The saints anchor-hold, in all storms and tempests preached in sundry sermons, and published…

We have already spoken of two parts of the Text; the Assertion, the Lord is my portion, and the proof of it; saith my soul. We now proceed to the third, the inference, which the Church draws from the premises; therefore will I hope in him. In which words three particulars are to be noted. 1. The reason, whereupon their hope was grounded [therefore.] 2. The resolution of their will to act according to that reason [I will.] 3. The act it self resolved upon, together with the proper object of it [hope in him.] For the first, the reason, whereupon ⟨p. 49⟩their hope was grounded. This illative particle, therefore, notes the result of a discourse in the minds of believers, whereby they compare one thing with another, and gather one thing from another; and thence conclude to act suitably to the truest and best reason. Faith is an understanding grace, and knows what use to make of the souls interest in God. When a man hath God for his portion, and knows it, thence faith inferreth it is my duty, and it is for my good to hope in him: Therefore I will hope in him. Reason of it self, in this corrupt state of fallen man, cannot teach men to hope in God. But when God hath in the word of promise given himself to us to be our portion, and faith hath closed with him, as our portion; and the word telleth us it is our duty, and for our good to hope in him, then faith seeth good reason that we should hope in him. Faith useth reason, though not as the ground, yet as a sanctified instrument, to find out Gods grounds, that it may rely upon him, He believes ⟨p. 50⟩best, who best knows, why he believes, and he best hopes in God, who can give the best reasons for his hoping in him. The affections, though they have not reason grafted in them, yet they are thus far reasonable, that, in all that are godly-wise, they are raised up, and laid down, guided, and actuated, by sanctified reason, which is the highest and best reason.

We have already spoken of two parts of the Text; the Assertion, the Lord is my portion, and the proof of it; saith my soul. VVe now proceed to the third, the inference, which the Church draws from the premises; therefore will I hope in him. In which words three particulars are to be noted. 1. The reason, whereupon their hope was grounded [therefore.] 2. The resolution of their will to act according to that reason [I will.] 3. The act it self resolved upon, together with the proper object of it [hope in him.] For the first, the reason, whereupon