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

8. Are there not, now and then, some beams of light let in, though soon gone again? in darkness, there is some light: sometimes you suddenly cry out, my ⟨p. 141⟩Lord, and my God: Some promise, some encouragement darts in, and lifts up your head above water: but because it is transient, and you are presently s•nk with another wave, you think it a delusion; whereas indeed it is a gracious respite given you, to take a little breath; and so you ought to interpret it.

8. Are there not, now and then, some beams of light let in, though soon gone again? in darkness, there is some light: sometimes you suddenly cry out, my ⟨p. 141⟩Lord, and my God: Some promise, some encouragement darts in, and lifts up your head above water: but because it is transient, and you are presently s•nk with another wave, you think it a delusion; whereas indeed it is a gracious respit given you, to take a little breath; and so you ought to interpret it.

7. Encourage your selves by the Name of God, now to go to him, and wait upon him. This is the advice given to such as sit in darkness, and see no▪ light, Isa. 50 10. If you cannot apply a Promise, so as to challenge an interest in it, yet take hold of an Attribute. God hath proclaimed his name to us for our encouragement: Every Attribute of his, is an handle which we should lay hold on, and support our selves by: read then in what letters he hath proclaimed his name, Exod 34 6, 7. And do you make use of all. It is possible that a truly gracious Soul may be in so great darkness, as not to be able to discern himself from one that ha•h no grace; and to such God offers his Name for their relief under despondency, and for help, learn;