Yet we must know that Christians have not at all times alike assurance of their interest ; for there is an infancy of grace, where we are ignorant of our own condition. And there is a time of desertion, whenas God, to make us look better to our footing, leaves us a little, as if he would forsake us quite ; when indeed he only withdraws his assistance for a while to make us cleave the closer to him. There be also certain seasons, wherein, though we are assured of God's favour, yet w^e have no feeling or apprehension of the same, which diflereth in Christians much, according as they are more or less sensible of their estates. Some again use not that care and diligence in the use of means which God requires, whereupon they are justly deprived of that inward peace and comfort which others enjoy. There is a difference likewise in growth and continuance in Christianity. Some are strong Christians, and some weak; answerable whereunto is the difference of assur- ance of God's love usually in the hearts of his people. Nay, it is possible that for a long time the Lord's jewels, his redeemed ones, may want this blessed comfort.
For we must conceive there is a double act of faith.
First, An act whereby a poor distressed sinner casts himself upon God as reconciled to him in Christ.
Secondly, There is a reflect act, whereby knowing that we rely upon the truth and promise of the Almighty, we have assurance of his favour. Now a man may perform the one act and not the other. Many of the saints sometimes can hardly say that they have any assurance ; but yet, notwith- standing, they will daily cast themselves upon the rich mercy and free grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Besides, There are many things which may hinder this act of assurance, because (together with believing) God may present such things to my mind as may so damp and disquiet my soul, that I cannot have any definitive thoughts about that which God would especially have me to think upon.
As when God would humble a man, he takes not away the Spirit of faith wholly from him, but sets before such a sinful creature his anger and sore displeasure, together with the hellish torments and pains of the damned as due to his soul, which makes him for the present to be in an estate little differing from the reprobate. So that he is far from saying he hath any * Viz., 1st Epistle.— G.
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assurance at that time. Yet, notwithstanding, he doth not leave off nor renounce his confidence, but casts himself upon God's mercy still. ' Though the Lord kill him, yet will he trust in him,' Job xiii. 15, although he sees nothing but terror and wrath before him. This God doth to tame our pre- sumption, and to prepare us for the enjoyment of his future glory. If we feel not sense of assurance, it is good to bless God for what we have. We cannot deny but God offers himself in merc}^ to us, and that he intends our good thereby; for so we ought to construe his merciful dealing towards us, and not have him in jealousy without ground. Had we but willing hearts to praise God for that which we cannot but acknowledge comes fi'om him, he will be ready in his time to shew himself more clearly to us. We taste of his goodness many ways, and it is accompanied with much patience. And these, in their natures, should lead us not only to repentance, but to nearer dependence on him. We ought to follow that which God leads us unto, though he hath not yet acquainted us with his secrets.
These things we must observe, that we give not a false evidence against ourselves. Though we have not such assurance as we have had, yet always there is some ground in us whereupon we may be comforted that we are God's children, could we but search into it. Let us not then be negli- gent in labouring for the same, and in the Lord's good time we shall certainly obtain it. It is the profaneness of the world that they improve not those helps which God hath afforded for this purpose.
Nay, they had rather stagger, and take contentment in their owti ways, saying. If God will love me in a loose, licentious course, so it is ; but I will not 'give diligence to make my calling and election sure,' 2 Peter i. 10 ; I will never bar myself of such profits and delights, nor forsake all, chiefly to mind spiritual things.
W^hereas we ought constantly to endeavour for assurance of gi'ace, that God may have honour from us, and we the more comfort from him again, that we may live in the world above the world, and pass cheerfully through the manifold troubles and temptations which befall us in our pilgrimage.
A man in his pure naturals will swell against this doctrine, because he feels no such thing, and thinks what is above his measure is hypocrisy. He makes himself the rule of other Christians to walk by, and therefore values and esteems others by his uncertain condition. But the heart of a Christian hath a light in it ; the Spirit of God in his soul makes him discern what estate he is in.