Again, every _weaknes_ is not a _sicknes_, for some are _weak_, little _ones_ in the _knowledge_ and _love_ of _Christ_, while others are grown to be _strong_ and _aged_ in _Christ Jesus_; Yea, the _strongest_ and oldest _Souldiers_ of _Christ Jesus_, who have not thought their dearest _Heartblood_ to dear for such a _Lord_ and _Master_, have yet been troubled with some _weaknes_, and fits of spirituall _distempers_: _Weaknes_ in their Eyes is not discerning aright the mind of _Christ Jesus_, _weaknes_ in their _hands_, and _Feet_, hindring their spirituall _chearfulnes_, and _activity_ in _Christs_ wayes, which weaknesses yet have not brought them to a down right halting in _Christianity_. I propose therefore (with the assistance of _Gods holy spirit_) to examine these three particulars. [Sidenote: The Heads of this Discourse] First, what are the _Arguments_ of that measure of _spirituall life_ in _Christ_, which yet may stand with great _spirituall weaknesses_ and _diseases_. 2ly. What is the _measure_ of the _grace_ of _Christ Jesus_, which may be called the _health_, and _chearfull temper_, and disposition of the _inner_ man. 3dly. What are those spiritual _preservatives_, which may keep the _Soul_ in an healthful _temper_, free from spirituall _sicknesses_ and _distempers_. In these _Examinations_ I professe two things: First not to _oppresse_ thy _thoughts_ and _memory_, with any long _discourse_, intending only to send thee after thy sicknes, a little posey fit and easie for thy _meditation_, and _refreshing_. 2ly. All my _Flowers_ shall be some choice _example_, or _speech_ of some _son_ or _daughter_ of _God_, pickt out from the _Garden_ of the holy _Scriptures_ for our spiritually _refreshing_ and _consolation_. I begin therefore with such _trialls_ and _arguments_ as declare, the true life of the _inner man_, notwithstanding spirituall _weaknes_, _sicknes_, and _distempers_. [Sidenote: The weakest of Gods children cry unto God as to a Father.] First then when the _Spirit_ of the _Lord_ in _1 Job. 2._ describeth the severall _Ages_ and _grouths_ of this inward _man_ (to wit a _child_, a _strong_ man, and an _old man_) it pleasath him to describe the young or little one by this _difference_, that [He knows the _Father_] to wit, that he knows the _Lord_ so, as to look upon him (in his measure) as to a _Father_, that he fears him, loves him, obeys him, and calls upon him as on a _Father_: according to that of _Gal: 4_. Because you are sons, he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son crying in your Hearts _Abba Father_: _Father_ pardon me, _Father_ help me, _Father_ give me, _&c._ [Sidenote: _Obj._] But may not the _Hypocrites_ call upon God, (and sometime more boldly then _Gods little ones_,) _Lord Lord, Almighty_ and most mercifull _Father_, &c. [Sidenote: _An._]