SPIRITUAL PEACE AND COMFORT. 279 object. 2. The act. 3. The degree or modification of the act. For all these three must beinquired after, ifyou will get assurance. 1. The object is principally God, and the RedeemerChrist. And secondarily the benefits given by Christ; and under that, the means to attain the principal benefits, &c. 2. The act bath manynames drawn from respective 'and moral differences in the object, as faith, desire, love, 'choosing, accepting, receiving, consenting, &c'. But properly all are comprised in one word, ' willing.' The under- standing's high estimation of God, and Christ, and grace, is a prin- cipal part oftrue saving grace ; but yetit is difficult and scarce possi- ble to judge ofyourself by it rightly, but only as it 'discovers itself by prevailing with the will. 3. The degree of this act must be such as ordinarily prevaileth against its contrary ; I mean, both the contrary object and the contrary act to the same object. But because Idoubt school'terms doobscure my meaningto you, (though they are necessary for exactness,) I will express the nature of sav- ing"grace in two or three marks as plain as I can. I. Are you heartily willing" to take God for your portion ? And had you rather live with him in glory in his favor and fullest lo¢é, with soul perfectly cleansed from all sin, and never more to offend him, rejoicing with his saints in his everlasting praises; than to enjoy the delights ofthe flesh on `earth, in a way of sin and without the favor of God? H. Are you heartily willing to take Jesus Christ as he is offered in thegospel'? that is, to be youronly Savior and Lord, to give you pardon by his bloodshed, and to sanctify youby his word and Spirit, and to govern you by hislaws ? Because this general containeth andimplieth. several particulars, I will express them distinctly. Here it is supposed that you know this much following of the nature of his laws. For to be willing to be ruled byiliis laws in general, and utterly unwilling when it comes to particulars, is no truewillingness or subjection. 1. You mustknow that his laws reach both to heart and outward actions. 2. That theycommand a holy, spiritual, heavenly life. 3. That theycommand things so cross and unpleasing to the 'flesh, that the flesh will be still murmuring' and strivingagaiitst obedience. Particularly, (1.) "They command things quitecross to the inclinations ofthe flesh ; as to forgive wrongs, to love enemies, to forbear malice and revenge, to restrain and mor- tify lust and passion, to abhor and mortify pride, and be low in our own eyes, and humble and meek in "spirit. (2.) They com- mand things that cross the interest of the flesh and its inclination both together; I mean which will deprive it of its enjoyments, and bring it to some suffering. As to perform duties eveh when they lay us open to disgrace, and shame, and reproach in the world ;
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