention_v this_o concern_v christ_n intercession_n if_o there_o be_v one_o moment_n wherein_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o present_v to_o the_o father_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a with_o they_o i_o find_v faith_n recover_v a_o little_a hence_o as_o one_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o wound_n do_v begin_v to_o recover_v out_o of_o the_o swoon_a fit_n it_o cast_v he_o into_o 8._o soon_o after_o my_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o bleed_a and_o languish_v it_o be_v thus_o revive_v my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n nor_o my_o way_n your_o way_n i_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n into_o that_o scripture_n at_o that_o time_n which_o do_v set_v i_o a_o breathe_n after_o the_o lord_n 9_o be_v once_o through_o extraordinary_a buffet_n of_o satan_n bring_v to_o such_o extremity_n that_o i_o fall_v into_o such_o kind_n of_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v it_o not_o better_o for_o i_o to_o give_v over_o and_o never_o mind_n any_o thing_n of_o god_n more_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v shall_v i_o not_o be_v in_o great_a peace_n if_o i_o do_v at_o once_o cast_v off_o all_o this_o come_v to_o relieve_v i_o if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n for_o a_o moment_n now_o you_o have_v sorrow_n but_o i_o will_v see_v you_o again_o and_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o your_o joy_n shall_v no_o man_n take_v from_o you_o thus_o be_v my_o faith_n a_o little_a revive_v again_o the_o very_a next_o day_n i_o be_v more_o sad_o set_v upon_o then_o ever_o and_o then_o this_o consideration_n abraham_n believe_v god_n upon_o the_o greatdst_a disadvantage_n and_o so_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n so_o ought_v i_o now_o and_o hereby_o a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o my_o escape_n concern_v temptation_n i_o be_v sad_o tempt_v and_o find_v satan_n buffet_n i_o violent_o partly_o upbraid_v i_o for_o former_a sin_n and_o partly_o put_v i_o on_o to_o sin_n i_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o also_o to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o a_o christian_a friend_n to_o pray_v with_o i_o he_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o my_o condition_n himself_o have_v be_v under_o such_o temptation_n i_o will_v have_v believe_v but_o can_v not_o i_o will_v have_v put_v away_o thought_n of_o temptation_n but_o can_v not_o the_o temptation_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a my_o heart_n be_v break_v by_o reason_n of_o sorrow_n yet_o for_o a_o time_n marvellous_o keep_v up_o to_o strive_v i_o see_v i_o can_v not_o hold_v out_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v and_o give_v over_o the_o combat_n but_o i_o find_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o for_o my_o help_n in_o a_o needful_a time_n when_o i_o be_v without_o strength_n i_o apprehend_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n very_o sensible_o set_v against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o give_v ground_n i_o have_v sustain_v many_o hundred_o charge_n concern_v the_o odious_a nature_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o the_o sad_a curse_n denounce_v against_o the_o same_o after_o a_o little_a retreat_n of_o the_o enemy_n i_o begin_v to_o take_v a_o little_a boldness_n but_o never_o with_o more_o tremble_a and_o despair_v in_o myself_o or_o more_o cleave_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o conqueror_n i_o can_v then_o true_o say_v my_o rejoice_v be_v in_o another_o and_o i_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o 1._o i_o