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Gospel grounds and
evidences of the faith of God's elect
by John Owen
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 of the Son of God, so it is his
next and great concern to know that he does believe, and that believing
he has eternal life; that his faith is the faith of God's elect, and of
the operation of God: without some distinct believing knowledge of which
he cannot so comfortably assure his heart before God concerning his
calling and election, so far as to carry him forth in all the ways of
holiness, in doing and suffering the will of God with necessary
resolution and cheerfulness; the doing of which in a right manner,
according to the tenor of the gospel, is no small part of spiritual
skill; whereunto two things are highly requisite: 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,that so by comparing his faith, and the fruits thereof, with
the said doctrine of Christ, he may come to see that, as he has receivcd
Christ, so he walks in him: all his reasonings concerning himself being
taken up from the word of God, so that what judgment he passes upon
himself may be a judgment of faith, and answer of a good conscience
towards God; for all the trials of faith must at last be resolved into a
judgment of faith, before which is made, the soul still labours under
staggerings and uncertainties.
The design of this ensuing treatise is to resolve this great question,
whether the faith we profess unto be true or no?--The resolution of
which, upon an impartial inquiry, must needs be very grateful and
advantageous to every one that has but tasted that the Lord is gracious.
That the late reverend, learned, and pious Dr Owen was the author there
needs be no doubt; not only because good assurance is given by such as
were intrusted with his writings, but also in that the style and spirit
running through the other of his practical writings is here very
manifest; and, accordingly, with them is recommended to the serious
perusal of every diligent inquirer into the truth of his spiritual estate
and condition.
Isaac Chauncey
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