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

Sermon IV.

The Point is cleared, and proved, by nine particular Instances Page 58 1 Discouragements from gross sins Page 59 2 From weakness of Grace 3 From their failing in Duty 4 From want of evidence of Gods Love 5 From Temptations 6 From Desertions 7 From Afflictions 8 From Unserviceableness 9 From the Condition it self. INSTANCE, I. Proved by way of Question, and Answer. Page 60 Quest. How may this appear? ibid. Answ. 1 They know they shall never be condemned Page 61 2 Their sins shall never part God and them, proved by the Covenant made with No•h. Page 62 3 Their sins are occasions of more Grace, proved Page 63 Object. Suppose my sin be such that there is no such found to be pardoned in Scripture, may I not be discouraged? ibid. Answ. Negatively ibid. Object. Suppose a man sin against his conscience and knowledge. ib. Answ. Negatively Page 65 Object. Suppose it be an exceeding great sin a godly man hath committed ibid. Answ. Negatively ibid. Object. Suppose it be a sin of revol•ing, and back-sliding Page 66 1 Answ. Negatively 2 You may be mistaken 3 Christ died for sinners, were they young or old in their sins. Page 67 ⟨image 287⟩Object. Suppose a man cannot repent enough for his sin presently? Page 67 Answ. Negatively Page 68 And proved by three Reasons Quest. Should not a godly man be humbled for his sin? Page 69 Answ. Affirmatively Reasons to prove it by Page 70 Quest. What is the difference between humbled, and discouraged? ibid. Answ. 1 When a man is humbled, the Object of his grief, is his sin; but he is not discouraged: Cain was discouraged, but not humbled Page 71 2 True humiliation, is a real friend to spiritual Joy ibid. 3 True humiliation brings on Deity, Discouragement drives us from it Page 72 Quest. How shall a man be humbled, and not discouraged? ibid. Answ. 1 A man must be humbled for his sin, be it never so small; but not discouraged for his sin, be it never so great ib. 2 In your humiliation, do not part that which God hath joined Page 73 3 Mourn not for your sin in order to your condition; but mourn over your condition in order to your sin ibid. 4 In your humiliation, meddle not too much with Gods Prerogative Page 74 5 The more you are humbled at the sight of Gods free Grace, the less you will be discouraged: Sometimes we present the Lord to our souls, under the notion of his greatness; and sometimes under the notion of Goodness.