Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers

Hence as it is with the collation of Grace in reference to them that are in the state of Nature; God doth it in great Curiosity, and his proceedings therein, in taking and leaving, as to outward Appearances, quite besides, and contrary oft-times to all probable Expectations; so is it in his Communication of Peace and Joy in reference unto them that are in the state of Grace; he gives them out oft times quite besides our expectation, as to any appearing Grounds of his Dispensations.

(2) As God creates it for whom he pleaseth, so it is the Prerogative of Christ, to speak it home to the Conscience: Speaking to the Church of Laodicea, who had healed her wounds falsely, and spoke peace to her self when she ought not, He takes to himself that Title, I am the Amen; the faithful witness, Revel. 3.14. He bears testimony concerning our Condition as it is indeed; we may possibly mistake, and trouble our selves in vain, or flatter our selves upon false Grounds, but he is the Amen, the faithful witness, and what he speaks of our State and Condition, that it is indeed, Isa. 11.3. He is said not to judge according to the sight of the eye, not according ⟨p. 147⟩to any outward appearance, or any thing that may be subject to a mistake, as we are apt to do; but He shall judge and determine every cause as it is indeed.

(2) As God creates it for whom he pleaseth, so it is the Prerogative of Christ, to speak it home to the Conscience: Speaking to the Church of Laodicea, who had healed her wounds falsly, and spoke peace to her self when she ought not, He takes to himself that Title, I am the Amen; the faithfull witness, Revel. 3.14. He bears testimony concerning our Condition as it is indeed; we may possibly mistake, and trouble our selves in vain, or flatter our selves upon false Grounds, but he is the Amen, the faithfull witness, and what he speaks of our State and Condition, that it is indeed,