A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

CHAP. I.

Wherein spiritual security is defined, and the definition explained.

Wherein spirituall securitie is defined, and the definition explaned.

§. 1 That all security is not to be condemned, but that it is in some kind commendable; and to be desired.

§. 1 That all securitie is not to be condemned, but that it is in some kind commendable; and to be desired.

Having spoken of that Security, which is natural, in all the kinds of it: it now in ¹the last place remaineth, that we briefly entreat of that Security which is supernatural, divine and holy. For as all Security is not commendable, but only when a man, as he ought, layeth aside all care; so on the other side, all Security is not to be condemned, but when he assumeth it as he ought not; namely, such a Security as is built on an ill foundation, and upon false and deceitful grounds; which as it proceedeth from evil causes, so it always produceth evil and pernicious effects, as hath sufficiently been showed in the former discourse. But besides this, there is a Security which is good and warrantable, commendable, and to be desired and embraced of us, grounded on just causes, and rightly assumed of those unto whom of due it appertaineth; namely, the security of the faithful, having its foundation not upon any thing in themselves, or any inferior means and secondary causes, but upon God alone his Power, Providence and Promises, made unto them in Jesus Christ. For after that we are regenerate by the Spirit of God, and being reconciled, are become his Children by adoption and grace, and so like Children in the favour of our heavenly Father, and received under the covert of his protection, then beginneth that created Security, which was in the state of Innocency, to be renewed in us; the which though we cannot attain unto in the