An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

Secondly, This peace, as it doth consist in reconciliation with God; so also it hath the sense and persuasion of this, it brings a man to some comfortable knowledge and evidence of this. For although Gods anger be removed, our sins be forgiven, and on Gods part all controversies are removed against us, yet if we do not know this, if we are not assured our hearts are us much troubled and disquieted, as if God indeed were our adversary. Hence it is that the Spirit of God is sent into our hearts, enabling us to call God Abba, Father. For if we could not do so, it would be as the Sun, though it casts forth glorious beams of light, yet a blind man, because he cannot see it, it is all one, as if it were midnight: so unless the Spirit of God doth make thee to discern those gifts of the Spirit in thee, as by the light of the Sun we come to see the •e: so also, though God be our Father, though we be his dear children, yet if we are not assured of this, still this peace is not in our hearts; it must be therefore in Gods favour, and our assurance of this faith.

Secondly, This peace, as it doth consistin reconciliation with God; so also it hath the sense and perswasion of this, it brings a man to some comfortable knowledge and evidence of this. For although Gods anger be removed, our sins be forgiven, and on Gods part all controversies are removed against us, yet if we do not know this, if we are not assured our hearts are us much troubled and disquieted, as if God indeed were our adversary. Hence it is that the Spirit of God is sent into our hearts, enabling us to call God Abba, Father. For if we could not do so, it would be as the Sunne, though it casts forth glorious beams of light, yet a blind man, because he cannot see it, it is all one, as if it were midnight: so unless the Spirit of God doth make thee to discern those gifts of the Spirit in thee, as by the light of the Sunne we come to see the •e: so also, though God be our Father, though we be his dear children, yet if we are not assured of this, still this peace is not in our hearts; it must be therefore in Gods favour, and our assurance of this faith.

Thirdly, This peace therefore is not procured or wrought by our own strength. If we would give ten thousand worlds, when our hearts are scorched and burn like hell through the sense of Gods displeasure, we are not able to refresh our souls with one drop of it. That as all the men of the world are not able to make the Sun arise, if God forbid it; Neither can the parched wilderness water it self, till God prepare clouds to empty themselves upon it: Thus it is with it umble contrite heart, praying, groaning, crying out for this blessed peace in soul: Alas it cannot come, till God command it. Therefore he is so often called, the God of peace,