A 5th: Argument of spirituall health, and strength, is a constant holy sence of our own unworthines, vilenes, and basenes in Gods presence: Hence Jacob professeth himself less then the least of Gods mercies, that is, then the least crum, or drop, or rag, or look of mercy: Hence the Centurion professeth himself not worthy that Christ should come under his Roof: Hence Elizabeth her holy wonder, whence is it (saith she) that the Mother of my Lord should come unto me? Hence Mephiboseth wonders that David should look upon such a dead Dog.
Ob. But may not Hypocrites professe they are not Papists, that they can deserve nothing at Gods hands, that if they had their deserts it were woe with them?
Gods people are only truly sensible of unworthines.
I answer, Hypocrites may say so, but yet are angry when God seems to deal with them, as he deals with others. Hence they quarrell with God, as if that God seemed not to respect their offerings of prayer, and fasting, Isa: 58 But Gods children confessing themselves Beggars at Gods door, and Dogs under his Table, they wait for, and are humbly thankfull for every crum of grace and mercy: So Christ Jesus teacheth us to give thanks for the mercy of a little bread, and then for a little Fish, (Mark 6.) So after most heavy and wonderfull afflictions, Jeremie cries out Jehova is righteous, and professeth it is mercy that it is not worse, and that they were not burnt up and consumed.
6thly.
A 6th. Argument of the spiritual health and temper, is when the affections work strong and lively after God, after God for himself, after God as a portion and inheritance, after God as an Husband: when as the Heart panteth after the water-brooks, so pant our Hearts after God, when as the thirsty ground longeth for the showers of Rain, so long our souls after God: When his words are sweeter then the honey, and honey comb, and of more esteem then thousands of gold and silver.
Ob. But may not Hypocrites (as Balaam) professe so much and that in earnest?
Hypocrite affection to God.
I answer, the deceitfull heart of a man will go wonderfull far this way: Yet certain it is an Hypocrite respects God, but as a Dog respects his Master, yea sometimes a stranger, and an Enemy for a crust, or as an Hireling for his wages: But Gods children, in the want of all things, are content with God alone, his Christ, his Spirit, his Favour, his Word, his Ordinances: Hence David professeth Psal. 4. Thou puttest more joy into my heart, then in the time when their corn and wine increaseth: And Habacuck, when Vine, and Fig-tree, and Flock and Heard fail, he professeth to rejoyce in God, and to glory in the God of his salvation.
God himself the portion of his.