A01902:246
The Return of Prayers
The return of prayers A treatise wherein this case how to discern Gods answers to our prayers is briefly resolved, with other observations upon Psal. 85.8. concerning Gods speaking peace, &c. By Tho: Goodwin. B.D.The returne of prayers A treatise wherein this case how to discerne Gods answers to our prayers is briefly resolved, with other observations vpon Psal. 85.8. concerning Gods speaking peace, &c. By Tho: Goodvvin. B.D.
London: printed by M. Flesher for R. Dawlman, 1636
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
For even the assurance of faith it self, (which is an act properly belonging to that grace, called therefore the assurance of faith, Heb. 10. 22.) which doth strengthen us as much against doubting when it is joined with joy unspeakable and glorious, as ⟨p. 353⟩repentance can do against any other sin: and whilst it is upon us, in the strength of it a believer is apt to think himself armed and strengthened, and so established, as that he shall never question Gods love any more, or the pardon of his sins: and yet, experience shows it, that the guilt of sin prevails sometimes again, after this, and the same doubts arise, and prevail as much as ever; neither will the remembrance of the former assurance be always of force enough to resist them; for he may come to question that assurance it self also; and so forget ⟨p. 354⟩that he was purged from his old sins. And if the guilt of sin prevail in the Conscience again, against such a renewed and settled act of faith, why may not the power of a lust prevail in the members, after a renewed act of repentance?
For even the assurance of faith it selfe, (which is an act properly belonging to that grace, called therefore the assurance of faith, Heb. 10. 22.) which doth strengthen us as much against doubting when it is joyned with joy unspeakable and glorious, as ⟨p. 353⟩repentance can do against any other sinne: and whilest it is upon us, in the strength of it a beleever is apt to thinke himselfe armed and strengthened, and so establisht, as that hee shall never question Gods love any more, or the pardon of his sinnes: and yet, experience shewes it, that the guilt of sinne prevailes sometimes againe, after this, and the same doubts arise, and prevaile as much as ever; neither will the remembrance of the former assurance be alwayes of force enough to resist them; for hee may come to question that assurance it selfe also; and so forget ⟨p. 354⟩that hee was purged from his old sinnes. And if the guilt of sin prevaile in the Conscience againe, against such a renewed and setled act of faith, why may not the power of a lust prevaile in the members, after a renewed act of repentance?