Lastly, it is an _Argument_ of _spirituall health_, and _strength_ when _Gods children_ walk in a continuall sence of their own _insufficiencies_, and _distempers_, when they discern the evill _inclination_ of their own _spirits_, and the _excellency_, and _sufficiency_ of _Gods_ most holy _Spirit_: And therefore continually say with _David_, _Psalme 143_. Thy _Spirit_ is good, lead me, _&c._ and Psal. 139. Search me O _God_, and try my _heart_, and see if thou findest any way of _wickednes in me, and lead me in the way everlasting_. These and many more, are the _trials_ of _spirituall strength_, _health_, and _cheerfulnes_, in matters concerning _God_: We now come to the second Head of _trialls_ of _spirituall health_, and _strength_, in matters concerning our selves. [Sidenote: Brokennes of spirit.] First, then it is an Argument of _spiritual health_, and _strength_, when (especially) after known sins committed, our _hearts_ are in a _broken_ frame and temper, when our _spirits_ are as it were _contrite_, and pounded like _spice in a_ Morter, then yeelding the most delightfull _smell_ and _savour_ unto _God_. Hence (_Isa. 66_) a _contrite_, and broken heart is an _House_ wherein _God_ dwels, an House well ordered, _swept_, and _garnished_. Hence a _Spirit_ of _trembling_, (_Isa. 66_.) is an _Argument_ and _character_ of the most dutifull _children_ of _God_: but of this formerly. [Sidenote: 2dly. Spirituall battels.] 2ndly. It is an _Argument_ of _spirituall strength_, when we make it our _work_ to _observe_, _watch_, and kill our _corruptions_, and _rebellions_, and labour to keep under, and beat down our _body_ to an holy fitnes, and readines for _Gods service_, in _fasting_, and _prayer_ against _temptations_. _Obj._ But may not _Hypocrites_ humble themselves, and labour to mortifie their _lusts_ and _corruptions_? I answer, no question, but in horrour of _conscience_, and fear of _Gods judgments_, an _Hypocrite_ may humble himself in fasting, as _Ahab_, &c. but to kill sin, as sin, and to desire to be ready for _Gods_ will, in _denying_, and _subduing_ his own, is only the _character_ and property of a child of _God_. [Sidenote: 3dly. Godly loathing for sin.] 3dly. It is an _Argument_ of _spirituall health_, and _strength_, when we so look upon our _sins_, and our sinfull _dispositions_, that we not only loath our _sins_, but also loath our selves for them: So saith the _Lord_, (_Ezek 6_.) My _people_ shall loath themselves for their _abominations_, and for their _whoorish heart_ against me: Thus _Job_ when he recovers himself from his _murmurings_ against _God_, he cries out, Behold I abhor my self, and repent in _dust_, and _ashes_. And _David_ (Psal: 73.) looks upon himself for his murmuring against _Gods providence_, as an _ignorant_ person, as a _fool_ and a _beast_ in _Gods_ presence. _Object._ But may not an _Hypocrite_ loath and abhor himself for _sin_?