Cautions.

A few words of caution will be usefull here also: as

1. The beleever, though taking this course, would not think to be altogether free of fear of stepping aside, in lesse or in more: God may think good, to let much of this abide, to the end he may be keeped watchfull, tender and diligent; for fear maketh the soul circumspect and watchfull; and this is a good preservative from defection.

2. Nor would the beleever think, that hereby he shall be keeped altogether free of fainting. The heart now and then, through fear and misbeleef, may fall into a fit of fainting, and think all is gone: and yet He may carry poor souls thorow, and make his strength perfect in their weaknesse 2 Cor. 12: 9. That when they are supported and carryed through the temptation, they may sing praise to Him; and not ascribe any thing to themselves: remembring how often they were f•…inting, and almost giving over the cause, as desperate and hope∣lesse.

3. They would not think it strange, if in the time of their wreastling with difficultyes, the Lord Page  251 hide his face from them, and give them not that 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊◊〉 Him in prayer that sometimes they have met with for the Lord may see it fit, to put them to this point of tryall, among the rest, to see if the love of his glory and truth will keep them standing▪ when they want the encourage∣ments, that might be expected in that way: and if pure conscience to the command and authority of God will keep from siding with an evil way, when the soul is destitute of all sensible encouragement, both from within and from without.

4. In all this businesse, beleevers would carry singly, with an eye to God's glory; and would not be acted with self-ends, or drawn by carnal and selfy motives. They would not desire stability and through bearing, to be seen of men, or to gaine applause and the praise of Men; lest God be provok∣ed to leave them to themselves, and they at length come off with discredit, as Peter did. Therefore they would strive against these carnal motions of the heart; and laboure for spirituality, singlenesse of heart, and truth in the inward parts, which the Lord desireth. Psal. 51: 6.