I. The Elect alone, and all they that are elect, not only may be, but also in ⟨p. 177⟩Gods good time, are sure of election in Christ to eternal life. 1. Corinth. 2.12. 2. Cor. 13.5.
II. They have not this knowledge from the first causes of Election, but rather from the last effects thereof: and they are especially two: The testimony of Gods spirit, and the works of Sanctification. 2. Pet. 1. 10. Romans 8.16.
III. If any doubt of this testimony, it will appear unto them, whether it come from the Spirit of God, or their own carnal presumption: First, by a full persuasion which they shall have; for the holy Ghost will not barely say it, but persuadeth such, that they are the children of God, the which the flesh can not in any wise do. Secondly, by the manner of persuasion: for the holy Ghost draweth not reasons •rom the works, or worthiness of man, but from Gods favour and love: and this kind of persuasion is far different from that which Satan useth. Thirdly, by the effects of that testimony. For if the persuasion arise from presumption, it is a dead persuasion: but contrarily, it is most lively and stirring, if it come from the holy Ghost. For such as are persuaded that they are elected, and adopted children of GOD, they will love god, they will trust in him, and they will call upon him with their whole heart.
IV. If the testimony of Gods spirit be not so powerful in the elect, then may they judge of their election, by that other effect of the holy ghost; namely, Sanctification: like as we use to judge by heat that there is fire, when we cannot see the flame it self.
V. And of all the effects of sanctification, these are most notable. I. To feel our wants, and in the bitterness of heart to bewail the offence of GOD in every sin. II. To strive against the flesh, that is, to resist, and to hate the ungodly motions thereof, and with grief to think them burdenous & troublesome. III. To desire earnestly and vehemently the grace of God, and merit of Christ to obtain eternal life. IV. When it is obtained, to account it a most precious jewel. Phil. 3.8. V. To love the minister of Gods word, in that he is a minister, and a Christian, in that he is a Christian: and for that cause, if need require, to be ready to spend our blood with them. Mat. 10.42. 1. Joh. 3.16. VI. To call upon God earnestly, and with tears. VII.
I. The Elect alone, and all they that are elect, not onely may be, but also in ⟨p. 177⟩Gods good time, are sure of election in Christ to eternall life. 1. Corinth. 2.12. 2. Cor. 13.5.
II. They haue not this knowledge from the first causes of Election, but rather from the last effects thereof: and they are especially two: The testimonie of Gods spirit, and the workes of Sanctification. 2. Pet. 1. 10. Romans 8.16.
III. If any doubt of this testimonie, it will appeare vnto them, whether it come from the Spirit of God, or their owne carnall presumption: First, by a full perswasion which they shall haue; for the holy Ghost will not barely say it, but perswadeth such, that thay are the children of God, the which the flesh can not in any wise doe. Secondly, by the manner of perswasion: for the holy Ghost draweth not reasons •rom the workes, or worthinesse of man, but from Gods fauour and loue: and this kinde of perswasion is far different from that which Satan vseth. Thirdly, by the effects of that testimonie. For if the perswasion arise from presumption, it is a dead perswasion: but contrarily, it is most liuely and stirring, if it come from the holy Ghost. For such as are perswaded that they are elected, and adopted children of GOD, they will loue god, they wil trust in him, and they will call vpon him with their whole heart.
IV. If the testimonie of Gods spirit be not so powerfull in the elect, then may they iudge of their election, by that other effect of the holy ghost; namely, Sanctification: like as we vse to iudge by heate that there is fire, when wee cannot see the flame it selfe.
V. And of all the effects of sanctification, these are most notable. I. To feele our wants, and in the bitternes of heart to bewaile the offence of GOD in euery sinne. II. To striue against the flesh, that is, to resist, and to hate the vngodly motions thereof, and with griefe to think them burthenous & troublesome. III. To desire earnestly and vehemently the grace of God, and merite of Christ to obtaine eternall life. IV. When it is obtained, to account it a most pretious iewel. Phil. 3.8. V. To loue the minister of Gods word, in that he is a minister, and a Christian, in that he is a Christian: and for that cause, if neede require, to be readie to spende our blood with them.
