Litchfield enquirer., 1833-10-10
FOR THE LiTcHFfELD ENQUIRER. CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE.

On what grounds christian be assured of his acceptance with God tErongh Lord Jesus Christ? Many endeavor 10 arrive at satisfactory of their acceptance with God, by carefully examining their regiode sentiments and feelings and by pro- cess oG reasoning come to a satisfactory concuson. This conceive to be impossible. They may arrive at PrObabi,ys they may be enabled to, hope; but never can he assured so to banish and keep away all doubts. Bu, this course they propose to add the fruits of their good sentiments and feelings; aud in course time deducA from their religious conduct the much desired assurance. But this effort fails. The probability may he increased hu; the soul cannot be assured of it's acceptance with God through the Ss- yeur by dhese means. There is but one way appoin- ted attain is much desired assurance; and t,a, s by tue testimony of fhe Holy Spri, wlh spirits. that we are the children of God. This testimony is not feeling. hut is independent of it and prior il,
 though gracious religious feelings called in the scrp- lures joy and pence in the Holy Spirit, follow upon the Spiri, witnessing in the heart assuring ihe soul of s acceptance. "The Spirit itself beareih Wiiness with oar spirits that arethe children of God" Now, this Holy Spirit is positive, inteigenif active Being, pro- ceedng from the Father and the Son tg the heart of the peUisent sinner regeneraie ii, upon his beev- ing in the Lord Jesus Christ and testify in it o the fact of this regeneration. This testimony called the scitness the Spirit, and the language of the witness in the hear, is-ABBA FATHER.
 This s the exclamation ol the newly regenerafed heart, and arises from any feelings for these o
 tolc the discovery made by the testimony of the Spirit, but from the of tho Holy Spirit that he is
 child God. Every person upon regeneration is scious of some change; is telt; hat every person does not apprehehd the nature o this change, ds tinctly undersiand the 2wtness in the heart. Many persons from the force of education and habit ofihnk- ing have settled it in their minds that there is no such inward testimony, and that il is impossible for kRow his sins forgiven and be assured of his accep- l iance with God. Heace they misapprehend the wit- ness of the Spirit in their own hearts. They are sometimes caTried away with strong and animaiins hopes len cast downty distressing doubts and fears
 housands pass their lives away in this painfd aiierna ,on of hope and fear, and arrive the oftheir acceptance with God. Though there may be no-
 thing finally fatal this kadof experience yet there is much than is dangerous and painful. h those hours "i depression, despair may come in like food, and iempiaion prevail. Whereas this gracious assurance of which we speak, hanishes all darkness; and the Christian is enabled to walk in the light as he isin the light" Such onsss sls ssy sness
 through manifold iemptaiions,' bas in s.arkness Tie witness in his hear is source or light which canno, be obscured. Under tie gracious beams he walks rejoicing in she hope Of tho glory of God" He becomes rooted and grounded in love, and is easily " moved away from the hope of the gospel"