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

3. The Hypocrite hath neither the Rational, nor the Passionate part in Sincerity: But he may go much further in the latter than in the former: A quick and passionate nature, though unsanctified, may be brought to shed more tears, and express more fervour, than many a holy person can. Especially upon the excitation of some quickening Sermon, or some sharp affliction, or great conviction, or at the approach of death. Few of the most holy ⟨p. 164⟩persons can constantly retain so lively, fervent, passionate repentings, and desires and resolutions to amend, as some carnal persons have in sickness. The power of fear alone doth make them more earnest, that Love maketh many a gracious soul. But when the fear is over, they are the same again. How oft have I heard a sick man most vehemently profess his resolutions for a holy life, which all have come to nothing afterwards? How oft have I heard a common drunkard with tears cry out against himself for his sin, and yet go on in it? And how many gracious persons have I known, whose judgements and wills have been groundedly resolved for God and holiness, and their lives have been holy, fruitful and obedient, who yet could not shed a tear for sin, nor feel any very great sorrows or joys? If you judge of a man by his earnestness in some good moods, and not by the constant tenor of his life, you will think many an Hypocrite to be better than most Saints. Who would have thought that had seen him only in that fit, but that Saul had been a penitent man, when he lift up his voice and wept, and said to David, Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil, 1 Sam. 24.16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. A smaller matter will raise some sudden passions, than will renew the soul, and give the preeminence to God, and Holiness, and Heaven, in the Judgement Will and Conversation, Hos. 6.4. & 13.3. Isa. 58.2. Mat. 13.20.

3. The Hypocrite hath neither the Rational, nor the Passionate part in Sincerity: But he may go much further in the latter than in the former: A quick and passionate nature, though unsanctified, may be brought to shed more tears, and express more fervour, than many a holy person can. Especially upon the excitation of some quickning Sermon, or some sharp affliction, or great conviction, or at the approach of death. Few of the most holy