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

2. But the weak Christian, though he hath no sin but what he is a hater of, and fain would be delivered from, yet alas how imperfect is his deliverance? and how weak is the hatred of his sin, and mixed with so much proneness to it, tha• his life is much blemished with the spots of his offences. Though his unbelief, and pride, and worldliness are not predominant in him, yet are they (or ⟨p. 27⟩some of them) still so strong, and fight so much against his faith, humility, and heavenliness, that he can scarcely tell which hath the upper hand; nor can others that see the failings of his life, discern whether the good or the evil be most prevalent. Though it be Heaven which he most seeketh, yet Earth is so much regarded by him, that his Heavenly mindedness is greatly damped and suppressed by it. And though it be the way of Godliness and obedience which he walketh in, yet is it with so many stumblings and falls, if not deviations also, that maketh him oft a burden to himself, a shame to his profession, and a snare or trouble to those about him. His heart is like an ill swept house, that hath many a sluttish corner in it. And his life is like a moth-eaten garment, which hath many a hole, which you may see if you bring it into the light. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2, 3. & 6.6, 7, 8. & 11.18, 21, 22, &c.

2. But the weak Christian, though he hath no sin but what he is a hater of, and fain would be delivered from, yet alas how imperfect is his deliverance? and how weak is the hatred of his sin, and mixed with so much proneness to it, tha• his life is much blemished with the spots of his offences. Though his unbelief, and pride, and worldleness are not predominant in him, yet are they (or ⟨p. 27⟩some of them) still so strong, and fight so much against his faith, humility, and heavenliness, that he can scarcely tell which hath the upper hand; nor can others that see the failings of his life, discern whether the good or the evil be most prevalent. Though it be Heaven which he most seeketh, yet Earth is so much regarded by him, that his Heavenly mindedness is greatly damped and suppressed by it. And though it be the way of Godliness and obedience which he walketh in, yet is it with so many stumblings and falls, if not deviations also, that maketh him oft a burthen to himself, a shame to his profession, and a snare or trouble to those about him. His heart is like an ill swept house, that hath many a sluttish corner in it. And his life is like a moth-eaten garment, which hath many a hole, which you may see if you bring it into the light.