Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

The next term is [stablished or confirmed in the Faith], which signifieth but that strengthening and fixing of us that may prevent our fall or shaking. And it compriseth these two things. First that we be soundly bottomed on Christ, who is our Foundation. And secondly, that we be cemented and firmly joined to each other. And this comprehendeth their stability in the doctrine of Faith: And therefore he addeth [as ye have been taught], to fortify them against Heresies, which indeed are all but novelties; that so they may know how to try the Doctrines that afterward should be offered them, and stick fast to that which the Apostles taught. He next requireth them to [abound therein] to let them know, that as it is no small matters that they expect by Christ, so they should not rest in small degrees of Grace or duty; but especially the duty of [Thanksgiving], which is an Evangelical and celestial duty, and so admirably beseems a people that have partook of such admirable Salvation, and is so suitable to our mercies, and our condition, and Gods just expectation. As it is Love and Grace whose eternal praise is designed by the Gospel, and are magnified in the Church by the Redeemers great and blessed work: So it is returns of Love and Praise and Joy, that should be the most abounding or overflowing part of all our Christian affections and performances. After this explication, you may see that the sense of the Text lieth plain in this Proposition.

The next term is [stablished or confirmed in the Faith], which signifyeth but that strengthening and fixing of us that may prevent our fall or shaking. And it compriseth these two things. First that we be soundly bottomed on Christ, who is our Foundation. And secondly, that we be cemented and firmly joyned to each other. And this comprehendeth their stability in the doctrine of Faith: And therefore he addeth [as ye have been taught], to fortify them against Heresies, which indeed are all but novelties; that so they may know how to try the Doctrines that afterward should be offered them, and stick fast to that which the Apostles taught. He next requireth them to [abound therein] to let them know, that as it is no small matters that they expect by Christ, so they should not rest in small degrees of Grace or duty; but especially the duty of [Thanksgiving], which is an Evangelical and celestial duty, and so admirably beseems a people that have partaked of such admirable Salvation, and is so suitable to our mercies, and our condition, and Gods just expectation. As it is Love and Grace whose eternal praise is designed by the Gospel, and are magnified in the Church by the Redeemers great and blessed work: So it is returns of Love and Praise and Joy, that should be the most abounding or overflowing part of all our Christian affections and performances. After this explication, you may see that the sense of the Text lyeth plain in this Proposition.