The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Which he furthers, by that dreadful commination taken from the zeal of God for the purity of his Temple; so that on each hand, he doth press to the universal close keeping of our Hearts in all Holiness, and purity, because of the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And indeed, where ever we are said to be Temples of God, or an Habitation for him, as it still relates to this cause of the Expression which we now insist upon, so there is ever some intimation of Holiness, to be pursued on that account. Eph: 2. 21. 22. In whom the whole building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are builded together, for an habitation of God through the Spirit; being made an habitation ⟨p. 212⟩of the Lord, by the Spirits Indwelling in us, we grow up, or thrive in grace, into an Holy Temple to the Lord, to be a more complete and well furnished Habitation for him.

Which he furthers, by that dreadfull commination taken from the zeale of God for the purity of his Temple; so that on each hand, he doth presse to the universall close keeping of our Hearts in all Holinesse, and purity, because of the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And indeed, where ever we are said to be Temples of God, or an Habitation for him, as it still relates to this cause of the Expression which we now insist upon, so there is ever some intimation of Holinesse, to be pursued on that account. Eph: 2. 21. 22. In whom the whole building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are builded together, for an habitation of God through the Spirit; being made an habitation ⟨p. 212⟩of the Lord, by the Spirits Indwelling in us, we grow up, or thrive in grace, into an Holy Temple to the Lord, to be a more compleate and well furnished Habitation for him.

This then is that which I say: The Truth of what hath formerly been spoken, concerning the manner of the Spirits abode with us, being procured for us by Jesus Christ, is farther cleared by this inference, that the Scripture makes thereof. The Saints are exhorted with all diligence to keep themselves a fit Habitation for him, that they may not be unclean and defiled lodgings for the Spirit of purity and Holiness. This is, and this is to be, their daily Labour, and endeavour; that vain thoughts, unruly passions, corrupt lusts, may not take up any Room in their bosom; that they put not such unwelcome and unsavoury inmates upon the Spirit of Grace; that sin may not dwell, where God dwells. On this ground they may plead with their own Souls, and say; Hath the Lord chosen my poor heart, for his Habitation? Hath he said, I delight in it, and there will I dwell for ever? Hath he forsaken that goodly and stately Material Temple, whereunto he gave his special presence of old, to take up his abode, in a far more eminent way, in a poor sinful soul? Doth that Holy Spirit, which dwells in Jesus Christ, who was Holy, Blameless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, dwell also in me, that am in, and of my self wholly corrupted and defiled? And shall I be so foolish, so unthankful, as willingly to defile the Habitation, which he hath chosen? Shall I suffer vain Thoughts, foolish Lust, distempered Affections, worldly aims; to put in themselves upon him there? He is a Spirit of Grace: can he bear a Graceless Corruption to be cherished in his Dwelling? He is a Spirit of Holiness, and shall I harbour in his Lodging a frame of worldliness? He is a Spirit of Joy, & Consolation: & shall I fill my bosom with foolish fears, and devouring Cares? Would not this be a grief unto him? Would it not provoke the eyes of his Glory? Can he bear it, that, when he is with me before his face, in his presence, I should spend my time in giving entertainment to his enemies? He is the high and the Holy one, who dwells in Eternity, and he hath chosen to inhabit, with me also; Surely I should be more brutish then any man, should I be careless of his Habitation: And should not this fill my soul with an Holy scorn, and indignation against sin? Shall I debase my soul unto any vile Lust.