The Return of Prayers

Caution 5 5. Though we can hardly set limits to say when, or when not, this shall fall out from the degrees of mens repentings: as that if they have such or such a degree of repentance, then they fall no more: yet we may further consider a difference of their returnings to God, & repentings; and of Gods ⟨p. 379⟩speaking peace.

Cautiō 5 5. Though wee can hardly set limits to say when, or when not, this shall fall out from the degrees of mens repentings: as that if they have such or such a degree of repentance, then they fall no more: yet we may further consider a difference of their returnings to God, & repentings; and of Gods ⟨p. 379⟩speaking peace.

1. Of their Repentings: some are more imperfect, and but as it were thawings of the mind a little, by means of a little Sunshine of Gods love: some, are more thorough and deep; that recover a man, and put him into a sound and healthful estate. As for example, a man in an ague hath well days, yet his fits return, and it may be they leave him for a month or so; and yet they take him again, as at Spring and Autumn; which is because all this while his body is not thoroughly recovered to a state of health: so is it with a mans heart in respect of ⟨p. 380⟩his lusts; though he may have many well days, wherein he may eat his meat, and receive sweetness in the word, and ordinances: yet at times his distempers and aguish fits return, he being aguish still; but in the end, after the peace of God hath more thoroughly established his heart, he attains to some settled constant victory over it; and when it doth not prevail to victory, such aguish fits end usually in consumptions, in which long agues often end: as in Temporaries, in whom, sin overcoming GODS striving with them, it eats all good beginnings ⟨p. 381⟩