To Richard Tompson Date: LONDON, February 18, 1756. SIR, You ask, 1. 'Can a man who has not a clear assurance that his sins are forgiven be in a state of justification' I believe there are some instances of it. 2. 'Can a person be in a state of justification who, being asked, "Do you know your sins are forgiven' answers, "I am not certainly sure; but I do not entertain the least doubt of it"' I believe he may. 3. 'Can he who answer "I trust they are"' It is very possible he may be in that state. 4. 'Can any one know that his sins are forgiven while he doubts thereof' Not at the instant when he doubts of it. But he may generally know it, though he doubts at some particular time. I answer as plainly and simply as I can, that, if I am in a mistake, I may the more easily be convinced of it.