promise, as God casteth up men's sins to them who are meddling with his covenant: "What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth?" &c. that is the thing which doth hinder the knowledge of a gracious state; let it go, and it will be more easy to reach the knowledge of an interest in Christ.

The third thing which hindereth the knowledge of an interest in Christ in many, is, a spirit of sloth and careless negligence. They complain that they know not whether they be in Christ or not: but as few take pains to be in him, so take few pains to try if they be in him. It is a work and business which cannot be done sleeping: "Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves: know ye not your own selves?" &c. The several words used there, namely, examine, prove, know— say that there is a labour in it: "Diligence must be used to make our calling and election sure.” It is a business above flesh and blood: the "holy anointing which teacheth all things," must make us "know the things freely given to us of God." "Shall the Lord impart a business of such great concern, and not so much as to" be inquired after to do it for men?” Be ashamed, you who spend who spend so much time in reading romances, in adorning your persons, in hawking and hunting, in consulting the law concerning your outward state in the world, and it may be in worse things than these; be ashamed you that spend so little time in the search of this, Whether ye be an heir of glory or not? whether you be in the way that leadeth to heaven, or that way which will land you

in darkness for ever? You who judge this below you, and unworthy of your pains any part or minute of your time, it is probable, in God's account, you have judged yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, so that you shall have no lot with God's people in

this matter.

The fourth thing that darkens the knowledge of an interest in Christ is, men do not condescend upon what would satisfy them. They complain that God will not show unto them what he is about to do with them, but yet cannot say they know what would satisfy concerning his purpose. This is a sad thing. Shall we think those are serious who have never as yet pitched on what would satisfy them, nor are making earnest inquiry after what should satisfy? If the Lord had left us in the dark in that matter, we were less inexcusable; but since the grounds of satisfaction, and the true marks of an interest in Christ, are so clear and frequent in Scripture, and so "many things written, that cur joy may be full;" and "that those who believe may know that they have eternal life;" and since "he that believeth hath the witness of it in himself,” none can pretend excuse here. We shall not here insist to show what may and should satisfy concerning our interest, since we are to speak directly of it afterwards.

The fifth thing that helpeth much to keep men in the dark respecting their interest in Christ is, they pitch upon some mutable grounds, which are not so apposite proofs of the truth of an interest in Christ, as of the comfortable state of a triumphing soul sailing before the wind; and marks, which I grant

are precious in themselves, and do make out an interest clearly where they are; yet they are such as without which an interest in Christ may be, and be known also in a good measure. We shall touch on

a few of them.—

1st, Some think that all who have a true interest in him are above the prevailing power of every sin: but this is contrary to that of the Psalmist: "Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions thou shalt purge them away:" where we find that holy man laying just claim to pardon, in the case of prevailing iniquity; and that of Paul, where he thanketh God through Christ, as freed from the condemnation of the law, even while a law in his members leadeth captive unto sin.

2nd, Some think that all true saints have constantly access unto God in prayer, and sensible returns of prayer at all times; but this is contrary to the many sad experiences of his people, complaining often that they are not heard nor regarded of God: "How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?" "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the day-time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent."

3rd, Some think that all who have any true interest in him have God witnessing it unto them, by a high operation of that witnessing Spirit of his, spoken of: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God:"

whereof afterwards: and so they still suspect their own interest in Christ, because of the want of this. But they do not remember that they must first believe and give credit to that "record which God hath given of his Son, that there is life enough in him" for men; and then look for the seal and witness of the Spirit: "In whom, after ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," &c. As long as people hold fast these principles, and the like, they can hardly come to the knowledge of their gracious state, which God hath warranted people to prove and clear up to themselves, otherways than by these foresaid things.

SECT. III. Some Mistakes concerning an Interest in Christ removed.

THE Fifth thing to be premised is, The removal of some mistakes into which people may readily run themselves, when they are about to prove their interest in Christ.

As, 1. It is a mistake to think that every one who is in Christ doth know that he is in him; for many are truly gracious, and have a good title to eternal life, who do not know so much, until it be made out afterwards: "These things are written to believers, that they may know they have a true title to eternal life;" that is, that they may know they are believers, and so it is supposed they knew it not before.

2. It is a mistake to think that all who come to

the knowledge of their interest in Christ do attain an equal certainty about it. One may say, "He is persuaded nothing present, or to come, can separate him from the love of God;" another cometh but this length, "I believe, help my unbelief."

3. It is a mistake to think that every one who attains a strong persuasion of his interest doth always hold there; for he who to-day may say of the Lord, "He is his refuge," and "his portion," will at another time say, "He is cut off," and will ask, "If the truth of God's promise doth fail for ever

more ?"

4. It is also a mistake to think that every one who attains a good knowledge of their gracious state, can formally answer all objections made to the contrary; but yet they may hold fast the conclusion, and say, I know whom I have believed." There are few grounds of the Christian religion, of which many people are so persuaded, as that they are able to maintain them formally against all arguments brought to the contrary; and yet they may and will hold the conclusion steadfastly and justly: so it is in this case

in hand.

5. It is no less a mistake to imagine, that the vain groundless confidence, which many profane ignorant Atheists maintain, is this knowledge of an interest in Christ which we plead for. Many do falsely avow him to be their Father;" and many look for heaven who will be beguiled with the foolish virgins." Yet we must not think, because of this, that all knowledge of an interest is