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

Answ. 2 But suppose the thing be true, which you do object, That you have sinned, and by your own sin, your Grace is now weakened; then have you cause indeed to be much humbled before the Lord, yet not to be discouraged. For,

If nothing have befallen you, but what may possibly befall a true Believer, then you have no reason to be cast down as without hope. Now ye know how it was with Sampson; he was strong, and of great strength inward and outward; yet his strength was taken away, and he became as one of us: How so? why, he had laid his head in Delilah's Lap, and so he lost his strength, and was weakened by it; but it cost him dear, both his Eyes, and his Life too: And if you have so laid your head in Delilah's Lap, that your strength is abated, it may, and it is likely it will cost you dear; yet this case is no other than what may befall one recorded for a true Believer.

If nothing have befallen you, but what may possibly befal a true Beleever, then you have no reason to be cast down as without hope. Now ye know how it was with Sampson; he was strong, and of great strength inward and outward; yet his strength was taken away, and he became as one of us: How so? why, he had laid his head in Dalilah's Lap, and so he lost his strength, and was weakened by it; but it cost him dear, both his Eyes, and his Life too: And if you have so laid your head in Dalilah's Lap, that your strength is abated, it may, and it is likely it will cost you dear; yet this case is no other than what may befal one recorded for a true Beleever.

And though your strength be abated, and your Grace weakened, through your own sin; yet being true saving Grace, it shall never ⟨p. 86⟩