A30243:2973
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 118
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.
But the godly heart may inquire, How shall I know this holy certainty and persuasion by Gods Spirit, from my own persuasion, from the self-flattery that is in me? Are there not thousands of people that call darkness light, and bitter sweet? that conclude the truth and goodness of their heart in all respects towards God. It's true it cannot be denied but that there are such foolish dreamers, who dream of their fullness when they are indeed empty; yet to a searching eye they may be quickly distinguished.
But the godly heart may inquire, How shall I know this holy certainty and perswasion by Gods Spirit, from my own perswasion, from the self-flattery that is in me? Are there not thousands of people that call darkness light, and bitter sweet? that conclude the truth and goodnesse of their heart in all respects towards God. It's true it cannot be denied but that there are such foolish dreamers, who dream of their fulnesse when they are indeed empty; yet to a searching eye they may be quickly distinguished.
For first, Holy certainty is kept up in all exercises of grace, and constant tender avoiding of all known sin: but presumption will agree with the practice of all these. He is confident of Gods love, of his own good heart; yet a notorious ⟨p. 684⟩beast, a constant swearer, a constant liar, unjust in his dealing, lustful and voluptuous in his life. Oh these must needs be horse-beetles that can live in such dung; not Christs doves who delight in neat and sweet places. What? thou hope in God? thou trust thou hast a good heart and a good conscience when so much wickedness is in thy life! This is impudent presumption, and Gods eyes are purer then to accept or love such. Doth a man then think he hath grace in his heart, how careful is he to practise all good known duties, and to avoid all known sin.
For first, Holy certainty is kept up in all exercises of grace, and constant tender avoiding of all known sin: but presumption will agree with the practice of all these. He is confident of Gods love, of his own good heart; yet a notorious