bf the Blcjdnefs of the Pure in Heart. 355 therefore, the direwion which our Lord S E x M. there giveth, ver. 26. Clean fe fir/l that which XIII is within the cup and platter, that the outfide `Mj may be clean alfo ; that is, let your faríf care be, that the thoughts and purpofes of the heart be fincere and pure, which will de- rive not a decency only, and external luftre on your life and anions, but innocence and righteoufnefs. As I obferved before that purity of heart is the fum of virtuous and religious rec`li- tude and goodnefs, the true meaning of it is fincerity, in which moral perfe Lion ef- fentially confifteth ; but as perfeéfion is ap- plied to men in this flate of trial and infir- mity, it muff be underflood in a qualified fenfe. The fcripture generally meaneth the fame thing by the perfeft and upright man, for thefe two charaéfers are often joined to- gether, and the latter explaineth the former. The fincere man hath the perfeéfion or pu- rity of heart which can be attained in this flate, that is, virtuous affe Lions are preva- lent in him, and he is habitually difpofed to do that which is good ; though in ano- ther fenfe he is imperfen, defeEfive in know- ledge, and there are temptations or occafions of evil arifing from the frailty of his prefent flate, fo that he is in danger of falling, and A a z frequently
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