INTRODUCTION. 業 Perseverance is necessary to salvation: "He that endureth to the end shall be saved." It is of infinite importance to the believer, to know on whom he must depend for perseverance in faith, holiness, and comfort; and in what manner it is to be sought, and obtained. The more God is engaged, and the more he does, for preserving the saints, the more certain will their salvation be, and the more will they abound in holiness and comfort. For all God's engagements, and exertions, have a tendeney to promote the holiness and happiness of his people. Hence the direct tendency of the doctrine of perseverance when correctly stated, and rightly understood, is, to promote holiness of heart and life. It will animate the believer to diligence in the use of all the means of grace, and produce humility, dependence upon God, steadfast adherence to Christ, and the hope of eternal glory. It should always be remembered, that man was made to enjoy communion with his maker. This favour he enjoyed in the garden of paradise. By sin, the happiness was forfeited, and lost. But what was lost in Adam, is restored through Jesus Christ. In him the tribes of Adam boast, more blessings than their Father lost. The privilege of communion with God, is not only restored, but rendered more endearing, placed on a better foundation, and secured with greater certainty. God, through Christ, has "fixed our standing more secure than 'twas before we fell." Our first chapter shews the manner in which God restores man to the enjoyment of himself. If you, my dear reader, have been brought in this manner to the enjoyment of communion with God, as your covenant God in Christ, you will derive such pleasure from the divine favour, as will make you earnestly desirous of enjoying this felicity, not only for a short space of time upon earth, but for ever in the kingdom of heaven. Nothing will be more tormenting than the thought of being seperated from your God, the only source of true happiness. B The second chapter proves, that if the whole Trinity can prevent, the seperation never shall be effected, but you shall enjoy communion with your God for ever and ever! How richly and abundantly, has the Lord provided for the comfort, support, and establishment of his people! He says to the fearful heart, "Be strong, fear not:"-Is. 35. 4. The christian being thus delivered from a slavish tormenting fear and unbelief, so dishonourable to God. and destructive to his own peace and comfort; and being established in the truth of the gospel-he is then directed, by what means the work of grace is carried on in the soul, and holy communion with God preserved in this world, until consummated in glory. Here we have taken a general view of the sacred scriptures, as containing every thing requisite for knowledge, faith, practice, and enjoyment. And though we have been necessarily limited in our citations from this blessed book; yet, since whatever is brought from this treasure is pure gold, refined seven times in the fire, it is exceedingly precious, of infinite value, and will greatly enrich the believer, who treasures it up in his heart, and turns it into prayer, under the influence of the Holy Spirit. To those who are conversant with the scriptures, a word or phrase cited, will bring to their recollection a verse, a passage, or an extensive subject, and thus furnish abundance of matter for reflection, prayer, direction, and consolation. Hereby the christian will be assisted in his walk with God. The believer is next directed to consider, and admire the wonderful display of the divine perfections of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the great and glorious work of redemption; and also animated to pursue his christian course. The sinner is encouraged to listen to the invitations of love and mercy, and look to the Redeemer for a full and complete salvation. The saint is urged forward to obtain the full assurance of faith and hopeto preserve the unspeakable previlege when acquired-and to live more entirely, and unreservedly to the glory of God. That you, my dear reader, may derive much spiritual profit from this work of faith, and labour of love,—let it be read with a deep sensibility of your own insufficiency and unworthiness; with an entire dependence upon God for divine teaching; with earnest prayer, that the truth may not only engage the understanding, but be brought home with power to the heart, and excite into exercise all the graces of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord condescend to bless this work, that you may be edified, comforted, and established, and himself eternally glorified, through Jesus Christ his beloved Son. Amen. CONTENTS. CHAP. I. The state and character of the Persons, with the nature of the perseverance...... CHAP. II. The Arguments for the Saints perseverance,... 3-15 15 5. The Covenant of grace, and the Promises............ 36 6. The Residence and influence of the Holy Spirit, 39 7. The declaration of inspired men, and of Jesus 4. Humble, diligent, and dependant use of the means Sacred Scriptures,.................................................... .58—141.. |