An inward impression
But what is that testimony of God's Spirit which is added over and above this, and joined with it? How does he bear witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God? It is hard to find words in the language of men to explain the deep things of God. Indeed there are none that will adequately express what the children of God experience.
But perhaps one might say, desiring any who are taught of God to correct, to soften, or to strengthen the expression, the testimony of the Spirit is an inward impression on the soul, by which the Spirit of God directly witnesses to my spirit that I am a child of God, that Jesus Christ has loved me and given himself for me, that all my sins are blotted out, and I, even I, am reconciled to God.
1771 text
7. But what is that testimony of God’s Spirit, which is super-added to and conjoined with this? How does he bear witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God? It is hard to find words in the language of men, to explain the deep things of God. Indeed there are none that will adequately express, what the children of God experience. But perhaps one might say (desiring any who are taught of God, to correct, to soften, or strengthen the expression) the testimony of the Spirit, is an inward impression on the soul, whereby the Spirit of God directly witnesses to my spirit, that I am a child of God; that Jesus Christ hath loved me, and given himself for me: that all my sins are blotted out, and I, even I, am reconciled to God.