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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n father_n know_v truth_n 5,230 5 5.7940 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A90625 The voice of the Spirit. Or, An essay towards a discoverie of the witnessings of the spirit by opening and answering these following queries. Q. 1. What is the witnessing worke of the Spirit? 2 How doth the Spirit witnesse to a soule its adoption? 3. Who are capable of attaining the witnessings of the Spirit? 4. How may a soul know its injoyment of them? 5. By what meanes may a soule attaine them? To which is added. Roses from Sharon or sweet experiences reached out by Christ to some of his beloved ones in this wildernes. / By Samuel Petto preacher of the Gospell at Sandcroft in Suffolke. Petto, Samuel, 1624?-1711. 1654 (1654) Wing P1903; Thomason E1500_2; ESTC R208647 109,805 256

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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
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
for_o the_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o adoption_n i_o find_v no_o rule_n for_o these_o the_o spirit_n give_v a_o certainty_n of_o adoption_n by_o its_o act_n within_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o if_o a_o hundred_o witness_n have_v affirm_v it_o as_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o effectual_a application_n of_o witness_v word_n when_o it_o testify_v by_o direct_a act_n the_o hint_n or_o give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n be_v not_o enough_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o another_o place_n but_o then_o a_o word_n be_v apply_v when_o it_o be_v powerful_o set_v upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v settle_a and_o engrave_v there_o that_o it_o become_v a_o engraft_a word_n james_n 1.21_o and_o work_v effectual_o towards_o its_o proper_a end_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o coloss_n 1.29_o and_o that_o it_o bear_v down_o all_o temptation_n objection_n and_o unbelieved_a reason_n that_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o against_o what_o it_o be_v call_v up_o to_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n jerem._n 31._o v._o 33._o it_o be_v only_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o can_v do_v this_o 2_o corin._n 3.3_o and_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o application_n of_o a_o witness_v word_n as_o the_o heart_n be_v irresistible_o overpower_v into_o a_o pers_n wasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o it_o than_o it_o it_o indeed_o witness_v and_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v find_v such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n come_v alongst_o with_o a_o word_n that_o the_o ugh_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n come_v yet_o they_o dare_v not_o can_v not_o but_o say_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n or_o as_o 2_o corin._n 5.1_o we_o know_v and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n the_o promise_n be_v as_o it_o be_v hold_v to_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v knit_v and_o glue_v together_o that_o until_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o operation_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n leave_v the_o body_n as_o to_o make_v this_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o else_o where_o 2._o the_o spirit_n excit_v and_o draw_v out_o some_o manifest_a special_a gracious_a act_n when_o the_o way_n of_o testify_v be_v by_o reflex_n act_n the_o gospel_n declare_v and_o determine_v say_v and_o other_o grace_n to_o be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o adoption_n now_o the_o spirit_n enable_v to_o act_v these_o rom._n 5.5_o gal._n 5.22_o and_o from_o these_o by_o reflex_n act_n to_o draw_v concsusion_n of_o adoption_n i_o call_v they_o special_a gracious_a act_n to_o difference_n they_o from_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n unbeliever_n may_v have_v hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5.6_o that_o have_v not_o power_n to_o assert_v adoption_n which_o be_v a_o special_a relation_n for_o nothing_o common_a can_v evidence_n that_o which_o be_v special_a and_o they_o must_v be_v manifest_a act_n of_o grace_n for_o witness_n be_v purposely_o to_o clear_v up_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v dark_a &_o dubious_a and_o therefore_o witness_v must_v ever_o be_v by_o what_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o apparent_a and_o hence_o christ_n refer_v the_o jew_n to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 5.36.39_o because_o they_o be_v more_o visible_a to_o they_o and_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v many_o secret_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o though_o they_o be_v special_a work_n yet_o be_v not_o intend_v for_o this_o but_o some_o other_o end_n and_o with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n a_o soul_n can_v use_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v improve_v unto_o witness_v be_v themselves_o so_o hardly_o discerneable_a yet_o i_o dare_v not_o confine_v assurance_n unto_o eminent_a saint_n i_o think_v few_o or_o no_o christian_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o such_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v witness_v to_o they_o adoption_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v afterward_o but_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o operation_n and_o the_o witness_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o must_v have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o peculiarnesse_v in_o they_o 3._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o apply_v itself_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o due_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_n assurance_n sometime_o his_o proceed_n be_v gradual_a or_o by_o degree_n the_o soul_n go_v on_o step_n by_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o it_o arrive_v at_o it_o as_o the_o spirit_n may_v first_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n that_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o and_o may_v attain_v unto_o more_o quietness_n &_o establishment_n then_o yet_o itself_o have_v find_v 2_o pet._n 1._o ver_fw-la 10._o this_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o little_o mind_v before_o and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n those_o impediment_n which_o former_o hinder_v assurance_n subdue_v some_o corruption_n answer_v some_o doubt_n cause_v it_o to_o see_v the_o groundlessness_n of_o some_o fear_n it_o have_v labour_v under_o help_v it_o to_o look_v into_o satan_n design_n that_o have_v hinder_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n within_o it_o and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o glorious_a advantage_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o assurance_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o before_o it_o see_v how_o it_o may_v glorify_v god_n more_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n than_o it_o can_v do_v under_o doubt_n fear_n disquieting_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n capacitate_v the_o soul_n for_o such_o a_o mercy_n so_o exod._n 33._o v._o 9.11.14.17_o moses_n upon_o every_o new_a grant_n or_o return_v of_o prayer_n take_v advantage_n to_o rise_v high_a and_o high_o in_o his_o request_n and_o at_o last_o cry_v out_o ver_fw-la 18._o i_o beseech_v thou_o show_v i_o thy_o glory_n and_o ver_fw-la 19_o compare_v with_o exod._n 34.6_o all_o his_o goodness_n pass_v before_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n cause_v a_o soul_n to_o seek_v for_o some_o mercit_n and_o upon_o the_o lord_n answer_v some_o desire_n it_o have_v encouragement_n to_o go_v with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n for_o great_a mercy_n and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o act_v faith_n in_o a_o eminent_a way_n for_o sight_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n have_v these_o also_o it_o obtain_v some_o mercy_n conduce_v to_o assurance_n at_o first_o and_o afterward_o enjoy_v that_o also_o i_o have_v mention_v this_o the_o rather_o 1._o because_o christian_n think_v to_o have_v assurance_n all_o at_o once_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v very_o much_o trouble_v if_o it_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o lump_n whereas_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o let_v it_o in_o sometime_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o long_a time_n in_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n that_o thou_o have_v it_o not_o present_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o 2._o because_o many_o be_v very_o suspicious_a of_o a_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o some_o violent_a powerful_a heart-astonishing_a alteration_n whereas_o though_o sometime_o it_o be_v by_o such_o invincible_a operation_n as_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o freedom_n whether_o it_o will_v own_v they_o or_o not_o but_o overcome_v the_o heart_n immediate_o to_o a_o reception_n of_o the_o testimony_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n the_o spirit_n act_v in_o a_o more_o mild_a gentle_a and_o secret_a indiscernible_a way_n and_o do_v more_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o choice_n for_o own_v it_o or_o not_o and_o by_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v miss_v of_o that_o assurance_n which_o they_o lead_v to_o yet_o these_o operation_n when_o they_o doc_fw-fr effectual_o witness_v be_v so_o powerful_a that_o ever_o they_o carry_v the_o heart_n alongst_o with_o they_o towards_o christ_n when_o assurance_n come_v in_o as_o the_o result_n of_o selfe-examination_n it_o may_v not_o cause_v such_o eminent_a alteration_n as_o a_o soul_n may_v expect_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v good_a but_o there_o be_v sweet_a gracious_a effect_n that_o will_v follow_v real_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o come_v in_o and_o that_o bow_v of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o selfe-examination_n etc._n etc._n be_v another_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o witness_n 4._o the_o spirit_n afford_v irradiation_n as_o a_o witness_n open_v a_o case_n and_o show_v how_o it_o stand_v so_o the_o spirit_n by_o shine_v forth_o with_o its_o bright_a glorious_a and_o heavenly_a beam_n into_o the_o dark_a dungeon-like_a soul_n do_v cause_v it_o to_o discern_v enough_o in_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n to_o satisfy_v it_o about_o its_o adoption_n and_o though_o it_o
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 ●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 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because_o we_o think_v our_o name_n be_v any_o way_n worthy_a or_o can_v back_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o we_o intend_v the_o author_n commendation_n thereby_o we_o know_v he_o need_v it_o not_o where_o himself_o be_v know_v and_o his_o work_n we_o trust_v will_v approve_v he_o faithful_a with_o jesus_n christ_n only_o we_o aim_v at_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o some_o poor_a soul_n further_a to_o ponder_v and_o consult_v what_o be_v here_o write_v reader_n consider_v and_o view_v it_o over_o and_o see_v if_o thou_o can_v find_v the_o book_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o thou_o have_v peruse_v it_o through_o though_o thou_o miss_v spangle_n of_o eloquence_n yet_o thou_o will_v not_o account_v thy_o expense_n of_o time_n as_o to_o be_v thy_o loss_n grieve_v not_o that_o spirit_n by_o slight_v any_o piece_n that_o may_v familiarize_v his_o voice_n and_o language_n to_o thou_o here_o 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delusion_n of_o satan_n i_o have_v be_v like_o noah●_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
person_n and_o not_o by_o another_o so_o if_o it_o be_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n witness_v than_o it_o may_v be_v by_o a_o proxy_n gift_n and_o grace_n but_o see_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n himself_o this_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n require_v its_o own_o more_o immediate_a presence_n i'faith_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n may_v receive_v the_o testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o and_o not_o grace_n in_o his_o stead_n else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v himself_o proper_o but_o grace_n for_o he_o as_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n be_v call_v a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o when_o grace_n testisie_n although_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o grace_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n so_o here_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v the_o witness_n rather_o than_o grace_n though_o grace_n may_v be_v use_v about_o this_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v about_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v they_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o mortification_n and_o conduct_n v._o 13_o 14._o for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n yet_o he_o foresee_v that_o they_o may_v question_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o justification_n therefore_o he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a mean_n for_o knowledge_n which_o may_v hold_v when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o spirit_n himself_o argu._n 2._o from_o the_o aptitude_n of_o many_o write_a word_n or_o promise_n by_o application_n to_o witness_v i_o account_v it_o very_o unsafe_a to_o draw_v up_o such_o conclusion_n from_o a_o scripture_n cast_v in_o as_o it_o have_v no_o natural_a tendency_n to_o enforce_v neither_o in_o its_o scope_n or_o sense_n direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n neither_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o nor_o by_o application_n this_o mistake_n too_o many_o labour_n under_o in_o these_o day_n when_o they_o be_v dubious_a about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o a_o word_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n although_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n look_v not_o the_o least_o that_o way_n yet_o that_o word_n be_v make_v a_o rule_n for_o action_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o the_o controversy_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o some_o other_o use_n or_o end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o that_o scripture_n for_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o speak_v bare_o in_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o these_o express_a thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n may_v be_v profane_a and_o yet_o use_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o satan_n often_o come_v with_o a_o it_o be_v write_v matth._n 4.6_o but_o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n of_o a_o witness_v nature_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v this_o use_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v confirm_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o these_o and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v or_o that_o they_o miss_v only_a application_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o instance_n among_o many_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o truth_n isai_n 41.10_o fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n isai_n 43._o v._n 25._o i_o even_o i_o be_o be_v that_o blot_v out_o thy_n transgression_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n i_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n matth._n 9.2_o son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_n sin_n be_v for_o give_v thou_o neither_o be_v this_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n only_o for_o christ_n intend_v to_o give_v other_o a_o knowledge_n hereby_o of_o his_o power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n as_o v._o 6._o so_o ezek._n 36.25_o i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o ver_fw-la 26._o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o ver_fw-la 27._o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o ver_fw-la 28._o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n sure_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n to_o man_n thy_o god_n and_o thy_n sin_n if_o he_o intend_v not_o their_o particular_a assurance_n by_o the_o application_n of_o such_o word_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v and_o that_o either_o of_o these_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n be_v undeniable_a what_o can_v satisfy_v a_o soul_n if_o this_o will_v not_o for_o the_o lord_n to_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n 41.10_o be_v 41.10_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o speak_v this_o over_o again_o to_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o to_o clear_v it_o further_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o assure_v promise_n of_o special_a mercy_n which_o be_v consequential_a to_o adoption_n now_o these_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o aptitude_n by_o application_n to_o give_v assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o that_o which_o it_o a_o necessary_a antedent_n as_o isai_n 41.10_o i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o heb._n 13.5_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o 2._o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n that_o direct_o tend_v to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n doubt_v of_o its_o adoption_n as_o if_o it_o question_v its_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o such_o heavy_a affliction_n these_o scripture_n tend_v to_o remove_v that_o doubt_n heb._n 12.6_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v be_v chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v if_o the_o variety_n or_o violence_n of_o temptation_n which_o it_o have_v meet_v withal_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o doubt_n it_o may_v find_v relief_n from_o heb._n 2.18_o &_o hebr._n 4.15_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o free_a from_o temptation_n and_o so_o christian_n may_v not_o look_v for_o exemption_n from_o temptation_n who_o abound_v with_o sin_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o say_a we_o be_v tempt_v if_o the_o feel_n strong_a working_n of_o corruption_n put_v the_o soul_n upon_o question_v its_o condition_n that_o may_v minister_v help_n that_o paul_n a_o eminent_a saint_n groan_v under_o the_o same_o burden_n rom._n 7.15_o yea_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o bitter_a lamentation_n ver_fw-la 24._o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n and_o thus_o many_o scripture_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v for_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a effect_n when_o apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o remove_v such_o doubt_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o arise_v from_o such_o cause_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o only_a obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o such_o scripture_n unto_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o their_o aptitude_n to_o witness_n that_o word_n isui_n 41.10_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n bring_v in_o god_n as_o speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o tell_v it_o of_o its_o interest_n in_o himself_o it_o have_v a_o witness_v voice_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o and_o so_o carry_v evidence_n with_o it_o that_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a design_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v apply_v word_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n they_o so_o clear_o point_v at_o be_v undeniable_a especial_o when_o the_o thing_n point_v at_o be_v undoubted_o a_o work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o witness_v be_v 2._o from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o spirit_n appli_v other_o word_n for_o those_o end_n which_o they_o apt_o serve_v to_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v reprove_v decline_v christian_n for_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n by_o such_o a_o word_n as_o that_o revel_n 2._o v._n 3.4.11_o or_o threaten_v lukewarm_a soul_n by_o revel_n 3.16_o or_o convince_v carnal_o confident_a soul_n of_o the_o sadness_n of_o their_o condition_n by_o revel_n 3._o five_o 17.22_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o shall_v apply_v the_o aforementioned_a scripture_n in_o a_o witness_v way_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n and_o hence_o when_o david_n be_v besiege_v and_o surround_v on_o every_o side_n with_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o keep_v silence_n he_o even_o put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n psal_n 35.3_o say_v thou_o i._n e._n by_o thy_o spirit_n in_o some_o word_n or_o promise_n for_o this_o
as_o well_o as_o grace_n within_o we_o i_o take_v blood_n to_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n than_o water_n which_o be_v often_o muddy_a and_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o hence_o such_o a_o emphasis_n be_v put_v upon_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o he_o come_v not_o hy_z water_n only_o but_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n his_o say_n not_o by_o water_n only_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n he_o will_v have_v especial_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o blood_n that_o this_o be_v iterate_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o slight_a blood_n as_o if_o that_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o witness_n whereas_o although_o water_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v yet_o blood_n be_v most_o to_o be_v mind_v or_o more_o than_o water_n in_o this_o witness_v work_n for_o he_o strive_v most_o to_o advance_v that_o witness_n not_o by_o water_n only_o chap._n ix_o show_v who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o only_o believer_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o enjoy_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n for_o only_o they_o be_v adopt_v joh._n 1.12_o 1_o joh._n 3.1_o gal._n 4.26_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v adoption_n before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v adopt_a else_o there_o be_v a_o bear_v false_a witness_n which_o can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o that_o some_o eminent_a believer_n may_v and_o do_v attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v evident_a rom._n 8.16_o job_n 19.25_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o and_o often_o we_o read_v of_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n 2._o weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n about_o their_o adoption_n this_o position_n be_v question_v by_o some_o yet_o because_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o do_v direct_o tend_v to_o raise_v discouragement_n in_o their_o way_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o because_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v thing_n impossible_a and_o see_v the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o the_o thing_n itself_o much_o more_o hence_o i_o think_v good_a to_o offer_v some_o reason_n which_o for_o the_o present_a satisfy_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n intend_v by_o christ_n only_o for_o the_o tall_a cedar_n in_o christianity_n or_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a one_o but_o also_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v this_o legacy_n bequeath_v to_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n yet_o before_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o ground_n i_o shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v way_n for_o they_o prem_n 1._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v attaineable_a and_o yet_o not_o be_v attain_v christian_n be_v without_o much_o of_o that_o sweet_a communion_n which_o they_o may_v enjoy_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n he_o knock_v call_v &_o cry_v to_o the_o spouse_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n cant._n 5.2_o but_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o carnal_a security_n shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o and_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o ver_fw-la 3.6_o here_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o attain_v and_o yet_o be_v attaineable_a i_o do_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o weak_a believer_n do_v enjoy_v effectual_a witnessing_n though_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o that_o but_o i_o be_o only_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v attaineable_a even_o by_o babe_n in_o christ_n if_o they_o choke_v smother_v and_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o if_o follow_v up_o and_o cherish_v may_v have_v be_v witness_v and_o through_o negligence_n about_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n or_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n may_v go_v without_o they_o yet_o this_o speak_v not_o their_o incapacity_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v real_o weak_a not_o only_o in_o gift_n and_o natural_a ability_n but_o even_o in_o grace_n also_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v weak_a in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n see_v they_o may_v mis-judge_n about_o their_o measure_n and_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o however_o real_a weakness_n afford_v not_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n 3._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v admit_v of_o degree_n as_o its_o operation_n be_v at_o one_o time_n more_o potent_a conspicuous_a and_o manifest_a then_o at_o another_o so_o may_v the_o soul_n persuasion_n of_o its_o adoption_n be_v which_o be_v raise_v by_o these_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o one_o time_n may_v be_v so_o glorious_a and_o its_o act_n so_o powerful_a as_o all_o doubt_n fear_n or_o questioning_n about_o its_o state_n may_v be_v crush_v suppress_v and_o banish_v that_o if_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v under_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n yet_o it_o dare_v not_o it_o can_v not_o subscribe_v to_o they_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a or_o irresistible_a but_o liable_a to_o quenching_n by_o small_a mean_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a assert_v that_o witnessing_n in_o those_o high_a degree_n be_v attaineable_a by_o weak_a believer_n these_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v too_o strong_a meat_n for_o they_o to_o bear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o freedom_n in_o some_o measure_n from_o their_o doubt_n and_o of_o attain_v some_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n be_v they_o this_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v the_o rich_a man_n window_n may_v be_v wide_a than_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o so_o the_o sun_n may_v make_v his_o house_n more_o lightsome_a that_o the_o thing_n within_o it_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o discern_v there_o but_o the_o poor_a man_n may_v real_o enjoy_v the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o know_v that_o they_o come_v from_o it_o and_o may_v see_v what_o be_v in_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o he_o so_o the_o poor_a saint_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o for_o bright_a beam_n than_o he_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o 4._o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n towards_o assurance_n 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 5_o 6.8.10_o therefore_o this_o afford_v no_o encouragement_n unto_o any_o to_o content_n themselves_o with_o that_o measure_n which_o they_o be_v come_v up_o to_o nay_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v furtherance_n and_o provocation_n unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n if_o real_o enjoy_v rom._n 13._o v._n 11_o 12._o but_o yet_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o assurance_n but_o that_o a_o weak_a believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n may_v actaine_v it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o mercy_n that_o concern_v he_o in_o his_o well-being_n 5._o i_o deny_v not_o that_o a_o weak_a christian_n at_o some_o particular_a time_n may_v hinder_v himself_o of_o such_o a_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o eminent_a saint_n for_o they_o may_v by_o nourish_v some_o curruption_n weaken_v if_o not_o loose_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o psal_n 51.8.12_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a hindrance_n i_o be_o to_o prove_v a_o ordinary_a capacity_n neither_o do_v these_o so_o incapacitate_v as_o to_o forbid_v seek_v after_o witnessing_n for_o david_n when_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n he_o have_v lose_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o with_o that_o intermediate_v duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o plead_n for_o cleanse_v psal_n 51._o v._n 2.7_o he_o beg_v also_o that_o his_o joy_n may_v be_v restore_v v._o 12._o 6._o i_o be_o not_o about_o to_o prove_v the_o duration_n of_o these_o witnessing_n but_o the_o capability_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o attain_v they_o how_o little_a while_n soever_o they_o last_v i_o do_v not_o assert_v their_o have_v such_o a_o constant_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n as_o shall_v perpetual_o put_v they_o beyond_o doubt_n the_o multiplicity_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n which_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o unskilfulnes_n to_o resist_v the_o tempter_n may_v occasion_v a_o speedy_a loss_n of_o it_o again_o their_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o those_o way_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o cherish_v of_o this_o persuasion_n together_o with_o that_o great_a suspicion_n which_o they_o have_v
precons_n 3._o that_o the_o primary_n evidence_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v or_o restrain_v unto_o this_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v only_o for_o as_o grace_n do_v sometime_o discover_v their_o own_o proceed_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o at_o other_o time_n the_o spirit_n evidence_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a business_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o main_a errand_n it_o be_v send_v upon_o to_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n when_o it_o witness_v in_o this_o immediate_a way_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v have_v a_o great_a dependence_n here_o on_o its_o knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n and_o therefore_o usual_o it_o give_v the_o most_o transparent_a and_o remarkable_a token_n of_o of_o its_o own_o presence_n here_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o way_n of_o witness_v but_o sometime_o the_o spirit_n draw_v out_o grace_n to_o act_v at_o such_o a_o height_n more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o do_v so_o efficacious_o witness_v adoption_n by_o reflex_n act_n upon_o these_o as_o it_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o its_o own_o presence_n therein_o chap._n xii_o of_o what_o do_v primary_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n i_o shall_v now_o answer_v the_o question_n by_o show_v 1._o what_o do_v primary_o 2._o what_o do_v secondary_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n itself_o do_v primary_o evidence_n the_o proceed_n of_o its_o own_o witness_v act_n from_o itself_o while_o a_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o those_o irradiation_n and_o other_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v carry_v with_o they_o such_o clear_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o come_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o render_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v thereof_o there_o be_v such_o sparkling_n of_o divinity_n in_o they_o and_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v in_o such_o a_o lively_a way_n engrave_v or_o enstamp_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o do_v aloud_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o have_v their_o original_n from_o that_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o that_o degree_n of_o clearness_n which_o the_o spirit_n manife_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o soul_n strong_a or_o weak_a and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o plerophorie_n or_o full_a assurance_n all_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n light_v up_o to_o see_v the_o sun_n by_o which_o be_v best_a see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n best_o see_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o additional_a confirmation_n and_o secondary_a evidence_n hereof_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v indeed_o witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n heretofore_o and_o now_o its_o testimony_n be_v cloud_v or_o eclipse_v by_o a_o serious_a review_v the_o forego_v testimony_n and_o judicious_a reflection_n upon_o that_o usual_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o recover_v it_o again_o then_o by_o any_o extrinsecall_v demonstration_n or_o consequential_a effect_n whatever_o for_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o its_o witness_v act_n which_o be_v intend_v purposely_o to_o assure_v yet_o effect_n be_v very_o useful_a for_o confirmation_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v afford_v manifestation_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o own_o testimony_n or_o that_o it_o do_v operate_v so_o efficacious_o as_o be_v do_v evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o its_o witness_v act_n and_o give_v the_o soul_n that_o enjoy_v they_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o itself_o and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v from_o no_o other_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n arg._n 1._o from_o his_o appointment_n unto_o this_o witness_v work_n be_v not_o adoption_n a_o thing_n questionable_a and_o controversiall_a in_o the_o soul_n there_o need_v no_o call_n in_o of_o witness_n the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o be_v 22.21_o luk._n 22.21_o the_o determination_n and_o establishment_n of_o a_o matter_n against_o contradiction_n see_v matth._n 18.16_o 2_o cor._n 13.1_o and_o it_o be_v the_o special_a reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o be_v ordain_v as_o the_o witness_n because_o that_o be_v truth_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o if_o i_o question_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o witness_n the_o testimony_n be_v never_o certain_a to_o i_o and_o so_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v constitute_v as_o the_o witness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o revealer_n and_o hence_o v._o 9_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v great_a which_o import_v that_o the_o great_a inducement_n to_o receive_v the_o testimony_n or_o own_o and_o confide_v in_o it_o be_v this_o the_o greatness_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n of_o he_o which_o bear_v record_n it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o man_n and_o therefore_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o enforcement_n unto_o my_o reception_n of_o the_o testimony_n if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v my_o incentive_a to_o receive_v of_o it_o the_o main_a thing_n towards_o assurance_n will_v be_v want_v which_o be_v the_o fidelity_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o testify_v rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n here_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o well_o direct_v we_o to_o look_v for_o its_o presence_n in_o witness_v as_o express_v that_o it_o be_v its_o office_n to_o bear_v witness_n and_o how_o little_a it_o shall_v contribute_v towards_o efficacious_a witness_v if_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_v itself_o in_o its_o operation_n you_o may_v eafy_o conceive_v by_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o satan_n to_o bring_v in_o contradictory_n testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n not_o know_v which_o to_o own_o or_o choose_v a_o conscientious_a satisfaction_n must_v arise_v from_o assurance_n that_o the_o witness_n be_v faithful_a if_o my_o own_o spirit_n and_o satan_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o one_o testimony_n of_o my_o adoption_n it_o be_v invalid_a because_o the_o witness_n be_v unfaithful_a satan_n can_v assert_v and_o give_v impulsion_n to_o receive_v his_o record_n therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o its_o testimony_n against_o satan_n delude_a voice_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v no_o near_o satisfaction_n about_o its_o state_n then_o before_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 2._o then_o the_o spirit_n shall_v answer_v one_o doubt_n with_o another_o for_o the_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o witness_n may_v create_v as_o much_o dissatisfaction_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o yea_o it_o raise_v a_o new_a ground_n of_o perplexity_n o_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o fear_v my_o condition_n former_o and_o here_o be_v a_o testimony_n but_o whence_o it_o come_v i_o know_v not_o i_o doubt_v as_o much_o of_o that_o as_o i_o do_v before_o of_o my_o adoption_n and_o o_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o satan_n and_o i_o shall_v own_v it_o my_o condition_n will_v be_v yet_o worse_o than_o before_o and_o if_o it_o must_v seek_v for_o other_o demonstration_n whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o no_o it_o be_v in_o as_o much_o darkness_n as_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o do_v nothing_o to_o ward_n the_o end_n it_o be_v send_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o matter_n remain_v as_o dubious_a as_o former_o and_o the_o soul_n no_o near_o satisfaction_n arg._n 2._o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n ergo_fw-la it_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n or_o its_o own_o presence_n in_o it_o there_o must_v be_v something_o to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n that_o the_o testimony_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o can_v be_v none_o high_o than_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v it_o for._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v other_o thing_n witness_v therefore_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a witness_n no_o grace_n or_o experience_n can_v witness_v without_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 6._o 10._o and_o if_o any_o inferior_a witness_n can_v evidence_n itself_o or_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o high_a witness_n may_v evidence_n itself_o much_o more_o arg._n 3._o from_o its_o special_a appointment_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o give_v manifestation_n unto_o the_o saint_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v
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
touchstone_n or_o rule_n for_o trial_n see_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 17.11_o though_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v evidence_n to_o itself_o especial_o in_o the_o more_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v and_o act_v so_o irresistible_o as_o the_o soul_n while_o that_o work_n continue_v can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v yet_o all_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n i._n e._n both_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o effect_n that_o follow_v it_o or_o those_o operation_n it_o have_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o if_o these_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n account_v it_o a_o delusion_n though_o the_o persuasion_n be_v very_o strong_a isa_n 8.20_o gal._n 1._o v._n 7_o 8._o &_o 6._o v._o 16._o it_o be_v dangerous_a with_o zacharias_n from_o a_o unbelieved_a suspicion_n upon_o non_fw-fr scripturall_a ground_n to_o doubt_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n with_o mary_n for_o information_n to_o inquire_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v luk._n 1.18_o 19_o 20.34_o 35_o 38._o though_o your_o confidence_n continue_v yet_o you_o be_v to_o weigh_v they_o afterward_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discern_a or_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n whither_o any_o and_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v attaineable_a and_o ordinary_o grant_v unto_o soul_n this_o may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v selfe-examination_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whither_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o now_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o that_o purposely_o to_o gain_v a_o knowledge_n what_o the_o state_n be_v this_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v with_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o inquire_v what_o the_o soul_n have_v meet_v withal_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v so_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o make_v water_n or_o blood_n effectual_o witness_v for_o without_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n to_o pass_v upon_o 2._o from_o clear_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 12.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n ezek_n 16._o v._n 61._o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a 3._o from_o experience_n christian_n that_o at_o some_o time_n through_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o deny_v such_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n can_v make_v large_a narration_n of_o many_o passage_n they_o have_v meet_v withal_o they_o can_v declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o word_n have_v wrought_v within_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o soul_n under_o miserable_a questioning_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n still_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v beyond_o question_v whither_o they_o have_v be_v under_o such_o working_n or_o no_o but_o here_o they_o stick_v they_o know_v not_o wither_v these_o be_v witnessing_n or_o not_o beware_v therefore_o of_o harbour_v any_o imagination_n that_o either_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o counterfeit_a working_n of_o satan_n shall_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o that_o this_o conceit_n raise_v by_o satan_n keep_v many_o a_o soul_n on_o this_o side_n assurance_n a_o great_a while_n 2._o the_o work_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v discern_v thou_o may_v examine_v and_o measure_v they_o by_o the_o write_a word_n whither_o they_o be_v special_a or_o common_a if_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o doubt_v and_o question_v whither_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v adoption_n or_o not_o by_o renew_a recourse_n to_o the_o word_n thou_o may_v find_v what_o they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o call_v grace_n or_o not_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chemic_n that_o they_o will_v so_o counterfeit_a gold_n that_o no_o touchstone_n can_v discover_v it_o satan_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chemistry_n he_o have_v many_o thing_n like_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n humility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o those_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v the_o most_o confident_a soul_n often_o to_o try_v their_o ground_n and_o here_o be_v a_o touchstone_n the_o write_a word_n that_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v discover_v his_o most_o glister_a counterfeit_a coin_n 3._o a_o knowledge_n or_o real_a discern_v that_o those_o special_a work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v or_o may_v give_v a_o certainty_n that_o a_o right_a judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o condition_n you_o may_v undoubted_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o witness_v if_o you_o can_v clear_o see_v know_v or_o find_v that_o those_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v witness_v for_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v create_v they_o there_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o this_o be_v a_o great_a perplex_v thing_n to_o many_o a_o saint_n can_v it_o but_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o work_n that_o it_o have_v be_v under_o than_o it_o can_v conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n from_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o a_o saul_n a_o judas_n a_o reprobate_n may_v have_v and_o therefore_o bare_o the_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o work_n thou_o have_v experience_n of_o be_v a_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o agent_n there_o be_v many_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v denominate_v testimony_n of_o adoption_n now_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o bear_v witness_n plain_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o best_o wrought_v into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v this_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o if_o blood_n be_v so_o apply_v as_o it_o be_v warrant_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o so_o for_o water_n than_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n with_o that_o be_v evidence_v when_o work_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o they_o do_v witness_v adoption_n it_o be_v my_o scope_n and_o drift_n to_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_n question_n in_o those_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o difference_n the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o those_o counterfeit_a work_n whereby_o satan_n and_o mens_fw-la own_o treachourous_a heart_n do_v prevail_v to_o the_o deceive_a of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v so_o the_o special_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o work_n themselves_o may_v ascertain_v thou_o that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o water_n and_o blood_n if_o thou_o can_v descry_v those_o operation_n within_o thyself_o they_o may_v assure_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v their_o author_n and_o that_o thy_o heart_n have_v not_o deceive_v thou_o in_o thy_o conclusion_n about_o thy_o adoption_n and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o beleive_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o some_o may_v inquire_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o none_o else_o be_v the_o witness_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n answer_v he_o that_o beleive_v believe_a do_v evidence_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o ground_n of_o thy_o judgement_n be_v certain_a than_o the_o act_n of_o thy_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falseness_n of_o the_o ground_n the_o act_n can_v be_v try_v without_o another_o act_n of_o judgement_n &_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n and_o
lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a then_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o thou_o with_o the_o choice_a saint_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o secret_a sin_n have_v dominion_n over_o thou_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o hair_n of_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n for_o joh._n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v object_n 4._o i_o have_v find_v a_o great_a impression_n make_v upon_o my_o spirit_n by_o a_o word_n or_o promise_n but_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n i_o can_v conclude_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o satan_n or_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n what_o be_o i_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n answ_n 1._o observe_v what_o duty_n thy_o present_a condition_n call_v for_o and_o walk_v up_o to_o that_o that_o impression_n may_v be_v but_o a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o come_n hab._n 2._o v._n 3._o the_o vision_n be_v for_o a_o appoint_a time_n thou_o must_v wait_v for_o it_o and_o at_o last_o it_o will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v thou_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a in_o press_v forward_o towards_o what_o be_v before_o as_o in_o ponder_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_a christ_n do_v often_o speak_v in_o parable_n and_o the_o interpretation_n come_v afterward_o christ_n warm_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o his_o talk_n with_o they_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n until_o they_o come_v up_o to_o some_o other_o duty_n luk._n 24._o v._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o 2._o conclude_v not_o either_o way_n upon_o slighty_a ground_n if_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thou_o call_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o satan_n thou_o offere_v a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o the_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v from_o satan_n and_o thou_o call_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o deceive_v thy_o own_o soul_n better_o to_o leave_v it_o dubious_a then_o to_o conclude_v either_o way_n unsafe_o yet_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n neglect_v not_o the_o conclusion_n 3._o be_v careful_a to_o make_v some_o improvement_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n and_o against_o satan_n say_v thus_o with_o thyself_o this_o dispensation_n have_v a_o great_a stamp_n upon_o it_o whither_o it_o be_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o i_o can_v tell_v i_o will_v see_v if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o advantage_n towards_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o gospel_n grace_n as_o faith_n patience_n humility_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v but_o christ_n may_v have_v say_v to_o thou_o i_o be_o thou_o be_v sure_a thou_o make_v use_v of_o this_o towards_o selfe-resignation_n let_v thy_o heart_n answer_v this_o voice_n and_o echo_v back_o again_o lord_n i_o be_o thou_o zech._n 13.9_o and_o here_o satan_n will_v loose_v ground_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v he_o that_o speak_v to_o thou_o if_o christian_n do_v soon_o break_v off_o those_o distract_n perplex_v thought_n about_o that_o question_n whither_o those_o work_n they_o have_v feel_v proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o lie_v dark_a and_o do_v seek_v to_o find_v out_o his_o name_n that_o speak_v unto_o they_o by_o pursue_v gracious_a resolution_n not_o to_o let_v he_o go_v until_o they_o have_v obtain_v a_o blessing_n o_o how_o may_v they_o be_v free_v from_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o toss_n fear_n faint_n unsettlement_n which_o they_o labour_v under_o if_o they_o do_v improve_v such_o dispensation_n to_o the_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o satan_n 27.30_o gen._n 32._o v._n 26_o 27.30_o they_o may_v at_o last_o see_v god_n as_o it_o be_v face_n to_o face_n and_o so_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a chap._n xxiii_o of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o attain_n strengthen_v and_o preserve_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v attain_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o soul_n answ_n 1._o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n the_o lord_n be_v free_a and_o ready_a to_o afford_v it_o unto_o those_o he_o have_v own_v as_o his_o child_n luk._n 11._o v._n 13._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o without_o assurance_n because_o they_o look_v so_o little_a to_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o neither_o promise_n nor_o grace_n without_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v effectual_o witness_v 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 10.12_o a_o true_a dial_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o give_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n but_o unless_o the_o sun_n shine_v you_o can_v know_v nothing_o by_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v daylight_n with_o your_o soul_n and_o you_o may_v have_v precious_a grace_n that_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n but_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o shineing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v report_v that_o the_o sabine_a stone_n be_v of_o a_o dark_a duskish_a colour_n till_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o oil_n 588._o plin._n part_n 2._o p._n 588._o and_o then_o it_o will_v burn_v of_o a_o light_a fire_n so_o grace_n and_o experience_n be_v of_o a_o duskish_a colour_n till_o the_o oil_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o will_v burn_v forth_o with_o brightness_n so_o as_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n their_o adoption_n and_o therefore_o this_o direction_n must_v run_v through_o all_o those_o that_o follow_v 2._o maintain_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o account_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o a_o doubt_n and_o question_v condition_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o shall_v sin_v if_o they_o shall_v seek_v for_o assurance_n other_o breathe_v out_o sad_a complaint_n for_o their_o be_v without_o it_o and_o yet_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o seek_n after_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o duty_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o studious_a about_o that_o as_o well_o as_o other_o duty_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o permission_n but_o a_o injunction_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n and_o your_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v the_o press_n after_o assurance_n 3._o beware_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o assurance_n 1._o beware_v of_o suppose_v it_o impossible_a to_o attain_v it_o many_o labour_n under_o discouragement_n from_o hence_o and_o thereupon_o seek_v but_o little_a after_o it_o that_o it_o be_v attaineable_a see_v isai_n 45._o v._n 24._o &_o 63._o v._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 5._o v._n 1.6_o 2._o beware_v of_o limit_v the_o lord_n to_o your_o time_n some_o will_v fain_o enjoy_v it_o but_o they_o tie_v up_o the_o lord_n to_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o time_n and_o will_v not_o wait_v his_o ley_fw-fr sure_a for_o it_o 3._o beware_v of_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n ephes_n 4.30_o if_o you_o have_v any_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n o_o cherish_v improve_v follow_v up_o these_o for_o if_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o operation_n you_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n indeed_o for_o assurance_n 4._o beware_v of_o yield_v to_o carnal_a and_o unbelieved_a reason_n many_o dispute_v themselves_o into_o unbelief_n but_o he_o psal_n 42.5_o reason_v his_o own_o heart_n out_o of_o it_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n 5._o beware_v of_o nourish_v any_o sin_n heb._n 10._o v._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n what_o be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o one_o just_o accuse_v for_o or_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o evil_a conscience_n but_o by_o a_o hearty_a application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n and_o putification_n that_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v 1_o pet._n 1.2_o many_o set_v pore_v upon_o and_o complain_v of_o some_o corruption_n and_o that_o because_o of_o these_o they_o be_v without_o assurance_n but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v full_a assurance_n then_o seek_v to_o be_v sprinkle_v from_o they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 6._o beware_v of_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o carnal_a security_n heb._n 6.11_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o negligence_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o
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
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 i_o and_o the_o enemy_n have_v make_v this_o advantage_n of_o it_o this_o come_v by_o your_o look_v so_o much_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v you_o not_o see_v what_o effect_n come_v of_o it_o be_v you_o not_o more_o restrain_v etc._n etc._n when_o you_o look_v more_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n 2._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o enemy_n strike_v at_o faith_n by_o every_o temptation_n ex_fw-la gr_n after_o some_o slip_n or_o fall_v what_o you_o a_o child_n of_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v and_o give_v such_o way_n to_o temptation_n 3._o the_o tempter_n have_v in_o my_o experience_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o full_a of_o malice_n many_o hundred_o time_n in_o his_o temptation_n 4._o i_o have_v observe_v that_o satan_n have_v fasten_v the_o same_o temptation_n upon_o several_a party_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n ex_fw-la gr_n i_o have_v have_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o such_o and_o such_o be_v offend_v at_o i_o and_o by_o conference_n it_o happen_v that_o 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
3._o at_o another_o time_n be_v again_o bring_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n after_o long_o shut_v up_o that_o of_o david_n come_v to_o mind_n i_o be_v as_o a_o wean_a child_n i_o be_v wean_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o repute_n among_o man_n from_o outward_a comfort_n etc._n etc._n and_o stay_v much_o upon_o the_o lord_n i_o apprehend_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n end_n in_o desertion_n to_o make_v way_n for_o establishment_n and_o to_o render_v unblameable_a before_o god_n and_o our_o father_n at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n finis_fw-la the_o content_n the_o word_n open_v and_o the_o point_n raise_v from_o page_n 1._o to_o p._n 7._o qu_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o manifest_a and_o special_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o do_v raise_v a_o persuasion_n in_o a_o soul_n by_o the_o word_n or_o gospel_n of_o its_o adoption_n open_v in_o many_o particular_n from_o p._n 7._o to_o p._n 25._o qu_n 2._o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n witness_v more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o p._n 25._o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v such_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v from_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n himself_o p._n 27._o 2._o from_o the_o aptitude_n of_o many_o write_a word_n or_o promise_n by_o application_n to_o witness_v p._n 28._o 3._o from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o gospel_n ow_v p._n 36._o 4._o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n p._n 38._o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n p._n 41._o prove_v diverse_a way_n qu_n whither_o a_o soul_n can_v enjoy_v any_o other_o testimony_n when_o sanctification_n lie_v dark_a p._n 45._o ans_fw-fr 3_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o blood_n i._n e._n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o useful_a to_o justification_n p._n 47._o qu._n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 50._o ans_fw-fr weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v they_o several_a thing_n be_v premise_v and_o then_o it_o be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o a_o witness_n p._n 56._o 2._o from_o the_o extensivenesse_n of_o the_o promise_n p._n 59_o 3._o from_o clear_a scripture_n p._n 60._o 4._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o selfe-examination_n p._n 61._o 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 p._n 63._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 p._n 64._o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n itself_o do_v primary_o evidence_n the_o proceed_n of_o its_o own_o witness_v act_n from_o itself_o p._n 67._o prove_v by_o diverse_a argument_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 p._n 81._o object_n when_o be_v a_o word_n receive_v by_o faith_n or_o when_o do_v faith_n evidence_n a_o testimony_n to_o be_v no_o delusion_n p._n 82._o answer_v in_o four_o particular_n to_o p._n 88_o prove_v that_o assurance_n be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n from_o p._n 88_o to_o p._n 94._o how_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v difference_v from_o those_o flash_n of_o joy_n etc._n etc._n that_o unbeliever_n may_v have_v under_o the_o word_n from_o p._n 94._o to_o p._n 98._o qu_n 2._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o free_a promise_n p._n 98._o 2._o from_o cordial_a act_n of_o faith_n p._n 99_o 3._o from_o its_o prefer_v that_o blood_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n p._n 102._o 4._o from_o the_o renuntiation_n of_o what_o soever_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o use_v it_o serve_v to_o p._n 104._o 5._o from_o its_o freeness_n in_o choose_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n p._n 107._o 6._o from_o the_o strength_n of_o drawing_n that_o way_n p._n 110._o 7._o from_o its_o feeling_n the_o efficaciousnesse_n of_o that_o blood_n p._n 111._o qu._n 3._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n p._n 112._o this_o question_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o its_o heart_n be_v separate_v from_o sin_n or_o that_o sin_n have_v not_o dominion_n over_o it_o p._n 115._o four_o distinction_n be_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n 1._o between_o the_o indwel_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o reign_v of_o sin_n ibid._n 2._o between_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n seven_o difference_n be_v lay_v down_o ibid._n 3._o between_o a_o habitual_a frame_n of_o heart_n towards_o sin_n and_o a_o occasional_a fall_n into_o sin_n p._n 117._o 4._o between_o infirmity_n and_o grosser_n enormity_n p._n 118._o what_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v of_o infirmity_n answ_n sin_n have_v not_o dominion_n over_o a_o soul_n when_o it_o choose_v freedom_n from_o or_o consent_v with_o all_o its_o heart_n upon_o evangelicall_n account_v to_o part_v with_o sin_n p._n 121._o 1._o when_o the_o choice_n be_v free_a without_o coaction_n ibid._n 2._o when_o it_o be_v universal_a without_o limitation_n p._n 123._o 3._o when_o the_o choice_n be_v absolute_a without_o condition_n p._n 124._o 4._o when_o there_o be_v a_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n p._n 125._o 5._o when_o there_o be_v a_o mortification_n of_o sin_n p._n 127._o 6._o when_o there_o be_v irreconciliable_a opposion_n against_o sin_n ibid._n 7._o when_o it_o be_v upon_o spiritual_a and_o evangelicall_n account_v p._n 128._o open_v in_o six_o particular_n to_o p._n 132._o 8._o when_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n p._n 132._o qu_n whither_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o retain_v assurance_n after_o fall_v into_o sin_n answer_v in_o five_o particular_n from_o p._n 134._o to_o p._n 137._o qu_n how_o may_v one_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o his_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n p._n 137._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 p._n 138._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 p._n 139._o 4._o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o his_o heart_n under_o his_o withdrawing_n ibid._n 5._o from_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n ibid._n qu_n when_o do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n answer_v in_o six_o particular_n from_o p._n 140._o to_o p._n 150._o ten_o secondary_a general_n evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n of_o adoption_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o p._n 150._o to_o p._n 164._o four_o objection_n object_n 1._o see_v satan_n counterfeit_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o deceitful_a 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 condition_n answer_v from_o p._n 164._o to_o p._n 172._o object_n 2._o but_o my_o heart_n have_v deceive_v i_o in_o other_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o deceive_v in_o all_o answer_v from_o p._n 172._o to_o p._n 174._o where_o be_v lay_v down_o four_o symptom_n of_o delusion_n object_n 3._o but_o may_v there_o not_o be_v some_o sin_n i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o harbour_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o may_v render_v i_o deceive_v in_o pass_a judgement_n on_o my_o own_o condition_n answer_v from_o p._n 174_o to_o 176._o object_n 4._o but_o i_o have_v find_v a_o great_a impression_n by_o a_o word_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o satan_n what_o be_o i_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n answer_v from_o p._n 176._o to_o 178._o qu._n 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v attain_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v ans_fw-fr 1._o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n p._n 178._o 2._o maintain_v a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o they_o p._n 179._o 3._o beware_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o assurance_n p._n 180._o 4._o be_v much_o in_o selfe-examination_n p._n 181._o 5._o be_v much_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n p._n 182._o 6._o be_v often_o renew_v act_n of_o faith_n ibid._n 7._o in_o all_o importunity_n with_o god_n for_o assurance_n make_v use_n of_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o p._n 186._o 8._o see●e_v for_o much_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o write_a word_n p._n 187._o several_a rule_n about_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n and_o about_o the_o hinting_n and_o giving_n in_o of_o word_n from_o p._n 188._o to_o p._n 195._o 9_o hold_v fost_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n p._n 195._o finis_fw-la