A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

But the Apostles and other faithful have been assured of there salvation by ordinary faith. Paul pronounceth the same certainty of other mens salvation that he doth of his own, and upon grounds which are common to all the faithful and Saints of God. The Rhemists object that Paul durst not assure himself that he was justified, saying, I know nothing by my self, yet am I not thereby justified. Did Paul speak this as doubting of his justification by faith in Christ? Of his particular assurance he gives plentiful testimony other where: and our Adversaries teach, that he was assured by revelation. The place makes strongly ⟨p. 112⟩against Justification by works: but against certainty of salvation it makes nothing, unless we shall make the Apostle contrary to himself, and our Adversaries will say that a man may be certain by revelation, and yet altogether uncertain. The drift of the place is to show, that we should not vainly be lifted up with the applause of men because they know us not, yea we know not our selves throughly: for God is greater then our consciences, and doth espy many secret defaults in us, which we upon diligent search cannot find out in our own hearts. But did the Apostle protesting the innocency of his conscience, intend to intimate his doubtfulness of Mind touching his own salvation? In no sort:¹ for if our conscience accuse us not, then have we boldness: This is our rejoicing before God, even the testimony of our conscience. Nay this text of Scripture well weighed, is sufficient to dash the vain cavils of the papists: For Paul was assured of his salvation, and of the uprightness of his heart and conscience, though he was ignorant of many secret infirmities which the most High did espy in him, and of that measure of grace which he had received. What followeth hereupon? Even these two things, which directly overthrow the doctrine of our Adversaries: viz, That he who hath received grace from God, may know the truth, though not the measure of his faith and repentance: And Ignorance of the exact multitude and greatness of our offences is no bar or hinderance to the certainty of salvation. Who knows the multitude of his sins? ²Not one. In this life a man can never sufficiently understand the greatness and multitude of his offences: yet may he be assured of the remission of sins known and secret.