evill which did dwell within him, was his principall matter of conflict.
Sixthly, It zealously contendeth for the maintainance of Gods pure worship and service. Judah ruleth with the Lord,Hos. 11.12. and is faithfull with the holy One. Judah retaineth the pure worship of God, whose service is perfect freedome, and the truest dominion: for he that serveth the Lord purely, hath rule over Satan and his own unruly lusts.
Seventhly, In all service the true Christian strives to approve his heart unto God, and to performe it as in his presence, to the glory of his name. He prayeth with the Spirit,Eph. 6.19.
1 Cor. 14.15. obeyeth from the heart,Rom. 6.17. heares with reverence, speakes as in the sight of God,2 Cor. 2.17. and doth all things with life and power.
Eighthly, In all conditions or estates of life, in all dealings secret or open, publike or private, at home or abroad, he will carry himself as becomes the Gospell, and study to be harmelesse, unblameable, and without rebuke before God and man. Doe all things without murmurings and disputings:Phil. 2.15. That ye may be blamelesse, and harmlesse, the Sonnes of God without rebuke. Thus a Christian servant will shew all diligence in his Masters businesse,Eph. 6.6,7.
Col. 3.22,23. as well absent as present, froward or courteous; and all faithfulnesse in things committed to his charge,Tit. 2.10.
Dan. 6.4. even to the least pinne, though he might doe otherwise with secrecy and security from men; and that willingly, of conscience, and not for hope of credit or gaine. And not so only, but he will reverence his Master, and in heart be that unto him, which he seemeth to be in carriage, and that behind his back which he is before his face. A Christian man will be simple, plaine, and just in all his dealings, inoffensive in matters of Religion, loving and courteous in all his behaviour, and what he would seeme to be towards others in their presence, that he is inwardly, and in their absence.
Ninthly, True grace is permanent, and sound Christians are constant in their course, not shrinking in temptation, not starting aside like a broken bow. An hypocrite is wavering in respect of occurrences, halting and divided in respect of objects; in subjection to inordinate passions, powerlesse in the performance of holy duties, wise to hide and cover sinne, glorious in empty shewes of Religion, apt for advantage to swallow lesser sinnes without straining, slippery in earthly dealings, aiming at wrongends
