I answer: I will not dispute what _accursedness_ or _separation_ from _Christ_, that is, some saying that _Paul_ wished onely a _temporall_, and some an _eternall separation_ from _Christ_: some a _separation_ from _joy_ and _delight_ in the _presence_ of _Christ_, but not from the _puritie_ and holiness of _Christ_: But I say, doubtless so neer as any soul approacheth to these heavenly _copies_ of _Moses_ and _Paul_, so neer comes he to the greatest _strength_, and health, and beautie of a _Christian_ life. _Ob._ But can any man now attain to such a _strength_ of _grace_ as this, so to wish? [Sidenote: Different manifestations of Christ Jesus in his people.] I answer: as it is in _nature_ so in _grace_, there are _children_ and _young_ men (or _strong_ men,) and there are _old_ and _aged_ men in _Christ_: Again, as it is _nature_, so in _grace_; there are _differences_ of _children_, and differences of _young_ and _aged_ men in _Christ_: every _Israelite_ had not the strength of _Samson_: nor every of _Davids_ Souldiers the _strength_ and _valour_ of _Davids worthies_: yet so neer to these heavenly _copies_ as we approach, the _stronger_ we are in the _grace_ of _God_ in _Christ_: And doubtless it cannot be but it is in the desire of every true _childe_ of _God_, not onely to enjoy a prettie moderate _health_ of _spirituall_ life, but to be as _strong_ in _faith_ as _Abraham_, in meekness as _Moses_, in _patience_ as _Job_, in _affection_ to _God_ as _David_, and as _zealous_ for the _Lord_ and his _glory_, as were this blessed _pair_ of _zealous_ servants of the most high, _Paul_ and _Moses_. * * * * * [Sidenote: Some means which Gods Spirit useth as preservatives.] I am now come (dear Love) to the third and last _Head_ proposed, which is some few means of _recovering_ and _preserving_ of _Christian health_ and cheerfulness, and the preventing of _spirituall sicknesses_ and _diseases_: In this I shall desire to be brief, lest by too long a _discourse_ I discourage thy _reading_, and hinder thy use and _improvement_ of it. [Sidenote: Soul-examination a soul means of spirituall preservation.] First then, holy _consideration_ of our _estate_, a deep and frequent _examination_ of our _spirituall_ condition is an excellent means of _Christian health_ and temper: Thus teacheth us the holy _Spirit_ of _God_ by _Jeremie_, _Lam: 2_. _Let us search and try our ways, and turn unto the Lord._ This searching and examining of our ways in _Gods_ presence is (as it were) a casting up of our _accounts_ between _God_ and our souls, wherein we truly verifie that true saying, That often _reckoning_ makes _God_ and our _souls_ true _friends_. This _dutie_ is hard, and therefore we must often crie to _God_ with _David_, _Psal. 139_. Search me O _God_, and try my _heart_, and see if there be any _wicked_ way in me, and lead me in the way _everlasting_. [Sidenote: Affliction the season of Examination.]