348 Rules whereby we mayjudge of PfiL.t 3o. is tendred unto them in the blocd of Chia}, and that by him they may be ¡unified from all things from which they could not be ¡unified by the Law. Nor upon this propotition is it the duty of men to quefiion whether they have faith or no, but actually tobelieve. And faith in its operation will evidence it felt. See Acts 13.38,3 g. Suppofe then that you do not know that you are Regenerate, that you arc born of God; that you have no prevailing, refrefhing conuant evidence or perfwafion thereof; fhould this hinder you ? fhould this difcourage you from believing forgivenefs, from clofingwith the promu es, and thereby obtaining in your (elves an interefi in that forgivenefs t hat is with God ? Not at all ; Nay, this ought exceedingly to excite and fir you up unto your duty herein. For, 1. Suppofe that it is otherreife ; that indeed you are yet in the Rate offin, and are only brought under the power of Light and Convit°tion ; this is the way for a tranflation into an cuate of fpiritu.al life and Grace : If you will forbear theaâing of faith upon, and for forgivenefs, until you are Regenerate, you may, and probably you will come 1hort both ofForgivenefs and Regeneration alfo. Here lay your foundation, and then your building will go on. This will open the door unto you, and give you an entranceinto the Kingdom of God: -Ghrif is the door ; do not think to climb up over the wall ; enter by him, or you will be kept out. 2. Suppofe that you are born again. but yet know it not, as is the condition of many. This is a way whereby you may re- ceive an evidence thereof. It is good embracing ofall figns, tokens and pledges of our fpiritual condition ; and it is fo to improve them. But the befi courfe is to follow the genuine natural attings of faith, which will lead us into the moti felled apprehenfions concerning our Relation unto God, and accep- tance with him. Believe firfi the forgivenefsof fin as the effed ofmeer grace and mercy in Chrifi. Let the faith hereof be nourifhed and frengthened in your fouls. This will infenlbly influence your hearts into a comforting Gofpel perfwafion of your fiveand condition towards God, which will be accom. panied with affured reti and peace. To winde up this difcourfa ,¡ remember, that that which
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=