Sermons preached

3. Because among them that profess themselves Christians, there are monstrous defects in their Faith. Naturally we look upon the Gospel as a well devised Fable, 2 Pet. 1. 16. and many that dare not speak it out, yet do but speak of Christ in Jest, and for fashion sake. I am sure most live as if there were no such matter, and the many Impostures and Cheats of Christendom, and the divisions and scandals amongst us, have ⟨p. 225⟩weakened the Faith of many, that were it not for shame they would turn professed Infidels. There could not be such Boldness in sinning, such Coldness in spiritual and heavenly things, such Neglect of Christ and Heaven, if Men were true and sound Believers. Others content themselves with a negative Sense, they do not question or contradict these Articles of Faith, because they do not consider them, but take up the common Opinion, Hand over Head, and were never assaulted with Temptations to the contrary; they do not doubt of it, say they; but are they rooted and grounded in the Faith? Col. 7. 23. Their not doubting comes from their nonattention. Others have a speculative Assent; there is a Certainty of Evidence, and a Certainty of Adherence. The former consisteth in the Conviction of the Mind, the latter in the Bent of the Will and Affections. An Object rightly propounded extorteth the former from the Understanding, not expecting the Consent of the Will; the latter followeth Imperium & Consensum Voluntatis. The former arises from the Evidence of the Thing; the latter from the Consideration of the Worth, Weight, and Greatness of it. 1 Tim. 1. 15. This is a faithful Saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners. They must not only be apprehended by us as true, but seriously considered as the highest and most important Things, so as that we may adhere to them with all our Hearts. It is such a Belief of the Gospel as produces a firm and cordial Adherence, otherwise it will not serve the End and Purpose of the Gospel, which requireth us to crucify our Lusts, sacrifice our Interests, and perform those things which are unpleasing to Nature upon the Hopes it offereth to us, and with confidence and joyfulness to wait upon God for his Salvation, in the midst of all Pressures and Afflictions.