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

Sermon II.

DOCT. 2. The Saints may be under much discouragement. Page 21 Two words in the Text most Emphatical, Cast down, Disquieted. ibid. The words opened by four Questions Page 22 1 How far a good man may be discouraged. 2 How it comes that he is discouraged 3 How discouragements can stand with Grace 4 How they may be cured. Quest. 1. How far may a good man be discouraged? Page 22 Answ. 1 A Saint may refuse Comfort for the Soul ibid. 2 For the Body also ibid. 3 A good man may refuse Duty Page 23 4 He may be weary of his life ibid. Quest. 2. Why doth God suffer his Children to be so discouraged? ibid. Answ. In general It is for their good. Page 24 More particularly 1 It is Gods way to deal so with men ibid. 2 This way God sets a greater price on our inward peace Page 25 3 God will have us to love him only ibid. 4 He thus trains up his Children to more perfection. ib. 5 He doth this to keep his Chill-from security Page 24 6 This is explained by the similitude of a Chirurgeon ⟨image 286⟩dealing with his Patient. Page 26 Object. Can any man foretell a mans discouragement? ibid. Answ. Affirmatively. 1 It may be foretold when a man placeth his Spiritual Comfort on outward Blessings Page 27 2 When a man is unthankful for true peace, and not humbled for false Peace. ibid 3 When a man doth raise his Comfort only from Grace within, and not from Christ without. Yet Grace within is, 1. A Cause sine qua non. 2. It removes all impediments of Comfort. 3. It is a witnessing Cause. 4. It is a confirming Cause. ibid. 4 When a man layeth his comfort on the impression or coming in of the Word, rather than upon the Word i• self. The words on Psal. 16.4. critically expounded Page 28 Quest. 3. How can all this stand with Grace? ibid. Answ. Affirmatively The Saints are never so discouraged, but there is some Grace left ibid. Quest. Is there no evil in Discouragements? Page 29 Answ. Affirmatively Very much ibid. Quest. 4. What must a poor Soul do to recover its peace lost? Page 30 Answered, partly by way of Question, partly by Direction ibid. 1 Hast thou quite forgot thy former peace? Page 31 2 Do you not use the means for restoring your Comforts? ibid. Some seek Comfort by way of reasoning with God. Some seek it in Duty, neglecting their Calling. Both are deceived 3 Have you not so far strained for some outward comfort, as to lose your inward comfort? ibid. Quest.