the word therefore which is translated by Faith is a conjugate from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 verity or truth For as much as Truth is the peculiar object of trust and whence some think the word Trust to be derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and therefore judg that all lyars promise-breakers and false witnesses are unfit to be trusted with persons or matters of the very least importance and should be thrust out of all good mens houses and all civil society Psal 101.7 and should be forced to live among beasts or such as are like themselves which is worse and there cheat and abuse one another till their mutual extirpation or rather by godly and wise Magistrates be made to suffer the penalty prescribed by a wise and holy God Deut. 19.19 22 19. according to what their lies and false witness might have injured their brother whether in life member good name or estate they should suffer exactly the same punishment their eye should not spare nor pity according to the Lex Talionis or else the world will never be at rest nor quiet from wicked wretches But were this Law of God made the Law of Nations his blessing would follow it with more peace and tranquility then yet the world hath seen Well then as Truth is a most radiant attribute of God and dwells in his nature as he is Ens primum simplicesimum the eternal and uncompounded Being Job 4.18 And if Angels whom he charges with folly in comparison with himself do not raciocinari reason by mediums but act by intuiâ—ion how much more does that most abstruse and immense being the Father of lights both in his cognition of all things at once and according to the purpose of his own will act in expressing and manifesting what he pleases to his creatures and shining upon that manifestation with such a glorious ray of truth that were it not from the darkness of our lapsed estate we should without any dispute or hesitation immediately imbrace it for the highest and unquestionable verity Hence it is that in whatever he speaks from his most holy mouth by Oracles or Prophets ratified in their authority from him must be judged a great presumption and impiety to call for a reason of any of his words or actions by bold and daring and impudent creatures For from the raies of truth streaming from the immense and soul-dazling sun of his verity flows all the certainty and stabiliment in the spirits of angels or men to fix and settle us in our belief and obedience Whoever then does believe sets his seal to the Word that God is true and he that doth not believe as far as in him lies would seem to induce John 3.33 that the holy and true God should be a lyar and deceiver and not to be trusted Such is the most horrible consequent of unb lief Though I am well satisfied that there are some trembling fouls that either from natural timerous tempers or some other dark incidencies upon their spirits do not come up to clear and comfortable actings of Faith The Lady Thomson late of Osterley park but now in heaven that abhorr the very thoughts of not trusting God upon his word of Promise and are truly gracious at bottom though cannot discern and know it As I knew not long since a gracious Person when discoursing of the work of God upon her heart â— John 5.10 6.29 said that she trembled at that Scripture in John of making God a lyar and that the deep pondring upon it was the beginning of her conversion One is apt to think it were a very easy thing to believe the holy God upon his Word Eph. 1 19 2 Thes 1.11 Eph. 3.16 17. 1 Tim. 1.15 but indeed renewed and sanctified persons have found it one of the most difficult works in the whole world because its contrary to nature to found our salvation upon anothers righteousness therefore needs a miraculous work from God to effect it in us It 's true that the doctrine of the Gospel is a most faithful saying that is a most certain and undoubted assertion full of grace and truth and worthy of all acceptation or embracing utrique ulnis in utraque cordis camera in our most intimate bosomes that Christ came into the world to save sinners But it requires almighty power of the spirit of Christ to bring us to the obedience of faith But of this more God granting in the sequel Now I 'le proceed about some things in the nature of Faith to which end I may recount that good old saying of Austin cited by some Accipe signas receive it that is believe it and thou fealest to the truth of God. Thus Sarah acting by Faith judged him faithful who had promised and attained the end of her particular trust in the case whereunto God had spoken But not to dilate in generals I might proceed to the hononymy of the term and the various Synonymous expressions of it found in Scripture I might from fathers and schoolmen from confessions of the Reformed Churches and their commentaries common places and Systemes from controversial writings between us and the Romanists and from the many holy practical writers of our own on this very subject raise a great pile or mass of discourse and therein but actum agere over and over with the same in some little varieties But I forbear since my chief end and scope is principally to erect and comfort broken languishing spirits that hang in suspence as it were between the hopes of heaven and the fears of hell I would gladly put a Scripture staff even one of the staves of the Ark within the Sanctuary into the hands of every weary and heavy laden soul I shall not then be nice or over-curious in handling this point under the distinct heads of definition or description or in distinguishing it into several sorts and so proceed to examine all the causes effects properties adjuncts contraries and the several corollaries deducible from all or the cases of conscience doubts and objections afflicting troubled spirits for they are innumerable but only treat upon some particulars most practical and useful either past by or but lightly touched by others As Doctor Boodt that learned Physitian and of great request with the Reverend Bishop Vsher was more pleased to write de affectibus ommisses of cases not handled then to trouble the world with large bodies of Phisick over and over So should all endeavour not to burden the church of God with swelling discourses wrought up into a cumbersome Tympany out of others preceding who have done worthily in their generations but should either add quid novi or quid noviter either something new that may increase christians knowledg and grace or after a concise and clear method that may raise the fancy sortifie memory and take with such as are out of the church to help on their conversion Though I am sensible
potestas a power in the Soul to do something peculiar in calling things to remembrance carries a flaming Torch in its hand over all the chambers of the Soul â—nuert Instit and by Physitians and Philosophers is reckoned one of the three inferior senses Now in this as in all other powers Faith hath its residence and acts in and from them upon its most noble and spiritual objects I shall not recount many Scriptures Some trust in Horses and some in Chariots Psal 20 7â— but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God even what he hath done for us of old and trust him still Saints use to call to mind former mercâ—ies to encourage Faith I will remember thee from the land of Jordan Psal 42.6 and of the Hermonites from the hill Mizzar the little hill Mizoar before Zoar. In which and the like places David escaped the violence of Saul Memory helps Faith in a gracious person recalling the ancient benefits of God to his Church and his wonders of old Help a Holy mans Memory as to former actings of Faith in his straits and you comfort him presently with the sweet hope of continued deliverances till he arise to the great deliverance in the Heaven of glory But lest I be tedious I shall prosecute no more but descend to the second Section of this Chapter SECT II. Of the Primary Efficient Cause of FAITH AS to the efficient Cause Author or Worker of Faith in the heart we know that every good gift comes down from Heaven And hence Faith is sometime ascribed to the donation of God essential being called the gift of God the Faith of the operation of God. Again Jam. 1.17 Eph 2.2 Col. 2.2 Phil. 1.29 â— Thess 1.11 Phil. 2.13 t is said to be given to the Saints to believe and the work of Faith is said to be the effect of his mighty power In which and in all other heavenly gifts and graces to will and to do are both wrought of God. As t is in true repentance a grace that 's alwayes conjoyned with Faith and leads out of our selves by the hand of Faith into Christ the former being given of God so is Faith. â— Cor. 3.5 All our sufficiency to think but a good thought slides down from Heaven Q. If you ask then How thoughts come into the heart A. I Answer They flow into the head or heart by the power of imagination thru the windows of the senses or from concreated ideas or by some instillations and special infusions from God as it is in all curious Arts and Sciences Prev 8.12 He is the finder out of all witty Inventions as we read in the case of Bezaleel for the Tabernacle and in Hiram for Temple works If you ask whence holy thoughts come I answer from the infusion of the Spirit Gen. 1.2 and his warming the waters of the Soul as it is exprest by Moses in the first Creation so it is in the new Creation from the breathings of the Spirit on the garden of spices which â—e himself hath planted in our hearts Isa 26.12 Psal 33 22 1 Chro. 29 18 1 Joh 2 27 So it is in the work of Faith as the Church expresses it Thou hast wrought all our works in us and for us he causeth us to trust or hope in his Word He begins and inspires good thoughts into us and keeps them in the imagination of our hearts He teaches and anoints us with the oil of the Spirit He makes all new within us and puts hearts of flesh into us Jer. 31 18 Ezek. 36 26 and turns us unto himself because he is the Lord our God having accepted us into covenant relation with himself Sometimes the work of Faith is ascribed to the Father as in that to the Ephesians Eph 1 19 20 we are made to believe by the exceeding grâ—atness of the mighty power of the Father even the same power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead Joh. 6 4â— And otherwhere it is said that no man can come to the Son that is by Faith except the Father draw him by the golden chain of his electing love and teaches him from his chair in Heaven Besides the work is oftentimes ascribed to Christ who is said to be the Author and Finisher of our Faith and that he is exalted to give repentance and forgiveness of sins Heb 12.2 Act 5.31 both which are intimately connexed with Faith as in the case of the Father of the tormented Child Mark 9.24 praying to Christ to help his unbelief But more especially and immediately it s attributed to the holy Spirit who works in our understandings to think of heavenly things and puts holy motions into our hearts which are the original of those sudden thoughts by darting of Scriptures and precious Promises into our memories Rom. 8.5 9. â— John 14.26 and kindling sparks of light and comfort in our hearts yea the witnessing of our spirits to him are wrought by him He inclines our wills to embrace himself and Christ our Lord. For if we have not the spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 we are none of his Yea Faith it self even as all other graces are given by one and the same spirit Again one of the fruits of the Spirit is recorded to be Faith 1 cor 12 9 and to speak with reverence it is from his implantation and inoculation in the new paradise of the Soul. Gal 5.22 Yea and after that we have believed we are also sealed up in the Faith by this holy spirit of promises He seals all his own gracious workings upon our hearts Sometimes Believers are said to receive the Holy Ghost presently upon the first work which evidently shews the connexion of Faith and holiness by the same spirit Eph 1.13.13 19.3 16 17 Hence t is observable that tho Prophecies be never so perspicuously and radiantly fulfilled and tho admirable miracles were performed to illustrate the presence of the Deity yet they wrought not the least grain of Faith without the energy of the spirit he must add thereto an inward miracle upon the heart Thus it befel the Israelites in the Arabian Desart Deut. 29.3 4. For God sayes Moses gave them not a heart to perceive unto that day Just so the Capernaites they saw Christs blessed person and his eminent Miracles but believed not as not being given to them by the Father Joh 6.36 37. John 12.37 and so it was with the Pharisees and other Jews tho he had done such great works before their eyes yet they believed not on him There must be therefore a working power of the spirit concomitant with the Ministry of the outward call of the Word else none shall believe the report of Christ by Isaiah Isa 53.1 unless the arm of the Lord be revealed within Hence it is that some have professed to have heard a kind of voice at their
conversion as holy Austin declares expresly concerning himself under a fig tree in the Garden at Millain Confes l 8. c 1â— not difformous from that of the Prophet Isa 30.21 They shall hear a voice behind them saying this is the way walk ye in it Q. But some may say If Faith be wrought by the Holy Ghost Gal. 3.2 how is it said that we receive the Holy Ghost by Faith A. I Answer Tho the Holy Ghost work Faith in us at first that Faith which was wrought in us by him is further augmented and increased in us by the fame holy spirit and acts together with him in prayer for a further addition of his gifts and graces Besides in the primitive times it was the method of mercy that when persons had declared their Faith upon that they received the Holy Ghost in his dona ministrantia or gifts for good of the Church I might treat further of the adjuvant suborninate and instrumental causes the various and wonderful methods the seasons and times of divine working As Naaman was excited by a poor captive Maid at home and by his Servants abroad to believe God for his cure by the Prophet it is in thousands of cases and notable circumstances wherein God produces this blessed work but I must surcease and end with a deduction that since the work of Faith is supernatural and our conversion birth from the spirit then are we not the sons of God begotten by the will of man Joh 3 6 Joh 1 12. but of God and are breathed upon with the breath of spiritual life by that free agent the spirit of God. Not where and when the heady list and free will of man pleases that great Idol of a perishing World Act 18 29 Prov. 1.19 Eph 2 1 rejecting the free grace of God. Faith is of Grace There 's no power in nature to believe nay the very preparation of the heart is from the Lord. We are by nature dead in sins and trespasses and can no more believe than the old feigned Atlas can support the heavens or an inconsiderable fly with her impetuous hummings can shove a Mountain into the Sea. But I pass to the six Sections belonging to this Chapter whereof briefly hasten-to the Chapters I chiefly aim at SECTION 3. The next thing to have toucht was the more immediate and peculiar Object of Eaith and that 's no more than the person of our blessed Lord in his sufferings our beloved Saviour on the Cross viz. to believe on his Name to look up to the Antitype of the brazen Serpent John 1 12 Act 16.31 Rom 5 11 3 25 when lifted up upon the pole of the Gospel As Paul told the Jaylor If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved a Lord to Rule a Jesus to Save and a Christ to Anoint us and so we shall receive the attonement For God hath set him forth for a Propitiation through Faith in his blood without blood there is no remission Heb 9 22 and without blood of an infinite value there can be no expiation to infinite Justice Now if any be so bold as to dispute with their Maker why this way and no other I Answer Rom 9 20 Who art thou that repliest unto God being thy self but a defiled shiver of a pitiful Earthen Vessel ready to be dasht in pieces every moment I shall rather turn off to answer the caril of a Jew who being askt how they can expect now to be saved since their magnificent Temple and the brazen Altar of Sacrifice lie in the dust whereas they are commanded not to presume upon Sacrifice but in that place at Jerusalem since also they can legally pretend to no pardon without blood and yet will rest upon that place misinterpreted of a poor mans Offering of a handful of fine Flower Lev. 5.12 and Moses his saying from the Lord that his sin should he forgiven him To which may be answered that the Temple was dâ—dicated and the Priest and the Altar were Consecrated with blood Mat 23 19 which gave a vertue to all the Sacrifices and offerings but I rather reply that this handful was to be offered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not as we translate it according but upon the Offerings of the Lord made by fire This being joyned with the Lords Flower which was continually burnt with the Lords Lamb of the morning or evening Sacrifice and so had its vertue from that bloody offering But alas there 's now no place to offer either Lamb or Incense or Wine or Oyl or fine Flower according to Gods Institution since the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus and Hadrian the Roman Emperors Let us pray therefore that the poor Jews might be enlightned to come to theâ— blessed Altar of the Cross of Christ and to this Priest of the Tribe of Judah Heb. 7 28 who is Consecrated for evermore But le ts remove to the fourth SECT 4. The fourth section should exhibit wherein the true and genuine essence of Faith consists The formalis ratio or that which gives to it the force and power to unite us to Christ and thereby to receive influences from him Of this having said somewhat already in this Chapter and intending God willing to dilate upon it in the next and shew that it lies in recumbency or relying upon the Lord Jesus Christ as he is set forth in the Gospel promises I shall strike off to the fifth SECTION 5. 5. The fifth particular concerns the great ends of Faith. The first and more immediate is the forgiveness of sin and justification of our persons by the imputation of the meritorious Blood of Christ Acts 13.38 39 As Paul in his Sermon at Antioch in Pisidia preacht the forgiveness of sins and that all which believed in him were justified from all things as to which they could not be by the law of Moses according as the Evangelist exprest it Mat. 1.21 He came to save his people from their sins A second is the Salvation of our souls according to Peter receiving the end of your Faith the salvation of your souls 1 Pet 1.9 The last and ultimate end as of all both persons and things is the glory of the wisdom justice and mercy of an infinitely holy God. Rom. 4.20 Johc 17.23 For he that believes on the son glorifies the Father also As Abraham being strong in Faith gave glory to God so Christ professes in prayer that he was glorified in his believing Disciples and when all the Saints shall triumph together in heaven their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or song of victory will be with blessing and honour and glory and power to him that sitteth on the Throne Rev 5.13 and to the Lamb for ever and ever even the Lamb that was slain even the same that taketh away the sins of the believing world SECTION 6. In the sixth place it 's of great use to amplifie
God permit And likewise the fifth about Entring into Covenant by Faith and shall now proceed to the sixth Chapter neither shall I handle that in the full Latitude I had prepared but speak more succinctly in some things under that Head for the same Reasons CHAP VI. The necessary and inseparable connexion between Sanctification and true FAITH WHat I may at present exhibit on this Subject may be comprized under these Heads 1. Let 's treat a little of the nature of Sanctification 2. Shew the undivided connexion between that and Faith. 3. Intermix some complaints about formal Professors 4. Answer a Case or two and end As to the first we may peremptoryly determine the point that wherever true Faith dwells there must and will be true holiness both in heart and life and where it is not that person who pretends to Faith without it is a self-deceiver and in his attendance upon Ordinances without life-obedience is but the servant of base hypocrisie Hei. 1.12 c Will any dare to tread Gods Courts on sacred dayes and lift up crimson hands in prayer that are full of blood and stain'd with bribery and oppression God loathes to smell any perfumes in such assemblies mixt with the unsavoury stench of their defiled bodies and putrid lives True Sanctification does not lie in outward solemnities and the gaudery of Temple-worship Jer. 7.22 as the Prophet treats the Jews in the Name of God that he commanded them not concerning Burnt offerings and Sacrifices or the Incense of Sheba 6.20 or the sweet Cane of Arabia that is comparatively no nor principally as he did moral duties of piety and honesty To obey is better than sacrifice 1 Sam. 15.22 and to hearken than the fat of Rams Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of fed Beasts Mich. 6.7 or ten thousand Rivers of Oyl or the children of our bowels to smoke upon his Altar no no! But to to do justly love mercy Psal 50.17 and to walk humbly with God this O Man is good in his sight Will God eat the flesh of Bulls Psal 69.31 or drink the blood of Goats no! he requires the offerings of praise and thanksgiving this will please him better than an Oxe that hath young horns and hoofs Hos 6.6 Jos 5.7 10 Amos 5.25 Act. 7.42 Mat. 12.7.9 13. Mnrk. 12.33 Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10 and therefore in cases of mercy God dispenses with Ordinances as he did with Israel in the Wilderness both as to Circumcision and the Passeover for about forty years together but with Moral duties never Our Lord bids us therefore to go and learn this point more diligently For a Pharisee may be huge ceremonius with his white linnen about a platter but yet neglect the weighty matters of the Law Justice and Judgment and Mercy Whereas true Sanctification is a work of Gods Spirit renewing the whole man after the image of God in righteousness and true holiness whereby he is instructed and inabled in all wayes of Scripture obedience to mind the weighty and principal things of love to God and our Neighbour and not leave undone those lesser points which belong to any institution of God and not of man. By this inward work upon the heart the sanctified person immediately begins the practice of Mortification in dying to sin and of rising to newness of life but yet this work is not perfectly and compleatly wrought in any person during this life therefore we must interpret the Apostle in his prayer 1 Thess 5.23 that the Thessalonians might be sanctified throughout not in the highest pitch of degrees but of soundness and sincerity in every part 1 Cor. 6.17 and member of the new Adam There is a habit of holiness infused and wrought in the heart by the holy spirit of promise by which means we are joyned to the Lord and become one spirit with him We do not of our selves first believe and so receive the spirit of God this were to ascribe the actings of faith to the power of man before the infusion of grace but first the inspiring and inclining motions of the spirit descend into us â—oâ— 3.3 Eph. 2.22 whereby we are enabled to believe on the Son and to become by one Spirit united to him as our head All habitual graces are wrought in us feminally at first and at one time yea Faith it self as to the order of time is infused together with the rest in the same moment of our regeneration and sincere conversion to God. Habitual holiness therefore in the production of its blessed fruits and faith among the rest does antedate all the particular acts of Faith or other Graces As in natural Generation all the powers of life are in semine concepto animato formed at once Aristot d. gen animal l. Pecquet de venis lacteis but the heart having implanted within it the true sanguifying virtue becomes the primum vivens movens the first living and moving principle which is discerned by its pulsation like the desires of the Soul in the beginnings of Faith yet all sensation attraction digestion excretion sanguification formation of nervous juices and spirits with locomotion and the rest are all settled at once but display their operations afterward at the command of the rational soul Much like hereunto is the work of the new conception formation and exertion of spiritual and vital acts In the first actings of the Spirit we are passive being found of him after whom we sought not at first but after Isa 65.1 that by a connexed power and concourse of the holy spirit we act and rely on Christ in the promise of life Eph. 4 16 Col. 2.9 10 and receive all the supplies of nourishment from the glorious head of influence thru ' the spirit Even as the head of the natural body conveys the animal spirits thru ' the several conjugations of the nerves into all parts of the body to manage both sensation and motion Isal 44.3 Mat. 3.11 1 Cor. 6.11 As the Scripture expresses it we are sanctified in the â—ame and power of the Lord Jesus by the Spirit of our GOD. As to the Author of Sanctification it is no other than in all gracious works even God essential and the spirit of God in his more particular Operations and Applications As for preparations to grace in any spiritual way before the influences of the spirit Eph 2 1. they are insignificant and unsavoury notions for by nature we are dead in sins and trespasses T is the same holy Spirit who inclines at first to the use of means and warms the heart in and by them as appointed and sanctified of God. There are 't is true various degrees in moral habits and their actings by the common work of the Spirit in his ordinary efficacy but in many moral persons in the state of nature these moralities produce as of old in the Scribes and Pharisees strong and very
vigorous resistance against the more spiritual operations of the holy Spirit of God. 2. I proceed now to the second point premised which is to shew that Faith and Holiness are inseparable companions like Jonathan and David native twins coming up from the washing of regeneration both together which may be evident as follows 1. Because Faith is a part of holiness or the new creature in the renovation of the image of God whom to believe on his Word was the duty of Adam in Innocency and is indeed a branch of the first Commandment and part of that blessed pourtraicture is restored again by Christ under the new Covnant By nature since the fall 't is true we incline to distrust God and believe Satan before him and in not obeying him in trusting to his Son upon his Word we give God the un truth as to the method of salvation by anothers righteousness But indeed Faith is a prime part of our holiness whereby we trust God as to his promise of eternal life by his blessed Son Jer 17 7 Act. 26.18.15.19 and is the very critical and discerning character between a true convert and a carnal man We are said therefore to be sanctified by Faith in Christ and the heart to be purified by Faith not from it self as an efficient cause of holiness but as it daily fetches and derives holiness from him as head of the Church Gal. 5.6 So that Faith in sanctifying us after the first infusion of grace is a power or vertue co-operating with the spirit of God and enjoys a constant concourse of the same holy Spirit in all our spiritual actions 2. Another ground may be taken from the conjunct work of the spirit John 3. who in his very first impulse and motion to true and saving conversion at his coming down into our hearts for that purpose works both Faith and Holiness at the same moment 3. Because our blessed Lord came into the World 't is the end of his advent to us not only to be the object of our Faith but to save us from our sins Mat. 1.21 Tit. 2.14 1 John 3. â— and Faith must act upon him for that end to purifie and deliver us from our iniquities not only for salvation from hell or wrath to come but also from the guilt and filth of sin For we are chosen in him to be holy and created in Christ unto good works Christ gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity Eph. 1.4 2.10 Tit 2.14 to purifie us for a peculiar people zealous of good works I where we may observe justification and sancttification riding together in the same Chariot If then all gracious habits be wrought at once the too much nicety of arguing about the precedency of this or that grace is to be rejected as not agreeing to the uniform work of the new nature nor the inward experience of saints whose graces work according to influence opportunity of providence 1 Cor. 12 11 the good pleasure of the spirit in his assistances who divideth to every one severally as he will. We may admit somewhat as to congruity of the seeming order of nature or time but not press such conceptions over strictly for various experiences will contradict the curiosity of such notions But we may firmly determine that the understanding cannot spiritually discern the excellencies of Christ 1 Cor 2 14 nor the will of man stedfastly believe in him nor the affections savingly embrace him till we are first regenerated by Gods most holy Spirit who is powred out into every faculty and power of the soul at the very first initials of Conversion 4. Because the Commandments of holiness are part of the object of our Faith in its doctrinal foundation Rom. 7.12 Therefore Paul in his conflict sets down this as a maxim that the Law is holy and the Commandment holy just and good 5. Besides the truth of our Faith is demonstrable by holiness as its genuine effect It s vain for persons to pretend to Faith where this is wanting tho' it may not appear so evidently at the first Jam. 2.17 The Apostle James spends a large discourse upon this Argument to prove that Faith without the works of holiness is but a dead Faith. Indeed our holiness being imperfect does not justifie the person before God but it justifies the faith of the person to be true and the Apostle Paul conjoynes Faith and Holiness together and thence proves our eternal life 2 Thess 2.13 Blessing God for having chosen the Thessalonians to glory and proves it because they were sanctified by the Spirit and did believe the truth of the Gospel 6. Lastly Because the application of Faith or the working or actuating of our Faith upon Christ in the promise doth not only sweetly and clearly manifest our being justified but assists us also in the obtaining and increasing of holiness 2 Cor. 7.1 They walk and work together For how do the precious promises of the covenant purge us from sin and all filthiness of flesh and spirit but by the acting faith in Christ and so do embrace Christ for our sanctification 1 Cor. â— 30. and in his name and power derive holiness from those precious promises which are the golden Pipes or nerves that convey it from our glorious head Whence it comes that our belief of the inheritance promised and of Heavens aimiableness revealed by the Word and ratified on and by the verity of God helps us daily to walk more holily and to be made more meet for that Kingdom with the Saints in light And thus it is Act. 15.7 Lev. 4 20 33. that Faith purifies both the heart and life for glory Even as under the Levitical Law the action of the Priest in his offering the Bullock and sprinkling the blood before the Lord is said to purge away sin Rainold praelect vol. 1. p. 123. or make attonement for their sins that is instrumentally So may Faith be an instrument in deriving the sense of our justification and the sweet influences of our sanctification from our blessed Lord in believing the sanctifying promises made in his Name and actuated by virtue of his holy Spirit Now then according to that common and useful sentiment there be two works that attend Sanctity the first is to mortifie sin and the second to vivifie and quicken Grace Pet. 3.11 that we may be holy in all manner of conversation and this not of our own power either to begin carry on or finish but wholly by the work of the Spirit at first and then by his gracious concourse with every holy action of the new creature to the last being carried on by the power of God thru ' Faith to Salvation This is so great a Scripture truth that t is to be admired that the impugners of it who stand upon their own power so much both as to conversion and as to perseverance should be so noted for looseness
when thou hast wisely and deliberately weighed the various phrases in the promises then examine the frame of thy heart and if finding them suit in some sweet measure tho not so clearly as thou longest to have it yet fear not delay not to joyn thy heart and the promise together And this moreover I 'll say to thee for thy comfort that tho the hand of thy Faith should shake with some tremblings at present be not dismayed Mat 9.2 Mark 2.5 our blessed Lord who spake to the palsie man both can and will in due time for thy inward hope is an evidence of it speak that great strengthening word to the relaxed nerves and sinews of thy Faith Son be of good cheer 2 Tim. 2.13 thy sins be forgiven thee for if thou hold but the head nay if touch but the hem of his garment virtue will proceed and thou l't perceive it by some sweet settling quietings of Spirit as when the dew of heaven falls in a still evening For he will abide faithful tho we do not in so full and triumphant a manner act Faith upon him Psal 149.4.50.23 yet he will continue to be gracious and will shortly beautifie the meek with salvation If you order your conversation aright he will shew and make to shine the face of your Saviour and the Sun of his salvation upon you his beloved ones That person may certainly conclude himself to be in Christ who walketh in this World as he did all to our proportion and continue in acts of contemplation and adherence 1 Tim. 4.8 Heb. 12.6 embracing the promises Hitherto I have spoken somewhat to the application of the promises whereby we may argue true Faith and thence lay a strong foundation for assurance but before I relinquish this Subject I would touch upon the several Arguments used by the Apostle John which he insists upon in his Epistles written on purpose foâ— the comfort of Bâ—lievers 1 Joh. 1.4 5.13 1 John 3.23 that their joy may be full and that we may know that we have eternal life To which end it is Gods Commandment to believe in the Son and to love one another Let us then mention the chief in Order 1. The first evidence of eternal life is drawn from our walking in the Light that is of holiness 1 John 1.6 2 29. 3.6 9. walking in the truth Epist 3.3 in obedience to his Commandments 1 John 2.3 5 3.24 5.2 3. Epistle 2.6 In imitation of Christs holy walking 1 John 2.6 4.17 and in purifying of our selves according to his pattern 1 John 3.3 and yet all this must be qualified in respect to our infirmities and weaknesses 1 John 1.8 9 10. 2.1 2. 2. The second Argument to prove the truth of grace and assure our selves before God is love to the Brethren 1 John 2.9 10 and chap. 3.11 14. 4.7 12 20. and in his Gospel Joh. 13 35. 3. The third Argument is from our not loving the World nor the things thereof 1 Joh. 2.15 as the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes or the pride of life ver 16. That is 1. Pleasures of all sorts as luxury in Diet Habit Houses Gardens rambling about the World without special ends and all inordinacy and intemperateness in the body as Jerom uses to express it iâ— ventre sub ventre For they that love Pleasures and Riotings shall not be rich in purse sayes Solomon nor in grace Prov. 21.17 sayes the whole current of Scripture 2. The lust of the eye which is as to all sorts of covetousness to get and retain by right or by wrong in an excessive appetition of the things of this World which must be left behind us and do not can not fill the heart of man no nor the eye with satisfaction Eccles 5.11 Nor 3. the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the Pride of Ambition Fastuousness Honour and advancement into great places and to be alone in the Earth These things eagerly pursued eat out the heart and power of godliness 4. The fourth Argument is assumed from the anointings of their Spirit 1 Joh. 2 20 27 3.24 4.13 whereof more by and by God willing 5. The fifth Argument is taken from a holy and reverent hearing of Gods Ministers 1 John 4.6 we may know what spirit we are of by this if we receive Christ as Hilary expresses it Qualis ab Apostolis praedicatus est as he was preached by the Apostles and submit to him in all his Offices and Ordinances such a one belongs to the spirit that is of God that keeps the Doctrine of Christ as the Apostle expounds himself Epistle 2. ver 9. 6. The last Argument arises from our love to Christ 1 Iohn 5.1 and in him to the Father Now if these things be found in us we shall then overcome the World 1 Ioh. 5.4 and shall not be touched virulently or fatally by Satan 1 Iohn 5.18 shall have access to God in prayer 1 Iohn 5.14 and shall have boldness in the day of Judgment 1 Iohn 4.17 and this will so settle our sense of the love of God to us that it will by degrees cast out the torment of fear For it will allure us to a holy familiarity with divine love 1 Iohn 4.18 and so sweeten our thoughts and affections of and to him that we may begin to enjoy a kind of heaven upon earth which the Father of his great mercy in Christ grant unto us by the Spirit Having hitherto treated about Argumentation I proceed now to the second Head about attaining Assurance which is by the irradiation of the Spirit of God upon the hearts of Believers For all is in vain as to gaining of solid and permanent comfort unless the Spirit of God come in and confirm us against the innumerable doubts and cavils that will arise upon us under all our Arguings because of the subtlety of satan the natural diffidence of our own hearts and the clouds that arise from the unholiness of our lives and the dread of eternity I design therefore to treat a little while about the witness of the spirit his immediate breathings his bright shinings and as it were speakings within our hearts when a holy soul hath this witness in himself 1 Iohn 5.10 2 Cor. 1.3 Act. 10.44 For in and upon believing the Father of Lights and of all consolations sends in his own due time this his holy spirit like a dove of peace into our hearts who helps us to discern the truth of the work of grace After ye believed sayes the Apostle ye were sealed with the holy spirit of promise Eph 1 13. He is sometimes set forth by a Seal and a Witness to the bond of the Covenant by a Seal and an Earnest to the contract about the inheritance 2 Cor. 1.22 by a Seal and a Love-Token or an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a word used of old to note
heirship and all the priviledges and liberties of the children of God Sanctification to mortifie the power and dominion of sin and to quicken our graces and duties to support us against and under all fiery tentations to eularge and fortifie our spirits under dificult services and to persevere to the end Phil. 1.6 1â— that at last we may attain the redemption of our bodies from the dust and the resurrection to glory But these resort more properly under the tenth and last chapter and therefore here I forbear 7. The next place sets forth Faith by our cleaving to the Lord with full purpose of heart Aâ—s 11 23. Isai 28.16 When the soul is glewed by an holy love to the mercies and goodness of God it will then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stedfastly abide with him It makes not haste out of the mountains of Zion as if full of bogs and quakemires Deut. 10.20 Josh 2â— 8 1 Cor. 1.17 2 Cor. 11 2 but as being setled on the strong and lofty rock of ages This closing of the soul with God is often set down in Scripture by that trust and assiance which a true believer hath in God adhering on cleaving to God is a term also which sometimes attends upon conjugal relation wherby true and faithful persons having the yoke of that union lined with the soft velvet of love 1 Cor. 6.17 become one as in person by the law so much more in spirit and delight To the same purpose the Apostle affirms that true believers being united to Christ by a true and lively faith become one spirit with the Lord and long daily to be more sully espoused by larger affections of the unction of Christs spirit in order to the solemnity of that glorious marriage-day of the Lamb. Rom. 7.4 Rev 19 7 Phil 3 20 And this is true faith indeed when persons long for the appearance of Christ in glory 8. Next follows that term of embracing of Christ as the Saints of old being first perswaded of the truth and goodness of the promises Heb 1â— 13 then at length embraced them utrispue ulnis with all affection and what are the promises but the precious fine linnen wherein Christ our sacrifice was involved after his death at his funeral which is the principal object of our saith even Christ in his sufferings This act of embracing notes our ardent affection to him delight in him and heavenly communion begun betwixt Christ and the heart of a believer Love is Faiths Agent and factor Faith worketh by love a true lover of Christ is certainly a true believer in him and this love increases by faith and faith by love For the soul determines it The more I know of his Excellencies the more I believe in him Rom. 5.4 5 and I love him more because I have the experience of Christs love to me In this very state of the valley there is a mixing of hearts and spirits but in heaven the soul is swallowed up in his love for ever 9. In the ninth place a Believer arrives at this reverent freedom with the Lord in all its streights and dificulties to cast its cares and burdens upon him being both commanded and encouraged by him to do it Whenever I am afraid saith David Psal 56.3 He trust in thee If the heart safely trust in a friend Prov. 31 11. there follows a mutual unvailing and disclosing of the most secret and bosome counsels Psal 71.3 Jer 20.12 Psal 142 2 So does the soul pour out its sorrows and open its whole cause before God. Three things make a friend or relation desirable power to protect wisdom to advise and love to comfort and mingle joys sorrows together All these are eminently and transcendently found in heaven There 's a heart large enough to entertain thy moans Jam 1â— wise enough to guide thee in the dark turns of Providence and so good as not to upbraid thee and can command Legions of Angels at a beck for protection â— Pet. 5 7. Let us therefore cast our care upon him for he careth for us and 't is worth notice what the Apostle terms thy care the Psalmist terms thy burden promising that the Lord will sustain thee to shew that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dividing cares Psal 55.22 heart-rending cares are great burdens But divine sustentation and support of the soul in trouble plainly shews that God takes a fatherly care of thee and will not suffer thee finally to be moved as Davids song in the end of that Psalm since thou art a righteous man and hast cast all thy soul-battering cares upon Gods promise which are but so many tentations to try thy faith and trust in him Besides this trust is exprest by casting anchor within the vail Heb 6 19 When the ship of the soul being turned up-side down as to the world though too near the earth in this bodily estate yet in spirit sails above the firmament and makes all its sails upward still Rev 11.19 and if any storm arises it then rides at Anchor upon the Ark in heaven within the vail beyond the starry Canopy as upon the rock of life the Lord Christ himself 10 In the tenth and last place faith acts by Resignation giving up all its comforts into his heavenly hand when a true believer both living and dying commends his spirit into his divine manutenency during this frail life in all the mighty turns circles or helixes of providence full of intricate meanders and mazes past finding out is led by a hand coming down from heaven So that all ends well with a Saint his stormy dayes do always end in a sun-shine evening He gives up himself to the guidance of his counsel and as to death both for time place way and method yields up all to his safe conduct and yet sometimes breaths out with a most humble and reverent motion his soul still lying in the dust of submission before him to grant him an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or an easy departure out of this life if it may be his holy pleasure and still quietly hoping and waiting for his salvation Thus Jacob in the Old Testament in the midst of his last languishments cries out I have waited for that Salvation O Lord gen 59.18 Luke 2.30 23 46. and good old Simeon in the New Let thy Servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seen and mine arms embraced my Saviour and thy Salvation This did our most blessed Lord Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and so did blessed Stephen Lord Jesus receive my spirit testifying to the Deity of Christ Acts 7.59 the immortality of his soul and the resurrection of his body in the same prayer of resignation There may be found in Scripture some other passages exhibiting the nature of Faith and Trust as fixing the heart choosing of Christ waiting for his coming and expecting the blessed day much to the same effect
This is true Faith. 2. Where is the solace and delight of thy soul Is it in things and persons of Christs delight The things of the spirit and the excellent persons upon earth Rom. 8.5 Psal 16.3 Rom. 5 1. is thy soul at rest and under holy quiet because in some measure satisfied that thou art at peace with God. This will breed true joy for peace is the alma parens the happy Mother of joy Whereas contention and grief quarrel in the yoke together Now when the storms of Gods wrath are calmed by the sprinkling of Christs precious blood upon the Mercy-Seat there will gradually follow joy unspeakable and sull of glory And where this peace is there 's true Faith be sure 3. By the souls continuance in the daily actings of faithful recumbency whereby the habit is fortified Yet always remember to add thereto a continuance in well-doing Stedfast Christians are perserverers The Stony-ground brought forth spâ—eâ—ily Rom. 2.7 and that with joy at the first hearing it was but flashy and endured not having no firm root the rock lying too near under it but the good ground brought forth fruit with patience Luk. 8.15 continuing under winters frost and summers he at till the joyful day of harvest This is true Faith Indeed and commended by our Lord himself CHAP III The least or lowest Degree of FAITH HAving Discoursed of some various Expressions of Scripture painting out the true Nature of Faith to the life Let us now proceed further in our design to comfort shaken and contrite Spirits To which end since we find Scripture mentioning some persons as strong in Faith giving glory to God and others but infirm and weak accosted with this compellation O ye of little Faith why do ye doubt and fear the Faith of the former being very visible and apparent to themselves and others Mat. 6.30 8.26 the latter tho true Believers yet exceedingly fill'd with fears sorrows and jealousies over their own hearts It would be expedient for their erection and comfort to considâ—r what may be the Criterions or tokens of a true Faith tho in the lowest degree and upon that account to dilate a little on these two Branches 1. What may be accounted the lowest meanest weakest estate of new Converts or young beginners in the School of Christ And 2. To how low an Ebb secure souls may be reduced in time of desertion An answer to either of these may yield mutual satisfaction to both Le ts begin with the first Q 1. What may we enstate and determine to be a critical token of a true Believer in his meanest acts of Faith A. In Answer to this lets consider First in general that the commencement or beginning of this grace is sometimes represented by conception or quickning of a Câ—ild in the Womb Eph. 2.2 John 3.3 sometimes by the new birth or visible appearance in the light of this World. Sometimes the work of regeneration and therein Faith its principal ingredient is resembled to the wind in its invisible original from mineral Exhalations out of the bowels of the Earth and Sea Mark 4.27 Luk. 13.2 to its motion and progress in the air Otherwise 't is likened to a grain of Mustard-seed the least of all oleracious Seeds that grow to so great an extension at last It s likeâ—ed also to a little leaven that ferments and works it self into the whole mass To Seed-Corn under the glebe or mould that swells by the impregnation of nitrous Rain and sulphurious Earth concurring to their germination first chits and breaks the membranes and then sprouts above the ground Or it may be compared to the budding and flowring of Trees in the Spring or to the grafting of a Cyon into the cleft or a Bud inoculated into the bark of a Tree which by degrees conceives both by the warmth and moisture of the Stock But still the precise time or modus of the curious transactions in the vegetable Kingdom the secret transfusion or percolation of Liquors and Spirits is not easily discerned or accounted for by the most accurate Naturalists Yea when all is done and written by Roger Bacon of Oxford or Sir Francis of Verulam or the Learned Harvy or any of the new Philosophers of Brittain France or Germany or Borrichius that Learned Dane there 's none in the whole quire can yet determine the admirable mysteries of Generation None can fathom the works of God in wise productions and the various textures and needle-works of his diving power as the Psalmist hath exprest it But much more abstruse intricate and unfathomable is it in spiritual cases Psal 139.15 Opere Phrgianico For how and at what time grace is inspired or sown in the heart and how it works ferments and by warm influences becomes like a Spiritus intus agens an inward working Spirit it s neither discerned by persons themselves much less by others sometimes during the space of several years For it grows we know not how nor can delineate the motion of its growth Gen. 2 6 Col. 2.19 but being watered from heaven by a living mist sent by God upon this happy Plant in the Eden of a gracious soul it encreases with the encrease of God. Hence it follows that 't is impossible for thousands to fix the time of these first heavenly workings or irritations these irradiations or impregnations of the Spirit of God. Neither needs it sufficient it is to discern it when sprouted a little from its seminal Principles Wherefore to urge the preciseness of time as to regeneration in persons that draw near to Ordinances is timerarious and rash and he is too busie a person that strictly requires it of tender Consciences and makes it an inflexible rule of Communion I may then say of this more than of all other works of divine Wisdom and Power in this lower Orb that the eye of the Vulture hath not searcht it out it is too high and too wonderful for us Job 28 77 Psal 139.6 As holy David having treated of his being secretly fearfully and wonderfully made as to the curious fabrick of his body in all its vessels ligaments veins arteries nerves and juices in all the repositaries sings in harmony and consort to heaven how vastly melodious beyond the hymn of Galen and stands at length upon the brink of an Ocean of Extasies as to the precious thought ver 17. that God had to and in his soul I shall therefore not venture into these Arcana Imperii and Magniala Dei these stupendious secrets of divine wisdom and mercy nor sail too far in deep waters near this terra incognita nor treat too close of the first initial formation of grace and faith in the heart by the operation of the spirit of God. A labour wherein we may sweat and toil till faint and dive so long till the damps in these golden mines extinguish our Spirits I shall then only for some comfort to sincere
soul and weeps in secret and often bewailes it before the throne of God. 4. There is also found within it a secret joy in the discovery of light It takes inward pleasure in the launcing of the tumors of pride to lâ—t out the corruption of nature The lamp of Gods word is more precious and joyful to it than the dawnings of a Spring-morning out of the East It 's a sign of an unsanctified heart and a very proud spirit to snuff and snarl at godly reproof But this is a certain note of grace begun when no corruption is too dear no secret sin so delectable but it will part with it at the conviction of the Spirit Yea and the more searching any Ministry is the more it delights to sit under it dares not call that a legal preaching which drives men out of the School of the Law into the Temple of Christ 5. Besides the tender soul grieves under its fears of the want of true Faith and is never quiet till it gain some lively hope of its implantation into Christ which it cherishes and nourishes by the application of promises But till then it wrings its hands runs up and down mournfully through all the Streets of New Jerusalem being desolate in spirit as not having a comforting sense of any faith at all It cries lamentably from watch-man to watch-man bears many affronts and injuries in the tearing of her vail and smiting upon her bead Song 5.7 till at last she finds her beloved embraces him in the armes of Faith. Then the soul continues in the use of all prescribed means to attain the vision of his divine love in the glass of affiance 6. Again This troubled soul flies far from the land of excuses hates palliations and self-conceited applauses and layes all the fault upon it self heaps accusations and layes snares and tentations for its own feet and so great that the holyest minister and one skilful in cases of conscience can hardly sometimes answer and resolve Whereas the hypocritical Pharisee is commonly full of talk hath little or no solidity is confident and boasts of experiences with a false tongue and a deceitful heart But our gracious young convert is as sensible of the least sin as the tenderest hand hath a quick and immediate sense of the sitting of a flye or the gentle breathings of a Western Air. It laments over In-dwelling sin bewails its residence and sounds continual alarums against it For it cannot bear the domination of that proud Vice-roy of Satan to fullfil it in any lusts thereof If it prevail though but a little the soul triumphs as if its conquering flag were entring the gates of heaven For although its motions and impulses against unholiness be yet but weak tender and low yet are they the fruits of integrity and grow forward in Strength This is a true sign of grace and that the new life is in good earnest begun in that heart for it finds repentance towards God and true sorrow for sin conjoyned with real inclinations resolutions and workings in its gradual turning from it and an holy hatred of all thoughts of reversion to it 7. The soul feels within it self an holy inclination to sincerity in all its actions which like a fragrant perfume in every chamber of all its powers and faculties gives a grateful scent in every duty Psal 139.23 and delights to be unfeigned in every good word and work It hates painted garments of hypocrisie and therefore with great humility requests of God to search its heart and begs to be what God would have it and prays withal Psal 143 2â— 130.3 that he would not enter into a severe judgment and mark what 's done amiss with an urgent scrut iny for then no flesh can stand in his sight but intreats forgiveness of God that so he may be feared and worshipped From hence springs that solid sweet and comfortable doctrine of the Reformed Churches That the true desire of grace is true grace On which Basis sound consolation will stand inviolably when all the proud towers of Pelagius and Arminius shall moulder into dust at the fall of Babylon For now the soul in this humble and holy frame lies at the foot of God mourns for sin as committed against God thirsts after the righteousness of Christ alone and praves for the spirit of God to allure and draw it into fuller communion having taken God in the new covenant for its God alone 8. Lastly it studies the increase of holiness by all holy means and methods in meditation self-examining and conversing with old disciples and experienced believers For in such-like God communicates his gracious presence â— cor 7 1. and in these mountains of Zion commands the blessing and life for evermore In these and such particulars if serious Christians would please to go down the stairs of humility Psal 133.3 into the closet of their own heart and ponder more upon what they read with holy meditation they might better observe the motus primo primi the first infant motions of their hearts towards God and heavenly objects but cursory reading spoils all Some indeed advise an hours meditation to an hours reading I think a set quantity of time is not necessary but so much as may cleare and warm the motion upon the heart By experience it will be found that the spirit of God works by vacious methods and very different yet so that by one or other token any poor broken trembling soul may in some measure be comforted as to a true work begun in the heart Psal 51.6 and may learn to know divine wisdom in its secret formations of grace within its utmost recesses and retirements To conclude I take this to be one of the lowest sentiments of a true work when there are found continually secret inclinations motions thirstings and desires after God and holiness which by strict and careful observation may be perceived to grow and increase year by year and this note is common to all believers though in their weakest estate who would not change their slender hopes for all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them This work flows from the first breathings of the spirit of God and may be discerned as to truth and sincerity by these two notes 1. If conjoyned with patient continuance in well-doing Rom. 2.7 though weakly yet with the face toward Zion 2. If growing in spiritual strength tho' at present by small degrees and for a while scarce discernable 2 Pet 3.18 like the growth of a child or the augmentation of a plant or the motion of a shadow of the Style upon the Sun-Dial But so much of the first Let 's treat a while on the second branch of the chapter about a deserted soul and then come to an end 2. Of the lowest acts of grace in a deserted Soul. Here such as are inwardly for the main work truly gracious yet through vain walking and too
the same effect as we before exprest it Le ts then proceed and endeavour to prove it under some distinct heads 1. That Assurance may be had 2. Prescribe some means to attain it 3. Some Rules to clear it And 4. Solve a question how to retain and preserve it 1. First Le ts shew that assurance may be obtained by every true Believer under these Arguments Arg. 1. Because God hath commanded and exhorted us to try and examine our own estate Brit Divines in Synod Dort. Page 140 2 Cor. 13.5 Phil. 2.12 whether we are in the Faith or not and therefore we may know it We are commanded to work out our Salvation with fear and trembling therefore the sense of it may be wrought out and we are urged to do it with fear and trembling to spur us unto godly care lest we should miscarry Again we are enjoyned to give diligence to make our calling and election sure and therefore we may ascertain it 2 Pet. 1.10 and make it plain and evident in the eyes of our Consciences Arg. 2. Because God hath given out many gracious promises of it to the faithful I might gloss on that place Thou shalt know that I am thy Saviour and Redeemer or a clearer in that Isai 60.16 22.17 1 Cor. 2.12 The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance for ever and yet further We have received the Spirit of God that we may know the things freely given us of God. Arg. 3. Because many have enjoyed this honourable favour and high priviledg from God. 1 John 3.2 Quod potuit potest what hath been attained may again We know that when he shall appear we shall be like him and so in several other places I doubt not but many living can put seal to this truth as having lived in this mount of vision Among others who are gone to enjoyment I would call to mind Mr. Benjamin Albyn a Turkey Merchant of good repute for his holiness and whose evidences I have by me approved and signed by some grave and holy Divines Another was my much honoured Mrs. Anna Revell Mother to my beloved Wife Phaehe a very holy Matron and a discerning Christian who acquainted me I think twice with great humility and tears trickling down in a most meek broken and penitent manner which made me value the testimony more than Gold se that she had walked in the light of Gods countenance for thirty years not interrupted I mention it not so much for my happy relation as because of my certain knowledg and indeed she was one who walkt accordingly O that all her remaining Friends and Relations would lay it up as a Jewel of value for them to eye and imitate But it is not every gracious persons attainment adire corinthum to go to heaven feeding on Milk and Honey to carry this glittering Diamond in their bosom Gen. 43.11 They are Gods Josephs to whom he sends the Balm and the choice Fruits of Canaan to feed upon while they are in Egypt Yea of those who enjoy this Sun-shine this transfiguring vision in Tabor all have not equal visions nor the same persons at all times alike but are up and down higher and lower tho they never want a sweet view of the Turrets of Salem yet sometimes it is a little more cloudy but when they skilfully set the Telescope or Prospective of a lively and actuating Faith they may discern plainly the Pinacles of the Temple of Glory and like Moses on Mount Nebo become ravisht with a sight of that lovely Land that land of desire that land of the living that goodly Mountain even Lebanon Which view to speak humbly and with some desired fellowship of this joy gave wings to the soul of Moses and swift feet to his affections Deut. 3.25 when he gave a leap from that pleasant and fragrant Mountain into Glory But to leave the first part of this Chapter and proceed to the second about means and methods to attain Assurance which may be performed 1. By Argumentation 2. By observation of the Spirits influences As to Argumentation 1. First By Arguments drawn from our having and acting of Faith and the effects of it we may obtain some measure of this blessed priviledg Thus Whosoever believes in Christ such a persons sins are pardoned and therefore shall be saved But I believe and therefore I shall be saved The major Proposition is expresly the Word of God and built upon the rock of eternity The minor which is That I believe must be wrought out and proved by the first Chapter of this Treatise or any other holy Directions and then upon examination is to be found in the sense and experience of thine own soul and thence the conclusion will irrefragably and undeniably follow with unspeakable comfort and full of glory Now here a Christian may see how necessary it is to ponder diligently upon the true nature of Faith and to understand its inward essence and actings in casting the soul upon Christ and likewise the distinction of Faith from Assurance and how assurance may be clearly and firmly built upon a sound and a well-argued sense of its being and acting in the soul In the Looking-glass of Assurance the soul beholds it self clinging and cleaving to Christ while he is supporting and carrying it over the stormy Ocean to the haven of glory It is Faith that feeds the Lamp of Assurance and Assurance is the Oil which feeds the Lamp of Joy. 2. We may argue the truth of our Faith by the fruits of holiness and thence inferr and draw forth Assurance Because of the unseparable connexion there is between Faith and holiness 1 John 1.7 whoso walks in the light the blood of Christ cleanseth him from all sin that is whoever is sanctified may thence inferr that he is justified and shall be glorified So Paul argues He that 's washed and sanctified Rom. 8.30 1 Cor. 6.10 11. is also justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and shall inherit the Kingdom of God. If we study to walk to all pleasing we may then give thanks for that we are thereby made meet for the inheritance with the Saints in light Col. 1.10 12. 3. Again Grace in exercise is a most evident token of its real existence and may consequently raise Assurance If a tree flower fragrntly 't is certain it has a root If a Ship be under Sail and its Top-gallants out shews its sound estate and makes way towards its Ophir To be strong and swift in motion demonstrates a strong and healthy soul and is the way to keep it in a happy frame for exercise conduces to health and Strength Waters of great rivers by their voluble motions and tides resist putrifaction and the heavenly bodies by their continual circulations and fiery beams convey their influences to serve all the sublunary generations and accretions Little sparks by agitation conceive larger degrees of fire in the application of more
combustible matter and purifie the Air. Artificial implements as Locks Saws and Handles c. are made brighter by mutual affrication attrition and use So do the chariot-wheeles of the soul kindle fire by swift rotation and motion in the ways of holiness and run flaming towards heaven 4. We may argue it from the good-will of God towards us according to that in the Angelical Song peace on earth and good-will towards men peace of conscience on scripture-ground is a certain token of Gods good-will towards us Luke 2.14 But if you ask But will God pardon me in particular I Answer 2 Cor. 5 20. John 3.33 why doubt it When as God exhorts commands and sâ—nds his Embassadors to beseech us to believe him and rest upon his promise and not to make him seem to be a deceiver by our unbelief Nay thou and I and every one to whom the Word of Life doth come are commanded in particular to believe Obj. I but says the timorous soul how can I know that be means the promise of life to me Answ I Answer if thou trust him it will certainly prove so For thy accepting and then relying and resting on him to perform his promise makes up the agreement between God and thee More of this anon God willing 5. An interest in the prayer of Christ is an assured help to evidence that we are in Covenant and under electing love To clear up this we must take our Lords own reasoning before the Father I have given them the words thou gavest me John 17.8.6 verse 14. and they have received them and have kept thy word and they are hated of the world because they are not of it So that if we keep the words or commandments of Christ and are therefore hated by the world we may conclude we are his verse 9. and under the efficacy of his divine prayer He prayes for them whom the Father gave him out of the world and not for the world And lest we might say this concerned the Apostles only our Lord subjoyns I pray for them also that shall believe on me through their word verse 24. Wence we may inferr that all true believers in Christ upon the hearing the word of Apostolical Doctrine are the Subjects of Christs prayer The great end of all is that at last we may be with him and see his glory 6. Learn the blessed art of applying promises this is a sure and certain way to argue out the point of Faith and to infer assurance He that can spiritually apply a promise has the Spirit of God and acts in and by his vertue and influence A promise in the reading sparkles and shines but a promise applyed comforts and warmes Some noble cordial as Alchermes or that of Tycho or some great Elixir if charily set up in a closet or a cabinet of chrystal is an help to the thoughts but drunk or taken down in a proper vehicle makes it by divine blessing to become actually restorative Could we repeat all the promises in the Bible forward and backward and reduce them upon occasion to proper heads and use and service yet 't is special application gives the signative vertue and therefore I shall endeavour by the help of grace to give in a little aid to this purpose First Vniversals contain particulars of the same kind Indefinite and unlimited promises are equivalent to universal in a necessary matter Gods invitation is universal his proclamation extensive to all quarters of the world to all Regions and Ages 2 Pet. 3.9 Mark â—0 49.16.15 col â— 23 Isa 55.1 Rev. 22.17 John 3.16.2.37 1 cor 5 2 cor 6 17. John 6.37 God would have none to perish Ho every one that thirsteth and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely and whosoever believeth shall not perish Wherever the sound of this Gospel-Trumpet rings Into whosoever's ears this blessed news descends from heaven he is the person invited The Lord excepts no person in the proclamation that will but receive the promise of life and although a God yet beseeches us to come to him and hath promised if we will come to accept and receive us I will receive you saith the Lord if you will come out from among them If you l come to me I will in no wise cast you out No time quality number or other circumstance of sins set barrs to free-grace The promulgation declares the mind and good-will of God and that if thou in particular accept the proffer of mercy thou mayst conclude it to be thine Because the inclination of thy will within comes down from God out of heaven and plainly determines that he is willing to save thee because thou art willing to close with his grace upon Gospel-terms of holiness and new-obedience Luke 2.14 Thy will is the effect and therefore the token and evidence of his will to thee good-will towards men Whence thou mayst collect that thy name is written within the parchments and coverings of the general promises which when thus accepted they are then particularly applyed Obj. If any inwardly object their own unworthiness Answ I answer it is a most frivolous and impertinent cavil against thy self For Christ came to save not the worthy Pharisee but the miserable sinful and unworthy Publican Rev. 3.17 Rom. 7.8.11 The Sick need the Physitian and not the whole and therefore come the rather because poor miserable blind and naked Sin took occasion by the commandment to slay thee do thou take occasion by sin to run to the promise Therefore come to Christ because lame tattered torn and wounded and sick and creeping by the hedg-side The more miserable the more acceptable when under the sense of misery thou comest to so merciful an High-priest and Saviour The promises of the Gospel are made to no other if thy case were not miserable thy coming were to no purpose The very reason which thou objectest is the only reason why thou shouldst be encouraged to come to run and flie to this bosome of mercy God has made his promises without any previous foresight of any holiness Ezek. 36.32 grace or Faith. It is for his own sake alone that he blots out our iniquities not for yours Indeed he sends his Son Word Ministers and his Spirit along with them He is graciously pleased to call invite beseech and command us to believe he promises rewards threatens punishments proffers the use and help of all imaginable means proper to this end He also by his holy Spirit moves upon our wills softens turns and bends them as he pleases and by his quickning work stirs up and guides our consciences in all its offices So that I may say Acts 13.26 as the Apostle to some of old To you is the Word of this Salvation sent O languishing trembling soul wouldst thou gladly â—embrace the promises and implore his help to do it What canst thou desire more finceâ— 't is his promise to do
Tokens sent before Marriage and to be sure God will not lose his earnest nor be defeated of the fore tokens of his contract of love to souls sometimes the Spirit is compared to fire and yields both the light of joy the heat of love and influences or quicknings for service And 't is this lively Faith which works by love effectually thru ' the Spirit But I would speak a little more distinctly for the observation and the experience of holy men hath set to their seals that they do find and feel sometimes a most illustrious irradiation upon their hearts from the Spirit of God which I take to be of two sorts The 1. We may call an irradiation of concurse with our spirits The 2. An irradiation of incidence upon our spirits Give leave to use the terms and explain them to the meanest The First or the irradiation of concurse is then dispensed when he shines upon our Argumentation when we have laboured with our spirits used scripture mediums and upon examination suited them to our hearts in their most inward sincere and humble searches then comes the spirit of God and witnesses with our spirits that we are the children of God. When we have toiled and sweat many a time in our closets and brought things as we hope some times to a pritty good issue then thru ' one tentation or another our unbelieving hearts fly off from the Conclusion and all our comfort vanishes But now when our arguings by evident Scripture tokens are finisht over and over and yet still we demurre to lay hold on the Tree of life and while we stick in the mire of fear doubtings and hesitancies and wander under dark clouds in the depth of midnight then comes in the spirit of God Rom. 8.16 as the Morning Star glittering over the Horizon and clears all This is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the co-witness of the Spirit of God. 2. The other is that which I beg leave from a term in Opticks to call the irradiation of incidence and is then illustriously performed when the Spirit of God in his most free and glorious agency is pleased to shine personally upon our spirits without and apart from all argumentation whatsoever This comunion with the spirit draws nigh to that of Angelical intuition where by acts of volition and luminous emanation they converse mutually together in a higher degree than we do here by ratiocination with mediums and consequences This is the point we are now upon to shew that the Spirit of God when he pleases without any previous foregoing arguments doth testifie by a secret still heart-ravishing voice Acts 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and doth sweetly and suddenly as 't is said in the Acts dart in a ray perswading and satisfying the soul in an instant that thou art a Child of God that sin is pardoned and that thou shalt be saved page 147. Which I reâ—ember the British Divines at Dort call the â—pirits speaking to the heart and even in darker times there were some of the Ilâ—uminate both of Spain and Germany and France that had to do I am perswaded with many distrssed souls in their secret confessions were acquainted with great worâ—nigs in the hearts of penitents but few of â—hem had skill to manage those inward methods Of which things we may find some â—otable footsteps in Bonaventure Gerson Thanlerus and sundry others So that of this inwaâ—d clear and bright perswasion of Gods love to the heart we have no solid reason to doubt but that some holy persons have enjoyed it Austin at his conversion in the garden at Millain had a voice though he had no vision as Paul had in the fields by Damascus I shall be sparing and touch but an instance or two Dr. Manton spake it in my hearing at Oxon of one that being in conflict in prayer had a beam shining into the chamber and being desired by him to have a care of delusion answered O Mr. Manton little do you know what God may do for his poor distressed children or very like words But the caution was wise and grave I know one also who being for almost a week deeply distressed about Eternity had an impression as like a voice within as if he heard it comforting in these words I will give thee rest and so iâ— followed speedily and joyfully and at another time I will not leave thee noâ— forsake thee I might also hint at the beam upon the wall in prayer to Dr. Winter in his life and the voices of Angels to Mr. Patrick Simpson I must confess they are great priviledges and sweetnesses which God may it his divine good plâ—asure and I am perswadâ—d doth sometimes instil and drop in to gracious when timorous hearts anâ— whose constitutions the great former oâ— hearts and spirits knows full well to bâ— naturally over subject to fears and inwarâ— commotions he like a most gracious and Tender Father full of pity and bowels discerns our frames See Mr. Maâ—hers prevalency of prayer Psal 103. p 17.14 at the end of his Tract of N. E. troubles Psal 40.17 By his loving eye and remembring that we are dust is mindfull of us in our low condition whereas many proud and disdainful persons set light by the inward sorrows of broken and contrite souls And are like lamps despised in the thought of him that is at ease But says David though I am poor and needy yet the Lord thinketh upon me and with how many precious thoughts his goodness is pleased to embroider and enamel upon the hearts of his holy humble meek and trembling children For your high exalted boasting persons tho' it may be have some few grains of grace at bottom are seldom visited with these inward joyes But the meek will he teach his ways Such blessed thoughts of grace David could not number Ps 139.17 18 they were more than the Sands of the Sea or the stars of heaven for multitude But now if these or such like lines should fall under the view or knowledge of any prophane or scoffing Ishmael that may vilifie the works of God and like bruits speak ignorantly of what they know not would advise them to forbear presumptious speeches 2 Pet. 2 12. Jude 10. lest their bonds be made strong lest the Terrors horrors of the almighty should one day drink up their spirits So that when Gods Servants shall rejoyce and sing for joy of heart they shall cry for sorrow of heart and howl for vexation of spirit Isal 65.14 But yet because there may be such things as Enthusiasines and transformation of Angels of darkness among some that call themselves Sweet-singers and among others that have more need to mourn over their follies and delusions in the dust of shame I would speak somewhat to that question of an humble Soul. Quest How may I comfort my heart that this irradiation you speak of is a true and immediate work of the Spirit of God and
no delusion Answ In answer to this I must first in all manner of humble modesty declare that I would not dare to meddle too far with such deep and mysterious workings and influences only professing with all thankfulness to the Majesty of divine mercy that having had some glimpses of hope a little sometimes and thirsting after some further and clearer helps from heaven we faint not utterly but striving after to attain towards the resurrection of the dead crave leave to set down somewhat that hope may be a clue to conduct us out 〈◊〉 the Labrinth and maze of delusion The first and best token that these aâ—â— no deceits can only arise from the spirt himself According to that saying of â—oy Iohn It is the Spirit that beareth witness that the Spirit is truth 1 John 5.6 Whitak de sacramentis p. As I remember thâ—â— learned Whitaker in his book of the Sacraments says it should be translated I have forgot the page my books being laid upâ—â— But this is a great truth as no better light to see the Sun by Psal 36.9.34.5 than his own light So 't is of the Spirit as David expresses In thy light we shall see light and they looked to him and their faces were enlightened This is the apprehension of learned gracious persons that the spirit of God never speaks by this his inward heavenly voice but that he graciously helps them to know that it is no delusion but that it is he even the spirit himself that speaketh to them This phrase of speaking to the heart and in and upon the heart is more visible in the Original Hebrew of the Old Testament and was well known to the Prophets of old and is much treated upon among Jewish Antiquiaries Out of whom I must not here stand to enlarge but call to mind what the Apostle Peter mentions of the Day-star arising in our hearts 2 Pet. 1.19 so that it is as clear when the spirit of God does thus shine and testifie yea and more radiant than the Sun at Noon-day without clouds I shall say no more to this but what our Lord to the Angel at Pergamus of them that have a new name written in the white stone Rev. 2.17 which none knoweth saving he that receiveth it 2. I need say little more but that wherever the Spirit doth so illustriously speak and shine it is concomitant with growing in holiness For this most holy Spirit of God is still a building and increasing in such the works of holiness they are of a heavenly frame rivers of holy discourse flow from their lips in prudent seasons they are not vain and trifling spirits but grave and serious and yet chearful For the joy of the Lord is their strength and they have inward delights and value not the cracklings of fools Divine joy is a weighty thing and yet greatly upholds the spirits and sustains their griefs and infirmities If you come into their company by a blessed accident as they say of the Adepti in Philosophy there 's a glittering star shines from their converse society 3. They are the most humble persons living For the humble he will teach his way and shew his Covenant Psal 25.9 I know they may fall sometimes and othertimes have need of a little holy courage against despisers But the main of their conversation is like them of whom the spirit of God says they took notice of them that they had conversed with Jesus Acts 4 13. who was meek and lowly if we imitate him we shall find this rest and remember that Moses the meekest man had the greatest interviews with God in the Mountain Such as are given to much prate and length of idle impertinent discourses are seldom and little or never acquainted with the Spirit of God. 4. They are also the sweetest persons and fullest of love though sometimes provokt by fierce evil spirits about them but if their natural tempers had been before somewhat eager and sharp yet now they are washed purged whitened and sweetned by the Spirit of God. Tender to the Tempted kind to the afflicted pitiful to all bear every ones burden with a gracious frame onely they are taught by the holy Spirit 1 cor 23 4.5 as to such as prate with malicious words against them to imitate hole John not to succumbe under a prouâ—â— Diotrephes 3 John 9. but loves a child of God as such with the full stream of his Spirit And this love to the brethren is much more to Christ himself being filled with the love of the Spirit which by degrees casts out the torments of fear 1 John. 4.18 and gives a blessed confidence as to the Appearing of the Day of Judgment To end this we must remember that the holy Spirit of God doth never witness or illustrate apart from the Word Isa 8 20. 〈◊〉 any light in you try it by the Word and Testimony and hence that as Tentations and afflictions sanctified so the manifestations and communions of the Spirit help us to understand holy Scriptures and promises by experience Let us then be sure as far as possible that the person that pretends to be thus illustrated prove himself to be an holy person in heart and deed or else all 's like a puft and swoln delusion and such an onâ— must lie down in sorrow For the Spirit of God is a most holy spirit and never seals but as he is the holy Spirit of Promise upon the holy heart of an holy child of God. Well then to end this second part of the Spirits illustration Eph 1 3. Rom. 8.16 1 John 4.13 I say it is not meant of the Spirit of God concurring or witnessing with our spirits in the point of assurance clearing up our doubts dispelling the mists and clouds uponour spirits But it is an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or like an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bright shining Ray a most illustrious beam streaming down from heaven into the inmost chambers of our hearts and is an act distinct and apart from his former blessed concurse with our spirits in time of argumentation or the gracious application of the promises for our peace and comfort it is an irresistable evidence of divine love See Dr Owen of the spirit 167. scattering all the clouds of diffidence and distrust in that very moment and when this immediate irradiation flows in though it may be a distinct act from that upon argumentation yet it cannot be totally severed from it because in this glorious light though we may see further yet cannot but see any argument we think meet to touch upon to be also illustrated by it as the Moon in her increases may be seen in the heavens like a cloud in the day time which also has its light from the Sun while he is yet shining bright within our hemisphere at the same time and when these come together they make heavenly work indeed That these blessed
in his study upon an high hill near Padua he enjoyed the bright and warm beams while it rained all day in the vally and he himself saw the dark and heavy clouds under the hill Few be like to Moses to whom it s granted to walk on tho top of Pisgah till they dye Wherefore such as have once obtained Assurance and a lively hope of glory 1 Pet 1.3 blame them not if they are very desirous to preserve increase and imbellish it more and more For since Assurance may be lost for a season as it was in David Heman and Peter and as in the case of that wounded deserted soul that askt Mr. Dod once Was ever any soul in so dreadful a case as I Yes says that great and skilful comfortor of a wounded conscience Christ on the Cross was in as sad a case Clars Lives when he cried out of the Fathers forsaking him I think it therefore most meet to subjoyn some rules with divine help to maintain and preserve it 1. Take heed of what impairs and darkens assurance as the defect of quickning influences against that pray for the supplies of the Spirit Phil. 1.19 If it rise from a weakness of judgment read more meditate more and cry after knowledg as for hid treasure If the seriousness of your spirits be hurt by minding vanities and the rattles of pride and finery and over-valuing the trifles of this world Pray for a more noble and judicious and generous frame and judg of all wordly mens Jewels as indeed the word jocalia imports as so many whistles and hobbies for children to play with If thou hast lost thy comforts by neglect of holy walking take heed hereafter of damping thy joyes by froth and foolishness Take heed of a vain heart of vain and manifold words Prov. 10.19 and especially fiery tongues wherin Solomon says there wants not sin and of vain converse with their apish and childish tales and jests which are not convenient and tend to corrupt the mind by deceitful lusts Eph. 5.4 These things will blot thy evidences and quench the Spirit of God. Pray that God would not lead thee by his providence into tentations If thou wouldst have the Lord to know or acknowledge thee for his depart from all iniâ—uity and that will prove the foundation to be sure â— Tim. 2.19 Keep the divine commands though you find mixtures of weakness yet in an holy fear and love to the purity of the precept labour to walk in your house with a perfect heart Psal 101.2.112.1 2 Tim. 1.17 â— John 2.3 â— 13 For we may be sure that we know him and be humbly confident that he is our God in Covenant if we keep his Commandments 2. When under great darkness for every stitch we must not run to a Doctor repair to your faithful Interpreter that may reveal and open to a man his righteousness Jâ—b 33.23 some blessed soul that 's higher in acquaintance with heaven then your self as you may humbly judg some experienced christian some faithful grave and prudent friend no babler nor revealer of secrets nor scoffer at the workings of the Spirit as if enthusiasmes he is an unjudicious person and if you cannot well wrestle out the point your self but still your soul droops and drives in the mire and no light of joy comes in then open your soul to some prudent friend and give him leave nay intreat him to search out the coare and conscientiously follow his advice and it may prove a most happy day to your soul by comparing mutual experiences yet remember in matters of weight that might prove a scandal if he should not be wise and faithful be very cautious of discovering what thou shouldst only pour out before the Lord. Psal 142.2 For if he be of a weak envious spirit and once used to speak evil of friends behind their backs use him not he 'l prove a foolish serpent and double your misery 3. Judge not thy grace always by its flowers but search out its sap and root One may be a well spread and weighty christian and yet not flower in much discourse The flowers of some trees fall off quickly and never set in to much visible fruit and some have no flowers at all as the fig and yet yields a wholsome and pleasant fruit 'T is so with some choice and serious christians you shall not hear them talk much unless you pump and draw out the spirits by questions I like them the better For the little they produce is usually much to purpose and of good weight Yea further you may if critical observe that the graces of good men may vary in fruit and have their different seasons but never alter their grain or root Grace may lie hid as the corn under ground after first Sowing yea after 't is come up may bow and hide its green head under a flight of snow And when there 's least of sense or present experience yet the root of Faith like strong winter-corn may grow more inward and downward being covered and kepâ— under by pinching North-east blasts and sharp black frosts till it recover head by an early Spring So indeed the power and strength of grace is best seen and discerned when it persists and stands its ground under a shock of tentations and adversities At length the Sun will return Northward and the sharper the past winters were they l make the new spring the pleasanter Comforts their proper nature lies in being restoratives from bitter troubles and a sweet May-morning is most delightful after a dark and thunder night 4. Take heed of denying the works of the Spirit within thee and labour to discern the gracious fruits of the Spirit as distinct from moral actions and vertues and principally observe your conflicts againâ—â— sin when followed with success Godly jealousie not to be deceived is good therefore search and try thy heart and if thou find sound footing for grace then bless God and honour the Spirit and grieve him not by froward and foolish self-accusations which savour of the spiritual pride of humility but in all meek and humble modest manner own free grace adore divine mercy and testifie to it when thou judgest by the best of thy wisdom that thou art called to give in thy testimony as the Apostle Peter requires and David performs in telling what God did for that poor mans soul as he calls himself Or as Ambrose cited by Mr. Philpot Take away the Law Tolle legem 〈◊〉 fiet certamen See Ambrose as he is cited By Mr. philpot in Fox Martyrs vol. 3. p. 542. 2 Pet. 3.15 Psal 34.6 and then we will dispute against you 5. Assurance should be earnestly prayed for and diligently wrought out by holy labour and it will come Give diligence to make it sure says Peter Surely 't is blessed working in these golden mines It proves with the diligent hand like the works of Chimical Phisitians who
the people of Antioch that among so many thousands in that great City that scarce an hundred would be saved and he doubted of that too When we ruminate and consider of the pride vanity luxury wantonness excess and rioting pleasure and vain-glory envy backbiting and variance both among Ministers and people neglect of holy duties love of the world and the perishing trash and trifles therein The contempt of the Gospel and faithful Ministers we must subscribe to that of our Lord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fear not little yea very little or diminutive flock when not only all the wild beasts and wolves but the goats also are separated For it is your Fathers good pleasure to give to you a Kingdom Luk. 12.32 Since the number then comparatively is so very small and the danger of miscarrying so very great oh how does it stand us in stead to make the things of Eternity establisht and sure which ushers in the next corollary 9. That the knowledge of our sincerity and integrity is of great use to gain both peace and joy in believing which is a principal aim in the foregoing treatise For though the want of Assurance doth not prove us to be under the power of unbelief yet this defect shews the weakness of our Faith and keeps the yoke of bondage in manifold fears and torments too strait and pinching upon the necks of some that are truly gracious It is thy greatest interest then to clear the case and to state thine evidences by answering to the questions at the end of each chapter or to the whole in general or by any sound way and method to manifest a work of true grace and faith in thy heart Phrase things term or call them how thou wilt but be sure the work be right between God and thee Sincerity will clear up all under various misprisions and accusations of undiscerning friends who usually insult upon persons in adversity not for want of censorious pride and folly which they seldom come to own and behold but in the glass of their own calamities yet holy Job stood his ground and which was bitter indeed to conflict with their severe animosities when under a cloud from God yet still held fast his integrity before the Lord. This is such a strong pillar that a Christian may lean the whole strength and stress of his soul upon it in the name and power of God. A dear and intimate conjugal relation who is mentioned before chapter 8 would sometimes be upon this point But am I right indeed am I sincere in my heart and love to Christ if I could but prove that clearly I know all were well I answered how do you know or can prove the truth of your love in the relation wherein you stand but by descending into your heart and examining the inward honest inclinations and readiness of spirit to any kindness and labour of love For any one may assuredly know that they have true love or any other natural affection within their bowels unless their senses and brains be deficient We may tell whether we mean honestly and truly in what we profess and do Whether our tongues agree with our hearts or whether there be found a secret aversation and loathing within or not It is so verily in the case between Christ and us ask your soul the question and answer it from the integrity of your conscience and then pronounce with the Spouse so often mentioned Song 2.16 I am my Beloveds and my Beloved is mine for he feedeth among the Lillies and Spice-beds of graces in my heart There are manifold signs of true grace set down by some most whereof might be spared being but like pitch or birdlime to entangle discouraging Spirits use but few and those very pertinent if thou find a true one truly wrought in thee t is enough for then all are there in semine in the seed-plot tho under ground As suppose unfained love to the Brethren or constant pantings after God and delight in secret communion or the like Be but sure of its true being within you it will do your buisiness by serious pondering and rumination upon it with the aid of Gods Spirit Some are over-free in multiplying tokens it shews a popular invention but not very logical and rational because usually co-incident and but little comfort rather sorrow and perplexity arises thence to mourning souls under the absence of God and therefore be advised to forbear because they will not agree to the various forms especially the lowest state of Christians and then there 's wise work for tentations when you grieve the generation of the just whom God would not have grieved Psal 73.15 If then all your multiplied signs do not comfortably agree with thy strict and impartial search Be not cast down For an honest heart having true love to Christ tho mixt with failings yet all lamented and none allowed Rom. 7.5 but hated and striven against with an inward content of soul and joy that it can bear up against the stream of corruption and with all its care towes the boat up the River toward the Spring of its happiness and tho it find much unholiness ye◠melts and grieves over it studies amendment in what the word and conscience smites upon and that with some improvement in mortification and some growing in grace or a gracious willingness to be and do so mixt with honest endeavours tho it be not so lively and flourishing as it would tho the soul labours and sweat in the fire of contention and conflict with its lusts and corruptions and feels not that success it prayes and thirsts after yet do not discourage nor greive thine own spirit and so hinder its elevation to work and service The root of grace appears to me to be plainly in thee and that it will by degrees wax and increase like the house of David and if thou canst perceive some growth tho but little it is a sure and certain Index of life If thou daily diest in some measure to sin Psal 18. and particularly to that sin which thou art most inclined to thy peevish froward cursed proud contentious humors and lusts or any else upon sudden inroads of Satan which thy heart and faithful Ministers and Friends check thee for and beginnest to live a little more to holiness then thou didst and growest perseverest in grace and art watchful against thy lusts and humbly and meekly thankful to them that reprove thee and labourest to imitate the holiness and meekness of Christ the beloved I must say and insist upon it that sincerity is the cardo rei the very hinge of that door that lets thee into life and salvation and if thou dost truly love him who pardons all thy foolishness I say then th◠thou fear the work that it was not right at first at such a time when thou thoughtst it was a sound and a true conversion never stand puzling and frighting your spirits about the point what that