The truly blessed man

6. That the most eminent sincerity of the Children of God, doth not amount to such a Righteousness. And if this be so, here is reason enough to deny it to be the meritorious or material cause of pardon and Justification; for, if it were perfect, it could not merit for us a pardon, because we owe it: but if it be imperfect, it cannot be reputed a Righteousness at all, with respect to the Law-Covenant. It is certain, that the Righteousness which that required was such as is without the least flaw or defect, and we see how straitly man was obliged, if he hoped to Escape the Curse of it, Gal. 3.10. One ⟨p. 112⟩failure spoils it, and makes it become Unrighteousness. Now all our Sanctification at present is imperfect, and hath mixtures of Sinful defilement adhering to it. It is a Ragged thing, Isa. 64. 6. Jam. 3 2 When we are most without Guile, there is a mixture of Guile; so that the holiest of men have dreaded, and deprecated a rigorous Law procedure with them, as knowing that they could not stand it, Psal. 130.3. & 143.2. It is an act of Gods rich Grace to accept of the best and most sincere duties that we do; and if there were not a Christ in whom they are accepted, it would not be: there is a pardon that must be continued and applied to them, else we had no hope: the Defilement of the Holy things of Gods Israel must be expiated.

6. That the most eminent sincerity of the Children of God, doth not amount to such a Righteousness. And if this be so, here is reason enough to deny it to be the meritorious or material cause of pardon and Justification; for, if it were perfect, it could not merit for us a pardon, because we owe it: but if it be imperfect, it cannot be reputed a Righteousness at all, with respect to the Law-Covenant. It is certain, that the Righteousness which that required was such as is without the least flaw or defect, and we see how straitly man was obliged, if he hoped to Escape the Curse of it,