A true believer's choice and pleasure Instanced in the exemplary life of Mrs Mary…

1. It is from honest Self Love and Interest: They certainly find that it is their best; that it is true and good, and that there is nothing else to be found in this World, that will serve instead of it, to be a quieting security, guide and comfort to the Soul. They perceive what they need; and that nothing else can supply those needs: This must be their Hope, or they must despair.

2. It is from Holy Suitableness and Love to God, and the goodness which they relish in his Word. As God giveth every living Creature an Appetite suitable to his Food, and Benefits, so doth he to the New Creature. Holiness is mostly the Souls Appetite to God, and spiritual good. The word which promiseth and guideth us to the incorruptible Crown of glory, is an incorruptible seed, 1 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5, 6. and it is our Milk or Food, ⟨p. 20⟩1 Pet. 2.2. and by it we are made Partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. and it is the ingrafted or innaturalized word which is able to save our Souls, Jam. 1.21. And as the whole stock is marvellously turned to serve a little graft, which is planted into it, and as if it had lost its former kind, doth bring forth only the fruit of the graft, so is God's Word implanted in us to the change of our nature, and our fruits. And it is no sound Appetite which hath no pleasure. No wonder if a strong belief do cause us to rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, that we may receive the end of our faith, our salvation, 1 Pet. 1.6, 7, 8.

2. It is from Holy Suitableness and Love to God, and the goodness which they relish in his Word. As God giveth every living Creature an Appetite suitable to his Food, and Benefits, so doth he to the New Creature. Holiness is mostly the Souls Appetite to God, and spiritual good. The word which promiseth and guideth us to the incorruptible Crown of glory, is an incorruptible seed,