B. Q. 4. Do you not think that it must needs be so (that certainty of Salvation must be exceeding rare) considering that all these things must go to it?
1. There must be a certainty that Gods promises are true: whereas the faith of most is weak.
2. There must be a certain understanding both of the meaning of the promise, and what are the true Conditions of it, and the difference between true saving Grace, and all that is but counterfeit or common. Whereas most are uncertain and dark herein, if not mistaken.
3. There must be these Evidences in the person himself; not only in reality, but in ascertaining-discernableness: which cannot be unless it be 1. Much and strong: for that which is small, is so like to the common and counterfeit, that it is seldom certainly discerned. 2. It must be in Activity: For Grace out of Act is not discernible. 3. It must be powerfully operative without, and in the life, to conquer temptation, and keep us in clear and sure obedience, in a Holy fruitful life: or else it will not be certainly discerned from dead opinion. 4. It must not be clouded and blotted by great and powerful habits of sin within, or acts of sin without. For these will many ways hinder assurance: And how few have all these Necessaries to make up an ascertaining evidence.
4. And it must be one that knoweth how by self examination to discern all this, to be certainly in themselves: That frequently and skilfully thinketh on the matter.
5. And it must be one that is not under the power either of Melancholy, or other distracting passions, or Temptations.
6. And one that knoweth the true difference between a Mortal sin (inconsistent with Justification) and a mere infirmity.
7. And one that knoweth the true nature of that Repentance which is necessary after sinning. And alas! how few be they that have all these qualifications.
B. Q. 4. Do you not think that it must needs be so (that certainty of Salvation must be exceeding rare) considering that all these things must go to it?
1. There must be a certainty that Gods promises are true: whereas the faith of most is weak.
2. There must be a certain understanding both of the meaning of the promise, and what are the true Conditions of it, and the difference between true saving Grace, and all that is but counterfeit or common. Whereas most are uncertain and dark herein, if not mistaken.
3. There must be these Evidences in the person himself; not only in reality, but in ascertaining-discernableness: which cannot be unless it be 1. Much and strong: for that which is small, is so like to the common and counterfeit, that it is seldom certainly discerned. 2. It must be in Activity: For Grace out of Act is not discernable. 3. It must be powerfully operative without, and in the life, to conquer temptation, and keep us in clear and sure obedience, in a Holy fruitful life: or else it will not be certainly discerned from dead opinion. 4. It must not be clouded and blotted by great and powerful habits of sin within, or acts of sin without. For these will many ways hinder assurance: And how few have all these Necessaries to make up an ascertaining evidence.
4. And it must be one that knoweth how by self examination to discern all this, to be certainly in themselves: That frequently and skilfully thinketh on the matter.
5. And it must be one that is not under the power either of Melancholy, or other distracting passions, or Temptations.
6. And one that knoweth the true difference between a Mortal sin (inconsistent with Justification) and a meer infirmity.
7. And one that knoweth the true nature of that Repentance which is necessary after sinning. And alas! how few be they that have all these qualifications.
