ny thing else, and
while you are doubting of it, it is more manifest that you have it not,
than any signs or marks can be able to make it appear that you have it. If
any would labour to convince a blind man that he saw the light, and gave
him signs and tokens of the lights shining, the blind man could not
believe him, for it is more certain to himself that he sees not, that any
evidence can make the contrary probable. You are still wishing and seeking
such a faith as puts all out of question. Now, when ministers bring any
marks to prove you have true faith, it cannot satisfy or settle you,
because your very questioning proves that ye have not that which ye
question. If you had such a persuasion, you would not question it. So
then, as long as you are in that mistake concerning the true nature of
faith, all the signs of the word cannot settle you. But I say, if once you
understood the true nature of faith, it would be more clear in itself unto
you, than readily marks and signs could make it especially in the time of
temptation. If you would know, then, what it is indeed, consider what the
word of God holds out concerning himself, or us, and the solid belief of
that in the heart hath something of the nature of saving faith in it. The
Lord gives a testimony concerning man, that he is "born in sin," that he
is "dead in sin," and all his "imaginations are only evil continually."
Now, I say, to receive this truth into the soul, upon God's testimony, is
a point of faith. The Lord in his word "concludes all under sin" and
wrath, so, then, for a soul to conclude itself also under sin and wrath is
a point of faith. Faith is the soul's testimony to God's truth, the word
is God's testimony. Now then, if a soul receive this testimony within,
whether it be law or gospel, it is an act of faith. If a soul condemn
itself, and judge itself, that is a setting to our seal that God is true
who speaks in his law, and so it is a believing in God. I say more to
believe with the heart that we cannot believe, is a great point of sound
belief, because it is a sealing of that word of God,--"The heart is
desperately wicked," and "of ourselves we can do nothing." Now, I am
persuaded, if such souls knew this, they would put an end to their many
contentions and wranglings about this point, and would rather bless God
that hath opened their eyes to see themselves, than contend with him for
that they have no faith. It is light only that discovers darkness, a