thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o delusion_n of_o satan_n answ_n 1._o i_o know_v it_o be_v of_o god_n by_o the_o evidence_n the_o spirit_n do_v give_v of_o itself_o in_o its_o own_o testimony_n 2._o by_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n 3._o there_o be_v then_o give_v i_o a_o review_n of_o my_o former_a experience_n of_o the_o lord_n working_n in_o reference_n unto_o conversion_n and_o of_o passage_n since_o and_o i_o have_v a_o certainty_n of_o all_o those_o work_n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o from_o the_o spirit_n 4._o my_o weakness_n in_o natural_a part_n and_o incapacitie_n of_o myself_o for_o such_o thing_n do_v make_v it_o conspicuous_a that_o all_o this_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n 5._o by_o the_o effect_n which_o this_o work_n have_v produce_v upon_o i_o i_o be_o since_o look_v for_o participation_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n and_o seek_v for_o sanctification_n and_o transformation_n and_o this_o be_v my_o business_n and_o i_o find_v corruption_n be_v not_o prevalent_a as_o before_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o i_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o transformation_n i_o have_v they_o experience_n of_o j._n m._n concern_v believe_a 1._o be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o get_v out_o it_o please_v god_n to_o cast_v my_o eye_n upon_o a_o promise_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o present_n straight_o yet_o do_v i_o not_o find_v such_o lively_a strength_n in_o it_o as_o to_o deliver_v i_o but_o i_o be_v enable_v to_o lay_v my_o condition_n and_o the_o promise_n together_o down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v much_o quietness_n of_o spirit_n thereupon_o 2._o be_v once_o trouble_v about_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_a i_o have_v such_o a_o hint_n as_o this_o that_o i_o shall_v view_v the_o promise_n i_o e._n look_v again_o and_o again_o and_o venture_v upon_o it_o it_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v not_o speed_v in_o obtain_v that_o which_o the_o promise_n hold_v out_o to_o i_o yet_o however_o i_o will_v as_o duty_n injoyn_v i_o it_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n to_o believe_v put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o stay_v upon_o it_o abaid_z and_o continue_v to_o roll_n and_o repose_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o all_o my_o want_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o i_o see_v plain_o that_o though_o i_o do_v so_o yet_o i_o do_v miscarry_v as_o 1._o i_o look_v at_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o promise_n more_o than_o upon_o the_o promiser_n ex_fw-la gr_n i_o look_v at_o comfort_n and_o deliverance_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o by_o the_o promise_n more_o than_o at_o christ_n himself_o 2._o i_o do_v come_v desirous_a to_o obtain_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v out_o yet_o be_v not_o thankful_a for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o receive_v as_o in_o this_o promise_n i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n i_o come_v to_o the_o promise_n as_o one_o that_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o and_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n upon_o i_o as_o i_o apprehend_v my_o heart_n be_v altogether_o stony_a hereby_o show_v i_o my_o evil_n for_o i_o shall_v have_v bless_v god_n for_o any_o measure_n of_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o i_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o the_o promise_n in_o my_o own_o strength_n i_o have_v this_o apprehension_n as_o god_n have_v give_v the_o promise_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n also_o to_o apply_v it_o and_o go_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v as_o a_o poor_a empty_a nothing_o creature_n look_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o apply_v it_o i_o have_v find_v that_o while_o i_o have_v be_v believe_v a_o quiet_a wait_a god_n time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o promise_n and_o not_o make_v such_o haste_n as_o the_o unquietnes_n and_o over-eager_a hastiness_n of_o my_o spirit_n have_v put_v i_o upon_o at_o other_o time_n 3._o i_o have_v have_v such_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v the_o creature_n and_o all_o its_o power_n rage_n act_v &c._n &c._n to_o be_v as_o nothing_o 4._o i_o have_v be_v for_o a_o time_n as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n and_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o such_o fail_n of_o heart_n as_o at_o other_o time_n 5._o hear_v a_o christian_a in_o private_a utter_v these_o word_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n i_o have_v a_o very_a sweet_a apprehension_n that_o our_o faith_n eye_v the_o sweet_a love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o dear_a &_o tender_a love_n of_o the_o son_n do_v gather_v strength_n thence_o and_o work_v effectual_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o love_n 6._o be_v bring_v to_o a_o great_a stand_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o corruption_n in_o i_o and_o almost_o beat_v off_o from_o believe_v that_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n with_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n joseph_n go_v and_o ask_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n bold_o so_o i_o shall_v venture_v by_o believe_v on_o a_o crucify_a christ_n 7._o at_o another_o time_n be_v exceed_o low_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o corruption_n break_v forth_o i_o come_v into_o the_o society_n of_o some_o godly_a people_n and_o hear_v one_o in_o prayer_n mention_v this_o concern_v christ_n intercession_n if_o there_o be_v one_o moment_n wherein_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o present_v to_o the_o father_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a with_o they_o i_o find_v faith_n recover_v a_o little_a hence_o as_o one_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o wound_n do_v begin_v to_o recover_v out_o of_o the_o swoon_a fit_n it_o cast_v he_o into_o 8._o soon_o after_o my_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o bleed_a and_o languish_v it_o be_v thus_o revive_v my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n nor_o my_o way_n your_o way_n i_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n into_o that_o scripture_n at_o that_o time_n which_o do_v set_v i_o a_o breathe_n after_o the_o lord_n 9_o be_v once_o through_o extraordinary_a buffet_n of_o satan_n bring_v to_o such_o extremity_n that_o i_o fall_v into_o such_o kind_n of_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v it_o not_o better_o for_o i_o to_o give_v over_o and_o never_o mind_n any_o thing_n of_o god_n more_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v shall_v i_o not_o be_v in_o great_a peace_n if_o i_o do_v at_o once_o cast_v off_o all_o this_o come_v to_o relieve_v i_o if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n for_o a_o moment_n now_o you_o have_v sorrow_n but_o i_o will_v see_v you_o again_o and_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o your_o joy_n shall_v no_o man_n take_v from_o you_o thus_o be_v my_o faith_n a_o little_a revive_v again_o the_o very_a next_o day_n i_o be_v more_o sad_o set_v upon_o then_o ever_o and_o then_o this_o consideration_n abraham_n believe_v god_n upon_o the_o greatdst_a disadvantage_n and_o so_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n so_o ought_v i_o now_o and_o hereby_o a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o my_o escape_n concern_v temptation_n i_o be_v sad_o tempt_v and_o find_v satan_n buffet_n i_o violent_o partly_o upbraid_v i_o for_o former_a sin_n and_o partly_o put_v i_o on_o to_o sin_n i_o be_v in_o great_a perplexity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o also_o to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o a_o christian_a friend_n to_o pray_v with_o i_o he_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o my_o condition_n himself_o have_v be_v under_o such_o temptation_n i_o will_v have_v believe_v but_o can_v not_o i_o will_v have_v put_v away_o thought_n of_o temptation_n but_o can_v not_o the_o temptation_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a my_o heart_n be_v break_v by_o reason_n of_o sorrow_n yet_o for_o a_o time_n marvellous_o keep_v up_o to_o strive_v i_o see_v i_o can_v not_o hold_v out_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v and_o give_v over_o the_o combat_n but_o i_o find_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o for_o my_o help_n in_o a_o needful_a time_n when_o i_o be_v without_o strength_n i_o apprehend_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n very_o sensible_o set_v against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o give_v ground_n i_o have_v sustain_v many_o hundred_o charge_n concern_v the_o odious_a nature_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o the_o sad_a curse_n denounce_v against_o the_o same_o after_o a_o little_a retreat_n of_o the_o enemy_n i_o begin_v to_o take_v a_o little_a boldness_n but_o never_o with_o more_o tremble_a and_o despair_v in_o myself_o or_o more_o cleave_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o conqueror_n i_o can_v then_o true_o say_v my_o rejoice_v be_v in_o another_o and_o i_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o 1._o i_o
acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o now_o through_o christ_n may_v lay_v claim_n unto_o whatsoever_o that_o relation_n can_v entitle_v to_o this_o testimony_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o expectation_n of_o such_o provision_n protection_n &_o portion_n as_o it_o become_v such_o a_o father_n to_o give_v out_o and_o hence_o rom._n 8.17_o and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n chap._n ii_o the_o observation_n from_o the_o text._n the_o observation_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o doctr_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v witness_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n this_o be_v the_o secret_a language_n of_o many_o a_o son_n of_o zion_n though_o i_o be_v adopt_v yet_o o_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o i_o shall_v ever_o attain_v assurance_n of_o it_o alas_o i_o can_v climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o see_v my_o name_n write_v there_o how_o shall_v i_o dive_v into_o such_o a_o secret_a as_o that_o be_v methinke_v i_o find_v the_o lord_n answer_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o so_o as_o it_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_n it_o in_o such_o reason_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o testimony_n will_v thou_o desire_v what_o will_v thou_o reckon_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sonship_n who_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n that_o thou_o can_v confide_v in_o if_o the_o divine_a spirit_n may_v ascertain_v thou_o of_o thy_o adoption_n behold_v that_o be_v nigh_o thou_o thou_o need_v not_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o setch_v that_o thence_o that_o be_v descend_v to_o thou_o for_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o how_o his_o heart_n stand_v towards_o thou_o and_o that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n into_o thy_o bosom_n even_o on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v good_a news_n from_o heaven_n of_o thy_o father_n love_n and_o though_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o with_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v infallible_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o thy_o adoption_n and_o this_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 2._o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n may_v attain_v they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n qu_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v it_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n do_v that_o towards_o the_o clear_n up_o unto_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o a_o witness_n do_v among_o man_n for_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n dubious_a and_o uncertain_a now_o the_o use_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n upon_o knowledge_n how_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n stand_v purposely_o to_o ascertain_v other_o thereof_o deut._n 19.15_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o end_n of_o witness_v be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o a_o matter_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o confirm_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v as_o firm_a and_o true_a by_o that_o record_n which_o be_v give_v in_o and_o hence_o joh._n 8.17_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o e._n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o may_v free_v from_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o before_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v render_v certain_a unto_o those_o that_o question_v it_o and_o when_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o operation_n do_v what_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o this_o then_o be_v witness_v the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o itself_o who_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o operation_n not_o by_o voice_n and_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 1._o objective_o 2._o efficient_o 1._o objective_o when_o it_o afford_v such_o special_a operation_n as_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n there_o be_v some_o special_a and_o remarkable_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o by_o a_o due_a observation_n may_v manifest_v adoption_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o affirmation_n and_o assertion_n thereof_o but_o many_o overlook_v these_o evidence_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o soul_n may_v remain_v without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sonship_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o witness_v if_o its_o record_n be_v not_o receive_v so_o rev._n 22.18_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v this_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v assert_v joh._n 3.11_o we_o testify_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o witness_n it_o be_v but_o a_o testimony_n propose_v or_o offer_v and_o be_v not_o effectual_a unless_o receive_v and_o if_o nothing_o further_a be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o mine_n with_o much_o spiritual_a treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o it_o several_a thing_n of_o great_a importance_n arise_v from_o this_o as_o 1._o hence_o a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n be_v attaineable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o assure_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o render_v god_n more_o assure_v who_o be_v his_o child_n he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o nor_o to_o make_v adoption_n certain_a in_o itself_o that_o must_v be_v before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o its_o scope_n drift_n and_o design_n be_v to_o leave_v we_o assure_v or_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o this_o when_o it_o be_v so_o successull_n in_o other_o work_n how_o unconceivable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o 2._o hence_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o receive_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n offer_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n complain_v unto_o many_o christian_n as_o christ_n do_v joh._n 3.11_o so_o i_o have_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v my_o witness_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v to_o not_o no_n yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o choice_n duty_n and_o enforce_v by_o a_o powerful_a argument_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 9_o if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v far_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o intend_v ver_fw-la 6.8.10_o christian_n reckon_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o deny_v the_o appearance_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o to_o call_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n delusion_n of_o satan_n o_o but_o hereby_o you_o not_o only_o hinder_v your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n and_o establishment_n which_o may_v come_v in_o at_o that_o door_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_a you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o eph._n 4.30_o i_o may_v say_v to_o such_o as_o isai_n 7.13_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n for_o you_o to_o weary_a grieve_v and_o disquiet_v your_o own_o spirit_n but_o will_v you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o my_o god_n also_o it_o be_v sad_a enough_o that_o carnal_a man_n deny_v attention_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n o_o let_v not_o christian_n make_v it_o speak_v in_o vain_a also_o or_o miss_v of_o its_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o text_n aim_v at_o or_o intend_v therefore_o 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v efficient_o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n by_o its_o speaking_n to_o it_o as_o call_v do_v often_o express_v not_o only_o a_o invite_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n but_o the_o soul_n answer_v those_o invitation_n which_o be_v effectual_a call_v rom._n 8.28.30_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o so_o witness_v express_v a_o effectual_a efficacious_a witness_v and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o context_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o so_o have_v
he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n adopt_a justify_v &_o c_o sure_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v unwritten_a answ_n the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o certainty_n about_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o judge_v of_o any_o and_o due_o consider_v all_o requisite_n unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o ingredient_n or_o concur_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o apply_v of_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o better_a to_o evince_v this_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o clear_v this_o coast_n 1._o the_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n than_o the_o object_n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o right_a object_n for_o his_o faith_n &_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o right_a act_n about_o that_o object_n his_o faith_n can_v witness_v nothing_o thus_o joh._n 2.23_o many_o believe_v in_o christ_n name_n here_o be_v the_o right_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o you_o may_v see_v joh._n 1.12_o and_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a v._o 24_o 25._o and_o no_o evidence_n so_o joh._n 8.30_o 31._o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o god_n but_o the_o devil_n for_o their_o father_n v._o 34_o 39.44_o so_o act._n 8._o v._n 13._o yea_o jam._n 2.19_o the_o devil_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o tremble_v and_o the_o apostle_n declare_v this_o purposely_o to_o prove_v the_o defectivenes_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o may_v have_v a_o scriptural_a object_n a_o man_n may_v put_v forth_o but_o a_o natural_a act_n about_o a_o supernatural_a object_n may_v have_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n about_o divine_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 2.5_o there_o be_v more_o require_v unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o true_a faith_n than_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o credit_v or_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v now_o if_o the_o nature_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v considerable_a and_o must_v be_v discern_v before_o sonship_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o then_o see_v those_o difference_v thing_n about_o the_o act_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o application_n of_o witness_v word_n hence_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o then_o in_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o scripture_n declare_v such_o as_o do_v right_o believe_v to_o be_v adopt_v and_o justify_v and_o determine_v what_o faith_n be_v joh._n 1.12_o rom._n 5.1_o act._n 13.39_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v and_o the_o give_v such_o a_o characteristical_a note_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o particularise_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v thou_o john_n thomas_n thou_o be_v justify_v or_o adopt_a if_o legacy_n be_v give_v though_o their_o name_n which_o they_o be_v give_v to_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o will_n yet_o a_o distinguish_a character_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o name_n of_o they_o so_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o character_n of_o adopt_a one_o and_o so_o it_o be_v write_v and_o by_o good_a consequence_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n who_o be_v adopt_v 3._o the_o supervenient_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o a_o word_n be_v enough_o to_o particularize_v it_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v witness_v it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v in_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n that_o luther_n or_o calvin_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n yet_o see_v the_o general_a word_n about_o the_o resurrection_n do_v include_v all_o particular_n under_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o improper_a to_o say_v it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o shall_v rise_v again_o but_o though_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n application_n of_o those_o general_a word_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v that_o this_o or_o that_o person_n shall_v believe_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v conviction_n or_o supportment_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o or_o that_o sermon_n or_o that_o this_o scripture_n shall_v be_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n to_o one_o soul_n and_o another_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v some_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessary_a and_o hereby_o a_o general_a call_n be_v make_v particular_a and_o so_o this_o soul_n believe_v on_o christ_n when_o many_o that_o hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n have_v a_o call_n as_o well_o as_o he_o yet_o believe_v not_o and_o hence_o many_o scripture_n be_v press_v that_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o work_v a_o conviction_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o prevail_v not_o but_o as_o last_v one_o word_n be_v single_v out_o and_o work_v mighty_o that_o way_n at_o the_o same_o word_n act._n 17._o some_o mock_v v._o 32._o other_o believe_v v._o 34._o &_o hence_o many_o word_n suitable_a to_o a_o soul_n condition_n may_v be_v view_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o succour_v and_o at_o last_o one_o cull_v out_o from_o rest_n afford_v much_o relief_n to_o it_o all_o which_o do_v abundant_o evidence_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o particularize_v a_o word_n to_o a_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v ordinary_o afford_v for_o such_o end_n no_o soul_n be_v convert_v but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appropriate_a of_o gospel_n invitation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o like_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o some_o word_n will_v make_v they_o witness_v which_o make_v those_o convince_a convert_v support_v &c._n &c._n and_o the_o testimony_n will_v be_v as_o scriptural_a as_o any_o of_o those_o other_o work_n which_o be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o all_o grant_n and_o see_v in_o those_o testify_a act_n by_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n operate_v as_o efficacious_o and_o usual_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n then_o at_o other_o time_n hence_o they_o be_v as_o visible_a and_o act_n of_o faith_n here_o as_o evident_a as_o about_o other_o word_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n both_o direct_o and_o by_o consequence_n though_o the_o word_n alone_o do_v not_o witness_n yet_o by_o the_o spirit_n application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n indeed_o the_o spirit_n proper_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o hardly_o be_v a_o witness_n at_o all_o if_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n so_o as_o if_o it_o come_v from_o another_o as_o satan_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o we_o have_v know_n and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.9_o and_o heaven_n or_o eternal_a life_n be_v absolute_o promise_v unto_o all_o believer_n hebr._n 9.15_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o death_n they_o which_o be_v call_v may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a inheritance_n jam._n 2.5_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v to_o act_v upon_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n be_v undeniable_a what_o use_v else_o do_v they_o serve_v to_o and_o how_o else_o can_v those_o that_o be_v call_v receive_v they_o see_v gal._n 3._o v._n 18.22.29_o 1_o thes_n 5.8_o let_v we_o put_v on_o for_o a_o helmet_n the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n titus_n 1._o v._o 2._o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v whither_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v raise_v by_o a_o present_a particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o forego_v act_n of_o faith_n either_o way_n they_o must_v be_v divine_a because_o build_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v and_o if_o the_o latter_a way_n that_o strong_o prove_v that_o the_o interveen_n of_o reflex_n act_n can_v hinder_v assurance_n from_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o may_v give_v other_o secondary_a evidence_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o discern_v many_o of_o its_o former_a experience_n at_o such_o
only_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v their_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o he_o write_v to_o be_v little_a child_n v._o 18._o &_o 1_o joh._n 2.12_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o which_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o know_v they_o be_v forgive_v arg._n 4._o weak_a christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o selfe-examination_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n thereby_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o the_o ingemination_n of_o the_o exhortation_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n else_o he_o will_v not_o use_v so_o much_o earnestness_n in_o exciting_a to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o station_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v about_o 1._o whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2._o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n be_v undeniable_a for_o 1._o it_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o unbeliever_n those_o that_o have_v not_o christ_n in_o they_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o hereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o limitation_n unto_o strong_a believer_n let_v they_o prove_v it_o that_o will_v assert_v it_o 3._o these_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o twice_o over_o require_v to_o come_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o corin._n 12._o v._n 20_o 21._o prone_a to_o envy_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n &c._n &c._n which_o be_v make_v the_o symptom_n of_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o yet_o these_o be_v enjoin_v to_o examine_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o there_o be_v some_o season_n then_o which_o all_o christian_n even_o the_o weak_a aught_o to_o take_v for_o self-examination_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n either_o weak_a christian_n must_v always_o give_v in_o this_o verdict_n that_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v false_a and_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o a_o false_a conclusion_n or_o else_o they_o must_v give_v in_o no_o verdict_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n or_o else_o they_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o text_n call_v for_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n either_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o 2._o reprobate_n i.e._n unsound_a hypocrite_n without_o the_o spirit_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o these_o roman_n be_v many_o of_o they_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o text_n he_o except_v and_o exclude_v none_o but_o seem_v to_o conclude_v all_o under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o apprehend_v assurance_n to_o be_v ordinary_o attaineable_a even_o by_o weak_a believer_n chap._n xi_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v whether_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o and_o first_o the_o immediate_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o before_o i_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o such_o end_n as_o these_o 1._o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n many_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n be_v full_a of_o fear_n about_o their_o adoption_n can_v they_o but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n they_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o favour_n of_o great_a value_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v this_o to_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o its_o voice_n or_o understand_v not_o that_o these_o operation_n which_o they_o have_v find_v do_v amount_v to_o a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n they_o question_v whither_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o or_o else_o whither_o they_o be_v witness_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o end_n by_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o the_o shining_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o its_o own_o work_n without_o which_o nothing_o will_v be_v witness_v those_o that_o never_o have_v assurance_n way_n attain_v it_o and_o those_o that_o have_v lose_v it_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o if_o by_o reflection_n they_o can_v find_v that_o such_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o their_o heart_n as_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o 2._o to_o difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v own_v and_o satanical_a delusion_n reject_v 3._o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v witnessing_n in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o the_o better_a to_o attain_v these_o end_n i_o shall_v 1_o speak_v particular_o unto_o the_o feverall_a way_n of_o witness_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o spirit_n 2._o water_n 3._o blood_n have_v witness_v 2._o add_v some_o general_n discovery_n or_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o will_v respect_v all_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v according_a unto_o the_o threefold_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v so_o must_v i_o divide_v the_o question_n into_o three_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n to_o it_o in_o that_o more_o immediate_a way_n or_o not_o before_o i_o reply_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v give_v these_o preconsideration_n preconsid_n 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a impression_n and_o alteration_n make_v upon_o the_o heart_n work_v it_o into_o some_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o adoption_n else_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o a_o pretend_v to_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n those_o that_o never_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o question_n for_o there_o must_v be_v something_o like_o the_o testimony_n to_o make_v capable_a of_o trial_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a impression_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v enjoy_v jam._n 1.21_o 1_o thes_n 2.13_o 2_o corin_z 3.3_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v read_v over_o witness_v word_n never_o so_o often_o and_o his_o thought_n shall_v run_v this_o way_n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n his_o yet_o if_o no_o power_n come_v alongst_o with_o the_o word_n to_o fix_v fasten_v and_o set_v it_o upon_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n for_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n the_o word_n must_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n matth._n 13._o v._n 21.23_o else_o no_o gracious_a effect_n at_o all_o be_v accomplish_v by_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v find_v some_o great_a alteration_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n that_o have_v wrought_v towards_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n our_o enquiry_n be_v how_o he_o may_v know_v whither_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o strong_a flashy_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n precons_n 2._o that_o my_o design_n in_o answer_v this_o question_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o not_o that_o will_v be_v the_o thing_n drive_v at_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n &_o blood_n but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o testimony_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o some_o eminent_a impression_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n i_o suppose_v that_o many_o real_a believer_n may_v through_o their_o own_o default_n want_v this_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v under_o false_a confidence_n through_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i._n e._n confidence_n take_v up_o from_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v not_o evidence_v revel_v 3.17_o psal_n 30.6_o when_o by_o a_o due_a search_n they_o may_v find_v infallible_a ground_n for_o the_o same_o conclusion_n this_o question_n be_v not_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o some_o confidence_n thereof_o
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
a_o time_n and_o many_o gracious_a effect_n be_v produce_v by_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o these_o be_v more_o full_o open_v elsewhere_o especial_o under_o the_o general_a evidence_n object_n but_o many_o have_v have_v flash_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n luk._n 8.13_o yea_o have_v be_v raise_v unto_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o hope_n and_o even_o a_o triumph_a joy_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v hypocrite_n job_n 8.13_o &_o 27.8_o job_n 20._o v._o 5._o and_o other_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n &_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v under_o delusion_n all_o this_o while_n hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o how_o shall_v i_o discern_v that_o i_o go_v beyond_o these_o answ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n already_o hint_v that_o will_v difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o such_o slash_n as_o these_o be_v but_o further_o 1._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n cause_n glorious_a transsormation_n into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n delusion_n or_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n leave_v without_o these_o a_o man_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o it_o as_o saul_n do_v 1_o sam._n 10.10_o and_o yet_o no_o imprint_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o one_o affection_n as_o joy_n may_v arise_v upon_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n as_o matth._n 13.20_o 21._o and_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o root_n mark_n 4.6_o the_o heart_n not_o be_v change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v effectual_o by_o a_o word_n than_o there_o be_v a_o counterpane_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o hence_o jerem._n 31.33_o hebr._n 8.10_o the_o lord_n do_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o write_v his_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n some_o principle_n and_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n be_v wrought_v within_o that_o have_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o word_n 2_o corin._n 3.3.18_o we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v mr_n forbes_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o apothecaris_n shop_n which_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o receive_v although_o he_o never_o carry_v any_o of_o these_o odoriferous_a thing_n with_o he_o but_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o impart_v the_o thing_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o real_o to_o possess_v it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v see_v engrave_v in_o it_o mercy_n peace_n love_n righteousness_n life_n joy_n and_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v write_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v powerful_a operation_n in_o the_o heart_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o spiritual_a gospel_n end_v there_o the_o end_n any_o work_n drive_v at_o be_v a_o great_a discoverer_n what_o it_o be_v if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o light_o but_o effectual_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o the_o noise_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n be_v take_v even_o with_o carnal_a heart_n many_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 19_o v._n 16.22_o may_v be_v inquisitive_a after_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v desire_n to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o be_v very_o sorrowful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o these_o imply_v some_o tastig_fw-mi of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5._o a_o man_n may_v be_v elevate_v with_o rapture_n of_o joy_n upon_o a_o suppose_a interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n like_o haman_n he_o may_v think_v who_o will_v the_o lord_n honour_n but_o myself_o esth_n 6._o v._n 6._o but_o with_o the_o young_a man_n he_o may_v mind_v earthly_a thing_n more_o than_o christ_n or_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o say_v forbes_n as_o a_o physician_n that_o have_v prepare_v a_o comfortable_a potion_n for_o the_o health_n of_o a_o belove_a patient_n he_o will_v give_v to_o other_o a_o little_a of_o it_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v the_o taste_n of_o it_o but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o make_v any_o operation_n in_o the_o stomach_n so_o the_o lord_n may_v let_v some_o carnal_a man_n discern_v some_o goodness_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o these_o taste_n do_v not_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o refresh_a power_n of_o these_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v into_o a_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o glorious_a outward_a profession_n hereby_o but_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o to_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o mount_v up_o christ-ward_n and_o place_v their_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o alone_o but_o the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n cry_v out_o as_o cant._n 5.10_o 11._o my_o belove_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n v._o 16._o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a a_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o day_n can_v but_o reckon_v christ_n the_o top_n of_o its_o glory_n and_o it_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n but_o in_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o smile_n of_o his_o face_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o in_o its_o account_n reall-tasts_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a cause_n the_o soul_n to_o disrelish_v carnal_a delight_n and_o embitter_v those_o sweet_n to_o it_o say_v the_o soul_n shall_v i_o be_v take_v with_o the_o smile_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o the_o smile_a face_n of_o christ_n better_a shall_v i_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o sweet_a cup_n of_o worldly_a delight_n be_v not_o the_o wine_n in_o christ_n cellar_n better_a shall_v i_o feed_v upon_o ash_n after_o christ_n have_v lead_v i_o into_o his_o banquet_a house_n o_o no._n whither_o shall_v i_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o question_n chap._n fourteen_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n 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 the_o free_a promise_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o application_n of_o material_a blood_n but_o the_o gospel_n discover_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v intend_v and_o be_v useful_a for_o justification_n redemption_n etc._n etc._n and_o offer_v it_o for_o such_o use_n and_o end_n unto_o particular_a soul_n the_o application_n of_o blood_n be_v by_o faith_n rom._n 3.25_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v by_o a_o promise_n because_o faith_n ever_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n to_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rom._n 10_o v._n 8.10_o the_o apostle_n check_v &_o reprove_v for_o such_o carnal_a apprehension_n as_o that_o we_o must_v clamber_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n no_o say_v he_o the_o lord_n reach_v it_o forth_o and_o make_v it_o nigh_o to_o we_o in_o or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o word_n promise_v believer_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 9_o so_o that_o a_o divine_a word_n be_v the_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n unto_o soul_n and_o for_o their_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thereby_o this_o be_v god_n deed_n of_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v to_o show_v for_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o blood_n and_o all_o advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o and_o their_o acquittance_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o debt_n they_o do_v owe_v to_o justice_n many_o be_v possess_v with_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v assurance_n of_o interest_n in_o that_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o inward_a porplexity_n about_o it_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v the_o write_a word_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n whereas_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v you_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o several_a use_n it_o serve_v to_o be_v you_o also_o and_o that_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v you_o for_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o blood_n and_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10._o v._o 16.19_o &_o 12._o v._o 24._o &_o 13._o v._o 20._o and_o your_o conclusion_n of_o interest_n
they_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n free_o choose_v this_o complete_a salvation_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o free_o ow_v the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o than_o blood_n be_v witness_v else_o not_o psal_n 4._o v._n 6_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 2._o 6._o from_o its_o be_v draw_v out_o with_o such_o strength_n after_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v be_v after_o other_o thing_n which_o undoubted_o the_o heart_n have_v be_v set_v upon_o and_o have_v freedom_n for_o a_o unbeliever_n utmost_a if_o he_o do_v come_v up_o to_o it_o be_v not_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o heart_n because_o he_o be_v under_o prevail_a engagement_n to_o fin_n and_o satan_n and_o be_v like_o one_o in_o chain_n a_o love_a interposure_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o heart_n free_a for_o christ_n indeed_o coloss_n 2.12_o act._n 16.14_o 2_o corin._n 3.5_o joh._n 8.36_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o slighty_a overly_o way_n deal_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o from_o terror_n of_o conscience_n but_o from_o a_o presumptuous_a freeness_n make_v a_o light_a matter_n both_o of_o finning_n and_o go_v to_o that_o for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o such_o dalliance_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v despise_v in_o god_n account_n &_o such_o must_v expect_v the_o sore_a punishment_n in_o stead_n of_o great_a salvation_n hebr._n 10.29_o no_o believer_n but_o can_v see_v his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o something_o beside_o christ_n before_o his_o believe_a now_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o attractive_a as_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v and_o interruption_n in_o its_o pursuance_n after_o that_o as_o burdensome_a grievous_a and_o afflictive_a to_o it_o as_o they_o be_v there_o or_o if_o the_o drawing_n of_o that_o blood_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o forcible_a then_o of_o any_o or_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o it_o will_v leave_v all_o behind_o it_o have_v place_v gain_n in_o former_o to_o press_v after_o that_o if_o that_o have_v a_o command_a power_n of_o estate_n life_n and_o all_o than_o it_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v witness_v phil._n 3._o v._n 8_o 9.14_o 7._o from_o its_o feeling_n the_o efficaciousnesse_n of_o that_o blood_n man_n heart_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n hebr._n 10._o v._o 19.22_o &_o 12.24_o when_o spiritual_a enemy_n have_v bring_v in_o strong_a charge_n against_o a_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o may_v have_v follow_v its_o own_o inclination_n it_o will_v have_v join_v with_o satan_n against_o itself_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v cause_v to_o oppose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n to_o all_o and_o thereby_o it_o be_v secure_v against_o all_o the_o roar_n of_o the_o law_n &_o temptation_n of_o satan_n that_o now_o they_o be_v all_o silence_v their_o accusation_n be_v answer_v and_o a_o spiritual_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v establish_v there_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o give_v quietness_n then_o as_o job_n 34._o v._o 29._o not_o sin_n nor_o satan_n nor_o conscience_n none_o can_v create_v trouble_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v when_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v by_o blood_n chap._n xv._o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o water_n 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.e._n sanctification_n answ_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o sanctification_n either_o of_o which_o be_v witness_v 1._o the_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n frâ—â—_n sin_n or_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n natural_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n stand_v towards_o and_o be_v even_o destinate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n rom._n 6.17_o but_o after_o believe_v the_o heart_n renounce_v subjection_n to_o it_o there_o be_v in_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o new_a principle_n to_o oppose_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o believer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n rom._n 6.2_o i.e._n they_o be_v become_v unwilling_a and_o unapt_a to_o yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o liveles_a in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o have_v it_o death_n wound_v in_o they_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n gal._n 5.24_o sin_n be_v become_v a_o sufferer_n in_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n rom._n 6._o v._n 18_o 22._o and_o have_v a_o divine_a promise_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o reign_v or_o have_v dominion_n over_o they_o v._o 12.14_o and_o that_o this_o do_v witness_n adoption_n see_v rom._n 6._o v._n 16_o 17._o it_o be_v make_v a_o difference_v thing_n of_o their_o two_o state_n and_o v._o 22._o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n &_o rom._n 8_o 13._o 2._o the_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o he_o act._n 11._o v._n 21._o &_o 26._o v._o 20._o psal_n 4.3_o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o câ—r_n 5.16_o because_o such_o new_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n be_v put_v into_o their_o soul_n as_o natural_o be_v not_o there_o and_o be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o mere_o natural_a principle_n though_o improve_v to_o the_o height_n there_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o alteration_n but_o a_o work_n of_o creation_n else_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o mutation_n or_o change_v of_o quality_n but_o a_o renovation_n all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a not_o as_o if_o nature_n be_v destroy_v but_o perfect_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o new_a habit_n into_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o dispose_v they_o to_o move_v christ-ward_n there_o be_v new_a light_n let_v into_o the_o understanding_n coloss_n 3.10_o renew_a in_o knowledge_n and_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o discern_a of_o that_o spiritual_a beauty_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n in_o divine_a thing_n which_o other_o see_v not_o 1_o corin._n 2.14_o coloss_n 1.9_o there_o be_v a_o new_a inclination_n put_v into_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o put_v forth_o new_a act_n upon_o new_a object_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o this_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o v._n 5_o 6._o and_o these_o habitual_a frame_n be_v call_v grace_n and_o be_v diversify_v and_o distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o way_n they_o act_v in_o and_o end_v they_o drive_v at_o when_o these_o gracious_a disposition_n be_v stir_v up_o or_o strengthen_v to_o act_n upon_o christ_n than_o grace_n be_v account_v to_o be_v exercise_v or_o increase_v and_o these_o be_v call_v sanctification_n 1_o corin._n 1._o v._n 2._o &_o 6._o v._o 11._o 1_o thess_n 5._o v._n 23._o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o and_o these_o appear_n in_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n do_v witness_v adoption_n gal._n 5._o v._n 22_o 23._o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n he_o say_v such_o be_v exclude_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n v._o 21._o and_o this_o v._o 22._o be_v add_v by_o way_n of_o antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n as_o the_o particle_n but_o do_v intimate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v purposely_o to_o express_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o that_o kingdom_n viz._n such_o as_o attain_v those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o either_o of_o which_o do_v witness_v justification_n and_o adoption_n rom._n 8.1.14_o according_a to_o the_o part_n of_o sanctification_n so_o the_o question_n must_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o chap._n xvi_o of_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o sin_n and_o adoption_n witness_v thereby_o four_o distinction_n about_o it_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 and_o so_o that_o it_o be_v adopt_a before_o i_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o distinction_n which_o may_v help_v weak_a doubt_v christian_n as_o they_o will_v discover_v how_o far_o there_o may_v be_v sin_n and_o yet_o one_o not_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n distinct_a 1._o between_o the_o indwel_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o reign_v of_o sin_n paul_n be_v a_o eminent_a believer_n and_o yet_o sin_n dwell_v in_o he_o rom._n 7.17_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
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