Sincerity, or, The upright mans walk to heaven in two parts shewing I. that sincerity is the true way to happiness, II. that the keeping of our selves from our own iniquity is the true way to sincerity / delivered in several sermons in the parish church of St. Michael in Long-Stratton Norfolk by James Oldfield, late minister there.

THE CONTENTS

Obs. in two parts.

• 1. Do∣ctrinal where three things.
  • 1. what is our own sin.
    • 1. In respect of constitution.
    • 2. In resp. of habitation.
    • 3. In resp. of provision.
    • 4. In resp. of protection.
    • 5. In resp. of love.
    • 6. In resp. of delight.
    • 7. In resp. of trade and calling.
    • 8. In resp. of unwillingness to part with it.
  • 2 what we must do to keep our selves from this sin.
    • 1. La∣bour to see the e∣vil of it.
      • 1. This is very hard.
        • 1. bec. we love it.
        • 2. be. we love the evils in it.
        • 3. b. unwilling to hear an evil re∣port of it.
        • 4. be. angry with those that repr. it.
      • 2. This must be done in the 1st. pla.
    • 2. Give it no entertainment.
    • 3. Choose another love.
    • 4. Dispute not the case with flesh & blood.
    • 5. Deny our selves.
    • 6. Search in the Scripture what we shall gain by parting with it.
    • 7. Be much in Gospel duties.
    • 8. Labor as much as we can to thwart it.
    • 9. Beg of God to do it for us.

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  • 3. Why we should do this.
    • 1. Because we love it.
    • 2. Because of its great power over us.
    • 3. This is the way to keep out other sins.
    • 4. This stands most in competition with Christ for the heart.
    • 5. Because it continually besets us.
    • 6. This sin will damn us as well as 10000
    • 7. This will be our great comfort in all afflictions.
    • 8. This is the surest sign of our sincerity.
• Ap∣plica∣tion 4 fold.
  • 1a. In∣for∣ma∣tion in 6 things.
    • 1. Discovers the reason why so many go to Hell; because their beloved sins carry them thither.
    • 2. Discovers the reason why so few are converted to the Gospel; because it bids them part with their own sins.
    • 3. Discovers the folly of sinners who for a beloved sin will venture on damna∣tion.
    • 4. Discovers the reason why People are so in love with sin; because their own.
    • 5. Discovers the chief work and duty of Ministers, to persuade People against their own sins.
    • 6. Discovers the righteousness of Gods judgments against us, bec. we own sin.
  • 2a. Re∣proof to 4 sorts.
    • 1. Those who instead of keeping them∣selves from their iniquities, keep close and hide their iniquities.
    • 2. Those who instead of keeping them∣selves from their iniquities, boast of them and glory in them.
    • 3. Those who instead of forsaking their own sins, partake of others sins.
    • 4. Those who instead of keeping them∣selves from their own sins, draw o∣thers into them.

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  • 3a. Con∣solation in 2 parts.
    • 1. The grounds of their comfort in 5 things.
      • 1. There is nothing to hin∣der their Union and Mar∣riage with Christ.
      • 2. No sin shall be laid to their charge.
      • 3. All things shall work to∣gether for their good.
      • 4. They have this priviledge to have their Prayers heard and answered.
      • 5. These persons are only fit to dye.
    • 2. Cha∣racters of such persons in 8 things.
      • 1. He is one that hath felt the smart and burden of sin.
      • 2. He hath duly considered the danger of sin.
      • 3. He will endeavour to keep others from their sins also.
      • 4. He will be much in aggra∣vating and speaking a∣gainst his sin.
      • 5. He will live ever after in a quite opposite course to that sin.
      • 6. He will be less in censu∣ring others for their sins.
      • 7. He will part with every sin.
      • 8. He will never return to that sin more.

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  • 4ta. Exhortation it consist of these 3 branches.
    • 1. The great Myste∣ry of this ini∣quity laid down where 3 things.
      • 1. The Myste∣ry of it 2. fold.
        • 1. work∣ing into the heart in 12. particu∣lars.
          • 1. It works altogether with our natures.
          • 2. It comes with fair words at the first.
          • 3. It bribes the senses to get into the heart.
          • 4. It pretends a refor∣mation.
          • 5. It endeavours to work God out of the heart.
          • 6. It outbids God in his promises.
          • 7. It urges the common practice of most Men.
          • 8. It hath a small be∣ginning, blusheth at first at great sins.
          • 9. It urgeth moderation in holiness.
          • 10. 'Tis importunate will take no denial.
          • 11. It gets in sometimes insensibly.
          • 12. It tells us of Gods mercy and the power of Repentance.
            • Answ. to this last parti∣cular in 4 things.
              • 1. 'Tis folly to sin that you may repent.
              • 2. True Repen. no easie nor pleasant work.
              • 3. 'Tis abomina∣ble to sin on this account.
              • 4. God never pro∣mised Rep. to willful sinners.

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        • ••Working in the heart in 2 particulars.
          • 1. It will endeavour to win upon the heart what it can.
          • 2. It will build strong Castles there & lay in ammu∣nition.
            • 1. The castles or forts 3
              • 1. a blind mind this fort is raised 3 ways
                • 1. Sin keeps the soul ig∣norant of Christ and his ways.
                • 2. Keeps the soul igno∣rant of the nature and danger of sin.
                • 3. Keeps the soul igno∣rant of its estate and condition.
              • 2. An hard heart.
              • 3. A seared Conscience.
            • 2. Am∣muni∣tion in 4 thin.
              • 1. Carnal desires and affections.
              • 2. Wicked arguments to plead for sin.
              • 3. Prejudices against the People and ways of God.
              • 4. Curious and pleasant fancies of the pleasures and happiness in sin.
          • 3. It bolts all doors, and stops all passages whence it may be thrust out.
          • 4. It is always very pleasing and observant to the heart.
          • 5. When 'tis in it keeps the heart abroad as much as it can.
          • 6. It keeps as close as it can, that others may not take notice of it.
          • 7. It perswades a Man of the necessity of keeping one sin or other about him.

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          • 8. It ob∣jects the Saints ex∣amples that each of them had their sins, An∣swer in 5 things.
            • 1. Though they did commit them yet they did not love them.
            • 2. A vain Argument for me to sin because of others sins.
            • 3. We should follow their Repentance not their sins.
            • 4. This spoils all our hopes for mercy at death.
            • 5. They got their pardon with great diffi∣culty.
          • 9. It keeps the soul formal in duties.
          • 10. It tells us all our happi∣ness is gone if we part with it answ. in 3 th.
            • 1. If you do not cast it out God will hate you.
            • 2. 'Tis to reject God to do as others do.
            • 3. You would not willingly partake with the wicked in their torments, why then in their sins.
          • 11. Sin will promise to be gone of its own ac∣cord here 3 considera∣tions.
            • 1. You may think your sin is gone when 'tis not, 3 in∣stances.
              • 1. Some think so because they have not been tempted to it as formerly.
              • 2. Others because they have not committed it a great while.
              • 3. Others because turned pro∣fessors.
            • 2. Some Mens sins do really leave them, yet they do not leave their sins.
            • 3. If you leave it to sin to be gon when it will you will never get rid of it.

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      • 2. The de∣ceitfulness of the heart in joyning with this sin in 8 particu∣lars.
        • 1. Our hearts perswade us that we have done enough al∣ready, this answer'd in 4 things.
          • 1. One sin may damn the soul, as one wound kill the body.
          • 2. Christ dyed for every sin therefore we must kill eve∣ry sin.
          • 3. If ever you out-live this sin, you must repent of it at last.
          • 4. When ever you do repent this will be your burden as long as you live.
        • 2. They tell us they are against this sin and abhor it, yet endeavour not to rid it.
        • 3. They will set us to duties and yet keep this sin close.
        • 4. When the heart only loves the sin, but doth not commit the outward Act.
        • 5. When we do commit it, and yet pre∣tend that our hearts dislike it.
        • 6. Our hearts will perswade us from the commission of sin to the continuance in it.
        • 7. Our hearts will plead Election, that the sins of the Elect shall not be laid to their charge.
        • 8. Our hearts will tell us that others think well enough of such and such sins.
        • Here are 3 Corollaries.
          • 1. How little we are beholding to our own hearts.
          • 2. How little we ought to trust our own hearts.
          • 3. How needful 'tis to have our hearts renewed.

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      • 3. Our great danger we are in from the two foregoing particulars, viz. the Mystery of sin and the deceits of our hearts in 8 particulars.
        • 1. Here is odds, two against one. A subtle sin and a deceitfull heart.
        • 2. We must subdue both together, else not out of danger.
        • 3. These two Enemies will revive again after they are slain, there must be a continued War.
        • 4. The danger the greater, because naturally we greatly love these two Enemies.
        • 5. Our corrupt hearts will be al∣ways drawing us into occasions of this sin.
        • 6. Our best weapon, viz. our hearts is in our Enemies hand.
        • 7. While our hearts and sin are a∣greed we can never repent.
        • 8. The danger great in respect of temptations, desertions and af∣flictions our hearts against us which should bear us up.
    • 2. Several Cases concerning this Sin Answered these are of two sorts.
      • 1. Scruples and obje∣ctions of the godly against them∣selves, that this sin is not out when 'tis these are 6
        • 1. Scruple, because they are sensible of their hy∣pocrisie an∣swered in 4 things.
          • 1. We are all Hypocrites by nature, yet not all in a state of Hypocrisie.
          • 2. 'Tis a good sign of sinceri∣ty for a Man to complain of his Hypocrisie.
          • 3. The best rule to judge of our Hypocrisie is by our love to sin.
          • 4. This is a Temptation of the Devil, who envies the joy and peace of a good Conscience.

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        • 2. Scru∣ple, bec. they have fallen again & again into the same sin answ. 2 ways.
          • 1. Some propositi∣ons laid down.
            • 1. Even the saints themselves are subject to this falling sickness.
            • 2. The Scripture doth no where tell us that such a sin again com∣mitted shall not be par∣doned.
              • 1. God will forgive us as much as he commands us to forgive others, we must till seventy seven times.
              • 2. No sin but the sin against the Holy Ghost unpardona∣ble, because we cannot repent of it.
            • 3. A Man may commit the same sin again and again, and yet be in Christ and a state of grace as David, Peter, &c.
            • 4. A Man may commit the same sin often, yet not be his own be∣loved sin.
          • 2. Some Cautions added.
            • 1. Take heed of this falling sick∣ness, relapse dangerous.
            • 2. Presume not on the examples of the saints of falling again.
            • 3. Take heed of relying too much on your own strength.
            • 4. Make use of the means to keep from re∣lapsing.
              • 1. Keep a tender heart.
              • 2. Repent to the purpose.
              • 3. Our Saviours re∣ceipt, 26. Mat. 41.

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        • 3. Scruple, because they find not the in∣fluences of the ordi∣nances. Answer'd 2 ways.
          • 1. By concession. This sin if it be still in us, and we do countenance it will hinder the power and vertues of the Ordinances.
          • 2. By cau∣tion in 2 words.
            • 1. Take heed that this be not false, that you say not you find no influence when you do, to state the Question aright consider 2 things.
              • 1. What are the in∣fluences of the Ordi∣nances they are 4.
                • 1. Pricking, wounding.
                • 2. Humbling.
                • 3. Strength∣ning.
                • 4 comforting
              • 2. Examin your selves whe∣ther you have felt none of these, perhaps some though not all.
            • 2. Take heed this be not true, 'tis a dangerous case, the means to get influ∣ences.
              • 1. Go not to the Ordi∣nances in your own strength.
              • 2. Look be∣yond all du∣ties and or∣dinances they are but means eye the end.
              • 3. Be much in prayer to god for an influ∣ence on your Souls.

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        • 4. Scruple, because they see more sin in them now than before answered in 4 things.
          • 1. Consider the work of conversion, 'tis to open the eyes to see sin which we saw not before.
          • 2. After conversion there is a contrary prin∣ciple of grace, and sin, and that fights, and that makes us think sin stronger than before.
          • 3. The Devil will trouble us now more than before by laying sin to our charge.
          • 4. 'Tis a sign of a state of grace for any Man to be in this condition.
        • 5. Scruple, because they think their Repentance not good e∣nough ans. two ways.
          • 1. 'Tis a good sign that person hath truly re∣pented, who is troubled he hath repented no better.
          • 2. By dire∣ction to know true Repentan. two ways.
            • 1. By its root. Humiliation the deeper the surer 2 fold.
              • 1. In respect of what is past.
              • 2. Fearful & care¦ful for the futu.
            • 2. By its fruits 2 sorts.
              • 1. Turning from sin, loathing it as much as formerly loving it.
              • 2. Turning to God and godliness.
        • 6. Scruple, because they are afraid to dye answ. 4. ways.
          • 1. By con∣cession in 2 particu∣lars.
            • 1. That there is nothing in all the World so terrible as Death is.
            • 2. Sin as it is the only thing that brought in death, so it makes it terrible.
          • 2. By distinction, between a natural and a sinful fear of death.
          • 3. By consolation, a true saint if he fear death 'tis without a cause.
          • 4. By exhortation to seek after assurance that will expel all fears of death.

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      • 2. Pleas of the wicked for themselves, that this sin is out when 'tis not these are 7.
        • 1. Plea bec. no body can charge them with sin ans. 3. ways.
          • 1. 'Tis the policy of this sin to lye so close that others cannot perceive it.
          • 2. Perhaps others may see it and yet not tell thee of it.
          • 3. If God condemn thee what advan∣tage is it, that the whole World ac∣quit thee.
        • 2. Plea bec. Conscience doth not check them answered in 4 things.
          • 1. Though Conscience doth not accuse you it doth not follow that it can∣not.
          • 2. It doth not follow that therefore conscience will never accuse you.
          • 3. You say conscience doth not accuse you, but doth conscience excuse you there's the Question.
          • 4. Take heed of such bad quiet Con∣sciences as never smite for sin.
        • 3. Plea, because conscience doth smite them ans. 3. ways.
          • 1. Trust not too much to troubles of Conscience.
          • 2. Rules to judge of troubles of con∣science.
            • 1. when a Man is never the bet∣ter for them.
              • 1. Look to the fountain of these troubles is it only for fear of pu∣nishment.
              • 2. Examine what sins thou art trou∣bled for? only o∣pen gross sins.
              • 3. Whether doth this trouble drive thee.
              • 4. Consider the effects, is it re∣formation?

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            • 2. When a Man is the better for them.
              • 1. When the soul is more troubled for the sin than for the punishment.
              • 2. When the soul takes more care to be washed from the filth than freed from the guilt.
              • 3. When the soul carefully a∣voids sin ever after.
        • 4. Plea, bec. they perform duties and frequent or∣dinances ans. in 5 things.
          • 1. Even the very Hy∣pocrites do the same.
            • 1. That they may have whereof to boast.
            • 2. By outward duties to cloak their inward lusts.
            • 3. That they may have whereon to rest and trust to.
          • 2. A Man may do all duties, and yet live under the power of sin.
          • 3. Duties performed where the life is not reformed do the more harden the heart in sin.
          • 4. Get the power of godliness into your hearts, and use these duties as helps to it.
          • 5. If many that do these duties shall go to Hell, what will become of those that do nothing.

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        • 5. Plea, be. they have left many sins answ. in 2 par∣ticulars.
          • 1. 'Tis a good be∣ginning but 'tis not enough.
            • 1. There is no sinner in the world but abstains from, yea, hates some sins.
            • 2. The Scripture character of a Saint, is not the leaving of such or such particular sins but sin in the general.
            • 3. Unless we repent and turn from all sins, there's no mer∣cy.
          • Partial 2. A parti∣cular re∣formation is not true examin it by 2 Quest.
            • 1. Quest. what are the sins re∣formed.
              • 1. Are they not on∣ly small petty sins? or
              • 2. Sins that cross and hinder pre∣ferment, or
              • 3. Gross iniquities that all the Coun∣try cryes shame on, or
              • 4. Such sins as have first left you.
            • 2. Question what kind of refor∣mation.
              • 1. Only an outward of life and not of heart?
              • 2. Only of passion and not of Reason and Judgment?
              • 3. Only a leaving of sin and not an ha∣ting?
              • 4. Only a turning from sin, and not a turning to God.

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        • 6. Plea, be. they can't endure sin in others answered 3 ways.
          • 1. Censuring and judging others will not make a true Saint.
          • 2. 'Tis the sign of an Hypocrite to hate sin in others and not in himself.
          • 3. Follow the Gospel rules in this case.
            • 1. In judging and censuring our work lyes only at home.
            • 2. In reproving and reforming we must first begin at home and then go abroad.
        • 7. Plea be. they are not only professors their good works are to be seen answered 2 ways.
          • 1. Even Hypocrites may imitate the Saints in these, therefore no trusting to them.
          • 2. Look to the Quali∣fications of them.
            • 1. They must proceed from a good heart.
            • 2. The tree must belong to Christ else hee'l not own the fruit.
            • 3. The fruit must
              • 1. Be done in faith.
              • 2. In Cha∣rity.
              • 3. In Pro∣portion.
                • 1. to our for∣mer bad fr.
                • 2. to the soyl we are pl. in.
            • 4. The aim and end of them must be good.
    • 3. Motives with Means and Directions.
      • 1. Mo∣tives 12.
        • 1. Because 'tis a belo∣ved sin 3 branches.
          • 1. To love sin is to have commu∣nion with the Devil.
          • 2. If we love any sin we cannot love Christ.
          • 3. We cannot honour Christ bet∣ter than by parting with a be∣loved sin.
        • 2. 'Tis the only sin that hinders our u∣nion with Christ.
          • Reason
          • Scripture
          • Conscience
          these 3 judges give sentence against it.
        • 3. Consider how long God and Christ have wait∣ed on us for the mortifying of this sin.
        • 4. Consider the gracious offers the Lord makes to us if we will part with this sin.

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        • 5. Consider the se∣veral aggravations of this sin, they are 10.
          • 1. 'Tis a sin against light.
          • 2. 'Tis a willful sin.
          • 3. 'Tis a deliberate sin.
          • 4. 'Tis an heart hardning sin.
          • 5. 'Tis a judgment contemning sin.
          • 6. 'Tis a sin of custom.
          • 7. 'Tis a sin of great delight.
          • 8. 'Tis a ruling sin.
          • 9. 'Tis a sin maintained at an high rate.
          • 10. Comes near the sin against the Holy Ghost.
        • 6. Con∣sider the dread∣ful ef∣fects of it.
          • 1. It takes away all our spiritual strength.
          • 2. It defiles all our holy duties.
          • 3. It wi∣thers all our plea∣sures.
            • 1. Takes away the cause of all comfort.
            • 2. Its sweetness makes our comforts.—
              • 1. Empty.
              • 2. Dangerous.
              • 3. Very short.
            • 3. Damps us in the midst of our comforts.
            • 4. Makes all our comforts end in sorrow.
          • 4. It robs us of all our spiritual beauty.
          • 5. By degrees steals away our hearts from Christ.
          • 6. At last 'twill fill the soul with horror.
        • 7. Consider the blessings and benefits that ac∣crue to us for casting this sin out.
          • 1. Such have true cause of mirth.
          • 2. The match concluded between Christ & the soul.
          • 3. The Dev. can't hurt them.
          • 4. They may trample on miseries and afflictions.
          • 5. They are fit for death.

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        • 8. Consider the many loud calls to leave this sin.
          • 1. The voice of Gods word.
          • 2. The voice of Gods rod.
          • 3. The voice of the blood of Christ.
        • 9. Consider your pro∣fession of Christia∣nity you make, and herein look.
          • 1. Backward to your Baptism.
          • 2. On your Prayers.
          • 3. On your Promises.
          • 4. On your coming to the Lords Table.
        • 10. Consi∣der what you loose by keeping this sin.
          • 1. The things them∣selves great.
            • 1. Gods favor
            • 2. Gods pro∣tection.
            • 3. Assurance of Salvation.
            • 4. Thy part in Chr. & place (in paradise.
          • 2. 'Tis an irrepara∣ble loss all the world cannot make thee a∣mends for it.
        • 11. This is an unquestionable truth on all hands and all sides.
        • 12. This is the power of godliness and power of Religion.
      • 2 Means 7
        • 1. Act but according to your own judgment and reason in your sober mood.
        • 2. Go to the Scriptures and get particular receipts against particular sins.
        • 3. Have an eye to the promises of God in Scri∣pture.
        • 4. Labor to cast out this world out of your hearts.
        • 5. Take not up a profession at large, be strict.
        • 6. Avoid the company of the wicked that live un∣der the power of sin.
        • 7. Be much in soul sanctifying meditations.

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      • 3. Dire∣ctions of 2 sorts.
        • 1. In get∣ting out this sin.
          • 1. Be not over∣hasty in this work.
          • 2. Do not set a time to this work, begin presently.
            • 1. Else 'tis a means to wast our time to tarry.
            • 2. 'Tis a despising of God to leave his Work till last.
            • 3. The sooner the easier.
            • 4. The sooner the more pleasant.
            • 5. If you stay too long it may prove too late.
          • 3. Examin all you do here by Scripture.
          • 4. Be sure you go not forth in your own strength.
        • 2. After 'tis out.
          • 1. Pray much against it.
          • 2. Be watchful against it.