Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 9. The assurance of Justification, best known to him that hath it.

Object. THe Scriptures commending the righteousnesse of A∣braham and other Patriarks, doth rather make (〈◊〉〈◊〉) sure and certaine of their salvation then themselves.

Ans. No mans salvation can be better knowne unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then to himself, for as the life of the body is more felt where that life is, then of others which only see the body to live; so faith which is the life of the Soule▪ (as the Scripture saith, the just shall live by faith) is better apprehended of those that have the pos∣session of it, then of such as only behold it. Again, in vain doth the Apostle exhort us, to labour to make our calling and election sort, 2 Pet. 1. 10. if it could not be accomplished.

Obj. The Apostle exhorteth us, to work it out with feare and trembling, Phil. 2. 12.

Ans. The Apostle in that place doth not deny but that it may be wrought out, he therefore exhorteth us so to demeane our selves, as that we doe not presume of any worthinesse in our selves, that may deserve it, and therefore he also exhorteth them that stand, to take heed lest they fall, 1 Cor. 10. 12. lest being secure of our

election, which is certaine and infallible (in regard that whom God loveth, he loveth unto the end.) We sinne presumptuously, trusting to Gods election, and therefore the Apostle exhorteth us, to work it out with feare and trembling, least we being circum∣vented of Satan (who can transforme himself into an Angel of light to deceive us) and so be prevented of that which we vainly hoped for.

Obj. When may a man be certain of his election or salvation?

Ans. When he regardeth not sinne in his heart, and untill* 1.1 then he cannot; for the Prophet David speaking by experience saith, that so long as he regarded sinne in his heart, the Lord would not beare his prayers, Psal. 66. 18. so that when we feele in our selves, that we are throughly dead unto sinne, and to all the affe∣ctions and desires of the same, it is impossible that we should be certaine of our election; for in this it may be said as of the Com∣mandements, that he that keepeth them all and offendeth in one (that is, he that keepeth them all but one) is guilty of the breach of all, in regard that the charge was to keep that one as well as all the rest. So he that in his affections, is dead to all man∣ner of sins; but one which he still desireth to retaine, being his darling sinne, and that either for profit or pleasure, is in the same respect guilty of all, it being probable that he would breake the rest upon the like termes, in which state and condition a man can∣not be fully assured of his salvation.

Notes

• * 1.1

  When a man may be assured of his salva∣tion.