many thousands among us; and they are few that have not split upon this Rock. And there∣fore I say, this serves to reprove the Baseness of such Hypocrites that boast themselves, and compare their Hopes with the Hopes of the Saints. It is true, say they, I cannot walk so freely, I cannot repeat a Sermon, I have not those Parts that they have; yet I hope to be saved as well as they. This is that which hath slain so many thousands of Souls that are now roaring in Hell; and they may thank Presump∣tion for it.Now this Hope is not the Hope of the Saints. The Hope of the Saints is a grounded Hope; but these Hopes hang upon some idle Pleas and foolish Pretences, and some carnal Reasons▪ But I tell you they will fail, and sink into the bottomless Pit ere they are aware. It is the Command and Counsel of Peter, That every Man should be ready to give an account of his Faith and Hope that is in him. Look to the Reasons that carry you, and to the Arguments that perswade you; see they be not groundless and foolish Hopes. You hope to be saved, and you hope to go to Heaven, and you hope to see the Face of God with Comfort. Look about, I say; good Hope hath good Reasons, grounded Hope grounded Reasons.(3) Thirdly. The Saints of God many times are deprived of Comfort; not because God with-holds it, but because they put it from them∣selves,0