The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…

1. Whilst we are in the present state, our Corruptions are not perfectly healed, but there are some ⟨p. 196⟩remains, which like a Gangrene threaten to seize on the vital parts, wherein the spiritual Life is seated. But the divine Nature which is conveyed to all that are spiritually descended from Christ, is active and powerful to resist all carnal desires, and will prevail in the end. For if sin in its full vigour could not control the efficacy of converting Grace, how can the relics of it, after Grace hath taken possession, be strong enough to spoil it of its conquest. There is a greater distance from Death to Life, than from Life to Action. That Omnipotent Grace that visited us in the Grave, and restored life to the dead, can much more perpetuate it in the living. That which was so powerful as to pluck the heart of stone out of the Breast, can preserve the Heart of Flesh.

1. Whilst we are in the present state, our Corruptions are not perfectly healed, but there are some ⟨p. 196⟩remains, which like a Gangrene threaten to seize on the vital parts, wherein the spiritual Life is seated. But the divine Nature which is conveyed to all that are spiritually descended from Christ, is active and powerful to resist all carnal desires, and will prevail in the end. For if sin in its full vigor could not controul the efficacy of converting Grace, how can the reliques of it, after Grace hath taken possession, be strong enough to spoil it of its conquest. There is a greater distance from Death to Life, than from Life to Action. That Omnipotent Grace that visited us in the Grave, and restored life to the dead, can much more perpetuate it in the living. That which was so powerful as to pluck the heart of stone out of the Breast, can preserve the Heart of Flesh.

'Tis true, the Grace that is given to Believers, in its own nature is a perishing quality, as that which was bestowed on Adam. Non only the slight superficial tincture in hypocrites will wear off, but that deep impression of sanctifying Grace in true Believers, if it be not renewed, would soon be defaced. But God hath promised to put his Spirit into their hearts, and to cause them to walk in his Statutes, and they shall keep his Commandments.