A Saint Indeed

To keep the heart necessarily supposes a previous work of Sanctification; which hath set the heart right by giving it a new Spiritual bent and inclination, for as long as the heart is not set right by Grace, as to its habitual frame, no Duties or Means can keep it right with God. Self is the Poise of the unsanctified heart, which By asses and moves it in all its designs and actions; and as long as it is so, it is impossible that any external means should keep it with God.

Man by Creation was of one constant uniform frame and tenor of Spirit, held one straight and even course; not one thought or faculty ravelled or disordered, his mind had a perfect illumination to understand and know the will of God, his will a perfect compliance therewith, his sensitive appetite and other inferior powers, stood in a most obedient subordination.

Man by Creation was of one constant uniform frame and tenour of Spirit, held one straight and even course; not one thought or faculty ravell'd or disorder'd, his minde had a perfect illumination to understand and know the will of God, his will a perfect compliance therewith, his sensitive appetite and other inferiour powers, stood in a most obedient subordination.

Man by degeneration is become a most disordered and rebellious Creature, ⟨p. 8⟩contesting with, and opposing his Maker, as the first cause, by self dependence; as the chiefest good, by self-love; as the highest Lord, by self will; and as the last end, by self-seeking; and so is quite disordered, and all his acts irregular: His illuminated understanding is clouded with ignorance, his complying will, full of rebellion and stubbornness; his subordinate powers, casting off the dominion and government of the superior faculties.