I have known persons to be troubled by the above words. They have not been conscious of any marked change in themselves, and in their heart they question if they have been born again. For years, perhaps even from childhood, they were more or less concerned about their salvation They have prayed, read the Bible, and listened attentively to the preaching of the gospel, yet lack assurance.

Now, I desire to say for the comfort of such persons that probably they have for a long time had faith without the assurance of it. It is certain, at least, that they have been under the restraining and governing influence of the Holy Spirit; and the work of grace is carried on so quietly and gradually within that they must not expect those overwhelming experiences in their conversion of which they have heard in some others.

Some of the brightest Christians it has been my privilege to meet could not tell the day, nor the month, nor the year when they were born anew. The Bible furnishes instances of persons regenerated in early childhood, and sanctified from their mother's womb. It is not by visions or extraordinary experiences that the children of God are manifested, but "by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20); and I trust the evidence we are now considering will excite joy and not terror in more than one sad heart.

The Scriptures declare that the carnal or unrenewed mind is "enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be;" and, "those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh" (Romans 8:5,7). It follows, therefore, that the unregenerate person leaves God out of his plans and aims-- he does not even like to think about Him.

But the sincere believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is led by the Spirit of adoption to filial [family] reverence toward God, so that he is enabled to cry, "Abba, Father."

Now remember that faith looks not at one's self but to Christ.