A discourse of conscience wherein is set down the nature, properties, and differences thereofA discourse of conscience wherein is set downe the nature, properties, and differences thereof

The proposition is made by the minister of the word in the public congregation: and it is nothing else but the promise of eternal life applied to the particular hearer. The second part or the assumption is the voice of conscience regenerate or the voice of Gods spirit in the same. Now Papists write and avouch that the assumption is false: but the reasons which they use to prove the same, are of small moment. First they allege, that many are deceived in their persuasions, thinking they have that which they have not: I answer again that many do falsely presume of Gods mercy, and imagine they have that faith which they have not: and in all such the assumption ⟨p. 140⟩is false: yet in all them that are chosen to salvation and truly called, it is unfallibly true. For such as have received the gift of true faith, have also another gift of discerning whereby they see and know their own faith. It is further objected that Jeremiah sayeth, 17. 9. The heart is deceitful and wicked above all things, who can know it? But the intent of this place is only to show, that no man can search his heart to the very bottom, to see all and every want, infirmity, and wicked inclination that is therein. For original sin wherewith the heart of man is tainted, is a proneness or disposition to all the sins that are or may be. And though men can not discern all their sins, yet many of them are certainly known: why may not then many of the graces of God be certainly known, specially those which be of the principal, as faith, sanctification, repentance. Again it is alleged, that Peter believed that he was able to lay down his life for Christs sake, and yet indeed was not as the event declared, for when the time came he denied Christ. Answ. Peter at this time was but weak in faith, and he was much carried away with a confidence of his own strength, which made him speak these words of presumption: and though he failed in this one particular action, yet failed he ⟨p. 141⟩not in the principal, that is, in the persuasion of the pardon of his own sins and of life everlasting. In a word, it is certain that many persuade them-selves of Gods mercy, and yet are deceived: nevertheless all such as do truly believe are not deceived.

The proposition is made by the minister of the worde in the publike congregation: and it is nothing else but the promise of eternall life applyed to the particular hearer. The second part or the assumption is the voice of conscience regenerate or the voice of Gods spirite in the same. Now Papistes write and auouch that the assumption is false: but the reasons which they use to prooue the same, are of small moment. First they alledge, that many are deceiued in their perswasions, thinking they haue that which they haue not: I answere againe that many doe falsely presume of Gods mercy, and imagine they haue that faith which they haue not: and in all such the assumption