The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Quest. How shall I find out my particular, special lusts and idol, how may I come to know it?

Quest. How shall I find out my particular, special lusts andidol, how may I come to know it?

Answ. This is none of my Text, nor will I be guilty of that for which I so much blame others: were I to handle that subject, I would set down ways how you may find it out, if you do not know it already, which is something strange for that person, that keeps a narrow watch ⟨p. 265⟩over his heart, not to observe and know which way his corrupt heart runs out; yet I have learned, that such a thing is possible, if the corruption be a spiritual lust, and if there be something else that much takes up the heart. I knew one, an eminent Christian, a man, as in years so in grace, learning and abilities, much my superior, a man yet of a clung, penurious, having, close spirit, Cousin german to a worldly covetous lust, the bones of it stuck out so, that people did generally observe it; I spake of it to an eminent Minister, and asked him if he did not observe it? Observe it, said he, yes, 'tis plain enough to observe: yet this man for secret duties with God, for spiritual, heavenly converse in company, such a one, as few like him; his spirit battered and kept under strangely: One time walking with a very serious Christian, much his inferior, a mean man in the world, he asked him, and desired him to deal faithfully with him, what corruption he did discern in him, which might cause the Lord thus to hide the light of his Countenance from him, and tell him plainly of it: (this argues the uprightness of the man:) the man being much his inferior, but wise and very godly, giving him his due respect, asked him, Sir, do you not take notice of such a corruption, and instanced in that which I mentioned, and handsomely informed him of it: He made this reply, Truly I never took notice of it, nor observed it by my self. If you would then know it, and do not, do as this good man did, get some inward, judicious Friend, to deal plainly with thee; a Christian Friend may observe that by thee; of which thou doest not take notice thy self: This is all I will say to it in this place; I will not meddle with more than the subject I am upon leads me to.