"These things do plainly witnesse, that the "Holy Ghost is present with us and in us. For "such things are not wrought in the heart by man's "strength, nor gotten by man's industry, or travell, "but are obtained by Christ alone, who first maketh us righteous by the knowledge of himselfe in his "holy gospell, and afterwards he createth a new "heart in us, bringeth forth new motions, and giveth unto us that assurance whereby we are 66 perswaded that we please the Father for his "sake. Also he giveth us a true judgement where"by we prove and trie those things which before "we knew not, or else altogether despised. It "behoveth us therefore to wrastle against this doubting, that we may daily overcome it more " and more, and attaine to a ful perswasion and certainty of God's favor towards us, rooting out "of our hearts, this cursed opinion, that a man ought to doubt of the grace and favor of God: "which hath infected the whole world." Luther's Commentarie on the Galathians, Lond. 1618. chap. iv. folio 189, 190. Now is it not comfortable to the soul to think thus highly of the grace of God in Christ Jesus toward it? What can more carry it out in holy fervor, or boldness in prayer at a throne of grace, than the thoughts of an upholding hand, continually bearing it up by divine power, amidst all sins and infirmities for the honor of Christ and for his sake. It has been observed that predestination is very conducive to the life of prayer, and certainly by considering that the gifts of God are without repentance, we may be emboldened to ask of God, those blessings which are pre-ordained as a given lot in a measure to all whom he hath loved in Christ Jesus. Now this assured sense of the grace and favor of God can alone make us desire Heaven, and make us long to be with Christ which is far better. Nor is this longing sinful, provided it leadeth us to no impatience to depart, and provided it be exercised with a due dependance on the providential dealings of God, humbly believing, and joyfully expecting his calling them away at his own appointed hour. Lord Jesus help us to wait thy call with patience; to wait till thou art pleased to call us to thy beloved bosom, as unto a haven of eternal rest. Help us to wait patiently our Father's full and final approbation, till thou shalt give us through the merits of thy blood and spotless righteousness, to behold a Father's face without a veil between. Thy chariot wheels will not longer tarry. Time is rolling away as a scroll before thee. Thy seed is ripening for eternal glory. Thy mansions are preparing for those that love thee. Heaven opens before thee and the Father smiles. Soon thou E e wilt bid it open to us, and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. We hear thy last words and joyfully believe them. He who testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly, Our hearts reply Amen; Even so, Come LORD JESUS. THE END. W. Nicholson, Printer, Warner Street. ERRATA. Page 5, line 28, for Targuens, read Targums. 21, 64, 71, 729 97, 206, 208, 245, 246, 247, 255, 309, 11, for how it would, read row would it. upon. 28, for two saith, he, read two, saith he. 20, for Cnrist, read Christ. 13, for that we live, read that we may live, 2, for as thousands do, read as thousands |