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

Object. 3 But this is not my case: For I am not only deserted, forsaken, under manifestations of Christs displeasure; but I have sinned, and drawn down this Desertion upon my own soul; and therefore now it is, that I am thus discouraged, and have I not reason for it?

Answ. No: For God doth not always desert, and forsake his People for their sins; sometimes he doth, and sometimes he doth not; as appears by comparing the 3d and 5th Chapters of the Canticles: and it may be he doth now withdraw from you, not for your sin; and if there be but a may be of it, there is no reason for discouragement. But suppose it be so; look I pray into Isay, 57. again, and see what the Lord hath promised to a poor soul in this condition, ⟨p. 157⟩ver. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him; I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. Will ye say, the Lord doth not only hide his face from you, but he hath smitten you? So here. Will ye say, O! but I have sinned, and drawn this desertion upon my self? So here; For the iniquity of his Covetousness I was wroth, and smote him. Will ye say, O! but I have sinned on both sides of this Desertion? I have sinned before the Desertion came, which sin was the cause of it? and I have sinned since? I have been deserted by my frowardness, and peevish carriage? So here, For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and hid me; there is sin on the one side: and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart; there is sin on the other side of Desertion: Here is sin on both sides; what then? is there any hope, or comfort, or mercy for a heart in this condition? Yes, saith the Lord, I will restore comfort unto him, and to his mourners. O! but it is not comfort that my soul desires; but I have a foul, filthy, unclean, wicked heart of mine own; O! that my heart were healed: Is there any hope of healing mercy in this condition? Yes, saith the Lord in the Text; I have seen his ways, and will heal him. O! but though I be healed, I shall sin again, and wander from God again: nay, saith the Lord, But I have seen his ways, and will heal him, and will lead him also. But I see no means, or likelihood of all this; how can it be? Yes, very well; for saith the Lord, ver. 19. I create the fruit of the Lips; Peace, peace, peace, to him that is afar off; and I will heal him again: O! what Comfort is here? what an upholding Promise is here? Can you read it, or think of it, and your heart sink before it?