tardie in this evill: and Bradford with others of those most holy Martyrs, doe much seeke pardon of hypocrisie and carnall gospelling. But sinne that raigneth not, must not discourage: and if we have an unfained purpose against it, if we grieve for it, if we seeke for strength against it, it reigneth not.
The effect or evidence of a sound heart is, that being well informed in the truth of God, he doth heartily resigne himselfe to be guided and directed by the Lord, in all things. As Paul prayeth in behalfe of the Philippians,Phil. 1.10. that they might approve things that are excellent, that they might be sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ. And it is noted of Ezra,Ezra 7.10. that he prepared his heart to seeke the Law of the Lord, and to doe it: and to teach in Israel, Statutes and Judgements. And from this generall spring divers particulars.
First, Truth breeds an hatred of all false and corrupt opinions in Doctrine: because sound affections require good judgement and true understanding, and if the understanding that should guide and governe the inferiour powers be perverted with errour, the heart must needs move out of order. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisedome,Pro. 15.21. but a man of understanding walketh uprightly, or directeth himselfe straite in walking: He can never shoote straight, that takes his aime contrary. The voice of a true heart soundeth thus in David,Psal. 119.113,
128. I hate vaine thoughts, but thy Law doe I love. I esteeme all thy Precepts concerning all things to be right, but I hate every false way.
Secondly, It hath in detestation all false and devised worship, which is nothing but lying pompe and vanity. Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit.Hos. 11.12. Truth seeke neerenes and acquaintance with God: but in devised worship no comfort or profit is to be found: ratherMath. 15.9.
Isa.29.14. the heart is removed from God, when men draw nigh to him with their lips.
Thirdly, It worketh an universall hatred of all sinne, that is, of secret as well as open sinnes, of lesser sinnes as well as of greater evils, of such sinnes as whereunto we have speciall inticements by some particular content or profit, which they seeme to promise, as well as of those which afford neither gaine, credit, nor pleasure. A true heart hath a costant purpose in no one thing, willingly to sinne against God, but rather to indeavour the uttermost in eve-ry
