An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

From the Explication of this passage, we have observed, That it is one thing what a godly man speaketh according to the principle of flesh and blood within him, and another thing what he saith according to faith, and the principle of grace. And because this truth is of perpetual practical use, let us a little more dilate upon it. And

FRom the Explication of this passage, we have observed, That it is one thing what a godly man speaketh according to the principle of flesh and blood within him, and another thing what he saith according to faith, and the principle of grace. And because this truth is of perpetual practical use, let us a little more dilate upon it. And

First, Let us instance in some discoveries, whereby we may know when flesh ⟨p. 274⟩speaketh, and when the Spirit doth. For these, though contrary one to another, yet are not discerned without spiritual illuminations, and senses exercised ¹to know things that differ. And

1. 1How we may know when faith, and when flesh speaketh in our afflictions. 1. Flesh argues from afflictions, that God hath forsaken us.

First, The voice of flesh and blood in such kind of troubles, is to make a final conclusion and sentence upon our selves, That God hath forsaken us, that we are cast out from his love. Insomuch that did not the principle of grace in some measure withstand, and at some times overcome these temptations, the soul would be swallowed up in this whirlpool: but let the godly know, that this is not the voice of Jacob, but of Esau. The regenerate principle will not, dare not give in such false testimony,