284 Gt /el Affitrecnce,wherein it conVeth. Pfal.i3o, was never more humbled for fin, than when Nathan told him it was forgiven. And there may be a view of He 7 as deferved, which yet the Soul may know it fell freed from, as to the Pfîe. To evidence our intendment in this difcourfe, I fhall briefly confider what we intend by Gofpel Affurance of Forgiveneff, that the Soul may not be f licitous and perplexed, about the utter want of that, which perhaps it is already in Come enjoyment of. Gofpel t,f - Some men kern to place Gofpel Aj7urance in an high unaffault_ furance , ed Confidence of Acceptance with God. They think it is in none wherein' is but fuch, as if a man fhould go to them, and ask them, are conn.Lth. g you certain you peal be laved, have boldnefs, and confidence, and oflcutation to anfwer prefently, yea they are certain they thall be Caved. But as the bleffed Truth ofAffurance hath been reproached in the World under 'itch a notion of it, fo fuck ex- pre ions become not them who know what it is to have to do with the Holy God who is a confurningfire. Hence Come con- clude, that there are very few Believers who have any Affu- rance," becaufe they have not this confidence, or are more free to mention the opk f tion they meet with, than the fupportment they enjoy. And thus is it rendred a matter not greatly to be defrred, becaufe it is fo rarely to be obtained ; molt of the Saints fcrving God, and going to Heaven well enough without it But the matter is otherwife. The importance of it, not only as it is our life of comfort-and joy, but alto as it is the principal means of the flrurifhing of our Life of Holine!?, hath been decla- red before; and might be further manifefted, were that our prefent bufinefs; Yea and in times of tryall, which are the proper feafons for the Effe ual working and manifeflation of Affcsrance, it will and loth appear, that marry, yea that moft of the Saints of God, are made partakers of this Grace and Priviledge. I (hall then in the purfuit of the Rule laid down, do there two things. (i.) Shew what things they are which are not only confifient with Affurance, but are even neceffary concomitants of it, which yet if not duely weighed and confidered, may hem
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