212 S.piritual Perfecriiotz. CHAP. IX. Divine Hope huas an eminent Caufllity in the Life of a Chriftian. The nature of Chriftian Hope. 'Tis the Character of a Saint, 'Tis natural, congruous, and neceffary to a Saint in the prefnt ate. 'Tis dißinguifh'd from carnal Pre umpe tion by its purifying Vertue. Fear con- fidered in its nature and cleanfing Ver- tue. The Attributes of God, the mo- tives of holy Fear. There is a Fear of Reverence, and of Caution. 'Tis con- ;gent with Faith, and the affections of Love, Hope, and goy. 'Tis thefoun- tain of Fortitude. 3. rArvine Hope has an eminent Cau= ality and Influence in the Life of à Çhriftian. St. yohn fpeaking of the glorious likenefs of the Saints to Chrift in the Divine World, inferrs from it, Every Man that has this hope inhim, pu- rifles himfelf, even as he is pure. Three things are obfervable in the words. Y. The Chara ter of a Chriffian, by his Hope : Every Man that has this hope in him. 2. The diftinaion of this Hope from its counterfeit, by its infeparable elle&, Purifies himfelf 3. Thq
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