220 Pauls Converñon. aEtion that makes it acceptable and dilchargeth a Chritlian in the performance of it. Wee know Silver will not goe currant , though it bee ne- ver fo good, except the Kings ftampe bee upon it : now the end of the action puts the ftampe on the adion, and makes it goe currant with God for a holy aftion : therefore you that brag of your adions looke unto the end of your anions; for unleffe the end be good, the actions are but as counterfeit coyne, that every man will refute, that knowes it : and you your (elves will be e(teemed of God,but as coofeners are ofinen,worthy to be put to death : though the fame actions in another are acceptable to God, becaufe the finne is taken a- way that poyfons them. So that as a poyfonfome ttocke turnes the fweet drops of dew that falles upon it unto poyfon,which yet caufeth other trees to be fruitfull ; fuch are unregenerate men, conti- nuing in their old finne without repentance. Thofe things that are good in themfelves being perfor- med by them , are turned into poyfon unto them, though being performed by a holy man, they are as a fweet odor that makes him more acceptable unto God : betides, if you doe but examine, you thall find that it is not fo much you that doe them but fore noble quality in you:it is either fotne na- tural( parts of learning or policy, or elle fome na- turali difpofition to be kind and loving,and meeke, &c. nature without fan ifying, or renewing grace, will bring forth filch fruit : many things you know for a time will hold feet , that rather hurt then good:
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