The sound believer. A treatise of evangelical conversion. Discovering the work of Christ's spirit,…

Let all deluded Familists tremble at this, that in advancing Christ himself, and free Grace, abolish and despise those heavenly Benefits which flow from him, unto all the Elect. Let others also mourn over themselves, that have with much Affection been seeking after Christ's Benefits, Peace of Conscience, Holiness of Heart and Life, Promises to assure them of eternal Glory, but have not sought first to embrace and have the Person of the Lord Jesus himself.

Oh come, come therefore unto the Lord Jesus for Christ himself, and for all his Benefits; I say for all his Benefits. This is that which the Apostle prays for with bended Knees for the Ephesians, Eph. 3.14, 18. That they might (not take in a little, but) comprehend the Height, Depth, Length, Breadth of Christ's Love, that so they might be filled with all the Fullness of God. This is that which our Saviour expressly with much Vehemency calls for, John 7.37. Let all that Thirst come unto me and drink; not sip and taste a little, as Reprobates and Apostates do, Heb. 6.4, 5. but drink and drink abundantly, as it is, Cant. 5.1. And observe it, that upon these very Terms the Lord tenders Grace and Mercy, Rom. 5.17. the Apostle doth not say, They that receive a little, but abundance of Grace, shall reign by Righteousness unto eternal Life. Open thy Mouth wide and I will fill it, Psal. 81.11, 12. And most certainly this is one principal Difference ⟨p. 154⟩between the Faith of the Elect and the Reprobates, (and if I mistake not, the principal) the Elect close with Christ for that End, for which the Father offers him, which is, that they might possess his Son, and all his Benefits, and therefore come poor and empty for all; the Reprobate come not for all, but for so much and no more than will serve their own Turn; in Misery they would have Christ to deliver them, but what care they for spiritual Mercies? In Trouble of Conscience, or after their Soul falls into filthy Lusts and Sins, they come to Christ to forgive them and comfort them, but what care they for Holiness and a new Nature? Some Sins they would have Christ save them from, but they regard not Redemption from all; they cannot come to Christ, that all the Powers of Darkness may be perfectly subdued, that their own Sins, and Selves, Conceits, and Wills may be led away Captive by this mighty Conqueror; that Christ in all his Authority, Grace, Peace, Life, Glory, might be forever advanced in them and by them.