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…

Thirdly, we must know that good and godly Ministers in this profane and wretched age, are glad to apprehend and cherish the least blossoms of goodness that do show themselves; are ready to encourage men in any good courses, by giving them their dese••ed commendations. Gods Ministers deal with Professors, as the servants of Benhadad did with the King of Israel, glad when they can catch but as a good word, hear but of the frequenting of a good exercise. Our Saviour hearing the young man making such a profession of his obedience, though it was only in regard of the outward man, yet it is said, he looked upon him and loved him: and so in like manner, why should it not be lawful for us to love and like a man accordingly; to testify our liking of those in whom we perceive any good beginnings, in pious and religious exercises? and yet this is no warrant for such to rest in those outward forms of religion, as if all were perfect in them.

Thirdly, we must know that good and godly Ministers in this prophane and wretched age, are glad to apprehend and cherish the least blossoms of goodnesse that doe shew themselves; are ready to encourage men in any good courses, by giving them their dese••ed commendations. Gods Ministers deale with Professors, as the servants of Benhadad did with the King of Israel, glad when they can catch but as a good word, heare but of the frequenting of a good exercise. Our Saviour hearing the yong man making such a profession of his obedience, though it was onely in regard of the outward man, yet it is said, hee looked upon him and loved him: and so in like manner, why should it not be lawfull for us to love and like a man accordingly; to testifie our liking of those in whom wee perceive any good beginnings, in pious and religious exercises? and yet this is no warrant for such to rest in those outward formes of religion, as if all were perfect in them.

3 Deceit. That there seems to be an agreement betwixt them and the most forward professors, they join in the same parts of Gods worship with like diligence; frequent Gods ordinances; why may we not from thence conceive all to be well with them?