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

Sermon XII.

INSTANCE, IX. My afflictions are seated in my condition it self, therefore &c. Page 304 Answ. negatively: For 1 A good mans outward condition ⟨image 294⟩may be very bad. Page 305 2 It may be worse in regard of the world than the condition of a wicked man. ibid. 3 It may be worse after his conversion than it was before. ibid. Yet a godly man must not be discouraged. For 1 I demonstrate: If a good mans condition be carved out by the hand of his Teacher, he hath no reason to complain ibid. 2 If a man doth not live upon his condition it self, but upon his call to it, he ha•h no reason to be discouraged Page 306 3 If there can be no condition of a godly man without mercy Christ hath paid for, then he may n•t be discouraged Page 307 But I am a poor man, in so mean a condition that I cannot serve God as the rich may, therefore &c. ibid. Answ. Negatively. For, Do you know the burden of prosperity? B•rden and Service go together, Numb. 4. Page 308 Luther did a greate• wo•k in way of Faith, than Alexander did in conquering the world. The more riches, the more debts. Page 309 Object. 2. I am in an unsettled condition, sometimes high, sometimes low, therefore &c. ibid. Answ. Negatively. 1 For what settlement would you have in this world of vanity? Page 310 2 If God loves you in your unsettled condition, you need not be discouraged ibid. Object. 3. I am troubled, not for my outward condition, but for the condition of my soul, have I not cause now to be discouraged? Page 311 Answ. Negatively For 1 If you want Ordinances, God will make that want to be an Ordinance to you. ibid. 2 If you want memory, know that there is a head memory, and a heart memory: the last is the principal, and will suffice, if the other be wanting Page 313 3 As for your deadness, it is some life to feel ones own deadness ibid. 4 A for your unprofitableness under means, there is great difference between less fruitful, and unfruitful, for ib. 1 Though a g od man be unfruitful, he will be sensible of it Page 314 2 Though a good man may be too unfruitful, yet he doth not cumber the ground ibid. 3 He desires to use means to bring forth fruit ibid. 4 God will prune him, but not cut him down ibid. Object. 4. I fear I am an Hypocrite;