1. Evidences of true and Saving Faith.
After my recovery from a Sickness, I set my self to examin and prove my faith, to see if it were true and saving: Because pardon of sin, freedom from Condemnation eternal life with other great blessings, are promised to Beleevers: And much of our comfort in Sick∣ness, and health, in life, and death depend∣eth Page 126 on the knowledge and proof of our faith; and that I did believe in Christ with a true and Saving faith, I was satisfied thus:
1. From those expressions of Scripture wherein the nature and essential acts of faith are set forth, as 1. Coming to Christ, Joh. 6. 35. He that cometh—he that believeth on me. Coming is believing. My Conscience bears me Witness that I am coming to Christ, for Christ himself and all his benefits, I sind my Soul drawn to Christ, and upon all occasions looking and going to him. 2. Receiving, Joh. 1. 12. As many as receiv∣ed him—even as many as believed on his Name. Receiving is believing. Now through grace I find my heart willingly receiving, and thankfully accepting Jesus Christ as God offers him in the Gospel, even an whole Christ, Christ in all his offices to be to me, Prophet, Priest, and King. 3, Trusting, Eph. 1. 13. In whom ye trusted—ye beleived. Trust∣ing is believing. This also I find, that God hath given me an heart to rely on Christ, for Righteousness, grace, and life.
2, From the ground of my faith, which is the word of God. It is through my know∣ledge and acquaintance with the word that I have been brought to believe in Christ, and through Christ in the Father that sent him. And I read, such as believe through the word are true believers, for whom Christ maketh intercession Joh. 17. 20. and who have Page 127 everlasting life, and shall not come into con∣demnation, Joh. 5. 24.
3, From this property and effect of faith, viz. Prizing Christ, 1 Pet. 2. 7. Unto you that believe Christ 'tis precious. The Apostle speaks of the faith of Gods elect, ch. 1. 2. and of saving faith, ch. 1. 9. Now I find Christ is precious to me, so precious to my Soul, that I value and prefer him above the whole world. I account his blood preci∣ous, which cleanseth me from all sin. The pro∣mises exceeding great and precious which in him are yea and Amen. Christ is so precious to me that I am willing to suffer for him. Phil. 1. 29. yea I choose a suffering condition for Christ, before the honours, Riches, and plea∣sures of the world, when they cannot be en∣joyed without sinning against Him. Heb. 11. 24, 25, 26. I am willing to take up the Cross, and forsake all things for him.
