The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification - Part One

Extract

The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification
Walter Marshall

Contents
Direction 1……………………………………………………1
Direction 2…………………………………………………..10

Direction 1
That we may acceptably perform the duties of Holiness, and Righteousness required in the law, our first work is, to learn the powerful and effectual means whereby we may attain to so great an end.

Explication

This direction may serve instead of a preface, to prepare the understanding and attention of the reader for those that follow. And,
First, it acquainteth you with the great end for which all those means are designed that are the principal subject to be here treated of. The scope of all is, to teach you how you may attain to that practice and manner of life which we call holiness, righteousness, or godliness, obedience, true religion; and which God requireth of us in the law particularly in the moral law, summed up in the ten commandments, and more briefly in these two great commandments of love to God and our neighbour (Matt. 22:37, 39), and more largely explained throughout the Holy Scriptures. My work is, to shew how the duties of this law may be done, when they are known: therefore expect not that I should delay my intent, to help you to the knowledge of them, by any large exposition of them; which is a work already performed in several catechisms and commentaries. Yet, that you may not miss the mark, for want of discerning it, take notice, in a few words, that the holiness which I would bring you to is spiritual (Rom. 7:14). It consists not only in external works of piety and charity, but in the holy thoughts, imaginations, and affections of the soul, and chiefly in love; from whence all other good works must flow, or else they are not …