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

2. But the weak Christian, though he have the same disposition, is far less profitable in the world: He is more for himself, and less able to do good to others: He wanteth either parts, or prudence, or zeal, or strength: Yea he is oft like the infants and sick persons of a family, that are not helpful, but troublesome to the rest: They find work for the stronger Christians, to bear their infirmities, and watch them, and support and help them: Indeed as an infant is a comfort to the mother, through the power of her own love, even when she endureth the trouble of its crying and uncleanness; so weak Christians are a comfort to charitable ministers and people; we are glad that they are alive; but sadded often by their distempers, Rom. 14.1. & 15.12.

2. But the weak Christian, though he have the same disposition, is far less profitable in the world: He is more for himself, and less able to do good to others: He wanteth either parts, or prudence, or zeal, or strength: Yea he is oft like the infants and sick persons of a family, that are not helpful, but troublesome to the rest: They find work for the stronger Christians, to bear their infirmities, and watch them, and support and help them: Indeed as an infant is a comfort to the mother, through the power of her own love, even when she endureth the trouble of its crying and uncleaness; so weak Christians are a comfort to charitable ministers and people; we are glad that they are alive; but sadded often by their distempers, Rom. 14.1. & 15.12.

3. The seeming Christian liveth to himself, and all his good works are done but for himself, to keep up his credit, or quiet his guilty conscience, and deceive himself with the false hopes of a reward, for that which his falseheartedness maketh to be his sin: If he be a man of learning and good parts, he may be very serviceable to the Church: But the thanks of that is due to God, and little to him; who seeketh himself more than God,