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

2. Hence we may learn, whence it is that true believers have such firm resolutions of cleaving to God, in Christ, and of hoping in him, when he hideth his face from them, in great afflictions, Isa. 8. 17. Jon. 2. 4. The reason of it is, because their hearts are purified by faith, Acts 15. 9. which is seated principally, in the will, whereby it receiveth Christ, Joh. 1. 12. Rom. 5. 17. 1 Tim. 15. and is the effect of the operation of God, Col. 2. 12. by his exceeding greatness of power, Eph. 1. 19, 20. whose peculiar glory it is, to persuade the heart, Gen. 9. 27. and to draw the will, to come unto Christ, Joh. 6. 44. which he doth, by changing the disposition, inclination, and bent of it. If you offer green boughs unto ⟨p. 73⟩Swine; they regard them not, but trample them under their feet; but if their nature were changed into the nature of sheep, then they would be drawn to them. This is done by the spirit of God. 2 Cor. 3. 17. Before regeneration, the will is in bondage unto sin, but, being united unto Christ, in regeneration, the Son makes us free indeed, Joh. 8. 36. Then the will freely moveth towards God, in Christ, by faith and hope; as a man, though he cannot give life to himself being dead, yet, when he is made alive, he can move himself, from a principle of life in him. So much faith as a man hath, so much free-will he hath to hope in God, in the worst times. So far as his spiritual grace and strength goes, so far he is able, by the concourse of Gods spirit, which he usually joins with the ability he hath given to his people, that it may be quickened and actuated thereby. A man cannot act his natural abilities, he cannot move his hand or foot, unless he be assisted with Gods general