r. 3; INWARD. WITNESS, TO CHRISTAINITY., [SER-M. III. him this blessed resurrection: It is above and beyond nature,. it is a miracle of grace, and none but. God could work it. And this is what I call the inward witness of the Spirit Of God to the truth of the gospel, at least in these latter ages of christianity.. The outward and more visible tes- timony of the spirit consists in those sensible miracles that were wrought, and those wondrous gifts of healing, oftongues, &c. that were bestowed. on the first Chris- tians, Rob. ii. 4. Rom. xv. 19. But the spirit's in- ward testimony is the constant miracle of regeneration and converting grace. This witness, in my opinion, bas been dishonoured by too many protestants, when they have explained it merely by inward impulses, and vehement impressions upon the mind, without the con- duct of reason.. This has tempted the profane world to çall our devout efforts ofchristian piety mere enthusiasm and .wild imagination, the .flashes of a- kindled blood and vapours, that are puffed about with every wind: But when the.testimony of the spirit is explained, in the manner I have described, it ,must approve itself to all the sober and reasonable part of mankind. Here let us stand still and consider; how great and divine a power was necessary to make this mighty change: on the heart of a poor, ignorant, guilty, sinful creature, and establish him a saint in peace and purity. It is not every one. that hears this same gospel, that obtains the same salvation, and that feels. the same glorious change; and many a.true christian must confess, how long they sat under the same ministry:and instructions before their hearts were brought to love God, or renewed to . an heavenly life: Thus their experience teaches them, there was an almightyvirtue and `efficacy at last attended this gospel, which made it more powerful in one day, or week, or month, than it.had been in whole years before. There was a quickening spirit, that accompanied the voice of the word, and gave them life, while the word called-. them to arise from the dead. And this is -yet more gloriously evident, when such chances have been wrought. on sinners in an hour or two: They went to bear the gospel, poor; lame, blind; senseless , and _tltóughtless of God-and- eternity and they were awaken- 6
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