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…

Fifthly, He loves not the company of good men for •heir goodness; b• all his delight is in ⟨p. 268⟩natural men, in whom there is no seed of grace; the scorner will not go to the wise. For further practises and properties of natural men, consider Ephes. 4.18, 19.¹ Tit. 3.3. 1 Pet. 4.3. And now, as we would be assured of our change. Consider how we differ from natural men in those ways and courses wherein they are described unto us. Are we not such as mind earthly things? but set we our affections on things above, Col. 3.1.² are we not such as withdraw our hearts from being subject to Gods law, but desire to be ruled and guided by his will, not our own; his laws to be our Counsellors, Psalm 119. are we not such to whom Gods ordinances are a burden, we having no savour in them, no delight? but do we desire by all means to be exercised in them, are they the joy of our hearts, and do we claim them as our heritage, Psalm 119. are we not such as hate them that reprove us for our evil ways? but do we rather love them, yea desire that our heads may be broken with their balm? are we not such as shun the fellowship and meeting of Gods Saints, but all our delight is in them, Psalm 16.2. Then we may assure our selves that we are truly changed from the state of nature into the state of grace, Rom. 12.2.³