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

4. To such as are conducted in a middle way. Possibly you have had no experience of the extraordinary raptures, and transporting joys that some can tell of; and on the other hand, you have not encountered those distressing plunges, and dismal darknesses, arising from grievous Desertions, which others also have cried out bitterly of; but your way is more even; you are not without your fears, but yet you can hope in Gods Grace, and encourage your Souls to trust in ⟨p. 111⟩him, and wait for his Salvation. And if sometimes there be a cloud that doth a little obscure you, it is not long before a ray breaks forth and giveth you light: and though you sensibly labour of infirmities, yet you are kept from great Transgression, and helped in the work of God which you are engaged in: and this is likely the condition of the greatest part of Gods Children. To such then let me offer,

4. To such as are conducted in a middle way. Possibly you have had no experience of the extraordinary raptures, and transporting joys that some can tell of; and on the other hand, you have not encountred those distressing plunges, and dismal •arknesses, arising from grievous Desertions, which others also have cryed out bitterly of; but your way is more even; you are not without your fears, but yet you can hope in Gods Grace, and encourage your Souls to trust in ⟨p. 111⟩him, and wait for his Salvation. And if sometimes there be a cloud that doth a little obscure you, it is not long before a ray breaks forth and giveth you light: and though you sensibly labour of infirmities, yet you are kept from great Transgression, and helped in the work of God which you are engaged in: and this is likely the condition of the greatest part of Gods Children. To such then let me offer,

1. Believe that God is infinitely wise in his conduct. Be sure that you maintain adoring thoughts of him: judge therefore that this is the best condition for you. Reckon that your father knows what is most proper for every one of his Children, and that his love manageth all these concerns. Think, this is the way in which he sees meet to lead me, and I believe it is the right way; and how little cause you have to murmur that it is otherwise with some. Do not say that God deals better with them than with you: what though you do not meet with their raptures? consider also that you are not oppressed with their desolate trials.