3. I answer, Do but see whether thy Interest in Christ be not established or no? Here is the lowest Qualification of an Heir of Promise, and yet the highest and most solemn way of Assurance. Here are two immutable Grounds, and yet what's the Description? we who have fled for Refuge, to lay hold upon the Hope set before […] ▪ Here is a driving Work that belongs to the Law, implied in these words, We fly […] Refuge; then a drawing Work, which belongs to the Gospel, in these words, To lay hold on the Hope set before us. The Law begins and works preparatively, as Moses brought the Children of Israel to the Borders, then Joshua led them into the Land of Canaan. The Law shows us our Bondage, and makes us fly for Refuge, but then the Gospel pulls in the Heart to God. There is a necessity of the preparing Work of the Law, that we might be driven out of our selves; Sin else would not be bitter, nor Christ sweet, our Motions and Addresses to Mercy would not be serious; every one hath this, some in one degree, some in another; tho all be not anxious, yet all are solicitous, O what shall I do! Now canst thou speak of this driving Work of the Law? Thou canst not say but thou art a poor lost Sinner, one willing to fly and take Sanctuary in Christ, and to wait upon him in Obedience, till thy great Hopes be accomplished. This is the lowest Trial; what canst thou deny in it? Art thou not a poor chased pursued Soul? else what mean these Fears and Scruples? and what hath the Lord required of thee, but to run to Christ for Refuge? Many Christians have not Assurance; but tho they dare not say, Christ is theirs, yet here they will wait, and not let go their hold-fast for all the World. God hath promised to be gracious to every one that takes hold of his Covenant, Isa. 56.6. when the Soul will not let go the Grace of God in Christ, tho it hath many Discouragements; but in the face of all Doubts and Scruples, will anchor and hold fast, whatever comes of it. I am a lost undone Creature, it is Christ that must save me, and here I will stick and hold. This is the Qualification, why should we be afraid to be comforted upon God's Terms? If you are resolved to wait upon God in and through Christ, you are the Heirs of Promise:
3. I answer, Do but see whether thy Interest in Christ be not established or no? Here is the lowest Qualification of an Heir of Promise, and yet the highest and most solemn way of Assurance. Here are two immutable Grounds, and yet what's the Description? we who have fled for Refuge, to lay hold upon the Hope set before 〈…〉 ▪ Here is a driving Work that belongs to the Law, implied in these words, We fly 〈…〉 Refuge; then a drawing Work, which belongs to the Gospel, in these words, To lay hold on the Hope set before us. The Law begins and works preparatively, as Moses brought the Children of Israel to the Borders, then Ioshua led them into the Land of Canaan. The Law shews us our Bondage, and makes us fly for Refuge, but then the Gospel pulls in the Heart to God. There is a necessity of the preparing Work of the Law, that we might be driven out of our selves; Sin else would not be bitter, nor Christ sweet, our Motions and Addresses to Mercy would not be serious; every one hath this, some in one degree, some in another; tho all be not anxious, yet all are sollicitous, O what shall I do! Now canst thou speak of this driving Work of the Law? Thou canst not say but thou art a poor lost Sinner, one willing to fly and take Sanctuary in Christ, and to wait upon him in Obedience, till thy great Hopes be accomplished. This is the lowest Trial; what canst thou deny in it? Art thou not a poor chased pursued Soul? else what mean these Fears and Scruples? and what hath the Lord required of thee, but to run to Christ for Refuge? Many Christians have not Assurance; but tho they dare not say, Christ is theirs, yet here they will wait, and not let go their hold-fast for all the World. God hath promised to be gracious to every one that takes hold of his Covenant, Isa. 56.6. when the Soul will not let go the Grace of God in Christ, tho it hath many Discouragements; but in the face of all Doubts and Scruples, will anchor and hold fast, whatever comes of it. I am a lost undone Creature, it is Christ that must save me, and here I will stick and hold. This is the Qualification, why should we be afraid to be comforted upon God's Terms? If you are resolved to wait upon God in and through Christ, you are the Heirs of Promise:
