First, whether the party be generally called, or specially touched: if he be but1 generally called, as all common Christians professing the Gospel, it were an easy matter to slip in that state. Secondly, if the party be effectually called, it is to be enquired, whether he be but a babe in Christ or no, or whether he be come to some good growth2 in Christ: for that if he be but a novice, he may twice fall so. Thirdly, we must observe,3 if he be now grown to some good age in Christ, whether the sin committed be a thing known unto him, or if he know it not to be a sin, he may doubtless slip into it.
First, whether the partie bee generally called, or specially touched: if hee be but1 generally called, as all common Christians professing the Gospell, it were an easie matter to slippe in that state. Secondly, if the partie be effectually called, it is to be enquired, whether he be but a babe in Christ or no, or whether he be come to some good growth2 in Christ: for that if he be but a nouice, he may twice fall so. Thirdly, we must obserue,3 if he be now growne to some good age in Christ, whether the sinne committed be a thing knowne vnto him, or if hee know it not to be a sinne, hee may doubtles slip into it.
- 1Cautions concerning a relapse.Cautiōs concerning a relapse.
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