God, conscience can witness to the sincerity of our souls, the reality of our faith _that_ it is unfeigned, the goodness of our hope _that_ it is founded upon the person and work of Christ; _that_ our love to God, and all that is dear to him is without dissimulation, and _the_ desires of our souls are to Christ and the glory of his name. Yet, alas! what sad seasons of darkness, doubts and fears come on till these clouds which come betwixt, are dispersed by some precious manifestation of love; the holy spirit creating in the mind some very precious exalted views of Christ, clear apprehensions of the love of God, his secret purposes, and decrees the glorious covenant of redemption, the gracious transactions of each adorable person in the Trinity, respecting the salvation of the church; the truth as it is in Christ producing holy meltings of soul, and filling it with all joy and peace in believing; sometimes cloathing the word with such power as fills the mind with extacy; suddenly visiting the soul with light, life and love, and indulging us with sweet sensible communion with Father, Son and Spirit: this is an infallible witness. These things form no part of the salvation which is in Christ; yet they are very valuable tokens of God’s high approbation of us in Christ: these should be coveted by us—prayed for, that our joy might be full. This is a spiritual baptism indeed, of which water baptism is an outward and visible sign; this is being immersed in the spirit, and filled with the spirit; and those who have not yet attained should tarry in Jerusalem till they be endued with this power from on high. Peter calls it rejoicing with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; and although many of the Old Testament saints had glorious manifestations, yet this spiritual baptism is more clearly revealed, and is peculiar to the New Testament dispensation. If my reader complains he has not yet arrived at these things, nor been thus favoured with such extraordinary witness of the spirit, it is still our mercy to rejoice the holy spirit has began the good work in our hearts, and as that is made manifest, it is the witness of the spirit _to_ us that we belong to God; and while his gracious power is afforded to conscience, it is the Spirit _with_ our spirit, bearing testimony that we are his people, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; for as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The Lord be pleased to bless the reading of this simple statement of this important work to your heart, that you may rejoice in Christ, worship God the Spirit, be favoured with clearer views of the Father’s love, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. This witness of the spirit is the Lord’s secret with the righteous; it is the deep mystery of faith, it is a path that no foot knoweth, and that the vulture’s eye hath not seen; it is one of the mysteries the Saviour gives his disciples to know, and which is hidden from the wise and prudent (in their own