Some general directions for a comfortable walking with God delivered in the lecture at…Some generall directions for a comfortable walking with God deliuered in the lecture at…

4. It is that which God oftenest corrects in thee, even in the interpretation, and guilty acknowledgement of thy self-accusing heart. It may be, at several times thou hast bin afflicted with some heavy cross in thine outward state, loss of a child, some fits and pangs of bodily pain, terrors and troubles of mind, or some such proportionable visitations: now in all these, and like afflictions, upon the first smarting apprehension, thy conscience, if any whit awaked, on its own accord seized upon that sin we now seek for, as the principal Achan and author of all thy misery.

4. It is that which God oftnest corrects in thee, euen in the interpretation, and guiltie acknowledgement of thy selfe-accusing heart. It may be, at seuerall times thou hast bin afflicted with some heauy crosse in thine outward state, losse of a child, some fits and pangs of bodily paine, terrours and troubles of mind, or some such proportionable visitations: now in all these, and like afflictions, vpon the first smarting apprehension, thy conscience, if any whit awaked, on its owne accord seized vpon that sinne we now seeke for, as the principall Achan and author of all thy misery.

5. If ever thou wast so sick, as out of extremity to receive sentence of death against thy self, and despair of recovery; if thy conscience was stirring, this sin affrighted thee most, and gave the deadliest blow to drive thee to final despair. And if thou shouldest die in it without repentance, which God forbid, it would infuse most hellish vigour, ⟨p. 37⟩and venom, into the never-dying worm, which would thereby more mightily gnaw upon thy conscience, through all eternity. If ever the sword of the Spirit shall cleave it from thy bosom, which is infinitely to be desired, and strike through thy sensual heart with true remorse, it will cost thee the bitterest tears, most sighs, and deepest groans.

5. If euer thou wast so sicke, as out of extremitie to receiue sentence of death against thy selfe, and despaire of recouerie; if thy conscience was stirring, this sinne afrighted thee most, and gaue the deadliest blow to driue thee to finall despaire. And if thou shouldest die in it without repentance, which God forbid, it would infuse most hellish vigor,