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

1. Withstand the Temptations which at such a time, would undermine your Hope. Hope is your life; for we live •y hope, Rom. 8.24 be therefore very tender of it, and do not throw it away, or suffer your selves to be deprived of it; take heed then of the suggestions offered to put you from it; especially,

1. That never any Child of God was in your case. It is very discouraging to go in an untrodden Wilderness, where there is no beaten path: it is therefore an usual enquiry, was there ever any in such a condition as mine is? and if we think that we are led in a way, which God doth not use to carry his own in, we thereupon despond. But this discouragement oftentimes prevails upon us, for want of right consideration. Whereas, if we would enquire into the Word of God, we might find our case there eminently ⟨p. 129⟩exemplified: possibly it is a very, ordinary case, but that our short spirits▪ do magnify it beyond all bounds of reason, and so put another▪ aspect upon it▪ Or suppose it a thing more rare and infrequent; yet it is not beyond the power and wisdom of God to govern it to his glory and our best good. Jobs condition was such in his time; and that was it which amazed and misled his friends, and drew them to hard censures of him▪ but he resolutely, maintains his integrity, and reliance upon God.

1. That never any Child of God was in your case. It is very discouraging to go in an untrodden Wilderness, where there is no beaten path: it is therefore an usual enqui•y, was there ever any in such a condition as mine is? and if we think that we are led in a way, which God doth not use to carry his own in, we thereupon despond. But this discouragement oftentimes prevails upon us, for want of right consideration. Whereas, if we would enquire into the Word of God, we might find our case there eminently