whenSathan encountersthe f rvants of Chrift. this cafe, con(lant proceeding in a courfe of godlineffe, and(ontinuall exercife of Minde and Body, in that which is good, and pleating in the fight ofGod,doth much more availe then direec oppofition. I have too long vexed and turmoiledmy felfewith the temptations ofSathan ; bro- ken effthe exercifeofgodlinefle, directly to anfwer and oppofe them, ycelded to thoughts of unbeliefe; given way todifcouragements, as if it had beene in vaine to pray, omitted the duty upon conceit of unfitneffe, dul- neffe, unworthinefte; accounted the duties ofmy calling tedious and burthenfome; fèt open myheart to intangling fcruples and difrac`fing feares, quetlioning the Iove of God towards me upon every falfe fugge(lion,and conclu- dingoft throughunbeliefe, that God had Phut up his lo- ving kindneffe for ever in difpleafure. So foolifh have I beene, and ignorant : even in thispoint a beaft. Pardon, OLord, the infidelity, doubting,dejedìednefl'e, and car- nali exceffive feares ofthypoore fcrvant;deliver my foule from the feares of Sathan, acquaint me with his Methods in tempting, and how Imay prevent him, and (lrengthen me in the combate, that I never faint, nor breake off the courfeof godlineffe through unbeliefe. I am purpofed through thy grace, to call my foule upon thy tender mer- cies, to feeke thy face continually, towaste upon thee in thine ordinances,andto exercife my felfe in the worker of Piety, Mercy, and an hone(t calling. If Sathan tempt to dillru(i,raife feares,feeke todifcourage myfoule,or breake offmy prayers by his hellifh faggeftions ; I will (}rive to maintaine my faith, lay faller hold upon the promifes of mercy,flop mine Bares againft fcruples and doubtings ; take greater courage to draw nighunto God, believe the acceptanceofmywilling though weake fervice ; and by how much the Divell thall feeke tooppofe or hinder my comfort, courage, or con[tancy, fo much the more will I (litreup my felfe to goeforward and continue therein. The Lord will heare a figh or groane, bottle up a teare, and gratioufly accept poore & meane fery ice froma ficke X 3 childe. 309
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