448 The NATURE and PoWER [2.1 As to the principle' of it, namely, that it be done in faith, and therein byaftual derivation of ftrength from Chrift, ('fohn xv. q.) with- out whom we can do nothing. It is not enough that the perfon be a believer, though that he neceffary unto every good work, Ephef, ii. so. but alfo that faith be peculiarly aered in every duty that we do. For our whole obedience is the obedience of faith, Rom. i. 5. that is which the doctrine of faith requireth, and which the grace of faith beareth or bringeth forth. So Chrift is exprefly faid to be our life, Col. iii. 4. Our fpiritual life, that is the fpring, author, and caufe of it. Now as in life natural, no vital aft can be performed, but by the aftuál operation of the principle of life itfelf; fo in life fpiritual, no fpiritually vital ad, that is, no duty acceptable to God, can be performed but by the aftual working of Chrift, who is our life. And this is no other way derived unto us but by faith. Whence faith the apoftle, Gal. ii. 20. Cbrifl liverh in me, and the lïfe which I now leadin the flefh, is by the faith of the Son of God. Not only was Chrift his life, a living principle unto him, but he lead a life, that is, difcharged vital aftions in.all duties of holinéfs and obedience, by the faith of the Son of God, or in him ; deriving fupplies of grace and ftrength from him thereby, This therefore ought a believer diligently to attend unto, namely, that every thing he doth to God, be done in the ftrength of Chrift ; which wherein it conffteth ought diligently to be enquired into by all who intend to walk with God. [3.i In this refped unto rule, the manner of the performance of every duty is to be regarded. Now there are two things in the manner of the performance of any duty which a believer, who is trufted with fpiritual light, ought to attend unto. 1.) That it be done in the way, and by the means that God bath pre- fcribed with refpeft unto the outward manner of its performance. And this is elpecially to be regarded in duties of the worfbip of God; the matter and outward manner whereof do both equally fall under his command. If this be not regarded, the whole duty is vitiated. I fpeak not of them who fuller themfelves to he deluded by the deceitfulnefs of fin, utterly to difregard the rule of the word in fuch things, and to worship God according to their own imaginations ; but of them prin- cipally, who although they in general profefs to do nothing but what God requires, and as he requires it, yet do not diligently attend to the rule, to make the authority of God to be the foie caufe and reafon both of what they do, and of the manner of the performanceof it. And this is the reafon that God fo often calls on his people to con- fider diligently and wifely, that they may do all according as he had com- manded. 2.) The affedions of the heart and mind in duties belong to theper- formance of them in the inward manner. The prefcriptions and com- mands of God for attendance hereunto are innumerable, and the want hereof renders every duty an abomination unto him. A facrifice with- out an heart, without fait, without fire, of what value is it ? No more are duties without fpiritual affeftions. And herein is the mind to keep the charge of God; to fee that the heart which he requires be tender- ed to him. And we find alfo that God requireth efpecial affeftions to to accompany fpecial duties. He that gives with cbeaifulnefs ; which if they are not attended unto, the whole is loft. [4.] The
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=