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…

It is most certain also, that in the examination and trial of our estates we commit no small errors in the time of temptation, the mind being clouded with the mists of Satan's suggestions, and the heart so distempered with fear, that we cannot discern the graces of God in us, nor acknowledge boldly what in a sort we see. Suggestions we take to be sins of consent and purpose; failing in the purposed measure of serving God or in some particular, we distinguish not from falling from our general purpose to cleave unto God in the performance of all duties of holiness and righteousness: we put not difference betwixt absolute falling from ⟨p. 181⟩purpose, and failing in execution of purpose in some particular. Common infirmities we judge presumptuous sins, or such blemishes as cannot be in the Saints of God: passions we esteem as deliberate purposed resolutions: and motions to distrust, which are evidences of weakness, are supposed pregnant tokens of total infidelity. Certainty of adherence is not distinguished from certainty of evidence: if we find not assurance of pardon, we conclude there is no faith, though possibly at the present, we resolve to roll our selves upon the faithful promise of God, and pour out our souls for mercy. The Lord diversly gives evidence of his Spirits presence in us. Sometimes a child of God perceives little difference in practice betwixt himself and very aliens; yet let him view his affections, he may see grace there; sometimes again more may be seen in practice, then in the affection. When the heart is over-whelmed with fear and doubt, a man cannot find love, joy, or delight in the Word of God; but then his frequenting the house of God, his private reading and conference, are testimonies that his will is bent to the Law of God. But these things are not observed in the times of distress and bitter anguish, whence it followeth, that God may evidence his presence with us by the Spirit of grace, when by reason of our frailty we cannot discern it.

It is most certaine also, that in the examination and triall of our estates we commit no small errours in the time of temptation, the minde being clouded with the mists of Satans suggestions, and the heart so distempered with feare, that we cannot discerne the graces of God in vs, nor acknowledge boldly what in a sort we see. Suggestions we take to be sinnes of consent and purpose; failing in the purposed measure of seruing God or in some particular, we distinguish not from falling from our generall purpose to cleaue vnto God in the performance of all duties of holinesse and righteousnesse: we put not difference betwixt absolute falling from