Ver.4. theirCondition in refpeti ofInherent Grace. couragements which arife from your prefent darknels in this matter, and which keeps you of from iiiaring in th e confola- tion tendred unto you in this Word of Grace. RULE 1V. 345 A due JiritualCa.vfideratiortof the Caufes and Effe6is of Rege- neration, is the ordinary way and means whereby the fouls of Be- lievers come to be Piffled concerning that work ofGod in them and upon them. The principle or caufes of this work, are the Spirit and the Word. He that is born again, is bc,rn of the Spi- rit, Job. 3.6. and of the Word ; Of his own Will begat be to by the word of his Truth, Jam. i. 18. We are born again by the Word ofGod that abidetb for ever, i Pet. I. 23. Where ever then a man is regenerate, there hath been an effec`ual work of the Spirit, and of the Word upon his foul. This is to be inquired into, and after. Ordinarily it will difcover it felf Such im- prellìons will be made in it upon the foul, fuch a change will be wrought and produced in it, as will not efcape a fpiritual diligent fèarch and enquiry. And this is much ofthe duty of fuch as are in the dark, and uncertain concerning the accom- plifhment of ail work, in themfelves. Let them call to mind what have been the adings of the Spirit by the Word upon their fouls. What Light thereby hath been communicated un- to their minds; what difcoveries of the Lord Chrill and way of Salvation have been made to them ; what fenfe and detelation cf fin have been wrought in them ; what fadsfaQion hath been given unto the foul, to chufe, accept, and acquiefce in the Righteoufnefs of Chrif ; what Refignation of the heart unto God according to the tenor of the Covenant of Grace, it hath been wrought unto; Call to mind what Tranfatiions there have been between God andyour fouls about thefe things ; how far they have been carryed on; whether you have broken off the peatywith God, and refufed his Terms ; or if not, where the flay is between you ; and what is the Reafon lince God hath gracioufly begun to deal thus with you, that you are not yet come to a through clofe with him in the work and defign of his Grace ; thedefer mull ofnece(íity lye on your parts. God doth
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