Many useful Rules are laid down by Divines, whereby true Grace may be discerned from Counterfeit: but the plainest Trial and Level to the perception of the lowest Christian, is, Whether there be a sincere ⟨image 4⟩respect to all God's Commands, without the reservation of any known Sin, how pleasant soever, to the carnal Appetites, or the exception against any known Duty that is displeasing to them. If Men would retire from the Vanities and Business of the World into themselves, and search their Spirits with that seriousness that is due to so weighty a Matter; if with a resolution to know the State of their Souls, if Conscience were inquisitive as under God's Eye, that has a full prospect into every Breast, they might have an inward Testimony of their Sincerity or Deceitfulness. The Apostle refers the decision of our State with respect to God, to the Testimony of the enlightened Conscience: If our Hearts condemn us not, (of any habitual indulged Sin) then we have peace towards God. If our Hearts condemn us, God is greater than our Hearts, and knows all things. From the neglect of trying themselves, many live in a Cloud of Delusion, and from inward Darkness pass to outer Darkness for ever.
Many useful Rules are laid down by Divines, whereby true Grace may be discern'd from Counterfeit: but the plainest Trial and Level to the perception of the lowest Christian, is, Whether there be a sincere ⟨image 4⟩respect to all God's Commands, without the reservation of any known Sin, how pleasant soever, to the carnal Appetites, or the exception against any known Duty that is displeasing to them. If Men would retire from the Vanities and Business of the World into themselves, and search their Spirits with that seriousness that is due to so weighty a Matter; if with a resolution to know the State of their Souls, if Conscience were inquisitive as under God's Eye, that has a full prospect into every Breast, they might have an inward Testimony of their Sincerity or Deceitfulness. The Apostle refers the decision of our State with respect to God, to the Testimony of the enlightned Conscience: If our Hearts condemn us not, (of any habitual indulged Sin) then we have peace towards God. If our Hearts condemn us, God is greater than our Hearts, and knows all things. From the neglect of trying themselves, many live in a Cloud of Delusion, and from inward Darkness pass to outer Darkness for ever.
