The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

O how the subtle enemy disadvantageth the Gospel, by the misapprehensions and dejected spirits of Believers! It is the very Design of the ever-blessed God, to Glorify Love and Mercy as highly in the Work of Redemption, as ever he Glorified Omnipotency in the Work of Creation: And he hath purposely unhinged the Sabbath which was appointed to Commemorate that work ⟨p. 530⟩of Power in Creation, to the first day of the week, That it might be spent as a weekly day of Thanksgiving and Praise for the now more Glorious work of Redemption, that Love might not only be equally admired with power, but even go before it. So that he hath laid the foundation of the Kingdom of Grace in Love and Mercy: and in Love and Mercy hath he framed the whole Structure of the Edifice: and Love and Mercy are written in legible indelible Characters upon every piece: And the whole frame of his Work and Temple-service, hath he so composed, that all might be the resounding Echo's of Love; and the Praise and glorious Commemorations of Love and Mercy might be the great business of our solemn Assemblies: And the new Creation within us, and without us, is so ordered, that Love, Thankfulness and Delight, might be both the way and the end. And the Serpent who most opposeth God where he seeketh most Glory, especially the Glory of his Grace, doth labour so successfully to obscure this Glory, that he hath brought multitudes of poor Christians to have poor low thoughts of the Riches of this Grace: and to set every sin of theirs against it, which should but advance it: and even to question the very foundation of the whole building, whether Christ hath Redeemed ⟨p. 531⟩the World by his Sacrifice? yea he puts such a veil over the Glory of the Gospel, that men can hardly be brought to Receive it as Glad tidings, till they first have Assurance of their own Sanctification! And the very nature of Gods Kingdom is so unknown, that some men think it to be Unrighteousness and Libertinism, and others to be Pensive Dejections, and Tormenting Scruples and fears; and but few know it to be Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost: And the very business of a Christians life and Gods service is rather taken to be Scrupling, Quarrelling and Ve••• our selves and the Church of God, then to be Love and Gratitude and a Delighting our souls in God and cheerfully obeying him.