Try the spirits by the fruit
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 has the witness in himself try whether it is of God. If the fruit follows, it is. Otherwise it is not. For certainly the tree is known by its fruit. By this we prove if it is of God.
But, it is said, 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 you are in the faith. Prove your own selves. Do you not know 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?
But the testimony arising from the internal and external change is constantly referred to in the Bible. It is so. And we constantly refer to that change, to confirm the testimony of the Spirit.
No, all the marks you have given, by which to distinguish the operations of God's Spirit from delusion, refer to the change worked in us and upon us. This likewise is undoubtedly true.
1771 text
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.
“Nay, all the marks you have given, whereby to distinguish the operations of God’s Spirit from delusion, refer to the change wrought in us and upon us.” This likewise is undoubtedly true.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 11 in the 1771 Works. Romans 8:16. The second discourse on the witness of the Spirit.
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