The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

Now this settling, and disposing of the heart to the ways of God to be the form and life of a changed estate, it appears, in that Gods children are deciphered by it, Acts 11.¹ that they with purpose of heart cleave unto the LORD, 2 Chron. 20.3.² Jehoshaphat set himself, to seek the Lord, Psal. 119.57. I have determined to keep thy ward. A constant purpose to be changed is in Gods acceptation, as also in its own nature, a change that argues a man in the state of grace; for if it be the fruits of a mans corrupt nature, not to have so much as a desire, or will, that inclines to this change, but even wholly averse and untoward; then surely for a man to see so much of his own misery, and to be persuaded so far of the good estate of him that is changed, as unfeignedly to purpose a change, it must needs be the proper work of the spirit, Luke 15. In the Prodigal son the very purpose of a change is both accepted and commended, as the change it self.

Now this setling, and disposing of the heart to the wayes of God to be the forme and life of a changed estate, it appeares, in that Gods children are deciphered by it, Acts 11.¹ that they with purpose of heart cleave unto the LORD, 2 Chron. 20.3.² Iehosaphat set himselfe, to seeke the Lord, Psal. 119.57. I have determined to keepe thy ward. A constant purpose to be changed is in Gods acceptation, as also in its owne nature, a change that argues a man in the state of grace; for if it be the fruits of a mans corrupt nature, not to have so much as a desire, or will, that enclines to this change, but even wholly averse and untoward; then surely for a man to see so much of his owne misery, and to be perswaded so far of the good estate of him that is changed, as unfeignedly to purpose a change, it must needs be the proper worke of the spirit,