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

Answ. Much, very much, I shall not enter into the particulars. But how can they improve Christ as they should in this condition? So long as a mans title for his land is in question, he cannot sow his ground, nor build houses; and if you ask him, why do not you sow your ground, and repair your houses? his answer is ready, I dare not lay out much cost, because my title is in question: So here, so long as a mans title to Christ is in question, he cannot improve Christ as he should. If a man be going a journey, and know not his way, he loseth much of his way and of the comfort of it in inquiring after the way, and thinking whether he be right or ⟨p. 30⟩wrong; when he comes at three or four turnings, there he stands whilst he might ride a mile, and when he comes above in the field, and sees a shepherd at a distance from him, he rides up to him to inquire whether he be in his way or not; yea and all the day long he is thinking of his way, whether he be right; whereas if he knew his way, he might have many precious thoughts of God and of the word. So in this case, while a man is doubting and fearing, and knows not whether he be in the way to Heaven or no, how much precious time is lost? thoughts of Christ lost? thankfulness for Mercy lost? of all hearts the scripture saith an unbelieving heart is an evil heart, and when mens hearts are discouraged and cast down, are they not unbelieving? Who would not therefore take heed of these discouragements, and of the interruption of their peace?

Answ. Much, very much, I shal not enter into the particulars. But how can they improve Christ as they should in this condition? So long as a mans title for his land is in question, he cannot sow his ground, nor build houses; and if you ask him, why do not you sow your ground, and repair your houses? his answer is ready, I dare not lay out much cost, because my title is in question: So here, so long as a mans title to Christ is in question, he cannot improve Christ as he should. If a man be going a journy, and know not his way, he loseth much of his way and of the comfort of it in inquiring after the way, and thinking whether he be right or ⟨p. 30⟩wrong; when he comes at three or four turnings, there he stands whilst he might ride a mile, and when he comes above in the field, and sees a shephard at a distance from him, he rides up to him to inquire whether he be in his way or not; yea and al the day long he is thinking of his way, whether he be right; whereas if he knew his way, he might have many precious thoughts of God and of the word. So in this case, while a man is doubting and fearing, and knows not whether he be in the way to Heaven or no, how much precious time is lost? thoughts of Christ lost? thankfulness for Mercy lost? of al hearts the scripture saith an unbeleeving heart is an evil heart, and when mens hearts are discouraged and cast down, are they not unbeleeving? Who would not therfore take heed of these discouragements, and of the interruption of their peace?