The doubting believer, or, A treatiseThe doubting beleever, or, A treatise

This Treatise which now is presented to a public construction, was (many years past) the subject of my private Meditations and Sermons. I did not affect any farther publication of it, then in the Pulpit; but the importunity of others hath ⟨image 7⟩compelled it thus to appear in print: Not that the manner of handling the Subject (here insisted on) is excellent or exquisite, but that the matter handled may be supposed to be of common use and benefit; as a little star hath influence, though not that glory which is proper to the Sun.

THis Treatise which now is presented to a publike cō struction, was (many years past) the subject of my private Meditations and Sermons. I did not affect any farther publication of it, then in the Pulpit; but the importunity of others hath ⟨image 7⟩compelled it thus to appeare in print: Not that the manner of handling the Subject (here insisted on) is excellent or exquisite, but that the matter handled may be supposed to be of common use and benefit; as a little star hath influence, though not that glory which is proper to the Sun.

The Case which is here put, and discussed, is a Case of common experience: There is no Believer, but some time or other will confess it is his. The Sun being seated in an heavenly Orb, shineth ⟨image 7⟩with a very pure and constant light, but the candle (though set and burning in a golden candlestick, yet) burns with a snuff, and much variableness. When Christians are translated, and transplanted from earth to heaven, then their graces shall become perfections: There are no defects in heaven, there are no mixtures in heaven, but whatsoever is pure there, it is altogether pure: Yet on earth it is otherwise, neither the habits of Grace, nor the acts of Grace are alone […] ⟨image 8⟩