The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it

A moral Principle may induce one to abstain from many Sins, and to perform many praise-worthy things in conformity to Reason. But this is neither sanctifying nor saving: for it only prunes Sin as if it were a good Plant, and does not root it up; it compounds with it, and does not destroy it. There may be still an impure indulgence to the secret lustings of the Heart, notwithstanding the restraint upon their Exercise. And many Duties may be done on lower motives, without a divine respect to the Commands and Glory of God.

But renewing Grace subjects the Soul to the whole Royalty of the Law, uniformly inclines it to express Obedience to all its Precepts, because they are ⟨p. 81⟩pure, and derived from the eternal Spring of Purity. It mortifies Concupiscence, and quickens to every good Work, from a Principle of Love to God, and in this is distinguished from the most refined unregenerate Morality. In short, there may be a superficial tincture of Religion from common Grace, a transient Esteem, vanishing Affections, and earnest Endeavours for a time after Spiritual Things, and yet a Person remain in a state of unregeneracy. But renewing Grace is a permanent solid Principle, that makes a Man partaker of the Divine Nature, and elevates him above himself.

But renewing Grace subjects the Soul to the whole Royalty of the Law, uniformly inclines it to express Obedience to all its Precepts, because they are ⟨p. 81⟩pure, and derived from the eternal Spring of Purity. It mortifies Concupiscence, and quickens to every good Work, from a Principle of Love to God, and in this is distinguisht from the most refined unregenerate Morality. In short, there may be a superficial tincture of Religion from common Grace, a transient Esteem, vanishing Affections, and earnest Endeavours for a time after Spiritual Things, and yet a Person remain in a state of unregeneracy. But renewing Grace is a permanent solid Principle, that makes a Man partaker of the Divine Nature, and elevates him above himself.