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strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. x. 4 - 6.

6. Lastly, The Scriptures have an universal consent with themselves, though penned by divers men; which proves that they are not of any private interpretation; but that these holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter i. 20, 21. Much more might be said to this point, but this may suffice.

Helps against unnatural and violent suggestions.

Against temptations to lay violent hands upon yourself and others, you must have these or the like Scriptures in readiness: Thou shalt not kill, Exod. xx. 13; and, See thou do thyself no harm, Acts xvi. 28; and such like. And that you may be prepared against all other vile temptations, possess your heart beforehand with this, that these are great wickednesses against God, against your God. When Joseph could say, Shall I commit this great wickedness and sin against God? no temptations could prevail against him, Gen. xxxix. 9. Thus much for forearming yourselves against blasphemous and vile thoughts and temptations.

In the second place; when you are thus armed, whensoever these blasphemous and fearful thoughts rise in you, or are forced upon you, take heed of two extremes:

First, Do not contemn them, so as to set light by them; for this gives strength to sin, and advantage to Satan.

Secondly, Be not discouraged, nor yet faint through despair of being free from them, in due time; or of withstanding them in the meantime. For then Satan has his end, and his will of you.

But carry yourself in a middle course; pore not too much on them, dispute not too much with them presume not of your own strength; but by lifting up of your hearts in prayer, call in God's aid to resist and withstand them; present some suitable Scripture to your mind, such as is directed against them, whereby