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

Or because they are too confident of their own strength and Judgment: whereas the only way to be firm and steadfast, is to be sensible of ones own Infirmity. We read of a two-fold Confidence in Peter; a Confidence in Christ, and a Confidence in his own strength: when he was confident in Christ (saying, Master, if it be thou, command that I come unto thee) he did not miscarry; but when he was confident in his own strength (saying, Lord, though all men forsake thee, yet will not I) then he sell, and fell foully. Hold thou me up (said the Psalmist) and I shall be safe, ¹and I will have respect unto thy Statutes continually. But if men lean to their own Understanding, are confident of their own strength, and think that they are able to deal with all gain-sayers, and so will try all things, God leaves them to their own Opinions, and they scrabble upon the door, and do change their behaviour. 6. Or because men do forsake the Ministry, which Christ hath given to the Churches for their Edification, Perfection, and Establishment, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14.7. Or because they have too fair an Opinion of those that are erroneous, thinking that they may be Godly, though ⟨p. 442⟩they be never so unsound in their Judgments, whereby they are drawn into Society, and Communion with them, and so fall from their own steadfastness; whereas the Apostle •els us of the error of the wicked,² and that men may be wicked upon the account of their errors in Judgment, James, 5.19, 20. Brethren, if any of you do err from the Truth, and one convert him; let him know that he which converteth a sinner from th• Error of his way, shall save a Soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins: And our Lord and Saviour Christ calling upon us to beware of Fal•e Prophets, Matth. 7 15. tells us, That they are corrupt Trees, and cannot bring forth good Fruit, verse 16, 17, 18. As if he should say, if you would take heed, and beware of them, you must know them, and not think that they are good men; for if you think that they may be good, notwithstanding their Errors in Doctrine, you will be mis-led by them, and removed from your steadfastness. 8. Or because that men do not improve their Christian Communion for the Life and Power of Godliness; but for Light only, and Discoursing Notions: