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

3. Let us not condemn them that are in the dark, and full of spiritual troubles. ⟨p. 92⟩Suppose we enjoy much tranquillity, and serenity of Gods presence with us, so that we can bear up and be cheerful, and maintain a good hope in God, let us take heed of censuring and despising them that cannot do as we do. Suppose we see them very disquiet, to discover much of sinful infirmity, ready to speak in the bitterness of their Souls, words that are very unsuitable, that savour of murmuring against God, and discontent at their condition; yea, possibly such as border upon despair: these things indeed are grievous, and we ought to endeavour their help against them; but still they call for our Compassion, and not our Triumph over them. They ought to be reproved for it, but yet withal to be encouraged: we may say unto them, as Christ did to Peter, when he began to sink, and Cried out, I perish, Oh! thou of little faith; but not vote them for unbelievers, or conclude them to have no grace, because sinful corruption is too hard for them, in this juncture of desertion: this is uncharitable, and so we may condemn the generation of Gods Children. This was the fault of Jobs friends, who, because he let drop some unguarded expressions, ⟨p. 93⟩in the bitterness of his Soul, presently declare him to be a wicked man; and for thi• it is that he complains of cruelty shown him, and he tells them, Chap. 19.28. Ye should say, why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me. Let us think, what would we expect at their hands, were our Souls in their Souls stead? and demean our selves accordingly. Let us not thrust them under water, who are already sinking, but put forth an hand for their help, and offer them the best relief that we are able.

3. Let us not condemn them that are in the dark, and full of spiritual troubles. ⟨p. 92⟩Suppose we enjoy much tranquillity, and serenity of Gods presence with us, so that we can bear up and be cheerful, and maintain a good hope in God, let us take heed of censuring and despising them that cannot do as we do. Suppose we see them very disquiet, to discover much of sinful infirmity, ready to speak in the bitterness of their Souls, words that are very unsuitable, that savour of murmuring against God, and discontent at their condition; yea, possibly such as border upon despair: these things indeed are grievous, and we ought to endeavour their help against them; but still they call for our Compassion, and not our Triumph over them. They ought to be reproved for it, but yet withal to be encouraged: we may say unto them, as Christ did to Peter, when he began to sink, and Cryed out, I perish, Oh! thou of little faith; but not vote them for unbelievers, or conclude them to have no grace, because sinful corruption is too hard for them, in this juncture of desertion: this is uncharitable, and so we may condemn the generation of Gods Children. This was the fault of Jobs friends, who, because he let drop some unguarded expressions,