2. It notes integrity of parts: We read in Scripture of loving God not only with the heart, but with the whole heart; and of believing not only with the heart, Rom. 10. 10. but of believing with the whole heart, Act. 8. 37. Because seeking of God is but a Metaphorical term, by which Faith is expressed; therefore let us see what it is to believe with the whole heart. The Doctrine of the Gospel is not only true, to work upon the understanding; but it is good, so as to move and draw the will: 1 Tim. 1. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, &c. Not only a faithful saying, that is, a true Doctrine, That Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, but it's worthy of all acceptation; it's an excellent Doctrine to ravish the will. Now observe what a great deal of difference there is between men in believing. Some that hear the Gospel, and have only a literal knowledge of it, so as to be able to talk of it, so as to understand the words and syllables, to know what it means; they may have some clearness of understanding this way, but there is not a sound assent. There are others affected so with the Gospel, as by the common influence of the Spirit they may assent to the truths delivered concerning God and Christ, and Salvation by him, yet do not give it entertainment in their hearts; these may be said to seek God, but not with the whole heart. A speculative, naked and cold assent they may have, but that is not enough. It's not enough to see food that is wholesome, but you must eat it; nor is it enough to understand the Gospel, and believe that it is true, but we must embrace it, it must be accepted, else we do not believe with the whole heart. The word is propounded to man as true; now the truth made known may cause a speculative assent, this may draw profession after it, and this we call Historical Faith, because we are no more affected with the Gospel than with an ordinary History which we read and believe. The word is propounded again as good to move and excite the will. Now there's a twofold good, the good of happiness, and the good of holiness. The good of happiness, that which is profitable and sweet. Then there's the good of holiness. Now there are many that look upon the Gospel as good and profitable, because it offereth pardon and eternal life; such comfort to the Conscience, and such good to our whole souls.
2. It notes integrity of parts: We read in Scripture of loving God not only with the heart, but with the whole heart; and of believing not only with the heart, Rom. 10. 10. but of believing with the whole heart, Act. 8. 37. Because seeking of God is but a Metaphorical term, by which Faith is exprest; therefore let us see what it is to believe with the whole heart. The Doctrine of the Gospel is not only true, to work upon the understanding; but it is good, so as to move and draw the will: 1 Tim. 1. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, &c. Not only a faithful saying, that is, a true Doctrine, That Iesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, but it's worthy of all acceptation; it's an excellent Doctrine to ravish the will. Now observe what a great deal of difference there is between men in believing. Some that hear the Gospel, and have only a literal knowledg of it, so as to be able to talk of it, so as to understand the words and syllables, to know what it means; they may have some clearness of understanding this way, but there is not a sound assent. There are others affected so with the Gospel, as by the common influence of the Spirit they may assent to the truths delivered concerning God and Christ, and Salvation by him, yet do not give it entertainment in their hearts; these may be said to seek God, but not with the whole heart. A speculative, naked and cold assent they may have, but that is not enough. It's not enough to see food that is wholesom, but you must eat it; nor is it enough to understand the Gospel, and believe that it is true, but we must embrace it, it must be accepted, else we do not believe with the whole heart. The word is propounded to man as true; now the truth made known may cause a speculative assent, this may draw profession after it, and this we call Historical Faith, because we are no more affected with the Gospel than with an ordinary History which we read and believe. The word is propounded again as good to move and excite the will. Now there's a twofold good, the good of happiness, and the good of holiness. The good of happiness, that which is profitable and sweet. Then there's the good of holiness. Now there are many that look upon the Gospel as good and profitable, because it offereth pardon and eternal life; such comfort to the Conscience, and such good to our whole souls.
