358 IHOLINESS NECESSARY FROM truths of the gospel: two conclusions, it is possible may by sundry persons, be made from it: (First,) That, whereas this is a matter of great and eternal moment unto our souls, and there is no way to secure our inte- rest in it, but by the possession of its fruits and effects, which are saving faith and holiness; we will, we must, it is our duty, to use our utmost endeavours, by attain- ing of them, and growth in them, to make our election sure. Arid herein, if we be sincere and diligent, we shall not fail. Others, (Secondly,) May conclude, that if it be so, indeed, that those who shall be saved are chosen thereuntobefore thefoundation ofthe world, then it is to no purpose to go about to believe or obey, seeing all things must fall out, at last, accordingas theywere fore- ordained. Now, I ask, which of these conclusions is (1 will not say, most suited unto the mind and will of God, with that subjection of-soul and conscience which we owe to his sovereign wisdom and authority, but whether of them is) the most rational, and most suitable to the principles of sober love of ourselves, and care of our im- mortal condition? Nothing is more certain, than that the latter resolution will be infallibly destructive (if pnr- sued) of all the everlasting concernments of our souls; death and eternal condemnation are the unavoidable issues of it. No man giving himself up to the conduct of that conclusion, shall ever come to the enjoyment of God. But, in the other way, it is possible, at least, that a man may be found to be the object ofGod's elec- ting love, and so be saved. But why do I say, it is possible? there is nothing more infallibly certain, than that he who pursues sincerely and diligently the ways of faith and obedience, which are, as we have often said, the fruits of election, shall obtain in the end everlasting blessedness; and, ordinarily, shall have in this world a comfortable evidence of his own personal election. This, therefore, on all accounts, and towards all sorts of persons, is an invincible argument of the necessity of holiness, and a mighty motive thereunto: for it is una- voidable, that ifthere be such a thing as personal elec- tion, and that the fruits of it are sanctification, faith, and obedience, it is utterly impossible, that without ho- liness any one should see God, the reason of which con- sequence is apparent unto all. HOLINESS NECESSARY FROM THE COMMANDS OF GOD. CHAP. III. Necessity ofholinessproved, f-oso the commands of God in the law and the gospel. WE have evinced the necessity of holiness from the nature and the decrees of God: our next argument shall be taken from bis word or commands, as the nature and order of these things do require. And, in this case, it is needless to produce instances of God's commands, that we should be holy; it is the concurrent voice of the law and gospel. Our apostle sums up the whole mat- ter, 1 Thess. iv. 1, 2, 3. a We exhort you, that as « you have receivedofus, how youought to walk, and r please God, so you would abound more and more; for you know what commandment wegave you, by the Lord Jesus; for this is the will of God, even your sanctification, or holiness;" whereunto he adds one especial instance. This is that which the command- ments of Christ require, yea, this is the sum of the whole commanding will of God. The substance of the law is, Be ye holy, for I the Lord, your God, am holy, Lev. xi. 44. the same with what is referred unto by our Saviour, Matth. xxii. 37, 39. And whereas holiness may be reduced unto two heads: (1.) The renovation of the image of God in us. (2.) Universal actual obe- dience; they are the sum of the preceptive part of the
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