Instructions for a right comforting afflicted consciences with special antidotes against some grievous temptationsInstructions for a right comforting afflicted consciences with speciall antidotes against some grievous temptations

Thus you have heard, upon what weak props and ⟨p. 77⟩sandy foundations that confidence stands, and is built, which carnal men seem to lay hold upon with great bravery in times of trouble, and distress But the comfort which sweetly springs from that spirit, I speak of, supported, out of special favour, and interest, by the hand of God, All-sufficient, and the unconquerable calmness of a good conscience is grounded upon a Rock; upon which, tho the rain descends, the floods come, the winds blow, the tempests beat; yet it stands like Mount Zion, sure, sober, strong, lasting, impregnable. Nay, ^ait is of that heavenly metal, and divine temper, that it ordinarily gathers vigour and puissance from the worlds rage; and grows in strength and resolution together with the increase of all iniust oppositions: Persecutions, and resistance serve as a provocation, and seasoning to it's sweetness. It is not enforced, formal, artificial, affected, furious, desperate, misgrounded, ambitious, upon an humour, in the face only, only in hot blood, out of a vain-glorious pang, &c. Such may be found in Aliens, and resolute reprobates. It were nothing worthy, if strangers might meddle with it: If Men or Devils, or the whole World could take it from us; If it were sustained only by any created power, or arm of flesh. This Pearl that I praise, and persuade unto, is of an higher price, and more transcendent power, then any unregenerate Man can possibly compass, or comprehend. It hath for it's seat, a sanctified Soul; for the Fountain of it's refreshing, the Spirit of all comfort; for it's foundation, the favour of God; for it's Warrant, the promises of Amen, the faithful, and true Witness; for it's object, an immortal Crown; for it's continuance, the prayers of ⟨p. 78⟩all the Saints; for it's companions, inward peace, invincible courage, an holy security of mind; for it's end and perfection, fullness of joy, and pleasures at Gods right hand for evermore. In a word, this courageous comfort, and true nobleness of spirit, which dwells in the heart of the true-hearted Christian doth differ as much from, and as far surpasses all the groundless confidences of what carnal men, or religious counterfeits soever; as the real possession of gold, an imaginary dream of gold;

Thus you haue heard, upon what weake props and