2. The things mentioned, with all of the like nature, which may be multiplied, may be where there is no one spark of saving faith. Simon Magus heard the word, and beheved as well as he could; — Herod heard it, and did many things gladly ; — and all sorts of hypocrites do upon their convictions perform many duties, and abstain from many sins : so as that, notwithstanding this plea, you may perish for ever.
3. Where these things are sincere, they belong unto the exercise of faith; they may be after a sort without faith, but faith cannot be without them. But there is a fundamental act of faith, whereby we close with Christ, whereby we receive liim, that is, in order of nature, antecedent unto its actings in all other duties and occasions; — it is laying the foundation ; other things belong to the building. This is that you are called on to secure ; and you may know it by these two properties : —
1. It is singular. So our Saviour tells the Jews, John vi. 29, " This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." The act, work, or duty of faith, in the receiving of Christ, is a peculiar, singular work, wherein the soul yields especial obedience
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imto God ; — it is not to be reckoned unto such common duties as those mentioned, but the soul must find out wherein it hath in a singular manner closed with Christ upon the command of God.
2. It is accompanied with a universal spiritual change in the whole soul, 2 Cor. V. 1 7, " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Wherefore, if you would not choose rather to deceive and ruin your own souls, come to the trial whether indeed you have received Christ in such a singular, transforming act of faith : do not on such pretences want a compliance with the word of exhortation proposed unto you. But,—
Secondly, Some will say, they know not how to proceed in this work. They can make nothing of it ; they have tried to come to this believing, but do still fail in what they design ; they go on and off, but can make no progress, can come to no satisfaction ; therefore they think it best to let things go in general as they are, without putting themselves to farther trouble, as unto any especial act of faith in the receiving of Christ. This is the language of men's hearts, though not of their mouths, another shelter of unbelief, — and they act accordingly; they have a secret despondency, which keeps them safe from attempt- ing a real closure with Christ on the tender of the Gospel. Something may be offered unto this distempered frame of mind.
1. Remember the disciples that were fishing, and had toiled all night, but caught nothing, Luke v. 3, 4. Upon the coming of Christ unto them, he requires that they should cast out their nets once more ; Peter makes some excuse, from the labour which they had taken in vain all night ; however, he would venture once more, on the command of Christ, and had an astonishing draught of fishes, verses 5-9. Have you been wearied with disappointments in your attempts and resolu- tions ? Yet cast in your net this once more, upon the command of Christ, — venture this once more to come unto him on his call and in- vitation; you know not what success he may give unto you.
2. Consider that it is not failing in this or that attempt of coming to Christ, but a giving over your endeavours, that will be your ruin. The woman of Canaan, in her great outcry to Christ for mercy, Matt. XV. 22, had many a repulse. First, it is said, he answered her not a word; then his disciples desired that he would send her away, that she might not trouble him any more ; whereon he gives a reason why he would not regard her, or why he could justly pass her by ; she was not an Israel itess, unto whom he was sent; — yet she gives not over, but pressing into his presence, cries out for mercy, verse 25. Being come to that issue, to try and draw out her faith to the utmost, which was his design from the beginning, he reckons her among dogs, that were not to have children's bread given unto them. Had she
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now at last given over upon this severe rebuke, she had never ob- tained mercy; but persisting in her request, she at last prevailed, verses 27, 28. It may be you have prayed, and cried, and resolved, and vowed, but all without success, as you suppose; sin hath broken through all: however, if you give not over, you shall prevail at last; you know not at what time God will come in with his grace, and Christ will manifest his love unto you as unto the poor woman, after many a rebuke. It may be, after all, he will do it this day ; and if not, he may do it another: do not despond. Take that word of Christ himself for your encouragement, Prov. viii. 34, " Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." If you hear him, and wait, though you have not yet ad- mission, but are kept at the gates and posts of the doors, yet in the issue you shall be blessed.