To The Reader
TO THE READER
As faith is the first vital act that every true Christian puts forth, and the life which he lives is by the faith in the Son of God,
2 so it is his next and great concern to know that he believes, and that believing, he has eternal life
3 — that his faith is the faith of God's elect, 4 and of the operation of God.
Without some distinct believing knowledge of this, he cannot so comfortably assure his heart before God concerning his calling and election, nor will it be so far as to carry him forward in all the ways of holiness, in doing and suffering the will of God with the necessary resolution and cheerfulness. Doing this in a right manner, according to the tenor of the gospel, is no small part of spiritual skill. Two things are highly requisite to this:
First, that he be well acquainted with the doctrine of Christ, and know how to distinguish the gospel from the law; and,
Secondly, that he be very conversant with his own heart, so that by comparing his faith, and the fruits of it, with that same doctrine of Christ, he may come to see that, as he has received Christ, so he walks in him.
All his reasonings concerning himself are to be taken from the word of God, so that whatever judgment he passes on himself may be a judgment of faith, an answer of a good conscience towards God.
6 For all the trials of faith must at last be resolved into a judgment of faith; and before that judgment is made, the soul still labors under staggerings
7 and uncertainties.
The design of this ensuing treatise is to resolve this great question: Whether the faith we profess is true or not? — The resolution of it, upon an impartial inquiry, must be very grateful and advantageous to everyone who has but tasted that the Lord is gracious.
8 There need be no doubt that the late reverend, learned, and pious Dr. Owen was the author. This is not only because good assurance is given by those who were entrusted with his writings, but also because the style and spirit running through the others of his practical writings is very manifest here. And accordingly, it is recommended with those others, to the serious perusal of every diligent inquirer into the truth about his spiritual estate and condition.
Isaac Chauncey