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

Quest. Whether a Christian upon self-examination, or examination by others judicious and godly, being convinced, so much at least that he dares not deny, but God hath wrought the good work of Faith in him, ought not now to conclude, Christ is mine, and my sins are forgiven?

I speak of such a Christian, who hath been examining himself by what hath gone before, or by any other Book, or Rules, which are sound and unerring: Some their Rules are false, and most men judge by false Rules; but I am speaking of a real Christian, who is careful of his Rule, and as careful in the applying of his heart to the Rule. Amongst these in discourse, we meet with some, ⟨p. 285⟩who manifest too much frowardness, pettishness, whom I much mislike and suspect: others of a more humble, meekened, reverent frame of spirit, willing to subject to any way of God, and would conclude if they dare, but they fear they should be too bold, and thus out of fear are kept from their conclusion: these are the Christians I aim at: and observe the stress of the question lies in the word ought; it is not what they may do, but what they ought to do, making it a duty incumbent upon them: and if that can be made good, though that be yielded, assurance is not grace; yet they are not at liberty to turn off the conclusion as they please.

I speak of such a Christian, who hath been examining himself by what hath gone before, or by any other Book, or Rules, which are sound and unerring: Some their Rules are false, and most men judge by false Rules; but I am speaking of a real Christian, who is careful of his Rule, and as careful in the applying of his heart to the Rule. Amongst these in discourse, we meet with some, ⟨p. 285⟩who manifest too much frowardness, pettishness, whom I much mislike and suspect: others of a more humble, meekened, reverent frame of spirit, willing to subject to any way of God, and would conclude if they dare, but they fear they should be too bold, and thus out of fear are kept from their conclusion: these are the Christians I aim at: and observe the stress of the question lyes in the word ought; it is not what they may do, but what they ought to do, making it a duty incumbent upon them: and if that can be made good, though that be yielded, assurance is not grace; yet they are not at liberty to turn off the conclusion as they please.