Secondly, It is more suitable to man's nature. The word is more morally accommodated to work upon the heart of man than any other instrument, means, or doctrine in the world.
1. The precepts of it. It is the copy of God's holiness, the light by which we see everything in its own colours. The light of nature is ep'yov voixov, ' the work of the law,' Kom. ii. 14, 15. It taketh notice of gross acts of sin, and the outward work of duty ; they made con- science to abstain from gross acts of sin, and to perform outward acts of piety and devotion, as offering sacrifices and prayers. But now there is an excellent spirit of holiness that breatheth in the word, and all matters of duty are advanced to their greatest perfection : Ps. cxix. 96, ' Thy commandment is exceeding broad ; ' of a vast extent and latitude, comprising every motion, thought, and cii'cumstance in duties ; not only the act is required, but the frame of heart is regarded ; not only sins, but lusts are forbidden. If ever there were an instru- ment fitted to do a thing, the word is fitted to promote holiness, the true purity that is pleasing to God.
2. The patterns and examples of the ^vord. We miscarry by low ex- amples, and learn looseness and carelessness one by another. Therefore the word of God, to elevate holiness to the highest extent, presseth not only the examples of the saints, whose memorials are left upon record in the word, but the holiness of the angels, yea, the holiness of God himself. The highest aim doth no hurt ; he will shoot further who aimeth at a star than he that aimeth at a shrub : ' Be ye fol- lowers of them who through faith and patience have inherited the promises,' Heb. vi. 12 ; ' Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven,' Mat. vi. 10 ; 'Be ye holy, as I am holy,' 1 Peter i. 15. Com- munion begets conformity. We need all kinds of examples ; high examples, that we may not rest in any low degrees and beginnings of holiness ; low examples, that we may think it possible. We are not
424 SERMONS UPON JOHN XVII. [Ser. XXVII.
nngels, but men and women, oixoLoiraOei';, of like affections, that have the same natural interests, natural wants with others. It is a trodden path ; in the way to heaven you may see the footsteps of the saints.
3. Excellent rewards, and fit arguments to induce us to the prac- tice of holiness : 2 Cor. vii. 1, * Having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all the iilthiness of flesh and spirit, per- fecting holiness in the fear of God ; ' 2 Peter i. 4, ' Whereby are given imto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.' God covenants with us, as if we were free- born ; to interest our hearts in the love and practice of holiness, we havo as much propounded as we can wish for, nay, and moi-e : 1 Cor. ii. 9, ' Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' Lactantius saith of the heathens, Virtutis vim non sentiunt, cujus pne- TYiium ignorant — They feel not the power of virtue, because they are ignorant of the reward of virtue. Life and glory, and the great things to come, are powerful motives ; can you meet with the like elsewhere ? All creatures seek their own perfection. Philosophy is to seek of a sure reward and encouragement.
4. Our many advantages in Christ. We have not only encourage- ment offered, but help and assistance. Christ hath purchased grace to make us holy : 1 Peter ii. 24, ' Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead unto sin, might live to righteousness ; by whose stripes ye were healed.' He hath not only purchased the rewards of grace, to wit, that God should not deal with us in sovereignity ; but purchased the abilities of grace, ' redeemed us from a vain conversation,' 1 Peter i. 18. By his death the covenant is made a testament, and all the precepts are turned into so many pro- mises and legacies. Christ will give what he requireth. All excuse is taken away from laziness, and wickedness is no longer allowed the plea of weakness. There is help offered in Christ.
5. Terrible threatenings. The word is imjiatient of being denied ; it would have holiness upon any terms. There is somewhat pro- pounded to our fear as well as our hope ; not only the loss of happiness : Heb. xii. 14, ' Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God,' which is loss enough to an ingenuous spirit ; but the forfeiture of the soul into eternal torments, without ease, without end : ' Go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' God hath a prison for obstinate creatures, a worm that never dies, a fire that never goes out. Whose heart doth not tremble at the mention of these things ? We cannot endure the torment of one night under a feverish distemper ; how shall we think of lying down in everlasting burnings ?