Gods husbandry

by consideration of the death and sufferings of Christ, by groans in thy self, and by supplications unto God; and so keepest them from usual breaking forth in extremity and grossness? or if they do at any time break forth, dost thou arraign thy self for them in Gods presence? not ceasing to wound and pierce thine own heart, till thou findest it wrought to a renewed loathing of them? not ceasing to confess them to the Lord, and cry for his help, till thou hast renewed in thy self a firm purpose of no more returning unto them? Dost thou these things, I say, in all thy faults, weaknesses and wanderings? then I affirm, that thou mayest be, and art fruitful, notwithstanding all these faults; and I tell thee, for the comforting of thine heart, that these things cannot bereave thee of the title and privilege of a fruitful branch, and an upright person. Again, thou art very defective in virtues of all kinds, in faith, in meekness, in patience, in thankfulness, in heavenly-mindedness, and the rest: But dost thou take notice of these thy defects? Art thou grieved and ashamed of them? Dost thou call upon God to make a supply? and call on thy self to labour for an increase of them? Dost thou stir up thy self to grow in these graces? & not excuse, please, and content thy self in ⟨p. 146⟩[…] ⟨p. 147⟩[…] ⟨p. 148⟩[…] ⟨p. 149⟩[…] ⟨p. 150⟩thy wants; pretending that every man must have his faults, and so hast thou, thus slightly passing them over? then I assure thee again, that for all thy wants thou art yet fruitful in Christ, and so undoubtedly a true Christian. For to fruitfulness is not required an actual knowing and doing of all Gods will, but a labouring and striving to know and do the same, and that constantly, out of love unto him, & for his glory. Wherefore if the love of the Lord do so inflame thy soul, that thou resistest earnestly to all thy corruptions; and if the intention and purpose of pleasing and honouring him, do so constantly stand before thine eyes, as to make thee take continual pains, to reform and amend thy self; I dare pronounce thee a fruitful branch, & a sound-hearted Christian: and I do now require and enjoin thee, to fall down before the Lord with hearty praises, for this so unspeakable goodness of his, in engrafting thee into the right Olive, and making thee a living member of his Son the Head and Prince, in whom all fullness dwelleth.