344 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. which lies before us, which is cpncerning what a man may discern respecting himself being regenerate or born again. I say then, IV. JVlen may come to an assured persuasion that they are regenerate, and that so far infallible that it will not deceive them when brought to the trial. For there are many duties whose performance, in faith to the glory of God and the edification of our own souls, depends on this persuasion and conviction. As, 1. .fl due sense of our relation to God, and direction of our spirits and hearts towards him. He that is born again, is born of God; he is begotten of God by the im- mortal seed of the word. Without a persuasion of this, how can a man, on grounds of faith, come to God as his Father'? And how great a part of our obedience to- wards him, and communion with him, depends hereon, we all know. If men fluctuate all their days as to their real state, if they come to no settlement in it, no com- fortable persuasion of it, they scarce ever act any genuine child-like acts of love or delight towards God, which exceedingly impeaches their whole obedience. 2. Thankfulness for grace received is one of the principal duties that is incumbent on believers in this world. Now, how can a man in faith bless God for that which, he is utterly uncertain whether he have received from him or not 1 I know some men are very bold in this matter. They will bless God in a formal way for their regeneration, sanctification, justification, and the like. But if you ask them whether they themselves are regenerated by the Spirit or not, they will be ready to scoff at it, or, at least, to profess that they know no
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