A TREATISE OF GRACE AND DUTY.  
By Francis Fuller. M. A.  
LONDON, Printed by John Richardson, for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers chapel, 1688.   

FORTITER ET RECTE 
JAMES. F. FULLER.  
FSA.   bookplate of James F. Fuller   

licenced,  
Septemb. 7th. 1688.   

To the Right HONOURABLE THOMAS LORD CREW.  
My Lord,  
THere are Two things that keep up Friendship betwixt God and us, viz. The Receipt of Grace from him, and the Return of Duty to him, and both, our Honour, as well as our Interest; Sin is a degradation, it proved so to the Angels, and to us,( for we both lost our dignity, as well as our Purity by it) and to serve, is a kind of diminution in its self, but Grace is an Honour,( the Honour that comes from God only) and so is his Service too. It is so in itself,( for, it is perfect freedom) so to Angels,( they are oftener called Angels, then Spirits, which is a Title of Office) so to all good Men, ( David esteemed it above his Honour of being King of Israel) Yea it is so to God himself, ( viz. A Declarative, not an Essential Honour,) and therefore may well be esteemed so to us, and by us. An Honour, that no outward meanness can Eclipse, for, it carries Glory with it, as the Tabernacle did, though covered with Badgers Skins, because the Ark was there. A greater Honour, then either to serve the greatest upon Earth, to be served by them, or ranked among them, yea a greater Honour for God to say he is Honoured by it, then to Honour us for it.  
My Lord,  
Such Honour have all Gods Saints, such was the Ancient Honour of your Family, and such is yours, the greatest Honour, that ever you had here, or can have; and that it may ever be so, that when you shall leave the fading Honour of this Transitory World, you may be crwoned with Everlasting Honour in the World to come, is the Constant and Sincere desire, of  
Your Lordships most humble Servant, F. Fuller.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.  
SOlomon says Wisdom is the principal thing, viz. Not human Wisdom but Divine; Wisdom excels among all other virtues, and this kind of Wisdom among all other kinds. That, when Sanctified, beautifies, but this Sanctifies that, and exalts a Saint above a Man, as that does a Man above a Beast, that will whither, but this will grow up to Glory. Of other things we may have too much, of this never enough, if we desire no more, we have none, and if we seek not after it, we never desired it; if we have none, we shall lose our Crown, and if we seek not after more, we shall lessen it, in having it consists our safety, in increasing in it our Comfort: That in the Truth of it, and this in the Degree.  
Happy they then that so prise it, as to seek it, and so seek as to find it, and when found, endeavour after a perfection in it.  
F. Fuller.   

The CONTENTS.  

CHAP. I. Of the Nature of Grace. page. 1.  
Chap. II. Of the Excellency of Grace. 26  
Chap. III. Of Growth in Grace 31  
Chap. IV. Of quickening and Assisting Grace 36  
Chap. V. Of Humility under Grace. 45  
Chap. VI. Of the weak and small degrees of Grace 52  
Chap. VII. The weak in Grace must not be discouraged under the small degrees of Grace, nor the strong in Grace despise the weak, but both go unto Christ, that they may receive of his fullness more abundant Grace 65   

PART. II.  
OF Duty 79  
Chap. I. A regard must be had to the Principle, Rule, Manner, and End of Duty. 82  
Chap. II. Obedience must be to every Duty Commanded. 87  
Chap. III. Duty must be done though danger attend it, and difficulty be in it. 89  
Chap. IV. God must be sought in Duty. 94  
Chap. V. Indisposition to Duty, and deadness in Duty must be avoided, but yet Duty must not be either neglected, or cast off for it. 97  
Chap. VI. The heart must be concerned in every motion to Duty and in it. 101  
Chap. VII. Duty must be continued in to the End 106  
Chap. VIII. All merit by Duty must be disclaimed. 110    

A TREATISE OF Grace and Duty.  


CHAP. I.  
Of the Nature of Grace.  
GRACE is taken either Actively, or Passively.  
( 1.) Actively, viz.  
For the free Love and Favour 
{αβγδ} gratia increata pro affectu. Eph. 2. 8. 2 Tim. 1. 9.  of God, whereby we are accepted in Christ, the first Spring and Fountain of all,  
God's good Will to us.  
( 2.) Passively, viz. 
{αβγδ} gratia creata pro effectu, Rom. 6. 23.   
For the Gifts of the Spirit, the Fruits of the First Grace, Streams flowing from that head Spring,  
God's good Work in us.  
The first, is the Cause, the latter, is the Effect, that, is without us, this, is within us, that, is an Attribute in God, this, a quality in us, in that, consists our Justification, in this, our Sanctification, by one, we are Sanctified, and made Holy, by the other, we are saved, and made happy.  
Grace is the tenor and Charter we hold Heaven by from God, yet it is as much Grace to fit us for Heaven, as to give us Heaven, as much Grace, and in some sense more, to give us Grace, then Glory.  
There are two Expressions in Scripture( among all the rest) used by the Spirit, to set forth the Nature of Grace, viz.( 1.) A New Creation.( 2.) A New Birth.  
( 1.) A New Creation.  
Partly because the Being of a Saint lies in it, All other things contribute nothing to the substantial part of a Saint, for, as Adam was but the Figure of a Man, before Life was breathed into him, no more is he of a Saint, for he begins not to be, until new created, 
2 Cor. 5. 17. {αβγδ}, 1 Cor. 1. 30.   
He does not only a little differ from himself, but as much as a Sheep from a Wolf, and a Lamb from a Lion.  
Partly, Because the New Creature differs in a fundamental point from all other that are not of the same make, next to the making of the Man Christ Jesus, never so much Glory appeared, as in this, not in Adam, nor in the Angels, for, he in Innocency never should have had, nor shall they ever have, such a near Union with Christ, as he has, and for ever shall have,  
The New Creature is another 
Eph. 2. 10. It is called God's workmanship; the Word signifies a Master-piece, the utmost of skill, a work, that cannot be easily exceeded.  manner of Creature, then what was ever in the World before, among all the sorts that God made such a one as was never made, nor seen before, nor never should have been, had not God determined to give Christ to the World,  
Partly, Because where Grace appears, it makes such a change, as if it was not the same Creature, but of a different kind,  
Nothing makes one Man differ from another so much, as Grace,  
Partly, Because where one Grace is given, all are given.  
A Creature is a compound Being, and so is the New Creature too, a Picture represents not only the substantial part, but every Feature, and the New Creature, the lineaments of every Grace( Grace for Grace) in Christ, though in a low, and poor measure.  
The common Gifts of the Spirit, 
1 Cor. 13. 8, 9. ( Gifts of Edification) are given distributively, some to one, and some to another, none have all, but every one his proper gift, but the special and saving gifts( gifts for Sanctification) are all given not to one, Holiness, and to another, Faith, but to every one all, none are given, unless all are given,  
Partly, To show the difference betwixt the first Creation and this:  
The first Creation was a Work of Infinite Power and Wisdom, and this second Creation is a new addition of that Power and Wisdom that appeared in making the World, for, God in this work makes( as it were) a new World; and a new one might have been easier made: for, though the difference betwixt something and nothing in the first Creation, was one of the greatest difficulties the Philosophers ever met with to reconcile, yet here, are more, and greater, for, in the first Creation, there was but one difficulty, viz. nothing to assist, but in this, there are two, viz. not only nothing to help, and assist, but something to resist,  
( 1.) In this, there is the same that was in the first Creation, viz. nothing to help.  
In the first Creation, God made 
Ex nihilo simpliciter, vel secundum quid.  all out of nothing, ( viz. either simply nothing, as the first matter created was, or that, which was no way disposed to the production of such forms, as that matter was in respect of the things created out of it) there was not so much as a Stick, or ston found to his hand, in raising the great fabric of the World, no pre-existent matter, to help on such a production, and no less, in this second Creation, viz. no good thing in us by Nature, either to enable, or dispose to it, not so much as a good Thought or Desire of ours, nothing in the understanding, to comply with Spiritual Truth, nor in the Will, to delight in Spiritual 
Rom. 7. 18.  Good, nor any thing in us, to move God to it.  
The first Creation was a voluntary act, there was no deserving Cause of it, and so is the second Creation too, for, there was not any thing in us, either to move God to it, or assist him in it, it was not deduced from us, but freely bestowed on us.  
( 2.) In this, there is more than was in the first Creation, viz. something to resist,  
In the first Creation, there was nothing to help, nor resist, but in this, there is something to resist, and therefore the greater work of the two, in regard of the opposition God meets with, first to conquer aed subdue, ( viz. the enmity in our minds) before he can go to work, and to pull down, ( viz. our high Thoughts and Imaginations) before he can build the bestowing of new qualities, is no more indeed than the first Creation, but the changing of the will is more, for, the will( which is the utmost strength of the Soul) resists, and opposes it( how often would I but ye would 
Matth. 23.  not?) Yea, something from the Devil to resist,( who does all he can, either to hinder the conception of Grace; stifle it in the Birth, or obstruct the growth, and increase of it) yea there is something in God himself, once seemed to resist, viz. his Justice and Mercy to resist each other,  
Though the Creatures never provoked God, not to create them, yet we have, not to renew, and save us,  
( 2.) A New Birth.  
Partly to show, 
John 3. 3.   
( 1.) The great defilement of our Nature by Sin, being under the pollution, as well as the imputation of Adam's Sin, so fixed, and riveted, that nothing but a new Birth can remove it, nor that totally here, for,  
As it comes in by the first Birth, so it is but in part removed by the second  
( 2.) The secret manner of the Work.  
The way of the Natural Birth is mysterious, but much more the Spiritual, the effects of it are apparent,( as Light out of Darkness, 
Eccles. 11. 5. John 3. 7, 8. Psal. 139. 14, 15, 16. Motum scimus modum nescimus.  and Life out of Death) but the Nature and Manner of working are supernatural, and incomprehensible,  
We may say of all the Members of the new Man, as David of the Members of his Body, they are curiously wrought, fearfully, and wonderfully made.  
( 3.) The pangs and throes( that more, or less) are felt in the work.  
Sick fits, and sharp throes( not in all alike, but in all some,) accompany the Natural Birth, and no less the Spiritual. 
Psalm 88. 1. ad 9. Hosea 13. 13. ad 19.   
Sore travail and hard labour, for there is no change contrary to Nature without pain and difficulty.  
( 4.) The necessity of a New Birth.  
Every Creature of Life, has a principle to act by, supernatural Actions are such, as Nature never did, nor can do, there must be therefore a new principle given to enable them, for the Principle, and Actions are ever alike.  
Water may be forced, but it naturally rises no higher than its spring.  
( 5.) The small beginnings of Grace, and the gradual proceeding of it.  
We are not born Men, but Babes in Nature, and so we are in Grace too.  
The New Man is born at once, 
Philip. 3. 11.  but grows up by degrees, to his fullness of stature in Christ.  
( 6.) Our inability to it.  
We are not born of Blood,( neither Ancient, nor Honourable) nor of Flesh,( as the Natural 
John 1.  Birth is) nor of our own Will, but of God, for, being dead in 
1 John 3. 9.  Sin, we can no more form ourselves in Grace, than in Nature, nor any more give Life to our Souls, than we can to our Bodies.  
The Act is ours, but the Power that enables to it, is God's.  
( 7.) And partly to distinguish betwixt this, and the Natural Birth, and to show the excellency of this, above that.  
We are as much a new upon a principle of Grace, as the New born Child that never saw the Light before, and as we have a distinguishing principle as we are Men, that is the foundation of our Manhood, so we have a principle of Life as we are Christians, that depends, not on the Union of the Soul and Body, but of Christ and the Soul, which is not only another Life than that of Nature, for degree, but for kind too, specifically differing, as the Life of Reason specifically differs from the Life of Sense.  
They that are new born, are best 
Acts 7. 11. {αβγδ}. 1 John 3. 9. 1 John 12. Col. 1. 18. Rev. 2. 17. Gen. 41. 38. 1 Pet. 4. 14. Esay 61. 10. 54. 13. Rev. 19. 18. Psal. 45. 13, 14. Matth. 8. 10. Heb. 1. ult. 1 John 1. 3. 1 Pet. 1. 4.  born, they are best descended,( for, they are born of God) best allied( God is their Father, and Christ the first born, their elder Brother) best name,( they have a new Name) best spirited,( a Spirit of Glory rests upon them) best fed( they eat the hidden Manna) best taught,( they are all taught of God) best clothed( arrayed in fine linen, clean and white) best attended,( a guard of Angels is continually about them) best employed,) their fellowship is with the Father, and the Son) and shall at last have the best Inheritance, for, it is incorruptible, undefiled, and reserved in Heaven for them.  
So that it is a real, supernatural, and universal change, wrought in the Soul, or a new quality infused, after God's own Image.  
( 1.) A Change.  
Morality does but polish, but Grace changes.  
This my Son was dead, but is 
Luke 15. 24.  alive.  
( 2.) A real Change.  
Not a relative change, but a real one, not of our State,( for, that is in Justification) but of our Qualities, not of our Actions only, but of our Nature, for new Actions may be, where there is no new Nature,  
Christ by taking our Nature became Man, and we new Men by partaking of his, he by the hypostatical Union, became Flesh of our Flesh, and we by the Mystical, are Spiritual of his Spirit.  
( 3.) A Supernatural Change.  
We are the Subjects, and the Word, is the usual, and ordinary though not the only Instrument of it, but the Spirit, is the Efficient, it is not only the Witness, but the Worker of it.  
A Spirit of Grace, not only as the 
Gal. 4. 19. James 1. 18, 21. John 3. 5. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Zech. 12. 10.  gift of Grace, but as the Author of it.  
( 4.) A Universal Change.  
Not Partial, but Universal,( all things are become new) viz. in the whole Man, inward, and outward, Soul, and Body.  
( 1.) In the Soul, viz. the upper, and lower Region, in the understanding there is Light,( God began with Light in the first Creation, and so he does in the second) in the Will, cheerfulness and readiness in its conformity to the Divine Will, either by doing, or suffering, in the Affections, Order,( they center upon the right Object) in the Conscience, tenderness, and faithfulness( it proceeds according to Truth, though against itself) and in the Heart, sincerity and uprightness.  
Original Sin is a Universal Principle, 
Totum hominem etsi non totaliter.  that source the whole lump of our Nature, and sanctifying Grace is a Universal Principle that seasons the whole Man, for, it comes into the Soul, as Light into the Air and Life into the Body.  
( 2.) In the Body.  
The Soul indeed is the most proper Subject of Sin, but yet it has a Being in the Members of the Body, as the Instruments of it, our Bodies by Nature are corrupt, as well as our Souls, they are vile Bodies, not more in respect of Natural, than Moral defilement, nor more in regard of Subjection to Death, then Sin: for, there are not more Sinews, and Arteries, than there are Seeds of Sin in them, nor any Members of them, but as Instruments work in the Service of it, to iniquity unto iniquity, viz. from one sin to another, both as to kind, and degree: but where Grace comes, it makes a through change in both, viz. in the Soul as to its Faculties, and in the Body as to its Members, in them, as to their qualities, in these, as to their use, so that they are( as in equity they should be) as much employed for God, as they were against him,  
The Fountain and Streams are 
Rom. 6. 19.  inseparable, and so is the new Heart, and new Life.  
Or a new quality infused after Gods own Image.  
A new Quality.  
When a Musical instrument is put in tune, the substance of the instrument is the same, the Organs ( viz. The strings) are the same, and make a sound, the faculties of the instruments are the same, but not the qualities, the sound remains, but the jar, and disproportion of the sound is removed, so when the Soul is by Grace renewed, that, and the faculties of it are the same, that they were, viz. As to substance, but not as to qualification, they are not removed, but renewed: the old things are sEt to a new tune, and nothing more is requisite, for,  
There is no need of new faculties in a state of glory, much less in a state of grace.  
A new quality after Gods own Image.  
Adam was made in the Image of 
Gen. 1. 26, 27. Rom. 3. 23. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10.  God, from it he( and we in him) fell by sin, and to it we are again restored by Grace, being created after God, that is, like for like, just according to his Image, in such an exact proportion as we are able to bear.  
Holy as he is Holy, viz. To quality 
1 Pet. 1. 15.  and likeness, though not as to equality, and proportion.  
By all which it plainly appears, that there are six things implied in, viz. The integrity of a sanctified heart, a power, as well as a form, integrality of Obedience, conformity to the Divine pattern, a constancy in well-doing, and a doing all to the glory of God.  
( 1.) The integrity of a sanctified heart.  
It is not a thing of speculation, but renovation, not a disguise, or thing in appearance only, but in reality, soundness at the root, truth in the inward parts, no adulterate, 
Rom. 2. 28. Psal. 45. 13.  but current Coin, for, the Metal and Stamp are both good, the outside and inside, and its glory( like that of the Kings 
Matth. 7. 15.  daughter) is within( the hidden man of the heart) as well as without, and best within, the outward Clothing is glorious, and so is the inward( the Sheeps body as well as the skin) and the more inward, the finer, like Solomons Temple, that was glorious within, and most glorious in the Holy of Holies,  
God looks for a Christians name not in his face, but heart, and there it is, for his heart points to heaven, as well as his face.  
( 2.) A power, as well as a form.  
In Evil, practise goes before profession, in good, profession goes often before practise, but Grace leads to action, as well as profession, the stoics spake good things, but did those that were evil; the Athenians( as the old Man in the Theatre  told them,) knew what was to be done, but did it not, but Grace leads to both, for, as it is in being, so it is in operation, where there is fire, there will 
1 Cor. 4. 20. 2 Tim. 3. 5. Isa. 48. 12. Jer. 32. 40. Mat. 23. 27, 28. Col. 2. 6.& 3. 1. Rev. 3. 9.  be heat, and supernatural actions, where there is a supernatural life, for, the actions and life are ever alike,  
It is a contradiction to be good, and not to do so.  
( 3.) Integrality of Obedience.  
hypocrisy breaks the two Tables, 
Non est religio, said dissimulatio, quae per omnia non constat sibi.  divides the Commands, but Grace appears( as Moses) with both Tables in its hand, and teaches Obedience to them, viz. Holiness towards God, as well as Righteousness towards man, and Righteousness towards Man as well as Holiness towards God, Holiness is 
Sanctitas est justitia erga deum, justitia est sanctitas erga hominem.  Righteousness towards God; Righteousness is Holiness towards Man, that without Righteousness is hypocrisy, this, without Holiness is Paganism, neither of them alone is enough; we are both or nothing; for the second Table is like to the first, and the trial of our Obedience to it,  
If we are but almost Holy, we 
Psal. 119. 101. Luke 1. 6.  are ungodly.  
( 4.) A conformity to the Divine pattern,  
Some actions of Christ were natural, 
1 John 2. 6.  and some of special favour, 
Col. 2. 6.  some were circumstantial and indifferent, and some of Divine prerogative; some were Moral, and some Divine; some of these are matter of Love and Observation, some of Adoration, and some of Imitation; some things he did as God, some as Man, and some as both God and Man; some things he did not that we may, and some he could not do that we must, some things he did that we cannot, and some that we must not, and some things that we both may and must, equalize them we cannot, but imitate them we must; and Grace naturally leads to it, for it looks to Christ as a three of Life, as well as of Knowledge, and when it cannot have his pattern for what it does, it will at all times be sure of his allowance, for  
It is ever, either a conqueror over sin, or a combater with it.  
( 5.) A Constancy in well-doing.  
Waters that have no fountain 
Ezek. 10. 10. Rota intra rotam, velnti vita intra vitam, designans quod sanctus sibi vitâ non dissonet. Ambr.  to feed them soon dry up, painted beauties quickly fade, mixed bodies soon corrupt, and what in Religion begins in hypocrisy, will end in apostasy, but what begins in sincerity will abide, for it is the nature of Grace to bring all its works to perfection, perfection is its pattern, and it is( as the ston betwixt the Center and the Circumference) ever in motion to it,  
Religion is our Rule, and that is ever the same, and so must our Actions be.  
( 6.) A doing all to the Glory of God.  
All Creatures though never so despicable, even those of a lower, as well as of a higher rank glorify 
Psal. 148. 1. ad 11.  God, either subjectively, or objectively, and either passively or actively, God will be glorified by all passively, so the damned in Hell do, and wicked Men sometimes on Earth, but actively none do it but in a way of Holiness; one or the other he will have from us, for though he gives Grace to us, yet glory is a peculiar Royalty 
Isai 42. 8.  that he keeps to himself, and he will be glorified either by us or upon us, be our head or make us his Footstool, all his actions are circular, they begin and end in himself, and he would not be God if in all, he did not seek his glory, nor can we be said to have any Grace, unless we do so too, for 
Actiones Dei sunt optimae, quia in seipso consistant.  Grace is Holiness to the Lord, a Law of Life, and a Divine power over-ruling all for God, opposite to the Law of Sin, that is against him, its principle is from God, and its main design for him as ready to every work, and impartial, and alike to all.  
Every man for himself, is a principle 
Rom. 8. 2. 1 Thes. 2. 12.  of Atheism.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the Excellency of Grace.  
GLory is the highest thing in Heaven, Grace the best thing on Earth, the true Riches, the one thing needful, the best gift, Gods Image, our earnest for Heaven, that which both secures 
1 Cor. 12. 31.  it, and prepares for it, and therefore should above all things be sought after, for it makes us like to God, evidences our right 
{αβγδ}.  to Heaven, and makes us meet for it.  
1. It makes us like to God.  
It is called the Divine Nature, 
{αβγδ}, Clem. Alex. 2 Pet. 1. 4.  not as a particle of it but as a representation only; in us it is a quality but in God, it is his Nature, essential to him; and though 
Non {αβγδ} said {αβγδ}, naturae nomen non substantiam said qualitatem designat. Calvin. Magnus sine quantitate sanctus sine qualitate.  transcendently in him yet may be formally in us, not by transubstantiating our nature into the Divine Essence, but by transforming it into the Divine likeness. Not by a Communication of the Divine Essence,( for that is incommunicable) but by a participation of the Divine Grace, so far as the Image of what is infinite is expressible in a limited being, and the more we have, the more perfect we are, and the more connatural to him.  
As the Angels who are therefore the most perfect Creatures, because the most like to God.  
( 2.) It Evidences our Right to Heaven.  
Effects are more known then their cause, streams are seen when their spring is not, the beams of the Sun( by looking to the West) are seen before the body, the Life of a three is better known by its Fruits then Root, and our Election and Justification, best by our Sanctification; Gods work without us, and his good will to us, by that his good work in us, They are first, but they are seen first in 
Non causa rei, said cognitionis.  this, it is not the cause of Election but the Fruit; nor the foundation of Justification but the Evidence, Justification promotes Sanctification, Sanctification assures Justification, and Justification, Glorification( whom he justifies 
Rom. 8. 30.  them he glorifies) our Title to Heaven is from that, but the evidence of that Title is from this, and a better evidence of our Title to it, then if all the Angels in Heaven should come down to tell us so, for it is Heaven begun, Heaven in a degree, Heaven in a lower dispensation, the Kingdom of God within us, that entitles us to the Kingdom without us, Heaven come down, and entred into us, that assures our Ascension and entrance into Heaven, the earnest of heaven, not a pawn, for a pawn is of another kind and may be called in, but an earnest is of the same kind, and shall certainly be made up.  
The first-fruits to show how good, and an earnest to show how sure it is.  
( 3.) It makes us meet for Heaven.  
The Life of grace and glory is but one, differing not specifically but gradually, as a part from the whole; for grace is glory in the spark, and glory is grace in the 
Gratia est aetas infantilis gloriae.  flamme; that glory imperfect, this grace consummate; that the beginning of glory, this the perfection of grace; we go from one glory to another( from glory to glory,) viz. From grace which is 
2 Cor. 3. 18.  imperfect glory, to that which is perfect, and from one heaven to another, viz. from a heavenly conversation to a habitation that is heavenly, so that we ourselves must be sanctified if we expect an inheritance among them that are so; be partakers of the Divine Nature if we would enjoy the Divine presence, and be first made like to God before we can be made happy by him; for should he in his sovereignty dispense with it yet he could not in a moral way make us happy without it, for the nature of the thing would not permit it; for if suitableness makes happiness, then the more there was of Divine approach unto us there, the more miserable and not the more happy we should be.  
The Type of Heaven could not endure uncleanness, much less then will Heaven endure it.   

CHAP. III.  
Of Growth in Grace.  
THE weak and strong in grace must both grow in grace; the weak that they may be strong, and the strong that they may be stronger, and both that they may be filled with 
Eph. 3. 19.  all the fullness of God.  
The weak, that they may be strong.  
They must not content themselves with their small beginnings, to be always as new set Plants, and smoking flax, nor ever spelling but be thriving, blowing up the spark into a flamme, and going on to perfection, leaving the principles of the Doctrine of Christ ( procedendo a principiis) as a Child leaves spelling in coming to Reading, or the Artificer leaves the Foundation in a Building adding the superstructure to it. 
Heb. 6. 1.   
The Time past may suffice for sin, but not for Grace.  
The strong, that they may be stronger.  
They must not think that they have already attained, but forgetting those things which are behind reach forth to those things which are before, that they may be perfecting, though not perfected.  
In Heaven they go into perfection, 
Sunt viatores, non comprehensores, in viâ non in termino. Phil. 3. 12, 13. Eph. 4. 12. 2 Pet 3. 18. and 1. 5, 8.  on Earth they must go on to it.  
( 1.) To this they are called,  
They are commanded to grow in Grace, not only adding to faith virtue, but to their faith, faith; and to their virtue, virtue; that not only every grace may be in them, but that every grace in them may abound, and that they may be not only Holy, but still 
Rev. 22. 11. {αβγδ}, Notes Augmentation as well as Continuation. 2 Thess. 3. 10. 4. 1. Phil. 1. 11. Eph. 1. 18. Gal. 5. 12.  ( viz. more) Holy.  
It is a cursed satiety to be so filled with the Graces of the Spirit, as to think we have enough, or to desire no more.  
( 2.) For this means are appointed,  
Ordinances are the Means appointed to beget grace and to increase it, the Means of grace show that they should get grace, and are given to them that they may; if they despise or neglect them, they have no grace nor are like to have any; it is the perfection of Heaven indeed to be above them( they need not the streams that are at the Fountain head) but it argues weakness to think that they may be Christians, and yet whilst in their imperfect state, either live 
1 Pet. 2. 2.  without them, or above them.  
The Candle will be of use, until the day appears.  
( 3.) By this Saints are described,  
The Cypress-tree is fair, but not 
Psal. 42. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 2. 2.  fruitful; the Fig-Tree is fruitful, but not fair; but the Church as the Olive-Tree is both fair and fruitful; there are no Truants in Christs School, they are ever learning indeed, but it is that they may attain to greater measures of knowledge than what they have, there are no Dwarfs in Christs Family; for being spiritually alive they hunger and thirst after Righteousness, and go from strength to strength, viz, not only from one 
Math. 5. 6. Job 17. 9. Cant. 6. 6.  good quality to another, but to an increase in all, there are no barren Sheep that belong to his Fold; for they all bear twins, nor any withered Trees in his Vine-yard, for it is a watered Garden, and all that are planted there, flourish; the Trees of Righteousness are not indeed as all the Trees of Paradise were, viz. perfect at first( as to parts they are, though not as to degrees) but they are growing 
Psal. 92. 13, 14, 15. John 15. 5. Matth. 3. 20, 21.  up to it.  
The withering the blade was a sign of the stony ground.  
( 4.) To this, Grace naturally 
Hos. 14. 5, 6.  tends.  
Grace is compared to Lebanon, for smell, to the Vine of Lebanon; for taste, to the Olive; for beauty, to the lily; for growth, to Light; which though small at first yet shines more and more to the 
Prov. 4. 18. Mat. 13. 31, 3●  perfect day: to fire, that arises from a spark to a flamme; to leaven that soon overspreads the whole lump; to seeds, that sprout from a blade to a stalk, and from that to ripe Corn, to Mustard-seed, at first the least of all seeds, but when grown the greatest among Herbs; it is not perfect at first no more then Nature, nor has it any period,( any maximum quod sic) beyond which it cannot go, for perfection is the state to which it is appointed, and to which it tends, from faith to faith, from strength to strength, from light to light, and from glory to glory. 
Psal. 94. 7. Isa. 9. 7. 2 Cor. 3. 18, 21. 7. 1. Ezek. 4. 7.   
The waters of the Sanctuary were increasing, and of the increase of Christs Kingdom within us there is no end.  
( 5.) It will bring glory to Christ, benefit to others, and comfort to themselves.  
( 1.) Glory to Christ.  
Christ received a fullness of Grace, not as a private, but as a public person, viz. as a Sun to enlighten, as a fountain to fill, as a root to quicken, and as a head to influence, a fullness in the highest degree, and the more we have of it, the more glory we shall bring unto him; for as the fruitfulness of a three commends the Root, so the increase of grace in us, shows the fullness of grace in 
Matth. 5. 16. John 15. 8. Phil. 1. 11.  Christ the fountain of it.  
If the Cistern is full, much more then the Spring that feeds it.  
( 2.) Benefit to others.  
Grace was at first discovered by two communicating things, viz. Tongues and Fire, and the greater our eminency in it is, the more we shall excel to Edification, and be either as Paul or Apollos, viz. 
Acts 2. 3. 1 Thes. 5. 11. 2 Cor. 9. 2.  Planters of grace in others, or waterers of it.  
One industrious Scholar and Artist encourages another, the burning Coal, and lively Christian put Life into dead ones.  
( 3.) Comfort to themselves, viz. here and hereafter.  
( 1.) Here.  
The best evidence of the truth of grace, is the growth of it;( for that which proves it to be strong, proves it to be alive, and so it is of our right to Joy and Peace too, for none can rejoice in a concealed good, or unknown Title) the weakest Child has a ground of comfort as a Child, but that which is grown up to years, can judge best of his Fathers Love and draw most comfort from it, and weak grace gives as much ground of comfort as a sign, though not as an instrument, for that must pass two Courts, viz. That of Heaven, and Conscience, and it is strong grace usually that reads it there.  
Where grace is strong, our union with Christ will be more clear, our Communion with him more full, and our joy flowing from it, will be so too.  
( 2.) Hereafter.  
Gladness is sown for the upright, 
Psal. 97. 11. James 1. 18. Phil. 4. 17. Rom. 6. 22.  Grace is the seed, Glory the Crop, the more Seed the greater Harvest, the more Grace the more Glory; that is the work, and according to that shall the reward 
2 Cor. 5. 10. {αβγδ} congruenter ad id quod sececerit, viz. not only according to the quality of his deeds, but the degrees of those qualities  be, not for it but according to it, for as according to the matter of the work shall be the substance of the reward, so according to the measure of it shall be the degree, not only according to the quality of the work, but according to the degree.  
He whose pound gained ten pounds was made Ruler over ten Cities.  
Standing waters putrefy, Buildings 
Luke 19. 16, 17, 24.  not finished decay, Garments not worn grow moth-eaten, Stocks not improved will soon be spent, and Talents as soon be lost, by spending on the quick Stock we shall be impoverished, lose what we have by not adding to it, by not going forward go backward, and by not growing decline, we must not therefore stand still with the Sun in Joshua's time, nor go 
Ubi incepimus stare, descendimus. Psal. 119. 5.  back with that in Hezekiah's, but go forward in strength with David's( that rejoiceth as a mighty man to run his race) as Children of light nearer to the father of lights, that we may both secure what we have and add unto it, and thereby weaken the habits of sin, and suppress the acts of it, for the stronger the habits of grace are the weaker will the habits of sin be, and the weaker the habits are the fewer will be the acts of it.  
Grace alone will not do it, unless it be Grace Acted, nor Grace Acted, unless assisted and increased.   

CHAP. IV.  
Of quickening and Assisting Grace.  
THE strong and weak in Grace must daily implore the Assisting and quickening influence of Grace, upon the Grace they have.  
quickening Grace is as necessary as Renewing Grace, auxiliary Grace as habitual; for that assists us in working as the other does in being, and are both from God. 
1 Cor. 15. 10.   
( 1.) Renewing Grace.  
Our natural being is in God,( for in him we Live, and Move) and so is our Spiritual being too; for grace is his Creature not ours, and by him alone it is that we are prepared to Grace, as well as to work, to him therefore the prime donor through Christ( the Way through which it is conveyed to us) we must( and with hope we may) go for it.  
When there is no Grace in us, yet 
Luke 11. 13. Eph. 1. ult. 4. 7. James 1. 5.  without us there is, viz. In him the God of all Grace there is enough.  
( 2.) quickening Grace.  
The strongest Grace in us is 
John 1. 16. Non plenitudinem said de plenitudine.  weak, but a drop of that fullness in Christ, a ray of that brightness in him the Sun of Righteousness, and as such, needs a daily supply and influence, as a little strength, the more power to uphold it, a little Stock, the more Care to improve it; and a little Fire the more Blowing to Increase it.  
Grace is contrary to our Nature and can receive no quickening from it, it is as a small Party in the Enemies quarters, that are easily overcome, as a spark in the Ocean, that is easily extinguished, as a small degree of heat brought into Water, that will as easily be wrought out, or as a foreign Plant in a soil contrary to its Nature, that will be as soon destroyed, were it not that a Divine Power was exerted, to Strengthen, Quicken, and Keep it alive: our Spiritual Life is hide with Christ in God, it comes from him, and is maintained by him, and therefore to him we must go for the power of Grace as well as the Inspiration; for Grace, and for Power to Act 
John 6. 63.  the Grace received, for we can 
Eph. 2. 1.  no more without his Assisting Grace do good, than we can without his exciting Grace, will it.  
Every natural Motion in the Body, is from the Soul, and every Heavenly Motion in the Soul, from the Spirit.   

CHAP. V.  
Of Humility under Grace.  
THE strong and weak in Grace must walk humbly before God, under all the degrees of Grace received, the weak because not strong, and the strong because comparatively weak, viz. to what they should, or might have been.  
How great the means of Grace? How small the measures of it?  
Their Sins should humble them, and so should their Graces too.  
Their sins,  
Pride goes before a fall( the Devil the first Apostate fell by it) but must not( in this sense) follow it.  
Pride of Life is no fit Companion 
Prov. 16. 18.  for sinfulness of Life.  
Their Graces, for  
They are all received, and therefore more matter for Humility then Pride, if thou didst receive why dost thou glory? 
1 Cor. 4. 7.   
They that are proud of their Graces, and good Works, are Proud of their debts.  
Pride is a sin indeed of such a Nature, that it will grow( if not prevented) in the most unsuspected soil, viz. in the Garden of Grace, yea sometimes out of Humility itself, but there is no reason for it, for not only that, but every other Grace is imperfect.  
It is true,  
As the low Vines are more fruitful then tall Cedars, and Valleys more then Mountains( for showers and fruitful dews glide from the Hills to them) as the Violet that hangs its head lowest, is the sweetest of all Flowers; the lily of the Valleys, the most lovely of all lilies; the heaviest ears of Corn stoop lowest to the Earth, the Metals and Waters that lie deepest in the Earth are the best, and sweetest, so the more humble any are, the more Grace they have. The Proud would be 
1 Pet. 5. 5.  thought to have most Grace, but the humble have most, but all received, for it is God that gives it. As the Moon is irradiated by the Sun, casts no other Beams but what it has from it, and when at the Full, has then a dark spot, so every Grace is but a Ray from Christ the Sun of Righteousness, and when brightest, has then its spot, an imperfection in its greatest perfection; something lacking( as in the Thessalonians 
1 Thes. 3. 10.  faith) to be perfected, and therefore as they that are most humble, have most Grace, so the more Grace we have the more humble we should be, for it is given in order to it.  
To be Proud of Grace, is to poison ourselves with our Antidote.  
Humility is the very basis, and Foundation of all virtue, the first ston, and top-stone in the spiritual Building, the most acceptable sacrifice we can offer to God, that which will give us honour in his eyes, and make us like unto him.  
It is the foundation of all virtue, for we have none without it.  
When Angels lost their humility they became Devils.  
The most acceptable sacrifice we can offer to God.  
A Sacrifice of Gods own framing, his Sacrifice,( his by efficiency, before ours by oblation) yea his sacrifices, all and every one, the virtue, power, and value of all in one. 
Psal. 51. 17.   
Legal Sacrifices were broken Beasts, Evangelical Sacrifices are humble and broken Hearts.  
This will give us honour in the 
Prov. 11. 2. 29. 23. Where Pride rides, there shane Lackeys, Ital. Prov.  eyes of God, nothing has more shane attending it than Pride,( when Pride comes then comes shane) nor any thing more honour than Humility.  
( Honour upholds the humble in Spirit) nothing has more of humility in it, then meekness; nor any thing more of Ornament, it is called the Ornament of a meek spirit, which is in the sight of God 
1 Pet. 3. 9.  of great Price, Pride cannot set us so high in our esteem as it does low in Gods, for he knows the proud afar off as Enemies in a way of contempt and in his due time will humble them,( their Pride shall bring them low, that shall humble them, if they themselves will not) nor humility put us so low in our esteem as high in Gods, for he has a respect to the lowly( the last shall be first) to them he looks ( viz. with Affection, and delight) and with them he dwells, as truly with them on Earth, as with glorified Saints in Heaven.  
The Devils two dwellings, are 
Tantus quisque est quantus apud Deum. 1 Tim. 4. 6.  Hell, and Proud hearts, but Gods are the highest heavens and lowest hearts, there in his Glory, in these by his Grace.  
It will make us like to God.  
Pride makes us like Devils,( far they are the worst Creatures, and the proudest) but humility makes us like to God, for Christ that was God was Humble, They 
Phil. 2. 7. Matth. 11. 29.  through Pride would become Gods, God humbled himself to become Man, it was the Glory of his greatness to be clad with meekness, and surely then no less of our meanness and vileness( because in this so like him) to be so too.  
It is prodigious for sinners to be Proud, when he that was God was humble.   

CHAP. VI.  
Of the weak and small degrees of Grace.  
TRue Grace though weak, is matter of comfort to all in whom it is to be found, for it is as true Grace as the strongest, entitles us to Gods love, interests us in Christ, and the privileges that come by him, and shall persevere to the end.  
( 1.) Weak Grace is as true Grace as the strongest.  
Some have asserted, that none believe without remarkable terrors, that there is no Faith where no assurance and look on weak Grace as no grace.  
( 1.) That none believe without remarkable Terrors, which is not so, for the Spirit is an Arbitrary Agent in its works, either of sorrow or joy, and therefore though such a degree of Humiliation is necessary in order unto believing, as whereby we see a present and absolute need of Christ, yet as true it is, that if we are so far humbled we may as safely close with Christ, and rest upon him for Salvation as if wrought under the greatest terror and consternation, for that degree is enough, that drives us out of ourselves to him.  
No less will do, and no more is needful.  
( 2.) That there is no Faith, where no assurance, which is not so, for  
Though Assurance is never without Faith,( the sealing work of the Spirit never without the sanctifying work of it,) yet Faith may be, and many times is without Assurance( the sanctifying work without the sealing work) the broad Seal of the Spirit, ( viz. Grace in the habits, and acts of it) is common to all the Elect, but the privy Signet or seal of special favour, ( viz. the Assurance of it) is given but to some onely.  
Christ was familiar but with three of his Disciples.  
( 3.) Some look on weak grace as no grace,  
As if there was no Faith but the Faith of an Abraham; no Meekness but the Meekness of a Moses, nor any Patience but the Patience of a Job, which is not so, for  
( 1.) Weak grace is as true grace as the strongest.  
It is true,  
As all flowers have not beauty, nor all Stars lustre alike, so nor all Grace strength alike, for God gives not Grace as he did Manna by the Omer, to all alike, but as he gives Riches, viz. to some more and to some less, yet the least degree shows it to be true.  
Canaans Fruit was known by the Clusters.  
In all Homogeneal things, the part is the same with the whole, the least ray of Gold is as true Gold, as the greatest wedge; the least drop of Water, and spark of Fire, is Water and Fire; for the true and proper Nature of Water, and Fire is in them, as truly as in the Ocean and flamme, that Child is as true a man having all its parts, and members at the Birth, as a man grown; and weak Grace is as true Grace as the strong, alike precious 
2 Pet. 1. 1. {αβγδ}, ejusdem pretii.  though not alike great; one and the same in kind, though not in Degree and Measure.  
The degree differs not the species.  
So that if the Metal and stamp be good though small, it is current Coin, if the pulse beat though low, there is Life, and if but so much light as to make day, by that we may red the happiness of our condition, for the least degree of Grace is the earnest of the spirit.  
The earnest secures the whole, it cannot be lost, it shall be made up.  
( 2.) Weak grace entitles us to 
Isa. 10. 6.  Gods Love, hypocrisy is the object of Gods wrath, sincerity of his Love, the highest degree is admirable, and the lowest amiable, for as the goldsmiths eyes are on the thin rays of Gold as well as the greater pieces, so are Gods on the Truth( thine eyes 
Jer. 5. 3.  are upon the Truth) as well as the strength of grace, and his heart works as truly to the least, as to the greatest measure of it( nay the expression of tenderness seems to be most to that) for he loves us in regard of our interest, 
Isa. 40. 11. 42. 37. Yea doubles, and trebles his promise to the weak in Grace, viz. he will gather them in his arms, carry them in his bosom and gently led them.  as well as our Eminency.  
Weak Saints as well as strong are put in the Calendar of Saints.  
( 3.) Weak grace gives us an interest in Christ, viz. A sure, equal and beneficial interest in him.  
( 1.) A sure interest,  
A Weak Child is as much a Child, as the strong, and has as good a right to the inheritance, and weak Saints as well as strong, are Sons, and if Sons, Heirs( for all Gods Sons inherit) they cannot lose their Union, though they may the comfort of it, for their heavenly Father will not cast them off for weakness.  
They are not tender, but withered 
Rom. 8. 17. Matth. 21. 19.  branches, not weak, but rotten members, that are cut off.  
( 2.) An equal Interest.  
A Father is not more a father to one Child then to another; in Affection he may, but not in Relation, nor Christ more a head to the strong in Grace, then to the weak, for  
As in Nature so in Grace, every 
Relatio non suscipit magis, aut minus.  member has an equal Union, and Conjunction with the Head.  
( 3.) A beneficial Interest.  
A weak hand may receive an Alms or a Pardon as well as a strong one; a trembling as a triumphing Faith may tie the Marriage knot betwixt Christ and us, and the least degree of grace entitles us to Life, as well as the greatest, for  
The promise is made, not to the 
John 3. 16. Rom. 3. 22. Credo seed languidâ Cruciger.  degree, but truth of it.  
( 4.) Weak grace shall persevere,  
The light of the Sun may by an Eclipse be obscured, but not extinguished, the Communication of a Father may cease, though the Relation remains, the joy of the Spirit may not be, where the Spirit is, as in Christs passion the Vision was suspended, though the Union was not broken, and he forsaken as to comfort tho not as to interest( he cried out my God, my God) the common works of the spirit, 
Psal. 51. 8. 12. and 89. 32.  ( viz. knowledge, illumination and conviction) and the degree, of the special works too( such as joy, and peace) may be lost, but the saving works of it cannot, for the anointing received abides, the vigour of grace may be abated 
John 14. 16. 1 John 2. 27. ( as the strength of a body may by a disease) the exercise of it may be interrupted, the acts of it for a time may cease whilst the habits remain, and the strong in grace may fall from some measures received( as the Church of Ephesus 
Rev. 2. 4.  left her first love as to degree) from a good frame, though not from a good state; to a lameness, as Mephibosheth fell, but not as Dagon, never to rise more; and as Eutyches into a swoon, but not as Eli to death, for  
The fall shall never be so great, as 
1 Sam. 5. 4. 2 Sam. 4. 4.  to quiter destroy the Life of Grace.  
Solomons Temple was built on two Pillars, but this Truth has four to support it, viz. The Immutability of Gods love, the greatness of Gods power, the fidelity of Gods promise, and the perpetuity of Christs prayer.  
( 1.) The immutability of Gods love,  
Gods love to his people is free,( it comes more freely from him, then water from a Fountain) and it is unchangeable too,( he loves to the end) for they are sealed by 
Jer. 31. 3. Hos. 14. 4. 2 Tim. 2. 19.  his spirit, the sealer is the Spirit, the seal is the grace of the Spirit that makes them sure to God,( for he knows them that are his) and God to them( the Spirit witnesses 
Rom. 8. 16. 1 Cor. 2. 12.  with their Spirits that they are the Sons of God) they are not sealed one day, and canceled another but when once so, for ever so, for it is to the day of Redemption.  
A sure day, though a long one. 
Eph. 4. 30.   
( 2.) The greatness of Gods power.  
The best if left to themselves would soon fall, either through weakness or wantonness, but God 
Eph. 2. 1.  that quickened them when dead, will much more guide them when quickened, he that gave Life will strengthen it, and either keep them from falling, or when fallen raise them, so that though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down. 
Heb. 13. 5.   
The strongest grace is weak, but 
Premi, opprimi, non supprimi potest.  the weakest is invincible, not as it is weak, but as he that keeps it is strong.  
( 3.) The fidelity of Gods promise. 
1 Pet. 4. 5. Matth. 8. 26.   
The good work begun shall be perfected, the bruised reed not broken but strengthened; the smoking 
Matth. 12. 20. 16. 28. Phil. 1. 6. Jer. 32. 40.  Flax not quenched, but blown up into a flamme, and judgement sent forth to victory, by virtue of the Covenant, that is not only well ordered, but sure.  
The new Creature can never die, 
2 Sam. 23. 5.  for it is immortal, not( as one says) in its proper Essence, but by Covenant, as it is a 
1 John 3. 9.  Child of promise.  
( 4.) The perpetuity of Christs prayer.  
Christ when on Earth prayed that Peters faith might not fail, and so he does uncessantly for all Believers, viz. not only that their 
Luke 22. 32.  faith, but every grace else may not fail, nor shall it, for because he lives, they shall live also, for 
John 14. 19. Heb. 7. 25.   
He ever Lives, that their gracé may never die.  
Adam had a spiritual Life by Communion, but Saints have it by union with Christ, his Stock was greater then theirs, but it was not under so safe a Custody, for his was in his own hand, but theirs is in Christs, he had a power to do what he willed, but did not will what he could do, but they have a strength from Christ both to will and to do, he had a power to stand, but they are kept by his power, and as no one bone of his natural body was broken, so nor any one of his Mystical ever shall be, nor the least member of his perish, for  
Rather then that should be, he 
Phil. 2. 12, 13. 1 Pet. 1. 5.  would come again upon Earth, and be Crucified for it.   

CHAP. VII.  
The weak in Grace must not be discouraged under the small degrees of Grace, nor the strong in Grace despise the weak, but both go unto Christ, that they may receive of his fullness more abundant Grace.  
( 1.) THE weak in grace must not be discouraged under the small degrees of grace.  
It is good to be humbled, but bad to be discouraged, if we consider, that none are perfect here, that the complaining of the want of Grace is Grace, that God judges of all by their sincerity, and that weak grace may be strong.  
( 1.) None are perfect here,  
Perfection is Twofold, viz. Inchoate, and complete, inchoate perfection consists in a freedom from the love, and allowance of all sin, complete perfection, in a freedom from the power, and presence, being and prevalency of it, that is a perfection of parts, and attainable here,( we may have it and must, for we are nothing without it) but this is not, for it is not a perfection by imputation of Christs perfection( for so Saints are perfect here) but by inherent perfection, a perfection of degrees, to which nothing can be added, to make it greater or better, a perfection above that of Adams and of any Saints on Earth.  
Above that of Adams.  
His perfection was endowed but with a power not to sin, but this with an impossibility to it, which is Gods perfection, for he cannot sin.  
His state was perfect, but this is Permanent.  
Above that of Saints on Earth.  
Saints in Heaven( according to the Capacity of glorified Creatures) are pure, as God is pure in whom there is light and no darkness, but whilst on Earth they( like the Tribe of Manasseh, of which one part was in the Land of Canaan, another part beyond Jordan in a polluted Land) are partly spiritual and partly carnal, one part light and another part darkness, and will be until they come to the Spirits of just men made perfect, where all imperfections shall be done away, they therefore that say they are without sin, prove that they are not, for in saying so they lie and in lying they sin, and they that say 
Phil. 3. 12, 13. Heb. 12. 23. 1 Joh. 1. 8, 10.  they are perfect, show that they have not entered into the way of perfection, nor attained to so much knowledge, as to know their own ignorance.  
Christ said to one of the most eminent 
Matth. 14. 31.  Apostles, O thou of little Faith.  
( 2.) Complaining of the want 
Matth. 15. 28.  of Grace, is Grace.  
In Sin the Justice of God interprets 
Neh. 1. 11. Isaiah 26. 9.  the desire to be sin.( Lust makes Adultery without the act) and in grace, infinite love interprets the desire to be grace, for the promise is made to it, and Gods people from their desires have recoursed to him, and found comfort, a great blessing it is, when there are any Holy longings and desires in us after grace, for desires are grace, viz. If they are 
Rom. 7. 19, 20. Heb. 13. 18.  more after grace then any thing else, after it for its beauty, and excellency, after the highest degrees of it, and when constant and laborious, endeavouring after those degrees desired, sense of deadness is a sign of Life( none but the living complain,) complaining of the want of Christ is 
Tota vita nostra sanctum desiderium.  Christ in us, for we seek for him by him,( as the Woman in the Gospel asked a Saviour, for and by a Saviour) and a desire after grace is grace, for we seek after it by it, 
Psal. 27. 4. John 20. 16.  as we see the Sun by its own light, it is the lowest degree indeed of grace, but yet a degree; and in whom it is to be found, their matter 
The first breathings of the Life of Grace. 2 Sam. 15. 3.  is good, and to them comfort belongs, for  
As desires are the fruits of the Spirit they are Grace formally.  
( 3.) God judges of all by their sincerity.  
Sincerity is Gospel perfection, and as much of that there may be under weak grace as under strong, yea, sometimes more in them that are weak in grace, then in those that have stronger habits, failings speak grace to be weak, but uprightness shows it to be true, and when so it is accepted, Jobs patience is only spoken of, ye have heard of the Patience of Job( tho sometimes he was very impatient) And Asa's sincerity, the Reformation 
2 Chro. 15. 17.  was not perfect, yet it seems the Reformer was in Gods account who accepts the will for the dead, judges of us by our better part, valves our duties, more by weight 
Non bonum in magno, said magnum in bono.  then number, and our graces more by their truth then degree, he looks to the goodness of the Mettal, and if pure the very dust of it shall have its allowance in the scales of the Sanctuary, to argue therefore, from the weakness of grace to a nullity, is as irrational, as to think, there is no fire but the flamme, no stars but those of the first Magnitude, or that the Sun is not up because it is not noon day.  
The Heart may be perfect, where Grace is imperfect.  
( 4.) Weak grace may be strong.  
The promise of an increase of grace, is made to the truth of grace( beleivest thou? Thou shalt see 
John. 1. 50.  greater things then these) and in the least degree, there is a tendency to it, for it is the seed of grace, and that as the seed sown gives hope of a Harvest, nature has its morning, and full noon, and so has grace( the day of small things) too, a laughing Sarah was at last 
Gen. 8. 12. Heb. 11. 11.  a believing Sarah; Nicodemus that was fearful at first( a night-walker) was bold at last, and owned a dead Master, whom the Disciples forsook while alive; and Peter that thrice denied his Master was afterward courageous and laid 
Matth. 26.  down his Life for him.  
add a drop to a drop and in 
Ital. Proverb.  time, it will be a Sea.  
( 2.) The strong in grace must not despise the weak.  
It is an Evil too many that are strong in grace, are prove to, viz. To glory in the great degrees of grace received, as if not received, and to despise the small degrees in others as if none, because such; the Moon is a dark body, and has no 
Isa. 65. 5. Rom. 14. 10.  light but what it borrows from the Sun, nor any no not the brightest in grace any light, but what they receive from Christ the Sun of Righteousness, to be proud of it, is their weakness and infirmity, and great folly too, as will appear by considering, that strong grace was once weak, and the strongest may be stronger, that weak grace is true grace and may be useful.  
( 1.) Strong grace was once weak.  
The most spread Oak was once an Acorn, the strongest beam was once a twig, grown Paul was once a Child, and the strong in grace were once weak, and therefore 
1 Cor. 13. 11.  as unreasonable to despise them that are so, as for the Artist in his Grammar to despise the Boy that is spelling his Letters, who by that arose to his Knowledge.  
The greatest Scholar began at first with a Letter.  
( 2.) Strong grace may be stronger.  
Grace in Christ was greater at its first infusion, then it can be in any at its full growth, and all that are sanctified by him, are indeed truly sanctified, but not equally, 
Luke 1. 80. and 2. 52.  a perfection of parts they all have, but not alike perfection of degrees, some more then others, but none so much as they may or should have, all truly but none fully, for they that are highest may 
2 Cor. 3 ult.  yet go higher.  
The Bride her self stood in need 
Cant. 1. 11.  of Borders of Gold, and studs of Silver to be made her.  
( 3.) Weak Grace is true grace.  
In Christs School there are many forms, high and low, Plants in his Vineyard of all sizes, strong and tender, full grown and new set, Cedars and Shrubs, Lambs as well as Sheep in his Fold, and Embrio's and Babes as well as 
Cant. 4. 14. and 7. 12. Isa. 40. 11. Joh. 21. 15, 16. Gal. 4. 19. 1 Joh. 2. 12, 13.  strong men in his Family, and they are all equally his.  
Mephibosheth though Lame, yet he was of the blood Royal.  
( 4.) Weak grace may be useful.  
Buds of Roses, as they are sweet 
Cant. 1. 17.  so they are useful too; Rafters 
By Rafters some understand common grace, by beams saving grace, Others by Rafters weak grace, and by beams strong grace.  though not so strong as beams yet may serve for Building as well as they, the Vine though weak is fruitful; and weak grace may be of use as well as strong, it may indeed have little or no comfort from Christ, yet it has no prejudice against him, and therefore may put out itself in subjection to him, and service for him, and sometimes more then that which is stronger.  
There were Women that followed 
Matth. 27. 55. Mark 15. 40, 41. Luke 23. 27, 28.  Christ when going to be crucified, and stood by him, when others fled away, and forsook him, they were instructors to the Apostles.  
None overlook the filings of Gold, or dust of Diamonds because small, nor slight the Moon because of her spots, and borrowed light from the Sun, nor should any despise the weak in grace, much less smite those feeble ones with the Tongue of reproach, but instruct those young beginners, cherish those tender Plants, feed those Lambs, and not stifle but foster those Babes with care and gentleness.  
If any Child meets with the tender 
Zech. 4. 10. Deut. 25. 18. Isaiah 65. 5. Rom. 14. 10.  hand, and easy voice, it is the weak one.  
( 3.) The strong and weak in grace, must go unto Christ that they may receive of his fullness 
John 1. 16.  more abundant grace.  
The fullness of the God-head dwelled in Christ, not a part of the 
Col. 2. 9.  God-Head( for it is simplo and indivisible) but all the fullness of it dwelled in him personally and Hypostatically, viz, The Godhead as united to the Manhood, and the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily, the fullness of grace 
{αβγδ}  dwelled in him habitually, a plenary and superlative fullness like that of light in the Sun, a fullness above all that any Saint ever had on Earth( for theirs is but a fullness as to parts not as to degrees) or any in Heaven has or can have,( for theirs is not an absolute fullness but according to their capacity only) a fullness of Grace in its greatest extension as to every kind, and in its greatest excellency as to every Degree, a fullness both objectively and subjectively, extensively and intensively, viz. as much as he needed for Ornament to himself, and influence to others.  
There are no beams out of the Sun, no streams out of the Fountain, nor any grace but from Christ the Golden Viol that fills all our Pipes, therefore to him both the strong and weak in Grace must go with their empty vessels, viz. Their thirsty souls that they may receive of his fullness 
John 1. 16.  Grace for Grace, viz. The same specifical though not the gradual Grace, the same for likeness, though not for proportion, the same for kind though not for degree, that as he as their head had it as in an Ocean to redundancy, so they as his members( which are his fullness) may have it by participation to sufficiency.  
The empty he fills, but the full, ( viz. of Sin and Self) he sends empty away.    

PART. II.  
Of DUTY.  
WHen David had sinned the Message sent to him from God was, go tell David, but when he was going to Build the Temple, then it was go tell David my Servant, not only to show that we are then Gods Servants, when our Hearts are devoted to him( and not when we serve our sinful pleasures) but that it is our honour to be so, and the more we exceed in it, the more we exceed in honour also. 
2 Sam. 14. 12. and 7. 5.   
A greater honour it is to be a Servant to God, then to be Master of the World, David( one of the best, and greatest of Kings) esteemed it his honour, and it is the honour of all good men, yea and of Angels too,( whose service is their happiness) by doing of it, 
Quo mayor sum to magis laboro,& quo magis laboro eo mayor sum, Maximin.  we are not only enabled to it, but honoured by it, we not God, for he is perfect and can neither be hurt by our sins, nor helped by our Duties, nor can we by the one, or the other, either detract from him, or add unto him; a declarative honour indeed it is, that so many Millions of glorified Saints and Angels are about his Throne, and so many on Earth attend his service, but a greater honour it is, that he is not so needy as to want it, 'tis beneath him to hear the prayers of Angels, and an humbling himself to behold glorified Saints, and surely then much more to hear and behold polluted sinners.  
Whatever has an efficient, has an end out of itself, but God is his own being, and his own happiness 
Deus est sua beatitudo.  also, it is intransient from him, and intrinsical to his own nature, he is happy in the reflections of his own excellencies, exalted above all blessing and praise, and cannot be honoured by us, viz. by efficacy, though he may by testimony now that we may so by our Duties give honour to him, and thereby honour ourselves, we must have an especial regard to the principle, rule, manner, and end of Duty; do every Duty commanded, do Duty tho danger attend it, and difficulty be in it, be unsatisfied in the performance of Duty, unless God be sought and found in it, beware of indisposition to Duty and deadness in it, do Duty with our hearts, continue in it to the end, be humble after it, disclaim all merit by it, and look beyond it unto Christ.  
Servants have no will of their own, but are at their Masters command.  

CHAP. I.  
A regard must be had to the Principle, Rule, Manner, and End of Duty.  
( 1.) TO the Principle.  
The Principle leads into action, and such as the Principle is, such will the action be( for that as water rises no higher than its Fountain) the Principle of all Duty is either Flesh or Spirit, Death or Life, Sin or Grace; both are not good nor the Duties arising from both, it concerns us therefore to see that the Principle of Duty be good, if we would have the Duty approved as so, good fruit grows no where but upon a good three, and good works proceed only from good Principles, we must therefore be created in Christ Jesus to good works, before we can do them, and be good before we can do 
Fias opus Dei prius quam feceris opera dei.  good, for  
Things are ever in being, before they are in Operation.  
( 2.) To the Rule of Duty.  
We are not to be a Rule to our 
Galat. 6. 16. Eccles. 7. 16.  selves, nor are we left without one; the Divine Precept( Gods Rule and not ours) is the ground of Duty; to go beyond it is Superstition, to come short of it is hypocrisy; in one we are over Righteous, in the other, we are not Righteous enough, in the first we do too much, in the latter, too little; but by neither can we either glorify God or benefit ourselves, for what is not done in obedience to the command is not done in Faith, and what is not of Faith is Sin, and that which is Sin will neither bring glory to God, nor comfort to ourselves.  
The Command directs to Duty, 
Rom. 14. 23.  the Promise quickens to it, but yet there is no Promise to encourage, but where there is a 
Religio, est rectus de Deo sensus,& cultus.  Precept to Obey; for Religion is Worship grounded on right Knowledge, and the divine Command is the ground of it. 
Psal. 119. 4, 5, 6.   
( 3.) To the manner of Duty.  
A Man and a Beast may do the same thing, a Child and a Slave may perform the same service, and a Saint and a Hypocrite the same Duty, yet all in a different manner; but as no Duty though materially good, unless formally so, ( viz. so as to manner) is good at all( for the command has a respect to both, and therefore a negligence 
Mal. 3. 14. Rom. 6. 17. and 12. 8. Titus 2. 14. Heb. 4. 2. James 5. 16. Matth. 21. 7, 12, 13.  in it is a sin, as well as the neglect of it) so no Duty is formally good, viz. so as to manner, unless the will is engaged in it, for grace is governed by a free and loyal Law, acts from a free and generous principle, looks to Duty not as a task but debt; not as a fine but rent; as a privilege not as a penance, and not only does it, but delights to do it; and the more there is of delight and willingness 
Magis eligenda est voluntas sine actione quam actio sine bonâ voluntate, deus delectatur affectu magis quam effectu. Levit. 3. 16. James 2. 8. Psal. 110. 3. Willingnesses. Heb.  in it, the more easy it will be in itself, and the more acceptable to God, for  
Willingness is as the fat of the sacrifice, that he has reserved to himself.  
( 4.) To the End of the Duty.  
The End( as the Moralist says) 
Perfectio cujus-cunque est finis, virtutes non officiis said finibus distinguuntur.  specifies an action and makes it, either good or bad, such as the End is, such is the Action; and such as our Ends are in Duty such is the Duty, since then nothing is more to be regarded in Duty, then the End, nor any thing in the End more to be valued then the glory of God, all the lines of Duty must be drawn to that center.  
God must be the End, as well as the object of duty, his name must be the beginning, and his Glory the end of all.   

CHAP. II.  
Obedience must be to every Duty Commanded.  
EVery Duty has its privilege, and every privilege its Duty; the greater the privilege the greater the obligation, as well as encouragement to Duty, none share in the privileges purchased by Christ, but those that do the duties commanded by him, nor any that do the duties, unless they do, not some only, but all: the Divine authority runs through every command, both great and small, negative and affirmative, public and private, personal and relative, difficult and easy, and so must our obedience too, we are not idle retainers, but covenant Servants, and must neither neglect our work, nor pick and choose it, obey( as Herod) in some things only, but( as Noah) in all, not by 
Gen. 6. 22. Ps. 119. 6. 101. Acts 13. 22. {αβγδ}, Jam. 2. 10.  halves, as Apollonius saluted Decimus by the name of Quintus, or as the echo that sometimes answers but one word, but fully as the copy answers the original, word for word, not as a sphere upon a plain, that touches but in 
Quicquid propter deum sit aequaliter sit.  a point, but as a plain upon a plain, that touches in all.  
Integrality is the best note of integrity, we obey not truly, unless fully.   

CHAP. III.  
Duty must be done, though danger attend it, and difficulty be in it.  
MOst mind their condition, more then their Duty, or their condition so much as to forget the Duty of it, but if ever we would receive any good by our condition, we must mind the Duty of the condition, more then the condition, and do the Duty of it, if we would receive any benefit by it, and the Duty, though danger attend it, and difficulty be in it.  
( 1.) Though danger attend it.  
We may deprecate danger, but 
Dulce est periculum sequi deum.  must not either shun or flee from Duty to avoid it, for it may prove 
Pietas sola securitas.  the next way to it, while we keep in the road betwixt Sun and Sun, we are under the protection of the Law, and when in the way of our Duty, we are under the protection of Heaven, for there 
Acts 4. 19, 20. Unus homo totius orbis impetum sustinuit.  are Angels, yea God himself to protect us; usually duty and safety go together, but were it not so we must be faithful to duty, though thereby we endanger our safety, as Athanasius against Constantine, and the whole World of Arrians, St. Ambrose against Theodosius, and St. Chrysostom against Eudoxia.  
Though( with Lot and Elijah) we are left alone, and( with Joshua) have none to side with us, 
Josh. 24. 15. 2 Sam. 6. 22. Esther 4. 16.  though( with David) we appear vile in the eyes of the World, and are in danger( with Esther) to perish, though there are none to encourage us, yea though all rise up and oppose us in the doing of it.  
Thrice happy the Christian, that is 
Acts 20. 24. Joh. 10. 12, 13.  found in the way of Duty, though in the way of danger, they that flee are Hirelings.  
( 2.) Though difficulty be in it.  
We must not question the performance of what is promised on Gods part, though never so seemingly impossible to sense, nor neglect the performance of what is commanded on our part though never so difficult, but steadfastly believe what is in the promise, 
Quo levius mandatum to gravius peccatum.  and faithfully do what is in the Precept, the less the Sin is we are tempted to, the more strenuously it must be opposed( we have no love to God, if we offend him in that which is little) and the greater the Duty is that we are called to, the more readily it must be obeied( we have but little love to God, if we do not please him by our obedience to difficult commands as well as easy) by mortifying one sin, we shall be the better enabled to mortify another, and by the conscionable performance of one Duty, we shall gather strength for any or all; the more we do in Duty the more we may, the more we do the more comfort we shall find, and the less difficulty, for Christs yoke grows easy with wearing, 
Matth. 11. 29.  and his burden light with carrying; 
Non dicit nullum jugum, said leave grave quia jugum, suave, quia tuum.  the more we labour the stronger we shall grow; the more we continue in well doing, the less weary we shall be of it: and therefore should be found in the way of duty though difficult, and 
Grave dum tollis, suave, cum tuleris, Anselm.  continue in it, until it is not; that we may either find no difficulties or make them none, by overcoming them.  
It is True,  
The least Duty is too great for our strength, but the greatest is not for Christs, we must not depend on our strength, nor despair of his; the Command calls to Duty, the Promise assures strength; to him therefore must we go( in whom the Promise is yea and Amen) that we may receive what is in the Promise, to do what is in the precept, viz. strength with Abraham to forsake, with Job to bear all, and with Paul to do all.  
Christ Personal will strengthen Christ Mystical, and an Omnipotent God can at any time make us( as it were) Omnipotent Creatures.  
— I can do all things through 
Phil. 4. 11.  Christ strengthening me.   

CHAP. IV.  
God must be sought in Duty.  
GOD in Covenant is not enough, unless enjoyed in the way of duty, interest in him, and Communion with him are the two principal things to be sought after, and may be found in the way of duty, Legal Ordinances were but Types of Christ, and had no virtue in 
They were offered cum quâdam protestatione futuri Messtae. Tostatus.  them but as relating to him, who was the substance of those Shadows, and the kernels of those shells, nor are evangelical duties any thing, unless they bring us to the God of them.  
It is true,  
By going from them we go from God, and by slighting them contemn him, but barely to return to them is not enough, unless we draw nigh to God by them, Communion with whom is both the Life and End of them, God and they are separable, and when it is so they are but dead and empty things, the greater our distance is from God in them, the less enlarged and enflamed, the more contracted and strengthened our hearts will be, as the farther Rivers are from the Sea, the narrower and shallower they are, but the nigher we draw to God by them, and the more we see of him in them the more lively we shall be, as the nearer we sit to the Fire, or the more direct we live under the beams of the Sun, the more heat and warmth we shall feel. We must not then rest satisfied without them, nor without God in them, but let these golden buckets down to him the Fountain of Life, that we may drink and be satisfied: going into the Tabernacle was not enough to Moses, nor into the Sanctuary enough to David unless they 
Exod. 33. 9, 18. Psal. 63. 2.  might see Gods glory, and power there; nor should it be enough to us that we are found in the way of duty, unless we may find God there; nor that at any time we sit at Christs Table, unless he himself( the Master of the feast) be there also, without whom our Spikenard will not give forth its smell. 
Cant. 1. 12.   
We must not draw nigh to duty with a less design, then of drawing nigh to God by it, nor leave it, until we have got something from him, nor at any time draw nigh to him, but so as never to go from him without him.   

CHAP. V.  
Indisposition to Duty, and deadness in Duty must be avoided, but yet Duty must not be either neglected, or cast off for it.  
THey that are spiritually alive as to state, are many times dead as to frame, and as such need quickening and exciting grace to assist them in the performance of Duty, that they may, not only walk, but run in the way of it, but must not either step out of the way of Duty, or stand 
Isa. 40. 31.  still in it, though they have it not, but go on as the Traveller, who goes on his way when the Weather is not pleasant, though most cheerfully when it is so, they must not cast off duty for blasphemous thoughts,( this would be to give Homage to the Devil, while they deny it to God) much less then, for deadness in it, but act Faith, when they cannot act fervency, and Obedience, though without present pay in their hand, for,  
It is ever a time for duty, though not ever a time for comfort.  
Duty is a burden to a Sinner, want of Life in duty a burden to a Saint, but yet to do duty, and trust in God, under discouragements, are the noblest acts of Faith, and such as will prepare, and make way for duty and comfort too.  
( 1.) For Duty.  
By constant rubbing heat is brought into benumbed members, by using Limbs we have them, and by doing duty, we shall be enabled to it, for the more frequent we are in it, the less weary, and the more lively we shall be.  
Acts strengthen habits, the way not to be weary in duty, is to run a place.  
( 2.) For Comfort.  
Wood though green by constant blowing upon it, will burn and sparks will fall from a flint, by continuing the stroke, and by continuance in duty, we make 
Acts 8. 26, 27, 28. and 9. 11.  way to our Comfort, whilst the Eunuch continued reading, and Paul praying Philip was sent to one, and Ananias to the other, and whilst we are diligent in duty, Comfort will appear, if not at the beginning nor in the middle, yet at the end of it.  
Many of Davids Psalms that begin with complaints, end with praise.   

CHAP. VI.  
The Heart must be concerned in every motion to duty and in it.  
( 1.) GOD Commands it.  
Not the Skin of a Beast, but the Entrails and inward parts under the Law were to be offered to God, and the Worship of the Spirit must now be given 
Num. 27. 26. John 4. 24.  to him, who is a spirit and the God of spirits, all duties are commanded for the Hearts sake, that is the purest part of Worship, and without it God will be( as Apollo) without a sacrifice.  
The Wood may be there, but not 
Gen. 22. 7.  the Sacrifice.  
( 2.) God valves every duty by the Heart.  
He measures our sins by the inward motions of our hearts to them( there may be Adultery without the act, and Murder without a blow) and so he does our duties too, by the desire of our hearts to them, and the motion of 
Matth. 5. 28. 1 John 3. 15.  our hearts in them, and the more there is of the heart in sin and duty, the worse or better it is esteemed by him.  
God is judge of Affections, we of Actions, we of Mens hearts by their Actions; he of their Actions by their hearts, and such as they are such are we in his esteem.  
( 3.) God abhors every duty performed without the heart.  
Every Sacrifice under the Law, that was either imperfect, not prescribed, without the inward parts, or rent and torn, was an abomination to God, the first implyed false Worship, the second Will Worship, the two latter formal and Hypocritical Worship, not only to show, how much he abhorred cruelty, but how much he abhorred a sacrifice rent and torn( in an evil sense) betwixt him and our lusts, the richer the Jewel the base the counterfeit, the whiter the Leper the worse, and 
Amat deus Cor contritum, odit vero Cor divisum.  the more hypocrisy there is in duty, the worse that duty, for Hypocirsie is but an appearance only, and God who is being hates that which is nothing but appearance; hypocrisy is a practical lie, and God who is truth itself can never be reconciled to a lie; without the heart, duty is nothing; for when things are not true they are not at all a vain Oblation,( like Prometheus his offering up his bones to Jupiter) and nothing worth. 
Exod. 29. 18. Psal. 51. 10.   
So much as there is of the heart wanting in any duty, so much we sin in it.  
( 4.) God accepts the meanest duty with the heart.  
Two Turtles and an Ephah of fine Flower were accepted under the Law, two Mites were regarded, and commended in the Gospel, the labour of an hour in the Vineyard was rewarded, and the gift of a cup of could Water to a Prophet, has the promise of a Prophets reward, and imperfect duties if sincere shall be accepted, good Affections shall go for actions, purposes for endeavours, and desires for deeds, if the heart is in them, and a power wanting to perform them; for God then accepts the will for the dead, when we sincerely will it, though we cannot do it. 
1 Kings 8. 18. Psal. 32. 5. 2 Cor. 8. 12.   
Duty can never make up the want of sincerity, but sincerity will imperfections, and defects in duty.  
— The upright are perfect. 
Gen. 17. 1.    

CHAP. VII.  
Duty must be continued in 
Mala pati, bona agere& perseverare, sunt tria Christianorum.  to the End.  
EPhraims Goodness made an appearance for a while only, like the morning Cloud it was soon scattered, and as the early due soon dried up, the Galatians 
Hos. 6. 4. Galat. 5. 7. Dan. 2. 52. The Breast and Arms of Silver the Belly and Thighs of brass the Legs of Iron, and feet part of iron, and part of day.  zeal was hot, but of no long continuance, they started like some high mettal'd Horses, and ran their course well for a time, but were soon tired, and many begin in the spirit but end in the flesh, their latter end proves worse then their beginning; like the Image in Daniel the lower the worse, but our motion to Heaven if true, is like Heavens motion to us, viz. Regular and perpetual, it is not eccentric, nor disorderly, but guided by a rule, and constant, not like that of the shadow on a Sundial, but that of a Clock, viz. By night as well by day, a progressive 
Gen. 28. 12. Ezek. 19. 12.  motion, like that of the living Creatures in Ezekiel, going forward, and the nigher Heaven the Center, the swifter.  
Violent motions are swiftest at first, natural motions are slowest at first, and swiftest at last.  
( 1.) Sincerity will be evidenced by it.  
Fixed Stars abide in their Orb, but Meteours fed from below, which seem great, soon dissolve after a great blaze into their first Elements, true Gold ever keeps its blushy or colour, but what is guilded, though it shine at first, 
Quemque deus de fine judicat, non de vitâ. Quod vix fit, fit, quod ferè fit, non fit. 1 John 2. 17.  will quickly lose its lustre, and what in Religion begins in hypocrisy will fade, and come to nothing; for hypocrisy and apostasy, are( as one says) like the symbolical Elements, whereof one quickly slips into the other; a hypocrite being a secret Apostate, and an Apostate an open hypocrite.  
Well doing is the being of a Christian, continuance in it, is his perfection.  
( 2.) Safety depends upon it.  
The Garland is not in the middle 
Ezek. 18. 26, 27. Matth. 20. 8, 9. Gal. 6. 0. Rev. 14. 13. Christus deficientes supportat, vincentes coronat.  of the Race, but at the end and for none but such, as run to the end of it, the Crown is not for fighters but Conquerors, the day is the time for work, the evening( not noon) the time for wages, the Loiterer shall have none tho he go early into the Vineyard, nor the labourer lose them though he come late, if he continue to the evening; Heaven is a place for rest, an everlasting Sabbath, none enter in, but them that work in their six days; none are glorified in that Eternity, but those that serve God in theirs; therefore if we would have our works follow us, we must be diligent in them, not for a time only, but to the going down of Sun of our Life.  
If our works are crwoned with perseverance, we( the workers) shall be crwoned with Glory, not for the merit of our works, but as workers for the merit of Christ.   

CHAP. VIII.  
All Merit by Duty must be disclaimed.  
WE must not be proud of Duty, nor put any trust in it, but walk humbly after duty, disclaim all merit by it, and look beyond it unto Christ.  
( 1.) We must be humble after duty.  
Jacob when he awaked out of 
Gen. 28. 16, 17.  his sleep, where God appeared to him, was afraid( how dreadful said he, is this place!) Elijah 
1 King. 19. 13.  wrapped his face in a mantle, when the Glory of God passed before him, Job abhorred 
Job 42. 5, 6.  himself, and Isaiah cried out he 
Isaiah 6. 5.  was undone, when he had seen God, and the nearer our approach to God, and the higher our Communion with him is, the lower we must be in our esteem.  
Stars are not seen when the Sun appears, and the more direct our shadow is under it, the lesser it is; for bodies just under it, cast no shadow.  
( 2.) We must disclaim all merit by duty.  
The dutiful necessity must be maintained( both doctrinally and 
Titus 3. 8.  practically) the meritorious necessity must be disclaimed.  
That which Saul acknowledged as 
Phil. 3. 8, 9.  gain, Paul accounted loss.  
And there is good reason for it, in that  
( 1.) Every duty is performed by the strength of another, viz. Gods strength worketh in us both 
Phil. 2. 12, 13.  to will and to do, it is a gift by grace to us, before a work by grace from us, and therefore can no more be meritorious, then one gift received can oblige the donor to give another that are both his own.  
It should oblige the receiver to gratitude, but cannot the donor to bounty.  
( 2.) The more we do, the more we are indebted to God, for the opportunity, in which we do it, and the strength by which we are enabled to it.  
By paying our debts, we increase them.  
( 3.) Every duty is weak and empty, imperfect and defective,( like Coin clipped within the Ring) something is wanting that we might do and much more that we should, the strongest grace has some weakness, and the best duty some imperfection attending it, our Righteousness is but a rag, too narrow to cover our unrighteousness, imperfect, and cannot be meritorious.  
We cannot merit that by an imperfect 
2 Cor. 5. 20, 21.  Righteousness, which Christ has merited( and none but could) by a perfect one.  
( 4.) Every duty has a mixture of sin in it.  
There is not only something wanting that should be, but something in it ( viz. Sin) that should not; it may glitter, but there is an alloy in it, much dross in the Gold, a filthy Rag, impure as well as imperfect, too much of one, and too little of the other.  
Where there is guilt, there can 
Psal. 91. 8. Heb. 2. 2. 2 Pet. 2. 13.  be no reward, nor any merit where a punishment is due, but that reward only that is due to the wicked.  
( 5.) No duty is profitable to God, to whom it is performed.  
Perfect duty( if it could be) adds no more to him, then the idolaters worshipping of the Sun adds lustre to it; duty as offered up by Christ the Mediator is acceptable to God, but not gainful, he is pleased with it, but not profited by it.  
God loses nothing by our sins, nor gets any thing by our duties.  
( 6.) Every duty is a debt, the 
Officium debitum.  greatest, as well as the least, and we can no more merit by it, than we can pay one debt with another, or a greater debt with a less: the last sum of Money paid by a debtor, does not discharge the old arrears, nor any of our Duties, nor all of them discharge the old debt of obedience, due to God, they are less then the payment of a farthing to the greatest debt that ever was contracted, less then nothing, they cannot pay the interest,( which is due to God for his patient forbearance) much less the principal; they are good in themselves, and in their place, but will not go for pay, if they were perfect, they come in too late to do it, but they are imperfect and cannot. 
John 5. 40. Heb. 7. 25.   
Christ our surety only can in whose name the bond is taken.  
( 3.) We must look beyond 
Psal. 71. 16.  duty unto Christ, without duty we cannot go to Heaven, for we are not saved without it, nor without distrust to it, for we are not saved with any respect to it; to neglect duty, is profaneness, to trust in it, is Idolatry, by one we contemn God, by whom it is commanded, by the other we reject Christ, in whom alone it is accepted, in obedience to the 
Cum Minervâ move manum, qui creavit te, sine te non salvabit te, sine te, nile tibi, sine te, omnis virtus absque Christo, vitium, sordet natura sine gratia, sordet in conspectu judicis quod fulget in conspectu operantis.  command we must do it, and in honour to Christ,( as well as safety to ourselves) we must renounce all confidence in it, do it because Christ, without it, will not save us, place no confidence in it, because that without him cannot; to his Spirit we must look for assistance to duty, and to his merit, for the acceptance of it, without that we can do nothing, and without this if we could do any thing, it would not be accepted, for our confessions of sin need confessing, they as well as our other sins, need pardon, our tears need washing, and our most holy offering, a sacrifice.  
The Cherubims that are pure Creatures, 
John 15. 5.  look towards a Mercy-Seat and therefore, well may we who have so much impurity in us.  
Christ the Lord of Glory became a servant for us, that of Slaves we might become servants, ( viz. of Slaves to sin, Servants of Righteousness,) it was along and a hard service that he underwent, and a dear price( far more worth then our service) that he paid forit, no slavery like that, no price like this, nor should any service be like ours, that we return to him for it.  
Let us then show that he is our Lord, by our obedience to him, and that we are his faithful servants by the duty we perform to him, viz. a sincere, cheerful, universal and perpetual, not only living but dying his servants, to this equity obliges and no less our interest, for in serving him we serve ourselves.  
In all his service, there is more of wages, then of work.    
FINIS.   

Books lately Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside, near devil.  
A Hundred Select Sermons, by Tho. Horton, D. D.  
Meditations upon our Saviour Parable of the Prodigal Son, being several Sermons, on the 15th. chap. of St. Luke, in II. Parts, by Obadiah Grew, D. D.  
Sermons of Grace and Temptation, by Tho. Froysell, 4 to.  
Baptismal Bonds Renewed, being some Meditations upon Psal. 50. 5.  
Closet Prayer: A Christian Duty, or a Treatise upon Matth. 6. 6. both by Oliver Heywood Minister of the Gospel. In Octavo.  
1. The Conversion of the Soul, or a Discourse explaining the Nature of that Conversion which is sincere, and directing and persuading all to cease their loving Sin and Death, and to turn to God and Live, In Octavo.  
2. Touchstone of Grace and Nature, with Meditations on the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.  
3. A Discourse of Conscience, good or bad wherein there is Heaven or Hell on Earth.  
4. The Spirit of Prayer.  
5. The Excellent way of Love among Christians. All five by Nath. Vincent Minister of the Gospel.  
Bartons Psalms last Edition enlarged.  
Psalms compared with the Original Text, with 26 Non-conformist Ministers to it.  
The Grand Charter granted by Jesus Christ, from Matth. 28. 18, 19, 20. by George Lawson.  
Mr. Tho. Vincents Catechism.  
Principles of the Doctrine of Christ with their applications in order to practise, by Nich. Bifield.  
A brief Memorial of the Bible, or a Summary of the chief Mottoes contained in every chapter of the Old and New Testament done into Metre for the help of memory, by J. C. M. A. In Octavo stitched.  
A Present to be given to Teeming Women by their Husbands or Friends, containing Scripture Directions for Women with Child, how to prepare for the Hour of travail, by John Oliver, Minister of the Gospel, in Octavo.  
The difference between the Spots of the Godly and the Wicked, by Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs of Cripplegate.