t52. FAITH BUILT ON KNOWLEDGE. [DISC. TX. ally attesthis power to take care of those .that are in- trusted with him : for these wonders were wrought with a design to confirm this doctrine ; and upon this account Christ is said to be justified in, or by the Spirit; 1 Tim.. Iii. 16. His commission was sealed, and his authority attested by these mighty works of the blessed Spirit. Thus the believer has a threefold witness from heaven to give him the knowledge of Christ, and to .confirm his faith; and this is abundantly sufficient to justifyhis-trust in Christ Jesus. But he has many other witnesses also to the same truth : He can call all the holy prophets and saints since the - world began, to bring in their witness, who told of the power of Christ to save, in dark speeches, when they lived in this world, and now find themselves safe in his hands in the world of light. A believer can call the noble companyofapostles, theholy armyof martyrs and confessors, to attest the same doctrine ; who, through terrible temptations of Satan, and the wrath of man ; who, through fires and waters, and many deaths, have committed their souls to his divine keeping, and found them in safety beyond the grave. The believer can add the testimony of all his fellow- saints now living, who by venturing their eternal concerns into the hands of Christ, have found safety and rest, strength against sin, and peace ofconscience ; divine joy, courage against sufferings, and triumphs in the midst - of dangers. They all with one voice cry out, " Not unto ourselves, but to thy name be all the glory," for thy . grace has kept us since we committed ourselves unto thee ; and not one of us is lost ; and we continue to trust our all with thee till the great day ; and we are assured of safety, though our dangers are infinite." You see here what a rational and solid foundation a christian has for his knowledge of Christ, and his faith in him. It is' built upon testimonies so numerous, so credible, and so divine ; well might the apostle say, I know whom I have trusted : And he becomes a witness, to us even to the end of the world, to direct souls to the same* refuge. When a sinner is awakened to see his dreadful guilt, and danger for eternity, and is making earnest enquiry what shall I do for my soul ? Where shall I trust it, that it may be kept safe for ever ? Let
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