A Golden Chain

Yet nevertheless, whosoever feels in his heart an earnest desire to believe, and a striving against his natural doubtings, both can and m•st assure himself that he is endued with true faith. Again, Wicked men do not desire the grace of the holy spirit, whereby they may resist sin. And therefore they are justly deprived of it: for he that earnestly desireth the holy Ghost, hath it already: because this desire of the spirit cannot be but from the spirit: as it is said, Blessed are they that hunger & thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. ^lBradford saith, Thy sins are undoubtedly pardoned, &c. for god hath given thee a penitent and believing heart: that is, an heart which desireth to repent and believe: for such an one is taken of him (he accepting the will for the deed) for a penitent and believing heart indeed. ^mTaffine saith, Our faith may be so small and weak, as it doth not yet bring forth fruits, that may be lively felt of us, but if they which feel themselves in such estate, desire to have these feelings (namely of Gods favour and love) if th•y ask them at Gods hand by prayer; this desire and prayer are testimonies that the spirit of God is in them, and that ••ey have faith already: for is such a desire, a fruit of the flesh, or of the spirit? It is of the holy spirit, who bringeth it forth only in such as he dwells in, &c. Then these holy desires and prayers being the motions of the holy Ghost in us, are testimonies of our faith, although they seem to us small and weak. As the woman that feeleth the mooning of a child in her body, though very weak, assureth her self that she hath conceived, and that she goeth with a live child: so if we have these motions, these holy affections, and desires before mentioned, let us not doubt but that we have the holy Ghost (who is the author of them) dwelling in us, and consequently that we have also faith. Again he saith, If thou hast begun to hate and flee sin, if thou feelest that thou art displeased at thine infirmities, corruptions: if having offended God, thou feelest a grief and a sorrow for it: if thou desire to abstain: if thou thou avoidest the occasions: if thou travailest to do thy endeavour: if thou prayest to God to give thee grace: