Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

but which ever term is used, when it is Justifying Faith that is spoken of, all three are intended or included: By what hath been said, you may discern whether you have Received Christ or not: For your Faith may be known by these acts which are its parts. 1. If you sincerely believe the Gospel to be true; which must be with a belief so strong at least, as that you are resolved to venture your happiness upon this belief, and let go all for the hope that is set before you. 2. If an offered Christ in his Relation as a full and perfect Saviour be heartily welcome to you. If you consent to the Gospel offer, and are but truly willing to be his, and that he be yours in that Relation. Faith is not only called a Receiving of Christ, but is oft expressed by this term of [Willing] him. And therefore the Promise is to [Whosoever will], Rev. 22.17. and the wicked are denied a part in Christ, because they will not have him reign over them, Luke 19.27. or Will not come to him that they may have life, Joh. 6.40. even because they would none of him, Psal. 81.11, 12. which is because they are not true Believers or Disciples of Christ. 3. If you thus by consent take Christ for your Saviour, Teacher and Lord, it must needs follow that you fiducially rely upon him, or trust him to accomplish the ends of his Relations: that you ⟨p. 8⟩trust to him for deliverance, from the guilt and power and punishment of sin, and for quickening, strengthening, and preserving Grace, and for everlasting life, that you resign your selves up to him as his Disciples, to learn of him, with a confidence or trust that he will infallibly teach you the way to happiness. And that you also give up your selves to him as his Subjects, with a Trust that he will govern you in truth and Righteousness, in order to your Salvation, and will defend you from destroying enemies. This much is of the very Being of Faith, or [the Receiving Christ Jesus the Lord]. And these parts are inseparable: he that hath one in truth, hath all. Whenever we find in Scripture, the Promise of Justification or Salvation made to us, if we believe, it is this believing, and none but this that is intended. It is not only believing in Christ as a Sacrifice or Priest, that is the Faith which Justifieth, and believing in him as a Teacher or Lord, that sanctifieth: the effects are not thus parcelled out to several essential parts of this same Faith: