"perswaded that we are under grace, that our sins 66 are forgiven, that we have the Spirit of Christ, "that we are the children of God; then doubt"lesse we should be joyfull, and thankful to God "for this inestimable gift. But because we feel "contrary motions, that is to say feare, doubtful❝nesse, anguish and heavinesse of heart, and such "like, therefore we cannot assure ourselves there"of: yea our conscience judgeth it a great pre"sumption and pride to challenge this glorie. "Wherefore let every man so practise' with him"selfe, that his conscience may be fully assured "that he is under grace, and that his person and "his workes do please God. And if he feele in "himselfe any wavering or doubting, let him ex"ercise his faith, and wrestle against this doubting; "and let him labor to attaine more strength and 66 assurance of faith, so that he may be able to "say, I know that I am accepted, and that I have "the Holy Ghost; not for mine owne worthi"nes, my worke, my merite, but for Christ's sake, "who of his inestimable love towards us, made "himselfe thrall and subject to the law, and tooke away the sinnes of the world. In him do I be"lieve. If I be a sinner and erre, he is righteous "and cannot erre. Moreover, I gladly heare, "reade, sing and write of him, and I desire no"thing more than that this gospel may be knownej "to the whole world, and that many may be con"verted unto him. "These things do plainly witnesse, that the "Holy Ghost is present with us and in us. For "such things are not wrought in the heart by man's " strength, nor gotten by man's industry or travell, "but are obtained by Christ alone, who first maketh us righteous by the knowledge of himselfe in his holy gospell, and afterwards he createth a new "heart in us, bringeth forth new motions, and 'giveth unto us that assurance whereby we are "perswaded that we please the Father for his "sake. Also he giveth us a true judgement where 66 by we prove and trie those things which before "we knew not, or else altogether despised. It "behoveth us therefore to wrastle against this doubting, that we may daily overcome it more " and more, and attaine to a ful perswasion and "certainty of God's favor towards us, rooting out "of our hearts, this cursed opinion, that a man "ought to doubt of the grace and favor of God: "which hath infected the whole world." Luther's Commentarie on the Galathians, Lond. 1618. chap. iv. folio 189, 190. Now is it not comfortable to the soul to think thus highly of the grace of God in Christ Jesus toward it? What can more carry it out in holy fervor, or boldness in prayer at a throne of grace, than the thoughts of an upholding hand, continually bearing it up by divine power, amidst all sins and infirmities for the honor of Christ and for his sake. It has been observed that predestination is very conducive to the life of prayer, and certainly by considering that the gifts of God are without repentance, we may be emboldened to ask of God, those blessings which are pre-ordained as a given lot in a measure to all whom he hath loved in Christ Jesus. Now this assured sense of the grace and favor of God can alone make us desire Heaven, and make us long to be with Christ which is far better. Nor is this longing sinful, provided it leadeth us to no impatience to depart, and provided it be exercised with a due dependance on the providential dealings of God, humbly believing, and joyfully expecting his calling them away at his own appointed hour. Lord Jesus help us to wait thy call with patience; to wait till thou art pleased to call us to thy beloved bosom, as unto a haven of eternal rest. Help us to wait patiently our Father's full and final approbation, till thou shalt give us through the merits of thy blood and spotless righteousness, to behold a Father's face without a veil between. Thy chariot wheels will not longer tarry. Time is rolling away as a scroll before thee. Thy seed is ripening for eternal glory. Thy mansions are preparing for those that love thee. Heaven opens before thee and the Father smiles. Soon thou Ee wilt bid it open to us, and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. We hear thy last words and joyfully believe them. He who testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly, Our hearts reply Amen; Even so, Come LORD JESUS. THE END W. Nicholson, Printer, Warner Street. 1 1 ERRATA. Page 5, line 28, for Targuens, read Targums. 21, 64, 71, 72, 97, 206, 208, 245, 246, 247, 255, 309, 4, for further, still, read further still. 11, for how it would, read how would it. upon. 28, for two saith, he, read two, saith he. 20, for Cnrist, read Christ. 13, for that we live, read that we may live. 2, for as thousands do, read as thousands |
