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

First, May we not say, his assent to this testimony was special faith? I conceive we may grant it. The testimony came with such light, and self-conviction, that he could not deny but it was the testimony of the Spirit immediately. Now if I be convinced clearly it is his immediate testimony, I am bound to assent to his testimony, which is here, Divine special faith.

Secondly, But this I hope is not the assurance and particular persuasion, which holy Perkins, and holy Rogers mean? If so, the number of true believers will be but few indeed; I have known many, and do now know many, whom I question not but they are sound believers, but never knew what this kind of testimony meant; yet have and do know what the testimony of their own renewed spirits mean. Hence quaere, whether that [Greek or Hebrew], Rom. 8.16. be not ordinarily to be meant of that concourse of the Spirit with the Spirits of believers, which while they are clouded and darkened in their self-examining, and know not what to make of themselves, the good Spirit scattereth those mists, and helps the believer to see the work of faith, and the frame of grace, which he hath wrought in it; and thus helps the Soul to witness, and is a witness with it. For if it be meant only of the Spirits witness, as Mr. Bolton describeth it, and this good Christian found it, that witness I find very rare amongst those with whom I have conversed: To have comforts by promises applied now and then, I deny not; but this was in an eminent way.

Secondly, But this I hope is not the assurance and particular perswasion, which holy Perkins, and holy Rogers mean? If so, the number of true believers will be but few indeed; I have known many, and do now know many, whom I question not but they are sound believers, but never knew what this kind of testimony meant; yet have and do know what the testimony of their own renewed spirits mean. Hence quaere, whether that 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Rom. 8.16. be not ordinarily to be meant of that concourse of the Spirit with the Spirits of believers, which while they are clouded and darkened in their self-examining, and know not what to make of themselves, the good Spirit scattereth those mists, and helps the believer to see the work of faith, and the frame of grace, which he hath wrought in it; and thus helps the Soul to witness, and is a witness with it. For if it be meant only of the Spirits witness, as Mr. Bolton describeth it, and this good Christian found it, that witness I find very rare amongst those with whom I have conversed: To have comforts by promises applied now and then, I deny not; but this was in an eminent way.