^dly. Very few of the 'precepts of it are certain, so as that we may take them for an undoubted and infallible rule. There are some general commands, I acknowledge, so clear in the light of nature as that no question can be made but that what is required in them is our duty to perform; such are they, that God is to be loved, that others are not to be injured, that every one's right is to be rendered unto him, whereunto all reasonable creatures do assent at their first proposal ; — and where any are found to live in an open neglect, or seem to be ignorant of them, their degeneracy into bestiality is open, and their sentiments not at all to be regarded. But go a little farther, and you will find all the great moralists at endless, uncertain dis- putes about the nature of virtue in general, about the offices and duties of it, about the rule and measure of their practice. In these disputes did most of them consume their lives, without any great endeavours to express their own notions in their conversations. And from the same reason in part it is, I suppose, that our pre- sent moralists seem to care for nothing but the name; virtue itself is grown to be a strange and uncouth thing. But what is com- manded us by Jesus Christ, there is no room for the least hesitation whether it be an infallible rule for us to attend unto or no. Every precept of his about the meanest duty is equally certain, and [as] in- fallibly declarative of the nature and necessity of that duty, as those of the greatest, and that have most evidence from the light of na- ture. If once it appear that Christ requires any thing of us by his word, that he hath taught us any thing as the prophet of the church, there is no doubt remains with us whether it be our duty or no.
odly. The whole rule of duties given by the most improved light of nature, setting aside those that are purely evangehcal, which some despise, is obscure and partial. There are sundry moral duties, Avhich I instanced in before, which the light of nature, as it remains in the lapsed, depraved condition of it, never extended itself to the discovery of. And this obscurity is evident from the differences that are about its precepts and directions. But now as the revelation made by Christ, and his commands therein, are commensurate unto universal obedience and gives bounds unto it, so that there is no duty of it but what he hath commanded, and it is sufficient to discharge the
636 NECESSITY OF HOLINESS FROM [BOOK V.
most specious pleas and pretences of any thing to be a duty towards God or man, by showing that it is not required by him, so his com- mands and directions are plain and evidently perspicuous. I dare challenge the greatest and most learned moralist in the world to give an instance of any one duty of morality, confirmed by the rules and directions of the highest and most contemplative moralist, that I will not show and evince is more plainly and clearly required by the Lord Christ in the gospel, and pressed on us by far more effec- tual motives than any they are acquainted withal. It is, therefore, the highest folly as well as wickedness for men to design, plead, or pretend the learning duties of obedience from others rather than from Christ, the prophet of the church.
[2.] The manner of teaching, as to poiver and efficacy, is also con- siderable unto this end. And concerning this also we may say, " Who teacheth like him?" There was such eminency in his personal mini- stry, whilst he was on the earth, as filled all men with admiration. Hence it is said that " he taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes," Matt. vii. 29 ; and another while " they wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth," Luke iv. 22 ; and the very officers that were sent to apprehend him for preaching came away astonished, saying, " Never man spake like this man," John vii. 46. It is true, it was not the design of God that multitudes of that hardened generation should be converted by his personal ministry, John xii. 37-40, as having another to fulfil in them, by them, and upon them ; yet it is evident from the gospel that there was ^iwv r/, a divine power and glory accompanying his ministerial instructions. Yet this is not that which I intend, but his continued and present teaching of the church by his word and Spirit. He gives such power and efficacy unto it as that by its effects every day it demonstrates itself to be from God, being accompanied with the evidence and de- monstration of a spiritual power put forth in it. This the experi- ences, consciences, and lives of multitudes, bear witness unto conti- nually. They do, and will to eternity, attest what power his word hath had to enlighten their minds, to subdue their lusts, to change and renew their hearts, to relieve and comfort them in their temp- tations and distresses, with the like effects of grace and power.
What is in the manner of teaching by the greatest moralist, and what are the effects of it? Enticing words, smoothness and elegancy of speech, composed into snares for the affections and delight unto the fancy, are the grace, ornament, and life of the way or manner of their teaching. And hereof evanid satisfaction, temporary resolu- tions for a kind of compliance with the things spoken, with, it may be, some few perishing endeavours after some change of life, are the best effects of all such discourses. And so easy and gentle is their