SPIRITUAL PEACE AND COMPORT. 399 point, That no justified man shall ever fall from Christ, is not so clear and fully revealed in Scripture, and past all doubt from the assault of objections, as that a poor soul in such a relapsed estate should venture his everlasting salvation wholly on this, supposing that he were certain that he was once sincere. For my own part, I am persuaded that no rooted believer, that is habitually and groundedly resolved for Christ, and hath crucified the flesh and the world, (as all have that are thoroughly Christ's,) do ever fall quite awayy from him afterwards. But I dare not lay my salvation on this. And if I were no surer of my salvation, than I am of the truth ofthis my judgment, to speak freely, my soul would be in a very sad condition. 5. But suppose it as certain and plain as any word in the gospel, (that á justified man is-never quite unjustified) yet, as every new sin'brings a new obligation to punishment, (or else they could not be pardoned, as needing no pardon, so' must every sin have its particular pardon, and consequently the sinner a particular justification from the guilt of that sin,) besides his first general pardon (and justification ;) for to pardon sin before it is committed, is to pardon sin that is no sin, which is a 'contradiction and impossibility., Now, though for daily, unavoidable infirmities, there be a pardon of course, upon the title of our habitual faith anal repentance ; yet, whether in case of gross sin, or more notable de- fection, this will prove a sufficient title to particular pardon,without the addition of actual repentance ; and what case the sinner is- in till that actual repentance and faith, as I toldyou before, are so difficult questions, (it being ordered by God's great wisdom that they should be so,) that it beseems no wise man to - venture his salvation on his own opinion in these. Nay, it is certain,- that if gross sinners, having opportunity and knowledgeof their sins, repent not, they shall perish. And therefore, I think, a justified man bath great reason, upon such falls, to examine his particular repentance, (as well as his former state,) and not to promise him- self, or presume upon a pardon without it. 6. And besides all this, though both the continuance of faith, and non-intercession of justification, be never so certain, yet when a man's obedience is so far overthrown, his former evidences and persuasions of his justifi- cation will be uncertain to him. Though he haveno reason to think that God is changeable, or justification will be lost, yet he bath reason enough to question whether ever he were a true be- liever, and so were ever justified. For faith worketh by love ; and they that love Christ will keep his commandments. Libertines and carnal men may talk their pleasure ; but when Satan maintains not their peace, sin will break it: and Dr. Sibbs's words will be found true, "Soul's Conflict," pp. 41, 42. "Though the main pillar ofour comfort be the free forgiveness of our sins, yet, if there
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