The Method of Grace

And then Thirdly, hence it will follow; that there may be more true and sound believers in the world than know or dare conclude ¹themselves to be such. For as many ruin their own souls by placing the essence of saving faith in naked assent, so some rob themselves of their own comfort by placing it in full assurance. Faith and sense of faith are two distinct and separable mercies: you may have truly received Christ, and not receive the knowledge or assurance of it, Isa. 50. 10. Some there be that say thou art our God, of whom God never said you are my people: these have no authority to be called the sons of God: others there are of whom God saith, these are my people, yet dare not call God their God: these have authority to be called the sons of God, but know it not. They have received Christ, that's their safety; but they have not yet received the knowledge and assurance of it, that's their trouble: the Father owns his child in the Cradle, who yet knows him not to be his Father.

And then Thirdly, hence it will follow; that there may be more true and sound believers in the world than know or dare conclude ¹themselves to be such. For as many ruine their own souls by placing the essence of saving faith in naked assent, so some rob themselves of their own comfort by placing it in full assurance. Faith and sense of faith are two distinct and separable mercies: you may have truly received Christ, and not receive the knowledge or assurance of it,