ant sense, is the witness of the Holy Spirit with our spirit.

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But let us view this statement a little more attentively. "The children of God" are described in his word, as a peculiar people"- as persons possessed of certain views and feelings; certain hopes, and fears, and joys, and sorrows-as exhibiting a certain temper and conduct, distinct from the world, and peculiar to themselves; so far, then, as we can honestly trace these in us, we have the Spirit itself witnessing with our spirit, that we are of God.

For instance :-our Lord said, in his Sermon on the Mount," Blessed are the poor in spirit." We must consider what this poverty of spirit means, and examine whether it be posessed by us; and in such degree as we are, on careful inquiry, satisfied that this is the case, we are warranted in the happy conclusion that this blessedness is ours. Again; he taught, in the same discourse, Blessed are they

that mourn-Blessed are the meek-Blessed are the merciful-Blessed are the pure in heart-Blessed are the peace-makers." Now we must try ourselves by these marks, which are certainly the marks of God's children; and so far as we find these on us, these dispositions formed in us, this character exemplified by us, we have scriptural evidence in favour of the goodness of our state: in other words, we have "the Spirit itself," in the written word, “ witnessing with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

But there is also the Spirit's witness, by supernatural influence, or direct impressions on the mind.This is a subject of some difficulty, and requires to be treated with more than common caution. In our day, and among some professors of religion, the doctrine of the Spirit's influence is wholly discard

ed; among others, it is shamefully slighted; and by not a few it is grossly misunderstood; it is confounded with religious enthusiasm, and its advocates are classed with deluded fanatics. May "the Spirit itself" guide us in all our searches into the truth, and give us to know and experience its genuine power!

Certainly there is such a thing as the Spirit's influence on the human mind. If Satan, that evil spirit, "which now worketh in the children of disobedience," has a pernicious and destructive influence; much more the Holy Spirit of God, for salutary and saving purposes. He has access to the mind. His influence is felt. His operations are known. He imparts life to the soul. He diffuses light and liberty through all its powers. And does he not shine upon his own work? There is an agreement between the character of a real Christian, and what the Bible lays down as forming this character; but the Spirit's influence discovers this agreement, makes it manifest, lets the Christian see it for himself, and thus enables him, more or less, to enjoy the comfort of it. Now there are several marks by which the Spirit's witness may be distinguished from what is not such, from what is mere delusion. We shall notice some of them.

1. The Spirit's witness may be distinguished by what precedes it.-In every case, where the Spirit of God testifies with a man's spirit that he is a child of God, something very important has gone before; particularly repentance unto life." Such an one is the subject of true penitence: his soul has been deeply affected on account of his sin; and he knows what is meant by "a broken and a contrite heart." -It is preceded also by "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." This man is a genuine believer: he has

fled for refuge to the hope set before him in the Gospel he has learned to rest his soul on the only Saviour, and on him alone: he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of him.— And especially, devotedness to God goes before the witness of the Spirit. The subject of repentance and faith has yielded himself unto the Lord; has solemnly resolved to be his; and, by his help, to cleave unto him with purpose of heart. Ask yourselves, therefore, whether it be thus with you. In vain does any one pretend to the witness of the Holy Spirit, that he is a child of God, unless he be first experimentally acquainted with these things-true repentance, unfeigned faith, sincere devotedness to God.

2. The Spirit's witness is known by what attends it. And invariably it is accompanied by a high estimation of God's word. The holy Scriptures will be endeared to us. We shall prize them more highly than ever. But are there not some, who, having gained a persuasion that their state is good, and their heaven secure, pay very little regard to the Scriptures? Once they read them with care, when they were inquiring into the way of life; but now, having, as they think, made some progress, they deem this care to be unnecessary. Here, then, is a radical mistake; for the fact is certain, that whenever the Spirit of God witnesseth with conscience to a man's adoption into his family, the Bible is loved more than ever it is read and heard with greater avidity and delight: its sacred truths are regarded as "more to be desired than gold; yea, than much fine gold;" as "sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb." Are the Scriptures thus dear to you? Are you daily seeking direction from them; and thence deriving your best encou"find ragement, support, and comfort? Do you

this good word, and eat it and is it the joy and rejoicing of your heart?”

S. The Spirit's witness is farther determined by what follows it. And nothing does this more certainly, than deep humility. We have noticed some persons expressing their great confidence in the safety of their state; talking of their assurance, their joys, and comforts; who are yet filled with pride, and self-conceit; and instead of esteeming others better than themselves, regard themselves as pre-eminent, and look down on others with supercilious contempt. Wherever this is the case, there is evident and dangerous delusion;-holy jealousy of self both attends and follows the witness of the Spirit. If you see a professor resting in his religious impressions, so as scarcely ever to look into his heart or to suspect his sincerity, there is great reason to fear this man is deceiving his own soul; thinking that he is something, while he is nothing. A man under the influence of the Holy Spirit is diffident of himself: he frequently examines his state; he`dares not trust in his own heart, knowing that he who does this is a "fool."-Again; the witness of the Spirit is followed by close walking with God. The motto of one possessing this testimony is," I have set the Lord always before me." And the admonition which he habitually regards is; "Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long." He has pleasure in private devotion; nor can he live without secret converse with his God: he carries with him a conviction of the Divine presence into all the concerns and engagements of life. -To include all in one word, the Spirit's witness is followed by holiness. The man who possesses it, loves holiness; and his study is, to be "holy in all manner of conversation." Be assured, therefore,

that whenever a professor deviates from the path of duty, or falls into sin, the Spirit's witness is gone; nor is it restored till the man is recovered from his

guilty defection, by " repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." Do you see a professor of Christianity indulging levity of temper; light and trifling in his spirit; mixing unnecessarily with the people of the world, and careless in his general deportment? This man may talk as he pleases about assurance; he may indulge the strongest confidence that he is a child of God, and an heir of glory; but believe him not, His present state is dreadful; his future doom is inconceivably awful! Think of these things, and consider them in application to yourselves. In short, holiness may itself not improperly be styled the witness of the Spirit; and we enjoy this, just so far and no farther, than as we possess the mind of the Spirit, and bring forth its precious fruit; and this fruit is, "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law."

By way of IMPROVEMENT,

1. Inquire what is the verdict of Conscience concerning your state and character.-A man's own spirit witnesses to his state, and doubtless this witness is deserving of serious regard. Is not the testimony of Conscience against some of you? Do not your hearts condemn you? Have you not that recollection of guilt and sin which impels you to conclude that you are not of God, but "of your father the devil?" The conscience of some may be yet unawakened: O that it were effectually alarmed; that its voice were heard, though ever so strongly against you! Remember, though condemned at the