14O HOW TO DISCERN OUR TITLE accustom themselves to be strangers at home, and too little observe the temper and motions of their own hearts. Many are resolved what to judge before they try; like it bribed judge, who exatlirnes as if he would judge uprightly, when he is previously re- solved which- way the cause shall go. Men are par- tial in their own cause; ready to think their great sins small, and their small sins none; their gifts . of nature to be the work of grace, and to says All these have I kept from my youth ; I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing. Most men search bût by the halves. If it will not easily and quickly be done, they are discouraged, and leave off. They try themselves by false marks and rides; not knowing- wherein the truth of 'Christianity doth con- sist, some looking beyond, and some short of; the scripture standard. , And frequently they miscarry in this work by attempting it in their own strength. As some expect the Spirit should do it without them, so others attempt it themselves without seeking or expecting the help of the Spirit. Both these will cer- tainly miscarry in their assurance. 9. Some other hinderances keep even true Chris- tians from comfortable certainty. As for instance : The weakness of grace. Small things are hardly discerned. Most Christians content themselves with a small measure of grace, and do not follow on to spiritual, strength and manhood. The chief remedy for such would be, to follow' on their duty, till their grace be increased. Wait upon God in the use of his prescribed means, and he will undoubtedly bless you with increase. O ! that Christians would bestow most of that chile to getting more grace, which they bestow in anxious doubtings whether they have any or none ! and lay out those serious affeetinns in pray- ing for more grace, which they bestow in fruitless complaints ! I beseech thee, Christian take this advice as from God ; and then when thou believest strongly, and lovest fervently, thou canst no more doubt of thy faith and love, than a man that is very hot can doubt
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