I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Answ. 3 But to come a little nearer, and yet I must but touch upon it, Did ever Hypocrite long, and mourn after the Pre•ence of Go• in Christ, as the best thing i• all the world? Did ever Hypocrite dwell, and abide in the work or private examination of his own soul? Did ever Hypocrite love Grace, better, or more than Gift? o• that most, which is the most Spiritual, most savoury? Did ever Hypocrite desire Peace, & Comfort for Grace sake, & not rather Grace for Peace sake? Do Hypocrites ordinarily think they are Hypocrites? where do you find that in the Scripture, that Hypocrites ordinarily think they are Hypocrites? If Hypocrisy be a mans burden, it is not his condition: Did ever any Hypocrite walk contrary to himself, to his former self? when men were truly converted they did. So you read of Zacheus, before he was converted he was a gr•• Oppressor, and a covetous man; but being once converted, saith he, Lord, behold, the half of my goods I give unto the poor; and if I have wronged any man, I'•e restore fourfold; here he walks contrary to himself. So the Jailer, before he was converted, he imprisoned the Apostles, and whipped them till the blood ran down upon their backs; but being converted, he hath them into his hou•e, sets meat before them, and washeth th•i• wounds; he walks contrary to his own former self. So Paul, before he was converted, he persecuted the Saints, and the Gospel; ⟨p. 316⟩after converted, then he did preach the Gospel, which before he persecuted: thus he walked contrary to his former self. I have read, or heard of a young man that was given much to jeering, and scoffing; and his Mother being godly, he would frequently jeer, and scoff at his own Mother; it pleased God at the last to work savingly upon him, and then he would never come into the presence of his Mother, but he would fall down upon his knees, not in the morning, and evening for a blessing; but whenever he came into the presence of his Mother, he would fall down in a reverential way upon his knees, till she bid him stand up. I do not commend the action, but I speak this to show, That when a man is converted, and turned to God, then he will walk contrary to himself. Now, whoever you be that make this Objection, Have you not found it thus in your own souls? I appeal unto you, Cannot you say thus? Indeed it is little I enjoy of God here;