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…

7. The work of Gods restraining Spirit: Which sometimes by its power and terror, keeps in, and confines a mans inward corruption, that it breaks not out into such open outrages and outward villainies, as in some other wicked Ones: And that for the good and quiet of his own people, or some other secret ends seen, and seeming good to his heavenly Highness. Now this restraint, by the delusion of the devil, and deceit of a mans own heart, may be apprehended as a great conquest over corruption, and so a conversion thence vainly concluded.

7. The worke of Gods restraining Spirit: Which sometimes by its power and terrour, keepes in, and confines a mans inward corruption, that it breakes not out into such open outrages and outward villanies, as in some other wicked Ones: And that for the good and quiet of his owne people, or some other secret ends seene, and seeming good to his heauenly Highnesse. Now this restraint, by the delusion of the deuill, and deceit of a mans owne heart, may bee apprehended as a great conquest ouer corruption, and so a conuersion thence vainely concluded.

8. Education in a religious family, thus: Some in such a place, being only outwardly warmed with the heat of holy exercises about them; and by custom, and for company, grown conformable to religious duties with some contentment; depart thence with a vainglorious conceit and unsound persuasion, that they are also of the right stamp, because they were so long amongst spiritual tools; and at the fire, which might indeed have truly melted their yet too frozen and flinty hearts. Put a Sow into a green meadow, and she will keep her self as fair as the Sheep: but let her break out, and she will wallow again in the mire as filthily as before: so it is with too many such.

8. Education in a religious family, thus: Some in such a place, being onely outwardly warmed with the heate of holy exercises about them; and by custome, and for company, growne conformable to religious duties with some contentment; depart thence with a •aineglorious conceit and vnsound perswasion, that they are also of the right stampe, because they were so long amongst spirituall tooles; and at the fire, which might indeed haue truly melted their yet too frozen and flinty hearts. Put a Sow into a greene medow, and shee will keepe her selfe as faire as the Sheepe: but let her breake out, and she will wallow againe in the mire as filthily as before: so it is with too many such.