the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o essay_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o open_v and_o answer_v these_o follow_a weighty_a query_n q._n 1._o what_o be_v the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adaption_n 3_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v a_o soul_n attain_v they_o to_o which_o be_v add_v rose_n from_o sharon_n or_o sweet_a experience_n reach_v out_o by_o christ_n to_o some_o of_o his_o beloved_a one_o in_o this_o wilderness_n by_o samuel_n petto_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o sandcroft_n in_o suffolk_n isaiah_n 59_o 19_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o london_n print_v for_o livewell_n chapman_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o popes-head-alley_n 1654._o to_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o sandcroft_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o father_n have_v purchase_v redemption_n bring_v in_o a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n so_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v design_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n not_o only_o to_o make_v application_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o bring_v soul_n into_o the_o relation_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n thereby_o but_o also_o to_o bear_v testimony_n of_o their_o stand_n in_o that_o bless_a relation_n to_o encourage_v unto_o a_o wait_a for_o and_o to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o now_o dear_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o rest_v not_o satisfy_v without_o a_o persuasion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n give_v over_o carnal_a reason_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a though_o you_o be_v under_o the_o hiding_n of_o god_n face_n at_o present_a 8.17_o isa_n 8.17_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v in_o their_o great_a distress_n than_o joseph_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o they_o gen._n 45._o v._n 1.3_o 4._o so_o when_o many_o charge_n and_o accusation_n be_v bring_v in_o against_o you_o and_o many_o seem_o hard_a passage_n be_v meet_v withal_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v down_o low_a &_o your_o fear_n to_o rise_v high_a yet_o then_o may_v your_o assurance_n be_v near_o christ_n your_o spiritual_a joseph_n as_o with_o reverence_n we_o may_v speak_v it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o refrain_v no_o long_o he_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o joseph_n your_o brother_n and_o if_o you_o enjoy_v a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n at_o last_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v you_o of_o all_o your_o wait_a it_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cluster_n of_o grape_n from_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n that_o will_v give_v you_o a_o foreknowledge_n how_o good_a the_o land_n be_v this_o will_v sweeten_v your_o bitter_a cup_n and_o your_o worst_a condition_n to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v enough_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n your_o heart_n be_v now_o fearful_a of_o meddle_v with_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v precious_a promise_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o or_o not_o such_o a_o testimony_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v you_o because_o christ_n be_v you_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n indeed_o when_o you_o want_v assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n by_o faith_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o promise_n suitable_a to_o your_o condition_n but_o satan_n hinder_v oftentimes_o therein_o when_o you_o can_v see_v your_o interest_n in_o christ_n hereby_o also_o you_o will_v see_v your_o liberty_n for_o near_a approaching_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n because_o he_o be_v your_o father_n and_o may_v hope_v of_o be_v successful_a in_o all_o your_o drawing_n near_o to_o he_o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v freedom_n from_o or_o establishment_n against_o many_o temptation_n which_o a_o doubt_a condition_n expose_v you_o to_o you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o have_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o murmur_a discontent_a thought_n at_o his_o dispensation_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v be_v hereby_o you_o will_v be_v render_v thankful_a for_o your_o mercy_n whereas_o now_o you_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v the_o most_o special_a mercy_n common_a and_o that_o such_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o you_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v even_o joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v sandcroft_n 4_o more_o 20_o day_n 1654._o you_o in_o gospel_n engagement_n samuel_n petto_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o great_a god_n about_o the_o everlasting_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o abide_v after_o the_o number_n of_o our_o month_n be_v determine_v and_o that_o this_o body_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o the_o king_n of_o torror_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v open_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o at_o the_o present_a so_o hide_v that_o by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v either_o know_v love_n or_o hat_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o particular_a soul_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v those_o irreversible_a word_n go_v you_o curse_v come_v you_o bless_v yet_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n even_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v it_o be_v that_o have_v send_v for_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o curious_o and_o exact_o survey_v the_o very_a bottom_n counsel_n of_o god_n to_o make_v report_n of_o and_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n the_o precious_a assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n that_o so_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v may_v have_v consolation_n and_o hope_n and_o now_o a_o search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o language_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o whisper_n thereof_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o work_n worthy_a the_o utmost_a of_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v answerable_o esteem_v of_o by_o we_o according_a to_o its_o issue_n which_o be_v so_o great_a even_o of_o eternal_a moment_n beside_o multitude_n there_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n some_o on_o the_o one_o part_n lay_v claim_n to_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n who_o walking_n yet_o savour_v so_o rank_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o they_o declare_v they_o sensual_a and_o delude_v other_o there_o be_v who_o not_o only_o have_v taste_v the_o spirit_n sweetness_n but_o by_o he_o have_v be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o christ_n yet_o through_o over-elated_n thought_n and_o expectancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n witnessing_n much_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o too_o much_o raise_v account_n of_o some_o pompous_a and_o extraordinary_a appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n regardless_o of_o those_o precious_a whisper_n of_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o promise_n hint_n to_o the_o soul_n make_v they_o still_o froward_a and_o dissatisfy_v with_o god_n as_o not_o count_v their_o prayer_n hear_v or_o their_o person_n regard_v because_o not_o extraordinary_o visit_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o design_n and_o aim_v therefore_o of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o piece_n be_v to_o promote_v our_o understanding_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v he_o to_o relieve_v and_o edify_v the_o weak_a and_o doubt_v and_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v delude_v we_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v deal_v faithful_o both_o with_o christ_n and_o you_o in_o lay_v aside_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o treat_v of_o to_o speak_v home_o to_o either_o sort_n upon_o that_o short_a view_n we_o have_v of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v add_v our_o testimony_n to_o it_o not_o
to_o a_o more_o through_o handle_v of_o this_o great_a point_n or_o may_v draw_v our_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o further_o distinguish_v the_o speaking_o of_o the_o spirit_n from_o satanical_a illusion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v to_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o reap'_v any_o spiritual_a advantage_n by_o what_o thou_o read_v give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o send_v up_o some_o groan_n and_o cry_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n for_o i_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o practical_a experimental_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o a_o doctrinal_a way_n to_o clear_v up_o to_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o poor_a unworthy_a labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n s._n p._n courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o author_n far_a distance_n from_o the_o press_n many_o fault_n have_v escape_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v here_o note_v out_o which_o thou_o be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o errata_n page_n 3._o line_n 11._o for_o rathen_a read_v rather_o p._n 9_o l._n 18._o for_o no_o r._n to_o to_o yield_v attention_n p._n 11._o l._n 14._o for_o or_o conscience_n 1._o our_o conscience_n p._n 27._o l._n 17._o for_o time_n r._n thing_n p._n 30._o l._n 24._o for_o antedent_n r._n antecedent_n p._n 34._o l._n 17._o for_o understand_v r._n understand_v p._n 37._o l._n 18._o for_o promise_n r._n premise_n p._n 38._o for_o spiritual_a ground_n r._n scripturall_a ground_n p._n 40._o l._n 9_o for_o conjunction_n r._n conjunctim_fw-la or_o in_o canjunction_n p._n 44._o l._n 12._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 54._o l._n 13._o for_o curruption_n r._n corruption_n p._n 58._o l._n 16._o for_o appleate_a r._n appeal_n p._n 67._o l._n 9_o blot_n out_o of_o p._n 104._o l._n 14._o for_o himseife_n r._n himself_o p._n 113._o l._n 8._o read_v thus_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v say_v p._n 119._o l._n 20._o for_o be_v r._n as_o p._n 138._o l._n 19_o for_o bolines_n r._n holiness_n p._n 140._o l._n 12._o for_o consequence_n r._n consequence_n p._n 140._o l._n 16._o for_o be_v as_o r._n bias_n p._n 148._o l._n 26._o r._n they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n p._n 150._o l._n 5._o for_o have_v r._n have_v p._n 160._o l._n 8._o for_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v read_v thus_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v p._n 160._o l._n 10._o for_o be_v r._n be_v p._n 81._o l._n 8._o for_o lean_a r._n leave_n p._n 166._o l._n 11._o for_o can_v r._n can_v not_o p._n 168._o l._n 18._o for_o spirit_n r._n spirit_n p._n 173._o l._n 25._o for_o the_o r._n they_o p._n 175._o on_o the_o margin_n for_o distincti_fw-la r._n distinctè_fw-la p._n 176._o l._n 3._o for_o hair_n r._n heir_n p._n 181._o l._n 30._o for_o its_o r._n he_o p._n 188._o l._n 5._o blot_n out_o it_o p._n 191._o l._n 6._o read_v thus_o be_v hint_v in_o a_o brief_a discovery_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n rom_n 8._o verse_n 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n chap._n i._o open_v the_o text_n and_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n this_o apostle_n paul_n have_v make_v it_o his_o great_a design_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n he_o draw_v up_o a_o comfortable_a conclusion_n chap_n 8.1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o as_o well_o to_o prevent_v a_o presumptuous_a claim_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o to_o deliver_v from_o ungrounded_a doubt_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d characterize_v those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n ver_fw-la 9_o with_o its_o concurrence_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o as_o a_o conductor_n or_o leader_n ver_fw-la 14._o these_o be_v make_v the_o great_a discriminate_v difference_v thing_n which_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v set_v out_o and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o but_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v &_o dream_v of_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o leading_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o they_o be_v without_o they_o therefore_o he_o add_v this_o ver_fw-la 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o word_n express_v the_o way_n whereby_o a_o soul_n attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o its_o freedom_n from_o condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n where_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n 1._o who_o witness_v the_o spirit_n itself_o with_o our_o spirit_n 2._o what_o be_v witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n i.e._n not_o only_a gift_n and_o grace_n but_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o worker_n or_o bestower_n of_o these_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v enable_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o which_o shall_v quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n ver_fw-la 11_o the_o spirit_n i.e._n who_o search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n who_o undoubted_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v adopt_v or_o not_o and_o who_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a he_o be_v truth_n itself_o this_o divine_a spirit_n not_o by_o a_o proxy_n but_o itself_o witness_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contestatur_fw-la testimonium_fw-la reddit_fw-la und_fw-ge testatur_fw-la i.e._n co-witnesseth_a or_o render_v a_o testimony_n or_o witness_v together_o say_v leigh_n sac._n crit._n sac._n the_o word_n be_v compose_v with_o the_o preposition_n together_o or_o with_o and_o so_o it_o denote_v a_o double_a or_o twin-testimony_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o our_o spirit_n it_o bear_v witness_n say_v he_o together_o with_o rathen_a then_o to_o our_o spirit_n yet_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o express_v a_o single_a testimony_n wicked_a man_n be_v confident_a of_o their_o adoption_n upon_o the_o false_a deceitful_a and_o delude_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o can_v lie_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n to_o testify_v fayus_n si_fw-mi unus_fw-la esset_fw-la testis_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la non_fw-la tolleretur_fw-la sed_fw-la duo_fw-la sunt_fw-la testes_fw-la itaque_fw-la nullus_fw-la restat_fw-la dubitationi_fw-la locus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la noster_fw-la fallere_fw-la posset_n nos_fw-la sed_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n non_fw-la sinit_fw-la nos_fw-la falli_fw-la fayus_n to_o or_o with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n here_o be_v two_o witness_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o our_o spirit_n i.e._n either_o 1._o our_o soul_n luke_n 23.46_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n i.e._n my_o soul_n act._n 7.59_o and_o so_o it_o be_v contra_fw-la distinguish_v from_o the_o body_n 1_o corin._n 6.20_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n i.e._n in_o your_o soul_n so_o 1_o cor._n 7.34_o and_o if_o you_o take_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o hold_v out_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o the_o outward_a ear_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o spirit_n make_v report_n of_o divine_a mercy_n to_o the_o inner_a man_n the_o way_n of_o its_o witness_v be_v not_o external_a by_o a_o audible_a voice_n but_o internal_a by_o secret_a whisper_n to_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o outward_a expression_n but_o by_o inward_a unspeakable_a inspiration_n or_o 2._o our_o spirit_n i._o e_o our_o uunderstanding_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o be_v renew_v be_v call_v also_o by_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor_fw-la 2.11_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n here_o our_o spirit_n denote_v the_o know_a faculty_n and_o ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o judge_a power_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o take_v our_o spirit_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n or_o work_n of_o our_o understanding_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o receive_v embrace_v or_o refuse_v such_o testimony_n as_o be_v offer_v rom._n 2.15_o their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n witness_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n and_o with_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o e._n that_o we_o have_v
bid_v i_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n another_o night_n i_o have_v many_o hard_a place_n of_o scripture_n very_o spiritual_o declare_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o day_n again_o i_o be_v trouble_v and_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o weakness_n and_o dread_n on_o my_o spirit_n but_o one_o time_n i_o do_v willing_o take_v a_o little_a contentment_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o there_o come_v a_o terror_n that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o astonishment_n come_v and_o i_o resolve_v that_o i_o will_v take_v heed_n of_o yield_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n any_o more_o and_o that_o i_o will_v attend_v unto_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v in_o in_o the_o conclude_v of_o all_o spirit_n the_o witness_v of_o adoption_n by_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o i_o thus_o what_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o god_n justify_v of_o thou_o thou_o have_v see_v his_o infinite_a and_o invincible_a power_n thy_o heart_n have_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o it_o be_v make_v sure_a to_o thou_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o be_v he_o and_o none_o else_o it_o be_v irresistible_a now_o it_o be_v do_v i_o have_v seal_v thou_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o cause_v thou_o to_o set_v to_o thy_o seal_n that_o i_o be_o true_a thou_o know_v it_o be_v god_n and_o have_v seal_v to_o it_o now_o go_v forth_o into_o thy_o call_v and_o attend_v upon_o it_o keep_v thy_o mind_n intent_n upon_o it_o and_o see_v thou_o do_v not_o dishonour_v i_o and_o i_o do_v so_o and_o find_v some_o stir_n of_o corruption_n &_o temptation_n assault_v which_o i_o do_v not_o before_o only_a fear_n and_o dread_n now_o the_o hardship_n come_v that_o day_n i_o have_v as_o hard_a a_o day_n of_o it_o as_o ever_o in_o my_o life_n then_o satan_n set_v on_o i_o with_o violent_a temptation_n and_o i_o be_v dark_a this_o ministration_n withdraw_v i_o have_v it_o no_o more_o that_o day_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v sad_a tempta_fw-la 1._o i_o be_v tempt_v that_o now_o my_o earthen_a vessel_n shall_v be_v break_v and_o i_o shall_v be_v distract_v etc._n etc._n and_o i_o have_v bring_v it_o upon_o myself_o and_o thus_o bring_v it_o because_o i_o have_v seek_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o i_o and_o teach_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o former_a ministration_n it_o be_v give_v in_o this_o be_v that_o thy_o soul_n desire_v some_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o do_v forget_v and_o it_o come_v upon_o i_o do_v thou_o not_o see_v thou_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n have_v not_o better_a have_v be_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n but_o you_o will_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o 1._o i_o be_v much_o affright_v that_o day_n and_o full_a of_o fear_n 2._o my_o heart_n be_v so_o dark_a that_o i_o can_v not_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o satan_n for_o than_o i_o may_v have_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o i_o desire_v understand_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o my_o heart_n may_v go_v in_o a_o right_a way_n to_o christ_n but_o i_o can_v not_o reflect_v but_o whole_o attend_v to_o satan_n and_o satan_n give_v i_o impulsion_n to_o go_v read_v and_o try_v to_o pray_v suggest_v to_o i_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o pray_v thou_o have_v see_v god_n and_o need_v not_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 3._o yet_o i_o keep_v this_o all_o alongst_o that_o god_n be_v my_o father_n and_o though_o i_o be_v distress_v yet_o not_o in_o the_o least_o tear_n of_o perish_v satan_n can_v never_o shoot_v one_o arrow_n to_o make_v i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o ministration_n it_o be_v give_v in_o that_o sin_n be_v command_v out_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v mingle_v with_o his_o work_n and_o no_o battery_n ever_o shall_v be_v make_v against_o it_o i_o know_v i_o be_v safe_a for_o eternity_n 4._o yet_o i_o consider_v with_o myself_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o i_o to_o have_v dye_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o peter_n depart_v from_o i_o 5.8_o luke_n 5.8_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a creature_n it_o be_v a_o sorrow_n to_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v so_o much_o because_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o behave_v myself_o under_o it_o i_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o show_v i_o jesus_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o mortal_a creature_n to_o look_v upon_o and_o present_o i_o fall_v into_o a_o mighty_a tremble_a but_o immediate_o recover_v myself_o thus_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v and_o be_v quiet_v again_o as_o to_o that_o 5._o the_o lord_n day_n approach_v some_o of_o the_o family_n wish_v i_o to_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v and_o i_o desire_v every_o ordinance_n but_o by_o the_o tediousness_n of_o the_o weather_n i_o be_v then_o prevent_v and_o be_v at_o home_n in_o this_o dark_a condition_n all_o alone_a i_o resolve_v to_o set_v upon_o duty_n yet_o have_v no_o matter_n but_o to_o spread_v my_o misery_n before_o the_o lord_n i_o do_v excuse_v myself_o thus_o lord_n thou_o have_v be_v a_o wonder-working_a god_n in_o my_o soul_n i_o entreat_v thou_o teach_v i_o and_o show_v i_o jesus_n in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v thou_o have_v tread_v the_o winepress_a alone_o and_o that_o for_o i_o thou_o have_v free_o lay_v down_o thy_o life_n and_o that_o for_o i_o thou_o have_v promise_v that_o those_o which_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o thy_o patience_n thou_o will_v keep_v they_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n lord_n thou_o know_v this_o be_v the_o hour_n of_o my_o temptation_n i_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o feeling_n as_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o passive_a in_o enjoy_v so_o now_o make_v i_o passive_a in_o believe_v and_o i_o rehearse_v these_o word_n three_o time_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o 6._o temptation_n christ_n succour_v in_o temptation_n i_o find_v immediate_o a_o invincible_a power_n bear_v up_o my_o heart_n to_o cast_v help_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o evident_o and_o certain_o that_o one_o shall_v soon_o persuade_v i_o that_o a_o man_n which_o i_o see_v and_o have_v conference_n with_o be_v not_o a_o man_n then_o that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v christ_n by_o faith_n i_o do_v see_v myself_o take_v as_o out_o of_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o my_o heart_n triumph_v in_o christ_n that_o from_o this_o hour_n i_o can_v read_v and_o pray_v without_o trouble_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n i_o have_v another_o ministration_n in_o the_o night_n discover_v the_o difference_n between_o legal_a sorrow_n and_o gospel_n sorrow_n and_o i_o be_v put_v into_o a_o condition_n fit_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o my_o heart_n be_v melt_v into_o that_o gospel_n sorrow_n but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o declare_v particular_o how_o it_o be_v with_o i_o here_o for_o a_o world_n tempta_fw-la 2._o after_o this_o satan_n do_v assault_v i_o very_o strong_o with_o this_o temptation_n that_o i_o do_v idolise_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o discovery_n be_v take_v with_o the_o scripture_n because_o all_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o to_o i_o i_o receive_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o what_o i_o have_v see_v before_o but_o now_o i_o know_v it_o from_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o its_o make_v my_o heart_n one_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o now_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o i_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o i_o fall_v into_o a_o mighty_a tremble_a and_o fear_n for_o it_o come_v very_o sudden_o in_o a_o little_a space_n i_o have_v sweet_a refreshment_n and_o distillation_n of_o the_o spirit_n temptation_n help_v against_o temptation_n that_o come_v in_o thus_o not_o the_o letter_n but_o the_o spirit_n that_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v quiet_v again_o tempta_fw-la 3._o another_o come_v that_o i_o do_v idolise_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n and_o be_v take_v up_o in_o believe_v on_o jesus_n i_o be_v tremble_v and_o in_o a_o sweat_n and_o a_o great_a hurry_n upon_o this_o and_o o_o have_v it_o not_o be_v better_a that_o i_o have_v die_v and_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o answ_n after_o a_o little_a space_n it_o be_v give_v in_o that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v one_o pure_a essence_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n 2.6_o phil._n 2.6_o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n become_v a_o
acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o now_o through_o christ_n may_v lay_v claim_n unto_o whatsoever_o that_o relation_n can_v entitle_v to_o this_o testimony_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o expectation_n of_o such_o provision_n protection_n &_o portion_n as_o it_o become_v such_o a_o father_n to_o give_v out_o and_o hence_o rom._n 8.17_o and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n chap._n ii_o the_o observation_n from_o the_o text._n the_o observation_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o doctr_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v witness_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n this_o be_v the_o secret_a language_n of_o many_o a_o son_n of_o zion_n though_o i_o be_v adopt_v yet_o o_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o i_o shall_v ever_o attain_v assurance_n of_o it_o alas_o i_o can_v climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o see_v my_o name_n write_v there_o how_o shall_v i_o dive_v into_o such_o a_o secret_a as_o that_o be_v methinke_v i_o find_v the_o lord_n answer_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o so_o as_o it_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_n it_o in_o such_o reason_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o testimony_n will_v thou_o desire_v what_o will_v thou_o reckon_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sonship_n who_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n that_o thou_o can_v confide_v in_o if_o the_o divine_a spirit_n may_v ascertain_v thou_o of_o thy_o adoption_n behold_v that_o be_v nigh_o thou_o thou_o need_v not_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o setch_v that_o thence_o that_o be_v descend_v to_o thou_o for_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o how_o his_o heart_n stand_v towards_o thou_o and_o that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n into_o thy_o bosom_n even_o on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v good_a news_n from_o heaven_n of_o thy_o father_n love_n and_o though_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o with_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v infallible_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o thy_o adoption_n and_o this_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 2._o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n may_v attain_v they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n qu_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v it_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n do_v that_o towards_o the_o clear_n up_o unto_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o a_o witness_n do_v among_o man_n for_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n dubious_a and_o uncertain_a now_o the_o use_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n upon_o knowledge_n how_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n stand_v purposely_o to_o ascertain_v other_o thereof_o deut._n 19.15_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o end_n of_o witness_v be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o a_o matter_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o confirm_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v as_o firm_a and_o true_a by_o that_o record_n which_o be_v give_v in_o and_o hence_o joh._n 8.17_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o e._n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o may_v free_v from_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o before_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v render_v certain_a unto_o those_o that_o question_v it_o and_o when_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o operation_n do_v what_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o this_o then_o be_v witness_v the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o itself_o who_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o operation_n not_o by_o voice_n and_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 1._o objective_o 2._o efficient_o 1._o objective_o when_o it_o afford_v such_o special_a operation_n as_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n there_o be_v some_o special_a and_o remarkable_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o by_o a_o due_a observation_n may_v manifest_v adoption_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o affirmation_n and_o assertion_n thereof_o but_o many_o overlook_v these_o evidence_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o soul_n may_v remain_v without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sonship_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o witness_v if_o its_o record_n be_v not_o receive_v so_o rev._n 22.18_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v this_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v assert_v joh._n 3.11_o we_o testify_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o witness_n it_o be_v but_o a_o testimony_n propose_v or_o offer_v and_o be_v not_o effectual_a unless_o receive_v and_o if_o nothing_o further_a be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o mine_n with_o much_o spiritual_a treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o it_o several_a thing_n of_o great_a importance_n arise_v from_o this_o as_o 1._o hence_o a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n be_v attaineable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o assure_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o render_v god_n more_o assure_v who_o be_v his_o child_n he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o nor_o to_o make_v adoption_n certain_a in_o itself_o that_o must_v be_v before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o its_o scope_n drift_n and_o design_n be_v to_o leave_v we_o assure_v or_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o this_o when_o it_o be_v so_o successull_n in_o other_o work_n how_o unconceivable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o 2._o hence_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o receive_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n offer_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n complain_v unto_o many_o christian_n as_o christ_n do_v joh._n 3.11_o so_o i_o have_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v my_o witness_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v to_o not_o no_n yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o choice_n duty_n and_o enforce_v by_o a_o powerful_a argument_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 9_o if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v far_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o intend_v ver_fw-la 6.8.10_o christian_n reckon_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o deny_v the_o appearance_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o to_o call_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n delusion_n of_o satan_n o_o but_o hereby_o you_o not_o only_o hinder_v your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n and_o establishment_n which_o may_v come_v in_o at_o that_o door_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_a you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o eph._n 4.30_o i_o may_v say_v to_o such_o as_o isai_n 7.13_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n for_o you_o to_o weary_a grieve_v and_o disquiet_v your_o own_o spirit_n but_o will_v you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o my_o god_n also_o it_o be_v sad_a enough_o that_o carnal_a man_n deny_v attention_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n o_o let_v not_o christian_n make_v it_o speak_v in_o vain_a also_o or_o miss_v of_o its_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o text_n aim_v at_o or_o intend_v therefore_o 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v efficient_o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n by_o its_o speaking_n to_o it_o as_o call_v do_v often_o express_v not_o only_o a_o invite_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n but_o the_o soul_n answer_v those_o invitation_n which_o be_v effectual_a call_v rom._n 8.28.30_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o so_o witness_v express_v a_o effectual_a efficacious_a witness_v and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o context_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o so_o have_v
freedom_n from_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 1._o and_o this_o he_o clear_v v._o 5.9.13_o 14._o but_o lest_o they_o shall_v doubt_v or_o question_n whither_o they_o find_v a_o mortification_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o spirit_n or_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_n to_o help_v a_o soul_n unto_o a_o sight_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n ver_fw-la 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o work_n be_v of_o a_o witness_v nature_n but_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o other_o help_n this_o make_v the_o other_o evidence_v and_o give_v sight_n of_o freedom_n from_o condemnation_n and_o of_o our_o sonship_n so_o that_o the_o context_n favour_v this_o interpretation_n 2._o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v testimony_n irresistible_o overcome_v our_o spirit_n i.e._n or_o conscience_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v thesame_a thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o joynt-testimony_n some_o time_n the_o spirit_n utter_v its_o voice_n and_o our_o spirit_n hold_v off_o but_o our_o spirit_n be_v fetch_v in_o and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v which_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n both_o agree_v in_o this_o numericall_a conclusion_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o efficacious_a witness_v i_o may_v clear_v it_o from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 33.38_o and_o from_o other_o scripture_n which_o call_v the_o persuasion_n or_o conclusion_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v witness_v a_o witness_v as_o luk._n 4.22_o all_o bear_v he_o witness_v i.e._n conclude_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o description_n which_o will_v further_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o manifest_a witness_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_n and_o special_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o to_o ascertain_v a_o soul_n by_o the_o word_n or_o gospel_n of_o its_o adoption_n or_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o clear_a irradiation_n and_o other_o effectual_a operation_n with_o the_o word_n to_o work_v a_o particular_a soul_n by_o direct_a or_o reflexive_a act_n into_o a_o knowledge_n persuasion_n or_o conclusion_n of_o its_o acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o wherein_o the_o witness_v work_n do_v consist_v here_o be_v many_o thing_n considerable_a as_o 1._o who_o be_v the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n this_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o text_n rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n who_o can_v lie_v be_v appoint_v by_o office_n unto_o this_o work_n that_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v testify_v be_v it_o any_o other_o it_o may_v remain_v under_o doubt_n and_o think_v it_o too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v god_n for_o its_o father_n and_o so_o be_v a_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n in_o that_o exceed_a eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n o_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v this_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o he_o say_v this_o may_v give_v a_o full_a assurance_n of_o son_n ship_n or_o free_v it_o from_o those_o fear_n doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n which_o it_o have_v labour_v under_o about_o this_o question_n this_o proclaim_v the_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o itself_o who_o be_v very_a god_n shall_v stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n in_o our_o matter_n who_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n that_o the_o creator_n shall_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o high_a favour_n indeed_o and_o hereby_o this_o testimony_n be_v difference_v 1._o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o bear_v false_a witness_n to_o the_o soul_n purposely_o to_o lead_v it_o into_o mistake_a conclusion_n about_o its_o condition_n and_o harken_v to_o his_o voice_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a 2._o from_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v effectual_o without_o our_o spirit_n but_o the_o text_n plain_o make_v two_o the_o spirit_n with_o our_o spirit_n so_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n by_o some_o act_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o be_v not_o in_o consociation_n with_o cur_n spirit_n the_o testimony_n be_v most_o unsafe_a dangerous_a and_o delude_v o_o take_v heed_n of_o trust_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o your_o own_o treacherous_a spirit_n in_o the_o but_o syne_v of_o your_o soul_n for_o eternity_n but_o if_o the_o holy-spirit_n have_v fetch_v in_o your_o spirit_n and_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o conclusion_n of_o your_o adoption_n you_o may_v safe_o own_v it_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o two_o witness_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n witness_v viz._n the_o sonship_n of_o particular_a soul_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o do_v not_o only_o give_v a_o persuasion_n that_o all_o which_o receive_v christ_n or_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n have_v authority_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o joh._n 1.12_o not_o bare_o that_o some_o that_o believer_n but_o say_v the_o text_n that_o we_o even_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 3._o wherein_o the_o witness_v work_n do_v consist_v viz._n in_o the_o spirit_n give_v manifestation_n and_o work_v the_o heart_n into_o persuasion_n and_o conclusion_n of_o adoption_n 1._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o afford_v such_o operation_n as_o be_v measure_v by_o gospel_n rule_n do_v give_v assertion_n or_o affirmation_n of_o adoption_n but_o a_o effectual_a witness_v be_v here_o intend_a such_o as_o indeed_o cause_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v establish_v which_o be_v to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o that_o witness_v as_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o spirit_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n through_o christ_n rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v etc._n etc._n and_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v make_v one_o end_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o spirit_n 2.12_o 1_o coriu_n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n 2_o corin._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1.6_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n &_o ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a so_o that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o give_v a_o knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o confist_n in_o its_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o consolation_n many_o if_o they_o find_v comfort_n by_o a_o word_n than_o they_o think_v the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v adoption_n else_o not_o whereas_o this_o witness_v work_n may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o very_a disconsolate_a condition_n job_n 19_o v._o 6_o 7.8_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n and_o yet_o much_o assurance_n ver_fw-la 25._o and_o matth._n 27.46_o there_o be_v a_o want_n of_o comfort_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o yet_o not_o a_o want_n of_o assurance_n for_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o challenge_v propriety_n in_o god_n twice_o over_o my_o god_n my_o god_n indeed_o this_o bless_a news_n do_v often_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n but_o this_o consolation_n be_v rather_o consequential_a to_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n then_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o it_o not_o a_o ingredient_n into_o it_o more_o than_o other_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n testification_n be_v a_o different_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o consolation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v this_o witness_v work_n in_o many_o particular_n 4._o in_o what_o way_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v this_o witness_v work_n in_o the_o description_n the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v 1._o by_o its_o operation_n within_o 2._o by_o its_o word_n without_o 1._o the_o spirit_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n by_o operation_n within_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o apparition_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o visible_a shape_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n or_o any_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o our_o outward_a ear_n be_v
over_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o those_o heart-amazing_a working_n of_o corruption_n which_o by_o after_o reflection_n upon_o themselves_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o may_v quick_o deprive_v of_o these_o witnessing_n again_o and_o indeed_o with_o many_o eminent_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o long-lasting_a they_o be_v but_o the_o pass_n by_o of_o the_o lord_n before_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v a_o soul-ravishing_a view_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o they_o be_v soon_o out_o of_o sight_n again_o they_o must_v not_o think_v of_o build_v tabernacle_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o this_o high_a mountain_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n on_o it_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o these_o but_o though_o they_o last_v but_o for_o a_o little_a moment_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o they_o be_v afford_v chap._n x._o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o weak_a beleiver_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o shall_v prove_v these_o way_n argu._n 1._o from_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o be_v a_o eminent_a believer_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o hereafter_o shall_v have_v but_o have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o universal_o true_a if_o the_o weak_a believer_n be_v at_o any_o time_n destitute_a of_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o say_v he_o have_v the_o spirit_n but_o he_o have_v the_o witness_n i.e._n the_o spirit_n as_o a_o witness_n or_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o he_o and_o how_o harsh_a do_v it_o sound_v that_o weak_a believer_n shall_v be_v uncapable_a of_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o its_o be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o a_o witness_n without_o which_o it_o shall_v neither_o perform_v its_o office_n nor_o answer_v its_o name_n object_n it_o may_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n or_o be_v a_o witnes-bearer_n to_o all_o believer_n objective_o by_o grace_n &_o operation_n though_o they_o see_v or_o know_v it_o not_o as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a witness_v who_o the_o land_n or_o sheep_n be_v though_o not_o efficient_o as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a be_v not_o always_o discern_v or_o the_o thing_n witness_v here_o be_v only_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 5_o 6.10_o not_o that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a soul_n be_v interest_v in_o christ_n answ_n that_o witness_v to_o particular_a soul_n their_o adoption_n and_o that_o efficient_o i.e._n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o well_o as_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v these_o way_n 1._o in_o this_o whole_a epistle_n the_o manifestation_n of_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n be_v drive_v at_o as_o a_o great_a end_n in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n 1_o joh._n 1._o v._n 4._o these_o thing_n write_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a chap._n 2._o v._n 3.12.20_o chap._n 3._o v._n 1.10.19.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n chap._n 4.13_o chap._n 5._o v._n 2.4_o etc._n etc._n 2._o water_n and_o blood_n do_v witness_v efficient_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 5_o 6.8_o 9_o 10._o many_o in_o those_o day_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o deny_v that_o record_n which_o god_n give_v of_o he_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n v._n 11._o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v a_o believe_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o assent_v to_o that_o do_v express_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o include_v a_o cordial_a receive_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o record_n v._o 11._o and_o hence_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n v._o 1._o and_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o which_o argue_v the_o whole_a of_o justify_v faith_n to_o be_v intend_v now_o to_o establish_v these_o believer_n in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v life_n to_o give_v v._o 1.11_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n v._o 1._o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n v._o 5._o and_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o he_o v._o 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o latter_a fall_v with_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o former_a no_o life_n to_o be_v have_v in_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o evidence_n and_o confirm_v the_o whole_a faith_n speak_v of_o v._o 1.5_o he_o send_v they_o to_o six_o witness_n five_o 7_o 8._o whereof_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v two_o v._o 6.8_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o appleale_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n have_v you_o not_o feel_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o pacification_n of_o your_o accuse_a conscience_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n be_v as_o water_n i.e._n for_o the_o purification_n of_o your_o pollute_a soul_n these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n that_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o none_o else_o have_v power_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n but_o neither_o water_n nor_o blood_n can_v witness_v so_o much_o as_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o any_o soul_n if_o themselves_o be_v inevident_a unseen_a undiscerned_a i_o must_v know_v i_o be_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v in_o order_n before_o i_o can_v know_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o the_o witness_v of_o this_o efficient_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o strengthen_v the_o believer_n by_o these_o witness_n against_o that_o grand_a error_n of_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v descend_v from_o god_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o time_n and_o that_o can_v be_v accomplish_v by_o water_n and_o blood_n without_o a_o discern_a their_o testimony_n 2._o water_n and_o blood_n witness_v objective_o before_o 3._o it_o be_v such_o a_o witness_v as_o be_v proper_a to_o believer_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o whereas_o christ_n be_v objective_o witness_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o unbeleevere_a joh._n 3.11_o joh._n 5.32_o 33.36_o 37_o 38._o joh._n 19_o v._n 34_o 35._o and_o if_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o water_n i.e._n sanctification_n and_o the_o blood_n i.e._n justification_n than_o my_o adoption_n be_v witness_v efficient_o to_o i_o also_o 3._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o 1_o joh._n 5.13_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v for_o what_o end_n that_o you_o may_v 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he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n adopt_a justify_v &_o c_o sure_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v unwritten_a answ_n the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o certainty_n about_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o judge_v of_o any_o and_o due_o consider_v all_o requisite_n unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o ingredient_n or_o concur_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o apply_v of_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o better_a to_o evince_v this_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o clear_v this_o coast_n 1._o the_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n than_o the_o object_n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o right_a object_n for_o his_o faith_n &_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o right_a act_n about_o that_o object_n his_o faith_n can_v witness_v 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all_o grant_n and_o see_v in_o those_o testify_a act_n by_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n operate_v as_o efficacious_o and_o usual_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n then_o at_o other_o time_n hence_o they_o be_v as_o visible_a and_o act_n of_o faith_n here_o as_o evident_a as_o about_o other_o word_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n both_o direct_o and_o by_o consequence_n though_o the_o word_n alone_o do_v not_o witness_n yet_o by_o the_o spirit_n application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n indeed_o the_o spirit_n proper_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o hardly_o be_v a_o witness_n at_o all_o if_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n so_o as_o if_o it_o 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see_v i_o conquer_v yet_o triumph_v in_o christ_n conquest_n 2._o never_o can_v i_o so_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v as_o then_o 3._o never_o more_o sensible_a of_o spiritual_a sin_n then_o at_o this_o time_n i_o apprehend_v it_o a_o great_a evil_n for_o a_o poor_a wretch_n to_o cherish_v the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o wear_v gay_a clothes_n etc._n etc._n o_o but_o how_o be_v this_o comparable_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o priding_a one_o self_n in_o the_o precious_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o whereas_o before_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a policy_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v my_o eye_n from_o himself_o and_o his_o act_n to_o poor_a instrument_n vassal_n of_o his_o own_o now_o i_o can_v look_v at_o himself_o and_o set_v myself_o in_o the_o sirength_n of_o christ_n against_o he_o 5._o i_o can_v with_o a_o holy_a contempt_n look_v upon_o all_o the_o design_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o instrument_n 6._o i_o be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n especial_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v such_o a_o advantage_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o make_v so_o good_a a_o conclusion_n of_o so_o unhappy_a a_o beginning_n 7._o i_o be_v much_o stir_v up_o to_o make_v a_o improvement_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o that_o thus_o by_o cross_v the_o devil_n main_a drift_n in_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v to_o draw_v my_o soul_n into_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o christ_n now_o i_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v near_o to_o he_o 8._o i_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o some_o special_a service_n even_o by_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v soon_o after_o to_o fall_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o have_v observe_v these_o thing_n concern_v temptation_n further_a 1._o i_o have_v observe_v that_o when_o i_o have_v have_v large_a discovery_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o i_o have_v dwell_v most_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o most_o apply_v it_o then_o present_o some_o desperate_a temptation_n have_v assault_v i_o or_o set_v upon_o 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they_o have_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n fasten_v upon_o they_o concern_v i_o and_o so_o there_o have_v be_v mutual_a strangeness_n and_o shune_a society_n each_o with_o other_o 5._o when_o the_o adversary_n have_v a_o design_n to_o tempt_v to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o evil_a he_o make_v way_n for_o it_o beforehand_o ex_fw-la gr_n ke_o know_v that_o when_o such_o party_n meet_v together_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n for_o passion_n to_o stir_v he_o will_v cast_v in_o somewhat_o before_o which_o shall_v exceed_o move_v such_o passion_n as_o anger_n revenge_n etc._n etc._n 6._o i_o have_v frequent_o find_v that_o the_o enemy_n will_v cast_v in_o such_o and_o such_o thought_n as_o of_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o labour_v to_o persuade_v i_o that_o i_o be_o such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o make_v way_n for_o further_a temptation_n 7._o i_o have_v be_v much_o stir_v up_o to_o bewail_v and_o mourn_v over_o such_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o power_n to_o subdue_v they_o to_o watch_v also_o and_o covenant_n against_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o have_v be_v revive_v and_o if_o temptation_n have_v prevail_v than_o they_o have_v be_v improve_v thus_o what_o overtake_v again_o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v be_v pardon_v 8._o i_o have_v often_o observe_v that_o the_o tempter_n will_v always_o improve_v his_o success_n if_o he_o gain_v but_o a_o little_a ground_n he_o follow_v on_o with_o renew_a force_n with_o much_o fury_n assault_v with_o violent_a impulsion_n and_o take_v advantage_n upon_o yield_v as_o you_o have_v yield_v so_o far_o and_o why_o not_o altogether_o concern_v corruption_n 1._o i_o have_v think_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o praise_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v discover_v and_o convince_v i_o of_o any_o corruption_n within_o my_o heart_n and_o have_v find_v joy_n at_o such_o time_n as_o discovery_n have_v be_v make_v thereof_o because_o the_o spirit_n discovery_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o subdue_a of_o it_o 2._o i_o have_v observe_v that_o a_o soul_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o utter_a inability_n to_o subdue_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n time_n be_v to_o have_v it_o subdue_v insomuch_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v mourn_v over_o it_o beg_v strive_v wrestle_v against_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v see_v as_o it_o be_v a_o revive_n and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o may_v sometime_o much_o revive_v before_o some_o notable_a wound_n be_v give_v to_o it_o 3._o i_o have_v find_v that_o i_o have_v strive_v against_o it_o in_o my_o own_o strength_n concern_v the_o spirit_n work_v 1._o this_o i_o have_v always_o observe_v in_o discovery_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o scripture_n be_v most_o true_a joh._n 16.14_o he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o to_o you_o and_o so_o glorify_v i_o look_v as_o the_o son_n do_v put_v the_o honour_n upon_o the_o father_n in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v so_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n together_o with_o his_o teach_n leave_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v admire_v of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o how_o beautiful_a be_v he_o at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o the_o poor_a believer_n 2._o i_o have_v observe_v the_o soul_n be_v more_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v bring_v comfort_n then_o as_o it_o do_v glorify_v jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v so_o soon_o go_v 3._o i_o have_v take_v notice_n that_o a_o little_a before_o some_o notable_a discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o violent_a temptation_n be_v cast_v in_o which_o satan_n will_v indispose_v the_o soul_n by_o for_o the_o receive_n what_o be_v a_o come_n but_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n by_o such_o mean_n to_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o some_o capacity_n for_o such_o a_o income_n concern_v hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v have_v apprehension_n that_o i_o resist_v the_o spirit_n these_o way_n 1._o by_o divert_v those_o holy_a motion_n i_o e._n turn_v they_o out_o of_o my_o thought_n or_o turn_v my_o thought_n some_o other_o way_n 2._o by_o own_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v my_o own_o 3._o by_o pore_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n move_v i_o to_o 4._o by_o think_v the_o lord_n behold_v to_o i_o for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o they_o or_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o spirit_n do_v move_v i_o to_o concern_v desertion_n 1._o be_v once_o under_o dreadful_a apprehension_n by_o reason_n of_o withdrawing_n and_o the_o violent_a temptation_n which_o follow_v immediate_o thereupon_o i_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o in_o much_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n lord_n help_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o sudden_o a_o passage_n which_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n i_o have_v hear_v a_o little_a before_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n with_o much_o comfort_n from_o the_o speech_n concern_v ephram_n i_o have_v hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o whence_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o christ_n do_v sometime_o when_o his_o people_n can_v keep_v pace_n with_o he_o but_o through_o negligence_n have_v lose_v fight_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v stand_v still_o hear_v their_o mournful_a cry_n and_o then_o run_v and_o take_v they_o up_o again_o and_o so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v with_o i_o 2._o after_o some_o time_n of_o desertion_n meet_v with_o a_o sweet_a return_n i_o have_v very_o high_a and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o value_v his_o presence_n than_o ever_o before_o
because_o we_o think_v our_o name_n be_v any_o way_n worthy_a or_o can_v back_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o we_o intend_v the_o author_n commendation_n thereby_o we_o know_v he_o need_v it_o not_o where_o himself_o be_v know_v and_o his_o work_n we_o trust_v will_v approve_v he_o faithful_a with_o jesus_n christ_n only_o we_o aim_v at_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o some_o poor_a soul_n further_a to_o ponder_v and_o consult_v what_o be_v here_o write_v reader_n consider_v and_o view_v it_o over_o and_o see_v if_o thou_o can_v find_v the_o book_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o thou_o have_v peruse_v it_o through_o though_o thou_o miss_v spangle_n of_o eloquence_n yet_o thou_o will_v not_o account_v thy_o expense_n of_o time_n as_o to_o be_v thy_o loss_n grieve_v not_o that_o spirit_n by_o slight_v any_o piece_n that_o may_v familiarize_v his_o voice_n and_o language_n to_o thou_o here_o be_v question_n of_o moment_n flate_v open_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n clear_v up_o if_o thou_o meet_v with_o thy_o satisfaction_n give_v glory_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n if_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n drop_v but_o from_o one_o leaf_n or_o line_n upon_o thy_o spirit_n in_o thy_o consult_v it_o thy_o pain_n be_v recompense_v now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v redouble_v upon_o the_o author_n who_o have_v wage_v in_o this_o work_n and_o that_o thy_o profit_n who_o peruse_a it_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o travail_n of_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o we_o who_o be_v mean_a among_o the_o saint_n who_o yet_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o christ_n his_o truth_n his_o interest_n and_o his_o people_n so_o we_o bid_v thou_o farewell_n grace_n be_v with_o thy_o spirit_n amen_n sam_n habergham_n edw._n barker_n 1._o day_n 4._o more_n 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n dear_a friend_n the_o plentiful_a pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a privilege_n which_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o seek_v for_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n in_o all_o those_o way_n it_o be_v promise_v in_o among_o which_o its_o witness_v of_o adoption_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o clear_n up_o of_o that_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v my_o spirit_n to_o appear_v in_o it_o in_o so_o public_a a_o way_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o encouragement_n which_o i_o have_v have_v hereunto_o from_o diverse_a friend_n both_o minister_n and_o other_o 2._o because_o so_o few_o have_v write_v distinct_o on_o this_o subject_a the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v very_o little_o insist_v upon_o by_o any_o that_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o see_v assurance_n i_o confess_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o diverse_a book_n but_o there_o be_v many_o mark_n and_o sign_n lay_v down_o by_o some_o which_o i_o fear_v will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o because_o of_o the_o many_o delusion_n which_o multitude_n of_o soul_n be_v under_o in_o these_o day_n who_o yet_o be_v pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n therein_o here_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v may_v be_v conducible_a to_o the_o undeceive_n of_o such_o as_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n other_o against_o they_o 4._o because_o of_o those_o great_a perplexity_n and_o inward_a distress_n which_o myself_o and_o many_o heaven-borne_a soul_n have_v be_v in_o for_o want_v of_o light_n into_o that_o question_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i_o have_v be_v like_o noahâ—_n dove_n have_v not_o know_v where_o to_o set_v the_o foot_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n so_o as_o to_o be_v safe_a for_o eternity_n i_o know_v that_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n when_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v evid_v nce_v but_o how_o to_o know_v true_a faith_n from_o false_a and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o deceive_v i_o in_o pass_a judgement_n on_o my_o condition_n see_v satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o counterfeit_v every_o grace_n this_o have_v put_v i_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o search_n more_o than_o ever_o i_o have_v former_o about_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o deliver_v i_o from_o many_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n which_o heretofore_o i_o labour_v under_o lest_o i_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o evidence_n which_o be_v none_o i_o be_o hereby_o encourage_v to_o hope_n that_o these_o direction_n may_v be_v useful_a unto_o other_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o have_v be_v to_o i_o yet_o the_o special_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v make_v they_o effectual_a to_o a_o soul_n for_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o those_o experience_n of_o that_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o thou_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o a_o especial_a providence_n when_o i_o have_v well_o nigh_o finish_v the_o treatise_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o a_o harmony_n unto_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v convince_v i_o of_o before_o from_o his_o word_n yet_o be_v almost_o discourage_v for_o publish_v because_o i_o have_v find_v so_o little_a thereof_o in_o my_o own_o experience_n these_o have_v not_o only_o add_v much_o confirmation_n to_o i_o in_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o also_o have_v give_v i_o much_o encouragement_n to_o a_o proceed_n in_o the_o work_n the_o treatise_n by_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n may_v be_v useful_a 1._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o take_v they_o off_o those_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o they_o have_v build_v upon_o for_o eternity_n here_o they_o may_v see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n still_o though_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n etc._n etc._n yet_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o through-worke_n as_o bring_v in_o a_o heart_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o christ_n they_o will_v miscarry_v everlasting_o for_o all_o this_o the_o sway_v prevail_a part_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v christ-ward_n else_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o conversion_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o as_o a_o distinguish_a thing_n of_o saint_n from_o other_o jam._n 5.20_o math._n 18.3_o 4._o act._n 3.19_o psal_n 51.13_o ezek._n 18.30.32_o act._n 14.15_o act._n 26.18.20_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v or_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v turn_v 2._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o they_o towards_o peace_n joy_n comfort_n establishment_n and_o let_v they_o beware_v of_o disow_v any_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n whither_o in_o that_o immediate_a way_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a say_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n but_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o do_v right_o take_v christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o also_o do_v take_v he_o for_o sanctification_n but_o if_o hereby_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o lord_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o interest_n in_o he_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o blood_n be_v make_v a_o witness_n of_o adoption_n as_o well_o as_o water_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o hearty_a willingness_n in_o any_o unrenewed_a soul_n to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n joh._n 5.40_o hebr._n 2.3_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n be_v as_o distinguish_v as_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o either_o way_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o effectual_a hearty_a willingness_n it_o be_v not_o evidence_v of_o which_o see_v more_o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o and_o now_o reader_n search_v the_o scripture_n whither_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o if_o this_o poor_a treatise_n may_v but_o be_v a_o provocation_n unto_o other_o
seem_v to_o be_v under_o a_o midnight_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n before_o yet_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v new_a life_n into_o former_a experience_n than_o it_o can_v conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v arisen_a upon_o or_o in_o the_o heart_n who_o be_v hide_v or_o unseen_a till_o then_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v eph._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n and_o for_o what_o end_n v._o 18._o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n i_o e._n that_o you_o may_v know_v upon_o what_o certain_a ground_n zanch._n ut_fw-la sciatis_fw-la qualis_fw-la &_o quam_fw-la certa_fw-la sit_fw-la spes_fw-la qua_fw-la nos_fw-la sperare_fw-la jussit_fw-la dominus_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la ne_fw-la ulla_fw-la subeat_fw-la animos_fw-la vestros_fw-la &_o mentes_fw-la vestras_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la non_fw-la dum_fw-la praestitis_fw-la zanch._n and_o foundation_n your_o hope_n be_v build_v and_o so_o may_v be_v free_v from_o doubt_n about_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o how_o be_v this_o attain_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v v._o 18._o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n clear_v and_o brightn_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o indue_a that_o with_o supernatural_a light_n to_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o natural_o it_o can_v not_o know_v the_o spirit_n raise_v heighn_v and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o dart_v in_o spiritual_a light_n and_o thus_o it_o attain_v a_o revelation_n knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o call_v so_o psal_n 36.9_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n but_o in_o thy_o light_n i_o e._n in_o divine_a light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a if_o thy_o spirit_n give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v what_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n or_o have_v a_o divine_a stamp_n or_o impress_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a and_o often_o the_o prophet_n beg_v for_o irradiation_n psal_n 31.16_o &_o 67._o 1._o &_o 80.3.7.19_o &_o 119._o v._o 135._o cause_o thy_o face_n to_o shine_v and_o hence_o 2_o corin._n 4._o v._n 4.6_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o these_o irâ—â—diations_n a_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o compare_v its_o condition_n with_o and_o right_o to_o judge_v thereof_o by_o that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v as_o by_o operation_n within_o so_o also_o by_o a_o write_a word_n without_o this_o do_v contribute_v much_o to_o assurance_n the_o word_n declare_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v attaineable_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 8.10_o 2._o what_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v which_o do_v evidence_n adoption_n as_o faith_n joh._n 1.12_o it_o give_v description_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o open_v the_o nature_n property_n and_o effect_n of_o these_o or_o discover_v what_o operation_n a_o witness_v work_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v real_a injoyer_n of_o it_o whereby_o a_o man_n may_v discern_v whither_o those_o work_n he_o have_v find_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_a special_a and_o not_o common_a 3._o what_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n be_v whereby_o these_o work_n may_v become_v witness_v 4._o what_o application_n of_o a_o word_n do_v make_v it_o witness_v yet_o not_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o irradiation_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v adoption_n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n afford_v this_o proposition_n towards_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_n 16.16_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v but_o i_o believe_v now_o towards_o this_o the_o word_n tell_v we_o what_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o act_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o its_o irradiation_n help_v we_o to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v yet_o i_o believe_v and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v from_o the_o word_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o adoption_n and_o that_o first_o immediate_o by_o itself_o prove_v by_o four_o argument_n qu._n 2._o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n ans_fw-fr 1._o more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o 2._o by_o water_n 3._o by_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 8._o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n witness_v more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o i_o say_v by_o itself_o not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o to_o distinguish_v this_o way_n of_o witness_v from_o those_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o it_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o these_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o we_o efficient_o but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o its_o own_o which_o it_o afford_v to_o some_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o satisfaction_n about_o their_o adoption_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v gasp_v after_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o such_o sweet_a unexpressible_a heart-enamouring_a soul-ravishing_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o divine_a love_n as_o effectual_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o undoubted_a persuasion_n thereof_o ordinary_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v he_o make_v the_o word_n without_o a_o voice_n within_o by_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o express_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o some_o scriptural_a consideration_n or_o in_o or_o present_o after_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o the_o word_n as_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o very_a mercy_n of_o assurance_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n it_o may_v seem_v very_o improper_a to_o call_v it_o immediate_a and_o yet_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n but_o the_o expression_n may_v be_v bear_v withal_o 1._o because_o the_o spirit_n have_v such_o a_o eminent_a stroke_n here_o and_o do_v more_o eminent_o manifest_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v here_o it_o witness_v not_o in_o a_o discursive_a way_n by_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o premise_n but_o the_o spirit_n â—â—â—â—â—eth_v the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o work_v it_o into_o the_o persuasion_n by_o a_o direct_a act_n without_o any_o necessary_a reflection_n upon_o work_n former_o wrought_v within_o it_o effectual_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v its_o adoption_n 2._o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v the_o very_a breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a breathe_n or_o inspiration_n man_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o speak_v unto_o one_o another_o when_o they_o use_v word_n to_o each_o other_o face_n to_o face_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o because_o i_o use_v the_o word_n immediate_a to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v now_o that_o beside_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n and_o by_o blood_n i._n e._n justification_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v it_o may_v appear_v upon_o these_o ground_n arg._n 1._o from_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n himself_o rom._n 8.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v proper_a to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o his_o substitute_n or_o servant_n do_v by_o his_o appointment_n 453._o not_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v a_o witness_n of_o its_o cause_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o do_v it_o say_v the_o text._n symonds_n desert_v soul_n case_n and_o cure_n pag._n 453._o a_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n by_o his_o steward_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n himself_o have_v perform_v any_o work_n that_o argue_v his_o do_v it_o in_o his_o own_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
only_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v their_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o he_o write_v to_o be_v little_a child_n v._o 18._o &_o 1_o joh._n 2.12_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o which_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o know_v they_o be_v forgive_v arg._n 4._o weak_a christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o selfe-examination_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n thereby_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o the_o ingemination_n of_o the_o exhortation_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n else_o he_o will_v not_o use_v so_o much_o earnestness_n in_o exciting_a to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o station_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v about_o 1._o whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2._o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n be_v undeniable_a for_o 1._o it_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o unbeliever_n those_o that_o have_v not_o christ_n in_o they_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o hereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o limitation_n unto_o strong_a believer_n let_v they_o prove_v it_o that_o will_v assert_v it_o 3._o these_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o twice_o over_o require_v to_o come_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o corin._n 12._o v._n 20_o 21._o prone_a to_o envy_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n &c._n &c._n which_o be_v make_v the_o symptom_n of_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o yet_o these_o be_v enjoin_v to_o examine_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o there_o be_v some_o season_n then_o which_o all_o christian_n even_o the_o weak_a aught_o to_o take_v for_o self-examination_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n either_o weak_a christian_n must_v always_o give_v in_o this_o verdict_n that_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v false_a and_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o a_o false_a conclusion_n or_o else_o they_o must_v give_v in_o no_o verdict_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n or_o else_o they_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o text_n call_v for_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n either_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o 2._o reprobate_n i.e._n unsound_a hypocrite_n without_o the_o spirit_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o these_o roman_n be_v many_o of_o they_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o text_n he_o except_v and_o exclude_v none_o but_o seem_v to_o conclude_v all_o under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o apprehend_v assurance_n to_o be_v ordinary_o attaineable_a even_o by_o weak_a believer_n chap._n xi_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v whether_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o and_o first_o the_o immediate_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o before_o i_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o such_o end_n as_o these_o 1._o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n many_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n be_v full_a of_o fear_n about_o their_o adoption_n can_v they_o but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n they_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o favour_n of_o great_a value_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v this_o to_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o its_o voice_n or_o understand_v not_o that_o these_o operation_n which_o they_o have_v find_v do_v amount_v to_o a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n they_o question_v whither_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o or_o else_o whither_o they_o be_v witness_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o end_n by_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o the_o shining_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o its_o own_o work_n without_o which_o nothing_o will_v be_v witness_v those_o that_o never_o have_v assurance_n way_n attain_v it_o and_o those_o that_o have_v lose_v it_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o if_o by_o reflection_n they_o can_v find_v that_o such_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o their_o heart_n as_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o 2._o to_o difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v own_v and_o satanical_a delusion_n reject_v 3._o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v witnessing_n in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o the_o better_a to_o attain_v these_o end_n i_o shall_v 1_o speak_v particular_o unto_o the_o feverall_a way_n of_o witness_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o spirit_n 2._o water_n 3._o blood_n have_v witness_v 2._o add_v some_o general_n discovery_n or_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o will_v respect_v all_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v according_a unto_o the_o threefold_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v so_o must_v i_o divide_v the_o question_n into_o three_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n to_o it_o in_o that_o more_o immediate_a way_n or_o not_o before_o i_o reply_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v give_v these_o preconsideration_n preconsid_n 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a impression_n and_o alteration_n make_v upon_o the_o heart_n work_v it_o into_o some_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o adoption_n else_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o a_o pretend_v to_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n those_o that_o never_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o question_n for_o there_o must_v be_v something_o like_o the_o testimony_n to_o make_v capable_a of_o trial_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a impression_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v enjoy_v jam._n 1.21_o 1_o thes_n 2.13_o 2_o corin_z 3.3_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v read_v over_o witness_v word_n never_o so_o often_o and_o his_o thought_n shall_v run_v this_o way_n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n his_o yet_o if_o no_o power_n come_v alongst_o with_o the_o word_n to_o fix_v fasten_v and_o set_v it_o upon_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n for_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n the_o word_n must_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n matth._n 13._o v._n 21.23_o else_o no_o gracious_a effect_n at_o all_o be_v accomplish_v by_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v find_v some_o great_a alteration_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n that_o have_v wrought_v towards_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n our_o enquiry_n be_v how_o he_o may_v know_v whither_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o strong_a flashy_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n precons_n 2._o that_o my_o design_n in_o answer_v this_o question_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o not_o that_o will_v be_v the_o thing_n drive_v at_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n &_o blood_n but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o testimony_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o some_o eminent_a impression_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n i_o suppose_v that_o many_o real_a believer_n may_v through_o their_o own_o default_n want_v this_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v under_o false_a confidence_n through_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i._n e._n confidence_n take_v up_o from_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v not_o evidence_v revel_v 3.17_o psal_n 30.6_o when_o by_o a_o due_a search_n they_o may_v find_v infallible_a ground_n for_o the_o same_o conclusion_n this_o question_n be_v not_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o some_o confidence_n thereof_o
know_v this_o be_v a_o main_a use_n which_o the_o spirit_n be_v intend_v for_o 1_o corin._n 2._o v._n 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n i_o e._n those_o thing_n v._o 9_o that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v and_o v._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n for_o what_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n whereas_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o give_v demonstration_n of_o its_o own_o presence_n in_o its_o revelation_n the_o soul_n may_v question_v whither_o the_o thing_n discover_v be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o and_o so_o the_o revelation_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n or_o advantage_n and_o can_v not_o sway_v the_o will_n to_o a_o rejection_n of_o what_o it_o have_v former_o own_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v at_o present_a reveal_v and_o what_o light_n can_v have_v more_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n in_o it_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o satanical_a illusion_n than_o the_o light_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o discover_v or_o manifest_v what_o be_v unknown_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o when_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o a_o witness_v way_n its_o light_n be_v like_o a_o candle_n or_o rather_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n dart_v into_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o see_v into_o the_o cunning_a insinuation_n unjust_a accusation_n violent_a and_o horrid_a temptation_n and_o curse_a delusion_n of_o satan_n more_o than_o at_o other_o time_n and_o know_v they_o to_o have_v their_o riste_n from_o he_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v within_o the_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o to_o help_v against_o those_o seducer_n v._o 26._o i.e._n by_o the_o word_n as_o a_o mean_n it_o manife_v what_o be_v consentaneous_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o establish_v therein_o against_o all_o those_o crafty_a sophistication_n whereby_o satan_n seduce_v many_o &_o the_o same_o spirit_n take_v off_o the_o veil_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o give_v they_o open_a vision_n of_o divine_a glory_n 2_o corin._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o all_o which_o speak_v out_o thus_o much_o that_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n have_v a_o inbred_a property_n to_o evidence_n their_o own_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o discriminate_a or_o difference_n themselves_o from_o those_o flash_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o strive_v to_o his_o utmost_a to_o lead_v soul_n into_o groundless_a conclusion_n about_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v effectual_a to_o prevent_v seduction_n 2.26_o 1_o joh._n 2.26_o which_o be_v one_o special_a end_n they_o be_v ordain_v to_o that_o which_o convince_o discover_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n must_v evidence_n itself_o to_o come_v from_o god_n delusion_n may_v pretend_v to_o the_o word_n but_o the_o anoint_v within_o teach_v the_o saint_n what_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o word_n arg._n 4._o from_o the_o lord_n ordain_v the_o in-being_a or_o indwelling_a of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o adoption_n if_o itself_o be_v inevident_a it_o can_v not_o conduce_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o every_o reason_n from_o whence_o any_o conclusion_n be_v collect_v must_v be_v clear_a than_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o only_a light_n can_v manifest_v eph._n 5.13_o that_o which_o evidence_v another_o thing_n to_o i_o must_v needs_o itself_o be_v more_o discernible_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n successul_o to_o try_v his_o state_n by_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o that_o be_v not_o more_o manife_a than_o his_o state_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v evidence_n its_o indwelling_n but_o itself_o now_o this_o be_v often_o make_v the_o rule_n for_o trial_n as_o rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o you_o be_v not_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o and_o it_o be_v add_v he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n be_v none_o of_o his_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v know_v you_o not_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_a 1_o cor._n 3.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v test_n money_n to_o itself_o in_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n or_o evidence_n that_o neither_o satan_n nor_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o object_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o discearnable_a in_o its_o essence_n but_o in_o its_o operation_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o application_n of_o promise_n be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o its_o presence_n be_v as_o discernible_a as_o in_o any_o other_o of_o its_o operation_n ans_fw-fr 2._o those_o which_o be_v the_o witness_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o great_a aptitude_n to_o afford_v soule-satisfying_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n presence_n in_o themselves_o of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o they_o be_v to_o manifest_a adoption_n to_o the_o soul_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o see_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o presence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v a_o main_a requisite_a unto_o assurance_n by_o they_o hence_o they_o can_v fall_v short_a of_o discover_v that_o these_o operation_n have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a light_n life_n and_o strength_n in_o they_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o brightness_n from_o other_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o much_o as_o the_o clear_a sun-shiny_a day_n do_v from_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o the_o spirit_n be_v see_v in_o any_o operation_n it_o be_v in_o these_o which_o be_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o this_o sun_n the_o spirit_n by_o a_o secret_a touch_n irresistible_o strike_v the_o soul_n into_o such_o clear_a firm_a and_o strong_a apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o though_o it_o meet_v with_o much_o within_o and_o with_o ut_fw-la from_o satan_n it_o be_v own_o heart_n and_o christian_a friend_n to_o work_v it_o into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o say_v as_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v or_o as_o rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v as_o the_o spirit_n give_v effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v deny_v its_o guiltiness_n which_o former_o have_v assert_v its_o innocency_n and_o that_o without_o inquire_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v do_v this_o or_o not_o so_o it_o do_v work_v effectual_o into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n that_o till_o afterward_o it_o do_v not_o can_v or_o need_v not_o reflect_v to_o inquire_v whither_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n or_o no._n and_o so_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o be_v discerneable_a and_o yet_o the_o testimony_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o the_o soul_n by_o operation_n it_o may_v conclude_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o give_v such_o a_o persuasion_n but_o also_o it_o discover_v some_o invincible_a ground_n and_o give_v such_o undeniable_a demonstration_n both_o of_o its_o own_o presence_n and_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v that_o as_o one_o under_o powerful_a conviction_n thereof_o it_o can_v but_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o and_o say_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n joh._n 16._o ver_fw-la 29_o 30._o now_o thou_o speak_v plain_o and_o speak_v no_o proverb_n by_o this_o i_o believe_v that_o thou_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o from_o some_o divine_a attribute_n that_o shine_v forth_o eminent_o in_o those_o witness_v act_n 1._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n as_o in_o the_o season_n of_o their_o come_n in_o and_o sutablenes_n unto_o its_o present_a condition_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n it_o find_v how_o satan_n be_v defeat_v in_o his_o enterprise_n thereby_o his_o method_n and_o snare_n discover_v and_o he_o confound_v and_o then_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o cry_v out_o as_o rom._n 11._o v._n 33._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n wisdom_n 2._o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o to_o see_v divine_a power_n improve_v for_o it_o in_o a_o glorious_a way_n and_o hence_o eph._n 1._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20._o he_o beg_v the_o enlightening_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v v._o 19_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o them-ward_n who_o believe_v etc._n etc._n the_o saint_n often_o feel_v a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n but_o they_o can_v tell_v who_o be_v the_o agent_n whither_o satan_n or_o the_o
a_o place_n of_o but_o little_a beauty_n glory_n or_o felicity_n if_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o other_o desire_v christ_n only_o for_o heaven_n he_o desire_v heaven_n chief_o for_o christ_n natural_a man_n be_v even_o drink_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o creature_n delight_n but_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n prevail_v with_o a_o gracious_a heart_n against_o all_o other_o interest_n he_o may_v be_v interrupt_v in_o his_o motion_n to_o christ_n in_o particular_a act_n but_o he_o be_v the_o prime_n principal_a object_n his_o soul_n be_v move_v and_o bend_v towards_o set_v and_o fix_v upon_o and_o give_v up_o to_o rom._n 8.5_o phil._n 3.20_o coloss_n 1.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.7_o col._n 3.11_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o otherthing_n be_v as_o nothing_o to_o he_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o enjoy_v in_o they_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o enjoyment_n all_o in_o all_o inlargement_n all_o in_o all_o duty_n all_o in_o all_o comfort_n other_o apprehend_v that_o christ_n it_o better_a than_o the_o gnawing_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n better_a than_o the_o company_n of_o damn_a spirit_n better_a than_o flame_n but_o they_o see_v no_o such_o beauty_n or_o excellency_n in_o christ_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o best_o or_o all_o in_o all_o here_o on_o earth_n they_o can_v verbal_o own_o christ_n as_o superlative_o excellent_a but_o practital_o they_o deny_v it_o and_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n in_o those_o spiritual_a excellency_n which_o advance_v he_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o saint_n take_v he_o as_o clothe_v with_o bolines_n and_o appear_v against_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o prefer_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v base_a and_o low_a before_o he_o the_o follow_a particular_n will_v further_o discover_v when_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o 2._o from_o his_o spend_v his_o high_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o attain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o christ_n or_o turn_v christ-ward_n it_o can_v stand_v still_o without_o he_o it_o must_v be_v wait_v for_o he_o and_o inquire_v after_o he_o with_o utmost_a diligence_n cant._n 3.3_o see_v you_o not_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v psal_n 130.5_o 6._o phil._n 3.14_o 3._o from_o his_o willingness_n to_o part_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n at_o christ_n call_n or_o for_o his_o sake_n luk._n 14.26.33_o whosoever_o forsake_v not_o all_v that_o he_o have_v 29._o mark_n 8.35_o &_o 10._o v._o 29._o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n matth._n 10.37_o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_a then_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o 4._o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o his_o heart_n under_o his_o withdrawing_n when_o these_o procure_v such_o heart-sickness_n as_o can_v be_v cure_v no_o way_n but_o by_o his_o returning_n to_o it_o cant._n 5._o v._n 6.8_o tell_v he_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n when_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o yet_o o_o the_o sigh_n sobbing_n cry_n faint_n of_o love-sick_a soul_n for_o christ_n presence_n no_o quiet_a or_o satisfaction_n without_o he_o like_o the_o child_n that_o nothing_o can_v still_o but_o the_o breast_n so_o nothing_o can_v fill_v up_o christ_n room_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o reckon_v itself_o empty_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o fullness_n without_o he_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o ever_o to_o go_v in_o widowhood_n if_o he_o will_v not_o own_v it_o as_o his_o spouse_n this_o argue_v a_o consent_n of_o heart_n to_o the_o match_n and_o so_o a_o marriage_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n 5._o from_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o be_v a_o certain_a infallible_a evidence_n of_o adoption_n to_o all_o that_o have_v they_o rom._n 8.14_o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n xx._n of_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o when_o qu_n when_o do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o when_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n become_v natural_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v a_o propensitie_n in_o light_a thing_n to_o move_v upward_o and_o in_o heavy_a thing_n to_o move_v downward_o so_o in_o the_o soul_n to_o move_v christ-ward_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o wrath_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o disobedience_n nor_o no_o reward_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n yet_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o way_n themselves_o &_o the_o respect_n it_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v as_o the_o heart_n unto_o a_o own_n of_o christ_n therein_o psal_n 119.30.173_o i_o have_v choose_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 35._o for_o therein_o i_o delight_v so_o rom._n 7.22_o &_o rom._n 8._o v._n 1_o 2._o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n carnal_a man_n in_o their_o heart_n call_v a_o liberty_n for_o sin_n freedom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o free_v from_o condemnation_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n they_o call_v this_o their_o liberty_n to_o be_v free_a for_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o reckon_v obligation_n to_o sin_v the_o great_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n raise_v a_o admirable_a freeness_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n 2_o corin._n 3.17_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n and_o hence_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8.15_o a_o man_n may_v exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o all_o duty_n that_o a_o christian_n be_v engage_v to_o and_o yet_o be_v without_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o may_v have_v many_o carnal_a enforcement_n hereunto_o but_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o heart_n to_o these_o way_n that_o he_o will_v not_o but_o be_v employ_v in_o they_o and_o account_v it_o a_o high_a favour_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v use_v he_o in_o any_o service_n for_o himself_o and_o find_v more_o delectation_n in_o these_o then_o in_o any_o other_o way_n that_o it_o become_v even_o meat_n and_o drink_v to_o he_o to_o do_v the_o lord_n service_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a complaint_n and_o lamentation_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o for_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o find_v a_o backwardness_n in_o himself_o or_o any_o contrary_a principle_n which_o seek_v to_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v his_o follow_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o way_n rom._n 7.22_o 23._o then_o he_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o when_o it_o have_v corroboration_n or_o assistance_n against_o those_o impediment_n that_o will_v hinder_v it_o in_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n lead_v by_o remove_v these_o carnal_a man_n wonder_v that_o any_o shall_v complain_v for_o want_v of_o strength_n unto_o duty_n they_o can_v easy_o come_v up_o to_o they_o but_o it_o arise_v partly_o from_o satan_n not_o molest_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o look_v not_o beyond_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o they_o strive_v not_o to_o act_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n or_o for_o right_a end_n or_o because_o they_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o work_n of_o corruption_n when_o yet_o it_o do_v act_v but_o a_o gracious_a heart_n find_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o strengthen_v by_o a_o power_n beyond_o its_o own_o it_o can_v act_v any_o grace_n or_o perform_v any_o duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a way_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v ephes_n 3.16_o that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n israel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n isai_n 63._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o how_o do_v he_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v by_o divide_v the_o water_n before_o they_o and_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stumble_v i.e._n the_o lord_n throw_v up_o and_o remoove_v impediment_n out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o take_v away_o what_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o fall_v and_o this_o be_v his_o lead_n of_o they_o so_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v eager_o pursue_v by_o satan_n and_o he_o have_v rage_v against_o thou_o like_o a_o lion_n spoil_v of_o his_o whelp_n that_o thou_o be_v beset_v with_o temptation_n and_o do_v find_v many_o and_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o hinder_v thy_o follow_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o if_o such_o mountain_n have_v be_v make_v plain_n and_o corruption_n bear_v down_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v thy_o heart_n
against_o we_o under_o trial_n and_o tribulation_n but_o we_o have_v get_v ground_n of_o our_o corruption_n our_o pride_n discontent_n not_o only_a after_o distress_n but_o in_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n i._n e._n we_o have_v come_v off_o not_o only_o without_o loss_n but_o with_o much_o gain_n conqueror_n win_v the_o field_n but_o they_o lose_v much_o in_o win_v of_o it_o many_o valiant_a man_n fall_v in_o the_o battle_n o_o but_o christian_n gain_n in_o their_o grace_n and_o gain_v in_o their_o strength_n and_o gain_v in_o their_o comfort_n as_o their_o suffering_n abound_v so_o their_o consolation_n abound_v also_o and_o so_o they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n object_n but_o may_v not_o a_o delusion_n so_o engage_v a_o man_n to_o itself_o as_o he_o may_v suffer_v much_o before_o he_o will_v disow_v it_o may_v not_o a_o man_n look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n with_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n answ_n suppose_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o engagednes_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o sight_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o endearance_n of_o his_o will_n name_n and_o glory_n to_o it_o or_o the_o taste_a sweetness_n in_o communion_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o bear_v up_o against_o suffering_n but_o a_o soul_n under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v raise_v above_o his_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n upon_o such_o account_n rom._n 8.35.39_o phil._n 3.8_o for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n carnal_a confidence_n be_v not_o at_o first_o build_v and_o bottom_v upon_o christ_n and_o be_v at_o present_a sed_fw-la and_o support_v by_o security_n disregard_n stupidity_n stout-heartednes_a will_n desire_v to_o be_v account_v immovable_a and_o unwillingnes_n to_o own_o the_o shame_n of_o former_a hypocrifie_n and_o such_o carnal_a prop_n bear_v it_o up_o and_o engage_v to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o under_o suffering_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v a_o delusion_n evid_v 8._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n afford_v it_o suitable_a provision_n for_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o condition_n before_o it_o go_v droop_v under_o fear_n that_o it_o shall_v want_v protect_a grace_n under_o danger_n and_o support_v grace_n under_o suffering_n and_o persevere_v grace_n under_o trial_n it_o fear_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v mistrust_v god_n in_o every_o condition_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v adoption_n than_o it_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o these_o fear_n it_o can_v say_v with_o he_o psal_n 23.1_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v when_v it_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n this_o engage_v strong_o against_o mistrust_n fullness_n which_o former_o it_o give_v much_o way_n to_o and_o strike_v a_o deep_a sense_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o unbelief_n than_o it_o have_v that_o it_o can_v but_o recall_v itself_o it_o say_v before_o i_o shall_v want_v when_v it_o can_v not_o say_v i_o do_v want_n it_o be_v mistrust_n run_v before_o its_o necessity_n but_o now_o it_o unsay_v it_o and_o chick_v itself_o for_o it_o yea_o it_o run_v as_o far_o forward_o in_o its_o say_v as_o before_o it_o do_v in_o its_o unbelief_n it_o do_v not_o only_o say_v i_o do_v not_o want_v in_o the_o present_a time_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v for_o the_o future_a though_o i_o shall_v be_v afflict_v tempt_v persecute_a etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v paul_n can_v argue_v himself_o into_o a_o confidence_n of_o sufficient_a provision_n when_o he_o see_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v from_o christ_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o son_n how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n i.e._n all_o thing_n needful_a in_o all_o condition_n not_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o enough_o of_o all_o thing_n grace_n enough_o and_o peace_n enough_o strength_n enough_o wealth_n enough_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v his_o collection_n from_o that_o premise_v and_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o &_o c_o it_o be_v a_o interogation_n that_o import_v that_o see_v he_o spare_v not_o christ_n the_o great_a it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n he_o will_v not_o be_v spare_v in_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v far_o lesser_a evid_v 9_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n exceed_o vigilant_a against_o whatever_o may_v occasion_v a_o interruption_n in_o its_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o most_o glorious_a revelation_n be_v follow_v oftentimes_o with_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o violent_a temptation_n as_o 2_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o &_o matth._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17._o the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o a_o full_a testimony_n be_v give_v v._o 17._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o the_o next_o news_n be_v mat._n 4.1_o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v tempt_v question_v not_o a_o testimony_n bare_o because_o you_o find_v variety_n of_o new_a temptation_n after_o it_o unless_o it_o dispose_v you_o to_o yield_v and_o consent_v to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o prevail_a over_o you_o these_o you_o be_v to_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v after_o such_o a_o time_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n it_o will_v make_v you_o watchful_a against_o these_o gant_n 8.4_o i_o charge_v you_o stir_v not_o up_o nor_o awake_v my_o love_n until_o he_o please_v she_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o whatsoever_o may_v displease_v he_o and_o when_o be_v it_o v._o 3._o when_o she_o enjoy_v left-hand_a supportment_n and_o right-hand_a embrace_n from_o christ_n soul_n be_v double_a watchful_a against_o whatsoever_o may_v interrupt_v their_o communion_n with_o christ_n after_o a_o full_a fruition_n of_o it_o evid_v 10._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n draw_v out_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o full_a communion_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n be_v so_o ravish_v with_o what_o it_o do_v enjoy_v that_o it_o be_v even_o swallow_v up_o with_o desire_n after_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o one_o that_o former_o be_v under_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n now_o know_v not_o almost_o how_o to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v any_o long_a but_o be_v force_v into_o that_o holy_a complaint_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o i_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n a_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o glorious_a life_n and_o yet_o at_o such_o a_o day_n it_o can_v but_o bemoan_v itself_o for_o its_o want_n of_o sight_n it_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o and_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o its_o lamentation_n that_o it_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n v._o 2.6_o christ_n be_v present_a with_o the_o saint_n by_o faith_n in_o this_o life_n but_o their_o communion_n here_o admit_v of_o many_o interruption_n there_o be_v recess_n as_o well_o as_o access_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o withdrawing_n and_o seem_a distance_n and_o nothing_o but_o immediate_a communion_n will_v afford_v they_o a_o fullness_n of_o contentment_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o holy_a impatiency_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v these_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a 1._o for_o direction_n to_o such_o as_o enjoy_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o they_o may_v see_v what_o improvement_n they_o be_v to_o make_v thereof_o 2._o for_o confirmation_n unto_o those_o that_o have_v enjoy_v a_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v follow_v up_o these_o way_n let_v they_o beware_v of_o question_v it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n especial_o if_o the_o confidence_n remain_v still_o it_o a_o dangerous_a symptom_n of_o a_o satanical_a delusion_n chap._n xxii_o four_o objection_n answer_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v answer_v four_o objection_n obj._n 1_o may_v a_o soul_n say_v i_o have_v have_v some_o feeble_a hope_n that_o i_o have_v enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o of_o those_o way_n aforemention_v but_o see_v satan_n counterfeit_v the_o choice_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o my_o own_o condition_n and_o be_o not_o mistake_v answ_n the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n do_v give_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n unto_o soul_n that_o its_o testimony_n be_v true_a it_o be_v ascertain_v unto_o soul_n 1._o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10.12_o rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o 10._o 2._o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o
39_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o lord_n end_v herein_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o contradictory_n apprehension_n to_o his_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v pass_v just_a before_o but_o to_o give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n to_o believe_v above_o and_o against_o hope_n 7._o in_o all_o importunity_n with_o god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v use_n of_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o present_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o prayer_n or_o any_o performance_n of_o your_o own_o but_o urge_v his_o name_n nature_n word_n or_o free_a promise_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 63._o v._n 15._o he_o plead_v and_o expostulate_v with_o the_o lord_n where_o be_v thy_o zeal_n and_o strength_n the_o sound_v of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o i_o be_v they_o restrain_v and_o present_o there_o be_v assurance_n v._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n so_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n proclaim_v that_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o moses_n take_v advantage_n to_o challenge_v god_n of_o his_o word_n a_o long_a time_n after_o numb_a 14._o v._n 17_o 18._o as_o thou_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n forgive_a iniquity_n and_o at_o last_o he_o draw_v out_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o lord_n v._o 20._o i_o have_v pardon_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n 8._o seek_v for_o much_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o write_a word_n the_o word_n declare_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v a_o testimony_n by_o that_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o temptation_n if_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n psal_n 119.11_o math._n 4.10_o and_o these_o yield_v to_o do_v tend_v to_o weaken_v and_o darken_v assurance_n here_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o rule_n about_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v profitable_a not_o only_o towards_o assurance_n but_o to_o other_o end_n also_o 1._o some_o spiritual_a consideration_n see_v to_o arise_v from_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o well_o as_o express_v scripture_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o temptation_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v any_o express_a scripture_n to_o help_v thou_o against_o it_o yet_o some_o scripturall_a consideration_n may_v be_v beneficial_a towards_o thy_o relief_n and_o soule-establishment_n psal_n 73._o he_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o adversity_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o say_v v._o 13._o very_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n v._o 16_o 17._o when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o until_o i_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o how_o be_v he_o keep_v up_o against_o the_o temptation_n before_o his_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n v._o 15._o if_o i_o say_v i_o will_v speak_v thus_o behold_v i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n this_o spiritual_a consideration_n keep_v it_o from_o prevail_a viz._n that_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o he_o must_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n never_o have_v a_o people_n on_o earth_n for_o adam_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n and_o cross_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o consonant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o his_o main_a end_n in_o any_o scripture_n it_o to_o he_o own_v as_o of_o god_n though_o not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n in_o scripture_n a_o christian_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v stumble_v when_o some_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n though_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o entire_a sense_n be_v cast_v in_o if_o there_o be_v a_o variation_n in_o some_o term_n from_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o hereupon_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v it_o and_o to_o reckon_v it_o not_o from_o god_n whereas_o if_o it_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o one_o place_n or_o have_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o thou_o ought_v to_o improve_v it_o if_o suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n else_o all_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v useless_a math._n 4._o v._n 9_o satan_n tempt_v christ_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o christ_n oppose_v he_o with_o deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o by_o fear_v here_o be_v mean_v worship_n as_o fear_v isa_n 29.13_o be_v expound_v by_o worship_n math._n 15.9_o and_o serve_v he_o be_v intend_v exclusive_o of_o service_n to_o any_o other_o as_o appeareth_z deut._n 6.14_o and_o though_o neither_o worship_n nor_o only_a be_v find_v in_o the_o place_n he_o allege_v and_o the_o chief_a stress_n of_o the_o answer_n rest_v upon_o those_o two_o word_n yet_o because_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o they_o hence_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v so_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a against_o temptation_n and_o towards_o comfort_n or_o any_o spiritual_a end_n though_o the_o very_a term_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o thought_n 3._o a_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o in_o one_o condition_n may_v have_v much_o deducible_a from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v succour_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o another_o condition_n or_o that_o which_o be_v use_v upon_o one_o occasion_n may_v be_v useful_a on_o another_o occasion_n math._n 4._o v._n 7._o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o that_o scripture_n deut._n 6.16_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o israel_n christ_n allege_v it_o against_o satan_n here_o israel_n be_v forbid_v tempt_a god_n as_o at_o massab_n of_o which_o see_v exod._n 17._o v._o 1.7_o in_o their_o distress_n and_o want_v they_o tempt_v god_n by_o say_v be_v god_n among_o we_o their_o not_o trust_v god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n and_o provision_n be_v their_o tempt_a of_o he_o and_o yet_o christ_n allege_v it_o against_o trust_v of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n without_o a_o call_v to_o it_o or_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v afford_v 4._o a_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n may_v be_v intend_v for_o thy_o present_a advantage_n &_o not_o the_o whole_a math._n 4._o v._n 7._o christ_n make_v use_v of_o but_o part_n of_o that_o deut._n 6.16_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o waâ—_n suitable_a to_o his_o present_a occasion_n so_o one_o part_n of_o a_o promise_n may_v be_v fulfil_v to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n or_o no_o because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v not_o accomplish_v to_o thou_o 5._o a_o bare_a give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a ground_n for_o conclusion_n about_o what_o be_v a_o soul_n duty_n or_o condition_n i_o observe_v that_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n build_v much_o upon_o the_o give_v or_o bint_v in_o of_o word_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a ftreight_o about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v call_v to_o if_o a_o write_a word_n be_v hint_v though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n neither_o express_o nor_o by_o consequence_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v inclination_n thereupon_o to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o another_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v their_o call_n to_o lie_v there_o whereas_o if_o the_o word_n which_o be_v give_v in_o do_v evidence_n this_o to_o be_v duty_n at_o this_o time_n or_o in_o this_o condition_n then_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o bring_n to_o remembrance_n a_o word_n which_o be_v of_o directive_n use_v to_o they_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o make_v not_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n it_o felse_a the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n other_o that_o know_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o until_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a word_n hint_v in_o to_o encourage_v thereunto_o and_o they_o wait_v for_o this_o bless_v god_n when_o you_o have_v one_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v enjoin_v it_o once_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o voice_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n though_o he_o do_v not_o add_v inward_a impulsion_n to_o it_o other_o upon_o the_o give_n in_o of_o some_o consolatory_a or_o witness_v word_n be_v apt_a to_o conciude_v about_o their_o in_o to_o dit_fw-fr in_o christ_n thence_o but_o all_o these_o act_n very_o 〈…〉_o 1._o because_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d a_o hand_n in_o the_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 find_v corruption_n be_v not_o prevalent_a as_o before_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o i_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o transformation_n i_o have_v they_o experience_n of_o j._n m._n concern_v believe_a 1._o be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o get_v out_o it_o please_v god_n to_o cast_v my_o eye_n upon_o a_o promise_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o present_n straight_o yet_o do_v i_o not_o find_v such_o lively_a strength_n in_o it_o as_o to_o deliver_v i_o but_o i_o be_v enable_v to_o lay_v my_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n together_o down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v much_o quietness_n of_o spirit_n thereupon_o 2._o be_v once_o trouble_v about_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_a i_o have_v such_o a_o hint_n as_o this_o that_o i_o shall_v view_v the_o promise_n i_o e._n look_v again_o and_o again_o and_o venture_v upon_o it_o it_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v not_o speed_v in_o obtain_v that_o which_o the_o promise_n hold_v out_o to_o i_o yet_o however_o i_o will_v as_o duty_n injoyn_v i_o it_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n to_o believe_v put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o stay_v upon_o it_o abaid_z and_o continue_v to_o roll_n and_o repose_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o all_o my_o want_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o i_o see_v plain_o that_o though_o i_o do_v so_o yet_o i_o do_v miscarry_v as_o 1._o i_o look_v at_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o promise_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o promiser_n ex_fw-la gr_n i_o look_v at_o comfort_n and_o deliverance_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o by_o the_o promise_n more_o than_o at_o christ_n himself_o 2._o i_o do_v come_v desirous_a to_o obtain_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v out_o yet_o be_v not_o thankful_a for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o receive_v as_o in_o this_o promise_n i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n i_o come_v to_o the_o promise_n as_o one_o that_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o and_o it_o please_v 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
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