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

Answ. I confess this is sad indeed: I do not read in Scripture (though I read of many sins of the Godly) that ever any Godly man did make away himself. It is a good Speech of Austin: Sibi auferendo presentem v•tam, abnegant futuram; Men by taking away their present life, de•• themselves their future life: But because (saith Mr. Perkins) […] •one this, whose lives have been counted honest, […] •ly; therefore my Sentence is thus: I dare not […] damned, because of their former ⟨p. 140⟩life; and I dare not say they are saved, because of their sinful death; yet for the Temptation it self, I say, if it do not come to act; as there is no Duty which a Godly man doth perform, but a wicked man may do the same, yet remain wicked; so, there is no Temptation which a wicked man may yield unto, but a godly man may be tempted unto, yet remain godly: was not Christ himself tempted by Satan, to throw himself down from the Pinnacle of the Temple? yet he did it not: Only my Counsel and Advice from the Lord is; If any be troubled with such a Temptation, be sure you reveal it, and discover it presently; and as for those horrid, blasphemous suggestions which lie so heavy upon your souls, which make your heart and flesh to tremble at the rising of them. Ye have read how it was with the King of Moab, when he could not break through the Host of Israel, nor make them cease from following the Victory, he presented unto their view, a horrible Spectacle, sacrificing on the walls, his own dear Son, and Heir to the Crown, that so the Israelites being not able to endure the view of that inhumane sight, might give over the Victory. Thus doth Satan do; when he cannot drive a gracious soul out of the field, any other way, then he presenteth such horrid, inhumane suggestions to him, that he may scare him from the good ways of God: it is not in our power to hinder Satan from presenting these things to our thoughts. When you come into wicked, ungodly, and profane Company, if they will swear, and curse, and blaspheme, you cannot hinder them from speaking, nor your self from hearing; you may sit down, and mourn, saying, O! what Blasphemy is here! what Cursing is here! but do what you can, they will fill your Ears with these things: Now Satan being a Spirit, he is able to present these Blasphemies to your Spirits, and you cannot hinder it: you may cry out and say, O! what Blasphemy is here! O!