Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	faith_n	spirit_n	word_n	6,961	5	4.2967	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

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

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

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

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