QUestion. 1. Whether it be not enouh sor a man to doe that which is good, unlesse we labour also for an habit of vertue, whereby our hearts may be inclined to that which is good?

Ans. We ought to give all diligence to adde to our Faith, Vertue, 2 Pet. 1. 5.

1. Because the Word of God, whereby we are in speciall manner called upon for the performance of our duty, ought to be ingrafted within us, Iam. 1. 25.

2. We ought to deliver up our selves unto the same Doctrine, as to a pattern, or mould, the likenesse of which is to be expressed in our heart 8, Rom. 6. 17. Now this inward image and likenesse, is vertue.

3. As we ought to put off the old man together with his members, which properly are internall vices, Col. 3. 5. So we ought to put on the new man with his members, which properly are vertues.

4. We ought to be framed and fashoned after the Image of Christ, Col. 3. 10. In whom did dwell all the fullnesse of vertues. Esay 11. 2. Col. 1. 19. And that for this end, that of his fulnesse we may receive grace for grace, Ioh. 1. 16.

5. If the habit of vertue be absent, although we should doe some good works, yet we are not rooted and grounded in good, but are rashly carried away with evill, and that goodnesse soone vanisheth. Mat. 13. 21. Col. 1. 23.

6. That good which we doe without vertue, we doe it not with an honest and good heart, which yet is required to make it pleasing unto God. Lu. 8. 15.

7. Such kind of works, are not the obedience that is acceptable to God. Mat. 7. 18. & 15. 8.

Question, [gap] Wh[gap] [gap] [gap] [gap] to do[gap], that he may grow and increas[gap] in any vertu[gap]?

8. Ans. First, he ought seriously and in a speciall manner to acknowledge his failings, and weakenesse, [gap] Cor. 3. 5. 1 Cor. 3. 18.

9. Secondly, he ought in Christ to apprehend that grace especially, which he wanteth, that in time he may be strong, and compleat, Phil. 4▪ 13. Col. 2▪ 10.

10. Thirdly, he ought diligently to take heed of all such things, as are contrary to that vertue, which he labours for, Pro. 4. 14, 15. Eph. 4. 29. 31.

11. Fourthly, he ought to employ himselfe in those things, wherby that vertue may be promoted, 2 Pet. 1. 12. 15.

12. Fifthly, he ought to seek the same vertue at Gods Hand, by daily and earnest prayer, I[gap]. 1. 5. Act. 4. 29.

13. Sixthly, he ought frequently and diligently to exercise himselfe in those things, which are proper to his vertue, 1 Tim. 4. 7.

Question, 3. What be the signes whereby a man may know that he hath gotten, any vertue?

14. Ans. First, a propension and readinesse in a manner naturall to the exercise of that vertue, 2 Pet. 14. 1. Thess. 4. 9.

15. Secondly, firmenesse and constancy in that exercise, E[gap]b. 4. 1[gap], 15.

16. Thirdly, a joy and delight arising from that exercise. Pro. 21. 15. 2 Cor. 8. 2. & 9. 7. 13.

17. Fourthly, an abomination of the contrary vice, 119. 163.

18. Fifthly, an alienation from those which are given to that vice, Pro. 29. 27.

19. Sixthly, universality, whereby it comes to passe, that, a man doth not only in part, and in some respect follow that which is good, and oppose that which is evill (admitting a limitation, and measure according to carnall wisdom) but simply, and absolutly. 1 Cor. 13. 7. Col. 1. 10.