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

Another way whereby it is made evident, is by the experience of many saints: hereby it is made evident to them, though not unto the world: every ⟨p. 131⟩believer has experience of a gr•at change in himself, though they have many fears whether it be indeed a life of holiness that they live, it is exercising unto them whether they go beyond hypocrites, and are acted by any higher principles than self-love and conscience: yet there be several that at times do evidently see a spirit of holiness working in themselves: so that their consciences do bear witness that they are the children of God: besides what they do perceive of a daily bent of heart to keep Gods commands; there are at times more visible and sensible actings of grace: there are times when the strings are wound up to the height, when grace breaks forth as the light: and the heart is satisfied in that; that he has a spirit of holiness, John 21.17. Lord thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee: Psal. 18.23. I was also upright before him.

And this sanctification which the people of God have, they have in a way of believing: some take sanctification so largely, as to comprehend the work of regeneration: and count regeneration also an effect of closing with Christ: but I will not now discuss that controversy; though there is no doubt but regeneration is the fruit of Christs purchase: but I take sanctification for that work of Gods spirit, whereby he does more and more purge away the remainders of sin, and carry on the work of holiness in the hearts of his people, and this is the fruit of faith in Christ, Acts 26.18. they are sanctified by faith that is in me, Gal. 2.20. I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me; and this sanctification comes from Christs purchase, he has by his death redeemed us from the power of sin,