CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

3. The word comprehends Assurance, Confidence, and so indeed is hypostasis ⟨p. 602⟩used both in Scripture, and by humane Authors, now this confidence of faith and assurance is seen, in the knowing and assenting acts of faith, as well as applicatory; witness those resolute and confident deportments, which the Martyrs had: Had not they strong assurance of the truth, who could endure such exquisite torments against subtle opposers? And certainly the Martyrs in Queen Mary's days are more to be admired then those in the primitive times, for they suffered upon undoubted and clear points, which only the Heathens gain-said: But now these suffered by them that acknowledged a Christ, and pretended the Glory of Christ as well as they: So that this heavenly confidence, and satisfaction of the soul, that they care not for further disputing, and doubting in the matters they do believe, is a great property in faith. And this manifesteth there is little faith now in Religion, wherein men are apt to think all Religions alike, and that one may do as well as another: In these days to have such a substantiating, realizing and confident assurance, is a great wonder.

3. The word comprehends Assurance, Confidence, and so indeed is hypostasis ⟨p. 602⟩used both in Scripture, and by humane Authours, now this confidence of faith and assurance is seen, in the knowing and assenting acts of faith, as well as applicatory; witnesse those resolute and confident deportments, which the Martyrs had: Had not they strong assurance of the truth, who could endure such exquisite torments against subtil opposers? And certainly the Martyrs in Queen Maries dayes are more to be admired then those in the primitive times, for they suffered upon undoubted and clear points, which only the Heathens gain-said: But now these suffered by them that acknowledged a Christ, and pretended the Glory of Christ as well as they: So that this heavenly confidence, and satisfaction of the soul, that they care not for further disputing, and doubting in the matters they do believe, is a great property in faith. And this manifesteth there is little faith now in Religion, wherein men are apt to think all Religions alike, and that one may do as well as another: In these dayes to have such a substantiating, reallizing and confident assurance, is a great wonder.