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

Object. But Solomon tells us, that the back-slider in heart shall be satisfied with his own ways.

Object. But Solomon tels us, that the back-slider in heart shal be satisfied with his own waies.

Answ. True: But there is much difference between the back-sliding of an Hypocrite, and the Relapses of Gods own Children into their Infirmities: a back-slider loseth that power which once he had; but a good man relapsing into his Infirmities, doth still keep that power of Godliness which he had before: a back-sliders Judgment and Principles crack and alter, in so much, as he doth bless himself in his Apostasy; but the good man relapsing into his Infirmities, still doth retain his Judgment, keep his Principles, and ⟨p. 396⟩doth groan under his Relapses. Possibly a man may fall into the same sin again and again, yet he may be no back-slider, nor called a back-slider in Scripture Language.

Answ. True: But there is much difference between the back-sliding of an Hypocrite, and the Relapses of Gods own Children into their Infirmities: a back-slider loseth that power which once he had; but a good man relapsing into his Infirmities, doth stil keep that power of Godliness which he had before: a back-sliders Judgment and Principles crack and alter, in so much, as he doth bless himself in his Apostacy; but the good man relapsing into his Infirmities, stil doth retain his Judgment, keep his Principles, and ⟨p. 396⟩doth groan under his Relapses. Possibly a man may fal into the same sin again and again, yet he may be no back-slider, nor called a back-slider in Scripture Language.