od, and set its seal to
the truth of the promises in the gospel for salvation; if the light of the
Spirit shine to discover this unto it, that it hath laid hold on his
strength who is able to save to the utmost, then it becometh persuaded of
his love in particular; and this is rather the sealing after believing,
than believing itself.

When once men have hazarded their souls upon his word, and trusted in him,
then they may trust in him for all particulars: he that hath given his Son
for us, will he not with him give all things? This, therefore, is the
continual recourse of a believer,--from discovered emptiness and
insufficiency in himself, to travel unto the fulness and strength of Jesus
Christ, that his strength may be perfected in weakness. Yea, when all
things seem contrary, and his dispensation writes bitter things against
us, yet ought we to trust in him, Job xiii. 15. There is a peace of
wilfulness and violence in faith, that will look always towards his word,
whatever be threatened to the contrary.

Now, from this faith in God, floweth a constant dependence and stayedness
on him, they are stayed on him, because they trusted in him; for faith
discovereth in God such grounds, that it may lean its weight upon him
without wavering and changing. It considereth his power, his good will,
and his faithfulness; he is able to perform, he is willing to do it, and
he is faithful, because he hath promised. His greatness and power is a
high rock, higher than we, that faith leadeth us unto. His love and
good-will in Jesus Christ, maketh an open entry and ready access to that
rock; and faithfulness engageth both to give a shelter and refuge to the
poor sinner. Would a soul be any more tossed, would there be any place for
wavering and doubting, if souls considered his excellent loving-kindness,
and great goodness laid up and treasured with him for those that trust in
him? Psalm xxxvi. 7. Who would not put their trust under the shadow of his
wings, and think themselves safe? Again, if his eternal power were
pondered, how he is able to effectuate whatever he pleaseth; what
everlasting arms he hath that by a word supports the frame of the world;
what he can do, if he stretch out his arm; and then, if these two
immutable things, (Heb. vi. 18,) his promise and his oath, were looked
upon;--how he hath engaged himself in his truth, and sworn in his holiness;
would not a soul lie safely between these three? What strong consolation
woul