Inpz &2ti©n of the Righteouf f of (hrif7. 3 3 3* First, as to the Principle of it, as it is habitually refident in. us. For (r) There is a contrary principle of fin abiding, with it in the fame firbjeit whilft we are in this World. For contrary qualities may be in the fame fubjeEt whilft neither of them is in the highefl Degree. So it is in this cafe, Gal, =5. 17. For the Flefh lufleth againfi the Spirit, and the Spirit againft the Fléf, and theft are _contrary one to the other, fo that ye can- not do the things that ye would. (2) None of : the Faculties of our Souls are perfeEt ÿ renewed whilft we are :in this World, The inward gran is renewed day by. day, 2 Cor. 4. i6. And we are, always to be purging our flues from all pollution or flefh and fpirit, 2 Cor. 7. I. And hereunto belongs whatever is fpoken in the Scripture, whatever Believers find in theme felves by experience of the Remainders. of In- dwelling-fin, in the Darknefs of our minds, whence at belt we know but . in part, and through Ignorance are ready to wander out .of the way, Heb. 5.2. in the Deceitfulnef of the Heart and diforden of Affe&ions. I underftand not how any one can think of pleading his own Righteoufnef in the fight of God, or ffip- pofe that he can bejuftified by it upon this fingle account of the Imperfe&ion of its Inherent Habit or Principle. Such no- tions arife from the Ignorance of God and our felves, or the want of a due confideration of the one and the other. Nei ther- caul apprehend how .a thoufand DiftinEtions can fafe]y introduce it into any place or confideration in our. Juftificay tion before.God. He that can fearch in any meafure by a fpiritual-light into his on Heart and Soul, will find,. God be merciful to nie a- inner, a better plea- thanrany he can be furnifhed withall from any worth. of his own. , What is man that he fhould be- clean, . and, he that is born .o f a woman that he fhould be righteous, Job 15. 14, 15, 16. chap. 18. 19. Hence' faith, Gregory in job 9. lib. 9. cap. 14. Vt fepe dixi,nu' onznis yuf itia hu nana injuftitia, effe convincitur rfi d inïte, juclicetura Bernard fpeaks to the fame purpofe, and almoft in the fame words, .:
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