37o The Life of Faith. 2. Others think thatHolinefs confifethmuch in being re- baptized, and in cenfuring the Parífh- Churches and Minifters as Null, and in withdrawing from their communion ; and in avoiding forms of prayer, &c. 3. And others (or the fame) think that more of it conSf}- eth in the gifts of utterance, in praying, and preaching, than indeed it doth ; and that thole only arc godly, that can pray without book (in their families, or at other times) and that are moll in private meetings; andnone but they. 4. And Come think that the greatef} parts of Godlinefs, arc the fpirit of bondage to fear ; and the fhedding of tears for fin; or finding that they were under terrour, before they had any fpiritual peace and comfort ; or being able to tell at what Ser- mon, or time,or in what order,and by what means they were converted. I.t is ofexceeding great confequence, tohave a right appre- henfionof the Nature of Holinefs, and to efcape all falfe con- ceits thereof. But I (hail not now fend further to dcfcríbe it, becaufe I have done it in many Books, cfpecial'.y in my Rea - fans of the Cbriffian Religion , and in my [ASaint, or a Bruit] and in .a Treatife onlyof the fubjc t called The character of a found Cbriftian. Dircc . 8. Let all Gods Attributes be orderly and deeplyprint- ed inyour minds; (as I have directed in my book called, The Divine Life.) For it is that which mull-mot} immediately form his Imageon you. To know God in Chrift is .life eternal, .7obn 17.3.. Dire*. 9, Never feparate reward fromduty, but in every religious or obedient action, (fill fee it as connext with Heeven. The means is no means but for the end; and mull neve ?bt,,V- ,sledbut with (pedal septa unto the end. Remember in reading, hearing, praying, meditating i the duties of Our callings and relations, and in all asof chrity and obedience ; chat Ail this is for Heaven. It will ,make you mend your pace, ïyou think believingly whither you are going, Heb. a r. Direr`(. ro. Yet watch wolf carefully againft all proud felf- effeesaing thoughts of proper merit as obligingGod; or as ifyou were better than indeedyou9are. For Pride is the nooffpernicia *ermine that can breed in gifts or is good works. And the better
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=