Grant this life is as the life of Christ, never again to be extinguished. Yet who rejoyceth not in health, who mourns not under the pains and weaknesses of a sick bed?
Next therefore to the discovery of spirituall life, all that are born of God must try their spirituall strength, and health, and chearfull temper: The particular instances whereof, being propounded as examples, copies, and samplars for us to follow in the holy Scripture, I shall pick, and gather, and bind up, for both our incouragement, and comfort.
I confesse the beholding of such heavenly patterns may astonish and amaze us, and make us dispair to attain to the like heavenly temper: I pray thee therefore (dear love) observe, (what before I said) that these particulars next following are not discouragements from Christ, as if we had no life at all: but incouragements to draw neerer to Christ Jesus, when we see such virtue proceed out from him, to such poor sinners like our selves.
These particulars then following are as an holy looking-glasse, to discover to us our souls spots, & blemishes, as also sweet cordial flowers, to refresh and incourage our drooping spirits.
The severall particular trialls of this spirituall health, and chearfulnesse, I shall bind up (as I may so speak) into three severall parcells, as sometimes we see sweet flowers bound up into smaller bundles, to make up at last one larger bundle or posie in one.
The three severall sorts shall be according to that division of the holy Spirit by Paul to Titus.
First such as concern holines, respecting our communion with God in Christ Jesus.
2. Such as concern righteousnesse, respecting others.
3. Such as concern sobriety, respecting our private selves and persons.
Incomprehensible nature of God.