Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

Thirdly, Faith experiments it in that the hope of Heaven is enlarged and heightened in the doing of Gods will. The more a Believer doth it, the livelier is his Faith; the warmer his love, the stronger his other Graces; the meeter his Soul for Heaven, and the richer his entrance thereunto, 2 Pet. 1.11. He shall not go to Heaven poorly or with a scant wind, but with full gales and rich Plerophories; by successive acts of Obedience his Hope rises higher and higher, and so gives an experimental proof, That the Command is the very will of God, and way to Glory; otherwise Hope would not grow and flourish in it, but flag and wither; as it uses to do in us, when we pursue our ⟨p. 342⟩own ways. The Apostle would have men diligent in good works, [Greek or Hebrew], to the full assurance of hope, Heb. 6.11. Ut plenissimè in animis vestris spes confirmetur, faith Beza. Immediately after the giving the Law God adds these words, Where ever I record my name, there will I come and bless you, Exod. 20.24. a blessing attends his Service. If God bless Obedience with an assurance of Hope, which is a fore-taste of Heaven, and presage of Glory; it is a full proof that his name is recorded in the Command. When a Believer walking therein comes to assurance, and so to be within ken of Heaven, he is sure that the way is right.

Thirdly, Faith experiments it in that the hope of Heaven is enlarged and heightned in the doing of Gods will. The more a Believer doth it, the livelier is his Faith; the warmer his love, the stronger his other Graces; the meeter his Soul for Heaven, and the richer his entrance thereunto, 2 Pet. 1.11. He shall not go to Heaven poorly or with a seant wind, but with full gales and rich Plerophories; by successive acts of Obedience his Hope rises higher and higher, and so gives an experimental proof, That the Command is the very will of God, and way to Glory; otherwise Hope would not grow and flourish in it, but flag and wither; as it uses to do in us, when we pursue our ⟨p. 342⟩