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…

2 We must in our forwardness consider wisely whether nature hath not a hand in it as well as grace, or beyond it. For I doubt not but when some seeds of religion fall into the heart of a young man, or a man of a stirring spirit, they do receive a great impression of heat from the natural warmth that is in him; he pursues things that be contrary to him with greater intension, not of zeal alone, but of zeal set on fire by the strength of nature. It shall be wisdom therefore for men to examine and try their zeal and their forwardness. Peter being a man of a fiery and sudden spirit by nature. Religion was many times preposterously set on work by nature, and he made a show of more forwardness, and yet I doubt not but as much, if not more substance of zeal was in the rest of the Apostles.

2 We must in our forwardnesse consider wisely whether nature hath not a hand in it as well as grace, or beyond it. For I doubt not but when some seeds of religion fall into the heart of a yong man, or a man of a stirring spirit, they doe receive a great impression of heat from the naturall warmth that is in him; he pursues things that be contrary to him with greater intension, not of zeale alone, but of zeale set on fire by the strength of nature. It shall be wisedome therefore for men to examine and try their zeale and their forwardnesse. Peter being a man of a fiery and sudden spirit by nature. Religion was many times preposterously set on worke by nature, and he made a shew of more forwardnesse, and yet I doubt not but as much, if not more substance of zeale was in the rest of the Apostles.

3 He may mistake ancient professors, when he shall ⟨p. 243⟩measure the substance of inward grace, by an outward blaze of forwardness. In many this forwardness out-runs judgment, wisdom, holy discretion, and accordingly makes a great show in the eyes of the beholders. In others soundness of judgment, wisdom, experience have over mastered affections, so as they are no whit less zealous, but more wise, discreet, better ordered; managing their practises with no whit abatement of sincerity, but with much more comfort to themselves, and good to others.