Gospel-love, heart-purity, and the flourishing of the righteous being the last sermon of the…

And likewise, we may hence have a great trial, as to the state of our graces, whether our graces are in good plight, yea, or no. For indeed, if faith be down (and the like) we shall make little improvement of all our afflictions and crosses. If love to Christ be down, we shall rather be upon the losing side. But now if we find that we are increased, and are growing and flourishing in spirituals, when the weight and pressure is upon us, it is an argument that our graces are in a good state: and grace is in a good state when it thrives, and thrives by such means, as seem rather for the quenching of grace, ⟨p. 123⟩and the hinderance of grace; and therefore truly we should consider our selves at this day: for certainly the Palm-trees are now with their weights upon them, and many have discovered themselves sadly as to their persons, states, and the state of their graces, that they have very little love to, and faith in Jesus Christ, because they have not flourished in such a day; but rather have declined, and withdrawn, and been ashamed of what they have formerly been. And therefore let us remember that which the Apostle speaks in Heb. 12. speaking of afflictions, which are sufferings for Christ, (that's taken in the Chapter) not only those afflictions, which are fatherly chastisements from the hand of God; but those which are from men, for righteousness sake. Certainly that is the purpose of God; it is all for our profit. Therefore let us consider, whether we ⟨image 69⟩profit, yea, or no. We have had Fathers of our flesh which corrected us; and we gave them reverence: Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits, and live? Submit to the will of God, if he will lay any tribulation upon us for his Name sake; for he hath done all for our profit. What profit? For the profit of our purses, and estates in this world? No, for a better profit than all that; for our profit, that we might be made partakers of his holiness.

And likewise, we may hence have a great tryal, as to the state of our graces, whether our graces are in good plight, yea, or no. For indeed, if faith be down (and the like) we shall make little improvement of all our afflictions and crosses. If love to Christ be down, we shall rather be upon the losing side. But now if we find that we are increased, and are growing and flourishing in spirituals, when the weight and pressure is upon us, it is an argument that our graces are in a good state: and grace is in a good state when it thrives, and thrives by such means, as seem rather for the quenching of grace,