Secondly -- --
FAITH. Nay, hold, let us consider of one at once. I think you
should rather say, It shows itself by inclining the soul to abhor
its sin.
TALK. Why, what difference is there between crying out against,
and abhorring of sin?
{199} FAITH. Oh, a great deal. A man may cry out against sin of
policy, but he cannot abhor it, but by virtue of a godly antipathy
against it. I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit,
who yet can abide it well enough in the heart, house, and conversation.
Joseph's mistress cried out with a loud voice, as if she had been
very holy; but she would willingly, notwithstanding that, have
committed uncleanness with him. Some cry out against sin even as
the mother cries out against her child in her lap, when she calleth
it slut and naughty girl, and then falls to hugging and kissing
it.
TALK. You lie at the catch, I perceive.
{200} FAITH. No, not I; I am only for setting things right. But
what is the second thing whereby you would prove a discovery of a
work of grace in the heart?
TALK. Great knowledge of gospel mysteries.
FAITH. This sign should have been first; but first or last, it is
also false; for knowledge, great knowledge, may be obtained in the
mysteries of the gospel, and yet no work of grace in the soul.
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