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

Yet once more: If the Bible tell us this is saving faith, you upon examination, or others skilful in the work, help you to examine, and there you find that which agrees with that work mentioned in your Bible for saving faith, if you will yet deny that you have saving faith, or that you are a believer, I cannot see but that implicitly at least you give the lye to your Bible; for that which your Bible says is saving faith, you cannot deny but you have it, yet deny you have saving faith, or are a believer. Christians should be more careful in their denials.

Yet once more: If the Bible tell us this is saving faith, you upon examination, or others skilful in the work, help you to examine, and there you find that which agrees with that work mentioned in your Bible for saving faith, if you will yet deny that you have saving faith, or that you are a believer, I cannot see but that implicitely at least you give the lye to your Bible; for that which your Bible sayes is saving faith, you cannot deny but you have it, yet deny you have saving faith, or are a believer. Christians should be more careful in their denials.

Secondly, That which all Christians are exhorted to, that is a duty belonging to all Christians. Exhortation implies a duty: I ought to do what I am exhorted to: But all Christians are exhorted, to be assured of their state in Faith, Union with Christ, 2 Cor. 13.5, Effectual Calling and elation, 2 Pet. 1.10. Therefore such Christians, as the Question speaks of, are bound to conclude, and not left to their liberty, whether they will conclude or not, ⟨p. 290⟩that Christ and pardon are theirs. This also to me is clear, that the Apostles giving such charge and exhortations to all the Corinthians, and all the believing Jews, by their examination, self-probation, diligence, to make sure their calling, election, that Christ was in them, and they in the faith; the Apostles did not intend, that mens assurances could not be had but by absolute promises, and such as a Christian did not think of before set home, or applied by the Spirit in that way which some have found, or by revelations, secret whispers, or what some have mentioned; for self-examinations, and proving of our selves, and our diligence, have no efficacy, or tendency, to produce such an effect that comes that way: And it should seem by them as if these evidences, or assurances (though much differing in their strength and clearness) should be more familiar with Christians, though not always alike, but depending upon our humble and reverent walking with God, and meet it is that it should be so, that those who would enjoy that comfort should walk suitably to it.