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THe first way to know whether we have it, is duly to consider whether we be not of the number of those that have it not: Who are they?
1. Grosse ignorant ones, I meane such, who as they have not heavenly know∣ledge; so they desire it not, nor care to take pains for it, this is a blind Faith which cannot see to get into Heaven; Flaming fire is provided for such,
2 Thes. 1.8. if the Sun look into a dungeon it must needs be inlightned, so is Christ to the Soule.
2. Loose ones, and such as are of prophane life, who shall receive the same reward of Vengeance with the former in fla∣ming fire at Christs com∣ming, because they obey him not now, 2 Thes. 1.8. Gal. 5.21.
3. Worldlings, they are enemies to God. Jam. 4.4.
4. Such as are meere Civill ones, in whom the Plague-sore of sin is but stricken in, not cured, but more dangerous: they
cannot be saved. Matth. 5.20.
5. Such as have not so much as historicall Faith, viz. to beleeve that God speakes true in all points: as that giving is the way to have more, Luke 6.38. that we must not labour to be rich, Prov. 23.4. that Godlinesse is most gaine∣full, 1 Tim. 6.6. that no∣thing is to be gotten by sin, Iob 33.27. that ill got∣ten wealth shall doe us no good, Prov. 10.2. that a broken heart pleaseth God best, that to loath our selves is the way to have the Lord to love us, &c.
6. Hypocrites, Mat. 24.51. contenting themselves with the formes of God∣linesse, but care not for the inward power and true efficacie of it: these have but a rotten heart skinned over.
7. Such as make light of it, and thinke it is easily gotten without any great adoe; they that slight it, want it.
8. They that thinke it impossible to be got; these Cowards are unbelee∣vers. Rev. 21.8. who shall have part in the burning lake.
9. Slothfull ones, Prov.
19.15. that though they thinke it may be had, yet are so lazie, they will not take paines for it; remem∣ber Mat. 25.26. thou wic∣ked and slothfull servant.
10. Presumers, who are like dreamers, Isai. 29.8. that have alwaies thought they had it alreadie, and therfore never went about the getting of it.
11. Such as were never rightly humbled and bro∣ken hearted for their sins; the Grace of Faith, and Grace by Faith is given to none but the humble, 1 Pet. 5.5. The stout-hearted are farre from righteous∣nesse,
saith God, Isa. 46.12.
12. They that content themselves with some flitting motions and vani∣shing flashes of desire af∣ter it sometimes; but be∣ing quenched with the world come to nothing, as the young man, Matth. 19.16.
13. Intire Familiars and Associates with the un∣godly; for they that give their heart to Gods ene∣mies, give it not to him, he wants it if they have it: David liked not such fel∣lowship, Psal. 26.5.
14. Ambitious persons, Christ saith, how can
they beleeve? Ioh. 5.44. Here are 14. severall forts of unbeleevers (though professing the Gospel) if you find your selfe of the number of any of these, you may easily know how it is with you for the matter of saving Faith, namely that you have it not.
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