Sacred Therapy, Book 2 · Chapter 26
CHAP. XXVI.
Wherein is solved the true converts d…ubt, whether he be regenerat, because he findeth himself not only far from the measure of holinesse which he observeth to have been in the Saints commended in Scripture; but also short of the measure which some of his acquaintance have attained unto.
SOme true converts are, who in the time wherein they are about to strengthen their saith by all means, do fall in comparision of themselves with other converts in the mater of their faith, love, endeavour and attainment of an holy conversation; and finding themselves very short of that measure which not only Saints commended in Scripture have attained unto, but also short of what sundry of their acquaintance have gained and given proof of, sudainly are overtaken with a sad suspicion, that they may be found none of the number of true converts: as for example, when they read what David saith of himself in the Psalmes, and namely in the hundred and nineteen Psalme, they seem to themselves so unlike the copy he hath cast unto them, so far short of that affection to the Word of God, of that faith, of that diligence, of that sincerity, of that patience, of that fortitude in afflictions, and delectation in God, which the practice of this servant of God doth hold forth, that they are ashamed to assume the name of a visible Saint, or faithfull servant of God. And for the same reason, do forbear under this exercise to apply unto themselves the precious promises made to the faithfull servants of God in the Scripture. What am I (saith the afflicted) that I should presume to intrude my self in the number of the Saints? what am I, that I should apply to my self what is promised to true converts and sincere servants of God? Were I such a one as this person, or that person is, I might then, for my consolation, apply promises made unto such Saints; but now I cannot apply their priviledges, except for conviction of my conscience, that I am justly for my unlikenesse unto them, secluded from the promises made unto them, and those that are like unto them.
2. For lousing of this doubt, we must acknowledge, that the comparison of our selves with the rule of perfection holden forth in the Scripture, is to be aimed at by all; and the comparison of our selves with the eminent servants of God, who have attained a great measure of growth in holinesse, is very profitable if it be prudently managed: For, the first comparison teacheth us what we should endeavour to attain, and the other teacheth us what may be by the grace of God attained unto even in this life.
Again, both these comparisons do serve to humble us before God, when we perceive our selves not only short of perfection, which cannot be fully attained unto in this life, but also short of these degrees which may be attained, and have been attained by others in this life, we cannot choose but think the more meanly of our selves, and put down the sailes of self-estimation.
Thirdly, this sort of comparison is profitable to make us more uprightly renounce all confidence in our own inherent righteousnesse, and flye for refuge to the righteousnesse of Christ obedience and satisfaction imputed unto all that believe in him, according as the example of the Apostle Paul who renounced all confidence in his priviledges, performances, sufferings and inherent righteousnesse, counting them all but dung, that he might win Christ and be found in him, not having his own righteousnesse which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ; the righteousnesse which is of God by faith, Phil. 3. 8, 9.
3. But this sort of comparison is dangerous and hurtfull, when it tendeth to discouragment, when it maketh us think little of the measure of Gods grace granted unto us, when it makes us heartlesse in the course of obedience, and hopelesse that we shall attain unto the measure whereunto the Saints have attained.
4. Wherefore let the afflicted strengthen the thing which remaineth and is ready to die, Rev. 3. 2. let him beware lest he quench the smoaking flax, or break the bruised reed, wherein he hath Christs help to look unto, Isa. 42. 3. Again, let the afflicted consider, that there are divers degrees of saving faith, divers degrees of the measure of sanctification and growth in grace; for, some are old men, some young, and strong men, and some babes in Christ, and that the same duties in the same measure, are not to be expected from the tender and weak beginner, which are required of the strong and experimented souldier. 3. Let the afflicted remember, that nothing is given, nor promised, nor done unto the Saints in Scripture or in latter ages for any merit or worthinesse in them, but altogether of free grace: and so much the more should this be remembred, as this doubting of the afflicted, arising from comparison of his condition with the measure of sanctification in others, doth presuppone the contrary, as if God did deal with his children according to the worthinesse of their persons and merit of their good works, which is a false supposition; for, why doth the afflicted cast down his courage and weaken his faith and confidence in God, but for this very cause, that he counteth himself a much more unworthy man, and of lesse merit before God then those Saints were, or are, with whom he hath compared himself? 4. Let the afflicted by so much as he doth preceive himself more unworthy, and more sinfull then those Saints with whom he hath compared himself, thrust himself the more into the bosome of rich grace; let him so much the more lay hold on the imputation of Christs righteousnesse, and cover his nakednesse therewith, and employ Christ by faith so much the more, that out of his fulnesse he may receive grace for grace, and be made able by his Spirit to bring forth more abundant fruits, and come up nearer unto conformity with Christ, and the examples of renouned Saints. 5. Let the afflicted consider, that we must live by rules set down in Scripture, aiming sincerely at obedience of holy precepts, albeit we have not yet come up unto the practice of the rule in that measure, which others have attained unto.