The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Concerning Relapses, I shall desire you to take notice of these eight observations.

1. It is very observable that the holy Ghost is very sparing in setting down in the Scriptures instances in this kind, well foreseeing how apt flesh and blood is to abuse and pervert such Examples to their own destruction: Such examples are as Simeon said of Christ,¹ set for the fall and rising again of many, and are a sign spoken against. How have Davids and Peters falls emboldened many to fall and live in sin. There is ⟨p. 72⟩not one instance in all Scripture of any Saint that laid violent hands up- himself, lest any should presume to do the like. But one Example of late Repentance accepted, lest many should presume, yet one lest any should despair. Those falls are not set as Land-marks to guide you, but as Sea-marks to warn you.

1. It is very observable that the holy Ghost is very sparing in setting down in the Scriptures instances in this kind, well foreseeing how apt flesh and bloud is to abuse and pervert such Examples to their own destruction: Such examples are as Simeon said of Christ,¹ set for the fall and rising again of many, and are a signe spoken against. How have Davids and Peters falls emboldned many to fall and live in sin. There is ⟨p. 72⟩not one instance in all Scripture of any Saint that laid violent hands up- himself, lest any should presume to do the like. But one Example of late Repentance accepted, lest many should presume, yet one lest any should despair. Those falls are not set as Land-marks to guide you, but as Sea-marks to warn you.

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