Now there is a twofold evil in sin, the guilt of it and the polution of it. Justification properly cures the former, Sanctification the latter; but both Justification and Sanctification flow unto sinners out of the death of Christ. And though it's proper to say the spi∣rit sanctifies, yet it is certain it was the blood of Christ that procu∣red for us the spirit of sanctification. Had not Christ died, the spi∣rit had never come down from Heaven upon any such design.
The pouring forth of Christs blood for us obtained the pouring forth of the spirit of holiness upon us. Therefore the spirit is said to come in his name, and to take of his and shew it unto us. Hence it's said, 1 Joh. 5.6. he came both by blood and by water; by blood washing away the guilt, by water purifying from the filth of sin. Now this fruit of Christs death, even our sanctification, is a most incomparable mercy. For do but consider a few particular ex∣cellencies of holiness.
First, Holiness is the Image and glory of God. His image Coll. 3.10. and his glory, Exod. 15.11. who is like unto thee, O Lord, glorious in holiness. Now when the guilt and filth of sin is washt off, and the beauty of God put upon the soul in sanctifica∣tion, O what a beautiful Creature is the soul now. So lovely in the eyes of Christ even in its imperfect holiness, that he saith, Cant. 6.5. Turn away thine eyes from me for they have overcome me. So we render it, but the Hebrew word signifies, they have made me proud, or puffed me up. It's a beam of divine glory up∣on the Creature, enamouring the very heart of Christ.
Secondly, As it's the souls highest beauty, so it's the souls best evidence for heaven. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God, Matth. 5.8. And without holiness no man shall see God, Heb. 12.14. No gifts, no duties, no natural endowments will evidence a righ•• in heaven, but the least measure of true holi∣ness will secure heaven to the soul.
Thirdly, As holiness is the souls best evidence for heaven, so it's a continual spring of comfort to it in the way thither. The purest and sweetest pleasures in this world are th•• results of holiness. Till we come to live holily, we never live comfortably. Heaven is Epitomized in holiness.
Fourthly, And to say no more, It is the peculiar mark by which God hath visibly distinguished his own, from other men, Psal. 4.3. The Lord hath set apart him that is Godly for him∣self, Q. D. this is the Man, and that the Woman to whom I