IN T 1 SANCTIFICA Whereunto then, it may be some will say, serves our holiness and obedience, and what is the necessity of it? I must defer the answering of this inquiry unto its pro- per place, where I shall prove, at large, the necessity of this holiness, and demonstrate it from its proper principles and ends. In the mean time, I say only in general, that, as God requireth it of us, so he path ap- pointed it as the only means whereby we may express our subjection sumo him, our dependence on him, our fruitfulness and thankfulness, the only way of our com- munion and intercourse with him, of using and improv- ing the effects of his love, the benefits of the mediation of Christ, whereby we may glorify him in this world, and the only orderly way whereby we may be made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, which is sufficient, ingeneral, to manifest both its necessity and its use. These things being then, in general, premised I shall comprise what I have further to offer in the de- claration and vindication of gospel sanctification and holiness, in the two ensuing assertions: Sect. 9.-1. o There is wrought and preservedin the minds and souls of all believers, by the Spirit of God, as a supernatural principle or habit ofgrace and holiness, whereby they are made meet and enabled to live unto God, andperform that obedience which he requireth and accepteth through Christin the covenant ofgrace, essentially or specifically distinct from all natural ha- bits, intellectual and moral, however or by what means soever acquired or improved." 2. sThere is an immediate work or effectual opera- a, don of the Holy Spirit, by his grace, required unto every net of holy obedience, whether internal only « in faith and love, or external also; that is, unto all i the holy actings of our understandings, wills, and affections, and unto all the duties of obediencein our walkingbefore God." The first of these assertions I affirm not only to be true, but of so great weight and importance, that our hopeof life and salvation depends thereon, and it is the second great principle constituting our Christian pro- fession. And there are four things that are to be con- firmed concerning it: (t.) That there is such an habit or principle supernatural, infused or created in believers the Holy Ghost, and always abiding in them. (2.) That, according to the nature of all habits, it inclines and disposeth the mind, will, and affections, unto acts 4 A TION OF IIELIEVEI1t. 279 of holiness suitable unto its own nature, andwith regard unto its proper end, and to make us meet to live unto God. (3.) It doth not only incline and dispose the mind, but gives it power, and enables it to live unto God in all holy obedience. (4.)° That it differs speci- fically from all other habits, intellectual or moral, that by any means we may acquire or attain; or spiritual gifts that may be conferred on any persons whatever. Sect. 5.In the handling of these things, I shall manifest the difference that is between a spiritual super- natural life of evangelical holiness, and a course of mo- ral virtue, which some, to the rejectionof the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, do endeavour to substitute in the room thereof. Such .a spiritual, heavenly, super- natural life, so denominated from its nature, causes, acts, and ends, we must be partakers of in this world* if ever we mind to attain eternal life in another. Sect. 7. And herein we shall take what view we are able of the nature, glory, and beauty of holiness, and do confess, it is but little of themwhich I can compre- hend. It is a matter indeed often spoken unto; but the essence and true nature of it are much hidden from the eyes of all living men. The sense of what the scripture proposeth, what I believe, and what I desire an expe- rience of, that I shall endeavour to declare. But, as we are not in this life perfect in the duties of holiness, no more are we in the knowledge of its nature. First, Therefore, I say, it is a gracious supernatural habit, or a principle of spiritual life. And, with respect hereunto, I shall briefly do these three things: 1. Shew what I mean by such an habit. 2. Prove that there is such an habit required unto holiness, yea, that the na- ture ofholiness consists therein. 3. Declare, in gener- al, the properties of it. Sect. 8. I. Our first inquiry is after the essence and form of holiness, that from which any one is truly and really made and denominated holy; or what is the for- mal reason of that holiness which our nature is parta- ker of in this world. This must be something peculiar. something excellent and sacred; as that which consti- tutes the great andonly difference that is between man- kind, on their own part; in the sight of God, with re- spect unto eternity. Every one that hath this holiness pleaseth God, is accepted with him, and shall come to the enjoyment of him. And every one that hath it not, is rejected of him here and hereafter. 29 _:_. r+`.- ._
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