Steps to Bring Comfort to our Hearts (2)

(4) When we have these promises, let us labour to thoroughly understand them and our comfort in them. Next, to believe the truth of them, which are as true as God, who is truth itself. Then to love them, and digest them in our affections, and so make them our own, and then to walk in the strength and comfort of them.
(5) Labour likewise to have them fresh in memory. It is a great defect of Christians, that they forget their consolation, as it is in the Hebrews 12:5, 'Have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?' Though we know many things, yet we have the benefit of our comfort from no more than we remember.
(6) But, above all, if we will keep our hearts from trouble, let us labour to keep unspotted consciences. Innocence and diligence are marvellous preservers of comfort. And, therefore, if the conscience be spotted and unclean, wash it in the blood of Christ, which is first purging, and then purifying. It first purges the soul, being set at work to search our sins, and confess them, which makes us see our need of Christ, who died to satisfy divine justice. Then, God sprinkles our heart with his blood, which was shed for all penitent sinners; by which, when the heart is purged, the conscience will be soon satisfied also, by Christ's blood. And when it is purged and purified, then keep it clean; for a foul soul is always a troubled soul; and though it may be quiet, yet it is sure to break out afterwards.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
Sibbes's Last Two Sermons: First Sermon, Works, vol. 7, p. 345
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