A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

This is then that inward assurance of the spirit, whereby we know our selves to be children of God. Perhibet testimonium incorde per occultam Inspirationem. Caiet•• says, it is not a testimonie de possibili, that it may be; but de facto, that it is. This may be formed like a practical syllogism: the proposition is made by the Gospel; Whosoever believes in CHRIST is chosen to life everlasting: man meditates upon this blessed promise, and sucks sweetness to his soul from it. Then comes the spirit, illuminates the mind, opens the heart, begets a true faith; so that with freedom mans spirit makes the assumption; I believe in CHRIST, I renounce my self; all my comfort and affiance is in him: flesh and blood cannot say this, it is the operation of the Holy Ghost. Last comes the blessed conclusion, which is the testimony; therefore thou art the child of God. The proposition is grounded on the promise of God, that is Objectum fidei quod creditur, the object of faith, which is believed: the assumption out of the former, is Actus fidei quo creditur, the act of faith whereby we believe? Our assurance therefore is not, as Aquinas and Lyran•• speak; Non scientiae, sed conjecturae; non rei sed spei: for children call upon their fathers, not with a conjectural persuasion, but with a confident assurance. This certainty is true; for though faith be of things believed not perceived, yet faith it self is a thing perceived not believed. There is a threefold assurance, first of opinion, when a man deceiveth himself by his own imagination. The second of persuasion, as the devils know the Articles of faith without any comfort. Thirdly of Resolution, which is not only in the truth of such an Interest, but of our Interest in such a truth. The first of these is in the will only, without the understanding; the second is in the understanding only, without the will: the last is both in the understanding and will. Now the testimony of our spirit must concur to this: for if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God, 1 Joh. 3.21. This is the witness of a heart purified and sanctified in the blood of CHRIST, Prov. 27.19. As in water face answereth to face; or the pure Crystal glass lively represents the Image set before it: so here the witness of our sanctified spirit answers the sanctifying spirit.