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

Truly, my heart and Soul, saith He (when the tempest was something allayed) have been far led, and deeply troubled with temptations, and stings of conscience, but I thank God they are eased in good measure. Wherefore I desire that I be not branded with the note of a cast-away, or reprobate. Such questions, oppositions, and all tending thereto, I renounce. Concerning mine inconsiderate speeches in my temptation, I humbly, and heartily ask mercy of God for them all. Afterward by little, and little, more light did arise in His heart, and He brake out into such speeches as these: I do, God be praised, feel such comfort, from that, what shall I call it? Agony, said One that stood by; Nay, quoth He, that is too little; That ⟨p. 87⟩had I five hundred worlds, I could not make satisfaction for such an issue. Oh the Sea is not more full of water, nor the Sun of light, then the Lord of mercy! yea His mercies are ten thousand times more. What great cause have I, to magnify the great goodness of God, that hath humbled, •ay rather exalted, such a wretched Miscreant, and of so base condition, to an estate so glorious and stately! The Lord hath honoured me with His goodness? I am sure, He hath provided a glorious Kingdom for me. The joy that I feel in mine heart, is incredible. For the third, hear ^uM. Fox: Tho this good Servant of God suffered many years so sharp temptations, and strong buffetings of Satan: yet the Lord, who graciously preserved Him all the while, not only at last did rid him out of all discomfort, but also framed him thereby to such mortification of life, as the like lightly hath not been seen; in such sort, as He being like one placed in Heaven already, and d•ad in this world, both in word and meditation, led a life altogether celestial, abhorring in His mind all profane doings.

Truly, my heart and Soule, saith Hee (when the tempest was something alayed) have been farre led, and deepely troubled with temptations, and stings of conscience, but I thanke God they are eased in good measure. Wherefore I desire that I bee not branded with the note of a cast-away, or reprobate. Such questions, oppositions, and all tending thereto, I renounce. Concerning mine inconsiderate speeches in my temptation, I humbly, and heartily aske mercy of God for them all. Afterward by little, and little, more light did arise in His heart, and Hee brake out into such speeches as these: I doe, God bee praised, feele such comfort, from that, what shall I call it? Agony, said One that stood by; Nay, quoth Hee, that is too little; That