SEAM. IIL INWARD WITNESS TO CHRISTIANITY. 45 which was not agreeable to his mind, with such glo- rious instances ofhis own power and grace. Though it must be still confessed, that this argument is much stronger, and the evidence brighter for the general truth of christianity, than it can possibly be for the sa- cred autharity of any one verse or chapter of the New Testament. I have dwelt the longer on this sixth property of the inward witness, because I think it of great importance in our age, which has taken so many steps towards hea- thenism and infidelity : for this argument or evidence will defend a christian in the profession of the trùe re- ligion, though he may not have skill enough to defend his bible. [This sermon maybe divided here, ifit.be too long.] VII. This is an universal witness to the truth of the gospel ; for it belongs to every true christian. The weak, as well as the strong, enjoy this inward evidence in some measure and degree. This is an argument of some force and conviction to him, who is but young in grace-and knowledge, as well as to him who has made high advances in the faith; and is grown up to the sta- ture Of a man in Christ. Though it must" be acknow- ledged, that where faith and love, holiness and peace are weak;' the 'evidence of this testimony is weak also ; yet it may sometimes stand firm and strong, and shine bright in those christians, whose intellectual powers are but-mean' and low. Some persons of great holiness may have but little natural Parts, poor understandings, a mean education, and can scarce give any clear rational account' of the things of this world, or of that which is to come; and these enjoy .a great degree of this ie}ward . witness tá the truth -of christianity, that a divine life is begun. in them, and that the gospel -has effectually wrought in them a new nature ; those great and precious promises of the gospel having made them partakers of the divine nature, they are sure those promises must be divine, 2 Pet. i. 4. and 1 Cor. i.,22, 23. Not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble are called; but 'God hath chosen the poor, and the weak, and foolish things of this, world, to confound the wise and the 'nighty: Nor yet hath he chosen, or called one of them, without giving them a sufficient witness to the
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