A Body of Practical Divinity

2. He who hath a real Assurance, will take heed of that which will weaken and darken his Assurance; he is fearful of the Forbidden Fruit; he knows though he cannot sin away his Soul, yet he may sin away his Assurance: But he who hath the Ignis Fatuus of Presumption, doth not fear defiling his Garments; he is bold in sin, Jer. 3.4, 5. Wilt thou not cry unto me my Father, behold thou hast done evil things as thou couldest. Balaam said, My God, yet a Sorcerer. A Sign he hath no Money about him, who fears not to Travel all Hours in the Night; a sign he hath not the Jewel of Assurance, who fears not the works of Darkness.

2. He who hath a real Assurance, will take heed of that which will weaken and darken his Assurance; he is fearful of the Forbidden Fruit; he knows though he cannot sin away his Soul, yet he may sin away his Assurance: But he who hath the Ignis Fatuus of Presumption, doth not fear defiling his Garments; he is bold in sin, Ier. 3.4, 5. Wilt thou not cry unto me my Father, behold thou hast done evil things as thou couldest. Balaam said, My God, yet a Sorcerer. A Sign he hath no Mony about him, who fears not to Travel all Hours in the Night; a sign he hath not the Jewel of Assurance, who fears not the works of Darkness.

3. True Assurance is built upon a Scripture-basis; the Word saith, The effect of Righteousness shall be Quietness and Assurance for ever, Isa. 32.17. A Christians Assurance is built upon this Scripture; God hath sown the Seed of Righteousness in his Soul, and this Seed hath brought forth the Harvest of Assurance▪ But Presumption is a spurious thing, it hath no Scripture to show for its Warrant; it is like a Will without Seal and Witnesses, which is null and void in Law; Presumption wants both the Witness of the Word, and the Seal of the Spirit.