minds, enabling them to discern and know the mind of God, which ~
none knoweth originally but. the Spirit of God, by whom it is made
[known] unto us, 1 Cor. ii. 11,12. Yet this is that which some men
seem to take up withal and rest in, unto the rejection of evangelical _ obedience.
Lastly, The same censure is to be passed on it wherever it is se- parable from those fundamental gospel graces which, both in their nature, acts, and objects, are purely supernatural, having no prin- ciple, rule, or measure, but truth supernaturally revealed. Such, in particular, is the whole regard we have unto the mediation of Christ, as also unto the dispensation of the Spirit, promised to abide with the church for ever as its comforter, with all the duties of obedience which depend thereon. He is ignorant of the gospel that knows not that in these things do lie the fundamental principles of its doctrine and precepts, and that in the exercise of those graces in a way of duty which immediately concern them, consist the principal parts of the life of God, or of that obedience unto him by Jesus Christ which is indispensably required of all that shall be saved. Whereas,
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APOSTASY UNDER PRETENCE OF PERFECTION. 171
therefore, these things cannot be esteemed merely moral virtues, nor do at all belong unto, but are considered as separate from, all that morality which is judged insufficient. unto life and salvation, it is evident that it is not in the least dealt withal too severely, nor cen- sured more harshly than it doth deserve. If, therefore, any betake themselves hereunto as to the whole of their duty, it comes under the account of that partial defection from the gospel which we in- quire into.
III. Some there are who, as unto themselves, pretend they have at- tained unto perfection already in this world; such a perfection in all degrees of holiness as the gospel is but an introduction towards. But this proud imagination, destructive of the covenant of grace, of all use of the mediation and blood of Christ, contrary to imumerable tes- timonies of Scripture and the experience of all that do believe, and concerning which their own consciences do reprove the pretenders unto it, needs not detain us in its examination. It is sufficient unto our present design to have given these instances how. men may, in a pretended conscientious discharge of many duties of obedience, yet fall off and decline from that which the gospel requireth. The occasions and reasons hereof (supposing those more general before
considered with respect unto the truth of the gospel, which all of
them take place here, and have their influence upon their dislike of
its holiness) may be briefly inquired into and represented; nor shall
we confine ourselves unto the instances given, but take in the consi- deration of every declension from it which on any account befalls them who, having had a conviction of its necessity, yet refuse to come unto its universal practice. And to this end we may observe,—
1. That the holiness which the gospel requireth will not be kept
up or maintained, either in the hearts or lives of men, without
a continual conflict, warring, contending; and that with all care, diligence, watchfulness, and perseverance therein. It is our warfare, and the Scripture abounds in the discovery of the adversaries we have to conflict withal, their power and subtlety, as also in directions
and encouragements unto their resistance. To suppose that gospel
obedience will be maintained in our hearts and lives without a con- tinual management of a vigorous warfare against its enemies, is to deny the Scripture and the experience of all that do believe and obey God in sincerity. Satan, sin, and the world, are continually assault- - ing of it, and seeking to ruin its interest in us.) The devil will not be resisted (which it is our duty to do, 1 Pet. v. 8, 9) without a sharp contest and conflict; in the management whereof we are commanded to “take unto ourselves the whole armour of God,” Eph. vi. 12, 13. “ Fleshly lusts” do continually “ war against our souls,” 1 Pet. 1.11; and if we maintain not a warfare unto the end against them, they will
172 THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF APOSTASY.
be our ruin. Nor will the power of the world be any otherwise avoided than by a victory over it, 1 John v. 4; which will not be carried without contending. But I suppose it needs no great confirmation unto any who know what it is to serve and obey God in temptations, that the life of faith and race of holiness will not be preserved nor continued in without a severe striving, labouring, contending, war- ring with diligence, watchfulness, and perseverance ; so that I shall at present take it as a principle, notionally at least, agreed upon by the generality of Christians. If we like not to be holy on these terms, we must let it alone; for on any other we shall never be so. If we faint in this course, if we give it over, if we think what we aim at herein not to be worth the obtaining or preserving by such a severe contention all our days, we must be content to be without it. No- thing doth so promote the interest of hell and destruction in the world as a presumption that a lazy, slothful performance of some duties and abstinence from some sins, is that which God will accept of as our obedience. Crucifying of sin, mortifymg our inordimate affec- tions, contesting against the whole interest of the flesh, Satan, and the world, and that in inward actings of grace and all instances of outward duties, and that always while we live in this world, are re- quired of us hereunto.