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

Prop. 2 Secondly, As a man may have true saving faith, and yet no Assurance; so a man may have strong Faith and Assurance, yet many doubts, fears, and mistrustings may be left in his soul. It is observed to my hand, that of all the Churches, the Church of the Thessalonians, are most commended for their faith, and their Graces, So that they were examples to all that believed. 1 Thes. 1.7. yet in Chap. 3. vers. 10. The Apostle saith, There was something lacking in their faith. Night and day praying exceedingly, that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is •acking in your faith. Something was lacking in their faith, yet they were examples of faith unto all the Churches.

Prop. 2 Secondly, As a man may have true saving faith, and yet no Assurance; so a man may have strong Faith and Assurance, yet many doubts, fears, and mistrustings may be left in his soul. It is observed to my hand, that of al the Churches, the Church of the Thessalonians, are most commended for their faith, and their Graces, So that they were examples to al that believed. 1 Thes. 1.7. yet in Chap. 3. vers. 10. The Apostle saith, There was something lacking in their faith. Night and day praying exceedingly, that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is •acking in your faith. Something was lacking in their faith, yet they were examples of faith unto al the Churches.

Prop. 3 Thirdly, As a man may have strong faith with Assurance, and yet some doubts, and fears may be left in the soul still; so a man may have strong faith, and Assurance, yet for a long time, may be deprived of the feeling of it. And therefore whereas the spouse in the Canticles in one place, saith, I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine: in another place, she saith, I sought him whom my soul loveth, and I found him not: I opened to my beloved, and he was gone, and my heart failed; I called and he answered not.