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
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
be_v the_o lord_n way_n of_o speak_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v often_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o word_n that_o david_n hope_v in_o for_o his_o salvation_n psal_n 119.81_o 82._o he_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o a_o promise_n before_o v._o 28._o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v he_o unless_o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v it_o over_o again_o he_o must_v have_v it_o apply_v to_o his_o inner_a man_n say_z â—o_o my_o soul_n they_o be_v internal_a speaking_n he_o pray_v for_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n outward_a salvation_n will_v be_v nothing_o to_o i_o without_o inward_a feeling_n of_o thy_o favour_n in_o they_o o_o say_v to_o my_o soul_n i._n e._n raise_v thou_o a_o inward_a persuasion_n in_o my_o heart_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n i._n e._n not_o only_o that_o he_o which_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o let_v i_o be_v particularise_v thy_n salvation_n and_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o wise_a deliver_v i_o out_o of_o my_o distress_n but_o say_v i_o not_o only_o will_v be_v but_o be_o thy_o salvation_n he_o beg_v here_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n by_o a_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o to_o his_o soul_n 3._o from_o a_o believer_n right_a and_o title_n to_o such_o word_n or_o promise_n christ_n be_v he_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n his_o in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o promise_v direct_v to_o particular_a person_n in_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v about_o thing_n of_o general_a concernment_n do_v admit_v of_o a_o general_a application_n and_o every_o believer_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o they_o as_o his_o that_o promise_n i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o or_o for_o sake_n thou_o be_v direct_v to_o joshua_n josh_n 1._o v._n 5._o yet_o be_v apply_v general_o heb._n 13.5_o and_o so_o general_a promise_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o particular_a application_n unto_o every_o individual_a believer_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o christian_n shall_v miss_v of_o that_o prosit_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o promiser_n be_v to_o be_v reap_v by_o they_o a_o believer_n be_v adopt_v 36.25_o isa_n 41.10_o ezek_n 36.25_o have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v clean_o water_v sprinkle_v on_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o word_n do_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o he_o though_o in_o a_o more_o secret_a way_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o the_o utter_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o more_o audible_a voice_n it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o father_n tell_v his_o child_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o be_v real_o his_o own_o before_o so_o christian_n have_v a_o propriety_n in_o such_o word_n or_o promise_v before_o and_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n unto_o believer_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o corin._n 2.12_o and_o so_o it_o will_v apply_v these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n for_o the_o gospel_n ow_v no_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n as_o if_o some_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v other_o not_z the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o any_o word_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o therefore_o witness_v word_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 4._o from_o the_o appointment_n of_o divine_a promise_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o witness_v which_o must_v be_v by_o application_n from_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a word_n be_v often_o call_v god_n testimony_n psal_n 19.7_o &_o 119._o v._o 2.22.24_o etc._n etc._n &_o heb._n 6.18_o there_o be_v two_o immutable_a thing_n ordain_v on_o purpose_n to_o help_v we_o unto_o strong_a consolation_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o god_n promise_n 2._o his_o oath_n v._o 13.17_o but_o how_o do_v they_o bring_v in_o this_o consolation_n it_o be_v by_o witness_v for_o ver_fw-la 16._o a_o oath_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o confirmation_n and_o so_o the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n bring_v in_o this_o strong_a consolation_n as_o they_o serve_v for_o the_o ratification_n and_o confirmation_n to_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v of_o to_o abraham_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o to_o give_v they_o the_o same_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o be_v heir_n to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o oath_n must_v needs_o give_v testimony_n by_o direct_a rather_o than_o reflex_n act_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o do_v intimate_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n both_o which_o be_v without_o we_o do_v as_o proper_o conduce_v to_o the_o afford_v assurance_n of_o our_o propriety_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n by_o he_o as_o any_o inherent_a grace_n or_o qualification_n can_v do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v the_o application_n to_o abraham_n of_o these_o two_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o he_o gen_n 22._o v._n 12.16_o 17._o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o superadded_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n make_v a_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a soul_n as_o there_o be_v to_o abraham_n else_o they_o can_v add_v a_o confirmation_n or_o bring_v in_o consolation_n to_o any_o heir_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o end_v they_o be_v intend_v for_o argu._n 3_o from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o gospel_n ow_v 1_o joh._n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o give_v a_o distinct_a testimony_n from_o water_n and_o blood_n there_o be_v not_o three_o witness_n indeed_o neither_o water_n nor_o blood_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o witness_v but_o the_o spirit_n with_o water_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o hence_o the_o water_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n with_o blood_n make_v but_o one_o witness_n and_o thence_o the_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o witness_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v from_o its_o concurrence_n with_o these_o there_o be_v but_o two_o not_o three_o witness_n and_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v so_o distinct_a from_o blood_n in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o testify_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o distinct_a from_o they_o both_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o sound_v very_o harsh_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o same_o use_n which_o water_n or_o blood_n be_v of_o seal_v the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o blood_n and_o with_o water_n but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o distinct_a witness_v by_o way_n of_o enlarge_a the_o soul_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o witness_v unto_o we_o our_o condition_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n from_o sanctification_n but_o sometime_o immediate_o by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o friend_n comfort_v without_o help_n of_o discourse_n dr._n sibbs_n saint_n seal_v when_o they_o witness_v the_o same_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o when_o that_o witness_v and_o as_o they_o have_v something_o distinct_a from_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o when_o discern_v a_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v of_o interest_n in_o christ_n so_o the_o spirit_n have_v some_o peculiar_a act_n or_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o distinct_a from_o both_o which_o effectual_o beget_v the_o same_o persuasion_n which_o they_o do_v though_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a way_n then_o if_o it_o be_v by_o inference_n from_o such_o promise_n as_o they_o attain_v it_o by_o object_n but_o by_o spirit_n be_v not_o mean_v here_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o our_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o three_o witness_n answ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 1._o because_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o so_o the_o enumeration_n of_o witness_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o full_a if_o that_o be_v not_o intend_v 2._o because_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o to_o advance_v our_o spirit_n but_z the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o the_o witness_n on_o earth_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n and_o hereupon_o he_o number_v the_o witness_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o &_o ver_fw-la 10_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_v himself_o which_o argue_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o holy-spirit_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o do_v
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
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
the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o essay_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o open_v and_o answer_v these_o follow_a weighty_a query_n q._n 1._o what_o be_v the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adaption_n 3_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v a_o soul_n attain_v they_o to_o which_o be_v add_v rose_n from_o sharon_n or_o sweet_a experience_n reach_v out_o by_o christ_n to_o some_o of_o his_o beloved_a one_o in_o this_o wilderness_n by_o samuel_n petto_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o sandcroft_n in_o suffolk_n isaiah_n 59_o 19_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o london_n print_v for_o livewell_n chapman_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o popes-head-alley_n 1654._o to_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o sandcroft_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o father_n have_v purchase_v redemption_n bring_v in_o a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n so_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v design_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n not_o only_o to_o make_v application_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o bring_v soul_n into_o the_o relation_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n thereby_o but_o also_o to_o bear_v testimony_n of_o their_o stand_n in_o that_o bless_a relation_n to_o encourage_v unto_o a_o wait_a for_o and_o to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o now_o dear_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o rest_v not_o satisfy_v without_o a_o persuasion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n give_v over_o carnal_a reason_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a though_o you_o be_v under_o the_o hiding_n of_o god_n face_n at_o present_a 8.17_o isa_n 8.17_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v in_o their_o great_a distress_n than_o joseph_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o they_o gen._n 45._o v._n 1.3_o 4._o so_o when_o many_o charge_n and_o accusation_n be_v bring_v in_o against_o you_o and_o many_o seem_o hard_a passage_n be_v meet_v withal_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v down_o low_a &_o your_o fear_n to_o rise_v high_a yet_o then_o may_v your_o assurance_n be_v near_o christ_n your_o spiritual_a joseph_n as_o with_o reverence_n we_o may_v speak_v it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o refrain_v no_o long_o he_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o joseph_n your_o brother_n and_o if_o you_o enjoy_v a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n at_o last_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v you_o of_o all_o your_o wait_a it_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cluster_n of_o grape_n from_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n that_o will_v give_v you_o a_o foreknowledge_n how_o good_a the_o land_n be_v this_o will_v sweeten_v your_o bitter_a cup_n and_o your_o worst_a condition_n to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v enough_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n your_o heart_n be_v now_o fearful_a of_o meddle_v with_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v precious_a promise_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o or_o not_o such_o a_o testimony_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v you_o because_o christ_n be_v you_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n indeed_o when_o you_o want_v assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v 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administer_v to_o you_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v even_o joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v sandcroft_n 4_o more_o 20_o day_n 1654._o you_o in_o gospel_n engagement_n samuel_n petto_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o great_a god_n about_o the_o everlasting_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o abide_v after_o the_o number_n of_o our_o month_n be_v determine_v and_o that_o this_o body_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o the_o king_n of_o torror_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v open_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o at_o the_o present_a so_o hide_v that_o by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v either_o know_v love_n or_o hat_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o particular_a soul_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v those_o irreversible_a word_n go_v you_o curse_v come_v you_o bless_v yet_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n even_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v it_o be_v that_o have_v send_v for_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o curious_o and_o exact_o survey_v the_o very_a bottom_n counsel_n of_o god_n to_o make_v report_n of_o and_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n the_o precious_a assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n that_o so_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v may_v have_v consolation_n and_o hope_n and_o now_o a_o search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o language_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o whisper_n thereof_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o work_n worthy_a the_o utmost_a of_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v answerable_o esteem_v of_o by_o 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person_n regard_v because_o not_o extraordinary_o visit_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o design_n and_o aim_v therefore_o of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o piece_n be_v to_o promote_v our_o understanding_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v he_o to_o relieve_v and_o edify_v the_o weak_a and_o doubt_v and_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v delude_v we_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v deal_v faithful_o both_o with_o christ_n and_o you_o in_o lay_v aside_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o treat_v of_o to_o speak_v home_o to_o either_o sort_n upon_o that_o short_a view_n we_o have_v of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v add_v our_o testimony_n to_o it_o not_o
because_o we_o think_v our_o name_n be_v any_o way_n worthy_a or_o can_v back_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o we_o intend_v the_o author_n commendation_n thereby_o we_o know_v he_o need_v it_o not_o where_o himself_o be_v know_v and_o his_o work_n we_o trust_v will_v approve_v he_o faithful_a with_o jesus_n christ_n only_o we_o aim_v at_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o some_o poor_a soul_n further_a to_o ponder_v and_o consult_v what_o be_v here_o write_v reader_n consider_v and_o view_v it_o over_o and_o see_v if_o thou_o can_v find_v the_o book_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o thou_o have_v peruse_v it_o through_o though_o thou_o miss_v spangle_n of_o eloquence_n yet_o thou_o will_v not_o account_v thy_o expense_n of_o time_n as_o to_o be_v thy_o loss_n grieve_v not_o that_o spirit_n by_o slight_v any_o piece_n that_o may_v familiarize_v his_o voice_n and_o language_n to_o thou_o here_o be_v question_n of_o moment_n flate_v open_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n clear_v up_o if_o thou_o meet_v with_o thy_o satisfaction_n give_v glory_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n if_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n drop_v but_o from_o one_o leaf_n or_o line_n upon_o thy_o spirit_n in_o thy_o consult_v it_o thy_o pain_n be_v recompense_v now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v redouble_v upon_o the_o author_n who_o have_v wage_v in_o this_o work_n and_o that_o thy_o profit_n who_o peruse_a it_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o travail_n of_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o we_o who_o be_v mean_a among_o the_o saint_n who_o yet_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o christ_n his_o truth_n his_o interest_n and_o his_o people_n so_o we_o bid_v thou_o farewell_n grace_n be_v with_o thy_o spirit_n amen_n sam_n habergham_n edw._n barker_n 1._o day_n 4._o more_n 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n dear_a friend_n the_o plentiful_a pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a privilege_n which_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o seek_v for_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n in_o all_o those_o way_n it_o be_v promise_v in_o among_o which_o its_o witness_v of_o adoption_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v i_o i_o have_v endeavour_v the_o clear_n up_o of_o that_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v my_o spirit_n to_o appear_v in_o it_o in_o so_o public_a a_o way_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o encouragement_n which_o i_o have_v have_v hereunto_o from_o diverse_a friend_n both_o minister_n and_o other_o 2._o because_o so_o few_o have_v write_v distinct_o on_o this_o subject_a the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v very_o little_o insist_v upon_o by_o any_o that_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o see_v assurance_n i_o confess_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o diverse_a book_n but_o there_o be_v many_o mark_n and_o sign_n lay_v down_o by_o some_o which_o i_o fear_v will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o because_o of_o the_o many_o delusion_n which_o multitude_n of_o soul_n be_v under_o in_o these_o day_n who_o yet_o be_v pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n therein_o here_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v may_v be_v conducible_a to_o the_o undeceive_n of_o such_o as_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o the_o establish_n other_o against_o they_o 4._o because_o of_o those_o great_a perplexity_n and_o inward_a distress_n which_o myself_o and_o many_o heaven-borne_a soul_n have_v be_v in_o for_o want_v of_o light_n into_o that_o question_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i_o have_v be_v like_o noahâ—_n dove_n have_v not_o know_v where_o to_o set_v the_o foot_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n so_o as_o to_o be_v safe_a for_o eternity_n i_o know_v that_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n when_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v evid_v nce_v but_o how_o to_o know_v true_a faith_n from_o false_a and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o deceive_v i_o in_o pass_a judgement_n on_o my_o condition_n see_v satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o counterfeit_v every_o grace_n this_o have_v put_v i_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o search_n more_o than_o ever_o i_o have_v former_o about_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o deliver_v i_o from_o many_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n which_o heretofore_o i_o labour_v under_o lest_o i_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o evidence_n which_o be_v none_o i_o be_o hereby_o encourage_v to_o hope_n that_o these_o direction_n may_v be_v useful_a unto_o other_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o they_o have_v be_v to_o i_o yet_o the_o special_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v make_v they_o effectual_a to_o a_o soul_n for_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o those_o experience_n of_o that_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o thou_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o a_o especial_a providence_n when_o i_o have_v well_o nigh_o finish_v the_o treatise_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o a_o harmony_n unto_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v convince_v i_o of_o before_o from_o his_o word_n yet_o be_v almost_o discourage_v for_o publish_v because_o i_o have_v find_v so_o little_a thereof_o in_o my_o own_o experience_n these_o have_v not_o only_o add_v much_o confirmation_n to_o i_o in_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o also_o have_v give_v i_o much_o encouragement_n to_o a_o proceed_n in_o the_o work_n the_o treatise_n by_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n may_v be_v useful_a 1._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o take_v they_o off_o those_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o they_o have_v build_v upon_o for_o eternity_n here_o they_o may_v see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n still_o though_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n etc._n etc._n yet_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o through-worke_n as_o bring_v in_o a_o heart_n turn_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o christ_n they_o will_v miscarry_v everlasting_o for_o all_o this_o the_o sway_v prevail_a part_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v christ-ward_n else_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o conversion_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o as_o a_o distinguish_a thing_n of_o saint_n from_o other_o jam._n 5.20_o math._n 18.3_o 4._o act._n 3.19_o psal_n 51.13_o ezek._n 18.30.32_o act._n 14.15_o act._n 26.18.20_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v or_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v turn_v 2._o to_o those_o which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v of_o advantage_n to_o they_o towards_o peace_n joy_n comfort_n establishment_n and_o let_v they_o beware_v of_o disow_v any_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n whither_o in_o that_o immediate_a way_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a say_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v have_v christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n but_o not_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o none_o do_v right_o take_v christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o also_o do_v take_v he_o for_o sanctification_n but_o if_o hereby_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v receive_v of_o christ_n as_o lord_n the_o only_a evidence_n of_o interest_n in_o he_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o blood_n be_v make_v a_o witness_n of_o adoption_n as_o well_o as_o water_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o hearty_a willingness_n in_o any_o unrenewed_a soul_n to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o saviour_n joh._n 5.40_o hebr._n 2.3_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n be_v as_o distinguish_v as_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o either_o way_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o effectual_a hearty_a willingness_n it_o be_v not_o evidence_v of_o which_o see_v more_o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o and_o now_o reader_n search_v the_o scripture_n whither_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o if_o this_o poor_a treatise_n may_v but_o be_v a_o provocation_n unto_o other_o