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

2. By Sin they obstruct the progress of the work▪ of their Generation. There is a work that God hath called them to; but sin is no part of it, but contrary to it; and not only so, but every sin, especially such as are more bold, deadneth them, and renders them unfit for the business they are engaged in; a Believer whilst under the efficacy of any lust, is not progressive, but regressive; however God can make it serve to his after faster growth: David was thus all the while he lay under his sin.

3. The corruption in them oftentimes abuseth the comforts of Gods presence to presumption and carelessness. Such is our weakness whilst we are here, that we can bear but a little of the new wine of Consolation. We are like children, who, if cockered by their Parents, grow saucy and licentious. This was Davids case in our Context: God had made his mountain strong, and he thereupon grow secure, and believed himself to be out of danger, and that made him to grow wanton, & remit of that care and watchfulness over himself that became him.

3. The corruption in them oftentimes abuseth the comforts of Gods presence to presumption and carelessness. Such is our weakness whilst we are here, that wa can bear but a little of the new wine of Consolation. We are like children, who, if cockered by their Parents, grow sawcy and licencious. This was Davids case in our Context: God had made his mountain strong, and he thereupon grow secure, and believed himself to be out of danger, and that made him to grow wanton, & remit of that care and watchfulness over himself that became him.

4. Hence God useth such desertions to make them the more careful and fearful ⟨p. 43⟩