As the perseverance of the saints yields a most powerful comfort, it is likewise a powerful motive for sanctification. Opposing parties, being neither acquainted with the nature of grace nor the possessors of grace, are of the opinion that this doctrine renders men carless. The contrary is true, however. There is nothing that moves man so sweetly and purely unto sanctification as grace and the permanency of this grace, for the love of God kindles the love of those whom He loves. ‘We love Him, because He first loved us’ (1 John 4:19). The steadfast hope and sure expectation of salvation is a powerful incentive unto holiness. ‘And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure’ (1 John 3:3)” (Wilhelmus á Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, Vol. 4, 299).