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…

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.

Secondly, Take heed of living in sin, or omitting of those Duties God requireth of thee. For although these be not the cause of this peace in thee, yet without these no peace can either be obtained or preserved. This is to be throwing water upon the fire, till it quite go out.

Secondly, Take heed of living in sinne, or omitting of those Duties God requireth of thee. For although these be not the cause of this peace in thee, yet without these no peace can either be obtained or preserved. This is to be throwing water upon the fire, till it quite go out.