The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

There are seasons when as the work of grace is so overshadowed, that a man can scarcely judge of himself how it is with him. This I collect hence, in that it is one thing to think that we be in the state of grace, another thing by proof and examination to find it so to be. We may be in the state of grace, and yet the same not so appear to our selves, until we have made trial of our selves: the work of Gods spirit is sufficient, whose manner of working is to us unknown, John 3.8.¹ as the wind, and to have this known unto us, we must try and examine our selves; in which examination, who doubts but we may often mistake? thus was David himself mistaken, Psal. 22.² he judgeth himself forsaken of God in regard of his own feeling, Psal. 31.22.³ I said in my haste, I am cast out of thy sight, Isa. 40.27. Jacob complained his way was hid from the Lord, Isa. 49.14. Zion complains, the Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me, Isa. 50.10.⁴ there is a time wherein Gods children walk in darkness, and see no light.

There are seasons when as the worke of grace is so overshadowed, that a man can scarcely judge of himselfe how it is with him. This I collect hence, in that it is one thing to thinke that wee be in the state of grace, another thing by proofe and examination to finde it so to be. We may be in the state of grace, and yet the same not so appeare to our selves, untill we have made tryall of our selves: the worke of Gods spirit is sufficient, whose manner of working is to us unknowne,