The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Secondly, In all these there are degrees; some have had stronger lusts then others, acting, rebelling, and there is reason they should feel more; though that which makes the truth in all to be known, is the sense and sight of original sin, the workings of that in the heart, the woeful defilement it makes in all a man doth, the steam, the vapours that rise from that nasty dunghill; hence a Christian abominates himself, ashamed to come into the company of Christians, though none know any thing of these inward motions but God and himself.

Secondly, In all these there are degrees; some have had stronger lusts then others, acting, rebelling, and there is reason they should feel more; though that which makes the truth in all to be known, is the sense and sight of original sin, the workings of that in the heart, the woful defilement it makes in all a man doth, the steam, the vapours that rise from that nasty dunghill; hence a Christian abominates himself, ashamed to come into the company of Christians, though none know any thing of these inward motions but God and himself.

Now then I come to my Argument for the negative part; and before I frame any Argument, I should move one Question, and desire humbly an answer from these holy men, had they been living, or from any other Divine, who will maintain what they have written, it is this: I see Mr. Shepherd is often up with these words, If the Soul imagines God will never give or manifest Grace: If it thinks God will never give it his love: My Question is this.

Quest. Ought this Soul prepared thus far, as Mr. Shepherd hath laid down, to entertain such thoughts, admit such imagination, suppositions, If Gods will be so and so, that will give no Grace but damn? So Mr. Hooker puts these Ifs in often?

Quest. Ought this Soul prepared thus far, as Mr. Shepherd hath laied down, to entertain such thoughts, admit such imagination, suppositions, If Gods will be so and so, that will give no Grace but damn? So Mr. Hooker puts these Ifs in often?