The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened and Applied

5. Some grant that there is a sanctification proper to the Faithful, and in the Faithful an habitual Holiness, and consisting in a most blessed, inward, total change. But when they come to the application of this to themselves, they think that if they have some reformation with some inward affection, they think every overly change is presently sanctification, and this must be a good evidence to them. And so like some Herbalists that treat of the Sovereign excellencies of several herbs, but when they come to gather them in the garden, they take their counterfeits in the room of them. The causes of which variety of apprehensions is the rareness of it (and therefore 'tis unknown) and the corrupt experience of men.

5. Some grant that there is a sanctification proper to the Faithful, and in the Faithful an habitual Holiness, and consisting in a most blessed, inward, total change. But when they come to the application of this to themselves, they think that if they have some reformation with some inward affection, they think every overly change is presently sanctification, and this must be a good evidence to them. And so like some Herbalists that treat of the Soveraign excellencies of several herbs, but when they come to gather them in the garden, they take their counterfeits in the room of them. The causes of which variety of apprehensions is the rareness of it (and therefore 'tis unknown) and the corrupt experience of men.

I shall therefore lay level these things, by showing you what that measure of sanctification is which is in us, and which is peculiar to the Elect, and which also may be known by them which have it: And therefore shall not speak of sanctification at large, which is the change of the whole man by the death of Christ, whereby he is separated from sin, and sin mortified in him; and by the life of Christ, whereby he is dedicated unto Christ, and lives his life. But I shall treat of it now so far forth especially as this change may be known by it; and therefore I oppose it to self-seeking.

I shall therefore lay level these things, by shewing you what that measure of sanctification is which is in us, and which is peculiar to the Elect, and which also may be known by them which have it: And therefore shall not speak of sanctification at large, which is the change of the whole man by the death of Christ, whereby he is separated from sin, and sin mortified in him; and by the life of Christ, whereby he is dedicated unto Christ, and lives his life. But I shall treat of it now so far forth especially as this change may be known by it; and therefore I oppose it to self-seeking.