rift. . ?O) . with this transfor"!Jing Power. And that which is wrought by it, is theencreafe and vigor of all Grace ; for therein alone our conformity unto him doth confift. Growth in Grace, Holinefs and Obedience, is a growing like unto Cbrift, 'and nothing elfe is fo. I cannot refrain here from a neceffary lhort Di... grejfion., This transforming efficacy from a fpiritual v~ew of Chrift as propofed in the Gofpel, being loft as unto an experience of it in the minds of men carnal and ignorant of the myftery ofbelieving, ( as it · is at prefent by many derided, tho it be the life of Religion) fancy, and fuperftition provided various fitpplies in the ro01p of it. For they found out Crilifixes and Tmages with paintings to reprefent him in his fufferings and glory. By thefe things, their carnal affections being excited by their outward fenfes, they fuppofe themfelves to be affected with him, and to be like unto him. Yea, fame have proceeded fo far, as either by Arts Diabolical, or by other means)to make an appearance of wounds on their hands, andfeet, and fides, therein pretending to be like him; yea, to be wholly transformed into his image. But that which is produced by an Image, is but an Image, An imaginary Chrift will effect nothing in the minds of men, but imaginary Grace. THUS Religion was loft and died. When men could not obtain any experie·nce in their minds of the fpiritualMyfteries of the Gofpel,nor be fenfible of any fpiritual change or advantage by them, they filbfi:iruted fome outward duties and obfer· v·ances in their ftead;as I lhalllhew (God willing) more at large. J'hefe produ,ed fome - kind
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