The excellency of a gracious spirit Delivered in a treatise upon the 14. of…The excellency of a gracious spirit Deliuered in a treatise upon the 14. of…

First, they must not only have good desires, but good works. Secondly, they must follow good works. Thirdly, they must diligently follow them. Fourthly, they must diligently follow every good work.

First, they must not onely have good desires, but good works. Secondly, they must follow good works. Thirdly, they must diligently follow them. Fourthly, they must diligently follow every good work.

And fifthly, they must so follow, as they must be well reported of for it.

Yea, sixthly, they must do all this, or else they must not be received into the Church. Surely, then it is a shame for any man, especially of parts and abilities, to plead weakness, when so much is required of poor women; certainly it is not weakness, but falseness of heart, that is contrary to universality of obedience, to the following of the Lord fully in this respect. The Vessel of honour is distinguished from the vessel of dishonour, 2 Tim. 2. 21. by this Character, that it is one that is sanctified and prepared for every good work. You know what S. James saith, Chap. 1. verse 26. If any man seem to be religious, and bridle not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this mans religion is in vain. It is an heavy censure, that all a mans religion is in vain for one fault, and that but for a fault in the tongue; and yet this is the censure of the Holy Ghost. No question, such men who were guilty herein, ⟨p. 271⟩would reason thus with themselves, We cannot be perfect in this life, we do perform many duties of religion; & therefore we hope though we fail in this one thing, that yet we shall do well enough, God will accept of us. No, saith S. James, he deceives his own heart; such a one shall never be accepted. To the like effect is that of our Saviour,