334 MORTIFICA excited. But, for the most part, there is no more in this work, than what the same persons do find in them- selves, it may be, in the reading or hearingof a feïgned story: for there is a sympathy-in natural affections with the things that are their proper objects, though repre- sented by false imaginations. (3.) It is done in the Papacy, and among some others, by images, in cruci- fixes, and dolorous pictures, whereunto they pay great devotion, with an appearance of ardent affections. But noneof these are such a due representation of this ob- ject, as to ingenerate sincere love towards Christ cruci- fied in any soul. Wherefore, (4.) This is done effec- tually only by the gospel, and in the dispensationof it according to the mind of God: for therein is Jesus Christ evidentlycrucified before our eyes, Gal. iii. 1. And this it doth by proposing unto our faith, the grace, the love, the patience, thecondescension, the obedience, the end and designof Christ therein. So is Christ eyed by faith as the proper object of sincere love. And being so stated, the effects of it, as of all true love, are, 1. Ad- herence. 2. Assimilation. (I.) Adherence; love, in the scripture, is frequently expressedby this effect; the soul of one did cleave or was knit unto another; as that ofJonathan to David, 1 Sam. xviii. 1. So it producetha firm adherence unto Christ crucified, that makes a soul to be, in some sense, always present with Christ on the cross. And hence, (2.) Ensues assimilation or conformity. None treat of the na- ture oreffects of love, but they assign this asone of them, that it begets alikeness between the mind loving, and the object beloved. And so I am sure it is in this mat- ter. A mind filled with the love of Christ as crucified, and represented in the manner and way before describ- ed, will be changed into his image and likeness, by the effectual mortification of sin, through a derivation of power and grace from thence for that purpose. Sect. 39.Fifthly, The Holy Ghost carrieth on this work, by constant discoveries unte, and pressing on believers, on the one hand, the true nature and certain end ofsin, and, on the other, the beauty, excellency, TION OF SIN, usefulness, and necessity of holiness, with the concerns of God, Christ, the gospel, and their own souls there- in. A rational consideration of these things, is all the ground and reason of mortification in the judgments of some men. But we have proved, that there are other . causes of it also. And now I add, that if we have no consideration of these things, but what our own reason is of itselfable to suggest unto us, it will never be pre- valent unto any sincere or permanent attempt in the mortification of any sin whatever. Let men make the best of their reason they can, in the searching and con- sideration of the perverse nature and dreadful conse- quents of sin, of the perfect peace attd future blessedness which attendeth the practice of holiness, they will find an obstinacy and stubbornness in their hearts, not con- querable by any such reasoningsor considerations: That conviction of sin and righteousness which is useful and prevalent unto that end and purpose, is wrought in us by the Holy Ghost, John xvi. 18. Although he makes . use of ourminds, understandings, reasons, consciences, and the best of our consideration in this matter, yet if he give not a peculiar efficacy and power unto all, the work will not be effectual. When he is pleased to make use of reasons and motives taken from the nature and end of sin and holiness, unto the mortification of sin, they shall hold good, and bind the soul unto this duty, against all objections and temptations that would divert it whatever. Sect. 40. And thus I have briefly, and I confess weakly and obscurely, delineated the work of the Holy Ghost in the sanctification of them that do believe. Many things might have beenmore enlarged and par- ticularly inquired into: what has been discoursed, I judge sufficient to my present purpose. And 1 doubt not, but that what hath been argued from plain scrip- ture and experience, is sufficient, as to direct as in the practice of true evangelical holiness, so with all sober persons to cast out of all consideration that fulsomepro- duct of pride and ignorance, that all gospel-holiness consists in the practice of moral virtues.
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