The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

Quest. 5. If you had seen what you say you do believe, would you hunt as eagerly for wealth, or honour, and regard the thoughts or words of men, as you did before? Though it's only the Believer that truly honoureth his Rulers, (for none else honour them for God, but use them for themselves;) yet wonder not if he fear not much the face of man, and be no admirer of worldly greatness▪ when he seeth what they will be, as well as what they are. Would not usurpers have been less feared, if all could have foreseen their fall? Even common reason can foresee, that shortly you will all be dust: Methinks I foresee your ghastly paleness, your loathsome blackness, and your habitation in the dark: And who can much envy, or desire the advancements that have such an end? One sight of God would blast all the glory of the world, that's now the b••t for mans perdition.

Quest. 6. Would temptations be as powerful, as now they are, if you did but see the things you bear of? Could all the beauty or pleasures in the world, entice you to filthiness or sensuality, if you saw God over you, and judgement before you, and saw what damned souls now suffer, and what believers now enjoy? Could you be persuaded by any company or recreation, to waste your precious time in vain, with such things in your eye? I am confident you would abhor the motion; and entertain temptations to the most honoured, gainful, pleasant sin, as now you would do a motion to cut your own throats, or leap into a coal-pit, or thrust your head into a burning-oven. ⟨p. 36⟩Why then doth not faith thus shame temptations, if indeed you do believe these things? Will you say, [It is your weakness, you cannot •hus• ] or that [it is your nature to be lustful, revengeful, sensual, and you cannot overcome it.] But if you had a sight of Heaven and Hell, you could then resist: you cannot now, because you will not: But did you see that which would make you willing ▪ your power would appear. The sight of a Judge or Gallows can restrain mn: The sight of a person whom you reverence, can restrain the exercise of your disgraceful sins; much more would the sight of Heaven and Hell. If you were but dying, you would shake the head at him that would then tempt you to the committing of your former sins. And is not a lively foreseeing faith as effectual?