4. It is objected, secondly, “The design of the witness contended for, is to prove that the profession we make is genuine. But it does not prove this.” I answer, the proving this, is not the design of it. It is antecedent to our making any profession at all, but that of being lost, undone, guilty, helpless sinners. It is designed to assure those to whom it is given, that they are the children of God; that they are _justified freely by his grace, thro’ the redemption that is in Jesus Christ_. And this does not suppose, that their preceeding thoughts, words and actions, are conformable to the rule of scripture. It supposes quite the reverse, namely, That they are sinners all over, sinners both in heart and life. Were it otherwise, God would _justify the godly_; and _their own works_ would be _counted to them for righteousness_. And I cannot but fear that a supposition of our being justified by works, is at the root of all their objections. For who ever cordially believes, that God _imputes_ to all that are justified, _righteousness without works_, will find no difficulty in allowing the witness of his Spirit, preceding the fruit of it. 5. It is objected, thirdly, “One evangelist says, _your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him_. The other evangelist calls the same thing _good gifts_; abundantly demonstrating, that the Spirit’s way of bearing witness, is by giving good gifts.” Nay, here is nothing at all about _bearing witness_, either in one text, or the other. Therefore ’till this demonstration is better demonstrated, I let it stand as it is. 6. It is objected, fourthly, “The scripture says, _the tree is known by its fruits. Prove all things. Try the spirits. Examine yourselves._” Most true: therefore let every man who believes he _hath the witness in himself, try_ whether it be of God; if the fruit follow, it is, otherwise it is not. For certainly _the tree is known by its fruit_: Hereby we _prove_, if it be of God. “But the direct witness is never referred to in the book of God.” Not as standing alone, not as a single witness, but as connected with the other: As giving a _joint testimony_, testifying _with our spirit_, that we are children of God. And who is able to prove, that it is not _thus_ referred to, in this very scripture, _Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith: prove your ownselves. Know ye not yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?_ It is by no means clear, that they did not know this, by a _direct_ as well as a _remote_ witness. How is it proved, that they did not know it, first, by an inward consciousness, and then by love, joy and peace? 7. “But the testimony arising from the internal and external change, is constantly referred to in the bible.” It is so. And we constantly refer thereto, to confirm the testimony of the Spirit.