Aye, but my faith is weak.
1. I answer, The office of faith is to knit to Christ, and the weakest faith will do that, as well as the strongest : and when we are once one with Chi'ist, then our perfection is to be found in him. It is the ofiice of faith to bring us to Christ ; and then to look to him for all perfections and for thy title to heaven, and not to faith ; and true faith is faith even in the least degree of it. As we say of the elements, eveiy drop of water is water, and every spark of fire is fire. And, therefore, the argument wiU not hold, if we have not much faith, we have no faith ; or if we have no feeling, we have no faith. There are many common errors which we must remove, that they may not hinder us in the application of Christ, by distinguishing between strong grace and true grace ; and, above all, labour to know and understand the covenant of grace ; the tenor of which requireth no set measures of grace ; but ' if we believe, we shall not perish, but have ever- lasting life,' under so gracious and merciful a covenant are we.
2. But this is not sufficient to satisfy the soul. The very cleaving to Christ is indeed a sufiicient ground of comfort, but yet to obtain actual comfort, there must be a knowledge that ive do cleave to Christ, and believe. There may be adherence without evidence ; and there must be an act of reflection to cause faith of evidence. It must appear to ourselves that we do believe before we can have comfort, though we may be true Christians, and go to heaven without it. Therefore, let us labour * to make our call- ing and election sure,' 2 Pet. i. 10 ; that is, in ourselves, and in our own apprehension. Though it be never so sure in itself, and in God's breast, yet we must labour to make it sure in our own breasts ; that sin may be pardoned in our own consciences ; that all may be reconciled in our own hearts ; that what is done in heaven may be done in our own hearts alsc being cleared to our own assurance. You see what advice the apostle gives
* Give all dihgence.' It is not got without diligence, nor without * all dih- gence, to make our calling and election sure,' that is, to make our election
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sure by our calling, and to that end ' to add grace to grace,' 2 Pet, i. 5. It is the growing Christian that is the assured Christian. Whilst wo are yet adding to every heap, ' we shall get more abundant entrance,' 2 Pet. i. 11, and fui'ther into tho kingdom of Jesus Christ, as the apostle there speaks.
3. And when we have attained any evidence of true faith, labour to heep that our evidence clear. Let it not be spotted or defiled by any sinful acts. You have many a good evidence that is so blurred with negligences, and daily errors in speeches and conversation, that when they reflect upon themselves they conclude. Can such a wretch as I, that have so loose a tongue, that have no more watchfulness over my heart, have any faith at all ? And thus God doth suspend their comforts so, that though they may be in a good estate for the main, yet they shall not know it ; and all because they- are not careful to keep their evidence, which we should preserve clear and bright, that it might be seen and read upon all occasions. And we should so keep them bright, that our consciences may witness with us, and that the Spirit and the word may join their witness with our consciences. The word saith, ' that he that loves the brethren is translated to life,' 1 John ii. 10, and he that hears the word, as the word, is Chiist's sheep. Now, doth thy conscience tell thee, that though in weak measure, yet I do so ? Then, here is the word, and thy conscience for thee. And doth the Spirit wit- ness with thy conscience that it is so indeed ? Then it is well. Thou keep- est thy evidence to purpose.
4. And when we have done this, let us make conscience not to yield to any base doubts, and fears, and objections of Satan, and our own hearts. When we find any work of grace, deny not the work of God, lest we grieve the Spirit of God ; as some melancholy Christians, that though every man may see the work of God in them, yet yield so slavishly to the misgivings of their hearts, and the temptations of Satan, that they conclude they have no faith, no love ; though other Christians that can read their evidence bet- ter, see that they have these in them. What dishonoui* is this to God and his Spirit, when a dark humour shall prevail more than the word, the tiTith itself ? This is a great bondage which Satan brings the soul into : that when there is e"sddence of faith in the fruits of it, yet men will believe a peevish humour, before the word and testimony of conscience, enlightened by the Spirit. Take heed of it as a great pride in the heart, when we yield more to a sturdy, dark, unsubdued humoiu', than to evidence itself.