Answer: Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith₁, true believers may wait long before they obtain it₂; and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions₃; yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair.₄

1. Ephesians 1:13
2. Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 88
3. Psalm 77:1-12; Song of Solomon 5:2-3; Song of Solomon 5:6; Psalm 51:8; Psalm 51:12; Psalm 31:22; Psalm 22:1
4. 1 John 3:9; Job 13:15; Psalm 73:15; Psalm 73:23; Isaiah 57:7-10