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

Sermon VIII.

INSTANCE, V. I have been under Temptations many years, and yet find no comfort, must I not be discouraged? Page 132 Answ. Negatively. Temptations are great afflictions ibid. They are an immediate combating with the Devil Page 133 They commonly seize on soul and body, yet we must not be discouraged for them Page 134 Quest. How shall that appear? ibid. Answ. By four demonstrations. 1 Satan tempts Gods people to discourage them ibid. 2 God pitieth us under Temptations Page 135 3 Christ overcame all Temptations for us ibid. 4 All temptations shall turn to our good Page 136 1 Thereby they are more humbled ibid. 2 Thereby they are more occasioned to love God ibid. 3 Thereby Gods grace in Christ is more discovered. Page 137 4 Thereby their graces are more increased. ibid. 5 Thereby all the Saints triumph over Satan ib. ⟨image 291⟩Object. 1. I have been long tempted, yet find no deliverance Page 137 Answ. Christ was tempted in all things as we are. ibid. Object. 2. I doubt, being so tempted, whether I am the child of God. Page 138 Answ. Christ was so tempted in two of the three temptations, in his forty days temptation. A comparison that illustrates the matter, and is very sit against discouragement ibid. Object. 3. I am tempted to make my self away, to blaspheme God, and to believe I have sinned against the holy Ghost. Page 139 Answ. I confess this is sad indeed: but I dare not say they are damned, though I read not of any such example in Scripture, of any godly man that killed himself, yet I dare not say they are saved. Page 140 Object. 4. But I am weak, and yield to many temptations, must I not be discouraged? Page 141 Answ. Negatively. For out of weakness, we are made strong ibid. Three sorts of People are in the world; Old Men; Middle aged; Children. The time of young men is the overcoming time: Yet the Apostle John writes unto them all. So though you be weak, yet you may overcome Page 142 Object. 5. I have been overcome in my temptations ibid. Answ. You are never overcome so long as you keep your weapon in your hand: you may be overcome in skirmish, yet overcome in battle ibid. Object. 6. My temptations are not such as Gods children meet withal Page 143 Answ. Negatively. 1 For the godly are tempted to presume, to despair, unbelief. The differences. ibid. 2 The godly accuse themselves when they fall to sin by temptation;