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

Obj. 8. O! But yet I fear I have sinned this great Sin, for I have forsaken God, and God hath forsaken me; God is gone, Christ is gone, and Mercy is gone: O! what freedom once I had; but now God is departed from me, God hath forsaken me; and I fear it is upon this account, Because I have sinned this great Sin.

Ans. But doth not David say, How long, O Lord, wilt thou forget me, forsake me? And our Saviour himself saith, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? There is a gradual forsaking, and there is a total. As with a man that goes from his house; possibly he go•s a Voyage, or is from home a quarter, half a year, or a year; but he doth not leave his House, for his Wi•e, his Children, and Goods are there still: But another man goes aw•y from his House, the House is let, and he carries away all his Goods: this is a total departure, the other gradual. So now it is with the Lord; he doth sometimes forsake his own Children for a time; but he doth not pull down his Hangings, or carry away his Goods; he doth not go away, but returns again; this is gradual. But there is a total forsaking of a man, and then he gives him up to his Sin. Now this is not the burden that you lie under; for if God had thus forsaken you, you would be given up to your Sins, and you would give up your selves unto •l Uncleanness.

Ans. But doth not David say, How long, O Lord, wilt thou forget me, forsake me? And our Savior himself saith, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? There is a gradual forsaking, and there is a total. As with a man that goes from his house; possibly he go•s a Voyage, or is from home a quarter, half a yeer, or a yeer; but he doth not leave his House, for his Wi•e, his Children, and Goods are there stil: But another man goes aw•y from his House, the House is let, and he carries away al his Goods: this is a total departure, the other gradual. So now it is with the Lord; he doth somtimes forsake his own Childrn for a time; but he doth not pul down his Hangings, or carry away his Goods; he doth not go away, but returns again; this is gradual. But there is a total forsaking of a man, and then he givs him up to his Sin. Now this is not the burden that you lie under; for if God had thus forsaken you, you would be given up to your Sins, and you would give up your selves unto l Uncleanness.