FourMy, The last evidence specified of true faith is the evangelical repentance which it produces. Weanedness from the world, the lively remembrance of sin, a becoming intensity of godly sorrow on account of it, and other spiritual duties, are described as essential elements in the penitential feelings and exercises of those who really believe unto salvation.
The treatise indicates an acquaintance with the true philosophy of human nature, thorough knowledge of the world, and of man individually, as he takes the hue of his character fi"om surrounding objects and social influences, and that depth of Christian expeiuence in which our author has perhaps rarely been ex- celled. He shines in the anatomy of human motives; and while he goes deeply into the subjective workings of faith, he is always keenly alive to the objective realities of evangelical truth. The Christian reader will find this treatise an admirable manual for self-examination. — Ed.
TO THE READER.
As faith is the first vital act that every true Christian puts forth, and the life which he lives is by the faith of the Son of God, so it is his next and great con- cern to know that he doth believe, and that believing he hath eternal life; that his faith is the faith of God's elect, and of the operation of God: Avithout some distinct believing knowledge of which he cannot so comfortably assure his heart before God concerning his calling and election, so far as to carry him forth in all the ways of holiness, in doing and suffering the will of God with necessary resolution and cheerfulness ; the doing of which in a right manner, according to the tenor of the gospel, is no small part of spiritual skill; whereunto two things are highly re- quisite: first, That he be well acquainted with the doctrine of Christ, and know how to distinguish the gospel from the law ; and, secondly. That he be very con- versant with his own heart, that so by comparing his faith, and the fruits thereof, with the said doctrine of Christ, he may come to see that, as he hath received Christ, so he walks in him : all his reasonings concerning himself being taken up from the word of God, so that what judgment he passeth upon himself may be a judgment of faith, and answer of a good conscience towards God; for all the trials of faith must at last be resolved into a judgment of faith, before which is made, tb.e soul still labours under staggerings and uncertainties.
The design of this ensuing treatise is to resolve this great question, Whether the faith we profess unto be true or no ? — the resolution of which, upon an impar- tial inquiry, must needs be very grateful and advantageous to every one that hath but tasted that the Lord is gracious. That the late reverend, learned, and pious Dr Owen was the author there needs be no doubt; not only because good assur- ance is given by such as were intrusted with his writings, but also in that the style and spirit running through the other of his practical writings is here very manifest ; and, accordingly, with them is recommended to the serious perusal of every diligent inquirer into the truth of his spiritual estate and condition.
Isaac Chauncey."
' Isaac Chauncey, M.A. and M.D., was pastor of the Bury Street congreg-ation, London, from 1687 to 1702. It was the conf:refration of which Dr Owen had the charge in 1()83, wlien he died. Dr Chauncey was the son of Mr Chauncey, President of Harvard College, New England, and had been ejerte4 from the living of Woodhorough, M'iltshire, at the time of the Restoration. On de- niitting the charge of his congregation in 1687, he was sucieede<l by the celebrated Ur I. Watts. He was subsequently appointed tutor in a new academical institution at Ilomcrton, London, — the s.ime institution which has acquired widespread celebrity under the able and honoured presi- dency of the Rev. John Pje Smith, D.D. — Ed.
EVIDENCES
THE FAITH OF GOD'S ELECT.
The securing of the spiritual comforts of believers in this life is a matter of the highest importance unto the glory of God, and their own advantage by the gospel. For God is abundantly willing that all the heirs of promise should receive strong consolation, and he hath provided ways and means for the communication of it to them ; and their participation of it is their principal interest in this world, and is so esteemed by them. But their effectual refreshing enjoyment of these comforts is variously opposed by the power of the remainders of sin, in conjunction with other temptations. Hence, notwithstand- ing their right and title unto them by the gospel, they are ofttimes actually destitute of a gracious sense of them, and, consequently, of that relief which they are suited to afford in all their duties, trials, and afflictions. Now, the root whereon all real comforts do grow, whence they spring and arise, is true and saving faith, — the faith of God's elect. Wherefore they do ordinarily answer unto, and hold proportion with, the evidences which any have of that faith in them- selves; at least, they cannot be maintained without such evidences. Wherefore, that we may be a little useful imto the establishment or recovery of that consolation which God is so abundantly willing that all the heirs of promise should enjoy, I shall inquire, What are the 'principal acts and operatioyis of faith, luhereby it will evidence its truth and sincerity in the midst of all temptations and storms that may befall believers in this world? and I shall insist on such alone as will bear the severest scrutiny by Scripture and experience. And, — The principal genuine acting of saving faith in us, inseparable from it, yea, essential to such acting, consists in the choosing, embracing, and approbation of God's way of saving sinners, by the mediation of Jesus Christ, relying thereon, ivith a renunciation of all other ways and means pretending unto the same end of salvation.