331. And I will boldly say, that (as I before said, The weakest Christians are not ordinarily capable of present certainty of Salvation, so) the weakest or worst sort of true Christians, are morally unfit for it. 1. He that sinneth as much as ever will stand with Grace, and as ever he dare for fear of losing all, is under so great obligations and necessity to be humbled, to fear, to be penitent and deeply sensible of his great ingratitude that he is not fit for the joy of Assurance of Salvation; and therefore not fit for assurance it self: He that is certain to be saved, must rationally be full of Joy; which is unseasonable to one that must lye in the tears of deep humiliation. 2. And such a one that loveth God and Christ, and Goodness, in the weakest measure consistent with Salvation, must have all other Graces and comforts proportioned hereto, or else there will be a monstrous inequality: But certainty of Salvation is a degree of applicatory Hope, quite above that very little Faith, and Love, and Obedience of such a one. 3. And this certainty must be the effect and product of other Graces (Faith and Love, &c.) And a feeble Cause will not bring forth an effect so much stronger than it self. 4. Gods Wisdom in Government will not encourage even a child; in fits of contempt, neglects or disobedience by such Assurance. How can he more Reward and Encourage the best? And if every true Christian should have certainty of Salvation, when he sinneth as foully, as frequently, as grossly, and liveth as slothfully as ever will stand with sincerity, it would tempt such to go on in Sin, and be no better. 5. God hath his castigatory punishments for sinful Children: Even to death it self sometimes; and much desertion. And who should have such corrections, but the worst of his Children? But the certainty of their their Salvation, useth not to suit with such correction and desertion; or at least is forfeited in such a case. Lastly, experience telleth us, that it is not Gods will that the worst of his Children (no nor any but the better sort) should have such Assurance: For, 1. De facto they have it not. 2. And in the nature of the thing it is quite out of their reach.
331. And I will boldly say, that (as I before said, The weakest Christians are not ordinarily capable of present certainty of Salvation, so) the weakest or worst sort of true Christians, are morally unfit for it. 1. He that sinneth as much as ever will stand with Grace, and as ever he dare for fear of losing all, is under so great obligations and necessity to be humbled, to fear, to be penitent and deeply sensible of his great ingratitude that he is not fit for the joy of Assurance of Salvation; and therefore not fit for assurance it self: He that is certain to be saved, must rationally be full of Joy; which is unseasonable to one that must lye in the tears of deep humiliation. 2. And such a one that loveth God and Christ, and Goodness, in the weakest measure consistent with Salvation, must have all other Graces and comforts proportioned hereto, or else there will be a monstrous inequality: But certainty of Salvation is a degree of applicatory Hope, quite above that very little Faith, and Love, and Obedience of such a one. 3. And this certainty must be the effect and product of other Graces (Faith and Love, &c.) And a feeble Cause will not bring forth an effect so much stronger than it self. 4. Gods Wisdom in Government will not encourage even a child; in fits of contempt, neglects or disobedience by such Assurance. How can he more Reward and Encourage the best? And if every true Christian should have certainty of Salvation, when he sinneth as fouly, as frequently, as grosly, and liveth as slothfully as ever will stand with sincerity, it would tempt such to go on in Sin, and be no better. 5. God hath his castigatory punishments for sinful Children: Even to death it self sometimes; and much desertion. And who should have such corrections, but the worst of his Children? But the certainty of their their Salvation, useth not to suit with such correction and desertion; or at least is forfeited in such a case. Lastly, experience telleth us, that it is not Gods will that the worst of his Children (no nor any but the better sort) should have such Assurance: For, 1. De facto they have it not. 2. And in the nature of the thing it is quite out of their reach.