298 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. these duties l and how are they performed l and what is their acceptance with God I The duties themselves are legal both in the principle whence they proceed and the end to which they are used. Their principle is legal fear, and their end is legal righteousness; the whole at- tendance on them is a seeking of righteousness as it were by the works of the law; and how are they per- formed l Plainly with a bondage of spirit; without love, joy, liberty, or delight; their aim is to quiet conscience, to pacify God; all in opposition to the blood and righ- teousness of Christ. And are they accepted with God I Let them be multiplied ever so much, he every where testifies that they are abhorred by him. All questioning of the promises weakens and discourages the soul, and makes all gospel-obedience wearisome and burdensome. But the jealousy that is exercised about the person and love of Christ to the soul is quite of another na- ture, and produces other effects. It cheers, enlivens and enlarges the soul; stirs up to activity, earnestness and industry in its inquiries and desires after Christ. " Jealousy," saith the spouse, " is cruel as the grave ;" therefore " set me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm." It makes the soul pant after nearer and more assured communion with Christ ; it stirs up vigor- ous and active spirits in all its duties. Every doubt and fear it generates within concerning the love of Christ stirs up the soul to more earnestness after him, delight in him, and sedulous watching against every thing that may keep it at a distance from him, or occa- sion him to hide, withdraw, or absent himself from it. 2. Unbelief, that works by questioning the promises, is universally selfish; it begins and ends in self. Self-
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