A Fiery Pillar of Heavenly Truth, Chapter 5
CHAP. V.
Question.
VVHat is the fourth step by which God proceedeth in the worke of mans salvation?
Answ. Justification.
Quest. What is Justification?
Answ. It is a gracious action of God, whereby he imputeth the righteousnesse of Christ to all true beleevers, and for the merit of Christ freely absolveth them from all their sinnes, and reputeth them just unto life. Rom. 3.22.24. 2 cor. 5.21. Psalm. 32.1.2.
Quest. How manifold is justification?
Answ. Twofold. Legall. Rom. 2.13 Evangelicall. Rom. 5.18.
Quest What is the matter of our justification?
Answ. Christs active and passive obedience: together with his originall righteousnesse. Gal. 3.10. Rom. 5.19.
Quest. How is Christs originall Righteousnesse a part of his satisfaction, and of our Justification?
Answ. I. Christs originall Righteousnesse answers our originall sinne.
II. The law requires not only actuall obedience, but also originall, and full conformity.
III. Whole Christ is ours, and whatsoever he was made, whatsoever he did, or was, that he was made, that he did and was for us. Isa. 9 6. 1 Cor. 1.30.
Quest. Is the active obedience of Christ necessary to our lustification, as well as his passive?
Ans. Yes. For,
I. As Christs passive obedience was necessary for the expiation of our sin, so his active obedience is necessary for the obtaining of life eternall.
II. As the law bindeth to punishment, threatning death to them that transgresse it. Deuter. 27.26. So it bindeth to obedience, promising life to them that keep it. Levit. 18.5. Luk. 10.28.
III. As Christs passive obedience answers mans guilt of Sin, and damnation: so his active obedience answers mans want of Righteousnesse. Rom. 3.22.
Quest. What are the parts of Iustification?
Answ. Two:
I. The Imputation of Christs Righteousnesse, whereby the Beleever hath his sin covered, and is accepted as just in the sight of God. Philip. 3.8, 9, 10.
II. Remission of sin, whereby the Beleever is freed from the guilt, and punishment of sin. Col. 1.21.22. 1 Pet. 2.24.
Quest. What is the moving cause of mans Iustification?
Ans. The inward moving cause is Gods mercy, Rom. 3.24. the outward moving cause is the merit and efficacie of Christs active and passive obedience. 1 Ioh. 1.7. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19.
Quest. What is the formall cause?
Answ. The Imputation of Christs Righteousnesse. 2 Cor. 5.2. 1 Cor. 1.30. Iere. 23.5.
Quest. What is the instrumentall cause of our Iustification?
Answ. A lively faith, laying hold on the Righteousnesse of Christ. Rom. 3.28.
Quest. Doth faith alone justifie us?
Answ. Faith is alone in the act of justifying; but not alone in the heart and life of the justified person. Rom. 3.28. Iam. 2.17. Ephes. 2.8, 9, 10. Gal. 5.6.
Quest. What is Faith?
Ans. It is a holy and stedfast resting of the heart upon God in Christ, as the only and alsufficient Author of salvation, and life eternall, Isai. 10.20. Psal. 37.3, 4, 5. Rom. 10.11. 2 Cor. 3 4. 2 cor. 5.6, 7, 8. Deut. 30.20.
Quest. What is the nature of Faith in generall?
Ans. To cleave unto the Lord, and to cast our selves, and our burthen upon him in all estates. Ios. 23.8. Acts 11.23. 1 Cor. 6.17. Psal. 55.22. Psal. 62.8. 1 Pet. 5.7.
Quest. What doth the nature of Faith more particularly comprehend under it?
Ans. I. Knowledge of that which God hath proposed to be beleeved. 1 Ioh. 4.16. Io. 10.38. Jo. 17.3.
II. Assent to the profer of grace. Io. 3.33.
III. A pious affection towards God, whence ariseth a high estimation of the promise of life, and a base account of all things in comparison of the love of God in Christ. Deut. 4.4. Deut. 11.22. Cant. 1.2. Psal. 63.3.
IIII. An earnest desire after the happinesse revenled in the Gospel. Isai. 55.1. Gal. 5.5. Luke 2.25.
V. A resting upon God in Christ, for the obtaining of that good which he hath proposed to us in his Word. Iere. 17.7. Ioh. 6.68.
VI. An election, chosing, and apprehending of the promise of life in Christ, so making it our owne. Io. 1.12.
Quest. Wherein standeth the essence and perfection of faith?
Ans. In our election, apprehending, and singling out of Christ unto our selves, as the only sufficient and fit means to bring us to life. Cant. 2.16. Ioh. 20.28. Psal. 119.30.31.
Quest. Whereupon is faith builded?
Answ. Upon the sacred Scriptures alone, whose Authour is God. 2 Pet. 1.19, 20. Rom. 3, 4. 1 Cor. 2.5.
Quest. Whence is it that the act of beleeving springeth?
Ans. From the internall operation, and perswasion of the holy Spirit, as the proper cause of it. 1 Cor. 12.3.11.
Quest. What is the outward and ordinary means by which Faith is wrought?
Ans. By the faithfull preaching of Gods Word. Rom. 10.14, 15.17. Ephes. 1.13. 1 cor. 1.21. Iere. 3.15 Acts 13.42 40. Jsa. 57 19.
Quest. What is the object of Faith?
Ans. Christ as Redeemer is the mediate object of Faith, and God is the ultimate, for we beleeve in God, through Christ. Rom. 6.11. 2 cor. 3, 4. 1 Pet. 1.21.
Quest Whereunto doth Faith carry the heart of the Beleever to seek true comfort?
Ans. To the merit of Christ, and to the promises, and providence of God. Ioh. 14.1, 2. 2 Timo. 1.12. Rom 4.21. Heb. 11.13.
Quest. What is the Subject or Seate of Faith?
Ans. The heart and will of the Regenerate. Ro. 10.10.
Quest. Whence doth it appeare that the will rather than the understanding is the seate of Faith?
Ans. I. Because Faith is an act of election, chosing and imbracing Christ, and making him ours, which is more than an act of the understanding. Jo. 1.12. Ioh. 6.35.
II. Because, though Faith doth alwayes presuppose the knowledge of the Gospel, yet there is no saving knowledge distinct from that which is in many Reprobates, unlesse it be both consequent unto, and also dependent upon the act of the will. Io. 7.17. Io. 8.31, 32. 1 Io. 2.3.
III. Because Faith uniteth us to Christ, causeth us to give and apply our selves unto God in Christ, which is not an act of the understanding, but a consent and work of the will. 2 cor. 5.14, 15.
IIII. Because knowledge of it self, is common to Beleevers, with unbeleevers and devills. Iam. 2.19, 20.
Quest. In what order, or by what degrees doth God prepare them to beleeve, whom he hath ordained unto life?
Ans. I. By the Law.
II. By the Gospel.
Quest. How by the Law?
Answ. I. By inlightning the sinner to see his miserable estate by sinne, with the punishment due to the same. Rom. 7.7.9. Rom. 3.20.
II. By convincing the sinner, that he is the guilty person, to whom the Messenger of the Lord speaketh. 1 cor. 14.24.25. 2 Sam. 12.7.
III. By raising the Sinner out of his Security, filling his soule with terrour, making him see the fulfilling of the Law to be impossible, making him feele the bearing of the punishment to be intolerable, and the committing of the sin uncomfortable. Gen. 4.7.13. Acts 16.29.
Quest. Are all such as be thus wrought upon by the Law, afterward brought to beleeve?
Answer No.
Many Reprobates, and Hypocrites are thus convinced, and terrified, and so left. Matt. 27.3, 4, 5. Gen. 4.13.16, 17. Acts 24.25. 2 cor. 3.6.
And yet ordinarily all such as are appointed unto life, are thus in some degree wrought upon by the law in the beginning, and so led forward unto faith by the Gospel. Acts 2.37. Jere. 31.18.
Quest. After men are thus prepared by the law, how doth God lead them forward by the Gospel?
Answ. He doth by the Gospel proclaime a remedy for the easing of the soule of the sinner so distressed, and appeasing of the Conscience so disquieted. Jo. 3.16. Mat. 11.28. Isa. 61.1.2.
II. By the Gospel, the Sinner thus afflicted is perswaded in the generall, that God is mercifull, and that there is a remedy in Christ for sinners: and by this generall perswasion is supported against despaire, though he cannot make any particular application hereof unto himselfe, for the present. Isa. 55.6, 7. 2 Sam. 24.14. Psal. 130.7, 8. Dan. 9.9. Eze. 10.2, 3. Lam. 3.22.23.
III. Hereupon; the thoughts of his owne misery, the sweet voice of the Gospel, and the consideration of Gods loving kindnesse in Christ working upon him, his heart becommeth soft, humble, teachable, contrite and broken for sinne, and for dishonouring God, so loving, and long suffering. Rom. 2.4. Zech. 12.10.
Quest. But how may a man know that his Contririon is not Legall, but Evangelicall?
Ans. Legall terror is chiefly for feare of punishment, leaving the soule still hardened, but Evangelicall contrition is chiefly for sin, making the heart truely soft, and causing sinne to be earnestly, deeply, and constantly bewailed. Psal. 38.3.4. Psal. 31.10. Matt. 26.75. Zech. 12.10. 2 cor. 12.7.
Quest. When the Gospel, like fire, hath melted the stoney heart of the sinner, how doth it worke further?
Answ It doth beget in him further:
I. An utter dislike, shame, and detestation of all his former courses. Jsa. 30.22. Jere. 31.19. Ezek. 37.31.
II. And unfained and full confession and aggravation of his sin. 1 Sam. 12, 13. 1 Tim. 1.15. Lam. 3.40.
III. It doth empty him of all conceit of his owne goodnesse, causing him utterly to denie himselfe. 1 cor. 3.18. Rom. 7.18.
IIII. It causeth him to waite on God for direction to guide him, and to lead him forth of this perplexed estate, crying earnestly to God for consolation. Psal. 51.8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Psal. 143.8, 9, 10.
V. Having felt his owne wants, despairing of help in himself, and having seen Gods offer, and the excellency of Mercy in Christ; he doth above all things, most strongly desire the pardon of sin, and faith to beleeve the Promise of Gods mercy in Christ to his owne soule. Luk. 18.13. Psal. 143.1.2.6. Isai. 26.8, 9.
VI. He is solicitously carefull in the use of the means to attaine Faith, 2 Pet. 1.10. findeth no rest, till he getteth some assurance, Psal. 38.3. Psal. 116.3, 4. hungereth, and thirsteth vehemently after it. Matt. 5.6. Psal. 63.1. casteth away whatsoever may hinder it. Matth. 13.44, 45. waiteth on the Lord with patience, Isa. 28, 16. beginneth at length to be perswaded in his heart that he shall have it. Ps. 103.8. Hebr. 10.37. Mar. 9.24. and so at length, God doth seale up unto his soule, the pardon of his sinne, and doth inable him to beleeve the same. Ephes. 1.13, 14. Psal. 116.6, 7.8.
Quest. How farre may a Reprobate goe in this way?
Ans. He may goe fourteene steps.
Quest. Which be they?
Ans. I. He may know, and acknowledge the truth. 2. Pet. 2.21 Lu. 12.47. 1 cor. 13.2.
II. He may be troubled in conscience by hearing the Word. Acts 24.25.
III. He may be perplexed in minde about sin, before he doth commit it. Mar. 6.26.
IIII. He may be full of sorrow after the commission of sinne. Matt. 27.3, 4.
V. He may confesse his sin in time of vexation, Exod. 9.27.
VI. He may pray, and desire others to pray for him in the day of affliction. Acts. 8.24. 1 Kings 21.27.
VII. He may be at great costs in and about Gods service. Gen 4.3. Isa. 1.11, 12, 13. Mica. 6, 6.7.
VIII. He may make an open and glorious profession of the waies of godlinesse. Isa. 58.2. Io 6.26. Ezek. 33.31, 32. Mat 25.1 2. 3.
IX. He may take joy and taste sweetnesse in some part of Gods Word. Mar 6.20. Matt. 13 20, 21. Hebr. 6.5.
X. He may amend his life in many things, and be zealous, and so farre escape all the pollutions of the world, that none can justly taxe him with any open evill. 2 Pet. 2.20. Mar. 6.20. 2 Kings 20.28, 29.
XI. He may wonder at, and be strangely affected with the glorious things revealed in Gods ordinances. Luk. 4.22.23.
XII. He may approve, and commend the best Preachers, and frequent the best company, and desire their gifts and graces. Ezek. 33.31, 32. Matt. 25, 1.8.
XIII. He may delight in frequenting Gods house, he may hold out with Christ in great trouble, and upon some inward, yet common work, perswade himselfe of being in Gods favour. Isa. 58.2, 3. Mat. 13.22. Prov. 14.12. Isa. 1.26.
XIIII. He may give liberally to the needy, and suffer even death in the cause of Christ. 1 Cor. 13.3.
Quest. Is it not a great discouragement to Gods children, that hypocrites goe so farre in the way to heaven, and that Gods children are so hardly distinguished from them?
Ans. No: but they must labour so much the more earnestly to goe beyond them, and to make their Calling & Election sure. Mat. 5, 20. 2 Pet. 1.10.
Quest. Wherein doth a child of God goe beyond an Hypocrite?
Ans. In Twelve things:
I. In hating sinne universally, and throughly. Psal. 119.104. Psal. 66.18.
II. In resting upon God firmly, and constantly. Rom. 8.38. Psalm. 62.8. Col. 2.7.
III. In loving God unfainedly, for the purity and lovelinesse of Gods nature. Deut. 6.5. Cant. 2.5. Matt. 10.37.
IIII. In meditating upon, and rejoycing in the whole Word of God. Psal. 119.14, 15, 16.143. Ierem. 15.16.
V. In obeying the whole will of God cheerfully. Ps. 40.8. Psal. 110.3. Ps. 119.128. 1 Ioh. 5.3.
VI. In desiring Synceritie with much earnestnesse. Psal. 139.23, 24.
VII. In exercising holy duties with Constancy, and striving to keep a good conscience toward God and man continually. Iob 27.6.11 Acts 24.16.
VIII. In being truely poore in Spirit, carried cleere out of themselves, and every thing else, to Christ alone for all fulnesse. Jsa. 57.15.
IX. In performing duties in love to Christ, desiring grace, that he may honor Christ, grieving that he can performe no better service to Christ.
X. In desiring, and endevouring the glory of God, and Christ above his owne spirituall and temporall good. Rom. 9.3. Luk. 14.26.
XI. In taking up his full and everlasting rest with Christ, Phil. 1.21. Christ being all contentation to him, heaven it self being without Christ an uncomfortable and empty dwelling in his apprehension. Phil. 3.7, 8, 9, 10.
XII. In being inclined, moved, and carried to God, to Christ, and holy things.
1 By the power of a new, and inward principle of grace; working a sutablenesse between his heart and the things of God.
2 By the vertue of a cleer and sweet apprehension which he hath of God in Christ, making him appeare most glorious in his eyes.
3 By the efficacy of a pure and fervent love to God in Christ, causing him to desire Christ for Christ himself, and all other things for Christs sake, to make himself the more serviceable unto Christ. Psa. 40.8. Psal. 119.32.
Quest. How may a man know that he hath Faith?
Ans. 1 By the sense and feeling of faith it self: the Beleever perceiving, and feeling his heart chosing, and singling out, strongly cleaving unto, and relying upon Christ. Rom 8.38, 39. 1 Cor. 2.12. Mar. 9.24. 2 Tim. 1.12.
2 By the fruits and signes of Faith. Mat. 7.16, 17. Iam. 2.18.
Quest. How many sorts of signes are there?
Ans. Two: one of faith more weake; the other of faith more strong.
Quest. What are the signes of faith more weake?
Ans. 1 A feeling of the want of faith with an earnest desire to have it. Mar. 9.24.
2. A spirituall combate between the flesh and the Spirit. Gal. 5.17. Rom. 7.23. Matt. 11.28.
3. An earnest seeking after, and valuing of the love of God in Christ, above all the things in the world. Cant. 2.4. Psal. 51.8.10. Psal. 4 6.
4 Deniall of our selves, arising from the apprehension of our owne vilenesse and emptinesse; and Christs fulnesse to supply our wants. Mar. 8.34. 1 Cor. 3.18. Ezek. 20.43.
5 Godly sorrow arising from the apprehension of Gods love in Christ, softning, and melting our hearts. Rom. 2.4. 2 Cor. 7.10, 11. Zech. 12.10.
6 An high estimation of Gods word. Iob. 23.12. Psal. 119.72. 1 Pet. 2.2.
7 Unfained love to Gods people. 1 Io. 3.14. Gal. 5, 6.
Quest. What are the Signes of faith more strong?
Answ. 1 A comfortable feeling of Gods love shed abroad into our hearts. Rom. 5.5. Cant. 1.2.
2 A sound and strong joy in the Lord, and in his Word. Rom. 15.13. Phil. 4.7. Ioh. 15.11. Isai. 9.3. Neh. 8.10.
3 A holy admiration at the wonderfull change which God hath wrought in us. Psal. 66.16.
4. An earnest endeavour to winne others unto Christ. Luk. 22, 32.
5 An effectuall and thorough application of our selves to Christ, to serve him, and seek his praise, in, and above all things. Rom. 12.1, 3. 2 Cor. 5.15.
6 A firme dependance upon God, in the deepest perplexities, with a strong perswasion of a happy issue out of all troubles. Iob 19.25. Iob 13.5. Rom. 4, 18.
7 An earnest longing for Christs comming unto judgement. 2 Tim. 4.8. Cant. 8.1. Psalm 42.1.2. Rev. 22.20.
Quest. Cannot a weake Faith save us?
Ans. Yes: for it ingrafteth us into Christ, maketh us just in Gods sight, gathereth us into the Family of Gods Children, and giveth us victory over sin, and Satan. Ioh. 15.1. Io. 1.12. Gal. 3.7 Isa. 42.3. Isa. 40.11. 1 Ioh. 5.4.
Quest. May a man, having gotten a weake faith, rest contented therewith?
Ans. No: but he must carefully endeavour to have it increased. Mark. 9.24. Rom. 1.17. Col. 2.7.
Quest. By what means may a man get his weake Faith confirmed?
Ans. 1 By an ordinary, and conscionable use of the Word and Sacraments. Ephes. 1.13. Rom. 4.11.
2 By fervent prayer unto God. Luk. 17.5.
3 By a frequent and holy meditation upon Gods promises, fatherly affection, and unspeakable goodnesse. Psalm. 104.34. Psalm. 63.5, 6. Isai. 49.14.15.
4 By exercising a holy communion with the Saints of God. Io. 20.19.25.
5 By a holy care to shun all sin, with all occasions leading thereunto. Jam. 1.27. 1 Thes. 5.22.
6 By leading a sincere, and sanctified conversation. Ps. 11….6, 7, 8. 1 Jo. 3.19.
7 By a patient waiting upon God. Psalm. 40.1, 2, 3.
Qu. What may move us to get this Faith wrought in us.
Ans. The benefit and excellency of Faith. 2 Pet. 1.1. 1 Pet. 1.7.
Quest. Wherein doth the benefit, and excellency of Faith appeare?
Ans. The benefit and excellency of Faith appeareth three waies:
1 In the miseries from which it delivereth.
2 In the evills which it preventeth.
3 In the priviledges which it bestoweth.
Quest. What are the miseries from which Faith delivereth?
Ans. They are seven:
1 From blindnesse in our understandings. Iohn 15.46.
2 From uncleannesse in our affections. Acts 15.9.
3 From a stony and stupified heart. Zech. 12.10. Jona. 3.5.
4 From the terror of an accusing conscience, and the insupportable burden of our corruptions. Luk. 7.48.50. Num. 21.8. Rom. 5.1.
5 From the sinfull lusts, fashions, and yeelding to the oppositions of the world. 1 Io. 5.4. Ro. 12.1.2.
6 From the curse of the Law, and terrour of the Word. Rom. 10.4. 1 Tim. 1.9.
7 From the feare of temporall, and condemnation of death eternall. Ioh. 5.29. Ioh. 3.16.
Quest. What are the evills which Faith preventeth?
Ans. They are foure:
1 Apostacy from the Truth. Heb. 10.39.
2 Utter desperation in the day of affliction. Mic. 7, 8. Iob 19.25.
3 Impatience, and use of unlawfull means. Isai. 28.16.
4 Sinking under Satans temptation. Ephes. 6.16. 1 Pet 5.9.
Quest. What are the priviledges which Faith wrought and confirmed, bestoweth on us?
Ans. They are Twelve:
1 Sonship with God. Jo. 1.12. Gal. 3.7.
2 Fellowship with Christ. Gal. 2.20. Ephes. 3.17.
3 Interest in all Gods Promises. Hebr. 11.33. Gal. 3.14.
4 True comfort and benefit by all Gods Ordinances. Acts 8.38, 39. Matt. 13.24. 1 Thes. 1.7.
5 Acceptance to our persons and actions. Hebr. 11.4.6.
6 Audience to our holy, and fervent prayers. Ja. 1.6 Ja. 5.15, 16. Matt. 21, 22.
7 A comfortable sense of Gods love in our hearts. Rom. 5.5. Cant. 1.2. Psal. 63.3.
8 A sweet peace in our consciences, arising from the assured forgivenesse of our sinnes. Rom. 5.1. Ps. 116.7, 8.
9 A heavenly sweetnesse in the Society of Gods servants. Rom. 1.12. Psal. 119.72.
10 A holy contempt of carnall pleasures, with a sweet joy in the deepest afflictions. Hebr. 11.25, 1 Pet. 1.6, 7.
11 Perseverance to the end in the way of Godlinesse, and favour of the Lord Jesus. 1 Pet 1.5.
12 Assurance of future happinesse after this earthly pilgrimage. 2 Cor. 5.1.
Quest. May a man have his Faith so strengthened, that he may be thereby assured of his Salvation?
Ans. He may, and ought to be assured in this life of a happy and glorious estate in the next life. 2 Cor. 13.5. 2 Cor. 5.1. 1 Jo. 3.1, 2. 1 Io. 5.18, 19.
Quest. How doth it appeare, that the children of God are sure of their salvation?
Ans. Divers ways:
1 By the victory which their Faith getteth over sin. 1 Io. 5.4. Rom. 6.18.
2 By the holy change which it worketh in them. Acts 15.9. 1 Jo. 3.3. 2 Cor. 5.17, 18.
3 By feeling their hearts imbracing, cleaving unto, and relying upon Christ. Col. 2.7. Iob 13.15. Heb. 6.19. Psal. 18.1, 2. Psal. 71.1.
4 By the testimony of Gods Spirit. Rom. 8.16.
5 By the evidence, and witnesse of their owne regenerate Spirit, Rom. 8.16. 1 Io. 3.21.
6 By the feeling of Gods love in their soules. Eph. 3.19. Rom. 5.5.
7 By feeling their hearts to love God and Christ above all the world. Psal. 73.25. Cant. 5.10.
8 By the confidence wherewith they can appeare before God in prayer. Rom. 8 15. 1 Io. 3.20, 21.
9 By the fruits which they see in themselves proper alone to Gods children, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10.
10 By feeling the power and efficacy of Gods Word, and Spirit, perswading their Consciences of Gods goodnesse towards them. Rom. 1.16. 1 Io. 4.13. Acts 10.44.
Quest. Is it requisite that Gods people should labour for assurance of salvation?
Ans. Yes: for it is Gods precept. 2 Pet 1.10. 1 Jo. 3.23. one speciall end of inditing the Scriptures. 1 Jo. 5.13. and the choicest comfort of a Christian soule. Luk. 10.20. Col. 2.2.
Qu. What is the danger or inconvenience, if a man be not assured of his salvation?
Ans. 1 The Ordinances and Promises of God will lose their comfort, sweetnesse, and efficacy. Heb. 4.2. 1 Pet. 2.7, 8. Isa. 53.1, 2.
2 The consideration of Gods presence will be dreadfull, and the thought of Christs comming unto judgement uncomfortable. Psal. 139.7. Revel. 6.16.
3 We shall not be able to beare afflictions with patience. Num. 14.11.
4 We shall not be able to performe holy duties with cheerfulnesse, Exod. 6.9.
5 We shall not be able to blesse God for our Regeneration, joy, and comfort of the Spirit, as it is the duty of Gods people to doe. Col. 1.12, 13. 1 Pet. 1.3.
6 We shall not be able to incourage others with alacrity and cheerfulnesse in the waies of holinesse, as we ought. Psal. 66.16.
7 We shall stand continually in the feare of death. Iob. 15.21.22.
Quest. Are Gods children so sure of their salvation, that they are free from all doubting?
Ans. No: For,
1 The knowledge, assent, and adherence of Gods people, to the promise of life, is imperfect, though sound. 1 Cor. 13.9. Psal. 77.7.
2 They are many times grievously assaulted, filled with much doubting, but in the issue they alwayes get the conquest, and are the more assured, because they have been assaulted. 1 Cor. 10.13. Heb. 6.19. 2 Timo. 4.17, 18. Psal. 116.3.7, 8. Psal. 142.3.
3 They sometimes lose the efficacie, feeling, and comfort of Faith, but the seed and habite of faith alway remaineth. Luk. 22.32. Iob 13.5. 1 Ioh. 3.9. Io. 10.28.
Quest. Doe not Gods children sometimes lose their comfort in the waies of God, and assurance of Gods love?
Ans. Yes sometimes they are for a season deprived of the evidence, and sense thereof. Psal. 51.8.12. Isa. 49.14.
Quest. How doth it come to passe that Gods children doe sometimes lose their comfort in the Lord?
Ans. 1 Through falling into some foule sin. Ps. 51.7.8, 9. Isa. 59.2.
2 Through some grievous and violent temptation, with the sense of Gods displeasure against them. Ps. 77.2, 3, 4. Psal. 22. 1. Iob 2.3.4.
3 Through overlong, and heavy affliction. Psal. 6.6, 7.
4 Through the rebellion of their inward corruption. Rom. 7.23, 24. 2 Cor. 12.7.
5 Through the want of conscionable, and constant attendance upon Gods ordinances. Psal. 42.4, 5. Amos. 8.11, 12. 1 Sam. 4.20, 21. Isa. 30.19.21.
6 Through carnall Security, and want of keeping a diligent watch over our soules. Cant. 5.3.6.
7 Through overburthening our selves with the cares of the world. Matt. 13.22.
8 Through estrangednesse from Gods servants, and familiarity with unholy people. Heb. 3.12, 13, 14. Heb. 10.24, 25.
9 Thorough neglect of walking, and maintaining a holy communion with God. Psal. 106.21.23. Ps. 89.31, 32, 33.
10 God for their humiliation, triall of the graces which are in them, and for the breeding of a higher estimation of his favour for the time to come, sometimes deprives them of the comfortable feeling thereof for the time present. 2 Cron. 32.31. Iob 7.18, 19, 20. Deut. 8.2.16. Rev. 2.10.
Quest. When Gods people are afflicted in Conscience, or deprived of their comfort, how may their peace be restored?
Ans. By considering, and meditating upon ten things in God, and Christ.
1 The gentle, gracious, and mercifull nature, and disposition of God, and Christ towards all penitent, and broken hearted people. Isa. 42.3. Exod. 34.6, 7. Isa. 40.11. Ps. 103.8, 9, 10. Isa. 49.14, 15.
2 The gracious, and loving invitations which God and Christ do use to all sorts of humbled sinners. Mat. 11.28. isa. 1.16, 17. Ezek. 18.31, 32. Psal. 81.13, 14, 15. Mat. 23.37. Revel. 3.20.
3 The freenesse of Gods grace, and favour, bestowed without any merit, yea contrary to desert upon the Penitent. Jsai. 55.1. Revel. 21.6. Rom. 3.24. Ephes. 2.8.
4 The large extent of his favour to all sorts of sinners, even to the most hainous, unfainedly seeking mercy. 1 Tim. 1.15. Luk. 7.47. Mat. 21.31 32 isa. 55.7.
5 His easinesse to be intreated by penitent sinners. Psal. 32.5. Luk 15.20.
6 The largenesse and faithfulnesse of his promises. Jsa. 44.24, 25, 26. 2 Cor. 1 20. Mal. 3.6.
7 The Sense, and feeling which God and Christ have, after a manner unspeakeable, of the miseries of a troubled soule. Jsa. 63.9. Hebr. 4 15.
8 The efficacie of Christs blood, to purge away all sin, and appease his Fathers wrath. Heb. 9 14. Rev. 5.9 Heb 12 29.
9 The joy and delight he doth conceive, when men turne unto him Luk. 10.21. Joh 11.15.
10 The end of Christs Sufferings, his Merits, and efficacie of his Intercession for us. Mark 9.13. Rom. 8.33.34. isai 61.1, 2, 3.
Quest. Are there not some other helps in this behalfe?
Ans. Yes:
1 Unfained humiliation for the sin which hath cauesd us to lose our comfort. Psal. 32.5. Psal. 51.8.9, 10 isai 57.15.
2 A plaine opening of our estates, and seeking of direction from Gods holy Ministers. Acts 2.37, 38. Acts 16.30.31, 32. Isa 50.4. Isa. 40.1, 2.
3 A constant attendance upon, and cleaving to the Ministery of the Word. Cant. 5, 6, 7. Psal. 65.4. Ps. 85.6, 7, 8.
4 Fervent and constant Prayer. Psal. 50.15. Psa. 34.4.
5 A carefull shutting of our eares and hearts against Satans Temptations. Iam. 4.7. Ephes. 4.27.
6 A serious observation of the graces which God hath wrought in us. Mat. 7.16.
7 Keeping a holy Society with Gods people. Eccl. 4.11, 12, 13, 14.
8 Consider that our graces are imperfect, 1 Cor. 13.12. that Satan doth desire to vexe Gods people. Iob. 1.11, 12. Lu. 22.31. that it is the usuall manner of Gods dealing with his people, thus to afflict them, not for their destruction but for their humiliation, triall, and amendment. Heb. 12.5, 6, 7. 1 Cor. 10.13. Jam. 1.12.
Quest. How may Gods people prevent the losing of their comfort?
Ans. 1 By meditating seriously upon the loving kindnesse of the Lord every morning. Psal. 92 1, 2, 3, 4.
2 By walking religiously, and circumspectly in all the dueties of the day. Prov. 28.14. Prov. 23.17. 1 Pet. 1.17.
3 By viewing their waies, renewing their repentance, and making their peace with God every evening. Psal. 4.4.
Quest. What are the hindrances whereby the people of God are deprived of their assurance and comfort?
Ans. They are partly on the Ministers, and partly on the peoples behalfe.
Quest. What are the hindrances on the Ministers behalfe?
Ans. 1 Not teaching, seldome teaching, cold, unprofitable, and licencious teaching, and profane walking. Jere. 23.1, 10, 11.14. Isa. 56.10 11.
Quest. What Impediments are there on the behalfe of the people?
Answ. On the behalfe of wicked people,
1 A Sinfull presumption upon the goodnesse of their present estate. Ioh. 9.41.
2 An ill grounded hope upon Gods mercies. Iude vers. 4.
3 A resting in a bare profession of the Truth. Tit. 1, 16.
4 Reservation of some beloved sinne. Mark. 6.18.
Quest. What are the hindrances on the behalf of good people?
Ans. 1 Ignorance of the saving graces, which God hath wrought in them.
2 Concealement of their doubts, without seeking resolution. Psal. 32.3.
3 A sole, and overstrict fastning of their eies upon their infirmities. Eccles. 7.17
4 Discontentednesse, and unruly passions. Num. 11.5. Exod. 14.12.
5 Neglect of the meanes. Ioh. 20.24, 25.
6 An unprofitable Conversation. 2 pet. 1.10, 11.
Quest. What is the dignity arising to Gods people in this life from their justification?
Answ. Adoption. Gal 5.4. Ioh. 1.12.
Quest. What is Adoption?
Answ. It is that divine favour, whereby of being strangers we receive the dignity of being sonnes and daughters unto God, through Christ: Io 1.12. 1 Ioh. 31.1, 2. 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. Ephes. 1.5. Gal. 4, 5.
Quest. What are the benefits of Adoption?
Answ. They are eight:
1 Spirituall Sonship with God. Gal. 4.6.
2 Heireship with Christ. Rom. 8.17.
3 Peace with the Father. Rom. 5.1.
4 Boldnesse in Prayer. Rom. 8.15.
5 Christian libertie. Ioh. 8.32.36.
6 Dominion over the creatures. Tit. 1.15. 1 Cor. 3.21, 22.
7 The ministration of the Angels. Hebr. 1.14.
8 Happy issue out of all affliction. Rom. 8.28. 2 Sam. 7.14.
Quest. But are there not some doe perswade themselves of their justification, and adoption, who notwithstanding are therein altogether deluded by Satan?
Ans. Yes, some building upon a meere morall, formall, temporary, or partiall reformation, are so deluded by Satan. 2 pet. 2.20.22. Matth. 12.41. Matt. 25.1.
Quest. How may we therefore discerne the infallible perswasion of the Spirit from the delusion of the flesh and Satan.
Ans. Wheresoever the true perswasion of the Spirit is:
1 There is sound and comfortable experience of a holy, and through change, carrying with it sorrow for, hatred against, and care to prevent all sinne, and a hearty love to every good duty. psal. 66.16. psal. 119.104.127, 128.
2 The whole life is guided, and ordered according to the rule of Gods Word. Gal. 6.16.
3 There is a holy, humble, conscionable, and constant attendance upon, affectionate entertainment of, and an universall, and ready subjection to all the ordinances of God. Iob. 23.12. Psa. 84.10. Luke 1.6.
4 There is a constant putting up of strong, holy, filiall, and fervent supplications, unto the throne of grace. 1 Thes. 5.17. Psalm. 109.4. Rom. 8.15.
5 There is a ready giving of libertie to every grace of the Spirit, to have its perfect worke in every facultie of the soule, and action, and occasion of the life. Ia. 1.4.
6 There is a circumspect, due, and tender regard had to every particular branch, and particle of every one of Gods precepts, even the least, as well as the greatest. Mat. 5.19. 1 Thes. 5.22.
7 There is an earnest desire, and holy endeavour to attaine perfection in all goodnesse. Phil. 3.12, 13, 14. Psal. 84.7.
8 There is a blessed thriving, and gracious progresse in true holinesse, even by that which in it selfe is the greatest hinderance. 2 Cor. 12.7, 8. Rom. 8.28. Psal. 119.71.
9 Satans assaults doe usually attend it, that if it be possible he may either take away, or weaken the comfort of the heart so perswaded. Luk. 22.31. Zech. 3.1, 2, 3.
10 There is usually the most sweet, blessed, and comfortable communion between God and the sanctified soule so perswaded, when it is most scorned, and opposed by the world. Acts. 13.50. Psal. 27.10. Ps. 119.54.
11 There is a holy care to exalt God in all, and above all, preferring his honour before our owne welfare. Rom. 9.1, 2. 2 Cor. 4 5.
12 At such times as we have prayed most fervently, bewailed our sin most heartily, and most deeply, conversed with God, most fully, and most solemnly, maintained our communion with God most carefully, frequented his ordinances most preparedly; doe we feele this perswasion of the Spirit most lively, and most comfortably. Psal. 112.1, 2, 3, 4. Psalm. 23.4. Isai. 61.1, 2, 3.