George Hutcheson
32 There is another that beareth witnesse of me, and I know that the witnesse which he witnesseth of me is true.
Albeit this verse may be understood of John, (of whom, verse 33.) who as he testified of Christ, so Christ commends and alloweth of his testimony; Yet it seemes rather to be understood of the Father, who is the other witnesse with himself, John 8.18. And it doth point, not so much at any particular testimony, of which verse 37. As in general, sheweth that all these ensuing testimonies had authority from him, Concerning this testimony, Christ declareth his perswasion of the truth, and certainty thereof. Whence learn, 1. Albeit that Christ, the true and faithful witnesse, be oft-times accounted so infamous in the world, as not to be beleeved; yet, as he is above all proofe to his own, so he wants not witnesses to testifie for him; So much doth his producing them in this Apology, teach. 2. As Christ came into the world in obedience to the Father, and to bear witnesse of him, so was he assured to be avowed and owned of him, and accordingly found so; and as he honoured the Father, so did the Father honour and beare witnesse of him; for, there is another that beareth witnesse of me. 3. Christ, as he is one in nature and essence with the Father, so is he a distinct person from him; for, he is another that beareth witnesse. 4. Gods testimony concerning Christ is undoubtedly true, and to be rested on, and all other testimonies are therefore true, because Gods authority is interposed in them; for, the witnesse which he witnesseth of me, is true, and the rest of the testimonies have weight, because they are his testimonies. 5. It is not enough for our comfort, that we have Gods testimony approving us, but we should know that it is so, and ought to study the certainty and sure ground that is in such a testimony, that it may bear us up against all opposition, and enable us to avow it, and having beleeved, to speak, as we stand in need; Therefore Christ having asserted, that the Father beareth witnesse of him, doth subjoyne, and I know that the witnesse which he witnesseth of me, is true, as resting upon the truth and reality that is in such a testimony.
