Owen - BT795 O84 1800Z

111111106...-_ RULES YOB OBTAINING FORGIVENESS. 299 love, in desires after freedom from guilt, danger and punishment is the life and soul of it. If this end be at- tained it is enough. It has no delight in God ; nor cloth it care what way it be attained, so it may be attained. Many such persons have persuasions that they shall be freed from death and hellbe it by the works of the law, or by the observance of any inventions of their ownthey are not solicitous whether or not any glory arises to God from his grace and faithfulness. The jealotisy we speak of has the person of Christ and his excellency for its constant object. These fill the mind in many and various thoughts, still represent- ing him more and more amiable and desirable to the soul. So doth the spouse, upon the like occasion, as you may see at large, Cant. 5 : 9-16. Being at some loss for hispresence, (for he had withdrawn himself,) not finding her wonted communion and intercourse with him ; fearing that, upon her provocation, she might for- feit her interest in his love, she turns to the considera- tion ofall his excellences, and thereby the more inflames herself unto desires after his company and enjoyment. RULE VI. Distinguish between faith and spiritual sense. This rule the apostle gives us, " We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5 : 7. It is the sight of glory that is especially here intended. But faith and. sense, in any kind, are clearly distinguished that may be " believed' which is not " felt ;" yea, it is the will and command of God that faith should stand and do its work where all sense fails. Isa. 50 : 10. And it is with spiritual sense in

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=