But I would know of Mr. E. B. or her, whether it be true doctrine, that one out of Christ should not eat, because they have ⟨p. 171⟩no right, and whether almost to consume her self with Famine was well done? If so, must all wicked men do so? If it be false doctrine (as undoubtedly it is) I further ask, whether it was the spirit of God, or Satan that was the Author of it? I hope she dare not father sin and falsehood on Gods Spirit: And if it was a Temptation of Satan (as it was) I ask whether to yield so far to a Temptation so much against the light of Scripture, nature, and self-preservation, in a case so plain that common people know the error of it, and to proceed so long almost to famishment in that error and sin, I say, whether this showed not some flaw at that time in natural understanding and reasoning as well as in grace? If it did (as sure it did) what could it be less than Melancholy? And I hope it was never the mind of Mr. Jordan, or Mr. Browne in that Book, to father this opinion or practice on Gods spirit. I doubt not but God thus oft trieth his own; but it is as little doubt but that he oft leaveth them under Melancholy as the Tempters opportunity and advantage. And its pity that poor souls should be angry with those that know their case, better than they themselves, and truly pity them.
But I would know of Mr. E. B. or her, whether it be true doctrine, that one out of Christ should not eat, because they have ⟨p. 171⟩no right, and whether almost to consume her self with Famine was well done? If so, must all wicked men do so? If it be false doctrine (as undoubtedly it is) I further ask, whether it was the spirit of God, or Satan that was the Author of it? I hope she dare not father sin and falshood on Gods Spirit: And if it was a Temptation of Satan (as it was) I ask whether to yield so far to a Temptation so much against the light of Scripture, nature, and self-preservation, in a case so plain that common people know the errour of it, and to proceed so long almost to famishment in that errour and sin, I say, whether this shewed not some flaw at that time in natural understanding and reasoning as well as in grace? If it did (as sure it did) what could it be less than Melancholy? And I hope it was never the mind of Mr. Jordan, or Mr. Browne in that Book, to father this opinion or practice on Gods spirit. I doubt not but God thus oft tryeth his own; but it is as little doubt but that he oft leaveth them under Melancholy as the Tempters opportunity and advantage. And its pitty that poor souls should be angry with those that know their case, better than they themselves, and truly pitty them.
