The application of redemption

This hope is an inlet into the soul whereby the Lord §2makes way for the work of the means; hereby the contrite sinner is ready to attend, and give entertainment to the ordinances, while he hath any hope of any good to be communicated unto himself, because the patient knows not but the receipt may do him good, he is content to take it and try what it will do; whereas desperate discouragement stops all the passages, that the power of an ordinance cannot come to take place. Upon this ground it was Naamans Servants persuaded their Master, 2, Kings 5. 15. to give way to the means prescribed by the Prophet for his cure. If he should prescribe some ⟨p. 602⟩great matter thou would surely do it, how much more when he saith, wash and be clean, if washing be a […] of cleansing, the very possibility of cleansing should easily make him give way to prove what washing might do. When men bore holes, they drive pins marvellous readily with much ease, hope sets open the heart to any ordinance, that it may easily find attendance and acceptance as the Cripple to Peter Acts, 3. 3. he gave car expecting something &c. expectation draws attention, he looked upon them as desirous to receive good; look what the spring is to the watch, the poise or weight to the minute no stirring without it. so is hope to our endeavours, the Plough man ploughs in hope, sows and reaps in hope, 1, […]. 9. 10. hope is the great wheel which carries the life of our endeavour; the runners would not run in the race, the mariner sail in the Sea, were there not possibility for the one to attain the goal, the other the haven, and the wise man when he would set all on going, he […] hope on work, keeps that in their eyes as that which would keep them constant in their course. Eccles. 11. 6. Sow thy seed in the morning, and in the evening let thy hand rest, and what is the prevailing reason to provoke to such unweariable diligence? its hope of good, thou knowest not whether this or that will prosper, […] whether both alike; do both, if either of both may do that for us that is useful and may answer our need and expectation.

This hope is an inlet into the soul whereby the Lord §2