I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

And thus they reason, or argue; I am a poor creature, who do want Assurance o• the love of God, and of mine own Salvation; therefore I am thus discouraged: indeed, if I had any evidence of an interest in Christ, I should never be discouraged whatever my condition were; but alas! I want the Assurance of Gods love, and of eternal life; should I now die, I do not know, whether I should go to Heaven or Hell, and what would become of my soul to all eternity, O! I want Assurance of my Salvation, and therefore I am thus discouraged, ⟨p. 112⟩have I not just cause and reason for my discouragements now?

And thus they reason, or argue; I am a poor creature, who do want Assurance o• the love of God, and of mine own Salvation; therefore I am thus discouraged: indeed, if I had any evidence of an interest in Christ, I should never be discouraged whatever my condition were; but alas! I want the Assurance of Gods love, and of eternal life; should I now die, I do not know, whether I should go to Heaven or Hell, and what would become of my soul to al eternity, O! I want Assurance of my Salvation, and therefore I am thus discouraged, ⟨p. 112⟩have I not just cause and reason for my discouragements now?

Answ. No, no reason yet. It is indeed, a great evil, and a sore affliction, to want the Assurance of Gods love, and of ones own Salvation: yet notwithstanding, the want of this Assurance, is no sufficient ground or bottom for your discouragement. I confess, it is a great evil and a sore affliction, for a man to want Assurance: for sin and affliction are twisted together in the want of Assurance. As of all blessings, those are the greatest, where Grace and comfort are joined together, so where sin and affliction are twisted together, of all afflictions they are the most afflictive, and thus it is in the want of Assurance: for as in Assurance, there is something of Grace, and something of comfort or reward, so in the want of Assurance, there is somewhat of sin or unbelief, and somewhat of affliction too, sin and affliction, affliction and sin are both twisted together in the want of Assurance.