-TIiE SANCTIFICAT hewas, and did what he did, merely out of love unto us, and for no other end. And, (2.) Every thing which we are to imitate in Christ is otherwise also beneficial unto sis; for we are in its place and way even saved thereby. By his obedience we are made righteous, Rom. v. 19. There is no grace nor duty of Christ, which he did perform, but we have the advantage and benefit of it; and this increaseth the efficacy of this example: for who would not strive to obtain these things in himself, of whose being in Christ he hath so great advantage? Sect. 59. In this regard also, therefore, is the Lord Christ made sanctification unto us, and is the cause of evangelical holiness in us. And certainly we are the most of us much to blame, that wedo not more abound in the use of this means unto the end mentioned. Did we abide more constantly in the beholding or contem- plation of the person of Christ, of the glory and beauty of his holiness, as the pattern and great example pro- posed untous, we should be more transformed into his image and likeness. But it is so fallen out, that many, who are called Christians, delight to be talking of, and do much admire the virtuous sayings and actions of the heathen, and are ready to make them the object of their imitation, whilst they have no thoughts of the grace that was in our Lord Jesus Christ, nor do endeavour after conformity thereunto. And the reason is, because the virtue which they seek after and desire, is of the same kind with that which was in the heathen, and not of that grace and holiness which was in Christ Je- sus. And thence also it is, that some, who not out of love unto it, but to decry other important mysteries of the gospel thereby, doplace all Christianity in the imi- tation of Christ, do yet, indeed, in their practice, de- spise those qualities and duties wherein he principally manifested the glory of his grace. His meekness, pa- tience, self -denial, quietness in bearing reproaches, contempt of the world, zeal for the glory of God, com- passion to the souls of men, condescensions to the weaknesses of all, they regard not. But there is no greater evidence, that whatever we seem to have of any thing that is good in us, is no part of evangelical holi- ness, than that it doth not render us conformable to Christ. Sect. 60. And we should always consider, how we ought to act faith on Christ with respect unto this end. Let none be guilty, practically, of what some are falsely 4G ION OF BELIEVERS. SOS charged withal as to doctrine. Let none divide in the work of faith, and exercise themselves but in the one half of it. To believe in Christ for redemption, for justification, for sanctification, is but one half of the dutyof faith. It respects Christ only as he died and suffered for us, as he made atonement for our sins, peace with God,- and reconciliation for us, as his righte. oneness is imputed unto us unto justification. Unto these ends, indeed, is he, firstly and principally, pro- posed unto us in the gospel, andwith respect unto them are we exhorted to receive him, and to believe in him. But this is not all that is required of us. Christi...in, the gospel, is proposed unto us as our pattern and ex- ample of holiness. And, as it is a cursed imagination, that this was the whole end of his life anddeath, name- ly, to exemplify and confirm the doctrine- of holiness which he taught, so to neglect his so being our exam- ple, in considering him by faith to that end, and labour- ing after conformity to him, is evil and pernicious. Wherefore, let us be much in the contemplation of what he was, what he did, how in all instances of duties and trial he carried himself, until an image or idea of his perfect holiness is implanted in our minds, and we are made like unto him thereby. Sect. 61. (4thly,) That which principally differen- ceth evangelical holiness, with respect unto the Lord Christ, from all othernatural or moral habits orduties, and whereby he is made sanctification unto us, is, that from him, his person, as our head, the principle of spi- ritual life and holiness in believers is derived; and, by virtue of their union with him, real supplies of spiri- tual strength and grace, whereby their holiness is pre- served, maintained, and increased, are constantly corn- municated unto them. On the stating and proof here- of the whole difference about grace and morality doth depend, and will issue: for, if that which men call morality be-so derived from theLord Christ, by virtue of our union with him, it is evangelical grace; if it be not, it is either nothing, or somewhatof another nature and kind; for grace it is not, nor holinessneither. And all that I have to prove herein, is, that the Lord Jesus Christ is an head of influence, the spring or fountain of spiritual life unto his church, wherein I know my- self tohave the consent of the church of God in all ages. And I shall confine the proof of my assertion unto the ensuing positions, with their confirmation. 30
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