The safety of appearing at the day of judgement, in the righteousness of Christ

But this walking in all Gods commands does admit ⟨p. 252⟩of divers degrees: all the people of God in this life fall short of perfection, and some fall far short of that perfection that others do attain: every one that is travelling in a path, don't travel with equal diligence and speed: so here, some are more dull, heedless, and negligent than others are: and many Saints do fall short in respect of some outward commands of some that are but natural men: but every one must have such a measure of obedience to Gods commands as speaks faithfulness: such as speaks a spirit of fear, faith and love: there must not be an heart allowance of any sin: the conscience of a natural man, may allow none; but the heart and will of a Saint does allow none: there are many sins which a christian does commit often in a day, as the actings of unbelief, by-ends, worldly affections, and pride; but yet he does not allow them, and his disallowance is seen in acts of hatred towards these sins, repenting of them, watching against them out of hatred, and by his performing contrary actions, namely, of humility, faith, &c.

2. Where there is an holy life, this walking in Gods commands is in a course: that is their way; and manner and trade: whatever exactness a man may have for a fit, that will not denominate his life holy: he that leads an holy life, is in his ordinary course attending the rules of holiness, and that not only rules of external obedience, but also of internal, reaching after the glory of God, labouring to do duties with an upright heart, watchful against the secret motions of sin, Act. 24.16. and herein do I exercise my self, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man: such persons as have pangs upon their hearts to walk in ⟨p. 253⟩Gods ways, and then leave off again are far from an holy life: that is the spirit of a wicked man, Psal. 36.31. he hath left off to be wise and to do good: none can be said to live an holy life, but such as in a course are practising of the ways of God; and it is thus where there is an inward principle of holiness: tho' habitual holiness be not sufficient in order to the practise of holiness without divine assistance: yet Gods ordinary manner is to assist all sorts of principles which he has put into his creatures; and he has promised also special assistance unto grace: so that they that have a principle of grace, are walking in their ordinary course in the way of holiness,