12. “But how shall I know, that my spiritual senses are rightly disposed?” This also is a question of vast importance. For if a man mistake in this, he may run on in endless error and delusion. “And how am I assured, that this is not my case; and that I do not mistake the voice of the Spirit?” Even by the _testimony of your own Spirit_; by _the answer of a good conscience toward God_. By the fruits which he hath wrought in your spirit you shall know the _testimony of the Spirit of God_. Hereby you shall know, that you are in no delusion, that you have not deceived your own soul. The immediate fruits of the Spirit, ruling in the heart, are _love_, _joy_, _peace_; _bowels of mercies_, _humbleness of mind_, _meekness_, _gentleness_, _long-suffering_. And the outward fruits are, the doing good to all men; the doing no evil to any; and the walking in the light; a zealous, uniform obedience to all the commandments of God. 13. By the same fruits shall you distinguish this voice of God, from any delusion of the devil. That proud spirit cannot humble thee before God. He neither can nor would soften thy heart, and melt it first into earnest mourning after God, and then into filial love. It is not the adversary of God and man, that enables thee to love thy neighbour; or to put on meekness, gentleness, patience, temperance, and the whole armour of God. He is not divided against himself, or a destroyer of sin, his own work. No; it is none but the Son of God who cometh _to destroy the works of the devil_. As surely therefore as holiness is of God, and as sin is the work of the devil, so surely the witness thou hast in thyself is not of Satan, but of God. 14. Well then mayst thou say, _Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift_! Thanks be unto God, who giveth me to _know in whom I have believed_: who _hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into my heart, crying, Abba, Father_, and even now _bearing witness with my Spirit, that I am a child of God_! And see, that not only thy lips, but thy life shew forth his praise. He hath marked thee for his own; _glorify him_ then _in thy body and thy Spirit which are_ his. Beloved, if thou _hast this hope in_ thyself, _purify_ thyself _as he is pure_. While thou beholdest _what manner of love the Father hath given_ thee, that thou shouldst _be called a child of God: cleanse_ thyself _from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God_: and let all thy thoughts, words, and works be a spiritual sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God through Christ Jesus! SERMON XI. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT. DISCOURSE II. ROM. viii. 16. _The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God._