470 SUMMARY OF DOCTRINAL AND [CHAP. III. 12.
by these, it is required that we consider and be well acquainted with our own condition. (2.) That we consider what peculiar impressions of his will God puts upon any of his works. 21. The greater evi- dence that God gives of his power and goodness in any of his works, the louder is his voice in them, and the greater is the sin of them that neglect them. 22. The end of all God’s works, of his mighty works of providence, towards a person, a church, or @ nation, is to bring to faith and dependence. 23. God is pleased ofttimes to grant great outward means to those in whom he will not work effectually by his grace. 24. No privilege, no outward means of grace, no other advantages whatever, will secure men in a course of sinning from the wrath and justice of God. 25, There are determinate bounds fixed unto God’s patience and forbearance towards obstinate sinners. 26. The heart of God is greatly concerned in the sins of men, espe- cially of those who on any.account are his people, and so esteemed. 27. In all the sins of men, God principally regards the prineiple, that is the heart. 28. The error of the heart in preferring the ways of sin before obedience, with its promises and rewards, is the root of all great provoking sins and rebellions against God. 29. A constant persisting in a course of sin, is the utmost, highest, and last aggra- vation of sin. 380. None despise or desert the ways of God but those that know them not. 381. When God expresseth great indignation in himself against sin, it is to teach men the greatness of sin in them-_ selves. 32. God gives the same firmitude and stability unto his threatenings that he doth unto his promises. 33. When men have provoked God by their impenitency to decree their punishment irrevocably, they will find severity in the execution. 34 It is the presence of God alone that renders any place or condition good or desirable.
Ver. 12.—1. There is need of great care, heedfulness, watchfulness, and circumspection, for a due continuance in our profession, to the glory of God and advantage of our own souls. 2. Godly jealousy concerning, and watchfulness over the whole body, that no begin- nings of backslidings from Christ and the gospel be found amongst them, is the duty of all churches, of all believers. 3. It is the duty of every individual believer to be intent on all occasions, lest at any time, or by any means, there should be found in him an evil heart . of unbelief. Unbelief rejects the peculiar doctrines of the gospel; such as,—(1.) That Jesus of Nazareth, poor and despised as he was in the world, was the Son of God, the Saviour of the world, and is both Lord and Christ. (2.) That by the obedience, death, and blood-shedding of this same Jesus, who was crucified and slain, are redemption, forgiveness of sins, deliverance from the wrath to come, righteousness, and acceptation with God, to be obtained, and by him
CHAP. III. 15.] PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 471
only. (3.) That the way and means whereby forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and acceptance with God for sinners, is obtained by this Jesus Christ, is, that by the sacrifice of himself, his death, and blood-shedding, with the punishment for sin which he voluntarily underwent, God was atoned, his justice satisfied, and his law ful- filled; and that because he had ordered, in his infinite wisdom and sovereignty, with the will and consent of Christ himself, to charge all the sin of all the elect upon him, and to accept of his obedience for them, he undertaking to be their Surety and Redeemer. 4. The root of all backsliding, of all apostasy, whether it be notional or practical, partial or total, lies in unbelief. 5. The malignity and venom of sin is apt to hide itself under many, under any shades and pretences. 6. The best way to antidote the soul against sin, is to represent it unto the mind in its true nature and tendency. 7. Who- ever departs from the observance of the gospel and the institutions thereof, doth in so doing depart from the living God. 8. Whena heart is made evil by unbelief, it is engaged in a course of sinful defection, of revolt from the living God.
Ver. 13.—1. Sedulous mutual exhortation is an eminent means to obviate and prevent the design of the deceitfulness of sin. 2. Gospel duties have an effectual efficacy attending them in their special sea-. sons. 8. We have but an uncertain season for the due performance of most certain duties. 4. The deceit which is in sin, and which is inseparable from it, tends continually to the hardening of the heart.
Ver. 14.—1. Union with Christ is the principle and measure of all spiritual enjoyments and expectations. 2. Constancy and stead- fastness in believing is the great touchstone, trial, and evidence of union with Christ, or a participation of him, (1.) There are many appearing evidences of union with Christ that may and do fail. (2.) There may be certain and undeceiving evidences of a present participation of Christ. (38.) No grace, no sign or mark, will any longer or any further be an evidence or testimony in this matter, but only as the soul is effectually influenced unto perseverance thereby. (4) Perseverance is an evidence of union in that it is an effect of it. (5.)/\ Whatever profession hath been made by any, whatever fruits of it have been brought forth, whatever continuance in it there hath been, if it fail totally, it is sufficient evidence that those who haye made it were never partakers of Christ. 3. Persist- ency in our subsistence in Christ unto the end is a matter of great endeavour and diligence, and that unto all believers. 4, Not only our profession and existence in Christ, but the gracious beginnings of it also, are to be secured with~Great spiritual care and industry.