1`.".IP" 448 DIRECTIONS FOR GETTING AND KEEPING common a thing as mere disputers against doubting have imagined. And when a poor Christian is beaten from his assurance, (which few have,) he bath nothing but probabilities ; and when he bath no confident, probable persuasion of special grace, where is he then? And what bath he left to support his soul.? I will not so far now meddle with that controversy, as to open further how this opinion tends to leave most Christians in desperation, for all the pretenses it bath found. . And I had done more, but that general redemption or satisfaction is commonly taught in the maintaining of the general sufficiency of it, though men understand not how they contradict themselves. But perhaps you will say, ,' This is cold comfort ; for I may as well argue thus, Christ will damn sinners ; I am a sinner, therefore he will damn me ; as to argue thus, Christ will save sinners ; I am a sinner, therefore he will save me.' I answer, There is no show of soundness in either of these arguments. It is not a certainty that Christ will save you, that can be gathered from general grace alone.; that must be had from assurance of special grace super- added to the general. But a conditional certainty you may have from general grace only, and thus you may soundly and infallibly argue, ' God hath made a grant to every sinful man of pardon and salvation through Christ's sacrifice, if they will but repent and be- lieve in Christ; but I am a sinful man, therefore God bath made this grant of pardon and salvation to me.' Direct. XXXI. ' IfGod do bless 'you with an able, faithful, prudent, judicious pastor, take him for your guide under Christ in the way to salvation ; and open to him your case, and desirehis ad- vice in all your extraordinary, pressing necessities, where you have found the advice of other godly friends to be insufficient; and this not once or twice only, bu,t as often as such pressing necessities shall return. Or ifyour own pastor be more defective for such a work, make use of some other minister of Christ, who is tore meet.' Here I have these several things to open to you. 1. what it is your duty to seek this Direction from the guides of the church. 2. When and in what casesyou should do this. 3. Towhat end, and how far. 4. What ministers theybe that you should choose there- to. 5. In what manner you must open your case, that you may receive satisfaction. 1. The first bath two parts, (1.) That you must open your case. (2.) And that to your pastor. (1.) The devil hath great advantagewhile youkeep his counsel ; two are better than one ; for ifone of them fall, he hath another to help him. It is dangerous resisting such an enemy alone. An uniting of forces oft proeureth victory. God giveth others knowledge, prudence and other gifts
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