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AND if a man do break through all these impediments, and set upon the Duty, yet assurance is not presently attained: Of those few who do enquire after Marks and Means of Assu∣rance, and bestow some pains to learn the difference between the sound Christian, and the unsound; and look often into their own hearts, yet divers are deceiv'd and do miscarry, especially through these following causes.
1. There is such a Confusion and darkness in the Soul of man, especially of an unregenerate man, that he can scarcely tell what he doth, or what is in him. As one can hardly finde any thing in a house where nothing keeps his place, but all is cast on a heap together; so is it in the heart where all things are in disorder, ••∣specially when darkness is added to this disorder; so that the heart is like an obscure Cave or Dungeon, where there is but a little crevise of light, and a man must rather grope then see. No wonder if men mistake in searching such a heart, and so miscar∣ry in judging of their estates.
2. And the rather because most men do accustom themselves to be strangers at home, and are little taken up with observing the temper and motions of their own hearts: All their studies are imployed without them, and they are no where less acquainted then in their own brests.
3. Besides many come to the work with forestalling conclu∣sions: They are resolved what to judge before they Try: They use the duty but to strengthen their present conceits of them∣selves, and not to find out the truth of their condition: Like a bribed Judge, who examines each party as if he would Judge uprightly, when he is resolved which way the cause shall go before hand. Or as perverse disputers, who argue only to maintain their present opinions, rather then to try those opinions whether they are right or wrong. Just so do men examine their hearts.
4. Also men are partial in their own Cause: They are ready to think their great sins small, and their small sins to be none; their gifts of nature to be the work of Grace, and their gifts of common grace, to be the special grace of the Saints. They are straight ways ready to say,* 1.2 All these have I kept from my youth: And I am rich and increased, &c. Rev. 3.17. The first common excellency that they meet with in themselves, doth so dazle their eyes, that they are presently satisfied that all is well, and look no further.
5. Besides, most men do search but by the halves. If it will not easily & quickly be done, they are discouraged, and leaveoff. Few set to it and follow it, as beseems them in a work of such moment. He must give all diligence that means to make sure.
6. Also men try themselves by false Marks and Rules; not knowing wherein the truth of Christianity doth consist; some
looking beyond, and some short of the Scripture standard.
7. Moreover there is so great likeness betwixt the lowest de∣gree of special grace, and the highest degree of Common Grace, that it is no wonder if the unskilful be mistaken. It is a great Question, whether the main difference between special grace and common, be not rather gradual, then specifical: If it should be so (as some think) then the discovery will be much more difficult. However to discern by what principle our affections are moved, and to what ends, and with what sincerity, is not very easie; there being so many wrong Ends and motives which may excite the like Acts. Every grace in the Saints hath its coun∣terfeit in the Hypocrite.
8. Also men use to Try themselves by unsafe Marks: either looking for a high degree of grace instead of a lower degree in sincerity, as many doubting Christians do; or else enquiring only into their outward Actions; or into their inward Affecti∣ons without their ends, motives and other qualifications: The sure evidences are Faith, Love, &c. that are Essential parts of our Christianity, and that lie neerest to the heart.
9. Lastly, Men frequently miscarry in this work by setting on it in their own strength. As some expect the Spirit should do it without them, so others attempt it themselves without seeking or expecting the help of the Spirit: both these will certainly miscarry in their Assurance. How far the Spirits Assistance is necessary is shewed before, and the several Acts which it must perform for us.
§. 9. Hinderances which keep many that do Examine from attaining strong Assu∣rance, & cause many to be de••ceived.
Mat. 19.20.