Therefore, Fourthly, Sincerity is the proper characteristical difference, between 1a temporary in Christianity, and a true convert. It is one of the greatest practical Questions in Divinity that is, What is that, which differences between the common graces of Gods Spirit, and the special? Or, What are the bounds and limits, whereby we may know to distinguish between an enlightened hypocrite, fervent in all external, religious duties, and he who is cordially, and truly so? The Question is, Whether it be a specific or gradual difference? And what is that, which the truly godly doth? And the foolish Virgin, or foolish builder cannot do? And if we descend not to particulars, but speak in the general, then we must say, Sincerity is the essential difference. So that as rationality maketh the essential difference between a man, and a beast: so doth sincerity between the truly godly, and the seeming so only. This made the difference between Saul and David, between Peter and Judas, between many Kings recorded in the Old Testament, who did very much in the ways of the Lord; and those who did seek God with all their heart. So that by this you see, how much it lieth us upon to look after sincerity in duties, more than duties; after sincerity in gifts and religious abilities, more than gifts: for this maketh the Christian. The other are but as the body and garments, this is the soul. All thy glorious building must be pulled down, if this be not the foundation. It is no matter what standing thy Discipleship to Christ is of, nor how famous thy gifts and parts are, nor what an interest thou hast in the thoughts of Professors, nor what a stricter way of Church-order, thou mayest seem to set upon, if sincerity be not the salt to season all. Oh then that Christians would study more in this point, meditate about it, read about it, knowing that this is all in all! If this be not the first stone laid in thy spiritual building; when storms arise, thy building will fall, and thy fall will be the greater, by how much the appearances of holiness have been the greater. Therefore it is that sincerity is usually called by Divines the Gospel-perfection, when many are said, To seek God with a perfect heart; the meaning is not, as if there were no sins or imperfections cleaving to them; but because they were upright and sincere: Though weak faith, yet if sincere faith:
Therefore, Fourthly, Sincerity is the proper characteristical difference, between 1a temporary in Christianity, and a true convert. It is one of the greatest practical Questions in Divinity that is, What is that, which differences between the common graces of Gods Spirit, and the special? Or, What are the bounds and limits, whereby we may know to distinguish between an enlightned hypocrite, fervent in all external, religious duties, and he who is cordially, and truly so? The Question is, Whether it be a specifical or gradual difference? And what is that, which the truly godly doth? And the foolish Virgin, or foolish builder cannot do? And if we descend not to particulars, but speak in the general, then we must say, Sincerity is the essentiall difference. So that as rationality maketh the essential difference between a man, and a beast: so doth sincerity between the truly godly, and the seeming so onely. This made the difference between Saul and David, between Peter and Judas, between many Kings recorded in the Old Testament, who did very much in the wayes of the Lord; and those who did seek God with all their heart. So that by this you see, how much it lieth us upon to look after sincerity in duties, more than duties; after sincerity in gifts and religious abilities, more than gifts: for this maketh the Christian. The other are but as the body and garments, this is the soul. All thy glorious building must be pulled down, if this be not the foundation. It is no matter what standing thy Discipleship to Christ is of, nor how famous thy gifts and parts are, nor what an interest thou hast in the thoughts of Professours, nor what a stricter way of Church-order, thou mayest seeme to set upon, if sincerity be not the salt to season all. Oh then that Christians would study more in this point, meditate about it, read about it, knowing that this is all in all! If this be not the first stone laid in thy spiritual building; when stormes arise, thy building will fall, and thy fall will be the greater, by how much the appearances of holinesse have been the greater. Therefore it is that sincerity is usually called by Divines the Gospel-perfection, when many are said, To seeke God with a perfect heart; the meaning is not, as if there were no sinnes or imperfections cleaving to them; but because they were upright and sincere: Though weak faith, yet if sincere faith:
- 14. Sincerity is the proper difference betwixt a temporary professor, and a true believer.4. Sincerity is the proper difference betwixt a temporary professour, and a true believer.
