The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

It may be some here will be ready to say, but to what purpose is all this, they were of the same mind before; and cannot think that any one would ever say the contrary.

Nor do I think so either; but 'tis one thing not to believe a conclusion to be true, and another to profess a contrary belief. And one thing to believe a conclusion, another to think we believe it. Men often know not their own minds. In practical matters 'tis best seen what a mans belief is, by his practice. For when any profess to believe this or that practical truth, relating to their salvation, if they believe is not practically, i. e. with such a belief as will command their suitable practice, it matters not what belief they are of, or whether they were of that judgment or no. Yea it will prove in the issue, better for them they had been of another, when their own professed belief shall be urged against them. But let us consider a little how in practical matters of less concernment we would estimate a mans belief. You meet a Traveller upon the way who tells you, the Bridge over such an unpass•ble River is broken down, and that if you venture, you perish; if you believe him you return; if you hold on, he reasonably concludes you believe him not; and will therefore be apt to say to you, if you will not believe me, you may make trial. Your Physician tells you a disease is growing upon you, that in a short time will prove incurable, and mortal; but if you presently use means, he shall prescribe, 't•s capable of an easy remedy. ⟨p. 217⟩How would you your self have your belief of your Physician judged of in this case; would you expect to be believed, if you should say, you do not at all distrust your Physicians integrity, and judgment, but yet you resolve not to follow his directions? unless you would have us believe too, that you are weary of your life, and would fain be rid of it. There is no Riddle or Mystery in this. How ridiculous would men make themselves if in matters of common concernment they should daily practice directly contrary to their professed belief? how few would believe them serious, or in their wits? But however, call this believing, or what you will, we contend not about the name, the belief of such a thing can no further do you good, you can be nothing the better for it, further then as it engages you to take a course suitable and consequent to such a belief. To believe that there is a Hell, and run into it, that unrighteousness persisted in will damn you; and yet live in it. To what purpose is it to make your boasts of this Faith?