4. And when we have done this, let us make conscience not to yield to
The word saith, 'that he that loves the brethren is translated to life,' 1
John 2:10, and he that hears the word, as the word, is Christ's sheep.
Now, doth thy conscience tell thee, that though in weak measure, yet I do so? Then, here is the word, and thy conscience for thee. And doth the Spirit witness with thy conscience that it is so indeed? Then it is well. Thou keepest thy evidence to purpose.
4. And when we have done this, let us make conscience not to yield to any base doubts, and fears, and objections of Satan, and our own hearts. When we find any work of grace, deny not the work of God, lest we grieve the Spirit of God; as some melancholy Christians, that though every man may see the work of God in them, yet yield so slavishly to the misgivings of their hearts, and the temptations of Satan, that they conclude they have no faith, no love; though other
Christians that can read their evidence better, see that they have these in them. What dishonour is this to God and his Spirit, when a dark humour shall prevail more than the word, the truth itself? This is a great bondage which Satan brings the soul into: that when there is evidence of faith in the fruits of it, yet men will believe a peevish humour, before the word and testimony of conscience, enlightened by the Spirit. Take heed of it as a great pride in the heart, when we yield more to a sturdy, dark, unsubdued humour, than to evidence itself.
Therefore in such cases hearken not to what fear says, or humour saith, or Satan saith, or what the world saith, but hearken what truth itself saith, and what conscience saith, when it is enlightened by the Spirit, as in good times when we are at the best. True Christians, though more remiss, shall have so much comfort as shall support them from falling into despair, yet not so much as shall strengthen them, and carry them into a vigorous life, fit for Christians.