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

Sermon V.

INSTANCE, II. A Complaint of small Grace. Page 76 The Answer, negatively. God recompenseth weakness with wisdom Page 77 Every godly man is a wise man ibid. Quest. Is it no disadvantage to be weak in Grace? ibid. Answ. affirmatively 1 He is the more ready to stumble and fall ibid. 2 His Comforts are more easily quenched Page 78 3 He cannot glorify God, as the strong Christian may: for three Reasons ibid. 1 He doubteth oftener ib. 2 The more a man lives by ⟨image 288⟩hope, the more he glorifies God Page 78 3 A strong Christian will do great things for God Page 79 4 A strong Christian can tend the public, a weak Christian cannot ibid. 5 A strong Christian can wait long on God, a weak cannot. ibid. 6 A strong Christian is helpful to others ibid. Secondly, There is no reason of being discouraged. ibid. The Reason are two 1 Weakness doth not exclude mercy ibid. 2 The weak Christian hath as many Promises from God as the strong ibid. 1 If your weak Grace be true Grace, you have as great a share in Christs Righteousness as the strongest Christian hath Page 80 2 The Promises of Scripture, are most to those that are weak in Grace ibid. 3 Weak Christians have most kisses from God Page 81 3 If I be weak in Grace, if Christ will condescend to mine infirmities, I need not be discouraged Page 82 4 Christ puts a Why, and a Wherefore, on the discouragements of weak Christians ib. 5 A Christian would be discouraged, if he did not sometimes find this smallness of Grace within him Page 83 Object. It is an uncomfortable thing to be weak ibid. 1 Answ. Negatively Page 83 2 There is difference between uncomfortableness, and less comfort ibid. Quest. How shall I know that my little grace is an earnest of more grace? ibid. Answ. 1 Because you have the Spirit of Adoption ibid. 2 If you mourn for little grace, and wait on God for more. ibid. Object. I am not discouraged at my weakness for the uncomfortableness of it, but for the unserviceableness of it. Page 84 Answ. 1 You ought not so to be discouraged, for the spiritual victory lies not in our selves. ib. 2 Though your grace be weak, yet you may do much for God ibid. Object. I am most discouraged in regard of my own guiltiness Page 85 Answ. 1 You may be mistaken ibid. 2 If your sin have weakened your grace, you must be humbled, but not discouraged; for three Reasons. ibid. 1 If nothing have befallen you, but what may befall a true Believer ibid.