A Saint Indeed

To conclude, Suppose it possible for a careless Christian to attain Assurance, yet it's impossible he should long retain it; for it is with those whose hearts are big with the joys of Assurance, as with a pregnant woman subject to miscarriages; if extraordinary care be not used, it is a thousand to one if ever she embrace a living Child: So 'tis here, a little pride, vanity, carelessness, dashes all that for which thou hast been labouring a long time in many a weary duty. Since then the joy of our life, the comfort of our souls, rises and falls with our diligence in this work; keep your hearts with all diligence.

To conclude, Suppose it possible for a careless Christian to attain Assurance, yet it's impossible he should long retain it; for it is with those whose hearts are big with the joys of Assura•ce, as with a pregnant woman subject to miscarriages; if extraordinary care be not used, it is a thousand to one if ever she imbrace a living Child: So 'tis here, a little pride, vanity, carelessness, dashes all that for which thou hast been labouring a long time in many a weary duty. Since then the joy of our life, the comfort of our souls, rises and falls with our diligence in this work; keep your hearts with all diligence.

5. The improvement of our Graces depends on the keeping of our hearts; I never knew Grace thrive in a negligent and careless Soul; the habits and roots of grace are planted in the heart; and the deeper they are radicated there, the more thriving and flourishing grace is: in Eph. ⟨p. 33⟩3. 17. we read of being rooted in Grace: Grace in the heart is the root of every gracious word in the mouth, and of every holy work in the hand, Psal. 116. 10. 2 Cor. 4. 13