And if any man pretends that he is now sure he shall be saved and that he cannot fall away from grace; there is no better way to confute him, than by advising him to send for the surgeon, and bleed to death.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Using irony to argue that certainty of salvation is false, suggesting death is the only true test.
- In plain terms
- No one can be sure they are saved until they die.
- What can you take from it?
- Certainty about salvation is often unfounded.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can anyone know their fate?
- Is doubt a sign of faith?
Another view
Faith often requires some degree of certainty.
More from Jeremy Taylor
The devil does not tempt people whom he finds suitably employed.
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