A30243:2959
Spiritual refining
Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.
London: printed by A. Miller for Thomas Underhill, 1652
Title page typeset from the transcription.
A TREATISE OF GRACE and ASSURANCE; Being CXX. SERMONS. › Section 12 › Sermon 117
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, It cannot breed arrogancy, for these exercises of grace, are only signs and testimonies of Election or Salvation, they are no causes of it, or merit; wherein then can the soul be puffed up. And
Secondly, It cannot breed arrogancy, for these exercises of grace, are onely signs and testimonies of Election or Salvation, they are no causes of it, or merit; wherein then can the soul be puffed up. And
Thirdly, These gracious effects that are signs, they are not of our working, by our free-will and power of nature: We are his workmanship created to good works, Ephes. 10. So that the discovery of these effects, may indeed enlarge the soul much to praise and glorify God, but to stir up pride in us, there is no consequence at all. And
Thirdly, These gracious effects that are signs, they are not of our working, by our free-will and power of nature: We are his workmanship created to good works, Ephes. 10. So that the discovery of these effects, may indeed inlarge the soul much to praise and glorifie God, but to stir up pride in us, there is no consequence at all. And
Fourthly, These very effects of grace, though not wrought by us, but by God, they are not purely good and perfect, there is much dross, and many imperfections in them: So that the godly heart doth at the same time rejoice and debase its self; it rejoiceth to see the love of God in the soul, but that this love is so weak, so languid and fainting, it doth also grieve: It discovers grace indeed, and therefore is assured; but it discovers also thousands of failings and imperfections, and therefore is laid low: And yet further, though they be in the heart, yet of our selves we have not eyes to discern what God hath wrought for us, till he enable us; so that its Gods gift to be assured: How many dear children of God walk in darkness, and would give a whole world if they had it, but to have this clear evidence of Gods love to them, though for a day.