Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.

Title: Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.

Author: Burgess, Anthony, d. 1664.

Collection: Early English Books Online

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was with these in a mighty providential way, but not graciously. It is an opinion that God vouchsafeth to some men an a good successe, so that they prosper in all their enterprizes. Again, others though as prudent, as pious, yet never have good successe. Julius Caesar was perswaded of this, when he said Caesarem vehis & fortunam ejus: and concerning Alexander it is observed, that his very pictures were succesfull; but Psal. 75. 6. doth well conclude this matter. Well, grant there are such men whom God will preserre, make rich, great, honoured, whe∣ther they will or no; yet all this argueth God is only with them powerfully, not graciously. Now it is no solid comfort to perceive Gods power and assistance with us, unlesse we also finde his gracious presence.Use 1. Of Reproof to those who desire these outward good things more then inward and spiritual, that say of all earthly greatnesse, as Rachel about children, Give me children else I die; or as Chrysostom reproved some that would say, Give me that which is sweet,, although it choke me, give me wealth, greatnesse, power, although it damn me: alas the fading, vanishing nature of them should make thee temperate; these flowers will presently die. You will cry out with Jo∣nathan, I have tasted a little honey, and behold I must die. I have enjoyed a few years profit, a few years pleasure, and now I must be damned.Use 2. Of Instruction to those who meet with much prosperity and outward encouragements in this world: Take heed of thinking that God doth this to thee, for thy righteousnesse, for thy piety. Do not think this is, because God loveth thee more then others: Nay fear lest these mercies prove not like oil in hell flames to make it scorch the hotter. O do not let thy heart run out Thus, God hath blest me in my trading, in my buying and selling, in my enterprizes and un∣dertakings; but withall consider how he hath blest thee with an heavenly heart, with a gracious life; since thou hast had more wealth hast thou also had more grace? The ship in the sea goeth swiftly, till it touch upon the sands and gravel under it, and then it is stopt. Oh take heed that ye be not like Corah, Dathan and Abiram, swallowed up of the earth in a spiritual way, as they were in a tem∣poral.Use 3. Of Consolation to the godly, who it may be want many of those out∣ward mercies the wicked have. Let them know they are no arguments of true godlinesse, or of Gods dear love in Christ. If indeed thou hadst no portion in Christ, no interest in his grace; If thou hadst no gracious fruits of his Spirit upon thee; then thou mightst justly cry out, ah me, a wretched and barren wilder∣nesse near to cursing and burning: but now it is otherwise, thou hast those things that do indeed accompany salvation. Besides, let not thy heart be troubled at the want of these things, for they are not the best things, nor are they the most ne∣cessary things, and God hath vouchsafed them to thee: Oh it is a sign thy heart is too carnal and earthly, that crieth for earth, when God hath given thee pre∣cious pearls! Though all be gone, yet if grace be left in thy heart, and God be not gone from thy soul, thou maist abundantly rejoyce.0