A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

3. What is it to run to take hold of the Hope set before us? Sometimes it implieth a challenging it as ours, as 1 Tim. 6.19. —That they may lay hold on Eternal Life: Here it signifies holding fast, never to let this Hope go. It implieth Diligence of Pursuit, Perseverance to the end, and all this upon Christian Encouragement.

(1.) Diligence in Pursuit of Eternal Life in the Heirs of Promise. It is expressed by working out our Salvation, making it our business, Phil. 2.12. Work out your Salvation with Fear and Trembling. Most Men make a Jest of it, or a thing of course; but when it must be made the main Work, the great Pursuit and thing in Chase, as the obtaining the Prize in a Race, and not only a Business, but that which is first and chief, Mat. 6.33. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and the Righteousness ⟨p. 232⟩thereof. And a Business that must be earnestly prosecuted, and well followed, and that notwithstanding Discouragements. Mat. 11.12. The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the Violent take it by Force. When Men press through, and will not be kept out, there must be earnestness in the Matter; and this not only for a fit, and for a little while until they have made some progress, but there must be a getting ground daily: I press toward the Mark, for the Prize of the high Calling of God in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3.14. getting nearer and nearer, making for Heaven apace, to be established in the Hopes of eternal Life. When we will not be put off with any thing else, but have Heaven or nothing, this is to seek Heaven in good earnest.