measure of sanctification and holiness is not
promised to all.

2. No great measure is promised to any absolutely. So much indeed is
secured to all believers as shall carry them to heaven, as without which
they cannot see God. But much as to the degree depends on our performing
through faith the conditions requisite, to wit, on condition of our
abiding in the vine, of our acting faith on him, &c.; and when these and
the like conditions are not faithfully performed by us, what can we
expect? So the Lord hath appointed a way wherein he will be found, and
will have us to wait for strength and influence from him; and if we
neglect these means which he hath appointed, how can we expect the good
which he hath promised in the use of these means?

3. The Lord has his own time of making good all his promises, and we
must not limit him to a day.

4. Hereby the Lord may be trying and exercising thy faith, patience,
hope, dependence, submission, diligence, &c., and "if these be in thee,
and abound, they shall make that thou shalt neither be barren nor
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ," 2 Pet. i. 11.

But _lastly_, It will be inquired, what can support the believing soul
in this case?

_Ans_. 1. The consideration and faith of the covenant of redemption,
wherein both the Father's engagement of the Son, and the Son's
engagement to the Father, secureth grace and holiness, and salvation to
the believer. And whatever we be, they will be true to each other,--our
unbelief will not make the faith of God of none effect.

2. The consideration of the noble and faithful promises contained in the
covenant of grace, which shall all be made good in due time.

3. If we be humbled under the sense of our failings and shortcomings,
and made to mourn before the Lord, stirred up to more diligence and
seriousness, that may yield comfort to our soul. If we be growing in
humility, godly sorrow, repentance, diligence, and be gripping faster by
faith to the root, we want not ground of joy and support; for if that
be, we cannot want fruit.

4. It should be matter of joy and thanksgiving, that the believer is
kept from turning his back on the way of God, and kept with his face
still Zion-ward. Though he make but little progress, yet he is still
looking forward, and creeping as he may, waiting at God's door, begging
and asking, studying, labouring, and endeavouring for strength to go
faster.

5. It is no small matter of peace and