Or of us unto ourselves, ..... 71
Use 5. Reproof of such as sin against this merciful disposition
in Christ, as those do, —
1. That go on in ill courses, either fi-om despair, or pre-
sumption, or a wilful purpose to quench the light
that is in them, ..... 73
2. That neglect good courses from hopes to have comfort,
because Christ is thus merciful, ... 74
3. That ill requite so gracious a Saviour as Christ is, (1.)
by neglecting his Mediatorship, (2.) or by being cruel to him in his [1.] members, [2.] name, [3.] by divi- sions in opinion, ..... 75, 76
4. That walk contrary to Christ in their dealing with the
tender, for their own gain, ... 77
5. That despise and stumble at this low stooping of Christ, 77
PAET in. UNTIL HE SEND FOETH JUDGMENT UNTO VICTORY.
Explanation of the words, ..... 77, 78 The matter whereof is drawn out into six conclusions — . 78
Conclusion 1. Christ is so mild that yet he will rule those that
enjoy the comfort of his light mildness, ... 79
Use. For trial to discern who may lay just claim to Christ's
mercy, ....... 79
Conchmon 2. The spiritual government of Christ is joined with
judgment and wisdom, ..... 80
Use 1. Spiritual wisdom and judgment is excellent, and in
what respects, ...... 81
CONTENTS. IX
PAGE
Why Satan envies and spiteth it, . . . . 81
It is most necessary for the managing of a Christian's course, 81 Where true wisdom and judgment is, there Christ sets up his
government, ...... 82
The best method for practice, .... 83
Use 2. There is no true judgment where the life is ill governed, 83
Conclusion 3. Christ's government is victorious, . . 84
1. In every private Christian, .... 84
2. In the church in general, . . . . 85 Why the victory seems sometimes to go on the contrary side, 85 Use 1. Comfort to weak Christians: the least spark in them,
if it be right, will prevail, .... 86
(1,) Signs whether there be any such grace in us as will be
victorious, ...... 87
(2.) Means to be used that it may be so, . . . 88
tJse 2. To admonish — 1. nations and states, 2. families, 3. every one in particular, (1.) for himself, (2.) his friends, to side with Christ, and to embrace his government, . 91
Use 3. To inform us that then Popery must come down, . 91
Conclusion 4. As Christ's government shall be victorious, so it shall openly appear, it shall be brought forth to the view of all to victory, ...... 91
Use. Deceit and error shall be laid open to shame, . . 92
Conclusion 5. This government is advanced and set up by
Christ alone, ...... 93
In all spiritual essays look for strength from Christ, and not
from thyself, ...... 94
Conclusion 6. This prevailing and victory shall not be without
fighting, ....... 95
Because it is — 1. government, 2. spiritual government, 3.
government with judgment, .... 95
Use. It is no sign of a good condition to find all quiet, . 96
Wheresoever Christ cometh, there will be divisions, . . 97
Miserable are those men that stand out against him, and are
stiU under Satan's government, . . .97
Conclusion and general application of this third part, — to en- coui'age Christians to go on comfortably and cheerfully, with confidence of prevailing, both in respect, 1. of om*selves, although beset with corruption; and, 2. the church, although compassed with enemies, ..... 97
Notes, ....... 100, 101
The Sword OF THE Wicked Ps. XLII. 10, . 103
Notes, ....... 117. 118
The Soul's Conflict with itself, and Victory
OVER ITSELF BY Faith Ps. XLII. 11. . 119
Dedication, . . . . . . .121
CONTENTS.
PAGE
To the Christian Reader, ..... 122-127
Verses by Benlowes and Quarles, .... 128, 129
Chap. 1. General observations upon the text, . . 131
2. Of discouragements from without, . . . 133
3. Of discouragements from within, . . . 136
4. Of casting down ourselves, and specially by sorrow.
The Evils thereof, .... 142
5. Eemedies of casting down : to cite the soul, and press
it to give an account, .... 144
6. Other observations of the same nature, . . 148
7. Difference between good men and others in conflicts
with sin, ..... 153
8. Of unfitting dejection : and when it is excessive. And
what is the right temper of the soul herein, . 155
9. Of the soul's disquiets, God's dealings, and power to
contain oiirselves in order, . • . . 160
10. Means not to be overcharged with sorrow, . . 162
11. Signs of victory over ourselves, and of a subdued spirit, 169
12. Of original righteousness, natural corruption, Satan's
joining with it, and our duty thereupon, . . 172
13. Of imagination : sin of it, and remedies for it, . 178
14. Of help by others : of true comforters, and their graces.
Method. Ill success, .... 191
15. Of flying to God in disquiets of souls. Eight obser-
vations out of the text, . . . .197
16. Of trust in God: grounds of it: especially his provi-
dence, ...... 202
17. Of graces to be exercised in respect of divine provi-