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
not_o say_v he_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o heaven_n but_o within_o himself_o i_o e._n on_o earth_n 3._o because_o if_o our_o spirit_n be_v intend_v they_o must_v be_v our_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v spirit_n and_o these_o belong_v to_o and_o be_v include_v in_o the_o witness_n of_o water_n which_o denote_v sanctification_n and_o so_o unless_o by_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o holy-ghost_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v but_o two_o not_o three_o witness_n on_o earth_n for_o our_o spirit_n and_o water_n make_v but_o one_o arg._n 4._o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o can_v name_v many_o that_o have_v have_v their_o adoption_n ascertain_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v a_o write_a word_n although_o experience_n alone_o be_v not_o argument_n enough_o to_o prove_v yet_o with_o the_o former_a spiritual_a ground_n it_o may_v confirm_v the_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o second_o part_n i_o have_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o the_o prose_n of_o this_o because_o some_o stumble_v at_o it_o and_o suppose_v that_o assurance_n be_v attaineable_a only_o by_o reflection_n upon_o mark_n and_o sign_n or_o qualification_n within_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o doubt_n or_o two_o further_a before_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n object_n 1._o have_v not_o some_o poor_a soul_n languish_v in_o doubt_n almost_o all_o their_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o witness_n and_o and_o do_v not_o other_o dangerous_o err_v by_o take_v the_o strong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o i_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n by_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o any_o one_o of_o these_o testimony_n may_v keep_v he_o that_o have_v it_o from_o languish_v 2._o possible_o a_o limit_v or_o tie_v up_o the_o spirit_n unto_o one_o way_n of_o witness_v may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o soul_n distress_n though_o ask_v asigne_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o when_o the_o pharisee_n desire_v it_o in_o a_o carnal_a way_n and_o limit_a christ_n to_o this_o way_n when_o they_o have_v miracle_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o testify_v of_o he_o beside_o this_o occasion_v a_o denial_n of_o their_o desire_n matth._n 12._o v._n 38_o 39_o let_v christian_n beware_v of_o prescribe_v the_o lord_n and_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o one_o way_n that_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o he_o in_o when_o other_o mean_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o same_o end_n beside_o that_o 3._o many_o that_o make_v inherent_a qualification_n the_o only_a evidence_n yet_o take_v their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o these_o though_o distract_a man_n say_v that_o all_o the_o house_n and_o land_n they_o travail_v by_o be_v they_o yet_o man_n in_o their_o right_a mind_n may_v know_v what_o be_v their_o own_o so_o as_o i_o once_o hear_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n say_v though_o bedlam_n professor_n may_v say_v that_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v they_o when_o only_o their_o own_o fantasy_n tell_v they_o so_o yet_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v thence_o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v object_n 2._o but_o the_o three_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o do_v testify_v conjunction_n together_o not_o several_o or_o one_o alone_a and_o so_o the_o spirit_n may_v witness_v with_o water_n and_o blood_n or_o may_v put_v forth_o some_o distinct_a act_n about_o these_o and_o not_o have_v a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v answ_n 1._o if_o sanctification_n be_v discern_v i_o ask_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o witness_n be_v sufficient_a if_o so_o than_o they_o may_v witness_v several_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o three_o be_v always_o together_o in_o witness_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o spirit_n also_o be_v alone_o in_o witness_v who_o be_v the_o high_a witness_n 2._o this_o be_v answer_v before_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v different_a in_o their_o way_n of_o witness_v and_o therefore_o also_o the_o spirit_n different_a from_o they_o both_o because_o a_o three_o and_o chief_a witness_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o grace_n may_v witness_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o this_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v afford_v that_o light_n which_o be_v dart_v in_o may_v discover_v grace_n and_o former_a experience_n yet_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o glorious_o accomplish_v the_o work_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o or_o not_o primary_o conclude_v from_o these_o grace_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v suspend_v its_o operation_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o may_v confirm_v and_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v real_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v bow_v it_o into_o that_o persuasion_n and_o may_v difference_n it_o to_o other_o from_o all_o delusion_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v that_o these_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v lest_o the_o want_n of_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o one_o from_o the_o other_o shall_v hinder_v a_o reception_n or_o own_n of_o real_a testimony_n when_o water_n or_o blood_n lie_v dark_a and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n i._n e._n sanctification_n and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v by_o water_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v something_o 1._o derive_v from_o christ_n ver_fw-la 6._o he_o come_v by_o water_n 2._o that_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v v._o 8._o 3._o that_o witness_v in_o earth_n v._o 8._o i._n e._n to_o or_o in_o we_o 4._o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o blood_n ver_fw-la 6.8_o now_o sanctification_n be_v the_o privilege_n enjoy_v or_o derive_v from_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n set_v out_o by_o water_n in_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o blood_n and_o therefore_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v intend_v here_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v typify_v under_o the_o law_n by_o wash_v 9.10_o exod._n 19.10_o hebr._n 9.10_o because_o water_n have_v a_o cleanse_a property_n and_o so_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v express_v by_o pour_v out_o zech._n 12.10_o and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneratio_fw-la tit._n 3.5_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o which_o be_v metaphor_n take_v from_o water_n and_o be_v use_v to_o set_v out_o sanctification_n but_o most_o clear_o eph._n 5.26_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o i._n e._n his_o church_n with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n which_o full_o evidence_v that_o sanctification_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o water_n and_o i_o know_v nothing_o else_o that_o those_o requisite_n aforemention_v will_v agree_v to_o beside_o that_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n unto_o soul_n their_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o sanctification_n be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v express_o call_v a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o and_o there_o can_v not_o be_v three_o if_o that_o be_v not_o one_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v reckon_v up_o among_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o special_a favour_n which_o the_o saint_n receive_v from_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v where_o it_o difference_v their_o state_n of_o conversion_n to_o christ_n from_o their_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o it_o work_v holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 3._o because_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 2_o thes_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o act._n 20.32_o &_o 26.18_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o what_o ever_o have_v salvation_n couple_v with_o it_o be_v discover_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o witness_v force_n in_o it_o yet_o always_o remember_v 1._o that_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n can_v witness_v adoption_n without_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o a_o christian_a have_v have_v some_o sweet_a lively_a experience_n of_o god_n some_o sensible_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o a_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n operation_n exciting_a quicken_a and_o act_v its_o own_o grace_n yet_o by_o and_o by_o when_o this_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o throw_v away_o all_o again_o and_o say_v o_o i_o think_v i_o have_v see_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o feel_v his_o love_n but_o now_o i_o fear_v i_o be_v mistake_v and_o yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o spirit_n
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
3._o at_o another_o time_n be_v again_o bring_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n after_o long_o shut_v up_o that_o of_o david_n come_v to_o mind_n i_o be_v as_o a_o wean_a child_n i_o be_v wean_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o repute_n among_o man_n from_o outward_a comfort_n etc._n etc._n and_o stay_v much_o upon_o the_o lord_n i_o apprehend_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n end_n in_o desertion_n to_o make_v way_n for_o establishment_n and_o to_o render_v unblameable_a before_o god_n and_o our_o father_n at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n finis_fw-la the_o content_n the_o word_n open_v and_o the_o point_n raise_v from_o page_n 1._o to_o p._n 7._o qu_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o manifest_a and_o special_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o do_v raise_v a_o persuasion_n in_o a_o soul_n by_o the_o word_n or_o gospel_n of_o its_o adoption_n open_v in_o many_o particular_n from_o p._n 7._o to_o p._n 25._o qu_n 2._o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n witness_v more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o p._n 25._o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v such_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v from_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n himself_o p._n 27._o 2._o from_o the_o aptitude_n of_o many_o write_a word_n or_o promise_n by_o application_n to_o witness_v p._n 28._o 3._o from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o gospel_n ow_v p._n 36._o 4._o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n p._n 38._o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n p._n 41._o prove_v diverse_a way_n qu_n whither_o a_o soul_n can_v enjoy_v any_o other_o testimony_n when_o sanctification_n lie_v dark_a p._n 45._o ans_fw-fr 3_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o blood_n i._n e._n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o useful_a to_o justification_n p._n 47._o qu._n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 50._o ans_fw-fr weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v they_o several_a thing_n be_v premise_v and_o then_o it_o be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o a_o witness_n p._n 56._o 2._o from_o the_o extensivenesse_n of_o the_o promise_n p._n 59_o 3._o from_o clear_a scripture_n p._n 60._o 4._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o selfe-examination_n p._n 61._o qu._n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o p._n 63._o qu._n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n to_o it_o in_o that_o more_o immediate_a way_n p._n 64._o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n itself_o do_v primary_o evidence_n the_o proceed_n of_o its_o own_o witness_v act_n from_o itself_o p._n 67._o prove_v by_o diverse_a argument_n ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o secondary_a evidence_n of_o the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v faith_n p._n 81._o object_n when_o be_v a_o word_n receive_v by_o faith_n or_o when_o do_v faith_n evidence_n a_o testimony_n to_o be_v no_o delusion_n p._n 82._o answer_v in_o four_o particular_n to_o p._n 88_o prove_v that_o assurance_n be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n from_o p._n 88_o to_o p._n 94._o how_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v difference_v from_o those_o flash_n of_o joy_n etc._n etc._n that_o unbeliever_n may_v have_v under_o the_o word_n from_o p._n 94._o to_o p._n 98._o qu_n 2._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o free_a promise_n p._n 98._o 2._o from_o cordial_a act_n of_o faith_n p._n 99_o 3._o from_o its_o prefer_v that_o blood_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n p._n 102._o 4._o from_o the_o renuntiation_n of_o what_o soever_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o use_v it_o serve_v to_o p._n 104._o 5._o from_o its_o freeness_n in_o choose_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n p._n 107._o 6._o from_o the_o strength_n of_o drawing_n that_o way_n p._n 110._o 7._o from_o its_o feeling_n the_o efficaciousnesse_n of_o that_o blood_n p._n 111._o qu._n 3._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n p._n 112._o this_o question_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o its_o heart_n be_v separate_v from_o sin_n or_o that_o sin_n have_v not_o dominion_n over_o it_o p._n 115._o four_o distinction_n be_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n 1._o between_o the_o indwel_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o reign_v of_o sin_n ibid._n 2._o between_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n seven_o difference_n be_v lay_v down_o ibid._n 3._o between_o a_o habitual_a frame_n of_o heart_n towards_o sin_n and_o a_o occasional_a fall_n into_o sin_n p._n 117._o 4._o between_o infirmity_n and_o grosser_n enormity_n p._n 118._o what_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v of_o infirmity_n answ_n sin_n have_v not_o dominion_n over_o a_o soul_n when_o it_o choose_v freedom_n from_o or_o consent_v with_o all_o its_o heart_n upon_o evangelicall_n account_v to_o part_v with_o sin_n p._n 121._o 1._o when_o the_o choice_n be_v free_a without_o coaction_n ibid._n 2._o when_o it_o be_v universal_a without_o limitation_n p._n 123._o 3._o when_o the_o choice_n be_v absolute_a without_o condition_n p._n 124._o 4._o when_o there_o be_v a_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n p._n 125._o 5._o when_o there_o be_v a_o mortification_n of_o sin_n p._n 127._o 6._o when_o there_o be_v irreconciliable_a opposion_n against_o sin_n ibid._n 7._o when_o it_o be_v upon_o spiritual_a and_o evangelicall_n account_v p._n 128._o open_v in_o six_o particular_n to_o p._n 132._o 8._o when_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n p._n 132._o qu_n whither_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o retain_v assurance_n after_o fall_v into_o sin_n answer_v in_o five_o particular_n from_o p._n 134._o to_o p._n 137._o qu_n how_o may_v one_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o his_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n p._n 137._o 2._o from_o his_o spend_v his_o high_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o attain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n p._n 138._o 3._o from_o his_o willingness_n to_o part_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n at_o christ_n call_n or_o for_o his_o sake_n p._n 139._o 4._o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o his_o heart_n under_o his_o withdrawing_n ibid._n 5._o from_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n ibid._n qu_n when_o do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n answer_v in_o six_o particular_n from_o p._n 140._o to_o p._n 150._o ten_o secondary_a general_n evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n of_o adoption_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o p._n 150._o to_o p._n 164._o four_o objection_n object_n 1._o see_v satan_n counterfeit_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o deceitful_a how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o my_o condition_n answer_v from_o p._n 164._o to_o p._n 172._o object_n 2._o but_o my_o heart_n have_v deceive_v i_o in_o other_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o deceive_v in_o all_o answer_v from_o p._n 172._o to_o p._n 174._o where_o be_v lay_v down_o four_o symptom_n of_o delusion_n object_n 3._o but_o may_v there_o not_o be_v some_o sin_n i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o harbour_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o may_v render_v i_o deceive_v in_o pass_a judgement_n on_o my_o own_o condition_n answer_v from_o p._n 174_o to_o 176._o object_n 4._o but_o i_o have_v find_v a_o great_a impression_n by_o a_o word_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o satan_n what_o be_o i_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n answer_v from_o p._n 176._o to_o 178._o qu._n 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v attain_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v ans_fw-fr 1._o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n p._n 178._o 2._o maintain_v a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o they_o p._n 179._o 3._o beware_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o assurance_n p._n 180._o 4._o be_v much_o in_o selfe-examination_n p._n 181._o 5._o be_v much_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n p._n 182._o 6._o be_v often_o renew_v act_n of_o faith_n ibid._n 7._o in_o all_o importunity_n with_o god_n for_o assurance_n make_v use_n of_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o p._n 186._o 8._o seeâ—e_v for_o much_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o write_a word_n p._n 187._o several_a rule_n about_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n and_o about_o the_o hinting_n and_o giving_n in_o of_o word_n from_o p._n 188._o to_o p._n 195._o 9_o hold_v fost_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n p._n 195._o finis_fw-la
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
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
shine_v upon_o its_o own_o work_n again_o than_o it_o can_v own_o god_n in_o the_o same_o dispensation_n that_o it_o cast_v away_o psal_n 77._o the_o prophet_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o distress_n ver_fw-la 2._o my_o snare_n run_v in_o the_o night_n and_o cease_v not_o my_o soul_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v and_o as_o a_o remedy_n 1._o he_o remember_v god_n v._o 3._o i.e._n call_v to_o mind_n how_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a the_o lord_n be_v and_o this_o in_o stead_n of_o ease_v do_v aggravate_v his_o sorrow_n 2._o he_o recollect_v former_a experience_n ver_fw-la 5._o i_o consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a i.e._n what_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n have_v be_v with_o i_o how_o gracious_a he_o have_v be_v to_o i_o former_o and_o he_o think_v to_o have_v mitigate_v his_o grief_n this_o way_n but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v and_o so_o in_o stead_n of_o asswage_v this_o heightn_v his_o trouble_n that_o he_o be_v rush_v almost_o upon_o a_o brink_n of_o desperation_n ver_fw-la 7.8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a but_o he_o have_v a_o second_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n of_o old_a v._o 10_o 11._o and_o be_v cheer_v up_o by_o they_o &_o can_v admire_v god_n in_o they_o again_o v._o 13._o there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n upon_o his_o old_a experience_n ver_fw-la 5._o and_o then_o they_o be_v wound_v to_o he_o but_o the_o spirit_n shine_v upon_o the_o same_o ver_fw-la 11._o and_o then_o they_o tend_v to_o heal_v so_o that_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o that_o sun_n be_v afford_v than_o a_o soul_n may_v trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o almighty_a from_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o and_o say_v god_n be_v here_o to_o succour_v i_o under_o this_o temptation_n to_o support_v i_o in_o this_o condition_n to_o sanctify_v to_o i_o this_o dispensation_n though_o i_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o and_o then_o grace_n within_o may_v be_v witness_v else_o not_o 2._o that_o sanctification_n be_v a_o dark_a evidence_n than_o the_o other_o this_o water_n be_v many_o time_n muddy_a there_o be_v so_o much_o imperfection_n in_o it_o such_o stir_n of_o corruption_n yea_o prevailing_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o the_o saint_n as_o rom._n 7._o that_o this_o evidence_n be_v often_o darken_a and_o blot_v and_o have_v but_o a_o moonlight_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o other_o witness_n though_o there_o may_v be_v imperfection_n in_o their_o witness_v but_o here_o be_v much_o weakness_n in_o the_o witness_n itself_o of_o water_n which_o afford_v more_o cause_n of_o question_v it_o object_n but_o may_v or_o can_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v any_o other_o testimony_n by_o the_o spirit_n or_o blood_n when_o water_n i.e._n sanctification_n lie_v dark_a ans_fw-fr 1._o a_o certainty_n that_o sanctification_n be_v want_v speak_v a_o incapability_n of_o have_v adoption_n witness_v any_o way_n to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o want_n of_o that_o do_v infallible_o evidence_n a_o want_n of_o adoption_n 1_o joh._n 2._o v._n 3_o 4._o 1_o joh._n 3._o v._n 8_o 9_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n i.e._n live_v and_o walk_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v addict_v and_o give_v up_o to_o the_o service_n of_o it_o he_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o 4._o for_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_v such_o be_v express_o exclude_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o son_n 1_o cor._n 6._o v._n 9_o 10._o neither_o fornicatour_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n nor_o no_o unrighteous_a one_o ver_fw-la 9_o whereas_o all_o that_o be_v adopt_v be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n rom._n 8.17_o luk._n 12.32_o and_o this_o may_v cast_v the_o carnal_a confidence_n of_o multitude_n in_o these_o day_n who_o be_v without_o restrain_v grace_n and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o assurance_n who_o live_v in_o profaneness_n and_o those_o very_a sin_n aforementioned_a and_o yet_o be_v confident_a of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v express_o to_o give_v the_o holy-ghost_n the_o lie_n 6.10_o 1_o cor_fw-la 6.10_o which_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o enter_v if_o it_o can_v on_o scripture_n ground_n be_v conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v no_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n 2._o but_o sanctification_n may_v be_v inevident_a or_o lie_v dark_a and_o yet_o the_o spirit_n or_o blood_n may_v witness_v adoption_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v able_a clear_o or_o distinct_o to_o discern_v his_o sanctification_n it_o may_v be_v cloud_v and_o be_v very_o obscure_a to_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o spirit_n or_o blood_n may_v testify_v his_o interest_n in_o christ_n 1_o sam._n 12._o ver_fw-la 20.22_o jer._n 3.4_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o see_v act_n of_o faith_n put_v forth_o upon_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v witness_v rom._n 3.25_o rom._n 5._o v._n 1.9_o &_o 10.10_o and_o the_o spirit_n and_o blood_n be_v the_o high_a witness_n and_o so_o afford_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o adoption_n 3._o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o by_o consequence_n conclude_v of_o his_o sanctification_n when_o ever_o the_o other_o witness_n be_v afford_v as_o in_o a_o dark_a day_n a_o man_n may_v conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v up_o though_o he_o can_v see_v it_o so_o a_o man_n see_v act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n may_v conclude_v he_o be_v sanctify_v though_o he_o can_v see_v his_o own_o sanctification_n and_o the_o not_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o fear_n dejection_n disquieting_n and_o discomfort_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o saint_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o blood_n ans_fw-fr 3._o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o i.e._n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o have_v redemption_n remission_n justification_n heb._n 9.22_o eph._n 1.5_o matth._n 26.28_o revel_v 5.9_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v all_o one_o and_o hence_o rom._n 5.9_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o ver_fw-la 18._o justify_v by_o his_o righteousness_n now_o that_o this_o blood_n do_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n and_o that_o in_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o water_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 8._o 2._o because_o blood_n be_v useful_a to_o such_o special_a end_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o those_o in_o christ_n as_o justification_n rom._n 5.9_o eph._n 1.5_o &_o 2.13_o coloss_n 1.20_o hebr._n 10.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.25_o 3._o because_o the_o application_n of_o this_o blood_n be_v by_o faith_n which_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o make_v it_o witness_v we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o this_o blood_n can_v witness_v unto_o any_o particular_a soul_n its_o adoption_n without_o it_o be_v appropriate_v and_o apply_v by_o some_o special_a act_n which_o many_o in_o the_o world_n want_n because_o many_o obtain_v not_o adoption_n or_o salvation_n by_o it_o rom._n 2._o v._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 12._o 2_o thess_n 1._o v._n 7_o 8._o and_o without_o such_o act_n it_o will_v witness_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o one_o in_o it_o now_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v that_o general_a of_o christ_n shed_n his_o blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n &_o reconciliation_n of_o sinner_n to_o be_v of_o particular_a advantage_n to_o a_o soul_n rom._n 3.25_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n that_o justifi_v rom._n 5.9_o and_o therefore_o blood_n be_v call_v the_o witness_n and_o not_o faith_n but_o see_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n that_o may_v discover_v when_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o so_o may_v make_v it_o witness_v and_o hence_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o and_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n rom._n 3._o v._n 28.30_o &_o 4._o v._o 2_o 3.16_o &_o 5.1_o gal._n 2.16_o and_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n make_v between_o faith_n and_o salvation_n joh._n 3.16.36_o mark_n 16.16_o rom._n 10._o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o all_o which_o prove_v that_o blood_n which_o bring_v in_o those_o privilege_n have_v a_o power_n grant_v to_o it_o to_o witness_v much_o therefore_o be_v they_o mistake_v that_o take_v sanctification_n and_o inherent_a qualification_n to_o be_v the_o only_o witness_v thing_n you_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v without_o we_o give_v impute_a or_o apply_v to_o we_o be_v also_o a_o witness_n
over_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o those_o heart-amazing_a working_n of_o corruption_n which_o by_o after_o reflection_n upon_o themselves_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o may_v quick_o deprive_v of_o these_o witnessing_n again_o and_o indeed_o with_o many_o eminent_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o long-lasting_a they_o be_v but_o the_o pass_n by_o of_o the_o lord_n before_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v a_o soul-ravishing_a view_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o they_o be_v soon_o out_o of_o sight_n again_o they_o must_v not_o think_v of_o build_v tabernacle_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o this_o high_a mountain_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n on_o it_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o these_o but_o though_o they_o last_v but_o for_o a_o little_a moment_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a favour_n that_o they_o be_v afford_v chap._n x._o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o weak_a beleiver_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o shall_v prove_v these_o way_n argu._n 1._o from_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o be_v a_o eminent_a believer_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o hereafter_o shall_v have_v but_o have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o universal_o true_a if_o the_o weak_a believer_n be_v at_o any_o time_n destitute_a of_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o say_v he_o have_v the_o spirit_n but_o he_o have_v the_o witness_n i.e._n the_o spirit_n as_o a_o witness_n or_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o he_o and_o how_o harsh_a do_v it_o sound_v that_o weak_a believer_n shall_v be_v uncapable_a of_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o its_o be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o a_o witness_n without_o which_o it_o shall_v neither_o perform_v its_o office_n nor_o answer_v its_o name_n object_n it_o may_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n or_o be_v a_o witnes-bearer_n to_o all_o believer_n objective_o by_o grace_n &_o operation_n though_o they_o see_v or_o know_v it_o not_o as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a witness_v who_o the_o land_n or_o sheep_n be_v though_o not_o efficient_o as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a be_v not_o always_o discern_v or_o the_o thing_n witness_v here_o be_v only_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 5_o 6.10_o not_o that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a soul_n be_v interest_v in_o christ_n answ_n that_o witness_v to_o particular_a soul_n their_o adoption_n and_o that_o efficient_o i.e._n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o well_o as_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v these_o way_n 1._o in_o this_o whole_a epistle_n the_o manifestation_n of_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n be_v drive_v at_o as_o a_o great_a end_n in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n 1_o joh._n 1._o v._n 4._o these_o thing_n write_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a chap._n 2._o v._n 3.12.20_o chap._n 3._o v._n 1.10.19.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n chap._n 4.13_o chap._n 5._o v._n 2.4_o etc._n etc._n 2._o water_n and_o blood_n do_v witness_v efficient_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 5_o 6.8_o 9_o 10._o many_o in_o those_o day_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o deny_v that_o record_n which_o god_n give_v of_o he_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n v._n 11._o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v a_o believe_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o assent_v to_o that_o do_v express_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o include_v a_o cordial_a receive_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o record_n v._o 11._o and_o hence_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n v._o 1._o and_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o which_o argue_v the_o whole_a of_o justify_v faith_n to_o be_v intend_v now_o to_o establish_v these_o believer_n in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v life_n to_o give_v v._o 1.11_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n v._o 1._o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n v._o 5._o and_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o he_o v._o 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o latter_a fall_v with_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o former_a no_o life_n to_o be_v have_v in_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o evidence_n and_o confirm_v the_o whole_a faith_n speak_v of_o v._o 1.5_o he_o send_v they_o to_o six_o witness_n five_o 7_o 8._o whereof_o water_n and_o blood_n be_v two_o v._o 6.8_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o appleale_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n have_v you_o not_o feel_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o pacification_n of_o your_o accuse_a conscience_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n be_v as_o water_n i.e._n for_o the_o purification_n of_o your_o pollute_a soul_n these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n that_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o none_o else_o have_v power_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n but_o neither_o water_n nor_o blood_n can_v witness_v so_o much_o as_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o any_o soul_n if_o themselves_o be_v inevident_a unseen_a undiscerned_a i_o must_v know_v i_o be_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v in_o order_n before_o i_o can_v know_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o the_o witness_v of_o this_o efficient_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o strengthen_v the_o believer_n by_o these_o witness_n against_o that_o grand_a error_n of_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v descend_v from_o god_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o time_n and_o that_o can_v be_v accomplish_v by_o water_n and_o blood_n without_o a_o discern_a their_o testimony_n 2._o water_n and_o blood_n witness_v objective_o before_o 3._o it_o be_v such_o a_o witness_v as_o be_v proper_a to_o believer_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o whereas_o christ_n be_v objective_o witness_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o unbeleevere_a joh._n 3.11_o joh._n 5.32_o 33.36_o 37_o 38._o joh._n 19_o v._n 34_o 35._o and_o if_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o water_n i.e._n sanctification_n and_o the_o blood_n i.e._n justification_n than_o my_o adoption_n be_v witness_v efficient_o to_o i_o also_o 3._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o 1_o joh._n 5.13_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v for_o what_o end_n that_o you_o may_v 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