The Witness of the Spirit Discourse II · §20

Two witnesses, joined together

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It is objected, fifthly, that the direct witness of the Spirit does not secure us from the greatest delusion. And is that a witness fit to be trusted, whose testimony cannot be depended on? That is forced to fly to something else, to prove what it asserts?

I answer. To secure us from all delusion, God gives us two witnesses that we are his children. And this they testify together. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man put asunder. And while they are joined, we cannot be deluded. Their testimony can be depended on. They are fit to be trusted in the highest degree, and need nothing else to prove what they assert.

No, the direct witness only asserts, but does not prove anything. By two witnesses shall every word be established. And when the Spirit witnesses with our spirit, as God designs it to do, then it fully proves that we are children of God.

1771 text

8. It is objected, fifthly, that “The direct witness of the Spirit, does not secure us from the greatest delusion. And is that a witness fit to be trusted, whose testimony cannot be depended on? That is forced to fly to something else, to prove what it asserts?” I answer. To secure us from all delusion, God gives us two witnesses that we are his children. And this they testify conjointly. Therefore what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And while they are joined, we cannot be deluded: their testimony can be depended on. They are fit to be trusted in the highest degree, and need nothing else to prove what they assert.

“Nay, the direct witness only asserts, but does not prove any thing.” By two witnesses shall every word be established. And when the Spirit witnesses with our Spirit, as God designs it to do, then it fully proves that we are children of God.

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.

This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.