6. Query the sixth. “Whether the same exalted strains and notions, do not tend to weaken the _natural_ and _civil_ relations among men, by leading the inferiors into whose heads those notions are infused to a disesteem of their superiors; while they consider them as in a much _lower dispensation_ than themselves; though those superiors are otherwise _sober_ and _good_ men, and regular attendants on the ordinances of religion?” I have mentioned before, What those exalted notions are: these do not tend to weaken either the _natural_ or _civil_ relations among men; or to lead inferiors to a disesteem of their superiors, even where those superiors are neither _good_ nor _sober_ men. Query the seventh. “Whether a _gradual_ improvement in grace and goodness is not a better foundation of comfort, and of an assurance of a gospel new-birth, than that which is founded on the doctrine of a _sudden_ and _instantaneous_ change; which, if there be any such thing, is not so easily distinguished from fancy and imagination; the workings whereof we may well suppose to be more _strong_ and _powerful_, while the person considers himself in the state of one who is admitted as a ♦candidate for such a change, and is taught in due time to expect it?” ♦ “canditate” replaced with “candidate” Let us go one step at a time. _Q._ 1. Whether a _gradual_ improvement in grace and goodness, is not a good foundation of comfort? _A._ Doubtless it is, if by grace and goodness be meant the knowledge and love of God through Christ. _Q._ 2. Whether it be not a good _foundation_ of an assurance of a gospel new-birth? _A._ If we daily grow in this knowledge and love, it is a good _proof_ that we are born of the Spirit. But this does in no wise supersede the previous witness of God’s Spirit with ours, that we are the children of God. And this is properly the _foundation_ of the assurance of faith. _Q._ 3. Whether this improvement is not a better foundation of comfort, and of an assurance of a gospel new-birth, than that which is founded on the doctrine of a sudden and instantaneous change? _A._ A better foundation than _that――That!_ What? To what substantive does this refer? According to the rules of grammar, (for all the other substantives are in the genitive case, and consequently to be considered as only parts of that which governs them) you must mean, “A better foundation than that foundation which is founded on this doctrine.” As soon as I understand the question, I will endeavour to answer it. _Q._ 4. Can that _sudden_ and _instantaneous_ change be easily distinguished from fancy and imagination? _A._ Just as easily as light from darkness: seeing it brings with it a peace that passeth all understanding, a joy unspeakable, full of glory, the love of God and all mankind filling the heart, and power over all sin. _Q._ 5. May we not well suppose the workings of imagination to be more _strong_ and _powerful_ in one who is taught to expect such a change?