Page:Saints' duty in evil times (2).pdf/22

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these only are his people, righteous persons, righteous livers, and it is these whom the Lord hath chambers for.

Now, Sixthly, we proceed to the rules how to apply these evidences. 1st, Though you find them not all, yet if ye find one or more of them really then comfort yourselves. 2dly, If you find not what you have formerly found, labour more to renew the same, than to seek a sight of the old. 3dly, Do not try yourselves in the hour of temptation. 4thly, When ye find marks and evidences do not rest upon them, for though ye have them they may soon be gone. 5thly, Do not pursue so much to satisfy your sense for the present, as to have a solid well grounded assurance for the time to come 6thly, Be not so desirous to know what you are, as what you should do. Spend not your time in questioning your state, as ye do, but use the means of real union and communion with Christ: This is the shortest and surest way. 7thly, Judge not yourselves by the measure of your graces, but by the sincerity of them. 8thly, Compare not yourselves too much to the saints, but judge yourselves by the word.

Ninthly, When there is a serious wrestling against corruption, though not meeting with any sensible victory, yet cast not away your hope. Paul tells you, Rom. vii, how far a child of God may be enslaved by a body of sin.

Tenthly, Remember, we have to do with God in a covenant of grace. Now, what more shall we say? Must we end as we began? Oh! come away, come away to Christ, this Prince of delights, come and enter into these chambers. Motive, 1st, Come away and enter, then your condition will be honourable with Christ. 2dly, Comfortable. All your debts are paid. 3dly, Rich. All that Christ hath, grace and goodness is all thine. 4thly, Fruitful. He purgeth his branches. 5thly, Safe. He takes all