Heaven on earth by Thomas Brooks (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 5 (Shewing the several ways and means of gaining a well-grounded assurance) by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'I shall begin with the first, and shew you what that knowledge is that accompanies salvation, that comprehends salvation, that touches upon salvation; and that I shall open in these following particulars: (1.) The first property. That knowledge that accompanies salvation is a working knowledge, an operative knowledge...'
Now we begin a rather lengthy chapter on the means of gaining a well-grounded assurance.
Brooks teaches that if ever you will attain to assurance then:
(i) be much in the exercise and actings of grace;
(ii) mind your work more than your wages; you must be better at obeying than disputing; at doing, at walking, than at talking and wrangling;
(iii) be kind to the Spirit, hear his voice, follow his counsel, live up to his laws;
(iv) be sincere, be diligent and constant in assuring ordinances;
(v) wisely and seriously observe what gift of God there is in thee, that brings thee within the compass of the promises of eternal mercy;
(vi) be much, yea, to excel in those choice particular things that may clearly and fully difference and distinguish you, not only from the profane, but also from the highest and most glistering hypocrites in all the world;
(vii) grow and increase more and more in grace;
(viii) take your hearts when they are in the best and most spiritual frame and temper God-wards, heavenwards and holiness-wards;
(ix) make a diligent inquiry whether thou hast those things that do accompany eternal salvation (knowledge, faith, repentance, obedience, love, prayer, perseverance).
In subsequent weeks, we will see the ninth point expanded on.
I loved Brook's description of what it means to hunger for righteousness: 'Real hungerings and thirstings after Christ and his righteousness, &c., will put the soul upon lively endeavours. If they are true-born desires, they will not make the soul idle but active ; not negligent but diligent, in the use of all holy means, whereby the soul may enjoy Christ and his righteousness : Isa. xxvi. 9, ' With my soul have I desired thee in the night, yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early.' Real desires will make us earnest and early in seeking to obtain the thing desired, as the Hebrew word imports. A thirsty man will not only long for drink, but labour for it ; the condemned man will not only desire his pardon, but he will write, and entreat, and weep, and set this friend and that to solicit for him ; the covetous man doth not only wish for wealth, but will rise early and go to bed late, he will turn every stone, and make attempts upon all hopeful opportunities, whereby he may fill his bags and fill his barns. Even so, all holy desires will put souls upon the use of the means, whereby the mercy desired may be gained. And thus to run, is to attain ; thus to will, is to work ; thus to desire, is to do the will of our Father, who accepts of pence for pounds, of mites for millions.'
If you really want Christ's righteousness, you will pursue it. Sadly we far too often sit idly by as though Christ's righteousness was not worth pursuing.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 5 (Shewing the several ways and means of gaining a well-grounded assurance) by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'Now, the second thing that I am to shew you is, what that faith is that accompanies salvation.'
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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