The Nature of Apostasy, Chapter 8

The Nature of Apostasy · Chapter 8

p. 365CHAP. VIII.

Apostasie from the Holiness of the Gospel; the Occasion and Cause of it. Of that which is Gradual, on the pretence of somewhat else in its room.

THere is, Secondly, a Falling away from the Gospel, with respect unto the Holiness of its Precepts, which is to be the Matter, as they are the Rule of our Obedience. And this also is of a Nature no less perilous, and attended with Consequents and Effects no less dangerous than the former, and doth no less than that expose the Son of God to open shame. Yea an Apostasie from the Holiness of the Gospel, is on many Accounts more dreadfull and dangerous than a partial Apostasie from its p. 366Truth. For as it is more spreading and Catholick than that is, and of less Observation or Esteem, so it is usually more irrecoverable, most men under it being greatly hardened through the deceitfulness of Sin. Besides, commonness hath taken off the sense of its Evil and Danger. If there be an Error broached against the Doctrine of the Gospel, it is oddes but some or other will take Notice of it, Confute it, and warn all men of the Danger wherewith it is attended. But let the whole World (as it were) lye in Evil, let the generality of Mankind drown themselves in Lusts and Pleasures, let the Lives and Conversations of men be as contrary to the Rule of the Gospel as Darkness is to Light, so they make no Disorder in this or that Way of outward Worship, and be either good Catholicks, or good Protestants, or any thing else of that kind; he shall scarcely escape the Censure of Peevishness and Severity (it may be of Selfconceitedness and Hipocrisie) who shall reflect any great Blame on these things. And yet notwithstanding this Partiality in Judgment or Practice, with respect unto these Evils, it is generally acknowledged that it is possible that men may please God and be accepted with him, notwithstanding p. 367many Mistakes, Errors, and Misconceptions of their Minds about spiritual things; but that any one should ever come unto the Enjoyment of Him, who Lives and Dyes impenitently in any Sin against the Rule and Tenor of that Holiness which the Gospel requireth, I know as yet none that pleadeth. For once to pretend that men may live in, and habitually act any known Sin, without striving against it, labouring for Repentance, and endeavouring its Mortification, is all one as avowedly to attempt the overthrow of Christian Religion. Wherefore, on these and sundry other Considerations, this latter sort of Apostasie from the Holiness of the Gospel, is at least as perilous, as much to be opposed, and contended against, as that which is from the Mystery and Doctrine of it; and that whereof the Generality of men▪ are more earnestly to be warned, as the Evil whereunto they are more obnoxious than to the other. And we do conjoyn both these together, not onelyonly as those which are of the same tendency, and do alike both ruine the Souls of Men, and put the Lord Christ to open shame, but also as those concerning which we are forewarned that they shall enter into and come in the World together p. 368in the latter dayes. And whatever sence the latter dayes mentioned in the Scripture may be taken in, either those of the World and of Religion in general, for of the particular Churches whereunto men may belong, they are unquestionably come upon us, whose Danger and Duty therefore is declared in these Pre-admonitions. Wherefore, of the first our Apostle speaketh, 1. Tim. 4. 1. The Spirit speaketh expressely, that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith, giving heed unto seducing Spirits and the Doctrines of Devils. I doubt not but this Prediction had its signal Accomplishment in the Papacy; and am well perswaded, that the Holy Ghost had respect in particular unto those Principles and Practices which a Learned Person of this Nation hath laid open under the Title of The Apostacy of the latter times. But we find also by wofull Experience, and that renewed almost every day, that it hath respect unto us also and the Times wherein we live.

The Entrance and Coming of that Kind of Apostasie which we have now designed to treat of, is in like manner foretold, 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; The summe of what the Apostle there instructeth us, is, That in p. 369these latter times under an outward Profession of the Gospel men should give up themselves unto the pursuit of the vilest Lusts, and the practice of the most abominable Sins. And we fear this prediction is in like manner fulfilled.

Now although these things are Evil and Dangerous, both in their own Nature and Tendency, especially as they come together and make their joynt Attempt against the Honour of Christ, and the Salvation of the Professors of the Gospel; yet this Prediction of them, and Pre-admonition concerning them may be of advantage unto them that are sincere and upright, if duely improved.

For, (1) If this two-fold ruinous Apostasie will and doth press upon Us, on whom these Ends of the World are come, we ought surely to stand upon our Guard, that we be not surprized with it, nor overcome by it. How ought we to spend our Sojourning here in Fear? It was the Advice of him whose Confidence had like to have been his Ruine. It is assuredly no time for any to be careless and secure, who design or so much as desire to be preserved from this fatal Evil. However we cannot any of us plead, that we were not warned of our Danger, nor called on for that Circumspection and Watchfulness, that Care and p. 370Diligence, that Earnestness for Divine Help and Assistance, which our Condition requireth, and which will be a Means of Deliverance and Safety. And,

(2) Being found in the way of our own Duty, we need not be greatly moved or shaken in our Minds when we see these things come to pass. It may be a Prospect of the State of Religion at this day in the World, is ready to terrifie the Minds of some, at least to fill them with amazement. For if things should alwayes so proceed, they may be afraid lest Christian Religion should at length lose all its Beauty and Glory. But these things are all of them punctually foretold, whereby the Efficacy of the Temptation from their coming to pass, is prevented. Yea considering that all our Faith is resolved into the Scripture, and built on the Infallibility of its Prophesies and Predictions, seeing they are foretold, the Temptation would be accompanyed with more Vigour and Efficacy if we saw them not come to pass, than it is now we doe; seeing it is evident from other Circumstances, that we are fallen into the latter dayes, which the Accomplishment of these Predictions renders unquestionable. See Matth. 24. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 24. Acts p. 37120. 29, 30. 2 Thess. 2. 3. 1 Tim. 4. 3. 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. And the truth is, there was never any perswasion more pernicious befell the Minds of men, than that Churches, this or that Church, or any Church, are not, or is not lyable or obnoxious unto these Decayes, Declensions and Apostasies; or that any in them or of them can be preserved from them, without the utmost Care and Diligence in attending unto the Means appointed for their Preservation. When the Jews fell into such a foolish Confidence with respect unto their Temple and Worship, God was wont to bid them goe to Shilo, and see what was become thereof; as assuring them that what fell out in one Time and Place, might doe so in another. And we know how it was in this matter with the first Christian Churches, and how soon, (as hath been declared,) Revel. 2. 4, 5. Chap. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4; 14, 15, 16, 17. We may goe to them and learn how vain are all the Pretences of outward Priviledges and Exemptions; for assuredly, unless we repent we shall all likewise perish.

That therefore which we shall now enquire into, is, the Nature, the Causes, and Occasions of that Apostasie or falling off from the Holiness of the Gospel in Churches and p. 372by particular persons, which is thus foretold to fall out in the latter dayes, and hath done so accordingly. And we shall have respect herein both unto that general Apostasie of this kind which fell out in former Ages under the Conduct of the Roman Church principally, and that also which by various Wayes and Means is at present prevailing in the World. And some things must be premised unto our Consideration hereof.

1. The Doctrine of the Gospel is a Doctrine of Holiness. This it teacheth, requireth and commandeth. This the Mysteries and Grace of it lead unto; this the Precepts of it require, and this the great Example of its Author proposed in it unto us, doth enjoyn. And it doth not this as that which is convenient for us, or some way or other necessary unto us, but as that without which we can have no Interest in any of its Promises. No unholy Person hath any ground to expect the least Advantage by the Gospel here or hereafter. When all things come to their issue, and shall fall under Eternal Judgment according to the Gospel, all other Pleas and Pretences will utterly and for ever fail them who are Workers of Iniquity, Matth. 7. 22, 23.

p. 3732. The Holiness which the Gospel requireth is an Obedience of another Nature and Kind than what is required by any other Doctrine or way of Instruction. The Law of Nature continueth to suggest unto us many important Duties towards God, our selves, and other men. The written Law is an exact Representation of all those Moral Duties which were required of us in the state wherein we were created. But there is an Holiness required by the Gospel which although it include these things within the compass of its Law and Order, yet (on sundry Considerations) is of another kind than what is required by those Laws, in the Manner wherein it is required in them. For it proceedeth from other Principles, on another formal Reason and Motives, hath other essential Properties, Acts, Duties and Ends, than the Obedience by them required hath. This hath been so fully evinced in our Discourse of the Nature and Necessity of Gospel-Holiness, that it need not be here again insisted on.

3. Together with the Light and Doctrine of the Gospel, or the Preaching of it, there is an Administration of the Spirit to convince men of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgement. This God hath promised, Isa. 59. 21. p. 374and this the Lord Christ doth effect, whereever the Word is Orderly dispensed according unto his Mind and Will, Joh. 16. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Hereby are men wrought upon unto a Profession of this Holiness, and Expression of it in outward Duties. For all that Religion which hath any thing of Truth and Reality in it in the World, is an Effect of the Word and Spirit of Christ. Multitudes in all Ages have hereby been made really holy, and many yet continue so to be. These (as we believe,) shall never fall utterly from it, but shall be preserved by the Power of God through Faith unto Salvation. But yet such as these also may decay as unto Degrees in Holiness, and the Fruitfulness of it. And in every such Decay there is a partial Apostasie, and much Dishonour unto Jesus Christ; nor doth any man know in that Condition but that in the issue as to his particular, it may be total and destructive to his Soul. Thus was it with those Churches and Persons whom our Lord Jesus Christ chargeth to have lost their first Faith and Love, whom he admonisheth to remember whence they are fallen, and to repent. And it is principally for the sake of these, that Christ and the Gospel be not dishonoured by them, nor their Eternal p. 375Concernments hazarded, and those who in the use of Means are in a thriving progress towards the same Condition, that the ensuing Cautions and Warnings are prepared. And others there are who are brought onelyonly unto a Profession of this Holiness, in inward Convictions and outward Dutyes. And although they are not yet arrived unto a full possession of its Power and Conformity unto its Rule, yet are they in the Way of attaining thereunto. Such as these may (on various occasions) first decay in their Profession and Duties, and afterwards utterly fall from them into the open Service of Sin and the World.

Thus also it is with Churches. At their first Planting, they were set in a pure and holy state, as to the Doctrine, professed Holiness, and Worship of the Gospel. They were all planted Noble Vines, wholly of a right seed, however they turn afterwards into the degenerate Plant of a strange Vine. They may lose of this Order and Beauty, part with Truth, decay in Holiness, and the faithful City thereby become an Harlot. How this hath come to pass, how thereby Christianity hath lost its Glory, Power, and Efficacy in the World, how that Blessing which it brought along with it unto the p. 376Nations, is lost and forfeited, and by what Means, shall in some principal Instances be declared.

4. Where this Holiness is professed, and the Power of it evidenced in its Fruits, there, and then alone is Christ glorified and Honoured in the World. It is true, there are other things that belong unto that Revenue of Glory which our Lord and King requireth of us. Such are the Profession of the Truth, and Observance of the Worship of the Gospel. But if these things are disjoyned and separate (as they may be) from holy Obedience, they no way advance the Glory of Christ. But where Churches and Persons professing the Gospel, are changed and renewed into the Image of God, where their Hearts are purified within, and their Lives made fruitfull without, where they are universally under the Conduct of a Spirit of Peace, Love, Meekness, Benignity, Self-denyal, Heavenly-mindedness, and are fruitfull in good Works, in which things and other of an alike Nature this Holiness doth consist; there do they make a due Representation of the Gospel and its Author in the World, then do they evidence the Power, Purity and Efficacy of his Doctrine and Grace, whereby he is glorified. Herein p. 377doth he see of the Travail of his Soul and is satisfied; this is his portion and the Lot of his Inheritance in this World. But where it is otherwise, where Men, where Churches are called by his Name, and under a Profession of his Authority, and Expectation of Mercy and Eternal Blessedness from him, do come short of this Holiness, and walk in Paths contrary unto it, there is the holy Son of God crucifyed afresh, and put to open shame.

These things being premised, way is made for the due Consideration of what was before proposed. For whereas there is an open shamefull manifest Apostasie from the Holiness of the Gospel, among the most who are called Christians at this day in the World, it is worth our while to enquire a little into the Reasons or Causes of it, and the Means whereby a stop may be put unto it, or at least particular Persons may be preserved from the Guilt of it, and the Judgements wherein it will issue. If any shall think that there is not such an Apostasie in the World, but that the Face of things in Europe and among our selves doth make a due Representation of the Gospel, and that those things which we hear of and see continually amongst the generality of Christains, p. 378are the true and genuine Effect of the Doctrine and Principles of our Religion; I shall no way contend with them, so as that they will but a little stand out of our way, and not hinder us in our Progress.

Now the Apostasie that is in the World from Gospel-Holiness or Evangelical Obedience, is of two Kinds. For some fall from it as formally such, and others as to the matter of it. Of the first sort are they who would advance another Kind of Obedience, a Course of another sort of Duties, or the same as to the substance of them, but as proceeding from other Principles, and carryed on by other Motives than what it requireth, in the stead thereof. Thus it is with many in the World. They pretend unto a strictness in some Duties, and a multiplication of others, at least unto a great Appearance thereof. But it is hard for any one to discover how that which they doe, belongeth to Evangelical Holiness, if its Nature depend on Evangelical Principles and Ends. Others fall from it openly and visibly, into a sinfull, worldly, flagitious Course of Life. This is that Apostasie which the Christian World groans under at this day, and which (as it is to be p. 379feared) will bring the Judgements of God upon it. The very Profession of Piety is much lost, yea much derided amongst many. Duties of Holiness, Strictness of Conversation, Communication unto Edification, are not onelyonly neglected, but scorned. It is in many places a lost labour to seek for Christianity among Christians; And the Degeneracy seems to be increasing every day. It is the latter of these which I principally intend, as that which is of most universal Concernment. But the former also, though under many specious Pretences, being of no less pernicious Event unto many, must not be wholly passed by. I shall therefore first give some Instances of mens Declensions from the holy Wayes of Gospel Obedience, into Paths of pretended Duties of their own finding out, and adde those Reasons of their dislike of the Good Old Way, which gives them Occasion so to doe.

The first and most signal Instance of this kind is given us by the Romanists. None boast more than they of Holiness, that is, of their Church, making its Sanctity a Note of its Truth. But because the wicked and flagitious Lives, not onelyonly of the Body of the People among them, but of many of their chief Rulers and Guides, is openly manifest; p. 380in the defence of their confident Claim, as that alone which will give countenance unto it, they betake themselves unto their Votaryes, or those who dedicate themselves by Vow unto more strict Exercises in Reliligion, than others attain or are obliged unto. And this sort of People have obtained alone the Name and Reputation of Religious among them. What is their Way and manner of Life, what the Devotion wherein they spend their Hours, what the Duties they oblige themselves unto in great variety, and the manner wherein they perform them, I shall take for granted, and pass by as generally known. Many have already discovered the Vanity, Superstition and Hypocrisie of the whole outward Course wherein they are generally ingaged, though they neither do nor ought to judge of the Hearts, Minds and State of Individuals, unless where by their Deeds they manifest themselves; I shall onelyonly evince, that what at Best they pretend unto, (though boasted of not onelyonly to be all, but more than God requireth of them,) is not that Holiness or Obedience which is prescribed unto us in the Gospel, but somewhat substituted in the room of it, and consequently in Opposition unto it. And

p. 381First, It hath not that Evidence of spiritual Freedom and Liberty which Gospel-Holiness in all the Duties of it is accompanyed withall. The first Effect of its Truth upon our Minds, is, to make us free, Joh. 8. 32. It is the Principle of all Holiness, and enlargeth the Mind and Spirit unto it, whence it is called the Holiness of Truth, Ephes. 4. 24. So where the Spirit of God is, there is Liberty, 2 Cor. 3. 17. Men are naturally the Servants of Sin, willingly giving up themselves unto the fulfilling of its Lusts and Commands, and are free onelyonly from Righteousness. But where the Holy Spirit worketh with the Word of Truth, men are made free from Sin, and become the Servants of God, having their Fruits unto Holiness, Rom. 6. 20, 22. So it is said of all Believers, that they have not received the Spirit of Bondage again unto Fear, but the Spirit of Adoption, whereby they cry Abba Father, Rom. 8. 15. Not a Spirit of Fear, but of Power and Love, and of a sound Mind, 2 Tim. 1. 7. The Meaning of all these and the like Testimonies, is, that God by his Grace enlargeth, makes free and ready the Hearts of Believers unto all Gospel-Obedience, so as that they shall walk in it, and perform all the Duties of it willingly, chearfully, p. 382freely, without that Fear and Dread which is an Effect of the Power of the Law. They are not in a scrupulous Bondage unto outward Duties and the Manner of their Performance, but do all things with Delight and Freedom. They have by the Spirit of Adoption as the reverential Fear of Children, so their Gracious Inclination unto Obedience. But in that Exercise of Devotion, and multiplyed outward Duties of Religion which the Romanists boast of as their especial Sanctity, there are great Evidences of a Servile Bondage, or slavish Frame of Spirit. For they are forced to bind themselves, and to be bound unto it by especial Vows, in whose Observation they no more act as their own Guardians, or as those who are sui Juris, but are under the coercive Discipline of others, and outward Punishment in case of Failure. And those who are so Servants of Men in Religious Duties are not Gods Free-men, nor have they Christ for their Lord in that Case, who have another. The Foundation of all these Duties, and which alone obligeth them unto their Performance, are Vows, no where required by God or our Lord Christ in the Gospel. And the principal Regard which any have in their strict Attendance p. 383unto them, is the Obedience which they owe unto the Super-Intendents of those Vows. It is easie to apprehend how inconsistent this Way is with that spiritual Freedom, and Liberty of Mind which inseparably accompanyeth true Gospel-Holiness. Besides, the Opinion of Merit, which not onelyonly goeth along with them, but also animates them in all these Services, makes them servile in all they doe. For they cannot but know, that every thing in Merit must not onelyonly be tryed by the Touch-stone of Sincerity, but weighed in the Ballance to the utmost scruple, to find out what it amounts or comes unto. And this is perfectly destructive of that Liberty in Obedience which the Gospel requireth. So also is that tormenting Perswasion which they are under the Power of, namely, That they have no Grounds of Confidence or Assurance, that either they are accepted with God here, or shall come to the blessed Enjoyment of him hereafter. Hence in all Duties they must of Necessity be acted with a Spirit of Fear, and not of Power and a sound Mind.

Secondly, The Rule of their Duties and Obedience, as to what is in their own judgements Eminent therein, is not the Gospel, but a Systeme of peculiar Laws and Rules that they p. 384have framed for themselves. So some obey the Rule of Benedict, some of Francis, some of Dominic, some of Ignatius, and the like. This utterly casts out their whole Endeavour from any Interest in Gospel-Holiness; For the Formal Nature of that consists herein, that it is a Conformity unto the Rule of the Gospel as such, or a Complyance with the Will of God as manifested therein. Hence do they multiply unrequired Duties, yea, the principal parts of their Devotion and Sanctity consist in them which are of their own devising, for which they have no Gospel Precept or Command. And such in particular are those Vows which are the Foundation of all that they doe. In this Case our Saviour Reproving the Pharisees for their additional Duties beyond the Prescript of the Word, shews them how they made the Commandment of God of none Effect by their Traditions, and that in vain they worshipped God, teaching the Commandments of Men; Matth. 14. 6, 9. And when they were offended at his Rejection of one of their new-imposed Duties; he replyes, That every Plant which his Heavenly Father hath not planted should be rooted up; ver. 13. So wholly rejecting all those Religious Duties which they had framed by Rules of their p. 385own devising. Nor are these of the Roman Devotionists of any better Constitution; they are Plants of mens own planting, and shall be rooted up accordingly and cast into the fire. Let the Number of false invented Duties of Religion be never so great, let the Manner of their Performance be never so exact or severe, they serve to no other End but to divert the Minds of Men from the Obedience which the Gospel requireth.

Thirdly, There is nothing in all that is prescribed by the Masters of this Devotion, or practised by the Disciples, but it may all be done and observed without either Faith in Christ, or a Sense of his Love unto our Souls. The Obedience of the Gospel is the Obedience of Faith; on that and no other root will it grow; And the principal Motive unto it is the Love of Christ, which constraineth unto it. But what is there in all their Prescriptions that these things are necessary unto? May not men rise at Midnight to repeat a Number of Prayers, or goe Bare-foot, or wear Sackcloth, or abstain from Flesh at certain Times or alwayes, submit to Discipline from themselves or others, and (if they have bodily Strength to enable them,) undergoe all the p. 386horrid (and indeed ridiculous) Hardships of standing on a Pillar continually, or bearing great loggs of Wood on their Shoulders all the day long, that are told or fabled of the Egyptian Monks, without the least Dram of saving Faith or Love? All false Religions have ever had some amongst them who have had an Ambition to amuze others with these self-afflictions and macerations, wherein the Devotions among the Bannians do exceed at this day whatever the Romanists pretend unto.

Fourthly, The whole of what they doe, is so vitiated and corrupted with the proud Opinion of Merit and Supererrogation, as renders it utterly forreign unto the Gospel. It is not my present Business to dispute against those Opinions. It hath been already abundantly manifested, (and may be yet so again where it is necessary,) that they wholly enervate the Covenant of Grace, are injurious to the Blood and Mediation of Christ, and are utterly inconsistent with the fundamental Principles of the Gospel. Whereas therefore these proud Imaginations do animate their whole Course of Duties, the Gospel is not concerned in what they doe.

And we may adde unto what hath been p. 387remarked already, the Consideration of that gross Superstition, yea and Idolatry, which they give up themselves unto, almost in most of their Devotions. This is not the least of their Transgressions in these things, but is sufficient to violate all they doe besides. Wherefore, notwithstanding their Pretence unto Sanctity, and a more strict Attendance unto Duties of Obedience than other men; yet it is manifest, that the Best of them are under a Defection from the Holiness of the Gospel, substituting an Obedience unto their own Imaginations in the room thereof.

Again, Others confine the whole of their Obedience unto Morality, and deride whatever is pleaded as above it and beyond it under the Name of Evangelical Grace, as Enthusiastical Folly. And the Truth is, if those Persons who plead for the Necessity of Gospel Grace and Holiness, which is more than so, do understand each other, and that somewhat of the same things are not intended by them under different Expressions and divers Methods of their Management, they are not of the same Religion. But if they mistake the Meaning of each other, and differ onelyonly in the Manner of Teaching the same Truth, I suppose they p. 388steer the safest Course and freest from just Offence, who follow and comply with the Manner wherein the things intended are taught in the Scripture, rather than those who accommodate their Discourses unto the Phraseology of Heathen Philosophers. But the Truth is, the Difference seems to be real, and the Principles men proceed upon in these things are contradictory to each other. For some do plainly affirm, that the whole of Gospel Obedience consists in the Observance of Moral Vertue, which they so describe as to render it exclusive of Evangelical Grace. This others judge to contain an open Declension from, and waving of Gospel Holiness. It is granted freely, that the performance of all Moral Duties Evangelically, that is, in the Power of the Grace of Christ, unto the Glory of God by him, is an Essential part of Gospel Obedience. And whoever they are who (under the pretence of Grace, or any thing else,) do neglect the Improvement of Moral Vertues, or the Observance of the Duties of Morality, they are so far disobedient unto the Gospel and the Law thereof. And some Men do not understand how contemptible they render themselves in the Management of their Cause, when p. 389they charge others with an Opposition unto Morality, or Moral Vertue, and setting up they know not what imaginary Holiness in the room thereof. For, those whom they so calumniate, are not onelyonly immediately discharged from any sense of Guilt herein, by the Testimony of their own Consciences, but all other men, so far as the Rule of Ingenuity is extended, do from the knowledge of their Doctrine, and Observation of their Practice, avouch their Innocence.

But is it not so then, that men do condemn Morality as that which is not to be Trusted unto, but will deceive them that rest in or upon it? I answer, they do so, when it is made (as it is by some) the whole of Religion, and as it is obtruded into the place of Evangelical Grace and Holiness by others. They take Moral Vertue (as it alwayes was taken, untill of late) for natural Honesty, or such a Conformity of Life unto the Light of Nature, as to be usefull and approved among men. But this may be; Men may doe that which is morally Good, and yet never doe any thing that is accepted with God. For they may doe it, but not for the Love of God above all, but for the Love of Self. And therefore they charge p. 390Morality with an Insufficiency unto the Ends of Religion, or the saving of the Souls of Men;

(1) Where nothing is intended by it, but that whereof the Rule and Measure is the Light of Nature; For that doth direct unto every Duty that is properly Moral. And what it doth not direct unto, what is not Naturally by the Law of our Creation Obligatory unto all Mankind, cannot be called Moral. Now to confine all Religion as to the Preceptive and Obediential part of it, unto the Light of Nature, is to Evacuate one half of the Gospel.

(2) Where it is in practice an Effect of Conviction onelyonly, and performed in the innate strength of the Rational Faculties of our Souls, without the especial supernatural Aid of the Spirit and Grace of God. Whatever Name any thing may be called by that is not wrought In us by the Grace of God, as well as By us in a way of Duty, is foreign unto Evangelical Obedience. And those who reject Morality as insufficient unto Acceptation with God and Eternal Salvation, intend onelyonly what is of that kind performed in the Powers of our Natural Faculties externally excited and directed, without any supernatural Influence or Operation p. 391of especial Grace. And indeed so to place a Confidence in such Duties, is open Pelagianisme.

(3) Where it proceedeth not from the spiritual supernatural Renovation of our Souls. The Rule and Method of the Gospel is, that the Tree be first made Good, and then the Fruit will be so also. Unless a person be first Regenerate, and his Nature therein Renewed into the Image and Likeness of God, unless he be endued with a New Principle of spiritual Life from above, enabling him to Live unto God, he can do nothing of whatsoever sort it be, that is absolutely acceptable unto God. And it is especially under this Consideration that any reject Morality, as not Comprehensive of Gospel Obedience; yea as that which is apt to draw off the Mind from it, and which will deceive them that trust to it; namely, that it proceedeth not from the Principle of Grace in a renewed Soul. For whatever doth so, though it may be Originally of a Moral Nature in its self, yet from the Manner of its Performance it becomes gracious and Evangelical. And we need not fear to exclude the best Works of Unrenewed Persons from being any part of Gospel Holinesse or Obedience.

p. 392(4) Where those in whom it is, or who pretend unto it, are really destitute of the internal Light of saving Grace enabling them to discern spiritual things in a spiritual manner, and to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God. That there is such a saving Light wrought in the Minds of Believers by the Holy Ghost, that without it men cannot discern spiritual things, so as to savour, like, and approve of them, hath been elsewhere at large demonstrated. But this belongs not unto the Morality contended about. It is not onelyonly independent on it, but is indeed set up in competition with it, and opposition unto it. No man need fear to judge and censure that Morality as unto its Interest in Gospel Obedience, and Sufficiency unto the Salvation of the Souls of Men, which may be obtained, practised and lived up unto, where God doth not shine into the Hearts of Men to give them the Knowledge of his Glory in the face of Jesus Christ; where no work of spiritual Illumination hath been in their minds enabling them to discern and know the Mind of God, which none knoweth Originally but the Spirit of God, by whom they are made known unto us; 1 Cor. 2. 11, 12. Yet this is that which some Men seem to take up p. 393withall, and rest in, unto the Rejection of Evangelical Obedience.

Lastly, The same Censure is to be passed on it, wherever it is separable from those Fundamental Gospel Graces which both in their Natures, Acts, and Objects are purely supernatural, having no Principle, Rule or Measure but Truth supernaturally revealed. Such in particular is the whole regard we have unto the Mediation of Christ, as also the Dispensation of the Spirit promised to abide with the Church for ever as its Comforter, with all the Duties of Obedience which depend thereon. He is ignorant of the Gospel, that knows not that in these things do lye the fundamental Principles of its Doctrine and Precepts, and that in the Exercise of those Graces in a way of Duty which immediately concerns them, consist the principal parts of the Life of God, or of that Obedience unto him by Jesus Christ, which is indispensibly required of all that shall be saved. Whereas therefore these things cannot be esteemed meerly Moral Vertues, nor do at all belong unto, but are considered as separate from all that Morality which is judged insufficient unto Life and Salvation, it is evident that it is not in the least dealt withall too p. 394severely, nor censured more harshly than it doth deserve. If therefore any betake themselves, hereunto as to the whole of their Duty, it comes under the account of that partial Defection from the Gospel which we enquire into.

Some there are who, as unto themselves, pretend they have attained unto Perfection already in this World; such a Perfection in all degrees of Holiness as the Gospel is but an Introduction towards. But this proud Imagination, destructive of the Covenant of Grace, of all Use and Mediation of the Blood of Christ, contrary to innumerable Testimonies of Scripture, and the Experience of all that do Believe, and concerning which their own Consciences do reprove the Pretenders unto it, needs not detain us in its Examination. It is sufficient unto our present Design to have given these Instances, How men may in a pretended Conscientious Discharge of many Duties of Obedience, yet fall off and decline from that which the Gospel requireth. The Occasions and Reasons hereof (supposing those more General before considered with respect unto the Truth of the Gospel, which all of them take place here, and have their Influence upon their Dislike of its Holiness,) p. 395may be briefly enquired into, and represented. Nor shall we confine our selves unto the Instances given, but take in the Consideration of every Declension from it, which on any Account befalls them who having had a Conviction of its Necessity, yet refuse to come unto its universal practice. And to this End we may observe:

First, That the Holiness which the Gospel requireth, will not be kept up nor maintained either in the Hearts or Lives of men, without a continual Conflict, warring, contending; and that with all Care, Diligence, Watchfulness, and Perseverance therein. It is our Warfare, and the Scripture abounds in the Discovery of the Adversaries we have to Conflict withall, their Power and Subtilty, as also in Directions and Encouragements unto their Resistance. To suppose that Gospel Obedience will be maintained in our Hearts and Lives without a continual Management of a vigorous Warfare against its Enemies, is to deny the Scripture and the Experience of all that do Believe and Obey God in Sincerity. Sathan, Sin, and the World, are continually assaulting of it, and seeking to ruine its Interest in us. The Devil will not be resisted, which it is our Duty to doe, (1 Pet. 5. 8, 9.) without p. 396a sharp Contest and Conflict; in the Management whereof we are commanded to take unto our selves the whole Armour of God; Ephes. 6. 12. Fleshly Lusts do continually warre against our Souls, 1 Pet. 2. 11. and if we maintain not a Warfare unto the End against them, they will be our ruine. Nor will the Power of the World be any otherwise avoided than by a Victory over it, 1 Joh. 5. 4. which will not be carryed without Contending. But I suppose it needs no great Confirmation unto any who know what it is to serve and obey God in Temptations, that the Life of Faith and Race of Holiness will not be preserved nor continued in, without a severe striving, labouring, contending, warring, with Diligence, Watchfulness and Perseverance; So that I shall at present take it as a Principle (Notionally at least,) agreed upon by the Generality of Christians. If we like not to be Holy on these Terms, we must let it alone, for on any other we shall never be so. If we faint in this Course, if we give it over, if we think what we aim at herein not to be worth the obtaining or preserving by such a severe Contention all our dayes, we must be content to be without it. Nothing doth so promote the Interest of Hell and Destruction p. 397in the World, as a Presumption that a lazy slothfull Performance of some Duties, and Abstinence from some Sins, is that which God will accept of as our Obedience. Crucifying of Sin, mortifying our inordinate Affections, contesting against the whole Interest of the Flesh, Sathan, and the World, and that in inward Actings of Grace, and all Instances of outward Duties, and that alwayes while we live in this World, are required of us hereunto.

Here lyes the first Spring of the Apostasie of many in the World, of them especially who betake themselves unto, and take up Satisfaction in another Way of Duties than what the Gospel requireth. They had (it is possible) by their Light and Convictions made so near Approaches unto it, as to see what an uncessant Travail of Soul is required unto its Attainment and Preservation.

They are like the Israelites travailing in the Wilderness towards the Land of Canaan. When they came neer unto the Borders and Entrance of it, they sent some to spy it out, that they might know the Nature and State of the Land and Countrey whither they were going. These for their Encouragement, and to evince the p. 398Fruitfulness of the Earth, bring unto them a Branch with one Cluster of Grapes so Great and Fair that they bare it between two on a staffe, and they brought also Pomegranates and Figs; Numb. 13. 23. But withall, they told them of the hideous Difficulties they were to Conflict withall, in that the People were strong, their Cities walled, and the Anakims dwelling among them, ver. 28. This utterly disheartens the carnal People, and notwithstanding the Prospect they had of the Land that flowed with Milk and Honey, back again they goe into the Wilderness, and there they perish.

So it is with these Persons; Notwithstanding the neer Approach they have made by Light and Convictions unto the Kingdom of God, (as our Saviour told the Young Man who was as one of them; Mark 12. 34.) and the Prospect they have of the Beauty of Holiness, yet turn off from it again and perish in the Wilderness. For upon the View they have of the Difficulties which lye in the Conflict mentioned, they fall under many Disadvantages which at length utterly divert them from its pursuit. As,

(1) Weariness of the Flesh, not enduring to comply with that constant Course of Duties continually returning upon it, which p. 399is required thereunto. Various Pleas will be made for an Exemption from them, at least in some troublesome Instances. And the carnal Mind will not want Pretences to countenance the Flesh in its Weariness. Hereon, one Duty after another is first omitted and then utterly foregone; Neglect of a vigorous Constancy in subduing the Body, and bringing of it into subjection, commended by the Apostle in his own Example, 1 Cor. 9. 27. is with many the beginning of this kind of Apostasie. These things (I say) will oft-times fall out, that through the weariness and Aversation of the Flesh, countenanced by various Pretences of the carnal Mind, sundry Duties will be omitted. But this is the Faith and Trial of the Saints, here is the difference between sound Believers, and those who are acted onelyonly by Convictions. Those of the first sort will sooner or later (for the most part speedily) be humbled for such Omissions, and recover their former Diligence according to the Prayer of the Psalmist; Psal. 119. ult. But where this Ground is won by the Flesh, and men grow satisfied under the Loss of any Duty, it is an Evidence of a hypocritical back-sliding Heart.

(2) When men are come unto the height p. 400of their Convictions, and proceed no farther, Indwelling Sin with its Lusts and corrupt Affections, (which have for a while been checked and mated by Light,) will insensibly prevail, and weary the Mind with Sollicitations for the Exercise of its old dominion. For the Spring of it being not dryed, the bitter Root of it being not digged up nor withered, it will not cease untill it hath broke down all the Bounds that were fixed unto it, and bear down Convictions with Force and Violence.

(3) Ignorance of the true Way of making Application unto the Lord Christ for Grace and Supplyes of the Spirit, to bring them unto, or preserve them in a State of Gospel-Holiness, is of the same importance. Without this, to dream of being holy according unto the Mind of God, is to renounce the Gospel. We need not look farther for Mens Apostasie than this, if they are satisfied with such an Holiness, such an Obedience, as is not derived unto us by the Grace of Christ, nor wrought in us by the Spirit of Christ, nor preserved in us by the Power of Christ. The Way hereof such Persons are alwayes ignorant of, and at length do openly despise. Yet may men as well see without the Sun or Light, or breathe without the Ayre, p. 401or live without Natural Spirits, as engage into or abide in the practice of Gospel-Holiness without continual Applications unto Christ the Fountain of all Grace, for spiritual strength enabling them thereunto. The Way and Means hereof these Persons being ignorant of, and unacquainted withall, the Holiness which the Gospel requireth becomes unto them a thing strange and burdensome, which therefore they desert and refuse. If therefore it be true, that without Christ we can doe nothing; that in our Life unto God, he liveth in us, and Efficiently is our Life; if from him (as the Head) Nourishment is supplyed unto every living Member of the Body; if the Life which we lead be by the Faith of the Son of God, and the onelyonly Way of deriving these things and all Supplyes of spiritual Strength from him, be by the Exercise of Faith in him; it follows unavoidably that all those who are unacquainted with this Way, who know not how to make their Application unto him for this End and Purpose, can never persevere in a Pursuit of Gospel-Holiness. So hath it fallen out and no otherwise with them concerning whom we speak; As Ignorance of the Righteousness of God, or of Christs being the End of the Law for Righteousness p. 402unto them that do Believe, is the Reason why Men go about to establish a Righteousness of their own, and will not submit to the Righteousness of God; so Ignorance of the Grace which is continually to be received from Christ in a way of Believing, that we may be holy with Gospel-Holiness, is the Reason why so many turn off from it, unto another kind of Holiness of their own framing, which yet is not another, because it is none at all. But many are so far from endeavouring after, or abiding in Gospel-Holiness on this Foundation of continual Supplyes of Grace from Jesus Christ to that End, as that they avowedly despise all Holiness and Obedience springing from that Fountain, or growing on that Root; in which Case God will judge. In the mean time, I say, (and the matter is evident,) that one principal Reason why men turn off from it upon the Prospect of the Difficulties that attend it, and the Oppositions that are made unto it, is their Ʋnbelief and Ignorance in the Way of making Application unto Christ by Faith, for Supplyes of spiritual Strength and Grace.

(4) Ʋnacquaintedness with the true Nature of Evangelical Repentance, is another p. 403Cause hereof. This is that Grace which comfortably carryeth the Souls of Believers thorough all their Failings, Infirmities and Sins. Nor are they able to live to God one day without the constant Exercise of it. They find it as Necessary unto the Continuance of spiritual Life, as Faith it self. It is not only a Means of our Entrance into, but it belongs essentially unto our Gospel-state and our Continuance therein. Hereunto belongs that continual humble Self-abasement, from a Sense of the Majesty and Holiness of God, with the disproportion of the Best of our Duties unto his Will, which Believers live and walk in continually; And he that is not sensible of a gracious sweetness and usefulness therein, knows not what it is to walk with God. Hereby doth God administer several Encouragements unto our Souls to abide in our Way of Obedience; notwithstanding the many Discouragements and Despondencies we meet withall. In brief, take it away, and you overthrow Faith and Hope and all other Graces. Those therefore who are unacquainted with the Nature and Use of this Grace and Duty, who can taste no spiriritual Refreshment in all its Sorrows, who know nothing of it but legal Troubles, Anguish, p. 404Fear and Distractions, will not endure the Thoughts of living in the practice of it all their dayes, which yet is as Necessary unto Gospel-Holiness, as Faith it self. Men I say falling into this Condition, finding all these Difficulties to Conflict withall, and lying under these Disadvantages, if any thing will offer it self in the room of this Costly Holiness, they will readily embrace it. Hence, as some betake themselves unto a pretence of Morality, (which as unto many is a meer Pretence, and made use of onelyonly to countenance themselves in a Neglect of the whole of that Obedience which the Gospel openly requireth;) so others doe under other Expressions retreat unto the meer Duties of their own Light, and those as onelyonly required therein, with some peculiar Reliefs unto the Flesh in what is burdensome unto it. As for Instance; There is nothing that the Flesh more riseth up in a Dislike of, and Opposition unto, than Constancy in the Duty of Prayer, in Private, in Families, on all Occasions; especially if attended unto in a spiritual Manner as the Gospel doth require. But in it self, and as to the substance of it, it is a Duty which the Light of Nature exacteth of us. But whereas this may prove burdensome p. 405to the Flesh, a Relief is borrowed from a Pretence of Gospel Light and Liberty, that men need not Pray at any time, unless their own Spirits or Light do previously require it of them; which is to turn the Grace of God into an Occasion of sinning. By this Means some have gotten an Holiness wherein for the most part it seems indifferent to them whether they pray at any time or no. And other Instances of the like Kind might be given. Upon the whole matter, to free themselves from this State, so uneasie to Flesh and Blood, so contrary unto all the Imaginations of the carnal Mind, some men have betaken themselves unto another, wherein they have (or pretend to have) no Conflict against Sin, nor to need any Application unto the Lord Christ for Supplyes of spiritual Strength, which belongs not unto that Holiness which the Gospel requires, and which God accepts.

It may be said, that in some of the Instances before given, especially in that of the Papacy, there is an Appearance of a greater Conflict with, and more hardships put on the Flesh, than in any other way of Obedience that is pleaded for. And there is indeed such an Appearance, but it is no p. 406more. The Oppositions that arise against their Austerities, are from without, or from Nature as it is weak, but not as it is carnal. It is possible that Sin may not be concern'd in what they do, neither in its Power nor Reign; Yea so far as it is leavened by Superstition, it acts it self therein no less than it doth in others by fleshly Lusts. But it is an internal spiritual immediate Opposition unto its Being and all its Actings, that it riseth up with such Rage against, as to weary those who have not that living Principle of Faith whereto the Victory over it doth peculiarly appertain.

Secondly, This Evangelical Holiness will not allow of, nor will consist with the constant habitual Omission of any one Duty, or the Satisfaction of any one Lust of the Mind or of the Flesh. As we are in all Instances of Duty to be perfecting Holiness in the fear of the Lord, 2 Cor. 7. 1; so no Provision is to be made for the Flesh, to fulfill the Lusts thereof. Rom. 13. 14. This is that which loseth it so many Friends in the World. Would it barter with the Flesh, would it give and take Allowances in any kind, or grant Indulgence unto any one Sin, Multitudes would have a kindness for it, which now bid it defiance. Every one would have p. 407an Exemption for that Sin which he likes best, and which is most suited to his Inclinations and carnal Interests. And this would be Virtually a Dispensation for all Unholiness whatever. But these are the Terms of the Gospel; no one Duty is to be neglected, no one Sin is to be indulged, and they are looked upon as intolerable. Naaman would not give up himself unto the Worship of the God of Israel but with this Reserve, That he might also bow in the House of Rimmon, whereon his Power and Preferment did depend. Many things the Young Man in the Gospel boasted himself to have done, and was (doubtless) willing to continue in the Performance of them; But yet through his whole Course, the Love of the World had the Prevalency in him, and when he was tryed in that Instance, rather than relinquish it, he gave up the whole. But this is the Law of the Gospel: Although it provide a mercifull Relief against those daily Sins which we are overtaken withall by our Frailty and Weakness, or surprized into by the Power of Temptations, against the Bent of our Minds and habitual Inclination of our Wills, (1 Pet. 2. 1, 2.) yet it alloweth not the Cherishing or Practice of any one Sin, p. 408Internal or External whatever. An habitual Course in any Sin, is utterly inconsistent with Evangelical Obedience, 1 Joh. 3. 6, 7, 8, 9. Yea it requireth indispensibly that we be engaged in our Minds and Wills, in an Opposition unto all Sin, and a constant Endeavour after its not being in us, either in the Root or in the Fruit thereof. It will not connive at, or comply with any inordinate Affection, any habitual sinfull Distemper, nor the first Motions of Sin that are in the Flesh. This is that Perfection which is required in the New Covenant, Gen. 17. 1. that Sincerity, Integrity, freedom from Guile, walking after the Spirit and not after the Flesh, and Newness of Life, which the Gospel every where prescribeth unto us. On no other Terms but Ʋniversality in Obedience and Opposition unto Sin, will it approve of us, 1 Joh. 3. 8, 9.

And this occasioneth the turning aside of many from the Pursuit of an Endeavour to be holy according unto the Rule of the Gospel. When by their Light and Convictions they come to take a view of what is required thereunto, it disliketh them, they cannot bear it, and therefore either at once or gradually give over all Wayes of pursuing their first Design. And men break p. 409with the Gospel on this Account, by the Means ensuing.

First, They cannot make the same judgement of Sin that the Gospel doth, nor will judge all those things to be Sin and Evil which the Gospel declares so to be. Yea we have some come unto that Pharisaisme, that they scarce think any thing to be sinfull, or worth taking notice of, unless it be openly flagitious. Under this Darkness and Ignorance all sorts of filthy noysome Lusts may be cherished in the Hearts of Men, keeping them at as great and real a Distance from the Holiness of Truth, as the most outragious outward Sins can doe. And this Neglect or Refusal to comply with the Rule of the Gospel before laid down, is grounded in and promoted by two Occasions.

1. They have a willing Insensibility of the Guilt of some unmortified Lust, this they will abide in and cherish. For their Minds being habituated unto it, they find no great evil in it, nor do see any cogent Reason why they should foregoe it. So was it with the Young Man with respect unto the Love of the World. He was sorry that he could not be Evangelically Obedient whilest he retained it; but seeing that p. 410would not be, he did not discern any such Evil in, nor was sensible of any such Guilt from it, nor could apprehend any such Equality in, or Necessity of Gospel-Holiness, that he should renounce the one for the embracing of the other. So will it be when any Lust is made familiar unto the Mind; it will not be terrified with it, nor can see any great danger in it. It is between such a Soul and Sin as it is between the Devil and the Witch, or one that hath a familiar Spirit, as we render the Hebrew Ob and Jideoni. At the first Appearance of the Devil, be it in what Shape it will, it cannot but bring a Tremor and Fear on Humane Nature. But after a while he becomes a familiar, and when alone he is to be feared, he is not feared at all. The poor deceived Wretch then thinks him in his Power, so that he can use or command him as he sees good; whereas he himself is absolutely in the Power of the Devil. Men may be startled with Sin in its first Appearance, on their first Convictions, or its first dangerous Efforts; but when it is become their Familiar, they suppose it a thing in their own Power, which they can use or not use as they see Occasion; though indeed themselves are the servants of corruption, p. 411being overcome thereby and brought into Bondage. Hence it is inconceivable how little sense of Guilt in some Sins men find, after they are habituated unto them. In some sins I say, for with respect unto Sins absolutely against the Light of Nature, Conscience will not easily be bribed not to condemn them. It will not in such Cases be speechless, untill it be seared and made senseless. But there are Sins not accompanyed with so great an Evidence, yet attended with no less Guilt than those which directly militate against the Light of Nature. In this Case, when the Word of the Gospel comes, as it is living and powerfull, sharper than any two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the Soul and Spirit, and of the Joynts and Marrow, as a Discoverer and Judge of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart; When it comes and discovers the secret Frames, Figments, Imaginations, Inclinations of the Mind, and condemneth what is in the least Measure or Manner irregular; when it will not be put off, nor accept of any Composition or Compensation by the most strict and rigid Profession in other things; Men are ready to withdraw themselves to the Rule of their own Light and Reason, which they find more gentle and tractable.

p. 4122. A Dereliction of the Gospel on this Account with respect unto the inwardness, spirituality and extent of its Commands, is much increased under the Influence of corrupt Opinions. And of this Nature are all those which tend unto the Extenuation of Sin. For some there are who suppose that there is not such a provoking Guilt, such a spiritual Outrage in Sin, as others pretend. Hence multitudes, as they judge, are needlessely troubled and perplexed about it. A generous Mind free from superstitious Fears, and dark Conceits imbibed in Education, will deliver the Mind of Man from the trouble of such Apprehensions. A great sense of the Guilt of small Sins, is an Engine to promote the Interest of Preachers, and those who pretend to the Conduct of Conscience. The Filth and Pollution of Sin, is a Metaphor which few can understand, and none ought to be concerned in. That the Power of the Remainder of In-dwelling Sin is a foolish Notion; and that the disorderly Frames of the Heart, and the Mind, through Darkness, Deadness, spiritual Indisposition, or other secret Irregularities, are Fancies, not Sins, which we need not be troubled at our selves, nor make any Acknowledgement of unto God. These p. 413and the like Opinions are the Pharisaical Corban of our Age, corrupting the whole Law of our Obedience. And it were easie to manifest, how perillous and ruinous they are unto the Souls of Men; what powerful Instruments in the hand of Sathan to eclipse the Glory of the Grace of Christ on the one hand, and to promote Apostasie from Holiness in the Hearts and Lives of men on the other. I shall onelyonly say, set the corrupt Heart of Man by any Means at Liberty from an Awe and Reverence of the Holiness of God and his Law, with respect unto the inward Actings and Frames of the Soul, with a sense of Guilt where they are irregular, and a Necessity of constant Humiliation before God thereon, and an equally constant Application of it self unto the Lord Christ for Grace and Mercy; and it is wholly in vain to think of fixing any other Bounds unto the progress of Sin. The Ignorance hereof is that which hath produced in some the proud Imagination of Perfection, where they are far enough from bringing their Consciences and Lives to the Rule of the Gospel, but onelyonly aggravate their Guilt by attempting to bend that inflexible Rule unto their own perverse and crooked Minds.

p. 414Secondly; In this Case, carnal Interest, which takes in and comprizeth all the Circumstances of Men, calls for an Indulgence unto some one Sin or other, which the Gospel will not admit of. Pride and Ambition, Covetousness or Love of this present evil World, and the perishing things of it, Uncleanness or Sensuality in Eating, Drinking; Self-exaltation and Boasting, Vain-glory, Idleness, one or other must be spared. One thing (I say) or other on the Account of carnal Interest, either because small, or useful, or general, or suited unto a Natural Temper, or as is supposed made necessary by the Occasions of Life, must be reserved. Where this Resolution prevails, as men are absolutely excluded from any real Interest in Gospel-Holiness, which will admit of no such Reserves, so it will not fail to lead them into open Apostasie of one kind or another. For,

(1) Such Persons are unapproved of God in all that they doe, and so have no Ground for Expectation of his Blessing or Assistance. For the Allowance of the least Sin, is such an Impeachment of Sincerity, as casteth a man out of the compass of Covenant-Communion with God. This is that offending in One point which ruines a mans Obedience, p. 415and renders him Guilty against the whole Law; Jam. 2. 10. Any one actual Sin makes a man guilty of the Curse of the whole Law, as it contains the Covenant of Works; and the willing Allowance of a mans self in any one Sin habitually, breaks the whole Law as it contains the Rule of our Obedience in the Covenant of Grace. And if in this disapproved Condition men meet with outward Prosperity in the World, their Danger will be encreased, as well as their Guilt aggravated. And the utmost Care of Professors is required in this matter. For there seems to be among many an open Indulgence unto habitual Disorders; which hazards their whole Covenant-Interest, and must fill them with Uncertainty in their own Minds. High time it is for all such Persons to shake off every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset them, and to run with re-doubled Diligence the remainder of the Race that is set before them.

(2) This Indulgence unto any one Sin, will make way in the Minds, Consciences and Affections of men for the Admission of other Sins also: It will be like a Thief that is hidden in an House, and onelyonly waits an Opportunity to open the Doors unto his other p. 416Companions; To this end he watcheth for a Season of sleep and darkness, when there is none to observe his Actings. Let a Person who thus alloweth himself to live in any sin, fall into Temptation whilest he is a little more than ordinary careless, his allowed Corruption shall open his Heart unto any other Sin that offers for Admission. Look not (saith the Wise-man) upon the Wine when it is red, when it giveth its colour in the Cup, when it moveth it self aright; Thine Eyes shall behold strange Women, and thine Heart shall utter perverse things; Prov. 23. 31, 33. One Sin liked and loved, will make way for any other. There is a Kindred and Alliance between Sins of all sorts, and they agree in the same End and Design. Where any one is willingly entertained, others will intrude themselves beyond all our Power of Resistance.

(3) It will divert the Soul from the Ʋse of those Means whereby all other Sins should be resisted, and thereby Apostasie be prevented. For, there is no Means appointed or sanctified by God for the Resistance or Mortification of Sin, but it opposeth Sin as Sin, and consequently every thing that is so, and that because it is so. Wherefore, whoever willingly reserves any one Sin from p. 417the Efficacy of the Means God hath appointed for its Mortification, doth equally reserve all. And as those Means do lose their Power and Efficacy towards such Persons, so they will insensibly fall off from a Conscientious Attendance unto any of those Ways and Duties whereby Sin should be opposed and ruined.

Thirdly, Many of those Graces in whose Exercise this Evangelical Holiness doth principally consist, are such as are of no Reputation in the World. The greatest Moralists that ever were, whether Pharisees or Philosophers, could never separate between their Love and Practice of Vertue on the one hand, and their own Honour, Glory and Reputation on the other. There was in them, as the Poet expresseth it in one Instance,

—Amor Patriae, landum{que} immensa cupido.

Hence they alwayes esteemed those Virtues the most Excellent which had the best Acceptation and the greatest Vogue of Prayse among Men. And it seems to be ingrafted in the Nature of Man, to have some kind of Desire to be approved in what men judge themselves to do well and Laudably. Neither is this Desire so evil in it self, but that it may be mannaged in subordination p. 418unto the Glory of God, which nothing that is absolutely Evil or in its own Nature, on any Considerations or Circumstances can be. But when at any time it swells into an Excess, and the Pharisaical Leaven of being seen and praysed of men, puffeth it up, it is the worst Poyson that the Mind can be infected withall. In what degree soever it be admitted, in the same it alienates the Mind from Gospel-Holiness. And it doth so Effectually, I mean this Self-love, and love of the Prayse of others doth so, on the Reason mentioned; namely, that the Graces in whose Exercise it doth principally consist, are of no Reputation in the World. Such are, Meekness, Gentleness, Self-denyal, Poverty of Spirit, Mourning for Sin, hungring and thirsting after Righteousness, Mercy and Compassion, Purity of Heart, Openness and Simplicity of Spirit, Readiness to undergoe and forgive Injuries, Zeal for God, Contempt of the World, Fear of Sin, Dread of Gods Judgement for Sin; and the like. These are those Adornings of the Inner man of the Heart which with God are of great price. But as unto their Reputation in the World, Weaknesse, Softnesse of Nature, Superstitious Folly, Madness, Hypocritical Preciseness, is the best p. 419Measure they meet withall. When men begin to discern, that as unto this Holiness of the Gospel, its principal work lyes within doors, in the Heart and Mind, in the things that no Mortal Eye seeth, and few commend so much as in the Notion of them, and which in their outward Exercise meet with no good Entertainment in the World, they betake themselves unto and rest in those Duties which make a better Appearance, and meet with better Acceptance. And many of them are such as in their proper place are diligently to be attended unto, provided they draw not off the Mind from an Attendance unto those despised Graces and their Exercise, wherein the Life of true Holiness doth consist. And it is well if we are all sufficiently aware of the Deceits of Sathan in this Matter. In the Beginnings of the General Apostasie from the Power and Purity of Christian Religion, to countenance all sorts of Persons in a Neglect of the principal Graces of the Gospel, the Necessity of Regeneration and an Heavenly Principle of spiritual Life, they were put wholly on Outward splendid Works of Piety and Charity, as they were esteemed. Let their Minds be defiled, their Lusts unmortified, their Hearts unhumbled, their p. 420whole Souls unfurnished of spiritual and heavenly Graces, yet (as they would have it,) these outward Works should assuredly bring them all unto a blessed Immortality and Glory. But this face of the Covering, this Vail that was spread over many Nations, being now in many places (particularly among Us) rent and destroyed, both Wisdom and much Circumspection are required, that neither under a Pretence, nor under a real Endeavour after the inward spiritual Graces of Christ and their due Exercise, we do not countenance our selves in the Neglect of those outward Duties which are any way usefull unto the Glory of God, and the Good of Mankind. These are some of the Causes, and other there are of an alike Nature, from the powerfull Influence whereof upon their Minds, men have changed Gospel Holiness for other Wayes of Obedience, which also they give other Names unto.