cussing peace. In beautiful Puritan style, he is very pastoral. This comes from his amazing "A Body of Divinity" book. . . .
"But why have not all believers the full enjoyment and possession of peace? Why is not this flower of peace fully ripe and blown?
"Some of the godly may not have so full a degree of peace. (1.) Through the fury of temptation. Though the devil cannot destroy us, he will disturb us. He disputes against our adoption; he would make us question the work of grace in our hearts, and so disturb the waters of our peace. He is like a subtle cheater, who, if he cannot make a man's title to his land void, yet will put him to many troublesome suits in law. If Satan cannot make us ungodly, he will make us unquiet. Violent winds make the sea rough and stormy; so the winds of temp-
tation blowing, disturb peace of spirit, and put the soul into a com-
motion.
"(2.) The godly may not enjoy peace, through mistake and misap-
prehension about sin. They find so much corruption, that they think sure, if there were grace, there would not be such strong working of corruption; whereas this should be so far from discouraging Christians, and hindering their peace, that it is an argument for them. Let me ask, 'Whence is it that you feel sin?' No man can feel sin, but by grace. A wicked man is insensible. Lay a hundredweight upon a dead man, he does not complain; but being sensible of corruption, argues a gra-
cious principle, (Rom. 7:21). Again, Whence is it that there is a com-
bat with sin, but from the life of grace? (Gal. 5:17). Dead things can-
not combat. Whence is it that the saints weep for sin? What are these tears but seeds of faith? The not understanding of this hinders a Christian's peace."
