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

INSTANCE, VI. Spiritual Desertions, are just cause of discouragement Page 150 Answ. Negatively. I know no affliction so great to a gracious heart as this, yet Gods children must not faint here Page 151 Quest. How may this appear? Page 152 Answ. 1. How God is said to forsake a man ibid. 1 In regard of union, God never forsakes his own. ibid. 2 In regard of his Power, Grace, and Strength, he never forsakes them totally ibid. 3 In regard of Vision, and comfortable feelings, he forsakes them but for a time, and returns again: None of these can discourage us ibid. 2 God forsakes his People that he may not forsake them. Page 153 3 Though Gods People are left sometimes in the dark, they have always light enough to work by Page 154 Object. 1. I fear Christ hath withdrawn himself from me in regard of Union. ibid. Answ. Negatively. You cannot judg of Grace under spiritual Desertions. ib. Object. 2. I find Gods Displeasure, &c. Page 155 Answ. Negatively, For this hath been the Saints condition before you. ibid. Object. 3. I have drawn this displeasure on my own head, therefore, &c. Page 156 Answ. Negatively. For God will hide his face, and smite too, yet not forsake ibid. Object. 4. My condition is worse every day, therefore &c. Page 157 Answ. Negatively For so were the Israelites in Egypt. ibid. Object. 5. ⟨image 292⟩I find in Scripture a final rejection, therefore &c. Page 158 Answ. Negatively 1 The Saints usually think so, that their Desertion is final. Page 159 2 The Promise usually takes off this Objection. ibid. 3 Scripture will make it clear to you. ibid. Six Questions to resolve this by Page 159 1 Did you ever read in Scripture that a man was finally forsaken of the Lord, but that an evil spirit from the Lord did seize upon him presently? Page 160 2 Did you ever read that God did forsake any, that were not willing to forsake God? ibid. 3 Did you ever read that God forsook any man who was sensible of this forsaking, and complained of it simply for it self? ibid. 4 Did you ever read of any man forsaken by God, who was tender in the point of sin? ibid. 5 Did you ever read that Christ did forsake a soul, in which he left his Soul furnished with spiritual household-stuff? Page 161 6 Did you ever read that Christ forsook any man who longed after him as the greatest good? ibid Quest. What shall I do when Christ hides his face from me? Page 262 Answ.