s promises, by which
they may be made partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet. i. 4; and by
which they are encouraged to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of
the flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. vii. 1; and many motives to hold on and
continue; so hath he rolled difficulties out of the way, whether they be
within us, or without us, and thereby made the way easy and pleasant to
such as walk in it; so as they may now run the way of his commandments,
and walk and not weary, and run and not be faint.

Nay, 20. We would remember for our encouragement and confidence, that in
carrying on of this work lieth the satisfaction of the soul, and the
pleasure of the Lord that must prosper in his hand, and thus he seeth
his seed, and hath of the travail of his soul, and is satisfied.

These particulars, rightly considered, will discover unto us, what a
noble ground for sanctification is in Christ laid down for believers,
which they may, and must by faith grip to, that they may grow in grace,
and grow up in Christ, and perfect holiness; and what a wonderful
contrivance of grace this is, wherein all things are made so sure for
believers, Christ becoming all things to them, and paving a royal and
sure way for them; sure for them, and glorious to himself!

As to the second particular, that is, how believers are to carry in this
matter, or how they are to make use of Christ, and of those grounds of
sanctification in Christ, which we have mentioned:

_First,_ There are some things which they should beware of, and guard
against; as,

1. They should beware of an heartless despondency, and giving way to
discouragement, and hearkening to the language of unbelief, or to the
suggestion of Satan, whereby he will labour to persuade them of the
impossibility of getting the work of sanctification throughed, or any
progress made therein to purpose. Satan and a deceitful heart can soon
muster up many difficulties, and allege that there are many lions, many
insuperable difficulties in the way, to discourage them from venturing
forward; and if Satan prevail here, he hath gained a great point.
Therefore the believer should keep up his head in hope, and beware of
multiplying discouragements to himself, or of concluding the matter
impossible; for then shall he neither have heart nor hand for the work,
but sit down and wring his hands as overcome with discouragement and
despondency of spirit.

2. They should beware of wilfully rejecting their own mercies, a