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

Thus we have been catechized, thus we read in eminent, holy men, master-builders, against whom though we may argue, for Truths sake, and for the support of thousands of true believers, yet for their abilities, holiness, Gospel simplicity, spiritualness, I fear few of us shall ever reach them: their memory is precious. Definitions give the essence, or else they tell you nothing. The question lies in that particular persuasion, assurance that Christ is mine, that my sins are forgiven, as our ancient Divines have affirmed: our later Divines have spoken exceeding well to it: yet give me leave, upon the Reasons I before mentioned, to cast in my Mite.

Thus we have been catechized, thus we read in eminent, holy men, master-builders, against whom though we may argue, for Truths sake, and for the support of thousands of true believers, yet for their abilities, holiness, Gospel simplicity, spiritualness, I fear few of us shall ever reach them: their memory is precious. Definitions give the essence, or else they tell you nothing. The question lies in that particular perswasion, assurance that Christ is mine, that my sins are forgiven, as our ancient Divines have affirmed: our later Divines have spoken exceeding well to it: yet give me leave, upon the Reasons I before mentioned, to cast in my Mite.

That the essence of saving Faith doth not lye in that particular persuasion, or assurance, that Christ is mine, and my sins forgiven, I thus prove.

That the essence of saving Faith doth not lye in that particular perswasion, or assurance, that Christ is mine, and my sins forgiven, I thus prove.

First Argument. That is not the essence of saving Faith which Gospel-Ministers cannot press all men to, but they must press most to believe a Lye.