Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

The Spirit applies the Promises to the Heart, that is, one part of the Seal. As the spirit of bondage applies threatenings, and thereby makes a kind of Hell in Conscience, so the Spirit of Adoption applies Promises, and by it makes a kind of Heaven there. The same Spirit, which indited the Promises of Pardon, and put them into Scripture; Seals and in a way of appropriation puts them upon the Heart; as if it should say; This and that Promise is thine; like that in the Prophet, Speak to her heart, that her iniquity is pardoned, Isa. 40.2. Now, when the Promises come so close and pour out their sweetness into the heart, the Believer may not guess only, but know, that true Faith and Repentance are there. God and his Promise speak peace only to Saints, and not a comfortable ⟨p. 410⟩Word to impenitent sinners. I have read of one, who apostatized from his profession, and on his sick-bed began to apply the Promises to himself; but alas! after a little seeming ease, he cried out in despair, That the Plaster would not stick. God only can make it do so; and he makes it do so only to penitent Believers; and they may conclude the Truth of their Graces, when the Gospel and its Promises come to them in the Holy Ghost and in much Assurance, as the Expression is, 1 Thessal. 1.5.

The Spirit applies the Promises to the Heart, that is, one part of the Seal. As the spirit of bondage applies threatnings, and thereby makes a kind of Hell in Conscience, so the Spirit of Adoption applies Promises, and by it makes a kind of Heaven there. The same Spirit, which endited the Promises of Pardon, and put them into Scripture; Seals and in a way of appropropriation puts them upon the Heart; as if it should say; This and that Promise is thine; like that in the Prophet, Speak to her heart, that her iniquity is pardoned, Isa. 40.2. Now, when the Promises come so close and pour out their sweetness into the heart, the Believer may not guess only, but know, that true Faith and Repentance are there. God and his Promise speak peace only to Saints, and not a comfortable ⟨p. 410⟩