The application of redemption

And an honest heart is a contrite and humble heart, so rightly prepared that Faith is infused, and the soul thereby carried unto Christ, and quickened with patience to persevere in good Duties. As we say of Grounds before we cast in Seed; there is two things to be attended there, It must be a fit ground, and a fat ground; the ground is fit when the weeds and green sword are ploughed up, and the soil there, and made mould: And this is done in […] and Humiliation; then it must be a fat ground, the soil must have heart, we say the ground is ploughed well, and lies well, but it's worn out, it's out of heart: Now Faith ⟨p. 7⟩fats the soil, furnisheth the soul with ability to fasten upon Christ, and so to receive the Seed of the Word, and the Graces of Sanctification, and thence it produceth good […] in Obedience: Upon this condition Gods favour is promised, Psal. 34. 18. The Lord is nigh to them that be of a contrite spirit, and saveth them that be of a broken heart. Isay 61. 3. He gives the Garment of praise to those that have had the spirit of heaviness; it will suit none, fit none, it's prepared for none but such, it's their Livery only. Upon this condition it is obtained, Mat. 18. 3. Unless ye be converted, and become as little Children, ye can in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 2 Chron. 33. 12. It's said of Manasseh, he humbled himself greatly, and made supplication, and the Lord was entreated of him; such persons and services are highly accepted, Psal. 51. 17. A broken and contrite heart O God, thou wilt not despise, nay, he will undoubtedly accept of it.

And an honest heart is a contrite and humble heart, so rightly prepared that Faith is infused, and the soul thereby carried unto Christ, and quickened with patience to persevere in good Duties. As we say of Grounds before we cast in Seed; there is two things to be attended there, It must be a fit ground, and a fat ground; the ground is fit when the weeds and green sword are plowed up, and the soyl there, and made mould: And this is done in 〈…〉 and Humiliation; then it must be a fat ground, the soyl must have heart, we say the ground is plowed well, and lies well, but it's worn out, it's out of heart: Now Faith