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

First, I grant that the true Children of God do walk with God, they do serve him, worship him, they do repent when they fall, without being moved with Arguments from Hell or Heaven being actually in their thoughts; the excellency of God and Christ, the love they bear to him, the content they have and find in pleasing of him, the beauty they see in a conformity to his holy Will and blessed Image, carries them on, without having Heaven or Hell, reward or punishment, actually in their eye, but what my vile heart would do if there were neither Heaven nor Hell, reward nor punishment (as these men say) I cannot ⟨p. 305⟩tell that: what Calonius and holy Perkins found in their hearts I know not; but I am sure many find their hearts so vile, so out of frame many times, that let them use all Arguments, from the right hand and left, unless the Spirit of God comes in and quickens them, and puts to his power, they will not all do to keep the vile heart in the path of Gods Commandments.

First, I grant that the true Children of God do walk with God, they do serve him, worship him, they do repent when they fall, without being moved with Arguments from Hell or Heaven being actually in their thoughts; the excellency of God and Christ, the love they bear to him, the content they have and find in pleasing of him, the beauty they see in a conformity to his holy Will and blessed Image, carries them on, without having Heaven or Hell, reward or punishment, actually in their eye, but what my vile heart would do if there were neither Heaven nor Hell, reward nor punishment (as these men say) I cannot ⟨p. 305⟩tell that: what Calonius and holy Perkins found in their hearts I know not; but I am sure many find their hearts so vile, so out of frame many times, that let them use all Arguments, from the right hand and left, unless the Spirit of God comes in and quickens them, and puts to his power, they will not all do to keep the vile heart in the path of Gods Commandements.

Secondly, I grant that is a true sign, as Mr. Perkins saith, if persons do as he says in their godly sorrow; but if there be no other sign but this, and as he saith, for no other cause but this only, then I know not how we shall be sure of our repentance, or Sonship, until I saw and were sure there were neither Heaven nor Hell, and then saw what my heart would do; whatever it may say now it would do, I dare not trust it.