Ver. 4. tobe born ofGod. him and communion withhim cicpcnds hereon, we all know. 11 men fluf t}ate all their dayes in this matter, if they come to no fettlement in it, no comfortable perfwafion of it, they fcarce ever ad any genuine childlike ads ofLove or Delight towards God,wtiich exceedingly impeacheth their whole Obedience. 2. 1hank,ft'lne(f for Grace received is one of the principal' duties that is incumbent en Believers in this World. Now how can a man in faith biefs God for that which he is utterly uncertain whether he have received it from him or no. I know fòme rren run on in a Road in this matter. They will bids God in a formal way, for their Regeneration, SanF ification, Jui itìcation, and the like : But if you ask them whether them- /elves are regenerate or no, they will be ready to fcoff at it, or at lean to profefs that they know no fuch thing. What is this but tomock., God, and in a prefumptuous manner to take his name in vain : But if we will praife God, as we ought for his Grace, as we are guided and directed in the Scripture, as the nature of thematter requires, with fuch a frame of heart as may influence our whole Obedience, furely it cannot but be our duty to know the Grace that we have received. 3. Again the main of our Spiritual watch, and diligence, con- fft.th in the cherifhing, improving, and increatìng of the Grace that we have received ; the tirength:ning of the new Creature that is wrought in us ; Herein confifts principally the Life of faith, and the exercife of that Spiritual Wifdom which faith furnitheth the foul withal]. Now how can any man ap- ply himitlf hereunto, whiletl he is altogether uncertain whe- ther he hath received any principle of Living, Saving Grace, or no ? whereas therefore God requires our utmott Diligence, Watchfulnefs, and Care in this matter, It is certain that he re- quires alto of us, and grants unto us, that which is the foun- dation of all there duties which lyes in an Acquaintance with that (late and condition whereunto we do belong. In brief there is nothing, we have todo in reference unto Ettraity, but one way or other, it hath a refpet unto our light and con - viftions, Our State and Condition in this World. And thofe who arc negligent in the tryal and Examination thereof, do leave all things between God and their fouls at abfolute Xx 2 uncertainties, 341
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