Page:Saint's duty in evil times (3).pdf/13

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The Saint's Duty in Evil Times.


Firſt, If ye be come to Chriſt, then ye will find in you a hatred of all ſin naturally, and a deſire to all good, tho' often ye may fail in the performance, Rom. vii. 15. Paul ſays, That which I do, I allow not, for what I would, that I do not, but what I hate, that I do, I John iii. 6. Whoſoever abideth in him ſinneth not; to wit, firſt, purpoſedly, ſecondly, willingly, thirdly, af- fectionately, fourthly, not unto death: For the Lord's people have, (1.) Grief. (2.) Care to recover. (3.) Fear to ſin. O! can ye run on in ſin, without returning and care of repentance; if it be ſo, ye are not in this living root.
Secondly, If ye come unto Chriſt, then ye will find this in you, a right and high eſteem of the Lord's mercy, he and his ſalvation will be only precious in your eyes. Bleſſed is he whoſe tranſgreſſion is forgiven, whoſe ſín is covered, Pſal. xxxii. 1. That will be your thoughts.
Thirdly, if ye be come unto Chriſt, ye will find this in you, a love unto the way of holineſs as well as happineſs itſelf: Yea, your heart will be ſo drawn after that noble device of ſalvation, ſeeing all the glorious attributes of God ſo ſhining therein, that ye would in no ways be content to go to heaven another way, than that glorious way, tho' it could be had, and this is all the Loud requires of you, only a pleaſing the device. This is the brazen ſerpent, which ye muſt look unto for healing. O! come away.
Fourthly, If ye be come unto Chriſt, then ye will find this in you, an acting upon God, as he acts upon you: Hath he called you? then ye will call upon him; hath he juſtified you? then ye will juſtify him.
Fifthly, If ye be come unto Chriſt, then ye will find this in you, a ſelf-denial, and a daily taking up the croſs, againſt your own inclinations, the doctrine and practice of mortification, &c a cutting yourſelf ſhort of carnal delights will be deſired by you.
Sixthly, If ye be come unto Chriſt, then ye will be ſubject to vhim willingly, and yield ſweetly unto the ſwaying of his ſcepter in your ſoul.
Seventhly, If ye be come unto Chriſt, then ye are ſubject unto him univerſally in all his commands.
Eightly, If ye be come unto Chriſt, then ye are ſubject unto him ſincerely in all things, ſeeking his glory.
Ninthly, If ye be come unto Chriſt, then ye are ſubject unto him conſtantly, obeying him without wearying.
Tenthly, If ye he come unto Chriſt, then his word abideth in you, I John ii. 14. If that which ye have heard from the beginning remain in you, ye ſhall continue in the Son and in the Father; it muſt abide in you, ſo as your mind underſtands it, your hearts affect it. O how have that which ye have read and heard remained ? Few, few, in Chriſt. Eleventhly,