A30243:2978
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.
Fifthly, It is the sure character of presumption, that it divideth the means and the end. It hopes for such privileges, though it never do the duties: Now this is 1not assurance, but a presumptuous delusion, whereas you see this text is, To give all diligence to make your calling sure. Presumption is like that charity James speaks of, that giveth good words, bids the party go home and be warmed and clothed, but doth not give any thing; and in this presumption most men live: They hope for that end, the means whereof they are never conversant in. Should they tempt God about their natural life (they will not eat and drink and think to live) all men would say it were horrible presumption: but though they do it palpably about supernatural life (they will neither repent or forsake sin, or live holily) and yet hope Christ will be their Saviour. Though they do thus, yet men see not their own folly and madness therein.
Fifthly, It is the sure character of presumption, that it divideth the means and the end. It hopes for such priviledges, though it never do the duties: Now this is 1not assurance, but a presumptuous delusion, whereas you see this text is, To give all diligence to make your calling sure. Presumption is like that charity James speaks of, that giveth good words, bids the party go home and be warmed and cloathed, but doth not give any thing; and in this presumption most men live: They hope for that end, the means whereof they are never conversant in. Should they tempt God about their naturall life (they will not eat and drink and think to live) all men would say it were horrible presumption: but though they do it palpably about supernaturall life (they will neither repent or forsake sin, or live holily) and yet hope Christ will be their Saviour. Though they do thus, yet men see not their own folly and madnesse therein.
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