A73612:6
The spiritual touchstoneThe spiritval tovchstone
The spiritual touchstone: or, The signs of a godly man drawn in so plain and profitable a manner, as all sorts of Christians may try themselves thereby. Together with directions, how the weak Christian, by the use of these signs may establish his assurance. By. N. Bifield preacher of Gods word at Isteworth in Middlesex.The spiritval tovchstone: or, The signes of a godly man drawne in so plaine and profitable a maner, as all sorts of Christians may trie themselues thereby. Together with directions, how the weake Christian, by the vse of these signes may establish his assurance. By. N. Bifield preacher of Gods word at Isteworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by R. Field for Jonah Man, 1619London: printed by R. Field for Ionas Man, 1619
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
TO THE MUCH honoured Lady, the Lady RUTH SCYDAMORE increase of peace and joy in believing.
TO THE MVCH HONOred Ladie, the Ladie RVTH SCYDAMORE increase of peace and ioy in beleeuing.
How great the benefit of assurance of Gods favour and of our own salvation is, those only know that are either scourged with the conflicts and ⟨image 3⟩terrors of their own doubtings, or that are solaced and established with the sweet dues of refreshing that arise from a rooted and well grounded faith. If men study assurances so much for their outward possessions in this world, how much more earnest and diligent should men be to assure Gods love and the inheritance of the glory to come? There is not a clearer sign of a profane heart, then to account these cares needless: nor do I know a juster exception against any religion, then that it should teach, ⟨image 3⟩that when a man hath done what he can to observe the directions of that religion, yet he cannot be sure he shall go to heaven.
HOw great the benefite of assurance of Gods fauour and of our owne saluation is, those onely know that are either scourged with the conflicts and ⟨image 3⟩terrors of their own doubtings, or that are solaced and established with the sweet dewes of refreshing that arise from a rooted and well grounded faith. If men studie assurances so much for their outward possessions in this world, how much more earnest and diligent should men be to assure Gods loue and the inheritance of the glorie to come? There is not a clearer signe of a profane heart, then to account these cares needlesse: nor do I know a iuster exception against any religion, then that it should teach,