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

The first time of our Receiving or Acting saving Grace, and so of our Justification and Adoption, cannot ordinarily be known. 136 To affirm that saving sincerity of Grace lieth but in a Gradual Natural-difference is no diminution of the Glory of Grace. 142 ⟨image 23⟩DIRECTION XIV. Know that Assurance is not the lot of the ordinary sort of true Christians, but only of a few of the strongest, most active, watchful and obedient, Proved. 145 The observation of the Confessions of the Godly in this. 151 DIRECTION XV. Know that even many of the stronger and more obedient who have Assurance of their Conversion, are yet unassured of their Salvation, for want of Assurance to persevere. 160 The Authors free Confession of his own state, and Judgement herein. 162 DIRECTION XVI. There are many grounds to discover a Probability of saving Grace, where we cannot yet discern a Certainty: And you must learn, next to the Comforts of General Grace, to receive the Comforts of the Probability of Special Grace, before you expect or are ripe for the Comforts of Assurance▪ 170 ⟨image 24⟩Proved that a Christian may live a Joyful Life without Assurance. 178 DIRECTION XVII. Improve your own and others Experiences to strengthen your Probabilities. 179 DIRECTION XVIII. Know that God hath not commanded you to Believe that you do Believe, nor that you are Justified, or shall be saved (but only Conditionally) and therefore your Assurance is not a Certainty properly of Divine Faith. 189 It is not Unbelief or Desperation in Christians which is commonly called so. 193 DIRECTION XIX. Know that those few that do attain to Assurance, have it not constantly. 209 DIRECTION XX. Never expect so much Assurance on Earth as shall set you above all Possibility of the loss of Heaven, and above all apprehensions of real danger. 211 ⟨image 24⟩The usefulness of Apprehension of danger opened. 214 DIRECTION XXI. Be glad of a settled Peace, and look not too much after raptures and strong feelings of Comfort: And if you have such, expect not a constancy of them. 227 DIRECTION XXII. Spend more time and care about your Duty then your Comforts, and to get and exercise and increase Grace, then to discern the certainty of it. 232 DIRECTION XXIII.