The mourners cordial against excessive sorrow discovering what grounds of hope Gods people have…

2. It is not the portion of all that live under the Gospel to enjoy this Hope. There are indeed the offers of it made to all that sit under the Ordinances, and a way is pointed out unto them how they might come by it, but it is not every one that hath obtained a title to it so as to ⟨image ?⟩be owner of it. It hath been before shown, that it is the portion of none but such as have truly believed in Christ, but all men have not faith; no not all that are visible believers, they have not that faith which is here requisite: It is proper to Gods Elect; it belongs to Gods Israel, but all are not Israel that are of Israel: and it is a foolish thing to presume of it, except you have made it yours by coming under the Covenant promise: and it will be a woeful unhappiness now to arrogate it, and when you come to have urgent occasion to make use of it, then to find that it doth not belong to you.

2. It is not the portion of all that live under the Gospel to enjoy this Hope. There are indeed the offers of it made to all that sit under the Ordinances, and a way is pointed out unto them how they might come by it, but it is not every one that hath obtained a title to it so as to ⟨image ?⟩be owner of it. It hath been before shewn, that it is the portion of none but such as have truly believed in Christ, but all men have not faith; no not all that are visible believers, they have not that faith which is here requisite: It is proper to Gods Elect; it belongs to Gods Israel, but all are not Israel that are of Israel: and it is a foolish thing to presume of it, except you have made it yours by coming under the Covenant promise: and it will be a woful unhappiness now to arrogate it, and when you come to have urgent occasion to make use of it, then to find that it doth not belong to you.

2. Those that have it may obstruct the exercise of it, if they be not very careful to themselves. Besides the Habits of Graces, there are also dispositions requisite for the vigorous exerting of them, and though a saving Holiness can never be lost, yet this disposition may be either off or on, and this hath a great deal of dependence upon a Christians right improving of himself in his endeavouring to excite, and quicken, and envigorate his Habits. If a gracious Habit comes to be neglected, it will grow rusty and unfit for use, whereas if it be carefully nourished and strengthened, it will usually be very prompt and ready for the service which it is useful for; and it is an experienced Truth, that as there are many things en may do which will deaden and enervate