.. ~ .An E~j.o{iti6H, witbNotts . ~ becaufe of his frequeH! coven~nting with God~;: a' greahondc~ · fcention, fuch as the Kings of the Earth n(e only to.their equals and friends : and therefore in the places where this tide is giv·en to· A_, braham, there is fome refpetl to the Cove-nant; and here it is~faid to be given to him upon that teflimony of his faith and obedience in offering Jfaac, when the Covenant was folemnly renewed and confirmed to him by oath. · obferv. I. . I. Work.! rati~e the Spirits 'Witnefs: The Apofile faith, Then it w11s fulfilled; that is, feen that AbrahAmwas a Bdiever indeeH,1 1 according to the tefiimony ofGod. · The Spirit a{fut:_eth us fome;. ·I times by exprtJJions, fpeaking to us by fome inward whifper and– ¥oyce; fometimes by impreffiom, implanting gracious difpofitions, \ as it were writing his mind to us : 'fis well, when both are fenfible, and with the Witnefs ofthe Spirit we have that ofWattr,, l I Joh. 5. 8. To look after works is the befi way to prevent dtluGon; here is no deceit; as in flajby jop , Fanatick fpirits ar.e often decei– ved by fudden flailies ot comfort. Works being amore feoflble and confiant pledg of the Spirit, beget amorefolid joy : I 'fob. 3. t 9· HtreYJ we k.now 'We are of the truth, and foaO a.f[ure our hearts before him ; thlt is, by real arts of love and charity : The way of immedulte revelation is ruQre flitting and inconfiant ; fuch act:– ings of the Spirit being like thofe outward motions tha.t came upo~ Samp(on, the Spirit came upon him at times.; .and fo upon every wirhdrawment new fcruples and doubts do arife; ·but,the tryal by , grace is moO: confiant and durable, it being a continual real ·pledg of Gods Love to us : Flathes ofcomfort are only fweet and- delightful \ whiles felt; but 'cis faid of grace, th~feedabidcth inhim, I Juhn 3·8· and th.e. anointing c.v vp.'lv p..~JIH, abideth illJOU,I J.oh.2·q. This_ is a il:anding glory, and the cominu~lrepafi of tbe Soul; whereas . thofe rav ithings are like delicacies which God rendereth to his peo– l ple in the times of fefiiviry and magnificence. Well then, learn, · \ . 1. Th~dgo~d works arde not ~doubtful1.~nbd 1 1 itigious evide~ce : Meno 1 ar"'-JPirits, an great1 ~nCJ, 'Wi 1 ea waysraifin~1 cruples; bur the fault is in the perfons, not-theevidence. 2. Learn-to :'!pprove your fdves to God with all good confcience in times of tryal; this will ratifie and make good thofe imperfeCt whifpers and mutterings in your Soul& concerning your-interefi in Chrifi : Do as Abraham.did, upon .a '"'"he forfook his Country; though he were childlifs, he bdiev~d the Promife c.fanumerous iifue; when' ·- "-· · · - --- --· -- · - ·- · God .;
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