SPIRITUAL PEACE AND COMFORT. 465 easily perceive it even by the devil's opposition and temptations. He will further ybu in your self-vexations, (when he cannot keep you in security and presumption).but in amending, he will hinder you with all his might. How oft have I known poor, passionate creatures, that would vex, and rage in anger, and break out in un- seemly language, to,the disquieting of all about them; and others that yvould drop into other the like sins, and, when they have done, lament if, and condemn themselves, and yet would not set upon a resolute and cheerful reformation ! Nay, if you do but reprove them for any sin, they will sooner say, ' If I be so bad, God will condemn me for an hypocrite,' and so lie down in disquietness and distress, than they w?ll say, I see my sin, and I resolve to resist it, and I pray you warn me of it, and help me to watch against it.' So that they would bring us to this pass, that either we must let them alone with their sins, for fear of tormenting them, or else we must cause them to lie down in terrors. Alas, poor mistaken souls ! It is neither of these that God calls for! Will you do any thing save what you should do ? Must you needs be esteemed either innocent, or hypocrites, or such as shall be damned? The thing that God would have is this: That you wouldbe glad that you see your fault, and thank him that showeth- it you, and resolvedly do your best to amend it, and this in faith and cheerful confidence in Christ, flying to bis Spirit for help and victory. Will you please, the devil so far, and so far contradict the gracious way of Chtist, as that you will needs either sin still or despair? Is there not a middle between these two, to wit, cheerful amendment.? Remember that it is not jour vexation or despair, but your obedience and peace, that God desireth. That life is most pleasing to him, which is most safe and sweet to you. If you say still, you cannot delight in God, I say again, Dó but acknowledge it the great work that God requireth ofyou, and make it your daily aim, and care, and business, and then you will more easily and certainly attain it. But while you know not your work, or so far mistake it, as to think it consisteth more in sorrows and fears, and never endeavor, in your duties or meditations, to raise your soul to a delight in God, but rather to cast down yourself with still poring on your miseries, no wonder, then, if you be a stranger to this life of holy delight. By this time I find myself corne up to the subject of mybook of the " Saints' Rest ; " wherein having said so much to direct and excite you, for the attainment of these spiritual and heavenly de- lights, I will refer you to it, for your help in that work; and add no more bere, but to desire you, through the course of your life, to remember, That the true love of God in Christ, and delight in him, and thankful, cheerful obedience to him, is the great work of vox.. I. 59 1
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