Every degree of hope is a degree of confidence. The hope of a Christian is prudent and religious. To rejoice in the midst of a misfortune, or seeming sadness, knowing that this may work for good, and will, if we be not wanting to our souls. Every degree of hope brings a degree of joy. Hope and fasting are said to be the two wings of prayer.
Prayer is always in proportion to our hope, zealous and affectionate.
Rules to govern our Hope. Hope that God will crown your endeavours with equal measures of that reward which he indeed freely gives, but yet gives according to our proportions. Every false principle in religion is a reed of Egypt, false and dangerous. A hope that is easy and credulour is an arm of flesh, an ill supporter without a bone. Let your hope be of things possible, safe, and useful.