An answer to the discourse of Mr. William Sherlock, touching the knowledge of Christ,…

It would be some comfort to know, ¹that we are in Christ: But this is impossible; Thus the Author: Impossible? Nothing plainer in Scripture; we read of the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts, 2 Cor. 1.12. The sealing of the holy Spirit of promise, Eph. 1.13. The witness of the Spirit with our spirits, that we are the children of God, Rom. 8.16. But God doth not afford this testimony of the Spirit to all good men: Very true, he doth not, a Saint of God may walk in darkness: The face of God may be hid from him: And that (saith Mr. Shepherd) because there is in many an one an heart desirous of his Love, and this would quiet them, if they were sure of it. The Author thinks this hard measure: But Mr. Shepherd goes on; they never came to be quieted with Gods will, in case they think they shall never partake of Gods love; but are above that, opposite, resist, quarrel with that; the Lord therefore, intending his favour for humbled sinners, hides his face till they lye low: And now, I suppose, the measure is fair, it is very fit we should know our selves to be but receivers; and withal unworthy of the Mercies we receive: But how do we know, that ⟨p. 530⟩it is the testimony of the Spirit indeed, and not a cheat or imposture? To satisfy this we are directed to marks: Thus this infallible testimony of the Spirit must in its last resolve, be founded upon moral evidence. So the Author: To which, I answer, When the Spirit witnesseth with our spirit; when Gods Spirit and Mans concur, and so heaven and earth agree in it; one would think it might pass without further examination: The Testimony of the Spirit is such, that he, to whom it made, certainly knows, that it is the Spirit of Truth it self which bears the Testimony, otherwise the Spirit it self testifies, and would not be believed by him, to whom the Testimony is made; that is, he testifies, and doth not testify, if he do not make a man sure, who it is that testifies. The Testimony is to make us sure, that we are the children of God; it is to make us with confidence cry out Abba, Father: It is to be an earnest and seal of our Salvation; and how can this be, if we know not who testifies. Hence St. Chrysostom upon the place saith, The Spirit beareth witness, and [Greek or Hebrew]; What doubt can remain? Hence reverend Dr.