TO THE SAINT'S REST. I4 service, surely thou wouldst not deny it ; how much less shouldst thou deny this to thyself in so great an affair ! I pray thee to take from me this request, as if in the name of Christ, I presented it to thee on my knees ; and I will betake me on my knees to Christ again, to beg that he will persuade thy heart to the duty. S 12. {4) The directions how to examine thyself are such as these : Empty thy mind of ail other cares and thoughts, that they may not distract or di- vide thy mind. This work will be enough at once, without joining others with it. Then fall down be- fore God in hearty prayer, desiring the assistance of his Spirit, to discover to thee the plain truth of thy condition, and to enlighten thee in the whole pro- gress of this work. Make choice of the most conve- nient time and place. Let the place be the most pri- vate; and the time, when you have nothing to in- terrupt you ; and, if possible, let it be the present time. Have in readiness, either in memory or writ- ings, some scriptures, containing the descriptions of the saints, and the gospel terms of salvation ; and convince thyself thoroughly of their infallible truth. Proceed then to put the question to thyself. Let it not be, whether there be any good in thee at all? nor, whether thou hast such or such a degree and measure of grace ? but, whether such or such a saving grace be in thee in sincerity, or not ? -If thy heart draw back from the work, force it on. Lay thy command upon it. Let reason interpose, and use its authority. Yea, lay the command of God upon it and charge it to obey upon pain of his dis- pleasure. Let conscience also do its office, till thy heart be excited to the work. Nor let thy heart trifle away the time, when it should be diligently at the work. I)o as the psalmist, My spirit made dili- gent search. He that can prevail with his own heart, shall also prevail with God. If after all thy pains thou art not resolved, then seek out for help. Go to one that is godly, experienced, able, and
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