But then there is another hope, that is grounded upon the evidence of our sincerity, and is the fruit of assurance, when we can make out our own claim and title to eternal life, which is not usually done without (1.) Much diligence: Heb. vi. 11, 'And we desire that every one of you do show forth the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope, unto the end.' (2.) Much sobriety, and weanedness from the world, 1 Peter i. 13. (3.) Much watchfulness, that we be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. Col. i. 23 ; that our hopes of eternal life begotten in us by the gospel be not weakened and deadened in us; it is not enough thankfully at first to embrace the conditional offer, but we must keep up this hope in life and vigour. (4.) Much resolution in our conflicts with the devil, world, and flesh, 1 Thes. v. 8. Lastly, some experience, Rom. V. 4, of God's favour and help in troubles, and our sincerity therein. Wlien we are seasoned and tried, our confidence increaseth ; the frequent experience of God's being nigh to us, and honouring us in sundry trials, is a ground for hope to rest upon, that he will not leave us till all be accomplished : Phil. i. 20, ' According to my earnest expec- tation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed ; but that with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or death.' Paul gathereth his confidence for the future from former experience. Now these two sorts of hope mu.st be distinguished ; for the first hope may be accompanied with some doubts of our own salvation, or the rewards of godliness ex parte nosiri, at least ; not ex parte Dei, for there all is sure and steadfast, and to doubt there is a sin ; it would detract from the goodness, power, and truth of God ; but when our qualification is not evident, this doubting may do us good, as it may quicken us to more diligence to make our title more clear and explicate ; especially when we ai'e conscious to ourselves of some notorious defect in our duty, and have a blot upon our evidences; indeed the rather, when more godliness might be expected from us, as having more knowledge or helps, or obliged by calling and profession to greater integrity and holiness of life. Doubting is right when it ariseth from a right and true judgment of our actions according to the new covenant ; and we cannot truly say who hath the greatest interest in us, God or the world, sin or holiness. Would you have men muffle their consciences, and think that they have more grace than they have, or judge their condition to be better than it is, — abso- lutely safe, when they are not persuaded of their sincerity ? Indeed, when conscience judgeth erroneously, and a man thinketh he hath not that godliness which is necessary to salvation, which indeed he hath, he overlooketh God's work, his judgment of himself is erroneous, and therefore culpable ; though it be not unbelief, or a distrust of Christ.
VeR. 24.] SERMONS UPON ROMANS Till. 209
Well then, as to these two hopes —
(1.) That hope which ariseth from faith must every day he more strengthened ; for though there be no faUibility in God's promise, yet our faith may be weak or strong according to our growth and improve- ment ; and in some temptations God's children for a while may question articles of religion of great importance, and the eternal recompenses, not their own interest only; as David: Ps. Ixxiii. 13, 'Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.' As if he had said, What reward is there of holiness, mortification, patience, and self-denial? In the lower world, where God is unseen, our great hopes yet to come, the flesh being importunate to be pleased, and the things of the world necessary for our use, and present to our embraces, christians are not certain and past all doubts of the truth of their ever- lasting hopes, else there would be no weak faith nor faint hope. Did not the disciples in a great temptation doubt of an article of faith ? Luke xxiv. 21, ' But we trusted tlint it had been he which should have redeemed Israel ; ' and ver. 25, ' 0 ye fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken ! ' To doubt of what the prophets spake was not to doubt of their own salvation, but of the constant state of their souls. All the godly are persuaded of the truth of the gospel, that ordinarily they have no considerable doubts about it, but that still they resolve to cleave to God and Christ, looking for their reward in another world, whatever it cost them here, and in some measure can sell all for the pearl of price.
(2.) As to the hope which ariseth from your assurance.
First, Make your sincerity more clear and unquestionable, and every day your hope and your confidence will increase upon you. To believe and hope that you yourselves shall be saved is very desirable and comfort- able ; but then you must do that which assurance calleth for — 'give dili- gence to make your calling and election sure.'abound in the love and work of the Lord, grow more indifferent to temporal things, venture all in Christ's hands ; for while your faith and repentance is obscui'e, you will not have such full comfort, though you are confident of the truth of God's promise to all penitent believers.