§. 58. Of ones perswasion of anothers Salvation.
THe copulative particle, AND, which joyneth these two clauses, better things of you, AND things that accompany Salvation, giveth proof, that the Apostle was perswaded of the one, as wel as of the other, namely that the things that brought Sal∣vation, as well as of the better things intended: so as Christians may be well per∣swaded of others Salvation. So was he who saith, I am confident of this very thing,* 1.1 that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it unto the day of Iesus Christ, Phil. 1. 6. Who also saith of others, Christ shall confirm you unto the end, &c. 1 Cor. 1. 8. And of others thus, We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation, 2 Thes. 2. 13.
Sanctifying graces are the work of the Spirit of Christ in men: which giveth* 1.2 evidence that they belong to Christ, who hath purchased Salvation for them.
Object. What man knoweth the things of a man. 1 Cor. 2. 11. The heart is deceitfull above all things, who can know it, Jer. 17. 9. Many Hypocrites have long carryed a fair shew, and thereby deceived many: instance Demas, 2 Tim. 4. 10.
Answ. There is a double perswasion: one of certainty: which a Christian may have* 1.3 of himself. The other of charity: which is all which we can have of others: but evi∣dences of others truth, may be such as may give good ground of a good perswa∣sion.
The evidences we ought to take due notice of, that we may conceive the better hope of Professors, while they live: and receive the more comfort in their depar∣ture out of this world; for there is nothing that can give more sound comfort then perswasion of ones Salvation.