Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

And there being no second Christ or Gospel to fly to, whither doth this Impossibility drive but into the black gulf of Despair? Wherefore, as we would avoid such doleful consequences, we must conclude those Precepts practicable, and so Assurance possible: And as a sure seal thereof we have the sweet experience of Saints in all Ages. Holy Job, though God multiplied his Wounds, and his Friends raked in them by a very sharp charge of Hypocrisy, knew his own Integrity, and would not let it go, Job 27.5. And which reacheth beyond his present state of Grace, as sure of future Glory, he breaks out, I know that my Redeemer liveth; and maugre all the destructive worms, In my flesh and with these very eyes I shall see God, Job 19.25, 26. O how certain was his Faith! I know; How appropriative? ⟨p. 403⟩My Redeemer liveth; and how sharp-sighted? he could look through the dust to Immortality. David knew the truth of his Grace, and proved it to himself by infallible Marks; I have kept the ways of the Lord, I have not wickedly departed from my God; I did not put away his statutes from me, I kept my self from mine iniquity, Psal. 18.21, 22, & 23. ver. And for future Happiness, he saith without scruple, That at his waking in the Resurrection he should be satisfied with Gods likeness, Psal. 17.15. St. Paul speaks as one full sure of his present state and future hope, I have fought a good sight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, 2 Tim. 4.7, 8. The Martyr Agatha, having her Breasts cruelly cut off for Religion, told the Persecutor, That yet she had two Breasts remaining, such as he could not touch, the one of Faith, and the other of Hope; which afforded her great Comfort in her Torments. Caspar Olevian a German Divine, being asked by one, Whether he were certain of his Salvation? answered just at the brink of death, Certissimus, I am most sure of it. Mr. Bolton being near death expressed himself thus, My whole heart is filled with joy, I feel nothing within but Christ. Mr. Hieron said, His Soul was full of joy, as if be had seen Heaven open to receive him. Such Paradises of Joy, Sabbatisines of Spirit, and Prepossessions of Glory have the Saints found in their way to Heaven.