The truly blessed man

1. Have you not provoked God to this, and can you rest till the breach be made up again? I deny not but that a serious soul, that can neither apprehend his own good estate by the things that accompany salvation, nor by the witness of the Spirit in him, must needs be stopped in the exercise of his spiritual joy: but is this a condition to be lived in? or should we take pains to maintain it? Surely no. It is a time to make diligent search, to find the cause, and get it removed; and pray hard as he, Psal. 51.11. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation.

1. Have you not provoked God to this, and can you rest till the breach be made up again? I deny not but that a serious soul, that can neither apprehend his own good estate by the things that accompany salvation, nor by the witness of the Spirit in him, must needs be stopt in the exercise of his spiritual joy: but is this a condition to be lived in? or should we take pains to maintain it? Surely no. It is a time to make diligent search, to find the cause, and get it removed; and pray hard as he, Psal. 51.11. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation.

2. Do you not discourage your selves with such things as have real encouragement in them? This good men often do, when they have the clear witness of the spirit in them: they misinterpret every thing as if it made against them, even that which is indeed for them: they cry out of the strivings and molestings of natural corruption, as greater than ever, it hinders them more in duty, they feel more deadness, wandering, formality, &c. Whereas this ⟨p. 632⟩more clear sense and feeling, is for you, and argueth that Grace is more lively; they find it harder to do duty than before, which argues a better acquaintance with the spiritual part of it: and many the like. This is Satan's policy, to turn that into terror, from which you might gather comfort.