1. Doctrines delivered by many about perfection of sanctification in this world, appear hereby to be false and presumptuous Doctrines.
2. This may afford unto us a good direction for setting our selves apart, and1 examining our selves concerning such sins as remain in us: that we may see what they are, and what cause there is of remembrance again of sin. Wherefore, com•ne with your own heart upon your bed, Psal. 4. 4. And let us try and search our ways, •am. 3. 40. Sin lieth close, and the heart is deceitful: they who are most careful in searching themselves, hardly find out all. Some Idols may remain, as there did in Jacobs Family, Gen. 31. 35. and 35. 2. what hope then can there be of finding out all, if no search at all be made?
3. Upon finding out sin, we ought to be humbled for it. A due consideration2 thereof, will make such as are duly affected therewith, to cry, unclean unclean. Lev. ⟨p. 427⟩[…]. And O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? […]. 7. 24.
4. Upon sight and sense of sin, and due humiliation for the same, it will be our3 […] to look up unto Christ, who is an advocate with the Father, and the propitia• for our sins. 1 John 1. 1, 2. Thus as the Israelites were healed, by looking up to […] Serpent, Numb. 21. 9. So may such as by faith look upon Christ, be cu• their sins. John 3. 14, 15. In this case we may say to God as Jehoshaphat did, […] […] what to do, but our eyes are upon thee. 2 Chron. 20. 12. They who rightly […] on Gods name, Christs merit and mediation, cannot but find sure ground […] comfort.
5. Upon this ground we may, and ought to be bold in craving pardon, because4 […] is a means sanctified for obtaining the same: and that first, generally, ask and […], Mat. 7. 7. and then particularly concerning pardon of sin. Mat. 6. 12. […] 5. 15.5
6. craving pardon for sins past, repentance must be truly intended. This is a […] annexed to one mans forgiving another. Luke 17. 4. Much more doth God […] repentance of those whose sins he pardoneth. True repentance moveth God […] of his wrath. God hath said it and sworn it, As I live, I have not pleasure […] •ath of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, &c. Ezek. 33. 11.6
7. To repentance for sins past, watchfulness against sin for the future must be ad•ed.
1. Doctrines delivered by many about perfection of sanctification in this world, appeare hereby to be false and presumptuous Doctrines.
2. This may afford unto us a good direction for setting our selves apart, and1 examining our selves concerning such sins as remain in us: that we may see what they are, and what cause there is of remembrance again of sin. Wherefore, com•ne with your own heart upon your bed, Psal. 4. 4. And let us try and search our wayes, •am. 3. 40. Sin lyeth close, and the heart is deceitful: they who are most careful in searching themselves, hardly finde out all. Some Idols may remain, as there did in Iacobs Family, Gen. 31. 35. and 35. 2. what hope then can there be of finding out all, if no search at all be made?
3. Upon finding out sin, we ought to be humbled for it. A due consideration2 thereof, will make such as are duly affected therewith, to cry, unclean unclean. Lev. ⟨p. 427⟩〈…〉. And O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 〈…〉. 7. 24.
4. Upon sight and sense of sin, and due humiliation for the same, it will be our3 〈…〉 to look up unto Christ, who is an advocate with the Father, and the propitia• for our sins. 1 John 1. 1, 2. Thus as the Israelites were healed, by looking up to 〈…〉 Serpent, Numb. 21. 9. So may such as by faith look upon Christ, be cu• their sins. Iohn 3. 14, 15. In this case we may say to God as Iehosaphat did, 〈…〉 what to do, but our eyes are upon thee.
- 1Examine selves.
- 2Be humbled.
- 3Look to Christ.
- 4Pray for pardon.
- 5Repent.
- 6Watch against sin.Watch against sinne.
