The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

1. Our believing it self is, 1. Our Ascent to the truth of the Gospel: 2. Our Acceptance of the good (even Christ and life) which is offered in it, and consent to the Baptismal Covenant with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: And 3. Our Affiance in Christ and his Covenant.

2. To know that we do believe (somehow) is easy, when we do it: But to be sure that this belief is sincere and saving, is more difficult, because of the deceitfulness of the heart of man, and the mixtures of unbelief, and other sins, and the weakness of grace where it is true, and the counterfeits of it, and the insufficient degrees which are in Hypocrites; so that it is not easy to discern whether the faith which we have be sincere, and predominant above our sense and our unbelief (as it must be.) But ⟨p. 506⟩yet it may be known by such means as these.

2. To know that we do believe (somehow) is easie, when we do it: But to be sure that this belief is sincere and saving, is more difficult, because of the deceitfulness of the heart of man, and the mixtures of unbelief, and other sins, and the weakness of grace where it is true, and the counterfeits of it, and the insufficient degrees which are in Hypocrites; so that it is not easie to discern whether the faith which we have be sincere, and predominant above our sense and our unbelief (as it must be.) But ⟨p. 506⟩yet it may be known by such means as these.

1. By labouring to strengthen and increase our faith and grace, that it may not by the smallness be next to undiscernible. 2. By subduing all contrary inward corruptions, which obscure it. 3. By frequent exercising it; seeing habits are discerned only in their acts. 4. By resisting and conquering temptations, and doing all the good we can in the world, and living as wholly devoted to God, above all worldly fleshly interest; that so 1 Faith may be evidenced by its fruits: 2. And God may reward the faithful soul with his assuring seal, and light and comfort. 5. By escaping all those lapses into heinous and wilful sin, which cause wounds, and sears, and hinder assurance, peace and joy. 6. By a wise and constant examination of the heart, and observation of it, in the time of trial, and finding the habits and strength of faith, and of unbelief, in their several actings, and prevalencies in their conflicts. 7. And withal, escaping those ignorances and errors, about the nature, means, causes and signs of grace and assurance, which keep many from it, who have justifying faith. These seven are the true and necessary means to get assurance of your own sincerity, and that indeed you have the true seal, and earnest, and witness of the Spirit of Christ.