Gods Spirit it selfe is some lively and comfortable witnesse, which speaks more clearly and fully, than the created graces of God in us; if you would speak of an immediate work of the Spirit, it doth it by such peace of Conscience, and joy, as passeth understanding, Phil. 4.7. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 it shall so guid your hearts; this peace that Gods Spirit immediately poures into the heart, is without un∣derstanding, and the witnesse Gods Spirit gives to our spirits, makes us that we never doubt more as formerly.
2 It works in us joy unspeakable, and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1.8. there is such a witnesse as fills our hearts with glorious Consolation, Rom. 14.17. and this fills our souls, so that a man tasts of the first fruits of Heaven, in his light we shall see light, Psal. 36.8, 9. there are certain times when God sends this into our spirits, and that is usually in the end of many Conflicts, God abundantly recompenseth our work.
3 Sometimes when we are preparing for some great triall, then God sends some more special help of his Spirit; as it was with our Saviour, when he was to be tempted forty dayes, immediately before he had a testimony from Heaven, Thou art my beloved Son, &c. presently after he was led into the Wil∣dernenesse to be tempted of the Devill, Matth. 4. and as the Angels rejoyce at our conversion, Luke 15.10. so when God hath any great Temptation for us, he poures down more enlargement and comfort of the Spirit; so when Christ was to be Crucified, he was a little before gloriously Transfigured, and when he came riding to Jerusalem, exulting and rejoycing, presently after he went to be Crucified, Rom. 5.8. and often in the midst of tribulation, so oft after Afflitions and Conflicts, God comes to comfort us with happy en∣largements, 1 Pet. 4.14. not onely a spirit of grace, but a spirit of glory▪ as it did on Steven, Acts 6. ult. 1 John 3. ult. hereby we know that we abide in Christ, even by the Spirit, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 11, 12.
Reas. 1. From the names and titles given to the Spirit in Scripture; three names, all which witnesse this truth.
1 It is called the Comforter, Joh. 14.16, 17. not so much comforting us in outward Crosses, but specialy because he comforteth our hearts, by assu∣ring us we are Sons, and Daughters of God, and Heirs of life, for else it were not above the world, for the world can comfort us in temporall things, but here is a comforter that far transcends the world.
2 The Spirit is called the seal and earnest of our inheritance, Ephes. 1.13, 14. Ephs. 4.30. 2. Cor. 1.21. now a seal hath a three-fold use.
1 It hath an use to keepe secret, or distinguish.
2 Not only so, but to confirme us in all Leases, Bonds, Covenants; so the Spirit not only keeps us sure, and distinguisheth us from all Hypocrites, but seales us by confirming the happinesse of our estate present, and fu∣ture.
3 It is a seal alluding to the seals of Princes▪ wherein their person is pour∣trayed; so this Spirit is the very Character of Gods Image, and fashions us after the Image of God, and hereby he confirms and establisheth all the Promises to us, 2 Cor. 1.20. and Ephes. 6. the Article: shews, that not only the gift of the Spirit, but the person of the Spirit witnesseth.
3 He is called the earnest, whereof three Uses.
1 It bindes and asures a man.
2 An earnest is part of the payment, though small in regard of the whole; so the Spirit of grace is part of the payment, and shall remain with us till the full payment.
3 Because it abides with us after the whole payment.
Ʋse. May serve to comfort the hearts of all that have received the Unction of the Spirit, they have an assurance of their state of Grace here, and Glory hereafter.
Obj. How comes it to passe then, that so many Christians are so troubled?
1 There is a double Reason;