4. It shows the necessity and excellency of holiness. Tlie necessity of it will appear thus: — It is not only an evidence of our interest in the relative privileges, such as pardon, adoption, and the like ; not only necessary byway of gratitude for salvation received, but it is necessary tis a part of salvation itself. Tliis is the salvation, the blessing of the lledeemer, this is the thing wherein he hath showed his free grace, in that he hath purchased the Spirit to heal our natures, and restore the image of God to us which was defaced by sin. Herein is Christ a Saviour, in saving his people from their sins, and ' he hath saved us by washing us in the laver of regeneration.' And once more, it is not only a main part of our salvation, but a necessary means to obtain the rest. No obtaining pardon without conversion, nor heaven till sin be quite done away. Secondly, The excellency of holiness appears. Fof this end we are redeemed by Christ, Luke i. 74, 75. And renewed by the Holy Ghost, Eph. iv. 24. Yea, our everlasting blessedness con- sists in the perfection of holiness, Eph. v. 27.
It informs us how much Christians are to blame, that they im-
212 THE THIRD SERMON. [ACTS III. 26.
prove their Christianity uo more to get power and strength against sin. Christ, consider him as a prophet, priest, or king, doth still discover himself to be one that came to take away sin. As a prophet, he hath given us such a doctrine as is fit for such a use, John xvii. 17. His word is the best ghiss to see corruption. The highest motives in the world are propounded to purge it out His calls, promises, and threats are all to take away sin ; and as a priest, he hath paid the })rice tliat was necessary to preserve the honour of God's justice, that there miglit be no stop in the w\ay of that abundant grace, and that we may have the gift of the Spirit, 1 John i. 7. Because his blood was that meritorious price that was shed, that we might be turned from sin, and this blood is pleaded before God, ' He lives for ever to make intercession for you,' that in all your conflicts and temptations you may liave necessary strengtli against sin. Asa king, he doth powerfully by his Spirit maintain his interest against the devil, world, and flesh, and lielps you to overcome sin. He is ' the captain of your salvation.' Yet lamentable it is to see what a poor cowardly spirit is in most Christians, how soon captivated with every slender assault and petty temptation, and their resolutions so soon shaken, not so much for want of strength, as sluggishness and cowardice, and want of care. Men spare their pains, and then cry out they are impotent, when there is such grace provided in the Redeemer. Like lazy beggars that l)ersonate and act diseases because they would not work, they are not able to stand before the slightest motions of sin, because they do not stir up themselves and improve the grace they have, or might have by Christ. Certainly idle complaints of sin will not become those that profess an interest in Christ, for his main great undertaking, which is by all methods carried on still, is the taking away sin. So much for the information.
II. Take home with you this truth in your hearts, that Christ's work is to turn you from sin, and it is the great blessing we have from him in the new covenant. Then do not neglect this work, nor contemn this blessing. You know the fault of those, they made light of these things. Esi)ecially do not resist this work, nor grieve the Holy Spirit of Christ which would work it in you, and quench not his sanctifying motions ; rather deliver up yourselves to all his healing methods, and be so far from resisting, that you should improve the })owerof his grace every day. , He turns us indeed by way of efficiency, but we turn our- selves by submission to his blessed motions. He draws, and we run after him. Therefore, every time Christ otlers this saving help, thou art put to thy choice, whether thou wilt have Christ or sin to reign over thee. Christ, that doeth it for thee, must do it in thee. Christ is the author tiiat turns, but the sinner is the subject, and he first works upon you, and afterwards he works by you. He converts you to God by the victorious impressions of his grace, and afterwards, 'ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body.' We cannot do it ; Christ must do it, but he will do it in his own way. He hath sanctified ordinances to convey this to you. Now, wilt thou wait diligently till it be accomplished r* The physician cures the disease, but tiie patient must take the apj)ointed medicine. You must not expect he should cure it, and thou feel it not, as it were by spells and charms without
2 Pet. I. 4.] the fouuth SEUMoy. 213
thee, without putting tliee to the trouble of physic. Take up a lesolution to look after the cure of thy soul, and observe the whole pro- gress of the work, and what a wound is given to sin in every ordinance : what in the word, what in the Lord's Supper ; how thy resolution is strengthened against it ; how the carnal nature wears off every day. The work is not perfect in an instant, but he is still turning ; therefore when thou beginnest to be dead to sin, die more. Ye are dead, there- fore mortify. Christ hath perfectly bought off all sin in every kind and degree ; should not we strive to have all that he hath purchased ? At least do not strengthen thy bonds, the sin thou canst not avoid hate it, and keep up the lively resistance still. Hear diligently, pray earnestly, watch narrowly, and keep thyself from thy sin : do not only pare the nails of it, but cut off thy very right hand, and mortify and subdus it yet more and more, that Christ may have his conquest in thy soul.