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…

But you will say, This indeed is a mercy, like that Pearl in the Parable, we may well fell all to have it: But how may we be directed to obtain it?

Take notice of these things briefly:¹

1. 1Directions how to attain this peace.

First, Distinguish between carnal presumption, and this peace from God. Many have been deluded by taking one for the other. The Jews and Pharisees did confidently boast in God as their Father, and that they were Abraham's seed; the Covenants of Grace did belong to them; yet who were further off from it than they were? When the Pharisees said, Lord, I thank thee I am not like other men, he might have boldness and confidence upon his soul; but yet here was no true peace. And thus there are many hundreds who have quiet, still, and it may be feared, stupefied consciences: Now these find no trouble, no aches, or pains of heart, because of sin, but thank their good God, all is well with them, when yet alas they are miserable, being upon the very borders of Hell, in which they may fall every moment.

First, Distinguish between carnal presumption, and this peace from God. Many have been deluded by taking one for the other. The Jews and Pharisees did confidently boast in God as their Father, and that they were Abrahams seed; the Covenants of Grace did belong to them; yet who were further off from it than they were? When the Pharisees said, Lord, I thank thee I am not like other men, he might have boldness and confidence upon his soul; but yet here was no true peace. And thus there are many hundreds who have quiet, still, and it may be feared, stupified consciences: Now these find no trouble, no aches, or pains of heart, because of sinne, but thank their good God, all is well with them, when yet alas they are miserable, being upon the very borders of Hell, in which they may fall every moment.