A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

(1) Diligence in an Application unto the use of the best means for this End. Hos. 6. 7. Those that would be carried on towards Perfection, must not be careless, or regardless of opportunities of Instruction, nor be detained from them by Sloth or Vanity, nor diverted by the businesses and occasions of this world. Both industry in their pursuit, and choice in the preferring of them before secular Advantages and Avocations, are required hereunto.

(2) Intention of mind in the attending unto them. Such persons are neither to be careless of them, nor careless under them. There are who will take no small pains to enjoy the means of Instruction, and will scarce miss an opportunity, that they can reach unto. But when they have so done, there they sit down and rest. It is a shame to consider how little they stir up their minds and understandings, to conceive aright, and apprehend the things wherein they are instructed. So do they continue to hear from day to day, and from year to year, but are not carried on one step towards Perfection. If both heart and head be not set at work, and the utmost Endeavours of our minds improved, in searching, weighing, pondering, learning, treasuring up the Truths that we are taught by any means of Divine Appointment, we shall never make the Progress intended.

(3) There is required hereunto, that our Wills and Affections be sincerely inclined unto, and fixed on the things themselves that we are Taught. These are the principal wings or sails of our Souls, whereby we are or may be carried on in our Voyage. Without this all that we do will amount to nothing, or that which is no better. To love the Truth, the things proposed unto us in the Doctrine of it, to delight in them, to find a goodness, desirableness, excellency, and suitableness unto the condition of our Souls in them, and therefore to adhere and cleave unto them, is that which will make us prosper in our Progress. He that knows but a little and loves much, will quickly know and love more. And he that hath much Knowledge but little Love, will find that he labours in the Fire, for the increase of the one or other. When in the diligent use of means, our Wills and Affections do adhere and cleave with Delight unto the things wherein we are instructed, then are we in our right course; then if the Holy Gales of the Spirit of God do breath on us, are we in a blessed tendency towards Perfection.