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

Quest. But if there be such a great difference between these, and if it be our Duty, to be humbled for sin, but not to be discouraged; What should a man do to bear up his heart to the work of Humiliation, and yet bear up against all Discouragement? How shall I be so humbled as I may not be discouraged? or what shall a man do that he may be humbled, and yet not be discouraged in his Humiliation?

Quest. But if there be such a great difference between these, and if it be our Duty, to be humbled for sin, but not to be discouraged; What should a man do to bear up his heart to the work of Humiliation, and yet bear up against all Discouragement? How shall I be so humbled as I may not be discouraged? or what shal a man do that he may be humbled, and yet not be discouraged in his Humiliation?

Answ. 1 First: Let Christians carry this Rule always up and down with them, namely, That a man is to be humbled for his sin, although it be never so small, but he is not to be discouraged for his sin though it be never so great. Both these parts are true: A man is not to be discouraged under his sin, although it be never so great; because Discouragement it self is a sin, and that cannot help against sin, Sin cannot help against sin. A man is to be humbled for his sin, although it be never so small, for it is a dishonour to God, and little sins make way to great sins. So then, if thou wouldst be humbled, and not discouraged, carry this Rule up and down with you, and always remember it upon all occasions: It is my Duty, and I have reason to be humbled for my sin, although it be never so small; but I have no reason to be discouraged under my sin, though it be never so great.

Answ. 1 First: Let Christians carry this Rule alwaies up and down with them, namely, That a man is to be humbled for his sin, although it be never so smal, but he is not to be discouraged for his sin though it be never so great. Both these parts are true: A man is not to be discouraged under his sin, although it be never so great; because Discouragement it self is a sin, and that cannot help against sin, Sin cannot help against sin. A man is to be humbled for his sin, although it be never so smal, for it is a dishonor to God, and little sins make way to great sins. So then, if thou would'st be humbled, and not discouraged, carry this Rule up and down with you, and alwaies remember it upon all occasions: It is my Duty, and I have reason to be humbled for my sin, although it be never so smal; but I have no reason to be discouraged under my sin, though it be never so great.