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you may with a holy detestation resist them, according to Christ's example, with, It is written, Matt. iv. 6, 7. Now when you have done this, then, if it be possible, think on them no more.

Thirdly, Endeavour at all times to make conscience in the whole course of your life of your thoughts, even of the least thoughts of evil, yea of all thoughts, and this will be a good means to keep out all evil thoughts, 2 Cor. x. 5. If it cannot prevail thus far; yet you shall have this benefit by it, when your heart can testify for you, that you would in every thing please God, and that you make conscience of less sinful thoughts than those vile ones with which you are troubled; then you may be sure that you may be, and are God's children, and are sanctified, notwithstanding those blasphemous thoughts and devilish temptations.

(3.) Doubts of sanctification from the prevalence of some gross sin.

Again, Some doubt they are not sanctified, because they have fallen into some gross sin; it may be, into worse than those which they committed in their state of unregeneracy.

I answer such; you are in a very ill case, if you do not belie yourselves; and if so, you are in an ill case, because you do belie yourselves. I advise you that have thus sinned in either, to repent speedily, and to ask forgiveness. God by his Spirit does as well call you to it, as he did Israel, saying, Return to the Lord - thou hast fallen by thine iniquity, - take with you words, and turn unto the Lord, and say unto him, Take away all our iniquity, and receive us graciously; then will God answer, I will heal your backsliding, I will love you freely, Hosea xiv. 1 - 4. You say, that you are backslidden; suppose it were so, he saith, I will heal your backslidings, &c., read Jer. iii. 12, 13. Micah vii. 18, 19.

You must not doubt, but that gross sins committed after a man is effectually called, are pardonable. It is the devil's policy to cast these doubts into your heads, so wholly to drive you to despair, by shutting out all