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But if any shall take an occasion the rather of doubting of his election,¹ then of confirming himself in it, of that which hath bin spoken, as concerning the fruits of the Spirit, and the effects of predestination: and that peradventure, because he ⟨p. 51⟩can feel in himself few and very weak fruits of regeneration and election; yet let him not be discouraged, neither let him doubt of his election, but let him underset himself with these props. First of all, if ever he truly felt in himself, that testimony of the Spirit, (which before I mentioned) namely, that he is the son of God: let him know undoubtedly, that he is such a one, and therefore elected to eternal life: For, the holy Ghost never beareth record, or persuadeth a man of that, which is false; for he is the spirit of truth. And they are not the sons of God, except they have been predestinate (as the Apostle saith) to adoption by Christ: And none that is the son of God, and a man elected, can be made a reprobate, and the child of the Devil. Therefore, albeit he feel in himself both few and feeble effects of regeneration, yet let him not doubt of his election▪ otherwise, he shall disgrace the testimony, which he hath received of the holy Ghost; yea, and that to, which as yet he enjoyeth; although peradventure, by reason that his mind is troubled by evil affections, that testimony of the holy Spirit, can scarce be heard in him. For the true testimony of our adoption by the holy Ghost, being once given unto our ⟨p. 52⟩spirit, lasteth for ever; although it is other whiles heard more plainly, and at other times is more slenderly and scarce perceived. But how (say you) may I know, whether that testimony doth proceed from the holy Ghost,² and therefore, whether it be a true and certain testimony. I answer, first, by the persuasion: secondly, by the manner of the persuasion: lastly, by the effects of this testimony and persuasion. For the first, the holy Ghost doeth not simply say it, but doth persuade with us, that we are the sons of God: and no flesh can do this. Again, he persuades us by reasons, drawn, not from our works, or from any worthiness in us, but from the alone goodness of God the Father, and grace of christ. In this manner the Devil will never persuade any. Lastly, the persuasion of the holy ghost is full of power;