1. _The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men; teaching us, that having renounced_ (ἀπειπάμενοι) _ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: looking for――――the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from_ all _iniquity; and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works_. Titus ii. 11‒14. 2. _He hath raised up an horn of salvation for us――to perform the mercy promised to our fathers; the oath which he sware to our father_ Abraham, _that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, should serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life_. Luke i. verse 69, &c. _Q._ 10. Is there any example in scripture of persons who had attained to this? _A._ Yes. St. _John_ and all those of whom he says in his first epistle, chapter iv. verse 17. _Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world._ _Q._ 11. But why are there not more examples of this kind, recorded in the new Testament? _A._ It does not become us to be peremptory in this matter. One reason might possibly be, Because the apostles wrote to the church, while it was in a state of infancy. Therefore they might mention such persons the more sparingly, least they should give strong meat to babes. _Q._ 12. Can you shew one such example now? Where is he that is thus perfect? _A._ To some who make this enquiry, one might answer, If I knew one here, I would not tell _you_. For you do not enquire out of love. You are like _Herod_. You only seek the young child, to slay it. But more directly we answer, There are numberless reasons, why there should be few (if any indisputable) examples. What inconveniences would this bring on the person himself, set as a mark for all to shoot at? What a temptation would it be to others, not only to men who knew not God, but to believers themselves? How hardly would they refrain from idolizing such a person? And yet, how unprofitable to gain-sayers? For if they hear not _Moses_ and the prophets, Christ and his apostles, neither would they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. _Q._ 13. Suppose one had attained to this, would you advise him to speak of it? _A._ Not to them who know not God. It would only provoke them to contradict and blaspheme: nor to any without some particular reason, without some particular good in view. And then they should have an especial care, to avoid all appearance of boasting. _Q._ 14. Is it a sin, not to believe those who say they have attained? _A._ By no means, even though they said true. We ought not hastily to believe, but to suspend our judgment, till we have full and strong proof. _Q._ 15. But are we not apt to have a secret distaste to any who say, They are saved from all sin?