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

The like I might say of all other Relations. All the dishonour that this casteth upon Grace is, that you have too little of it; and it is so weak in you, that its Victory over your flesh and passions is lamentably imperfect. A servant hearing a high commendation of a Gentleman, (that he was of extraordinary wisdom and godliness, and bounty, and patience, and affability, and what not) did think with himself, How happy a man were I, if I could but dwell in this mans house! which at last he procured, but ere long went away. His friend meeting him, asked him how he came so quickly to forsake his happiness? Did not his Master prove as was reported? He answered, Yes, and better than report could make him, or I could ever have believed! But though my Master was so good, my Mistress was so unreasonable, and clamorous, and cruel, that she would beat us, and pull ⟨image 9⟩us by the hair, and throw scalding water upon us; and there was no living with her]. So Faith I hope is the Master in your hearts: And that is as good as can be well believed. But the Flesh is Mistress, which should be but a servant: And that maketh such troublesome work with some of you, that some quiet natured Infidels, are less vexatious companions than you. Nay, and I wonder if you can be very confident of your own sincerity, as long as such fleshly vices, and headstrong passions, do keep up the power of a Mistress in you? I wonder if you do not fear, lest (as a woman said, I will call my Husband Lord with Sarah, if I may have my will fulfilled, so) Grace and Faith should have no more than the Regent Titles, while your flesh hath so much of its will fulfilled. I know too many cheat themselves into comfort with the false opinion, that because they have a party in them that striveth against their sins, it is a certain sign that they have the Spirit and are sanctified, though the flesh even in the main doth get the Victory: And I know that many have sincerity indeed, who yet have many a foil by boisterous passions, and fleshly inclinations: But I am sure till you know which party is predominant, and truly beareth the governing sway, you can never know whether you are ⟨image 9⟩sincere. As once a servant when his Master and Mistress were fighting, answered one at the door, who desired to speak with the Master of the house; [You must stay till I see who gets the better before I can tell you who is Master of the house].