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

3. Here we may see one great reason of the different frames tha• are observable in the Children of God. It is certain, that they do not at all times carry it after the same manner; and that neither in respect of their vigorous exercise of holiness, nor their cheerful or comfortable carriage of themselves. Sometimes we shall see them very vigorous in their zeal for the glory of God, and pursuit of the work of their generation; anon they flag, and are remiss, and less watchful to themselves. Sometimes we may see them carried above all the world, and in the midst of all trials, comforting themselves in the love of God, and hopes of glory; anon drooping & disconsolate, and ready to be overborne by every little trial which they meet withal; and possibly we wonder whence ⟨p. 87⟩this is, and are ready to be stumbled & prejudiced at it: but it is not to be thought a strange thing. Observe then,

3. Here we may see one grea• reason of the different frames tha• are observable in the Children of God. It is certain, that they do not at all times carry it after the same manner; and that neither in respect of their vigorous exercise of holiness, nor their chearful or comfortable carriage of themselves. Sometimes we shall see them very vigorous in their zeal for the glory of God, and pursuit of the work of their generation; anon they flag, and are remiss, and less watchful to themselves. Sometimes we may see them carried above all the world, and in the midst of all trials, comforting themselves in the love of God, and hopes of glory; anon drooping & disconsolate, and ready to be overborn by every little trial which they meet withal; and possibly we wonder whence ⟨p. 87⟩this is, and are ready to be stumbled & prejudiced at it: but it is not to be thought a strange thing. Observe then,