seen to yourselves; yet it is certain; God knows you to be actually his, and will own you, when you seem to doubt it; and will always hold you by your right hand, whether you feel it or no, Psa. lxxiii. 23. But why should you think that you are without evidence, when you cannot but feel that in truth you cleave thus to God, and stand thus affected to him? Hence, if you were not wanting to yourselves, you might gain a most peaceable and joyous assurance, that you are in God's favour, and shall be saved. Thus much of removing the impediments.

CHAPTER XVI. SHOWING THE MEANS TO ATTAIN THIS PEACE OF GOD.

It yet remains, that I should show the helps and means to attain and keep this true peace of God, which passes all understanding.

SECT. 1. CAUSES OF ERROR IN MISJUDGING OF A PERSON'S STATE.

Men often err in judging of their own estates, and in like manner in concluding that they have true peace, or not. If you would judge rightly, you must know what is necessary to the very being of a Christian, what not; and this is to be learned only by the word of God. For many err herein, because they think that such and such things are necessary to the being in a state of grace, which are not; and such and such things are sufficient to the being of a Christian, which are not.

Now you shall find, that it is truth of faith and other saving graces, not the great degree and quantity of them, that makes a Christian. And that it is not the