A treatise of mans imaginations Showing his natural evil thoughtsA treatise of mans imaginations Shewing his naturall euill thoughts

Lastly, we must seriously consider of our present estate towards God, whether we be in the state of sin, or in the state of grace; whether we belong to the kingdom of darkness, or be true members of the kingdom of Christ: It is not enough to be in the Church, but we must be sure, we be of the Church; For many wolves, and Goats be in Gods fold; They went out from us (saith S. ^qJohn) but they were not of us: And therefore Paul adviseth to this consideration, saying,^r prove your selves, whether you be in the faith or not. The want hereof was the fearful sin of the foolish ⟨p. 127⟩virgins, ^swho contented themselves with a show of religion, having the blazing lamps of outward profession; and laboured not for that oil of true grace, which might enlighten their souls to the fruition of Gods glory: yea, this is the common sin of this age, men bless themselves in their good meaning, saying they hope well; and do not through search, whether they be true members of gods Church or not: Now if after trial it appear, that true faith and repentance be wanting in us, which are the seals of Adoption in Gods children then with all good conscience, we must use the means appointed of God to obtain these graces for our assurance; the comfort whereof ⟨p. 228⟩