SG 8IEDITATIONS AND DISCOURSES rible a nature, and so dreadful an aspect, as is this un- where a clear view of it is obtained in evangelical light; wherefore, by the aid of satan, it suggests other pleas and pretences unto the minds of sinners, under which they may countenance themselves in a refusal to come to Christ. 2 Cor. iv. 4. Any thingelse it shall be, but not unbelief, that they all disavow. I shall there fore speak unto a fewof those tergiversations in this case which are obvious, and which are exemplified in the gospel itself. I. Some do say on suchexhortations,-What is it that you would have us to do? We hear the word preach- ed, we believe it as well as we can, we do many things willingly, and abstain from many evils diligently, what is more required of us? This is the language of the hearts of the most with whom in this case we have to do. And I say, I. It is usual with them who do something in the ways of God, but not all they should, and so nothing in a due manner, to expostulate about requiring of them more than they do. So the people dispute with Pod himself, Mal. i. 6. iii. 8, 13. So they in the gospel, who esteemed themselves to have done their duty, being pressed unto faith by Christ Jesus, ask him with some . indignation, .a What shall we do that we might work the works of God?" John iv. 28. If what we do be not enough, what is it that you require more of us? So was it with the young man, Matt. xix. 20. What do'Ilack yet? Be advised, therefore, not to be too confident of your state, lest you should lack that one thing, the want whereof might proveyour eternal ruin. 2. The things mentioned, with all of the like nature, which may be multiplied, may be where there is no one spark of saving faith. Simon Magus heard the word, and believed as wellas he could: Herod heard it, and did many things gladly; and all sorts of hypocrites do upon their convictions perform many duties, and ab- stain from many sins: so as that notwithstanding this plea you may perish for ever. 3. Where these are sincere, they belong unto the exercise of faith; they may be after a sort withoutfaith, but faithcannot be without them. But there is a fun- damental act of faith, whereby we close with Christ, whereby we receive him, that is in order ofnature an- tecedent unto its actings in all other duties and occa- sions; it is laying the foundation, other things belong to the building. This is that you are called on tosecure,, and you may know it by these two properties. (1.) It is singular. So our Saviour tells the Jews, John vi. 29. " This is the work of God, that yebe- lieve on him whom he bath sent." The act, word, or duty of faith, in the receiving of Christ, is a peculiar, singular work, wherein the soul yields especial obedi- ence unto God; it is not to be reckoned unto such com- mon duties as those mentioned; but the soul must find out wherein it hath in a singular manner closed with Christ upon the command of God. (2.) It is accompanied with an universal spiritual change in the whole soul, 2 Cor. v. 17. " Ifany man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are pass- ed away, behold, all things are become new." Where- fore, ifyou would not choose rather to deceive and ruin your own souls, come to the trial, whether indeed you have receivedChrist in such a singular transforming act of faith; do not on such pretences want a compliance with the word of exhortation proposed unto you. But, Il. Some will say, they know not how to proceed in this work. They can make nothing of it; they have tried to come to this believing, but do still fail in what they design: they go on and off; but can make no pro- gress, can come to no satisfaction; therefore, they think it best to let things go in general as they are, without putting themselves to farther troubleas unto any espe- cial act of faith in the receiving of Christ. This is the language ofmen's hearts, though not out oftheir mouths, another shelter of unbelief, and they act accordingly; they have a secret despondency, which keeps them safe from attempting a real closure with Christ on the ten- der of the gospel. Something may be offered unto this distempered frame of mind. 1. Remember the disciples that were fishing, and had toiled all night, but caughtnothing, Luke v. 3, 4. Upon the coming of Christ unto them, he requires that they should cast out their nets once more. Petermakes some excuse, from the labour which they had taken invain all night; however, he would venture once more, on the command, of Christ, and had an astonishing draught of fishes, verse 5 -9. Haveyou been wearied with disap- pointments in your attempts and resolutions? yet cast in your net this once more, upon the command of- Christ; venture this once more to come unto him on his
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