The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

Secondly, we have examples of some in Scripture, who have witnessed an universal agreement in their profession, even unto the parting from their lands and possessions, as Ananias and Sapphire, and yet all proved in the end but counterfeit: so Judas, of whom no doubt but that speech had its truth. We have forsaken all and followed thee: this concurrence in the same outward duties, did flow from hearts diversly affected, and accordingly in time it was apparent. It is a corrupt manner of reasoning, to conclude a total agreement from a partial, an inward from an outward. Let all Christians be exhorted and persuaded, that they beware how they build upon this same seeming formal righteousness, that they do not bless themselves in it as a state of all-sufficiency to salvation: as if green leaves could make good trees, or formal profession good Christians; it will deceive them that trust it in their greatest needs: and for the better enforcing this exhortation, that it may more lively pierce the hearts of all formal professors, consider these motives.

Secondly, we have examples of some in Scripture, who have witnessed an universall agreement in their profession, even unto the parting from their lands and possessions, as Ananias and Saphi•, and yet all proved in the end but counterfeit: so Iudas, of whom no doubt but that speech had its truth. We have forsaken all and followed thee: this concurrence in the same outward duties, did flow from hearts diversly affected, and accordingly in time it was apparent. It is a corrupt manner of reasoning, to conclude a totall agreement from a partiall, an inward from an outward. Let all Christians bee exhorted and perswaded, that they beware how they build upon this same seeming formall righteousnesse, that they doe not blesse themselves in it as a state of al-sufficiency to salvation: as if greene leaves could make good trees, or formall profession good Christians; it will deceive them that trust it in their greatest needs: and for the better enforcing this exhortation, that it may more lively pierce the hearts of all formall professors, consider these motives.