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

and plainly in answer to prayers, that they have brought conviction along with them? and you have seen the Name of God engraven on them? Sure it is so with us, when through our sinful negligence, we are hardly drawn to open our eyes, and see what God is doing. Much more might we have seen if we had but observed the workings of Providence for us. Especially they that are in an afflicted state, and have more sensible daily use for God, and are awakened to seek him, and regard his dealings. I know a Mercy to the body is no certain evidence of Gods Love to the soul. But yet from such experiences a Christian may ⟨p. 182⟩have very strong Probabilities. When we find God hearing Prayers, it is a hopeful sign that we have some interest in him. We may say, as Manoahs wife said to him, Judg. 13.23. If the Lord had meant to destroy us, he would not have received a sacrifice at our hands, nor have done all this for us. To have God so near to us in all that we call upon him for, and so ready to relieve us; as if he could not deny an earnest prayer, and could not endure to stop his ears against our cries and groans; these are hopeful signs that he meaneth us good. I know special Grace is the only Certain Evidence of special Love: But yet these kind of experiences are many times more effectual to refresh a drooping doubting soul, then the surest Evidences. For Evidences may be unseen, and require a great deal of holy skill and diligence to try them, which few have: But these experiences are near us, even in our bodies, and show themselves: They make all our bones say, Lord who is like unto thee? And it is a great advantage to have the help of sense it self for our Consolation. I hope you yet remember the choice particular Providences by which God hath manifested to you […] Goodness, even from your youth till now: especially his frequent answering ⟨p. 183⟩of your prayers! Methinks these should do something to the dispelling of those black distrustful thoughts of God. I could wish you would write them down, and oft review them. And when Temptations next come, remember with David, who helped you against the Lion and the Bear, and therefore fear not the uncircumcised Philistine.

and plainly in answer to prayers, that they have brought conviction along with them? and you have seen the Name of God engraven on them? Sure it is so with us, when through our sinfull negligence, we are hardly drawn to open our eyes, and see what God is doing. Much more might we have seen if we had but observed the workings of Providence for us. Especially they that are in an afflicted state, and have more sensible daily use for God, and are awakened to seek him, and regard his dealings. I know a Mercy to the body is no certain evidence of Gods Love to the soul. But yet from such experiences a Christian may