§. Sect. 2 Of the out∣ward signes of a pure heart.
The outward signes of a pure heart, are the fruits of sanctification and holinesse: for the tree is knowne by the fruits, and the fountaine by the * 1.1 streames that flow from it, whether they be good or euill, for a good tree cannot bring foorth euill fruit, nor an euill tree good fruit, as our Sauiour hath taught vs. If therefore the fruits we beare be pure and holy, it is an euident signe that our hearts be purified and sanctified; if the streames be cleere and sweete, such also is the fountaine from which they spring; and if the coyne wee outwardly spend and vse in our Christian trading one with another, be currant, of pure metall, and the right stamp, then is the treasury of our hearts good, out of which we bring it. More especially, the purity of our hearts appeareth in the purity of our words, when as we de∣light in the language of Canaan, and cheerefully intertaine one another * 1.2 with holy conferences; and when as our speech is powdred with the salt * 1.3 of wisedome, and ministreth grace vnto the hearers, edifying one ano∣ther in our most holy faith. So also pure hands are a signe of a pure heart, being inseparable companions, that alwayes goe together, and both in∣fallible notes of a Citizen of heauen; and the workes of holinesse and * 1.4 righteousnesse are signes of an holy and righteous heart, euen as cleere streames are a signe that the fountaine is pure from which they spring. Whereas if the hands be full of blood, crueltie, and oppression, bribery and extortion, fraud and deceit, it is more then manifest, that our hearts remaine still polluted with fleshly lusts, whatsoeuer profession we make of purity and sincerity.