Spiritual desertions discovered and remedied. Being the substance of divers sermons preached for the…

3. It will greatly increase the perplexity of a desertion, when it comes unexpected. We are wont to say, forewarned, sore armed. Desertions are hard to ⟨p. 81⟩bear, when we are best prepared for them: though Job could say, Chap. 3.26▪ 27. the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, &c. Yet the temptation of i• put him too much out of frame. But out of doubt Davids trouble was the greater, because he was secure against it▪ never looked for the wind to blow any▪ more from that quarter. Sudden surprises are astonishing, and discompose us much; whereas expected evils are fore pondered, and accordingly we are laid in the better to meet with them; and they are not strange.

3. It will greatly encrease the perplexity of a desertion, when it comes unexpected. We are wont to say, forewarned, sore armed. Desertions are hard to ⟨p. 81⟩bear, when we are best prepared for them: though Job could say, Chap. 3.26▪ 27. the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, &c. Yet the temptation of i• put him too much out of frame. But out of doubt Davids trouble was the greater, because he was secure against it▪ never looked for the wind to blow any▪ more from that quarter. Sudden surprizes are astonishing, and discompose us much; whereas expected evils are fore pondered, and accordingly we are laid in the better to meet with them; and they are not strange.

4. And indeed there is nothing will sooner procure this desertion, than such carnal confidence, and good reason, for there is nothing which puts a Child of God more out of frame for the due serving of God, and exercising of faith on him, or more exposeth him to be a prey to the adversary, and entangled in every temptation. If Peter grow confident of his strength, and on this adventures farther then he had a call, he is ensnared & taken.