102 110W TO DISCERN OUR TITLE excellent fruits of it, and they that, receive them are comforted by them ; but perhaps thou mayest never receive them whilst thou livest, and yet be a true heir of rest. Do not say then, " I cannot believe that my sins are pardoned, or that I am in God's favour; and therefore I am no true believer." This is a most mis- taken conclusion.The question is, whether thou dost heartily accept of Christ, that thou mayest be pardoned, reconciled to God, and so saved? Dost thou consent that he shall be thy Lord, who hath bought thee, and that he shall bring thee to heaven in his own way ? This is justifying, saving faith, and the mark by which thou must try thyself. Yet still observe, that all this consent must be hearty and real, not feigned or with reservations. It is not say- ing, as that dissembling son, " I go, sir ;" and went not. If any have more of the government of thee than Christ, thou art not his disciple. I am sure these two marks are such as every Christian hath, and none but sincere Christians. O that the Lord would now persuade thee to the close performance of this self -trial ! that thou mayest not tremble with horror of soûl, when the Judge or all the world shall try thee ; but be so able to prove thy title to rest, that the prospect and approach of death and judgment may raise thy- spirits, and fill thee with joy. 17. On the whole, as ever Christians would have comforts that will not deceive them, let them make it the great labour of their lives to grow in grace, to "strengthen and advance the interest of Christ in their souls, and to weaken and subdue the interest of the flesh. Deceive not yourselves with a persuasion that Christ bath done all, and left you nothing to do. To overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil; and in order to that, to stand always armed upon our watch, and valiantly and patiently to fight it out ; is of great importance to our assume ranee and salvation. Indeed it is so great .a part of our baptismal vow, that he who performeth it
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=