5. So then the point of doctrine is this, tliat the trial of a sincere Chris- tians estate is nniversality of obedience. Universality of carriage in all con- ditions is the trial of Christian sincerity. He must dispense with himself in no sin, and he must be a vessel prepared for every good work, ' a vessel of glory,' as the apostle speaks, 2 Tim. ii. 21. He must baulk no service that God calls him to. What is the reason of this ?
The reason is, because a Christian hath the sanctifying Spirit, and the sanctifijinrf Spirit hath the seeds of all graces in it ; so that where it is, there is the subduing of all sin in the root. And then all graces are answerable to the commandments of God in all duties, and to the avoiding of all sins. And therefore James saith pregnantly to this purpose, he that ' oflends in one is guilty of all,' ii. 10.
Use 1. Let us take heed ice plead not immunity and freedom from some things, and think that the good we do in some kind may excuse the bad
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we do in others. You have some that will take liberty in an unclean con- versation, because they arc bountiful and liberal ; and they will take liberty to be oppressive in their calHngs, because they attend upon the means of' salvation. Oh no ! take heed of that carriage that is against the profes- sion of religion. There nuist be an universal disposition to all graces and to all duties, though they be never so contrary and cross to corrupt nature. The devil knows well where to have some men, for he sees they mind some sin, and are careless in the practice of other duties ; and therefore, in the hour of temptation, the devil will surprise such men, and it will be a ground of despair if they take not heed. Put the case a man will say this, I can part with all things else, Oh, but I cannot die : I can be content to be imprisoned, but I cannot endure to be disgraced. Let a man dispense and favour himself but in one thing, and when the time comes he will be dis- covered to be but an hypocrite. Then Batan will work upon that, and there he will be shaken in his condition. By reason that he did not learn self-denial perfectly, he hath not grace disposing him to the practice of all Christian duties. He hath not learned to know God in covenant, to sup- ply his wants of honour, credit, wife and children, and all that he is to part withal for Christ's sake. Now he that hath not learned this in reso- lution, though God do not yet call him to it, by entering into his own soul, and asking himself what he can part with, and what he can resist for Christ's sake, ' What can I endure ? what can I suffer ?' If his heart do not tell him, I can part with all, I will rather endure death itself, rather endure shame, or any thing, than break the peace of a good con- science, and grieve the Spirit of God. If he cannot answer his soul thus, surely I can speak little comfort to that man. For we see a Christian must be able to do all things ; that is, to resist all ill, to practise all duty, to break off all sinful courses.
Quest. But some will object, May not a Christian be subject to some especial sin ?
A71S. Yes, he may. God, for especial purposes sometimes, will have men of eminent graces to be subject to notable infirmities. But what, do they plead for them ? No ; but as by temper, or by foi-mer custom, or as they find themselves more inclined one way than another, so they gather strength especially against their especial sin. And in the beginning of con- version, there is a blow given to the reigning sin that was before ; and as when Goliah was slain, and all the rest fled, 1 Sam. xvii. 51, so grace strikes at the Goliah. In conversion, there is a main stroke given unto sin. Perhaps somewhat remains still, that grace will be hewing at, and therefore grace may stand with an especial sin that a man is inclined to. But this he labours to get all strength against, as other, so strength of direc- tion. You shall find a Christian when he is subject to any infirmity, he will speak more learnedty, and more judiciously, with greater detestation against that sin that he is most prone unto than against any other. He labours to make up the breach where the wall is weakest. So a man may be a good man, and be subject to an infirmity, but then he gathers more strength against it.
Use 2. Well, you see then a Christian is able to do all things through Christ that strengthens him. I beseech you, let us often enter into our- selves, and make an use of trial, also of that which hath been spoken, what we can do, what we can part with, what we can resist. Let us never think ourselves to be in such an estate as is fit to be, to comfort ourselves, till we can in truth and sincerity of heart renounce all whatsoever. Yet not-