Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

Mistake me not in all this sad complaint: as I intend not the dishonour of Godliness by this, but of ungodliness, (for it is not because men are godly that they have these faults, but because they are not godly more). So here is no encouragement to the unsanctified to think themselves as good as the more Religious, because they are charged with so many faults: Nor do I affirm all these things to be consistent with true Grace that I have here expressed: But only this, that Professors that seem godly to others are thus too many of them guilty; and those that have true grace may have any of these faults in a mortified degree, though not in a reigning predominant measure.

Mistake me not in all this sad complaint: as I intend not the dishonour of Godliness by this, but of ungodliness, (for it is not because men are godly that they have these faults, but because they are not godly more). So here is no encouragement to the unsanctifyed to think themselves as good as the more Religious, because they are charged with so many faults: Nor do I affirm all these things to be consistent with true Grace that I have here expressed: But only this, that Professors that seem godly to others are thus too many of them guilty; and those that have true grace may have any of these faults in a mortified degree, though not in a reigning predominant measure.

But, methinks Sirs, you should by this time be convinced and sensible, how much we dishonour God by our infirmities! and what a lamentable case it is, that the Church should consist of so many infants; and so many should be so little serviceable to God or the common good, but rather be troublers of all about them. Alas that we should reach no higher, that yet no greater things should be attained. O what an honour would you be to your Profession, and what a blessing to the Church, if you did but answer the cost and pains of God and man, and answer the high things that you have been acquainted with and profess. That we could but boast of you as God did of Job, and could say to Satan or any of his instruments [Here be Christians rooted and stablished in the Faith; try whether you can shake them or make them stagger, and do your worst.] Here is a man eminent in meekness and humility, and patience and self-denial; discompose and disturb his mind if you can? draw him to pride or immoderate passion, or censoriousness or uncharitableness if you can: Here are a people that are in unity, and knit together in Faith and Love; of one heart, and one soul, and one lip: do your worst to divide them or break them into parties, or draw them into several minds and ways, or exasperate them against each other. Here are a people established in Mortification, and that have Crucified the Flesh with its affections and lusts! Do your worst to draw them to intemperance in eating or drinking or recreations, or any of the delights of the Flesh? or to puff them up by greatness and prosperity, and make