ion and
consent to the covenant of grace, and to Christ, as theirs, offered
therein, though they should die and die again by the way. (4.) That they
would fain be kept on in the way, and helped forward without failing and
fainting by the way. (5.) That they cannot run through hard walls--they
cannot do impossibilities--they cannot break through such mighty
discouragements. (6.) That yet through him they can do all things. (7.)
That he must help, or they are gone, and shall never win through all
these difficulties and discouragements, but shall one day or other die
by the hand of Saul. (8.) That they will wait, earnestly seeking help
from him, crying for it, and looking for it, and resolve never to give
over, and if they be disappointed they are disappointed.

Now for the _last_ particular, the word of caution, take these,

1. They would not think to be altogether free of fainting, for there is
no perfection here, and there is much flesh and corruption remaining,
and that will occasion fainting.

2. Nor would they think to be free of all the causes and occasions of
this fainting, viz. the discouragements formerly mentioned, or the like;
for, if the devil can do any thing, he will work discouragements, both
within and without. So that they would lay their resolution to meet with
discouragements; for few or none ever went to heaven but they had many a
storm in their face; and they must not think to have a way paved for
themselves alone.

3. They would not pore too much, or dwell too long and too much upon the
thoughts of those discouragements; for that is Satan's advantage, and
tendeth to weaken themselves. But it were better to be looking beyond
them, as Christ did, Heb. xii. 2, when he had the cross and the shame to
wrestle with, he looked to the joy that was set before him; and that
made him endure the cross and despise the shame; and as Moses did, Heb.
xi. 25-27, when he had afflictions and the wrath of the king to wrestle
against; he had respect unto the recompense of the reward, and so he
endured as seeing him who is invisible.

4. They would remember that as Christ hath tender bowels, and is full of
compassion, and is both ready and able to help them; so is he wise, and
knoweth how to let out his mercies best. He is not like a foolish,
affectionate mother, that would hazard the life of the child, before she
put the child to any pain. He seeth what is best for his own glory, and
for their good here and hereafter