But especially I would here have you observe, That it is in all this the Consent of your Hearts or Wills which I lay down in this Mark to be enquired after: For that is the most essential Act of Justifying Faith. Therefore I do not ask, whether thou be Assured of Salvation: nor yet whether thou canst believe that thy sins are pardoned, and that thou art beloved of God in Christ: These are no parts of Justifying Faith; but excellent fruits and consequents, which they that do receive, are comforted by them: but perhaps thou mayst never receive them whilst thou livest, and yet be a true heir of Rest. Do not say then, I cannot believe that my sin is pardoned, or that I am in Gods favour, and therefore I am no true Believer: This is a most mistaking conclusion. The Question is, ⟨p. 438⟩Whether thou canst heartily Accept of Christ that thou mayst be pardoned, reconciled to God, and so saved? Dost thou Consent that he shall be thy Lord who hath bought thee? and take his own course to bring thee to Heaven? This is Justifying Saving Faith; and this is the Mark that thou must try thy self by. Yet still observe, That all this Consent must be Hearty and Real: not feigned, or with reservations. It is not saying, as that dissembling son, Matt. 21.30. I go sir, when he went not: To say, Christ shall be my Lord, and yet let corruption ordinarily rule thee; or be unwilling that his Commands should encroach upon the interest of the world or flesh. If any have more of the Government of thee then Christ; or if thou hadst rather live after any other Laws then his, if it were at thy choice, thou art not his Disciple. Thus I have laid you down these two Marks, which I am sure are such as every Christian hath, and no other but sincere Christians. I will add no more, seeing the substance of Christianity is contained in these. Oh that the Lord would now persuade thee to the close performance of this Self-trying Task! That thou mayst not tremble with horror of Soul when the Judg of all the World shall try thee: but have thy Evidence and Assurance so ready at hand, and be so able to prove thy Title to Rest, that the thoughts and approaching of Death and Judgment, may revive thy spirits, and fill thee with Joy, and not appal thee, and fill thee with amazement!
But especially I would here have you observe, That it is in all this the Consent of your Hearts or Wills which I lay down in this Mark to be enquired after: For that is the most essential Act of Justifying Faith. Therefore I do not ask, whether thou be Assured of Salvation: nor yet whether thou canst beleeve that thy sins are pardoned, and that thou art beloved of God in Christ: These are no parts of Justifying Faith; but excellent fruits and consequents, which they that do receive, are comforted by them: but perhaps thou mayst never receive them whilest thou livest, and yet be a true heir of Rest. Do not say then, I cannot beleeve that my sin is pardoned, or that I am in Gods favor, and therefore I am no true Beleever: This is a most mistaking conclusion. The Question is, ⟨p. 438⟩Whether thou canst heartily Accept of Christ that thou mayst be pardoned, reconciled to God, and so saved? Dost thou Consent that he shall be thy Lord who hath bought thee? and take his own course to bring thee to Heaven? This is Justifying Saving Faith; and this is the Mark that thou must try thy self by. Yet still observe, That all this Consent must be Hearty and Real: not feigned, or with reservations. It is not saying, as that dissembling son, Matt. 21.30. I go sir, when he went not: To say, Christ shall be my Lord, and yet let corruption ordinarily rule thee; or be unwilling that his Commands should encroach upon the interest of the world or flesh. If any have more of the Government of thee then Christ; or if thou hadst rather live after any other Laws then his, if it were at thy choyce, thou art not his Disciple. Thus I have layd you down these two Marks, which I am sure are such as every Christian hath, and no other but sincere Christians. I will add no more, seeing the substance of Christianity is contained in these. Oh that the Lord would now perswade thee to the close performance of this Self-trying Task! That thou mayst not tremble with horror of Soul when the Judg of all the World shall try thee: but have thy Evidence and Assurance so ready at hand, and be so able to prove thy Title to Rest, that the thoughts and approaching of Death and Judgment, may revive thy spirits, and fill thee with Joy, and not apale thee, and fill thee with amazement!
