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…

Deceit 4. That he finds himself more forward then many of those that have been ancient professors; is more hot and earnest in many good duties, even then they of whose conversation no man had ever cause to doubt.

Deceit 4. That hee findes himselfe more forward then many of those that have beene ancient professors; is more hot and earnest in many good duties, even then they of whose conversation no man had ever cause to doubt.

Answ. That the stony ground (by which one kind of the temporary is to be understood) is marvellous forward in sending forth the blade; as it lies not deep, but in the face of the earth, so it sprouts and shows it self more speedily, Matth. 13. Mar. 4. So it is marvellous to behold some of these temporary professors, how soon they are ripe, how violently forward; but according to ⟨p. 242⟩those violent beginnings, they do as soon fade and wither away. It is with them as with men that are over-forward in the morning at their business, in the afternoon constrained to give over: it is an ill sign of perseverance in good duties, when a man is forward and zealous beyond the age of his christianity; and look as we must not lay any great hope upon children that are witty and forward beyond their age, so likewise we should not think any whit the better of our selves, by reason of our sudden over forwardness. Our Saviour speaks of some who were last, who shall be first, and first that shall be last: why may not the hot and over-earnest temporary suspect himself for one of these?

Answ. That the stony ground (by which one kinde of the temporary is to be understood) is marvellous forward in sending forth the blade; as it lyes not deepe, but in the face of the earth, so it sprouts and shewes it selfe more speedily,