I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

It is that good thing which pleaseth God exceedingly: God was so pleased with Jehoshaphat upon that account, that he passed by, and winked at all his Infirmities, even because his heart was fixed and established, 2 Chron. 19.2. the Prophet reproves him for joining with the Ungodly; Nevertheless (saith he) there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the Groves out of the Land, and hast prepared thine heart: So ye read it: but I think rather, And hast fixed, established, or set thine heart to seek God. On the contrary, it's said of Rehoboam, though he did many good things, That he did evil in the sight of the Lord, because he prepared not; or, because he fixed not, established not,¹ set not his heart to seek God, 2 Chron. 12.14. it is the same word which we translate, Establish, in other Scriptures, as Psal. 40.2. He hath set my feet upon a Rock, and established my goings; and it notes, such a fixation and settlement, whereby a man doth so continue in his way and course that he will not be put out of it. This Rehoboam wanted; for he was [Greek or Hebrew], a soft hearted man naturally: and though he did many things that were right and good, yet he was led by the Counsel of his young men, and his heart was not set and fixed to seek the Lord: but Jehoshaphat was of a steadfast Spirit, and would not be put out of his way, and therefore though he did some things amiss, yet the Lord commends him, and accepts of him: So that, although a man do many good things; yet if his heart be not fixed, and established, the Lord will pass by, and not regard the same: But though a man do commit great evils, yet if his heart be set to seek the Lord, God will pardon ⟨p. 433⟩and pass by all his Failings. O!² what a blessed f•an•e of heart, is this fixed Spirit! Surely it is that Grace wherein God is much delighted: An unsettled Soul God cares not for, nor for any Work or Service that is done by him. We read of hundreds, and thousands of Vessels of Gold, Silver, and Brass that were in the Temple, but not of one Crystal Glass, or Vessel; why so, saith one, but because that is of a brittle, fragile, and uncertain Nature? which, as it hath no colour of its own, so its apt to receive the colour of any Liquor. So i an unsettled man, and unconstant, whom God cares not for in his Temple, and Service: Who cares for the Service of a Fool?