X48 metfouo faxtr). the deadnefs of nature. By the Promifes we are made partakers of the Divine Nature, faith St. Peter, 2 Pet. 1.4. that is, we have thofe Divine Graces which as the Creature-module will admit, refemble the Holy One, and fo we have the Promifes fealed up to us in Graces.' As touching Promifes made to Grace,fuch as are fulfilled in this life, Faith alto experiments them to be Divine. In the Scripture the Be- liever meets with Promifes of Pardon to fuch as repent and believe; of comfort to the mour- ner, of filling to the hungry and thirfiy, of the Divine fecret to them that fear God, of encreafe of Grace to the improver; and many more of the fame nature. To experiment thefe the Believer by perufing the Scripture, and his own Heart,doth two things ; firi, He clears it up to himfelf, that the Graces in his Heart, to which fuch Promifes are made, are true, through the irradiating Spirit vouchfa- fed to him.He maydifcover them to be fuch by Scriptural Marks, he may find that his Faith purifies and works by Love;That his Repentance and Mourning are chiefly for Sin ; That his Hunger and Thiríi are humble and indufirious in the ufe of means,That his Fear is of God and his Goodnefs in a filial way; That his improving of Talents is in a way of dependence and holy diligence ; and fo certainly knows that thefe Graces in his Heart are real things. This foun- dation being firft laid, then he proceeds to a fecond review of his Heart, and there he may hnd how Pardons have fenfibly broke in upon bin!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=