The saints everlasting rest

When a man liveth in some unwarrantable practice, and GOD hath oft touched him for it, and yet he continueth it; it is no wonder if this person want both assurance and comfort. One would think that a soul that is so tender as to tremble, should be as tender of sinning: and yet sad experience telleth us that it is frequently otherwise: I have known too many such, that would complain and yet sin, and accuse themselves, and yet sin still, yea and despair, and yet proceed in sinning: and all arguments and means could not keep them from the wilful committing of that sin again and again, which yet they themselves did think would prove their destruction. Yea, some will be carried away with those sins that seem most contrary to their dejected temper. I have known them that ⟨p. 177⟩would fill men's ears with the constant lamentations of their miserable state, and accusations against themselves, as if they had been the most humble people in the world; and yet be as passionate in the maintaining their innocency when another accuseth them, and as intolerably peevish, and tender of their reputation in any thing they are blamed for, as if they were the proudest persons on earth.

This cherishing sin doth hinder assurance these four ways.

1. It doth abate the degree of our graces, and so makes them undiscernible. 2. It obscureth that which it destroyeth not; for it beareth such sway, that grace is not seen to stir, nor scare heard speak for the noise of this corruption. 3. It putteth out, or darkeneth the eye of the soul, and it benumbeth and stupefieth it. 4. But especially it provoketh GOD to withdraw himself, his comforts and the assistance of the Spirit, without which we may search long enough before we have assurance. GOD hath made a separation betwixt sin and peace. As long as thou dost cherish thy pride, thy love of the world, the desires of the flesh, or any unchristian practice, thou expectest assurance and comfort in vain. GOD will not encourage thee by his precious gifts in a course of sinning. This worm will be gnawing upon thy conscience: It will be a devouring canker to thy consolations. Thou mayst steal a spark of false comfort from thy worldly prosperity or delight: or thou mayst have it from some false opinions, or from the delusions of Satan; but from GOD thou wilt have no comfort. However an Antinomian may tell thee, that thy comforts have no dependence