Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3
1637-02-24
Mr. Cotton concerning the soules closinge with Christ in a Conditionall promise, as in that of math: 11th
Come to me all yee that labour etc. and I will give you rest
1: The common error was this that a soule being laden and labouring vnder sin, thinks that hereby it deserves rest etc. 2: another sorte finding themselves thus laden yet think that rest is heere offered them and so they take it to themselves; but such peace will not holde.
2: The right way of closing with this promise is thus: the soule thus labouring vnder the burden of sin, attends to the promise which consists of 2 Conditions, 1 is of its misery, which it is sensible off, and the 2 is of Comming to Christ or beleeving in him. heere the soul is at a losse, finding it impossible by its owne strength to beleeve, yet having some support from Christs invitation of those who come in such a labouring Condition, it hanges vpon the promise meditating vpon it, sighinge and groaninge and prayinge as it can over it, with earnest longings after Christ and so wayting for rest, in this way the spirit of God works Faith in the soul, and therewith it is brought to Christ and so findeth rest For Faith and Christ come both at one instant Christ lays holde of the Soul, and works faith
W. 1. 116.