Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

and many good men have got wounds from outward prosperity, that behoved to be cured by the cross. I remember to have read of one, who having an imposthume in his breast, had in vain used the help of physicians: but being wounded with a sword, the imposthume broke; and his life was saved by that accident, which threatened immediate death. Often have spiritual imposthumes gathered in the breasts of God's people▪ in the time of outward prosperity, and been thus broken and discussed by the cross. It is kindly for believers to be healed by stripes; although they are usually so weak as to cry out for fear, at the sight of the pruning-hook, as if it were the destroying •x: and to think the Lord is coming to kill them when he is indeed coming to cure them.

and many good men have got wounds from outward prosperity, that behoved to be cured by the cross. I remember to have read of one, who having an imposthume in his breast, had in vain used the help of physicians: but being wounded with a sword, the imposthume broke; and his life was saved by that accident, which threatned immediate death. Often have spiritual imposthumes gathered in the breasts of God's people▪ in the time of outward prosperity, and been thus broken and discussed by the cross. It is kindly for believers to be healed by stripes; although they are usually so weak as to cry out for fear, at the sight of the pruning-hook, as if it were the destroying •x: and to think the Lord is coming to kill them when he is indeed coming to cure them.

I shall now conclude, addressing myself in a few words, first to saints, and next to sinners.