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

I Have oft heard and read in the best Divines, that Grace is not born with us, and therefore Satan hath always possession before Christ, and keeps that possession in Peace, till Christ come and bind him and cast him out; and that this is so great a work that it cannot choose but be observed, and for ever remembered by the soul where it is wrought; yea the several steps and passages of it may be all observed: first casting down, and then lifting up: first wounding and killing, and then healing and reviving. But I have not observed the distinct parts and p•s••ges of this change in me, nay, I know of no such sudden observable change at all: I cannot remember that ever I was first killed, and then revived: Nor do I know by what Minister, nor at what Sermon, or other means that work which is upon me was wrought: No nor what day or month or year it was begun. I have slided insensibly into a Profession of Religion, I know not how: And therefore I fear that I am not sincere, and the work of true Regeneration was never yet wrought upon my soul.

I Have oft heard and read in the best Divines, that Grace is not born with us, and therefore Satan hath always possession before Christ, and keeps that possession in Peace, till Christ come and binde him and cast him out; and that this is so great a work that it cannot choose but be observed, and for ever remembred by the soul where it is wrought; yea the several steps and passages of it may be all observed: first casting down, and then lifting up: first wounding and killing, and then healing and reviving. But I have not observed the distinct parts and p•sges of this change in me, nay, I know of no such sudden observable change at all: I cannot remember that ever I was first killed, and then revived: Nor do I know by what Minister, nor at what Sermon, or other means that work which is upon me was wrought: No nor what day or moneth or year it was begun. I have slided insensibly into a Profession of Religion, I know not how: And therefore I fear that I am not sincere, and the work of true Regeneration was never yet wrought upon my soul.