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

Quest. 3 Thirdly: How may it appear, that when Discouragements do arise, it is the Duty of every Christian to exercise Faith, and then especially?

Answ. You know what David said; At what time I am afraid, I trust in thee: And the Scripture is most express for this, Isa. 50.10. Who is amongst you, that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his Servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. First, It is possible for one that is the Servant of God to be in darkness, and in such a dark condition, where no light, nor no comfort is. Secondly, When he is in this dark Condition, and discouragements do arise (the Commandment is most express) then he is to trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. So also our Saviour Christ commands his Disciples, John, 14.1. Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. There was a great Cloud arising upon Christs Disciples, Christ to be taken from them by Death; the Shepherd to be stricken, and the Sheep scattered: Now the only means against trouble that Christ prescribes, is this; Ye believe in God, believe also in me; and he gives many Arguments to press thereunto, in this 14. Chapter. This time, was the time of Christs own trouble; ⟨p. 333⟩Christ was now to die, and to bear the sin of many, and to lie under the sense of his Fathers wrath, and displeasure; whereupon he saith, that his heart was heavy unto death; but though it was the time of his own trouble, yet he addresseth himself to comfort his Disciples against their trouble; and the only means and remedy that he doth prescribe, is this; Ye believe in God, believe also in me? So that I say, when Discouragements do arise, it is the Duty of all Christs Disciples, then, and then especially, for to trust in God by Christ: for I pray, what is Faith made for? but for such a time as this is? every Grace is to be exercised in its season. If a man have sinned, then he is to repent, that is the season for his Repentance: If a man have received any mercy from God, then he is to be thankful; that is the season of Thankfulness: If another poor Christian be in want, then he is to exercise his Charity; that is the season of that Grace of Charity: If Gods Face do shine upon a man, then he is to rejoice; that is the season of Spiritual Joy: If a man be given to wantonness, and have a beautiful Object laid before him, then he is to exercise Chastity; and that is a season for it: