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

But perhaps you will say, It is not mere Temptation from Satan that I complain of; but it takes too much with my sinful heart: I am ready to doubt oft-times whether there be a God, or whether his Providence determine of the things here below? or whether Scripture be true, or the Soul immortal? &c.

But perhaps you will say, It is not meer Temptation from Satan that I complain of; but it takes too much with my sinful heart: I am ready to doubt oft-times whether there be a God, or whether his Providence determine of the things here below? or whether Scripture be true, or the Soul immortal? &c.

Answ. This is a very great sin, and you ought to bewail and abhor it, and in the Name of God make not light of it, but look to it betime: But yet let me tell you, that some degree of this Blasphemy and Infidelity may remain with the truest saving Faith. The best may say, Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief. But I will tell you my Judgement; When your unbelief is such as to be a sign of a Graceless soul in the state of damnation: If your Doubtings of the ⟨p. 478⟩Truth of Scripture and the Life to come, be so great that you will not let go the pleasures and profits of sin, and part with all, if God call you to it, in Hope of that Glory promised, and to escape the Judgement threatened, because you look upon the things of the life to come but as uncertain things; then is your Belief no saving Belief; but your unbelief is prevalent. But if, for all your staggerings, you see so much probability of the Truth of Scripture and the Life to come, that you are resolved to venture (and part with, if called to it) all worldly Hopes and Happiness for the Hope of that promised Glory, and to make it the chiefest business of your life to attain it, and do deny your self the pleasures of sin for that end; this is a true saving Faith, as is evident by its Victory; notwithstanding all the Infidelity, Atheism and Blasphemy that is mixed with it.

Answ. This is a very great sin, and you ought to bewail and abhorr it, and in the Name of God make not light of it, but look to it betime: But yet let me tell you, that some degree of this Blasphemy and Infidelity may remain with the truest saving Faith. The best may say, Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief. But I will tell you my Judgement; When your unbelief is such as to be a sign of a Graceless soul in the state of damnation: If your Doubtings of the