_We do not find the word used in that sense till the second century_, _by Justin Martyr [Vid. ejusd. Dial. 2.] and Clemens Alexandrinus [in Pædag. Lib. 1. cap. 6.] and therefore we are not altogether to take our measures in explaining the sense of words, used in scripture, from them, who sometimes mistake the sense of the doctrine, contained therein. However, if we take the word in this sense, it does not militate against our argument, since a person may be baptized, who is not in a state of grace and salvation._ Footnote 101: _See Pag. 124, 125 ante._ Footnote 102: _See Pag. 122, 123 ante._ Footnote 103: _There seems to be an hendyadis in the apostle’s mode of speaking. By the heavenly gift we are to understand extraordinary gifts, which are called the Holy Ghost elsewhere_, Acts xix. 2. _because they were from the Holy Ghost as effects of his power, and wrought to confirm the gospel dispensation, which is called the world to come_, Heb. ii. 6. _and therefore they are styled the powers of the world to come_. Quest. LXXX. QUEST. LXXX. _Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?_ ANSW. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him, may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God’s promises, and by the Spirit, enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made, and bearing witness with their spirits, that they are the children of God, be infallibly assured that they are in a state of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation. Having before considered a believer as made partaker of those graces of the Holy Spirit that accompany salvation, whereby his state is rendered safe, and also that he shall not draw back unto perdition, but shall attain the end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul; it is necessary for the establishing of his comfort and joy, that he should know himself to be interested in this privilege. It is a great blessing to be redeemed by Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit; but it is a superadded privilege to know that we are so, or be assured that we are in a state of grace, which is the subject insisted on in this answer: In which we are led, I. To speak something concerning the nature of assurance, and how far persons may be said to be infallibly assured of their salvation. II. We shall endeavour to prove that this blessing is attainable in this life. III. We shall consider the character of those to whom it belongs. And, IV. The means whereby it may be attained.