Paul did not only know, that he was diligent in preaching of the Gospel, that he was faithful in dispensing of the word of God, but also that all this was done with faithful and sincere respects. We do not only know that we believe, that we repent, but that we do these things in the uprightness of our souls. Bellarmine urgeth this much, Though we do discharge the duties God requireth, yet how can we know, that we do them with an whole heart, with a sincere spirit? Many hypocrites (say they) are sure. Yea (saith he) among ⟨p. 395⟩the Protestants, one is assured of his way, and another of another Sect, but we are assured that they are all deluded. So that he concludeth, Seeing all the Heretics of this age boast of this certainty, yet (saith he) even in their opinion many are deceived, and in ours all are. But we are to walk by the Scripture-light in this case. And indeed this being a truth, the knowledge whereof is obtained both by Scripture and experience, the savoury work of grace, and sense of Christs Spirit dwelling in us, doth more to persuade of this truth, then voluminous controversies. This Question is best answered by diligent prayer, and an heavenly life; and therefore practical experimental Christians can speak more to this point, then the most learned speculative Doctors, unless they have a gracious broken heart, as well as a learned profound head. That a believer may be assured of the truth of grace, appeareth by several examples, and general assertions of Scriptures. Examples, as Hezekiah, Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, 2 King. 20. 3. In Job, who though under sad temptations both from God and his dear friends, who charged upon him hypocrisy, yet he would never let go the persuasion of his integrity. David, how often doth he profess his love of God with all his heart? Peter, when Christ asked him again and again, he answered, Thou knowest Lord I love thee, John 21. 17. As for those places, which affirm this truth, I shall name one or two, John 14. 17. Ye know the Spirit, for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. And vers. 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. What is clearer then? As where the Sun is there is light to see it: so where the Spirit of God dwelleth and worketh in a man, there is an evident discovery of it. 2 Cor. 2. 11, 12.
Paul did not only know, that he was diligent in preaching of the Gospel, that he was faithfull in dispensing of the word of God, but also that all this was done with faithfull and sincere respects. We do not only know that we believe, that we repent, but that we do these things in the uprightnesse of our souls. Bellarmine urgeth this much, Though we do discharge the duties God requireth, yet how can we know, that we do them with an whole heart, with a sincere spirit? Many hypocrites (say they) are sure. Yea (saith he) among ⟨p. 395⟩the Protestants, one is assured of his way, and another of another Sect, but we are assured that they are all deluded. So that he concludeth, Seeing all the Hereticks of this age boast of this certainty, yet (saith he) even in their opinion many are deceived, and in ours all are. But we are to walk by the Scripture-light in this case. And indeed this being a truth, the knowledge whereof is obtained both by Scripture and experience, the savoury work of grace, and sense of Christs Spirit dwelling in us, doth more to perswade of this truth, then voluminous controversies. This Question is best answered by diligent prayer, and an heavenly life; and therefore practical experimental Christians can speak more to this point, then the most learned speculative Doctors, unless they have a gracious broken heart, as well as a learned profound head. That a believer may be assured of the truth of grace, appeareth by several examples, and general assertions of Scriptures. Examples, as Hezekiah, Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, 2 King. 20. 3. In Job, who though under sad temptations both from God and his dear friends, who charged upon him hypocrisie, yet he would never let go the perswasion of his integrity. David, how often doth he professe his love of God with all his heart? Peter, when Christ asked him again and again, he answered, Thou knowest Lord I love thee, John 21. 17. As for those places, which affirm this truth, I shall name one or two, John 14. 17. Ye know the Spirit, for he dwels with you, and shall be in you. And vers. 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. What is clearer then? As where the Sunne is there is light to see it: so where the Spirit of God dwelleth and worketh in a man, there is an evident discovery of it. 2 Cor. 2. 11, 12.
