Indeed, was there no other reward attended a thorough conversion, but that peace of GOD, which is the unavoidable consequence of it, and which, even in this life, “passeth all understanding,” we should have great reason to rejoice. But when we consider, that this is the least of those mercies GOD has prepared for those that are in CHRIST, and become new creatures; that, this is but the beginning of an eternal succession of pleasures; that the day of our deaths, which the unconverted, unrenewed sinner must so much dread, will be, as it were, but the first day of our new births, and open to us an everlasting scene of happiness and comfort; in short, if we remember, that they who are regenerate and born again, have a real title to all the glorious promises of the gospel, and are infallibly certain of being as happy, both here and hereafter, as an all-wise, all-gracious, all-powerful GOD can make them; methinks, every one that has but the least concern for the salvation of his precious and immortal soul, having such promises, such an hope, such an eternity of happiness set before him, should never cease watching, praying, and striving, till he find a real, inward, saving change wrought in his heart, and thereby doth know of a truth, that he dwells in CHRIST, and CHRIST in him; that he is a new creature, therefore a child of GOD; that he is already an inheritor, and will ere long be an actual possessor of the kingdom of heaven.
Which GOD of his infinite mercy grant, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.
To whom, &c.