The safety of appearing at the day of judgement, in the righteousness of Christ

2. When he is more in the dark about his condition: there are times with many at least of the people of God, when they are greatly exercised with fears, there be many things that give occasion of fear to them, they are afraid because they see great workings of corruptions, cannot discern love to God, do not find love to Ordinances, seem to grow worse and worse: so they are afraid, because they nave not such comforts as other christians have: they do not find that presence of God with them, that they think they should have if they were Saints: many temptations they meet withal, that shake their hopes exceedingly: but in this condition they do not neglect to believe in Christ, though when they are in the dark, they have great strugglings of unbelief: but they do not cast off their faith in Christ: their faith has not dependence upon their signs, when signs fail, yet the foundation of their faith remains: though they see not yet they do believe: at such a time it is their duty to believe: when they are in darkness and have no light, their work is to stay on the name of the Lord, Isai. 50.10. and this is their spirit: Saints live by faith, and not by sight, 2 Cor. 5, 7. and though they are at a loss what they are, and what they have done, yet they see ground of faith in Christ: their reliance does not depend upon their assurance, Psal. 73.26. my flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

2. When he is more in the dark about his condition: there are times with many at least of the people of God, when they are greatly exercised with fears, there be many things that give occasion of fear to them, they are afraid because they see great workings of corruptions, cannot discern love to God, do not find love to Ordinances, seem to grow worse and worse: so they are afraid, because they nave not such comforts as other christians have: they do not find that presence of God with them, that they think they should have if they were Saints: many temptations they meet withal, that shake their hopes exceedingly: but in this condition they do not neglect to believe in Christ, though when they are in the dark, they have great struglings of unbelief: but they do not cast off their faith in Christ: their faith has not dependance upon their signs, when signs fail, yet the foundation of their faith remains: though they see not yet they do believe: at such a time it is their duty to believe: when they are in darkness and have no light, their work is to stay on the name of the Lord,