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

And as for Others: A man is never more fit to comfort, to relieve, to satisfy others in their fears, than when he hath been in fears, and doubting himself. It is a good Speech that Maldonet hath out of Bernard; Citius quidem ego qui infirmus sum; I would rather believe doubting Thomas, than confident Peter: I would rather believe poor doubting Thomas, than Peter that never doubted. Thomas having once doubted, knew how to deal with a poor doubting soul. Thus, I say, God doth order the want of the Assurance of his Servants, unto their Own, and Others good: and therefore no reason, that they should be cast down, and quite discouraged, although they do want Assurance for the present.

And as for Others: A man is never more fit to comfort, to relieve, to satisfie others in their fears, than when he hath been in fears, and doubting himself. It is a good Speech that Maldonet hath out of Bernard; Citius quidem ego qui infirmus sum; I would rather beleeve doubting Thomas, than confident Peter: I would rather beleeve poor doubting Thomas, than Peter that never doubted. Thomas having once doubted, knew how to deal with a poor doubting soul. Thus, I say, God doth order the want of the Assurance of his Servants, unto their Own, and Others good: and therefore no reason, that they should be cast down, and quite discouraged, although they do want Assurance for the present.

Thirdly: If a man, a gracious man, may have comfort; yea, and live comfortably, although he do want Assurance, then he hath no reason to be quite discouraged, in case he want it. Now, though it may seem a Paradox to you, yet you shall find a Truth in it; I say, a man that hath no Assurance for the present, may have Comfort; yea, he may live comfortably, if things be rightly ordered. For, He that hath no Assurance, may have Hope, and Hope is comfortable; He that hath no Assurance, may yet rely upon Jesus Christ, and stay his soul upon Christ; and in all reliance, there is some comfort. He that hath no Assurance, may be justified, and being justified by faith, we have peace with God. He that hath no Assurance, may submit unto Gods Commandments; and saith the Psalmist, The entrance into thy Commandments, giveth Light: and so Comfort. In keeping thy Commandments, there is great reward: and so Comfort.