Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize

2. Let it be a word of advice to such as have already bought the Truth; be you advised to hold it fast, and never sell it again. It may possibly be accounted superfluous to say much here by way of advice; in as much as those that have only entertained a notion of Truth in their heads, have not driven a through bargain for it; and therefore are not concerned in this, but are to be sent to the former exhortation: and they that have indeed received it into their hearts, will, can never relinquish it any more, it being a saving work wrought in them, by the Spirit of God, whose gifts are unrepentable: But let me answer to this, that God works by means, and that not only in bringing men over to the Truth, but also in his keeping of them in it: no man is so resolved, but if he should be lest to himself, he might easily be beaten out of those resolutions: strong corruptions within, abetted by an hour of sore Temptation from abroad, oftentimes shakes the weak faith of a Christian, and makes him to stagger in his Profession: feeble knees had need to be strengthened, and hands that hang down to be lifted up: and God is wont to do this for his people in the use of means; and ⟨p. 149⟩therefore the Gospel Ordinances are as well appointed for the perfecting of the Saints, as for the converting of Sinners; how much therefore of the Scripture shall we find to be spent in cautions, counsels and encouragements upon this account.

2. Let it be a word of advice to such as have already bought the Truth; be you advised to hold it fast, and never sell it again. It may possibly be accounted superfluous to say much here by way of advice; in as much as those that have only entertained a notion of Truth in their heads, have not driven a through bargain for it; and therefore are not concerned in this, but are to be sent to the former exhortation: and they that have indeed received it into their hearts, will, can never relinquish it any more, it being a saving work wrought in them, by the Spirit of God, whose gifts are unrepentable: But let me answer to this, that God works by means, and that not only in bringing men over to the Truth, but also in his keeping of them in it: no man is so resolved, but if he should be lest to himself, he might easily be beaten out of those resolutions: strong corruptions within, abetted by an hour of sore Temptation from abroad, oftentimes shakes the weak faith of a Christian, and makes him to stagger in his Profession: feeble knees had need to be strengthned, and hands that hang down to be lifted up: and God is wont to do this for his people in the use of means; and