The Christians great interest

Object. I have at the celebration of the Lords Supper, and at some other occasions, covenanted expressly and verbally with God, but my barrenness in his ways, and the renewed jealousies of my gracious state, maketh me question if ever I transacted with God in sincerity, and I think I can do it no other ways than I have done it.

Object. I have at the celebration of the Lords Supper, and at some other occasions, covenanted expresly and verbally with God, but my barrenness in his ways, and the renewed jealousies of my gracious state, maketh me question if ever I transacted with God in sincerity, and I think I can do it no other wayes than I have done it.

Answ. 1. Men are not to expect fruitfulness according to their desire, nor full assurance of Gods Favour, immediately after they have fled unto Christ, and expressly transacted with God in him. These things will keep a man on work all his days. The Saints had their failings and short-comings, yea, and back-slidings, with many fits of dangerous mis-belief, after they had very seriously, and sincerely, and expressly closed with God, as their God in Christ. 2. Many do look for faithfulness in ⟨p. 128⟩their walk and establishment of faith, from their own sincerity in transacting with God, rather than from the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. They fix their heart in their own honesty and resolutions, and not in the Blessed Root Christ Jesus, without whom we can do nothing, and are vanity altogether in our best estate. Men should remember, that one piece of grace cannot produce any degree of grace; Further, nothing can work grace but the arm of Jehovah: And if men would lean unto Christ, and covenant with him as their duty absolutely, whatsoever may be the consequence, at least, looking only to him for the suitable fruit, it should be far better with them: God pleaseth not that men should betake themselves unto Christ, and covenant with him for a season until they see if such and such fruit and establishment shall follow, purposing to disclaim their interest in him, and the Covenant, if such and such fruit doth not appear within such a length of time. This is to put the ways of God to trial, and is very displeasing unto him. Men must absolutely close with Christ, and covenant with him, resolving to maintain these things as their duty, and a ready way to reach fruit, whatsoever shall follow thereupon, they having a testimony within them, that they seriously design conformity to his revealed will in all things; And they that have closed Covenant with him for the same end, as well as to be saved thereby. 3. Men should be sparing to bring in question their sincerity in transacting with God, unless they can prove the same, or have great presumptions for it. if you can prove any deceit or guile in your transacting with him, you are obliged to disclaim and rectify it, and to transact with God honestly, and without guile: But if you know nothing of your deceit or guile, in the day you did transact with him;