:168 Spiritual .der fec`lion Hopes will deceive us. When Sin has dominion, which is certainly difcovered by the habitual courfe of Mens Lives, when there is a remarient affeEion to it in Mens Hearts , which is known by their refleaions upon part Sins withplea- fure, and theprofpea of future Sins with defire, their Hope is like a Spider's web, 'that can bear no ftrefs. Hope is fubor- dinate to Faith, and Faith is regulated by the Promife. Some believe without Hope ; they are convinç'd of the reality of the Future State, of the Eternal Judg- ment , and the confequents of it, but are carelefs and defperate in their wick- ednefs : Others hope to be well hereafter without belief of the Gofpel. Indeed, there is none can bear up under defpair- ing Thoughts, when they are raging in the Breaft. He that is abfolutely and with confideration hopelefs, falls upon his own Sword. The Tempter deals with Sinners according to their conditi. ons : If they are fwimming in Profperity, he fiupifies Confcience, and induces them to be fecure if they are finking in deep Diffrefs, he is fo skilful in all the arts of aggravation, that he plunges them into Defpair : And both Temptations are fa- tal ; but the molt perifh by fallacious hopes. 'Tis ftrange , that the greateft number of Profeffors are more unwil- ling
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