A treatise of mans imaginations Showing his natural evil thoughtsA treatise of mans imaginations Shewing his naturall euill thoughts

II. Point. ¹The danger of these thoughts of distrust is very great, as the fruits thereof declare: for hence arise; first, all horrors, and terrors §1of conscience, all fears, and astonishments of the heart; For when the mind saith (though falsely) God doth not regard me, God will not save me, then the trembling heart is §2full of horror and dread. Secondly hence cometh desperation it self; whereby men confidently avouch that God hath forsaken them, and cast them of, and that there is no hope of life, but present death, remaining for them: ⟨p. 93⟩this thought troubleth the mind of the wicked, and of the repentant person also: for desperation is nothing but the strength of this thought of distrust. Thirdly this weakeneth §3the foundation of our salvation, which standeth in the certainty of Gods promises, for this thought of distrust denieth credit to Gods promises, and maketh them uncertain: Among all other evil thoughts this doth most directly hinder salvation; for it is flat against faith, as water is to fire: for true faith makes a man say with good conscience, ^aChrist died and shed his blood for me; God the father will be merciful unto me, and save me: But this distrustful thought causeth a man to say the clean contrary. Christ died not for ⟨p. 94⟩me: God will not save me: so that where this thought prevaileth true faith is not, neither can take place.

II. Point. ¹The daunger of these thoughtes of distrust is verie great, as the fruits thereof declare: for hence arise; first, all horrours, and terrors §1of conscience, all feares, and astonishmentes of the heart; For when the minde saith (though falselie) God doth not regard me, God will not saue me, then the trembling heart is