then_o certainty_n be_v unattainable_a if_o the_o act_n be_v to_o be_v try_v for_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o trial_n there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n pass_v if_o thou_o find_v 1._o that_o some_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o thy_o heart_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v warrant_v to_o be_v witness_v the_o act_n of_o judgement_n be_v unquestionable_a from_o thy_o discern_a they_o thou_o may_v conclude_v that_o thou_o have_v the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o none_o but_o the_o spirit_n can_v discover_v these_o 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 10_o 11_o 12._o from_o the_o work_n discern_v thou_o may_v conclude_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thy_o own_o adoption_n 4._o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o want_v clearness_n about_o the_o work_v themselves_o which_o former_o thy_o soul_n have_v be_v under_o thou_o be_v ever_o to_o beware_v at_o such_o a_o time_n of_o draw_v up_o conclusion_n about_o thy_o condition_n many_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v run_v their_o soul_n upon_o horrible_a temptation_n and_o into_o deep_a desertion_n and_o have_v give_v satan_n great_a advantage_n to_o rush_v they_o into_o unbelief_n by_o conclude_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o halfe-work_n or_o without_o a_o clearness_n in_o the_o nature_n quality_n circumstance_n and_o end_n of_o what_o they_o have_v meet_v withal_o when_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v dim_a as_o in_o a_o day_n of_o desertion_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n but_o ought_v to_o attend_v unto_o other_o duty_n that_o concern_v thou_o in_o thy_o present_a condition_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o shineing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o work_v thou_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o and_o if_o such_o a_o candle_n be_v light_v up_o in_o thy_o soul_n as_o enable_v thou_o to_o see_v and_o by_o the_o word_n to_o discern_v they_o to_o be_v special_a work_n than_o thou_o may_v say_v as_o rom._n 9.1_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v by_o the_o holyghost_n and_o then_o it_o be_v dangerous_a disclaim_n or_o disow_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o operation_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v both_o the_o sincerity_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v seed_n of_o hypocrifie_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o sin_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n they_o find_v matter_n for_o heart-breaking_a complaint_n of_o the_o treacherousnesse_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n grace_n do_v not_o tot_fw-mi ally_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o any_o one_o sin_n peter_n heart_n deceive_v he_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o high_a resolve_n for_o christ_n and_o yet_o a_o believer_n but_o never_o do_v a_o soul_n see_v more_o of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o its_o heart_n then_o upon_o a_o discovery_n of_o divine_a love_n job_n 42.5_o 6._o isa_n 6.5_o ezek._n 16.63_o and_o thus_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n object_n 2._o but_o i_o have_v find_v that_o my_o heart_n have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o my_o pass_v a_o judgement_n about_o other_o matter_n and_o i_o have_v as_o many_o symptom_n of_o my_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o those_o conclusion_n as_o i_o have_v of_o its_o lead_v i_o into_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o deceive_v in_o all_o answ_n 1._o thou_o may_v be_v deceive_v about_o some_o circumstance_n and_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o some_o dispensation_n and_o yet_o thy_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_a in_o the_o main_a 2._o particular_a mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v general_a rule_n peter_n have_v a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o his_o adoption_n and_o that_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o mat._n 16._o v._n 17._o bless_a be_v thou_o simon_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o preserve_v he_o from_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n that_o come_v afterward_o v._o 22_o 23._o the_o same_o mouth_n that_o bless_a he_o quick_o call_v he_o satan_n christ_n testimony_n be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o full_a assurance_n of_o divine_a love_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o secure_v he_o against_o a_o false_a confidence_n in_o a_o particular_a case_n nor_o a_o doleful_a fall_n matth._n 26._o v._n 35.70.72_o it_o thy_o heart_n have_v deceive_v thou_o in_o some_o particular_a thing_n yet_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o thou_o be_v delude_v in_o all_o 3._o yet_o let_v thy_o mistake_n provoke_v thou_o to_o the_o great_a watchfulness_n against_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o take_v these_o as_o symptom_n of_o delusion_n and_o beware_v of_o yield_v to_o they_o 1._o whatsoever_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o promote_v sin_n or_o unrighteousness_n be_v a_o delusion_n unholines_n can_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o diametrical_a opposition_n between_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5._o v._n 19_o 20.22_o that_o which_o embolden_v or_o give_v any_o encouragement_n or_o be_v refresh_v to_o corruption_n beware_v of_o it_o 2._o that_o which_o arise_v from_o or_o lead_v into_o security_n be_v a_o delusion_n rev._n 3.17.22_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v in_o good_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o they_o conclude_v they_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o want_v all_o thing_n david_n security_n lead_v he_o into_o a_o false_a confidence_n psal_n 30.6_o from_o his_o present_a prosperity_n he_o conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v 3._o that_o which_o spring_v from_o a_o suppose_a selfe-sufficiency_n or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n lead_v into_o selfe-advancement_n be_v a_o delusion_n psal_n 30.6_o david_n be_v confident_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v and_o this_o be_v build_v and_o bottom_v upon_o his_o outward_a accommodation_n and_o furnishment_n for_o self-defence_n and_o therefore_o he_o check_v correct_v and_o recall_v himself_o v._o 7._o by_o thy_o favour_n my_o mountain_n stand_v strong_a so_o if_o thou_o have_v overcome_v this_o or_o that_o temptation_n and_o now_o conclude_v that_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o encounter_v with_o any_o it_o be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o small_a one_o will_v surprise_v thou_o quick_o and_o so_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v thou_o aspire_v gen._n 3.5_o 4._o that_o which_o begin_v not_o with_o and_o end_v not_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o delusion_n peter_n engage_v for_o christ_n but_o not_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v though_o not_o total_o yet_o shameful_o from_o christ_n the_o laodicean_n be_v neglective_a of_o christ_n and_o take_v satisfaction_n in_o thing_n below_o christ_n and_o this_o produce_v false_a confidence_n and_o conclusion_n rev._n 3.17_o 18.20_o object_n 3._o but_o may_v there_o not_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o 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 may_v not_o my_o heart_n be_v engage_v to_o some_o secret_a sin_n that_o i_o know_v not_o of_o and_o so_o i_o not_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n answ_n be_v thy_o heart_n carry_v out_o to_o seek_v for_o cleanse_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n from_o secret_a sin_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o of_o if_o so_o thou_o be_v not_o delude_v but_o even_o these_o motion_n of_o thy_o heart_n be_v witness_v the_o best_a of_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o secret_a sin_n psal_n 19.12_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n the_o interrogation_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o negation_n i.e._n none_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n i.e._n all_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o beg_v cleanse_v from_o those_o he_o know_v not_o of_o 8._o qui_fw-fr form_n aliter_fw-la &_o distincti_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la agit_fw-fr de_fw-fr peccatis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cognitis_fw-la virtualem_fw-la &_o confusam_fw-la resipiscentiam_fw-la habet_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la etiam_fw-la peccatis_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la novit_fw-la dr._n ames_n c._n c._n l._n 2._o cap._n 8._o so_o that_o if_o thou_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o gosell_n mystery_n as_o thy_o whole_a heart_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v bend_v and_o set_v against_o all_o sin_n know_v upon_o gospel_n account_n and_o look_v after_o purification_n from_o what_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o will_v seek_v the_o mortification_n and_o abandon_v of_o they_o if_o thou_o know_v they_o &_o can_v cordial_o say_v as_o psal_n 139._o v._n 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_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
&_o 16._o v._o 23._o coloss_n 3.17_o and_o gospel_n promise_n be_v the_o casket_n wherein_o the_o jewel_n christ_n jesus_n be_v lay_v up_o the_o chariot_n whereby_o a_o soul_n may_v ride_v to_o that_o king_n of_o glory_n in_o triumph_n the_o ship_n wherein_o it_o may_v embark_v itself_o and_o go_v full_a sail_n to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o mercy_n it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o 2_o corin._n 1.20_o and_o when_o it_o hearty_o make_v use_v of_o christ_n by_o these_o than_o it_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n 5._o when_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v those_o which_o the_o heart_n be_v most_o affect_a and_o take_v up_o with_o and_o make_v out_o most_o after_o rom._n 8.5_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o e._n mind_n they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o mind_n or_o they_o mind_n these_o far_o more_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n they_o can_v see_v but_o little_a excellency_n in_o duty_n that_o other_o may_v high_o esteem_v of_o if_o they_o find_v not_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o phil._n 3._o v._n 3._o we_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n they_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n before_o in_o a_o carnal_a way_n but_o now_o in_o the_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o v._n 6._o what_o soever_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n i_o e._n be_v spiritual_a when_o the_o spirituality_n of_o any_o way_n be_v the_o great_a attractive_a and_o draw_a inducement_n to_o affect_v of_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o when_o a_o soul_n do_v so_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o readiness_n of_o heart_n to_o close_v with_o thing_n because_o spiritual_a and_o never_o think_v itself_o spiritual_a enough_o &c._n &c._n this_o argue_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o hence_o believer_n be_v describe_v by_o spirituality_n 1_o corin._n 2.15_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a i.e._n a_o belee_o ever_o oppose_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n v._o 14._o 6._o when_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o act_v for_o spiritual_a and_o gospel_n end_n in_o gospel_n duty_n when_o it_o will_v not_o aim_v at_o selfe-advancement_n or_o its_o own_o name_n and_o glory_n as_o they_o do_v math._n 6._o v._n 1.5_o but_o when_o the_o great_a thing_n it_o ey_v or_o will_v eye_n in_o all_o act_n be_v the_o mortification_n of_o corruption_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o increase_v of_o all_o grace_n growth_n in_o faith_n love_n selfe-denyal_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o it_o seek_v for_o outward_a mercy_n in_o a_o subordination_n to_o these_o and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subserviency_n to_o the_o interest_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o when_o as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o it_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o then_o it_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thereby_o have_v its_o adoption_n witness_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v particular_o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v adoption_n 1._o by_o itself_o 2._o by_o blood_n 3._o by_o water_n chap._n xxi_o ten_o secondary_a general_n evidence_n which_o accompany_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o secondary_a general_n evidence_n many_o of_o which_o if_o not_o all_o will_v accompany_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v by_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v sometime_o interrupt_v yet_o not_o long_o while_o a_o testimony_n remain_v evidence_n 1._o when_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a manifestation_n of_o that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v assure_v of_o if_o such_o a_o word_n as_o this_o come_v in_o a_o witness_v way_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o sin_n the_o spirit_n raise_v more_o than_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o hear_v of_o its_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n before_o but_o now_o it_o can_v say_v not_o half_o be_v tell_v i_o it_o high_o prize_v it_o before_o but_o its_o estimation_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o heighten_v exceed_o now_o nothing_o be_v comparable_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o its_o account_n so_o psal_n 32.5_o when_o he_o can_v say_v thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n then_o he_o can_v hold_v in_o no_o long_a but_o cry_v out_o v._o 1_o 2._o bless_a be_v he_o who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v surely_n he_o account_v high_o of_o forgiveness_n before_o o_o but_o he_o have_v not_o such_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o it_o until_o it_o be_v witness_v to_o he_o v._o 5._o and_o now_o he_o write_v they_o bless_v that_o have_v a_o partnership_n with_o he_o in_o this_o forgive_a grace_n evid_v 2._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o unexpressible_a admiration_n of_o that_o divine_a love_n which_o appear_v in_o and_o about_o its_o adoption_n there_o be_v many_o passage_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o pass_v over_o former_o and_o disregard_v that_o now_o be_v bring_v to_o its_o fresh_a remembrance_n and_o that_o to_o heighten_v its_o admiration_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o when_o they_o enjoy_v witnessing_n and_o can_v say_v we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o they_o have_v that_o hope_n of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o of_o be_v make_v like_o to_o he_o v._o 2._o then_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a that_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v without_o broach_v their_o apprehension_n of_o this_o adopt_v love_n and_o admiration_n be_v force_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o expression_n word_n be_v supplve_v with_o wonder_v behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n delusion_n may_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o wonder_v at_o his_o own_o suppose_a freedom_n from_o wrath_n and_o advancement_n to_o happiness_n but_o divine_a love_n be_v far_o less_o admire_v than_o his_o own_o advantage_n but_o where_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v enjoy_v 1._o a_o soul_n discern_v unexpressible_a love_n of_o good_a will_n in_o the_o first_o contrivance_n of_o its_o adoption_n it_o see_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creature_n will_v have_v be_v for_o ever_o non-plus_a if_o it_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o that_o to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n for_o its_o own_o recovery_n and_o it_o admire_v that_o god_n shall_v so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n on_o this_o errand_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o upon_o view_v that_o it_o can_v but_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o 2._o it_o find_v a_o love_n of_o compassion_n in_o his_o many_o strive_n with_o it_o while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n this_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v it_o to_o look_v a_o great_a way_n back_o and_o it_o see_v the_o walking_n and_o tender-hearted_a working_n of_o god_n towards_o it_o there_o how_o he_o at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o time_n allure_v persuade_v and_o woo_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o though_o it_o go_v on_o froward_o and_o in_o the_o stubbornenes_n of_o its_o heart_n yet_o he_o iterate_v his_o invitation_n again_o and_o again_o and_o o_o say_v the_o soul_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o give_v over_o and_o say_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v strive_v no_o more_o with_o i_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o 3._o it_o view_v his_o love_n of_o delight_n which_o be_v discover_v in_o its_o adoption_n and_o wonder_v at_o that_o also_o believer_n see_v infinite_a condescension_n there_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o so_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o that_o we_o who_o be_v enemy_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n we_o who_o be_v full_a of_o deformity_n and_o in_o our_o blood_n cast_v out_o to_o the_o loathe_n of_o our_o person_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o height_n depth_n length_n and_o breadth_n of_o this_o love_n if_o we_o have_v be_v make_v but_o as_o hire_a servant_n it_o have_v be_v a_o unspeakable_a privilege_n but_o to_o be_v own_v as_o son_n this_o be_v far_o beyond_o it_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o evid_v 3._o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n procure_v sorrow_n and_o selfe-correction_n for_o unkindness_n offer_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o soul_n see_v how_o love_n wrought_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n towards_o it_o in_o such_o deal_n as_o it_o put_v misinterpretation_n upon_o before_o and_o have_v
hard_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o and_o then_o the_o heart_n work_v on_o this_o manner_n o_o i_o have_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v i_o my_o god_n have_v forget_v i_o but_o now_o i_o see_v his_o thought_n be_v precious_a towards_o i_o even_o then_o i_o have_v wretched_o forget_v he_o but_o now_o i_o see_v that_o though_o a_o mother_n may_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n yet_o he_o can_v forget_v i_o it_o can_v but_o expatiate_v in_o rebuke_v its_o own_o heart_n for_o untoward_a working_n against_o this_o god_n who_o love_n it_o now_o feel_v it_o take_v god_n part_n against_o itself_o more_o than_o ever_o job_n 42._o v._o 5_o 6._o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o wherefore_o i_o abhor_v myself_o the_o clear_a sight_n of_o god_n cause_n the_o great_a selfe-abhorrency_a ezek._n 16._o v._o 61._o then_o shall_v thou_o remember_v thy_o way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a when_o v._o 60._o when_o i_o shall_v establish_v unto_o thou_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o v._o 63._o when_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o that_o testimony_n which_o block_v up_o the_o way_n to_o selfe-detestation_n be_v very_o suspicious_a though_o it_o transport_v with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o a_o sight_n of_o pacification_n shall_v be_v attend_v with_o evangelicall_n humiliation_n a_o delusion_n have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o puff_v up_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v a_o shadow_n of_o humility_n at_o other_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o it_o under_o high_a attainement_n and_o a_o supposal_n of_o glorious_a revelation_n but_o divine_a testimony_n be_v of_o correctine_n use_n unto_o a_o soul_n a_o peter_n after_o a_o love-looke_a from_o christ_n o_o how_o he_o figh_v sob_v melt_v mourn_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o forego_n denial_n of_o he_o a_o thomas_n that_o have_v rise_v high_a even_o unto_o redouble_a act_n of_o unbelief_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o see_v and_o feel_v too_o o_o he_o can_v but_o check_v himself_o and_o say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20.28_o under_o such_o heart-ravishing_a revelation_n this_o pierce_v wound_v and_o as_o it_o be_v stab_v the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v such_o unsuitable_a return_n from_o it_o after_o so_o large_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n evid_v 4._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n lay_v powerful_a engagement_n upon_o the_o heart_n towards_o selfe-purification_n though_o sanctification_n sometime_o lie_v so_o dark_a that_o a_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o as_o a_o witness_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o ever_o in_o witness_v the_o spirit_n lay_v obligation_n upon_o the_o soul_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o to_o its_o utmost_a for_o the_o future_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o not_o only_o some_o man_n but_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n i_o e._n of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v v._o 2._o purify_v himself_o and_o a_o little_a purity_n or_o holiness_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n as_o v._o 1_o 2._o put_v it_o upon_o press_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o to_o be_v pure_a as_o he_o i._n e._n as_o god_n be_v pure_a whereas_o delusion_n tend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o unholines_n satan_n drive_v at_o some_o corrupt_a defigne_n therein_o evid_v 5._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n procure_v a_o expulsion_n of_o satan_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n christ_n evince_v his_o being_n no_o impostor_n and_o that_o he_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o he_o do_v cast_v out_o satan_n math._n 12._o v._n 25_o 26.28_o so_o if_o a_o testimony_n of_o adoption_n conduce_v to_o the_o ejection_n of_o satan_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n in_o his_o temptation_n suggestion_n etc._n etc._n this_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v no_o delusion_n for_o if_o satan_n shall_v cast_v out_o satan_n his_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v and_o can_v not_o stand_v v._o 26._o the_o bind_n of_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o none_o else_o be_v strong_a than_o he_o when_o the_o word_n abide_v in_o a_o soul_n than_o it_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o joh._n 2.14_o every_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3.8_o delusion_n dim_a and_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v see_v into_o the_o crafty_a contrivance_n of_o that_o subtle_a adversary_n but_o the_o spirit_n take_v off_o those_o veil_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o give_v notable_a discovery_n of_o satan_n close_o plotting_n cross_a act_n secret_a undermineing_n soule-ensnaring_a stratagem_n that_o it_o see_v into_o his_o way_n and_o method_n more_o than_o ever_o 2_o corin._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o &_o 12._o v._o 7._o yea_o it_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o detestation_n of_o and_o indignation_n against_o he_o in_o his_o enterprise_n and_o that_o because_o they_o tend_v to_o interrupt_v some_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o contradict_v his_o end_n math._n 3.17_o with_o 4._o v._o 10._o and_o also_o many_o temptation_n be_v overcome_v hereby_o satan_n will_v be_v incense_v when_o he_o see_v himself_o cast_v out_o and_o so_o flood_n of_o new_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v rev._n 12._o v._n 13.15_o but_o by_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n usual_o a_o soul_n obtain_v a_o release_n from_o those_o old_a one_o that_o it_o have_v grapple_v with_o and_o groan_v yea_o even_o sink_v under_o many_o a_o day_n and_o it_o speak_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o testimony_n when_o it_o work_v this_o way_n for_o satan_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o but_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n when_o delusion_n prevail_v and_o satan_n be_v expel_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o that_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o he_o and_o when_o his_o way_n be_v render_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o it_o evid_v 6._o satan_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o draw_v and_o beat_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n but_o he_o seek_v to_o prevent_v a_o question_n of_o his_o own_o i_o do_v not_o make_v doubt_v a_o evidence_n of_o assurance_n but_o if_o thou_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o satan_n tempt_v thou_o to_o doubt_v and_o seek_v to_o divide_v between_o thou_o and_o a_o promise_v apply_v that_o argue_v thy_o closure_n with_o the_o promise_n not_o to_o be_v by_o his_o mean_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o persuade_v thou_o to_o own_o a_o testimony_n still_o which_o thou_o baste_v receive_v than_o it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a for_o satan_n be_v no_o such_o friend_n or_o favourite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n or_o its_o testimony_n as_o to_o seek_v the_o hinder_v its_o question_n thereof_o neither_o be_v he_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o beat_v off_o from_o harken_v unto_o his_o own_o delusion_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v incline_v to_o embrace_v they_o evid_v 7._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n afford_v corroboration_n against_o the_o sharp_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n a_o timorous_a fearful_a spirit_n that_o former_o think_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v up_o against_o small_a trial_n yet_o after_o such_o a_o testimony_n it_o be_v undaunted_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o great_a the_o shineing_n of_o god_n face_n make_v it_o willing_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n now_o it_o can_v venture_v to_o the_o utmost_a for_o he_o when_o they_o can_v claim_v interest_n in_o god_n dan._n 3.17_o our_o god_n this_o make_v they_o declare_v their_o resolution_n for_o god_n v._n 18._o this_o will_v bear_v out_o against_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n rom._n 8.37_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n we_o i._o e._n we_o that_o can_v say_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o v._o 39_o we_o be_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o tribulation_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n peril_n sword_n etc._n etc._n v._n 36._o not_o only_o after_o these_o but_o in_o they_o and_o in_o all_o these_o hard_a passage_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o many_o be_v provoke_v to_o doubt_v of_o divine_a love_n yet_o in_o all_o these_o we_o be_v conqueror_n i._n e._n while_o we_o be_v under_o they_o they_o be_v overcome_v to_o we_o we_o be_v not_o subdue_v or_o keep_v under_o in_o our_o faith_n or_o patience_n by_o these_o but_o be_v keep_v above_o our_o tribulation_n and_o conqueror_n i._n e._n of_o satan_n who_o fight_v against_o we_o in_o these_o he_o back_v persecution_n with_o temptation_n but_o we_o overcome_v all_o and_o be_v conqueror_n i._n e._n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n
the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o essay_n towards_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o open_v and_o answer_v these_o follow_a weighty_a query_n q._n 1._o what_o be_v the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adaption_n 3_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v a_o soul_n attain_v they_o to_o which_o be_v add_v rose_n from_o sharon_n or_o sweet_a experience_n reach_v out_o by_o christ_n to_o some_o of_o his_o beloved_a one_o in_o this_o wilderness_n by_o samuel_n petto_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o sandcroft_n in_o suffolk_n isaiah_n 59_o 19_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o london_n print_v for_o livewell_n chapman_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o popes-head-alley_n 1654._o to_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o sandcroft_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o father_n have_v purchase_v redemption_n bring_v in_o a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n so_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v design_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n not_o only_o to_o make_v application_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o bring_v soul_n into_o the_o relation_n of_o son_n and_o daughter_n thereby_o but_o also_o to_o bear_v testimony_n of_o their_o stand_n in_o that_o bless_a relation_n to_o encourage_v unto_o a_o wait_a for_o and_o to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o now_o dear_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o rest_v not_o satisfy_v without_o a_o persuasion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n give_v over_o carnal_a reason_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a though_o you_o be_v under_o the_o hiding_n of_o god_n face_n at_o present_a 8.17_o isa_n 8.17_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v in_o their_o great_a distress_n than_o joseph_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o they_o gen._n 45._o v._n 1.3_o 4._o so_o when_o many_o charge_n and_o accusation_n be_v bring_v in_o against_o you_o and_o many_o seem_o hard_a passage_n be_v meet_v withal_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v down_o low_a &_o your_o fear_n to_o rise_v high_a yet_o then_o may_v your_o assurance_n be_v near_o christ_n your_o spiritual_a joseph_n as_o with_o reverence_n we_o may_v speak_v it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o refrain_v no_o long_o he_o can_v but_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o joseph_n your_o brother_n and_o if_o you_o enjoy_v a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n at_o last_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v you_o of_o all_o your_o wait_a it_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cluster_n of_o grape_n from_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n that_o will_v give_v you_o a_o foreknowledge_n how_o good_a the_o land_n be_v this_o will_v sweeten_v your_o bitter_a cup_n and_o your_o worst_a condition_n to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v enough_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n your_o heart_n be_v now_o fearful_a of_o meddle_v with_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v precious_a promise_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o or_o not_o such_o a_o testimony_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v you_o because_o christ_n be_v you_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n indeed_o when_o you_o want_v assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n by_o faith_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o promise_n suitable_a to_o your_o condition_n but_o satan_n hinder_v oftentimes_o therein_o when_o you_o can_v see_v your_o interest_n in_o christ_n hereby_o also_o you_o will_v see_v your_o liberty_n for_o near_a approaching_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o holy_a boldness_n because_o he_o be_v your_o father_n and_o may_v hope_v of_o be_v successful_a in_o all_o your_o drawing_n near_o to_o he_o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v freedom_n from_o or_o establishment_n against_o many_o temptation_n which_o a_o doubt_a condition_n expose_v you_o to_o you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o have_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o murmur_a discontent_a thought_n at_o his_o dispensation_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o have_v be_v hereby_o you_o will_v be_v render_v thankful_a for_o your_o mercy_n whereas_o now_o you_o be_v apt_a to_o call_v the_o most_o special_a mercy_n common_a and_o that_o such_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o you_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v even_o joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v sandcroft_n 4_o more_o 20_o day_n 1654._o you_o in_o gospel_n engagement_n samuel_n petto_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o great_a god_n about_o the_o everlasting_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o abide_v after_o the_o number_n of_o our_o month_n be_v determine_v and_o that_o this_o body_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o the_o king_n of_o torror_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v open_v at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o at_o the_o present_a so_o hide_v that_o by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v either_o know_v love_n or_o hat_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o particular_a soul_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v those_o irreversible_a word_n go_v you_o curse_v come_v you_o bless_v yet_o he_o that_o be_v worthy_a to_o open_v the_o book_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n even_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v it_o be_v that_o have_v send_v for_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o curious_o and_o exact_o survey_v the_o very_a bottom_n counsel_n of_o god_n to_o make_v report_n of_o and_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n the_o precious_a assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n that_o so_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v may_v have_v consolation_n and_o hope_n and_o now_o a_o search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o language_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o whisper_n thereof_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o work_n worthy_a the_o utmost_a of_o our_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v answerable_o esteem_v of_o by_o we_o according_a to_o its_o issue_n which_o be_v so_o great_a even_o of_o eternal_a moment_n beside_o multitude_n there_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o darkness_n some_o on_o the_o one_o part_n lay_v claim_n to_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n who_o walking_n yet_o savour_v so_o rank_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o they_o declare_v they_o sensual_a and_o delude_v other_o there_o be_v who_o not_o only_o have_v taste_v the_o spirit_n sweetness_n but_o by_o he_o have_v be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o christ_n yet_o through_o over-elated_n thought_n and_o expectancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n witnessing_n much_o like_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o too_o much_o raise_v account_n of_o some_o pompous_a and_o extraordinary_a appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n regardless_o of_o those_o precious_a whisper_n of_o love_n which_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o promise_n hint_n to_o the_o soul_n make_v they_o still_o froward_a and_o dissatisfy_v with_o god_n as_o not_o count_v their_o prayer_n hear_v or_o their_o person_n regard_v because_o not_o extraordinary_o visit_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o design_n and_o aim_v therefore_o of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o piece_n be_v to_o promote_v our_o understanding_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v he_o to_o relieve_v and_o edify_v the_o weak_a and_o doubt_v and_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v delude_v we_o be_v persuade_v he_o have_v deal_v faithful_o both_o with_o christ_n and_o you_o in_o lay_v aside_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o treat_v of_o to_o speak_v home_o to_o either_o sort_n upon_o that_o short_a view_n we_o have_v of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v add_v our_o testimony_n to_o it_o not_o
acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o now_o through_o christ_n may_v lay_v claim_n unto_o whatsoever_o that_o relation_n can_v entitle_v to_o this_o testimony_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o expectation_n of_o such_o provision_n protection_n &_o portion_n as_o it_o become_v such_o a_o father_n to_o give_v out_o and_o hence_o rom._n 8.17_o and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n chap._n ii_o the_o observation_n from_o the_o text._n the_o observation_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o doctr_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v witness_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n with_o their_o spirit_n their_o adoption_n this_o be_v the_o secret_a language_n of_o many_o a_o son_n of_o zion_n though_o i_o be_v adopt_v yet_o o_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o i_o shall_v ever_o attain_v assurance_n of_o it_o alas_o i_o can_v climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o see_v my_o name_n write_v there_o how_o shall_v i_o dive_v into_o such_o a_o secret_a as_o that_o be_v methinke_v i_o find_v the_o lord_n answer_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o so_o as_o it_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_n it_o in_o such_o reason_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o testimony_n will_v thou_o desire_v what_o will_v thou_o reckon_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sonship_n who_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n that_o thou_o can_v confide_v in_o if_o the_o divine_a spirit_n may_v ascertain_v thou_o of_o thy_o adoption_n behold_v that_o be_v nigh_o thou_o thou_o need_v not_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o setch_v that_o thence_o that_o be_v descend_v to_o thou_o for_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o how_o his_o heart_n stand_v towards_o thou_o and_o that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n into_o thy_o bosom_n even_o on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v good_a news_n from_o heaven_n of_o thy_o father_n love_n and_o though_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a yet_o with_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v infallible_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o thy_o adoption_n and_o this_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 2._o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v its_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 5._o by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n may_v attain_v they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n qu_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v it_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v unto_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o work_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n do_v that_o towards_o the_o clear_n up_o unto_o a_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n that_o a_o witness_n do_v among_o man_n for_o the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n dubious_a and_o uncertain_a now_o the_o use_n of_o a_o witness_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n upon_o knowledge_n how_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n stand_v purposely_o to_o ascertain_v other_o thereof_o deut._n 19.15_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o end_n of_o witness_v be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o a_o matter_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o confirm_v and_o make_v to_o stand_v as_o firm_a and_o true_a by_o that_o record_n which_o be_v give_v in_o and_o hence_o joh._n 8.17_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o e._n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o may_v free_v from_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o before_o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v render_v certain_a unto_o those_o that_o question_v it_o and_o when_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o operation_n do_v what_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o this_o then_o be_v witness_v the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o itself_o who_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o operation_n not_o by_o voice_n and_o the_o spirit_n witness_v 1._o objective_o 2._o efficient_o 1._o objective_o when_o it_o afford_v such_o special_a operation_n as_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n of_o its_o adoption_n there_o be_v some_o special_a and_o remarkable_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o by_o a_o due_a observation_n may_v manifest_v adoption_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o affirmation_n and_o assertion_n thereof_o but_o many_o overlook_v these_o evidence_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o soul_n may_v remain_v without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sonship_n after_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o witness_v if_o its_o record_n be_v not_o receive_v so_o rev._n 22.18_o i_o testify_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o every_o man_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v this_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v assert_v joh._n 3.11_o we_o testify_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o witness_n it_o be_v but_o a_o testimony_n propose_v or_o offer_v and_o be_v not_o effectual_a unless_o receive_v and_o if_o nothing_o further_a be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o mine_n with_o much_o spiritual_a treasure_n lay_v up_o in_o it_o several_a thing_n of_o great_a importance_n arise_v from_o this_o as_o 1._o hence_o a_o knowledge_n of_o adoption_n be_v attaineable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o assure_v thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o render_v god_n more_o assure_v who_o be_v his_o child_n he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o nor_o to_o make_v adoption_n certain_a in_o itself_o that_o must_v be_v before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o its_o scope_n drift_n and_o design_n be_v to_o leave_v we_o assure_v or_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o this_o when_o it_o be_v so_o successull_n in_o other_o work_n how_o unconceivable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o 2._o hence_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o receive_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n offer_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n complain_v unto_o many_o christian_n as_o christ_n do_v joh._n 3.11_o so_o i_o have_v testify_v that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v my_o witness_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a neglect_n in_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v to_o not_o no_n yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o choice_n duty_n and_o enforce_v by_o a_o powerful_a argument_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 9_o if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n how_o much_o more_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v far_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o intend_v ver_fw-la 6.8.10_o christian_n reckon_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o deny_v the_o appearance_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o to_o call_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n delusion_n of_o satan_n o_o but_o hereby_o you_o not_o only_o hinder_v your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n and_o establishment_n which_o may_v come_v in_o at_o that_o door_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_a you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o eph._n 4.30_o i_o may_v say_v to_o such_o as_o isai_n 7.13_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n for_o you_o to_o weary_a grieve_v and_o disquiet_v your_o own_o spirit_n but_o will_v you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o my_o god_n also_o it_o be_v sad_a enough_o that_o carnal_a man_n deny_v attention_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n o_o let_v not_o christian_n make_v it_o speak_v in_o vain_a also_o or_o miss_v of_o its_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o text_n aim_v at_o or_o intend_v therefore_o 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v efficient_o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n by_o its_o speaking_n to_o it_o as_o call_v do_v often_o express_v not_o only_o a_o invite_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o gospel_n grace_n but_o the_o soul_n answer_v those_o invitation_n which_o be_v effectual_a call_v rom._n 8.28.30_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o so_o witness_v express_v a_o effectual_a efficacious_a witness_v and_o that_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o context_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n &_o so_o have_v
freedom_n from_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 1._o and_o this_o he_o clear_v v._o 5.9.13_o 14._o but_o lest_o they_o shall_v doubt_v or_o question_n whither_o they_o find_v a_o mortification_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o spirit_n or_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_n to_o help_v a_o soul_n unto_o a_o sight_n of_o its_o interest_n in_o christ_n ver_fw-la 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o work_n be_v of_o a_o witness_v nature_n but_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o other_o help_n this_o make_v the_o other_o evidence_v and_o give_v sight_n of_o freedom_n from_o condemnation_n and_o of_o our_o sonship_n so_o that_o the_o context_n favour_v this_o interpretation_n 2._o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v testimony_n irresistible_o overcome_v our_o spirit_n i.e._n or_o conscience_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v thesame_a thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o joynt-testimony_n some_o time_n the_o spirit_n utter_v its_o voice_n and_o our_o spirit_n hold_v off_o but_o our_o spirit_n be_v fetch_v in_o and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v which_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o text_n both_o agree_v in_o this_o numericall_a conclusion_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o efficacious_a witness_v i_o may_v clear_v it_o from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 33.38_o and_o from_o other_o scripture_n which_o call_v the_o persuasion_n or_o conclusion_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v witness_v a_o witness_v as_o luk._n 4.22_o all_o bear_v he_o witness_v i.e._n conclude_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o description_n which_o will_v further_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_v it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o some_o manifest_a witness_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o witness_n and_o special_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o its_o own_o to_o ascertain_v a_o soul_n by_o the_o word_n or_o gospel_n of_o its_o adoption_n or_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o clear_a irradiation_n and_o other_o effectual_a operation_n with_o the_o word_n to_o work_v a_o particular_a soul_n by_o direct_a or_o reflexive_a act_n into_o a_o knowledge_n persuasion_n or_o conclusion_n of_o its_o acceptation_n into_o favour_n with_o god_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o wherein_o the_o witness_v work_n do_v consist_v here_o be_v many_o thing_n considerable_a as_o 1._o who_o be_v the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n this_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o text_n rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n who_o can_v lie_v be_v appoint_v by_o office_n unto_o this_o work_n that_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v testify_v be_v it_o any_o other_o it_o may_v remain_v under_o doubt_n and_o think_v it_o too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v god_n for_o its_o father_n and_o so_o be_v a_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n in_o that_o exceed_a eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n o_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v this_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o he_o say_v this_o may_v give_v a_o full_a assurance_n of_o son_n ship_n or_o free_v it_o from_o those_o fear_n doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n which_o it_o have_v labour_v under_o about_o this_o question_n this_o proclaim_v the_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o itself_o who_o be_v very_a god_n shall_v stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n in_o our_o matter_n who_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n that_o the_o creator_n shall_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o high_a favour_n indeed_o and_o hereby_o this_o testimony_n be_v difference_v 1._o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o bear_v false_a witness_n to_o the_o soul_n purposely_o to_o lead_v it_o into_o mistake_a conclusion_n about_o its_o condition_n and_o harken_v to_o his_o voice_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a 2._o from_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v effectual_o without_o our_o spirit_n but_o the_o text_n plain_o make_v two_o the_o spirit_n with_o our_o spirit_n so_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n by_o some_o act_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o be_v not_o in_o consociation_n with_o cur_n spirit_n the_o testimony_n be_v most_o unsafe_a dangerous_a and_o delude_v o_o take_v heed_n of_o trust_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o your_o own_o treacherous_a spirit_n in_o the_o but_o syne_v of_o your_o soul_n for_o eternity_n but_o if_o the_o holy-spirit_n have_v fetch_v in_o your_o spirit_n and_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o conclusion_n of_o your_o adoption_n you_o may_v safe_o own_v it_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o two_o witness_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n witness_v viz._n the_o sonship_n of_o particular_a soul_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o do_v not_o only_o give_v a_o persuasion_n that_o all_o which_o receive_v christ_n or_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n have_v authority_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o joh._n 1.12_o not_o bare_o that_o some_o that_o believer_n but_o say_v the_o text_n that_o we_o even_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 3._o wherein_o the_o witness_v work_n do_v consist_v viz._n in_o the_o spirit_n give_v manifestation_n and_o work_v the_o heart_n into_o persuasion_n and_o conclusion_n of_o adoption_n 1._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o afford_v such_o operation_n as_o be_v measure_v by_o gospel_n rule_n do_v give_v assertion_n or_o affirmation_n of_o adoption_n but_o a_o effectual_a witness_v be_v here_o intend_a such_o as_o indeed_o cause_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v establish_v which_o be_v to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o that_o witness_v as_o matth._n 18.16_o the_o spirit_n establish_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n fatherly_a love_n through_o christ_n rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v etc._n etc._n and_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v make_v one_o end_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o spirit_n 2.12_o 1_o coriu_n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n 2_o corin._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1.6_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n &_o ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a so_o that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o give_v a_o knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o confist_n in_o its_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o consolation_n many_o if_o they_o find_v comfort_n by_o a_o word_n than_o they_o think_v the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v adoption_n else_o not_o whereas_o this_o witness_v work_n may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o very_a disconsolate_a condition_n job_n 19_o v._o 6_o 7.8_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n and_o yet_o much_o assurance_n ver_fw-la 25._o and_o matth._n 27.46_o there_o be_v a_o want_n of_o comfort_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o yet_o not_o a_o want_n of_o assurance_n for_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o challenge_v propriety_n in_o god_n twice_o over_o my_o god_n my_o god_n indeed_o this_o bless_a news_n do_v often_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n but_o this_o consolation_n be_v rather_o consequential_a to_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n then_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o it_o not_o a_o ingredient_n into_o it_o more_o than_o other_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n testification_n be_v a_o different_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o consolation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v this_o witness_v work_n in_o many_o particular_n 4._o in_o what_o way_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n do_v accomplish_v this_o witness_v work_n in_o the_o description_n the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v 1._o by_o its_o operation_n within_o 2._o by_o its_o word_n without_o 1._o the_o spirit_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n by_o operation_n within_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o apparition_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o visible_a shape_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n or_o any_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o our_o outward_a ear_n be_v
seem_v to_o be_v under_o a_o midnight_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n before_o yet_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v new_a life_n into_o former_a experience_n than_o it_o can_v conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v arisen_a upon_o or_o in_o the_o heart_n who_o be_v hide_v or_o unseen_a till_o then_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v eph._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n and_o for_o what_o end_n v._o 18._o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n i_o e._n that_o you_o may_v know_v upon_o what_o certain_a ground_n zanch._n ut_fw-la sciatis_fw-la qualis_fw-la &_o quam_fw-la certa_fw-la sit_fw-la spes_fw-la qua_fw-la nos_fw-la sperare_fw-la jussit_fw-la dominus_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la ne_fw-la ulla_fw-la subeat_fw-la animos_fw-la vestros_fw-la &_o mentes_fw-la vestras_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la non_fw-la dum_fw-la praestitis_fw-la zanch._n and_o foundation_n your_o hope_n be_v build_v and_o so_o may_v be_v free_v from_o doubt_n about_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o how_o be_v this_o attain_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v v._o 18._o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n clear_v and_o brightn_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o indue_a that_o with_o supernatural_a light_n to_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o natural_o it_o can_v not_o know_v the_o spirit_n raise_v heighn_v and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o dart_v in_o spiritual_a light_n and_o thus_o it_o attain_v a_o revelation_n knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o call_v so_o psal_n 36.9_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n but_o in_o thy_o light_n i_o e._n in_o divine_a light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a if_o thy_o spirit_n give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v what_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n or_o have_v a_o divine_a stamp_n or_o impress_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a and_o often_o the_o prophet_n beg_v for_o irradiation_n psal_n 31.16_o &_o 67._o 1._o &_o 80.3.7.19_o &_o 119._o v._o 135._o cause_o thy_o face_n to_o shine_v and_o hence_o 2_o corin._n 4._o v._n 4.6_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o these_o irâ—â—diations_n a_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o compare_v its_o condition_n with_o and_o right_o to_o judge_v thereof_o by_o that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v as_o by_o operation_n within_o so_o also_o by_o a_o write_a word_n without_o this_o do_v contribute_v much_o to_o assurance_n the_o word_n declare_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v attaineable_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 8.10_o 2._o what_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v which_o do_v evidence_n adoption_n as_o faith_n joh._n 1.12_o it_o give_v description_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o open_v the_o nature_n property_n and_o effect_n of_o these_o or_o discover_v what_o operation_n a_o witness_v work_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v real_a injoyer_n of_o it_o whereby_o a_o man_n may_v discern_v whither_o those_o work_n he_o have_v find_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_a special_a and_o not_o common_a 3._o what_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n be_v whereby_o these_o work_n may_v become_v witness_v 4._o what_o application_n of_o a_o word_n do_v make_v it_o witness_v yet_o not_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o irradiation_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v adoption_n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n afford_v this_o proposition_n towards_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_n 16.16_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v but_o i_o believe_v now_o towards_o this_o the_o word_n tell_v we_o what_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o act_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o its_o irradiation_n help_v we_o to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v yet_o i_o believe_v and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v from_o the_o word_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o adoption_n and_o that_o first_o immediate_o by_o itself_o prove_v by_o four_o argument_n qu._n 2._o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n ans_fw-fr 1._o more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o 2._o by_o water_n 3._o by_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 8._o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n witness_v more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o i_o say_v by_o itself_o not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o to_o distinguish_v this_o way_n of_o witness_v from_o those_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o it_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o these_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o we_o efficient_o but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o its_o own_o which_o it_o afford_v to_o some_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o satisfaction_n about_o their_o adoption_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v gasp_v after_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o such_o sweet_a unexpressible_a heart-enamouring_a soul-ravishing_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o divine_a love_n as_o effectual_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o undoubted_a persuasion_n thereof_o ordinary_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v he_o make_v the_o word_n without_o a_o voice_n within_o by_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o express_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o some_o scriptural_a consideration_n or_o in_o or_o present_o after_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o the_o word_n as_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o very_a mercy_n of_o assurance_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n it_o may_v seem_v very_o improper_a to_o call_v it_o immediate_a and_o yet_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n but_o the_o expression_n may_v be_v bear_v withal_o 1._o because_o the_o spirit_n have_v such_o a_o eminent_a stroke_n here_o and_o do_v more_o eminent_o manifest_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v here_o it_o witness_v not_o in_o a_o discursive_a way_n by_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o premise_n but_o the_o spirit_n â—â—â—â—â—eth_v the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o work_v it_o into_o the_o persuasion_n by_o a_o direct_a act_n without_o any_o necessary_a reflection_n upon_o work_n former_o wrought_v within_o it_o effectual_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v its_o adoption_n 2._o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v the_o very_a breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a breathe_n or_o inspiration_n man_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o speak_v unto_o one_o another_o when_o they_o use_v word_n to_o each_o other_o face_n to_o face_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o because_o i_o use_v the_o word_n immediate_a to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v now_o that_o beside_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n and_o by_o blood_n i._n e._n justification_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v it_o may_v appear_v upon_o these_o ground_n arg._n 1._o from_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n himself_o rom._n 8.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v proper_a to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o his_o substitute_n or_o servant_n do_v by_o his_o appointment_n 453._o not_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v a_o witness_n of_o its_o cause_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o do_v it_o say_v the_o text._n symonds_n desert_v soul_n case_n and_o cure_n pag._n 453._o a_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n by_o his_o steward_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n himself_o have_v perform_v any_o work_n that_o argue_v his_o do_v it_o in_o his_o own_o
person_n and_o not_o by_o another_o so_o if_o it_o be_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n witness_v than_o it_o may_v be_v by_o a_o proxy_n gift_n and_o grace_n but_o see_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n himself_o this_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n require_v its_o own_o more_o immediate_a presence_n i'faith_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n may_v receive_v the_o testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n give_v it_o and_o not_o grace_n in_o his_o stead_n else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v himself_o proper_o but_o grace_n for_o he_o as_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n be_v call_v a_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o when_o grace_n testisie_n although_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o grace_n have_v the_o denomination_n for_o the_o witness_n so_o here_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v the_o witness_n rather_o than_o grace_n though_o grace_n may_v be_v use_v about_o this_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v about_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v they_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o mortification_n and_o conduct_n v._o 13_o 14._o for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n yet_o he_o foresee_v that_o they_o may_v question_v their_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o justification_n therefore_o he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o high_a mean_n for_o knowledge_n which_o may_v hold_v when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o spirit_n himself_o argu._n 2._o from_o the_o aptitude_n of_o many_o write_a word_n or_o promise_n by_o application_n to_o witness_v i_o account_v it_o very_o unsafe_a to_o draw_v up_o such_o conclusion_n from_o a_o scripture_n cast_v in_o as_o it_o have_v no_o natural_a tendency_n to_o enforce_v neither_o in_o its_o scope_n or_o sense_n direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n neither_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o nor_o by_o application_n this_o mistake_n too_o many_o labour_n under_o in_o these_o day_n when_o they_o be_v dubious_a about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n if_o a_o word_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n although_o it_o tend_v not_o to_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n look_v not_o the_o least_o that_o way_n yet_o that_o word_n be_v make_v a_o rule_n for_o action_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o the_o controversy_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o some_o other_o use_n or_o end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o that_o scripture_n for_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o speak_v bare_o in_o letter_n syllable_n or_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o these_o express_a thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n may_v be_v profane_a and_o yet_o use_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o satan_n often_o come_v with_o a_o it_o be_v write_v matth._n 4.6_o but_o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n of_o a_o witness_v nature_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v this_o use_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v confirm_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o these_o and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o aptitude_n in_o some_o scripture_n to_o witness_v or_o that_o they_o miss_v only_a application_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o instance_n among_o many_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o truth_n isai_n 41.10_o fear_v not_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n isai_n 43._o v._n 25._o i_o even_o i_o be_o be_v that_o blot_v out_o thy_n transgression_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n i_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n matth._n 9.2_o son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_n sin_n be_v for_o give_v thou_o neither_o be_v this_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n only_o for_o christ_n intend_v to_o give_v other_o a_o knowledge_n hereby_o of_o his_o power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n as_o v._o 6._o so_o ezek._n 36.25_o i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o ver_fw-la 26._o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o ver_fw-la 27._o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o ver_fw-la 28._o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n sure_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n to_o man_n thy_o god_n and_o thy_n sin_n if_o he_o intend_v not_o their_o particular_a assurance_n by_o the_o application_n of_o such_o word_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v and_o that_o either_o of_o these_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n be_v undeniable_a what_o can_v satisfy_v a_o soul_n if_o this_o will_v not_o for_o the_o lord_n to_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n 41.10_o be_v 41.10_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v but_o speak_v this_o over_o again_o to_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o to_o clear_v it_o further_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o assure_v promise_n of_o special_a mercy_n which_o be_v consequential_a to_o adoption_n now_o these_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o aptitude_n by_o application_n to_o give_v assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o that_o which_o it_o a_o necessary_a antedent_n as_o isai_n 41.10_o i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o heb._n 13.5_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o 2._o there_o be_v many_o scripture_n that_o direct_o tend_v to_o remove_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n doubt_v of_o its_o adoption_n as_o if_o it_o question_v its_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o such_o heavy_a affliction_n these_o scripture_n tend_v to_o remove_v that_o doubt_n heb._n 12.6_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v be_v chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v if_o the_o variety_n or_o violence_n of_o temptation_n which_o it_o have_v meet_v withal_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o doubt_n it_o may_v find_v relief_n from_o heb._n 2.18_o &_o hebr._n 4.15_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o free_a from_o temptation_n and_o so_o christian_n may_v not_o look_v for_o exemption_n from_o temptation_n who_o abound_v with_o sin_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o say_a we_o be_v tempt_v if_o the_o feel_n strong_a working_n of_o corruption_n put_v the_o soul_n upon_o question_v its_o condition_n that_o may_v minister_v help_n that_o paul_n a_o eminent_a saint_n groan_v under_o the_o same_o burden_n rom._n 7.15_o yea_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o bitter_a lamentation_n ver_fw-la 24._o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n and_o thus_o many_o scripture_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v for_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a effect_n when_o apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o remove_v such_o doubt_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o arise_v from_o such_o cause_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o only_a obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n to_o assurance_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v application_n of_o such_o scripture_n unto_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o for_o such_o end_n may_v appear_v 1._o from_o their_o aptitude_n to_o witness_n that_o word_n isui_n 41.10_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n bring_v in_o god_n as_o speak_v to_o a_o particular_a soul_n and_o tell_v it_o of_o its_o interest_n in_o himself_o it_o have_v a_o witness_v voice_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o and_o so_o carry_v evidence_n with_o it_o that_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a design_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v apply_v word_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n they_o so_o clear_o point_v at_o be_v undeniable_a especial_o when_o the_o thing_n point_v at_o be_v undoubted_o a_o work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o witness_v be_v 2._o from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o spirit_n appli_v other_o word_n for_o those_o end_n which_o they_o apt_o serve_v to_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v reprove_v decline_v christian_n for_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n by_o such_o a_o word_n as_o that_o revel_n 2._o v._n 3.4.11_o or_o threaten_v lukewarm_a soul_n by_o revel_n 3.16_o or_o convince_v carnal_o confident_a soul_n of_o the_o sadness_n of_o their_o condition_n by_o revel_n 3._o five_o 17.22_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o shall_v apply_v the_o aforementioned_a scripture_n in_o a_o witness_v way_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n and_o hence_o when_o david_n be_v besiege_v and_o surround_v on_o every_o side_n with_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o keep_v silence_n he_o even_o put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n psal_n 35.3_o say_v thou_o i._n e._n by_o thy_o spirit_n in_o some_o word_n or_o promise_n for_o this_o
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
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
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
it_o psal_n 42.8_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o love_a kindness_n he_o not_o only_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o freedom_n whither_o it_o will_v own_v it_o or_o not_o but_o he_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o use_v a_o command_a voice_n that_o his_o love_a kindness_n must_v visit_v it_o and_o that_o in_o a_o sensible_a way_n for_z he_o add_v his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o psal_n 111._o v._n 9_o he_o have_v send_v redemption_n to_o his_o people_n he_o have_v command_v his_o covenant_n as_o when_o he_o come_v with_o a_o word_n of_o conviction_n he_o command_v stouthearted_a one_o to_o a_o submission_n so_o he_o command_v his_o covenant_n i.e._n his_o promise_n unto_o his_o people_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o own_v he_o therein_o psal_n 133.3_o he_o command_v blessing_n thus_o the_o spirit_n command_v assurance_n into_o the_o saint_n by_o promise_n and_o command_v faith_n to_o own_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o so_o not_o bare_o a_o persuasion_n that_o this_o promise_n or_o that_o mercy_n be_v i_o do_v make_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n evidence_v but_o that_o divine_a authority_n that_o attend_v the_o word_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o out_o of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o speaker_n not_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n be_v he_o do_v enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o baalim_fw-la say_fw-la my_o god_n numb_a 22.18_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o his_o god_n and_o they_o matth._n 7.22_o shall_v be_v confident_a of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v find_v without_o it_o satan_n do_v raise_v such_o false_a confidence_n in_o many_o profane_a wretch_n and_o back_v they_o with_o some_o scripture_n as_o that_o god_n will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o spirit_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o sinner_n he_o come_v to_o save_v but_o unless_o such_o word_n have_v command_v the_o heart_n into_o such_o a_o persuasion_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v not_o evidence_v 2._o when_o those_o undoubted_o sinful_a objection_n that_o swarm_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o be_v suppress_v by_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n yet_o soul_n be_v more_o unapt_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o affect_v with_o that_o then_o with_o other_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v act_v faith_n upon_o christ_n in_o any_o promise_n than_o it_o be_v pain_v and_o afflict_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o former_a mistrustfulness_n and_o rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n against_o it_o as_o psal_n 42._o v._n 5.8_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v in_o god_n before_o it_o give_v way_n to_o and_o feed_v the_o carnal_a reason_n of_o its_o own_o spirit_n against_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n but_o now_o it_o call_v off_o its_o heart_n from_o these_o and_o call_v it_o up_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n faith_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n heb._n 11.1_o it_o be_v a_o logical_a term_n import_v a_o conviction_n by_o way_n of_o dispute_n as_o reason_n do_v by_o premise_n draw_v up_o certain_a conclusion_n about_o matter_n within_o its_o sphere_n so_o faith_n do_v something_o answerable_a though_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o do_v in_o able_a the_o soul_n by_o scriptural_a principle_n and_o ground_n to_o dispute_v down_o cavil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n against_o the_o free_a promise_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n delusion_n do_v stupefy_v man_n that_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o a_o satisfactory_a deliverance_n from_o objection_n but_o the_o spirit_n like_o the_o sun_n cause_v such_o mist_n of_o darkness_n to_o flee_v away_o and_o put_v enough_o into_o the_o mouth_n to_o answer_v satan_n in_o all_o 3._o when_o its_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n cause_v selfe-abasement_n matth._n 15.27_o the_o woman_n be_v so_o deep_o sensible_a of_o her_o unworthines_n that_o she_o acknowledge_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o dog_n and_o then_o present_o christ_n ow_v her_o faith_n v._o 28._o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n great_a faith_n cause_v great_a selfe-abasement_n when_o all_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n that_o be_v throw_v in_o the_o soul_n way_n to_o its_o mercy_n tend_v to_o the_o make_v it_o sensible_a of_o its_o own_o nothingnes_n and_o yet_o cause_v it_o to_o lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o when_o the_o strong_a its_o assurance_n of_o the_o mercy_n be_v the_o great_a selfe-annihilation_a and_o the_o less_o selfe-confidence_n than_o faith_n be_v act_v and_o christ_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o set_v a_o character_n of_o respect_n upon_o such_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o cause_v selfe-advancement_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n or_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n mark_n 14.31_o peter_n be_v carry_v out_o with_o vehemency_n of_o affection_n and_o resolution_n for_o christ_n he_o declare_v his_o prefer_v christ_n before_o his_o own_o life_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n because_o it_o do_v spring_n from_o selfe-confidence_n which_o be_v opposite_a unto_o faith_n 4._o when_o the_o heart_n be_v carry_v out_o christ-ward_n by_o the_o reception_n of_o any_o promise_n believe_v be_v often_o call_v a_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o joh._n 6._o v._n 35.37_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n soul_n departure_n from_o god_n be_v resolve_v into_o unbelief_n heb._n 3.12_o when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o persuasion_n wrought_v by_o the_o promise_n that_o christ_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o whole_a heart_n run_v out_o after_o christ_n upon_o the_o application_n of_o it_o if_o it_o take_v the_o promise_n as_o from_o his_o hand_n eph._n 3.6_o and_o ow_v he_o in_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o mercy_n it_o be_v assure_v of_o &_o build_v its_o confidence_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o and_o be_v lay_v under_o strong_a obligation_n &_o engagement_n to_o christ_n for_o they_o it_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o he_o psal_n 116.12_o account_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o make_v improvement_n of_o they_o by_o and_o for_o christ_n than_o the_o word_n be_v from_o christ_n so_o rom._n 8._o v._n 35._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n i.e._n from_o that_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v christ_n and_o thence_o he_o add_v shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n none_o of_o these_o hardship_n shall_v break_v off_o our_o love_n to_o he_o v._o 36._o as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o when_o be_v their_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o strong_a v._o 33.38_o 39_o it_o be_v when_o their_o persuasion_n be_v as_o strong_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o they_o and_o now_o they_o oppose_v christ_n without_o they_o against_o all_o charge_n v._o 33._o and_o not_o the_o persuasion_n within_o themselves_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n be_v useful_a that_o way_n not_o abstractive_o from_o christ_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o furtherance_n to_o their_o hearty_a own_n of_o he_o faith_n make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o general_a as_o that_o christ_n die_v against_o all_o charge_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o against_o a_o particular_a soul_n you_o may_v have_v such_o strong_a confidence_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o no_o argument_n a_o man_n can_v use_v can_v beat_v you_o off_o from_o these_o and_o yet_o you_o may_v be_v delude_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o answerable_o draw_v out_o after_o christ_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o confidence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v build_v and_o botrome_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o free_a favour_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n as_o psal_n 30.7_o and_o if_o your_o affection_n to_o christ_n rise_v as_o high_a and_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o your_o persuasion_n of_o his_o love_n than_o you_o have_v enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v witness_v word_n beside_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o thing_n witness_v which_o may_v difference_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o more_o immediate_a way_n from_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o spirit_n object_n 2._o but_o may_v i_o not_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v about_o such_o act_n of_o faith_n see_v no_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o consequence_n say_v of_o any_o particular_a man_n that_o
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
against_o we_o under_o trial_n and_o tribulation_n but_o we_o have_v get_v ground_n of_o our_o corruption_n our_o pride_n discontent_n not_o only_a after_o distress_n but_o in_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n i._n e._n we_o have_v come_v off_o not_o only_o without_o loss_n but_o with_o much_o gain_n conqueror_n win_v the_o field_n but_o they_o lose_v much_o in_o win_v of_o it_o many_o valiant_a man_n fall_v in_o the_o battle_n o_o but_o christian_n gain_n in_o their_o grace_n and_o gain_v in_o their_o strength_n and_o gain_v in_o their_o comfort_n as_o their_o suffering_n abound_v so_o their_o consolation_n abound_v also_o and_o so_o they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n object_n but_o may_v not_o a_o delusion_n so_o engage_v a_o man_n to_o itself_o as_o he_o may_v suffer_v much_o before_o he_o will_v disow_v it_o may_v not_o a_o man_n look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n with_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n answ_n suppose_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o engagednes_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o sight_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o endearance_n of_o his_o will_n name_n and_o glory_n to_o it_o or_o the_o taste_a sweetness_n in_o communion_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o bear_v up_o against_o suffering_n but_o a_o soul_n under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v raise_v above_o his_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n upon_o such_o account_n rom._n 8.35.39_o phil._n 3.8_o for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n carnal_a confidence_n be_v not_o at_o first_o build_v and_o bottom_v upon_o christ_n and_o be_v at_o present_a sed_fw-la and_o support_v by_o security_n disregard_n stupidity_n stout-heartednes_a will_n desire_v to_o be_v account_v immovable_a and_o unwillingnes_n to_o own_o the_o shame_n of_o former_a hypocrifie_n and_o such_o carnal_a prop_n bear_v it_o up_o and_o engage_v to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o under_o suffering_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v a_o delusion_n evid_v 8._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n afford_v it_o suitable_a provision_n for_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o condition_n before_o it_o go_v droop_v under_o fear_n that_o it_o shall_v want_v protect_a grace_n under_o danger_n and_o support_v grace_n under_o suffering_n and_o persevere_v grace_n under_o trial_n it_o fear_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v mistrust_v god_n in_o every_o condition_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v adoption_n than_o it_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o these_o fear_n it_o can_v say_v with_o he_o psal_n 23.1_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v when_v it_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n this_o engage_v strong_o against_o mistrust_n fullness_n which_o former_o it_o give_v much_o way_n to_o and_o strike_v a_o deep_a sense_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o unbelief_n than_o it_o have_v that_o it_o can_v but_o recall_v itself_o it_o say_v before_o i_o shall_v want_v when_v it_o can_v not_o say_v i_o do_v want_n it_o be_v mistrust_n run_v before_o its_o necessity_n but_o now_o it_o unsay_v it_o and_o chick_v itself_o for_o it_o yea_o it_o run_v as_o far_o forward_o in_o its_o say_v as_o before_o it_o do_v in_o its_o unbelief_n it_o do_v not_o only_o say_v i_o do_v not_o want_v in_o the_o present_a time_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v for_o the_o future_a though_o i_o shall_v be_v afflict_v tempt_v persecute_a etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v paul_n can_v argue_v himself_o into_o a_o confidence_n of_o sufficient_a provision_n when_o he_o see_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v from_o christ_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o son_n how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n i.e._n all_o thing_n needful_a in_o all_o condition_n not_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o enough_o of_o all_o thing_n grace_n enough_o and_o peace_n enough_o strength_n enough_o wealth_n enough_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v his_o collection_n from_o that_o premise_v and_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o &_o c_o it_o be_v a_o interogation_n that_o import_v that_o see_v he_o spare_v not_o christ_n the_o great_a it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n he_o will_v not_o be_v spare_v in_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v far_o lesser_a evid_v 9_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n exceed_o vigilant_a against_o whatever_o may_v occasion_v a_o interruption_n in_o its_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o most_o glorious_a revelation_n be_v follow_v oftentimes_o with_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o violent_a temptation_n as_o 2_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o &_o matth._n 3._o v._n 16_o 17._o the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o a_o full_a testimony_n be_v give_v v._o 17._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o the_o next_o news_n be_v mat._n 4.1_o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v tempt_v question_v not_o a_o testimony_n bare_o because_o you_o find_v variety_n of_o new_a temptation_n after_o it_o unless_o it_o dispose_v you_o to_o yield_v and_o consent_v to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o prevail_a over_o you_o these_o you_o be_v to_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v after_o such_o a_o time_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n it_o will_v make_v you_o watchful_a against_o these_o gant_n 8.4_o i_o charge_v you_o stir_v not_o up_o nor_o awake_v my_o love_n until_o he_o please_v she_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o whatsoever_o may_v displease_v he_o and_o when_o be_v it_o v._o 3._o when_o she_o enjoy_v left-hand_a supportment_n and_o right-hand_a embrace_n from_o christ_n soul_n be_v double_a watchful_a against_o whatsoever_o may_v interrupt_v their_o communion_n with_o christ_n after_o a_o full_a fruition_n of_o it_o evid_v 10._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n draw_v out_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o full_a communion_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n be_v so_o ravish_v with_o what_o it_o do_v enjoy_v that_o it_o be_v even_o swallow_v up_o with_o desire_n after_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o one_o that_o former_o be_v under_o bondage_n through_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n now_o know_v not_o almost_o how_o to_o be_v content_a to_o live_v any_o long_a but_o be_v force_v into_o that_o holy_a complaint_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o i_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n a_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o glorious_a life_n and_o yet_o at_o such_o a_o day_n it_o can_v but_o bemoan_v itself_o for_o its_o want_n of_o sight_n it_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o and_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o its_o lamentation_n that_o it_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n v._o 2.6_o christ_n be_v present_a with_o the_o saint_n by_o faith_n in_o this_o life_n but_o their_o communion_n here_o admit_v of_o many_o interruption_n there_o be_v recess_n as_o well_o as_o access_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o withdrawing_n and_o seem_a distance_n and_o nothing_o but_o immediate_a communion_n will_v afford_v they_o a_o fullness_n of_o contentment_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o holy_a impatiency_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v these_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a 1._o for_o direction_n to_o such_o as_o enjoy_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o they_o may_v see_v what_o improvement_n they_o be_v to_o make_v thereof_o 2._o for_o confirmation_n unto_o those_o that_o have_v enjoy_v a_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v follow_v up_o these_o way_n let_v they_o beware_v of_o question_v it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n especial_o if_o the_o confidence_n remain_v still_o it_o a_o dangerous_a symptom_n of_o a_o satanical_a delusion_n chap._n xxii_o four_o objection_n answer_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v answer_v four_o objection_n obj._n 1_o may_v a_o soul_n say_v i_o have_v have_v some_o feeble_a hope_n that_o i_o have_v enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o of_o those_o way_n aforemention_v but_o see_v satan_n counterfeit_v the_o choice_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o prophet_n say_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o 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 own_o condition_n and_o be_o not_o mistake_v answ_n the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n do_v give_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n unto_o soul_n that_o its_o testimony_n be_v true_a it_o be_v ascertain_v unto_o soul_n 1._o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10.12_o rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o 10._o 2._o by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o