The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

Answ. 1. I suppose you have read the many Scriptures and Arguments which our Divines ordinarily use to prove that the true Believers shall not fall quite away. And I know not how the opposers can answer that text which themselves use to allege for the contrary, Mat. 13.6, 21. Those that believe for a time, and in the time of persecution fall away, it is because the seed had not depth of earth, the word never took rooting in their hearts. Whence it seems that it may be well inferred, that those shall not fall away in time of temptation, in whom the word of God hath taken deep rooting. And that is, in them in whose hearts or wills Christ hath a stronger interest then the creature, or those that have a well-grounded, unreserved, habituated or settled Resolution to be for Christ. 2. However, your present Resolution and your Covenanting with Christ is no more but this; to say, I do Consent: or, this I am Resolved to do by ⟨p. 108⟩the help of Gods Grace. 3. Else no man should be Baptized or become a Christian, because he is uncertain to keep his Covenants: For all that are Baptized, do Covenant and vow, to forsake the world, flesh and Devil, and fight under Christs banner to their lives end. Understand me therefore, that you are not to promise to do this by your own strength, but by the strength of Christ, as knowing that he hath promised his Spirit and Grace for the aid of every true Believer.

Answ. 1. I suppose you have read the many Scriptures and Arguments which our Divines ordinarily use to prove that the true Believers shall not fall quite away. And I know not how the opposers can answer that text which themselves use to alledge for the contrary, Mat. 13.6, 21. Those that believe for a time, and in the time of persecution fall away, it is because the seed had not depth of earth, the word never took rooting in their hearts. Whence it seems that it may be well inferred, that those shall not fall away in time of temptation, in whom the word of God hath taken deep rooting. And that is, in them in whose hearts or wills Christ hath a stronger interest then the creature, or those that have a well-grounded, unreserved, habituated or setled Resolution to be for Christ. 2. However, your present Resolution and your Covenanting with Christ is no more but this; to say, I do Consent: or, this I am Resolved to do by