changed into his Image 2 Cor. 3.18 Beholding the glory of the Lord therein I have begotten you saith Paul through the Gospel 1 Cor. 4.15 This is God's work-house where he shapes and forms this New Creature of how many an Ordinance may it be said this and that man was born there Psal 87.5 Oh therefore be constantly waiting at the Posts of VVisdom hear the most warm lively Preachers prepare for hearing set your selves as in the presence of God Say thus with thy self I am going to hear the VVord of the Living God which is the ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.8 apt and able to give life to dead Souls 1 Thes 2.15 It is not so much the word of Men but of God Oh that it may work effectually in my Soul It is not Man but God that is now treating with me God himself is now beseeching me the Minister praying me in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.20 I perceive it sticks at me God hath declared he is Friends with me if my naughty Heart were at last prevail'd with to be reconciled to him O that this may be the Day this the Sermon wherein and whereby thou wilt mould and melt my Soul for thy self now Lord let thy words be as Spirit and Life to my Soul Oh for renewing Grace 5. Own Convictions by the VVord strike while the Iron is hot let not Impressions dye or wear off this lost both Felix and Agrippa their Souls Acts 24.25 26 27. stifled Convictions leave the Heart harder heated water cooled again is sooner frozen who knows how long the Spirit may strive when God is working work then put not off warnings when God convinceth thee of the evil of a Sin presently discard it when of a Duty fall close to the practice of it when a wound is made take heed left the Wind get in and it begin to fester and at last grow incurable Our Lord is standing at thy Door and knocking Rev. 3.20 He will not always wait thy leisure the Spirit will not always strive with thee Gen. 6.3 You must sail when the VVind blows There are candida tempora proper Seasons for every thing It s a dangerous thing for a Man not to know his time Eccles 9.12 If you miss the nick of opportunity it may never return the Market lasts not all the Year If the Tide have brought you thus far go with it it may never return to fetch you off Now is the accepted Time now is the Day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6.2 Not to morrow O quench not the Spirit 1 Thes 5.19 that would set you on a Fire for God Think you thus I have sitten out many a day of Grace lost many a golden Season 't is infinite mercy God is still calling if I lose this I may never have more yea I may be in Hell before another Sermon yea before Morning O that I could know the Day of my Visitation Luk. 19.4 O that now at last my Soul were effectually changed 6. Get thy Heart affected with thy Sin and Misery by nature and practice look on thy self as dead in Trespasses and Sins and so uncapable of quickening thy self Alas my Praying Reading hearing Reforming will never do the cure or effect the End I am sunk far below the possibility of humane or angelical help Means must be used but Means must not be rested in they cannot effect the End nay alas I am without strength Rom. 5.6 and can do nothing In me that is in my flesh dwells no good thing Rom. 7.18 I am a miserable Leper full of wounds bruises putrified sores Isa 1.5 Wo is me I am defiled in Adam and actually polluted I am a Sink a Sty a Dunghill of Sin a lump of Sin averse to all good propense to all Evil I am in the gall of bitterness and bonds of Iniquity Act. 8.23 Satan is leading me Hell-wards I must be chang'd or damn'd for ought I know I stand tottering over the brink of Eternal Misery I hang by the small Thread of my natural Life over everlasting Burnings my case is worse then the Beasts that are not capable of moral Evil or pain Acts 3.18 I am already condemned and waiting for the execution of the righteous Sentence in a certain fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery Indignation Heb. 10.27 Another Step may set me past hope for any thing that I know This night Luk. 12.20 may Devils require my Soul and hurry it into the Infernal Lake O what will become of me whither am I going Lord awake my sleepy Conscience to see my danger that I may haste out of the Sodom of Fire and Brimstone to the Mountain God forbid I should stay another day in my unregenerate State 7. Learn to know and improve Jesus Christ The Life of Holiness as well as Righteousness is in him I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2.20 There 's no Spiritual Life but what is derived from Christ who saith Because I live you shall live also John 14.19 Sinners are dead the nearer they come to Christ the more hope of Life as the nearer to the Sun the more light we only come to have the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 Nothing doth so transform a Sinner as looking on God through Christ the VVoman had vertue from him that did but touch the Hem of Christ's Garment none are Branches of this Vine but they have Life and Fruitfulness John 5.5 All that are grafted in this Olive partake of the root and fatness of that Olive-tree Rom. 11.17 Labour after Faith and Love Faith unites the Soul to Christ for he dwells in our hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 Love doth assimilate the Soul to God and the more we are like to God the more of his Image we have Faith is the radical ligament of a Soul to Christ Love is a voluntary mover of the Soul to Christ Faith is the receiver Love the worker Faith worketh by love Gal. 5.6 and both are absolutely necessary to the New Creature Christ is the Image of God and the New Creature is the Image of Christ and so of God Love sees all good in God-enjoyment as its End and in conformity to him as its means to attain that End Faith unites the Soul to God mystically Love morally there can be no New Creature without both these therefore to believe in God and to love God are both the only means to be like God and therein consists the New Creature â—erefore study these or you 'l never be New Creatures 8. Get divorced from Sin and Sinners you may and must amend your ways Jer. 1.3 if you cannot mend your Hearts Cease to do evil learn to do well Isal 1.16 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and return to the Lord Isal 55.7 Be no more slaves to your Lusts which are as
it to eternal happiness in the Enjoyment of God 1. Because such a Person may be and is in the Old Adam and is yet under the Old Covenant which brings a Curse and being out of Christ the Second Adam Gal. 3 10-13 All that he hath doth enjoyeth is accursed to him for every man must either keep the Law and satisfie for the breach of it in his own Person or another that is able must do it for him and that 's none but Christ our Surety and Chrst doth it not for any but such as by Faith have interest in him now he that is not a New Creature hath no interest in Christ for if any man be in Christ i. e. related to Christ intitled to him he is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 And he that is not graffed in this true Vine and doth not partake of the root and fatness of this Olive-tree can bear no Fruit John 15.1 5. Rom. 11.17 Do nothing to any purpose nor improve any Privilege to his Spiritual profit for he is a dead Branch cast forth and withered and cast into the Fire John 15.6 Though he was in Christ by Profession yet because he was not planted in Christ by possession of him he is a woful cast-away he is graffed in a wrong Stock to be fruitful here or to shoot up as high as Heaven at last now we cannot be accepted but in the beloved Eph. 1.6 And without Faith in Christ it 's impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 for the first man Adam was made a living Soul and by his Fall himself and his Posterity are become dead condemned Sinners but the last Adam is made a quickning Spirit i. e. Christ becomes a Principle of Life to all his Spiritual Offspring and he will own none but such see 1 Cor. 15.45 49. 2. Because such Souls want the sanctifying operations of the Holy Ghost and we find that the offering up of the Gentiles is only acceptable by being sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15.16 God will own nothing from Men but what hath the Breathings of the Spirit in it For God knoweth the Mind of the Spirit Rom. 8.26 27. The least interpellations thereof in his Children though but a groaning that cannot be uttered is accepted by God but the most eloquent Rhapsodies and loudest Vociferations of graceless Souls are rejected by the Lord For if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom. 8.9 11 14. Here we read of the Spirit of God dwelling in Believers and As many as are led by the Spirit of God they and indeed none else are the Sons of God God will own none for his but them that have this stamp this seal upon them so 2 Cor. 1.22 VVho hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts and this is the Earnest of our Inheritance Ephes 1.13 14. Now all external Ordinances Privileges and Performances amount not to this and the Scripture tells us that He is not a Jew i. e. a sincere Christian for its an Old-Testament Title given to a New-Testament Saint that is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the Flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit and not in the Letter whose praise is not of men but of God Rom. 2.28 29. There lies the Life and Vitals of our Religion the Tree must first be good or it can never bring forth good Fruit Operari sequitur Esse working attends the being of a thing If men be not good they can never do good now it is not any thing External that can make Persons good it must be the hidden man of the Heart 1 Pet. 3.4 that constitutes a Person good So Reason makes a Man not Jewels or outward Ornaments thus Grace constitutes a Christian not outward Privileges As nothing that is without a man can defile a man Mark 15. So nothing without can cleanse him I shall briefly apply this point and so pass to the next Is this so That the Richest Privileges and most Glorious Professions avail not any Man except he be a New Creature Then It follows that Religion consists not in Negatives but Positives It s false arguing to say I am not a Jew not a Turk no Heathen and therefore a good Christian nay it s not enough to say I am no Swearer Drunkard Whoremogner therefore a Saint good enough this was the Fallacy of the Pharisees Luke 18.11 God I thank thee that I am not as other men Extortioners Unjust Adulterers or even as this Publican Alas this would not do God disowned him Christianity consists in something positive Little Children saith the Apostle let no man deceive you he that doth righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous 1 John 3.7 Christ became the Author of Eternal Salvation unto all them and only them that obey him Heb 5.9 Alas Persons may gull and beguil themselves with airy Notions and Speculations of free Grace Christ's merits and trusting God and so build Castles in the Air which will drop with them into Hell for without practical Godliness they will be deceived and die with a Lye in their Right Hand Mistake not I say not that free Grace or Christ's Blood is but a fansie or that a Soul can be saved without them or that he that believeth with a Gospel sincere Faith shall miss of Heaven but many snatch at these and espouse a meer Chimaera a Fancy or Notion of these while they have not a Principle in their Hearts or the Power of Godliness in their Lives I may say with the Apostle Can Faith save thee No no such a Faith without Works is dead James 2.4 20. And being lifeless 't is lost thou must have something that hath existence 2. That Christianity doth not lie in meer Externals If men have no more Religion then is visible to others they have not that which will serve their turn true Godliness is a hidden mystical thing Our Life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 It s a Pearl in the Shell it s an hidden Spring that moves the visible Hand God's Children are hidden Ones Psal 83. King 's in a disguise It appears not yet what they shall be 1 John 3.2 The best and worst of a real Saint is not obvious to mens view The King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 45.13 If Privileges and Profession did denominate a Saint we might infallibly tell who should be saved but a Child of God hath two sides one God-wards another Men-wards A Merchant's Wares are in back Shops the best Goods are often under Deck In the hidden parts saith David thou shalt make me to know VVisdom Psal 51.6 Hypocrites are painted Sepulchres that outwardly appear beautiful but within are full of dead mens Bones and of all uncleanness Mat. 23.27 You must look at Internal Principles not at external Professions or Privileges 3. There is such a
far as the Soul is sanctifyed in this Life and compleated to a perfect Man in Heaven It is say Divines 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Spiritual Chain wherein all Vertues and Graces are linked concreated with Adam infused into the Christian in this New Creation whereby he hath a power to act as a Christian in this lower World in all Christian Exercises that God in his Word calls him to Four Heads I shall reduce these Tryals of the New Creature to Viz. 1. The Preparatives to it 2. The Parts of it 3. The Properties thereof 4. The Effects and Fruits of it Had I time and room these might be largely insisted upon A Touch of each 1. For the Preparatives or Antecedents that lead to the New Creature not that the Creature can prepare himself for it but the same God that makes it doth something on the Soul to usher it in as the Chaos and Darkness was before the beautiful Fabrick of the World so God works 1. Sence of Sin Wrath and the undone estate the Soul is in this is a New York for formerly the Sinner neiâ—her felt nor feared Evil but thought his State as good as any Bodies doubted not his own Salvation now a Spirit of bondage to fear Rom. 8.5 hath seized on him He is shut up as a Sheep for the Slaughter Gal. 3.22 23 24. The Law is a severe Schoolmaster and worketh Wrath Rom. 8.15 Now the Sinner crys Wo is me I am undone I never thought I had been in this miserable state I see I am a condemned Malefactor at the dreadful Bar of a Sin-revenging Judge my Mouth is stopt I have not a Word to say for my self why Sentence should not be executed upon me Wo is me I am likely to perish for ever 2. A discovery of his helpless state he himself cannot help or deliver himself the whole World cannot it s not within the power of Men or Angels to bring any Relief to his forlorn perishing Soul I am saith the poor Sinner helpless fatherless Hos 14.13 Succourless I am without strength in me dwells no good thing Rom. 5.6 7 18. I could provoke God but I cannot please him Heaven is shut against me and I have no Key to open it Hell gapes for me and I know not how to escape it I hang over Flames I lie in Chains and all the World cannot break them Silver and Gold will not redeem me 1 Pet. 1.18 Great men are vanity good men have no Oyl to spare Matth. 25.9 It I sate upon a Prince's Throne I could not purchase or command a Pardon The redemption of the Soul is precious it ceaseth for ever Psal 49.7 My case grows worse and worse 3. A serious Enquiry after a Remedy when the poor Sinner is thus puzzled and non-plust and knows not which way to turn himself then he begins to ask new Questions not as he was wont Who will shew me any good Psal 4.6 of worldly advantage no but his Tune is turned now he cries Men and Brethren what shall I do Acts 23.16 30. Oh Sirs What shall I do to be saved Oh you Ministers Christian Friends did you ever know any case like mine Is it possible that ever I should find Mercy Is not the Day of Grace past I fear I have committed the Sin against the Holy Ghost Wo is me what Course shall I take I see nothing but bare Walls at home Is there Relief to be found for a poor pining Soul Tell me O tell me what Door I must knock at and how I must knock that I may speed 4. Sad thoughts of heart upon discovery of the Remedy Oh saith the poor Sinner you tell me God is a merciful God forgiving iniquity transgression and sin Exod. 34.6 7. But I spy one Red Letter in his Name that will by no means clear the Guilty Now I am guilty and I have read that the Arms of Justice and Mercy are of equal length both infinite how must Justice be satisfied I am sure not by me in my own Person Well the Gospel tells the Sinner that the Wards of the Lock are changed this Chancery will relieve the condemned Sinner Christ in our room hath suffered and satisfied Justice for us Isa 54.5.1 Pet. 2.24 Yea faith the Soul but how shall I have Interest therein It s answered By Faith Alas saith the Sinner I am but where I was I can no more believe then I can keep the whole Law Oh this unbelieving Heart kills me binds me over to Wrath still I would believe but I cannot my Faith is but Unbelief Mark 9.24 I thought believing was the easiest thing in the World now the Spirit hath convinced me I neither do nor can believe without an Almighty Power John 16.8 Eph. 1.19 I would give all the World that I could believe 5. Obstructions are at last removed a stubborn Will by Grace is made willing in the Day of God's Power Psal 110.3 Now Prejudices are removed though a Nathaniel say Can there any good come out of Nazareth John 1.46 49. Yet if he come and see he will believe This was the Woman of Samaria's case John 49.19 Alas faith the Soul I have been foolish and ready to pick Quarrels at God's way of justifying and saving poor Sinners and said of the Gospel-Dispensation how can these things be But I am at last satisfied that a Revelation from God is not only authentick but most rational but yet I have within me strange Imaginations and high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God Well God comes with his Spiritual Weapons and pulls down these strong holds dismounts the Sinner's carnal Confidence and levels these high Mountains of Opposition leads captivity captive 2 Cor. 10.45 And now the Sinner is content that God should take his own method in justifying and saving a Sinner by the Merits of Christ without the least respect to any worthiness in him and there 's much ado to bring the proud Heart to this to forego his own Righteousness 6. Restlesness of Spirit in its present state the Sinner is now heavy laden Matth. 11.28 must have rest somewhere but can enjoy no rest in a sinful state There 's no Peace faith my God to the Wicked Isa 57.21 This is not a state to be rested in faith the trembling Soul I am got off all bottoms I see my old unregenerate state hopeless and deplorable yet I fear I am not centred and anchored on Christ the Rock of Ages Wo is me I am fluctuating on the Waves betwixt Hope and Despair I fear the issue sometimes I spy the Day-break but Clouds and Darkness overwhelm me again however I am not content with these poor Husks of the World in my Christless state in a far Country I will arise and go to my Father Luke 15.17 In this tumultuous Sea I find no bottom for the Sole of my Foot I must make to Ship or Shore none but Christ none but Christ let me have him though with
21.23 Qu. What Use will Heavens and Earth be then of Answ As an Everlasting Monument of God's Power Wisdom and Goodness and possibly righteous Men shall dwell in this New Heaven and Earth and contemplate God in his glorious Works 2 Pet. 3.13 so Righteous is taken for Persons Isa 1.21 That New World shall be possessed only by Saints no Sinners with them Now if we apply all this to this New Creation whereof we are treating it will exactly square thereto Grace shall continue He that doth the will of God shall abide for ever â— John 2.17 This Principle is an immortal Seed and shall be cleansed from all Dregs of Sin and the Fruits thereof and the Spirits of Just Men shall be made perfect Heb. 12.23 Yea their Bodies shall be made like unto the glorious Body of our Lord Jesus Phil. 3.21 And though they may pass through the Fire 1 Cor. 3.13 not of Popish Purgatory of affliction or of the Spirit 's refining yet they shall lose nothing but Dross and shall come forth as Gold Thus I have run a Parallel betwixt the Old Creation and the New But this New Creation is 1. Better 2. More difficult then the Old 1. It s better though the first was perfect in its kind yet this is a more excellent Workmanship being of a more pure refined spiritual Nature and repairs what was decayed in the Old and brought about with more transcendent Love and Good will and hath a tendency to an Everlasting Concernment of precious Souls in the other world But of this more anon 2. This is a Creation in some respects more difficult then the former was This may seem a Paradox that the framing of this new Creation in the Heart of a Sinner is a greater work and of more difficulty then that of making this great Universe Heaven and Earth mistake not this difficulty is not respectu Dei fed rei not in respect of God's Omnipotency to whom all thing are possible and easie but with respect to the thing it self and our consideration of it thâ— appears to our apprehension in these four Respects 1. When God made the World he met with no opposition he Spake the Word and noâ— said no to it by contradiction But in this Neâ— Creation the World the Devil and Corruption within opposes this work sometimes custer in Sin however the Carnal mind is enmity it sâ— against God and fights against him Rom. 8.7 2. When God make the World it cost hiâ— but the speaking of a Word as was said bâ— in order to this New Creation it cost him dear even the giving of his own Son to become Man to live a Life of Sorrow to endure the painful shameful cursed Death of the Cross that Sinners might be reconciled to God and become like God 3. When God made the world he needed no nor used any Instruments in order to the effecting that Work But in this of the New Creation he sends Ministers labouring travelling and long waiting on Sinners to work on mens Hearts he chose Men like themselves endue them with Gifts gives them Compassionate Hearts weeping beseeching with earnest Intreaties to come in yet that will not do except the Spirit strive and prevail 4. When God made the World all was finished in Six Days Heaven and Earth were finished Gen. 2.1 And all the Host of them needed not a second hand to compleat them But he is carrying on this work of the New Creation many Years the whole Life of the Christian if he live a hundred Years it will be still defective in point of degree and never compleat till the Soul be landed in Heaven Chap. IV. Wherein the New Creature is available to Souls THe third main Head in the Doctrinal part is to demonstrate wherein this New Creature is only and every way available to the Souls of men And here lest I be mistaken I must premise two Caveats by way of exception the first refers to the Kind the second to the End of this availableness 1. For the Kind we must beware how we put the New Creature in the room of Christ it is not so available as our blessed Lord Jesus is who is the only Foundation on which the Church is built 1 Cor. 3.10 And able to save to the uttermost Heb. 7.25 No Creature must be set up in competition with him for there 's no Salvation in any other Acts 4.12 And herein I am afraid the Quakers are guilty of a gross Heresie who call us from a Christ without us to a Christ within us yea it hath been a dispute in the Plantation called Pensilvania whether we must believe only in a Christ within us or a Christ both within and without us and it was carried mostly in the former Sence But let no man be drawn from placing his intire confidence in Christ the Son of God both God and Man in one Person who suffered Death on the Cross to make attonement for Sinners and now sits on the right hand of God to make intercession for us 2. If by a Christ within they mean that called Light within either Free will or Natural Conscience or a power to help our selves without special Grace it s an exploded Error and it 's to be feared the Jesuits deliver their Popish stuff out of these mens Mouths with refined Language 3. If by Christ within be meant Christ's Person in the Believer that he is Christed or Goded 't is blasphemy 4. If by this expression Christ within us the hope of glory Col. 1.27 or Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 It is as the Sun is in the House when the Beams or Rays thereof shine into it So Christ dwells in Souls by his Spirit Rom. 8.9 and its Graces and this is that which is called the New Creature and this is but a Creature and a weak one full of imperfections it s a Vein of Gold embased with Earth and dross not to be trusted to The Bride may highly prize her Husband's Picture if like him and drawn by his Hand but it is ridiculous to dote on that and slight her Husband and when she wants Money or Clothes to go not to her Husband for them but to his Picture Surely our Lord will not take it well if men honour his Image to the dishonour of his Person the Original is one thing the Copy is another Christ the object of our Faith and Grace and the Fruit of his Spirit are different Grace in the Heart is not so available as Christ in Heaven Let every thing have its due place 2. That which refers to the End is this Negative that the New Creature is not ordained to have a direct tendency to the justification of a Sinner God did not appoint it for that End That is Faith in Christ Rom. 3.20 21 22. in his Blood Merits and Satisfaction to Divine Justice apprehended by Faith alone And this excludes not only Man's merits but any gracious Habits wrought in man
Seed Isa 66.22 else there would be a great Inconsistency New Palates will find sweetness in this new Meat and new Wine else it will be lost upon them 11. The New Creature fits Persons for Death and Heaven To these to live is Christ and to dye gain Phil. 1.21 Living and Dying these are the Lord's Rom. 14. It s this that renders Persons meet for that heavenly Inheritance Col. 1.12 No Eyes can see God but of those that are pure in Heart Mat. 5.8 These and only these are wrought for this self-same thing 2 Cor. 5.5 Heaven is not like Noah's Ark that had clean and unclean Creatures brought into it Without Holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12.14 Frogs came into Pharoah's Court but no unclean thing can enter Heaven Rev. 21.9 A sensual Pallate cannot taste the sweetness of that Wine in our Father's Kingdom Matth. 26.29 For its New Wine and renewed Souls are capable of taking pleasure in it O happy Soul that hath got Christ in the Arms of his Faith and in his Heart by this New Nature he may lift up his Head and say with Simeon Now Lord lettest thou thy servant depart in Peace according to thy Word for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation Luk. 2.29 30. And is not this available to Souls 12. Yea this New Creature is Heaven begun it is a considerable part of Heaven Holiness is a considerable Happiness it s the Seed and Embryo of that heavenly state Grace and Glory as they are joyned in a blessed connexion Psal 84.10 So they differ but in degree not in Specie Grace is Glory begun Glory is Grace consummated Grace is the Bud Glory is the Flower this New Creature is the Key of Paradise the inlet into Glory yea it is Salvation already 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us This blessed work of the New Creature is a quickning together with Christ and raiseth us up together and makes us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus And thus we are saved in our Representative Eph. 2.5 6 7. yea this Divine Principle is an Heaven begun not only as a Pledge but part of it The Scripture often tells us that God's Children have Eternal Life John 17.3 And this is 1. in precio in price for it is a purchased Possession Eph. 1.14.2 in promisso in promise for God hath promised Eternal Life to all that obey him Heb. 5.9.3 in semine in Seed this Water within the Believer is a Well springing up to Eternal Life John 4.14.4 in pignore in pledge and pawn this is called sometimes the Seal of the holy spirit Eph. 1.13 14. Sometimes the Earnest which is part of the thing to be enjoyed Sometimes the Witness of the Spirit which never bears its testimony to a Lye 1 John 5.10 He that believeth in thâ— Son of God hath the witness in himself for thâ— holy spirit beareth witness with our Spirits Româ— 8.16 And in these respects the New Creature is available in such a manner as no externaâ— Gospel-privileges or worldly enjoyments are to the Children of men Thus much for the third Head Chap. V. Some Inferences by way of Question aâ— Answer from the Premises FOr the Practical Improvement of this greâ— Truth I shall keep close to the Methâ— which the Holy Ghost prescribes in all Truthâ— 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by Inspiratâ— of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproâ— for Correction for Instruction in Righteousneâ— These are the Uses I shall make of this point 1. Doctrine or Information of the Judgmeâ— that our Minds may be informed in points fit 〈◊〉 be known Now there may be inquiry into Seven Poinâ— about this Doctrine of the New Creature whiâ— I shall reduce to Question and Answer 1. Quest Whether is the framing of this Nâ—â—reature in the Soul miraculous The Reason of this Question is because we have compared it to yea â—ewed a precedency above the first Creation which was a Miracle therefore it should seem that this also must be so Answ 1. Some things are Miracles yet not 〈◊〉 Creation as Stephen seeing Jesus at God's Right hand Acts 7. Or barren Sarah's conceiâ—ing Gen. 2 1. or the Sun 's going back or standing still Isa 38. For then Nature is only exâ—ended 2. Some things both a Miracle and a Creation as the Virgin Mary's conceiving and â—earing a Son yet remaining a Virgin Luke 1. â—5 Manna was both a Miracle and a Creation Exod. 16.22.3 Some things seem a Miracle as an Eclipse of the Sun seems a Miâ—acle to ignorant People but Mathematicians now the Cause 4. Some things are a Creation yet not a Miracle as the Conversion of a â—oul the subject is a rational Soul and so caâ—ble of a Principle of Grace and had once â—od's Image but it s lost and is recovered by 〈◊〉 Spiritual Creation of that which Man had â—st by his fall and folly and so 't is called 2. Quest Whether is there any Inclination in â—an towards this New Creation Or whether there 〈◊〉 any Spark of Good left in man upon his fall that â—ing improved by his Natural Faculties and diliâ—nce may grow up to a New Creature For it may â—m there is in man a Natural Conscience prompting â—n to good excusing him in doing it drawing him â—m Evil and accusing him upon the committing it 〈◊〉 Rom. 2.14 15. Answ 1. Those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Grecians call them common notices or Anâ— ticipations of Good are not in the Will but 〈◊〉 the Mind not in the Affections but Conscience nec vero cordis nomen pro sede affectuum seâ— tantum pro intellectu capitur Calv. in loc It was not ingraven in their Will to chuse it but the power of some Truths flashed in their Eyes thaâ— they could not but know them and have soâ— general liking of them so they could not bâ— know that Adultery and Stealing are naughtâ— the contrary good 2. But whether these weâ— left in man's Heart after the Fall as Relicks 〈◊〉 God's Image or introduced by God's Providence afterwards for the good of mankind aâ— to maintain Peace and Intercourse in Societiâ— is much disputed Mr. Capel of Tempt thinâ— the latter However 3. All our Protestâ— Writers affirm with the Scriptures that Maâ— Nature is universally depraved against 〈◊〉 Socinians that hold the Nature of Man is 〈◊〉 corrupted but say whatsoever Spot or Vicâ— in Man proceeds from frequent Acts of Sâ— and Custom in Sinning without the interâ— corruption of his Nature But the Scriptâ— tell us of Man's total degeneracy In me saâ— Paul i. e. in my Flesh dwells no good thing Roâ— 7.18 Our mind and conscience is defiled Tit. 1. â— There is none righteous no not one of all the race Mankind Rom. 3.9 10. And therefore neâ— a Sanctification throughout in Soul Spirit and Bâ— 1 Thes 5.23 Yea 4. There 's an utter imâ— tency in Man to renew himself Rom.
God's prerogative and he is a free Agent 1 Pet. 1.21 to work or suspend his Grace Object But doth not Baptism now save Answ But it is when there 's the Answer of a good Conscience and it is by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Rom. 1 16.-10.14 The Gospel-preaching is the Power of God to Salvation yet all are not saved by it Faith comes by hearing Jam. 5.3 Yet all that hear do not believe For who hath believed our Report Ordinances are but Channels not Springs of Grace the Blessing upon them depends only on Soveraign Grace how many Thousands have gone to Hell with Baptismal Water on their Face Ishmael Esau and all the House of Israel that were uncircumcised in Heart Jer. 9.26 Rest not satisfied with this but see you be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Matth. 3.11 6. Quest Wherein doth this New Creature excel shining morality or the splendid common Graces of the Hypocrites Answ 1. In the Root or Principle begot by a Saving change from Nature to Grace carnal men though they have never so fair a Flower yet want the Root of the matter John 19.27 This unsoundness of Heart is the Hair in the Moralists Pen that blurs all his fair Writing as he said of a Person of such and such Vertues tamen est Romanus yet he 's a Leper as was said of Naaman the Syrian still graceless unprincipled 2. In the Universality Zechariah and Elizabeth walked in all the Commandments of the Lord Luk. 1.6 But of the Moralist and Hypocrite it may be said the Legs of the Lame are not equal they are addicted to halting and halving they are always partial seem excellent in one Grace but defective in another yea totally want what is essentially necessary to constitute a Saint The Moralist is defective in compliance with the first Table of the Law the Hypocrite with the Second but the New Creature lies square to all Commands and Duties at all times Psal 106.3 The New Creature acts for a right End God's glory and communion with him but the Moralist and Hypocrite always and in every action hath a squint Eye at himself profit pleasure honour as Jehu and the Pharisees 4. The New Creature always improves Jesus Christ both for assistance and acceptance the Moralist and Hypocrite stand upon their own Legs and think their Penny current Money with God but the gracious Soul denys himself in all his Works are wrought in God John 3.21 He is accepted in the beloved Eph. 1.6 In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory Isa 45.25 7. Qu. Wherein lies the difference betwixt this New Creature which consists in Sanctification and the state of Justification The Reason of this Query is because Papists and some others confound them Answ 1. The New Creature in Sanctification is an Inherent Work done within us A New Spirit will I put within you Ezek. 36.26 And the Kingdom of God is within you Luk. 17.21 And though at first it be immediatly infused by the Spirit yet the Christian is an Agent in promoting his Sanctification 2 Cor. 7.1.1 John 3.3 they may and must cleanse themselves But now Justification is a Work done without us by the Lord Christ with his Father by his Satisfaction of Divine Justice on the Cross and by his Intercession at God's Right Hand we have Redemption through his Blood the forgiveness of Sins Ephes 1.7 The Red Lines of Christ's Blood blot out the Black Lines of our Sins out of God's Debt-book he washeth us from our Sins in his own Blood 1 John 1.7 Rev. 1.5 He was delivered for our Offences and raised again for our Justification Rom. 4.25 No other Person or Thing is interposed no Faith it self as a Work hath not any causality in this Work its only God's free Work of Grace for Christ's sake to forgive Sins 2. The New Creature in Sanctification is not wrought in the same measure or degree in all the Saints of God some that are sincere come far short of others there are some Babes others strong men Heb. 5.13 14. It 's said of some Kings of Israel there was none like them Neh. 7.2 Hananiah feared God above many There was none like Job in the Earth Job 1.8 So there was different products of the Seed yet all in good Ground Matth. 13.23 Some Christians abound in Faith Love Humility Patience Knowledge Mortification others are defective But Justification is alike to all and upon all that believe for there is no difference Rom. 3.22 The meanest weakest Believer hath as large a Store as the strongest I write unto you little Children because your Sins are forgiven you for his Name 's sake 1 John 2.12 They are as much justified as Fathers and Young Men Mary Magdalen the Penitent Thief are as much justified as Peter the reason is because they are all partakers of like precious Faith 2 Pet. 1.1 The least measure whereof attains its End of receiving Christ as the greater for it 's Christ received by Faith that justifies a weak Hand may receive a Gift as well as the stronger though not so steaddily but it s the Gift that inricheth not the strength of the Hand 3. The New Creature comes on by degrees it s not compleat as it shall be at the first instant it 's first an Embryo Christ formed in the Heart and then increaseth with the increase of God till it come to a perfect man Col. 2.19 to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4.13 The Apostle thanks God for the Thessalomans that their Faith did grow exceedingly 2 Thes 1.3 and Charity It s like the Sun that shineth more and more to the perfect day Prov. 4.18 A good Man grows stronger and stronger Job 17.9 But now Justification is compleat at first every whit as much at first ingrafting into Christ as afterwards All that believe are justified from all things Acts 13.39 No Condemnation can be laid in against them Rom. 8.1 He forgiveth all trespasses blotting out the hand-writing Col. 2.13 14. God throughly washeth away his Childrens blood Ezek. 16.9 There 's not a Spot to be seen on them no Charge can be drawn up against them Rom. 8.33 Quest Why then are Christ's Disciples bound to pray daily for Pardon Matth. 6.12 Answ 1. Because we are daily committing new Sins in many things we offend all James 3.2 We miss it in every thing Oh how many are our secret Faults Psal 19.12.2 God would have us daily lie under the sence of our former guilt the desert of Sin and the worth of pardoning Grace David was assured of Pardon by Nathan 2 Sam. 12.13 yet afterwards prays for it Psal 51.2 The prodigal Son confesseth his fault after his Father had fallen on his Neck Luk. 15.20 21.3 Pardoning Grace may be clouded in the sence and assurance of it and in this respect the Righteousness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith Rom. 1.17 From a less
wallow in all Sensuality and Immorality without controul or remorse and glory in their shame Phil. 3.19 5thly Proud contentious revengeful hateful hating all about them Tit. 3.3 That evidently manifest the Fruits or Works of the Flesh Gal. 5.19 20. in bitter Revilings Suits at Law Variance about Trifles 6thly Covetous griping Muck-worms that make Gain their Godliness Gold their God Col. 3.5 These are Idolaters that are hard-hearted to the poor but please themselves with worldly Enjoyments Luk. 12.20 7thly Swearers prophane Takers of thâ— Name of God in vain foolish Talkers Jesters Lyars Eph. 5.4 5. think their Tongues aâ— their own and they may say what they list 8thly Neglecters of God's worship publick private secret never call on God except by horrid Imprecations yea that think it 's in vain to serve God Mal. 3.14 and hate such as do Such flagitious Offenders there are in the World yea in England that make a Scoff at the Name of the Spirit and Grace of Christ and will own no Regeneration but what they imagine they received in Baptism which yet they grosly contradict as if they would scorn and run counter to the Bible-Religion and Morality it self these profligate Wretches I remit to the righteous Judgment of the Great God because I have little hopes they will read such plain Treatises or hear any powerful Preachers and so are out of the Road of ordinary means of Grace or hopes of Good 2. But those I have at present to deal with are Pretenders and but meer Pretenders to this New Creation that have something like it but it will not prove the New Creature but a dead Carcase a lifeless Image of it Many of our constant diligent Attenders on all Ordinances are apt to say I thank God I hope I am a New Creature To which I Answer It 's well if it prove so but the Apostle saith Not he that commendeth himself is approved but whom the Lord commendeth 2 Cor. 10.18 And Solomon saith There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the End thereof are the ways of Death Prov. 14.12 But Persons had need to beware taking Counters for Gold Pebbles for Pearls there 's much counterfeit Ware passeth for current Coin now adays May not an Angel be hang'd for a Sign when the Devil is within Are not many Professors like the Pharisees painted Sepulchers that appear Fair but within are full of Rottenness and dead mens Bones Matth. 23.27 28. Like a Golden Saddle stuff'd with Straw or Apothecaries Boxes with specious Titles but empty of useful Drugs So 't is said Aliud in titulo aliud in pyxide a specious Title but nothing within of what is promised Alas how many Professors have we known histrionically acting the part of Kings on the Stage that were Beggars in Rags when divested of their gilded Robes of a glorious Profession How many have the Complexion but not the Constitution of Saints one calls them deaf Nuts another Apples of Sodom a third Cockles and Darnel that make a fairer show then good Wheat but must be cast out There were some of Old that desired to make a fair shew in the Flesh Gal. 6.12 but are like vapouring Trades-men that bear big to gain Credit but if search'd into possibly not worth a Groat when their Debts are paid Such there always have been and it s well if the World be mended I shall briefly propound and Answer the Pleas that may make for their pretence 1st Plea I have heard that the New Creature consists in Knowledge and I thank God that hath given me a large share of that Answ We know that we all have knowledge 1 Cor. 8.1 Tit. 1.16 What kind of knowledge is yours Devils have more knowledge then you yet are not nor ever can be New Creatures a Toad hath a Pearl in its Head Poyson in it's Body thousands go knowingly to Hell and the more knowledge without Grace the more torment Luk. 12.47 2d Plea But I believe the Revelations of God give credit to the Gospel I can say the Creed am Orthodox no Heretick Answ That 's well so far but read Rom. 2.17 to ver 25. What canst thou say of thy self more then this professing Jew that rested in the Law made his boast of God approved of things more excellent who yet was condemned as a perfidious self-contradicting God-dishonouring wretch but thou believest so doth the Devil believe and tremble James 2.19 Thou mayst have an Orthodox Head and Heterodox Feet 3d. Plea I am come of Religious Parents that improved pleaded the Covenant for me trained me up in the Fear of God Answ John Baptist anticipates this Plea Mat. 3.9 Think not to say in your Hearts We have Abraham to our Father Matth. 8.12 The Children of the Kingdom may be cast into utter Darkness Alas Parental Privileges without Parents Principles signifie nothing Let our Lord Christ who will be Judge answer this vain Plea John 8 33-44 This may aggravate your Sin never save your Souls without Personal Piety 4th Plea I have made a credible Profession of my Faith am Baptized am admitted to the Lord's Supper joyn with God's People Answ So did Simon Magus believe professed his Faith was Baptized Acts 8 13.20-23 deceiv'd the purest Church on Earth for he proved a rotten Hypocrite so did Judas so did he that wanted the Wedding Garment Matth. 22.12 And how easie it is to cast a Mist before the Eyes of fallible men daily experience testifies See an Instance of some that partake of extraordinary Privileges Ordinances yet rejected 1 Cor. 10.5 5th Plea Yea but I am not only admitted but continue long with them hold up Society with them in publick private Exercises Answ So did the Foolish Virgins accompany the Wise till the last Hour with shining Lamps and when the Bridegroom came they all trimed their Lamps but at last it was found they had no Oyl in their Vessels and so were shut out see Matth. 25 1-12 And do you not read of some that pertinaciously maintain their Plea to the very last when the Door is shut and still begin to say We have eat and drunk in thy presence Luke 13.25 26 27. 6th Plea But I have had great Convictions of Conscience for the evil of Sin Justice of God these sure were pangs of the New Birth Answ Cain had these legal terrors yet was naught so had Saul so Judas yea Felix trembled upon Paul's preaching Acts 24.25 And all these were but as praejudicium judicij foretastes of that horrible Vengeance in the other World Some Sinners have a fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery Indignation Heb. 10.27 Oh look to your coming out of your Horrors of Conscience see you close with Christ 7th Plea Yes I have had strong perswasions in my Breast to close with Christ and do take him by Faith to be my Saviour Answ An almost Perswasion is one thing and a thorough Resolution is another Acts 26.27 28. Some barter but buy not
Fightings from without and Fears within I am shifting from Post to Pillar let me be dissettled till my Soul fix on Christ then shall not my Heart be troubled if believing in God I believe also in Christ John 14.1 Let me never be at rest till all ways are blockt up but this If I sit still I dye 2 King 7.4 If I go to the World I pine I will venture upon God's Promises Christ's Purchase if I must dye I will dye there but never did any dye at his Door 7. At last the troubled Spirit issues out its perplexed Thoughts in Complaints and Prayers God faith I have surely hearth Ephraim bemoaning himself Jer. 31.18 So methinks I see the disquieted Soul creep into a Corner to ease his burthened Spirit into God's Bosom in this manner Lord here I am as wicked a Malefactor as ever stood at thy Bar and as miserable a Beggar as ever lay at thy Door I was condemned as soon as convinced and have too too wofully improved the Stock of Original Sin in thousands of actual Rebellions I am twice dead in danger to be pluck'd up by the Roots Jude 1. and flung into the Fire of Hell many means hast thou used but nothing doth me good yet now thou hast brought me into the Wilderness Oh speak to my Heart Hos 2.14 Every Sin deserves damnation Oh how many Hells then do I deserve Thou art Righteous if thou damn me my Mouth is stopt I am found guilty before God Rom. 3.19 I am self-condemned thou shalt need no other Witness or Jury to find me guilty but Christ suffered and satisfied Justice for some poor Sinners and why not for me the chiefest of Sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 I find not one word in Scripture against it but a Proclamation of a general Pardon to all Christ with all his Benefits is offered to me in the Ministry of the Word upon the condition of Faith and Repentance It s true I can neither repent nor believe but they are both included in the absolute Grant of the Gospel-Covenant which gives what it requires Lord give me a Gospel-Repentance unto Life and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ I hang on thee sweet Jesus who wast exalted on purpose to give Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins Acts 5.31 and the Faith of God's Elect. Thus much for Preparatives 2. The Parts of this New Creature lie in the renewing of the several Faculties of the Soul which consists 1st In the Mind and Understanding 2dly In the Conscience 3dly In the Will 4thly In the Affections which are the Motions of the Will 1. The New Creature consists much in the Mind which is called a renewing in the Spirit of the Mind Eph. 4.23 Interpreters have been much perplexed to know what is meant by the Spirit of the Mind Calvin saith Ego Simpliciter accipio Calv. in loc acsi dixisset renovemur non tantum quod ad inferiores Appetitus ant Concupiscentias quae palam sunt vitiosae sed etiam quod ad partem illam animae quae nobilissima praestantissima habetur i. e. be renewed not only in the inferiour Appetite and concupiscible Faculties but in that part of the Soul which is esteemed the most noble and excellent For the Mind is accounted a Queen and almost adored by Philosophers Now the Mind is renewed when there is 1. New Conceptions of things otherwise than ever before for a new Light set up in the Soul to see things after another manner the eyes of the understanding are now enlightned Eph. 1.18 Now he sees more Wickedness in his bad Heart then ever he did which makes him cry out as Job Behold I am vile Job 40.4 Lord thou art Heaven I am Hell said Mr. Hooper Now the Soul sees more Poyson and Malignity in Sin then ever before he sees it exceeding sinful Rom. 7.9 17. As striking at the Majesty clouding the Glory of the Holy God as crucifying Christ grieving the holy Spirit The New Creature begets other Conceptions of Christ as the Rose of Sharon Cant 5.9 the chief of ten thousand He looks on God's Commands as not at all grievous 1 John 5.3 but pleasant comfortable and profitable he looks on the Saints as the most excellent in the Earth Psal 16.3 Prov. 3.18 He hath got Eye-Salve to judge of things as they are The spiritual man judgeth all things 1 Cor. 2.15 2. The New Nature bringeth a New Memory he forgets Injuries and remembers Truths his Memory is sanctified and fortified he lays up things in his Heart as the Pot of Manna was laid up in the Ark he can abundantly utter the Memory of God's great goodness Psal 145.7 The New Creature is as a Phylactery to prompt and put him in mind of God's Law Numb 15.39 If he hath not a great Memory yet he hath a good Memory God brings Sins to remembrance committed many Years ago and the Soul is humbled for them as if but newly committed and though sometimes the best of God's Children are subject to slippery Memories and do need Monitors yet they have Minds clarified and apt to be tenacious of the things of God 2 Pet. 3.1 I stir up your pure minds by way remembrance An hint will bring God and good things into their Thoughts again but wicked men are described by this Character of forgetting God Psal 50.22 Do you make it your business to remember God upon your Beds and in all Places Psal 63.6 3. The New Creature hath a new Councellor formerly the Soul consulted with carnal Interest and base and by-ends even in things of Religion if the Practice of Religion did cross his low and selfish Designs he laid it down but as soon as this Principle is put within him he saith as Paul immediately I conferred not with Flesh and Blood Gal. 1.16 God's glory the good of his own and others Souls lay uppermost Now the Christian goes to the Sanctuary in arduous cases Psal 73.14 and makes the Scriptures those divine Oracles the chief Counsellors Psal 119.24 in his Works Natural Civil Spiritual and dare venture upon nothing but what he hath warrant from God for not What saith this Friend or the other Relation but what saith God in the case directly or by good Consequence See the difference betwixt good Jehoshaphat and Ahab 1 King 22.5 6. the former said Enquire I pray thee at the Word of the Lord to day The other made nothing of it they soâ—n forgat his Works they waited not for his Counsel Psal 108.13 And God gives them up to walk in their own Counsels Psal 81.12 4. The New Creature hath new Admiration the Carnal Heart wonders at trifling Novelties David prays Open thou mine Eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law Psal 119.18 There indeed he spies wonders of Power Wisdom Holiness Faithfulness and a display of all God's Attributes but especially of free Grace and Love in the Work of Redemption he sees no reason to admire any thing but things
4.11 This Rent will I daily pay as a Tribute to the Crown of Heaven I am resolved to glorifie God in my Body and Soul which are his 1 Cor. 6.20 Better lose my Life then lose the End of my Life God's glory 5. New Worship is always a Companion of the New Creature It s true the carnal man might hear and read the Word Pray receive the Sacrament and perform the external Acts of Religion before but formally heartlesly hypocritically God knows having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof 2 Tim. 3.5 But as soon as the Grace of God hath formed the New Creature in the Heart then 't is said as of Paul Behold he prayeth Acts 9.11 Why did not Paul pray before Yes doubtless he was a Pharisee and Pharisees made long Prayers its likely had a great Gift of Prayer ay but now a Paul had the grace of Prayer behold he prays now he prays with a witness his Prayer hath all the Requisites essential to Prayer Oh now if you could lay your Ear to the Closet of this new born Saint what sighs and groans would you hear Rom. 8.26 What throbs and tears what self-loathing Confessions what heart-rending Complaints what Heaven-piercing Expostulations would you have What believing pleading of Promises what improvement of Christ's mediatorship this is not formal or heartless Canting As soon as ever this New Creature was formed the Soul was turned from Idols to serve the living and true God 1 Thes 1.9 i. e. as such a God in a sincere and lively manner in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 If the Words be the same the workings of Heart are as different as a living man's tone from dead Organ-pipes the one hath Breath the other not The gracious soul engageth his Heart to approach unto God Jer. 30.21 Yea he also saith Let us lift up our Hearts with our Hands Lamen 3.41 i. e. oremus laboremus let us pray and use our utmost endeavour to obtain what we pray for the Hypocrites Tongue may wag but the New Creature sets the Heart a breathing Hands on working Feet on walking Oh how he is concerned in a Duty 6. A New War is commenced by the New Creature as soon as this New Creature peeps out Satan musters all the powers of darkness against it and now begins this holy War which never ceaseth while the Soul is in the â—ody and Oh how many a sharp skirmish hath the Christian with Satan and his armed Bands the carnal Heart holds correspondence with the Enemy and the Devil lets him alone and all his Goods or soul's Faculties are in peace Luk. 11.21 he sleeps quietly in the Devil's Tents little dreaming whither he is going or rather he is carried in a golden Dream into Satan's Territories or as Solomoâ—'s young Gallant with the Whore As an Ox goeth to the slaughter or as a Fool to the correction of the Stocks Prov. 7.22 But the converted soul sees his danger and struggles hard to extricate himself and when he is at liberty the Devil pursues him with rage sometimes otherwhiles with subtilty seeks to undermine him he is aware of both and is not ignorant of his devices 2 Cor. 2.11 One while he fights with spirituâ—â— weapons and so resists the Devil and he fleesâ— another while the soul retires to his strong hold by Faith and Prayer and is secured Thus the gracious soul is warring a good Warfare fighting the Fight of Faith 1 Tim. 1 18-6.12.2 Tim. 2.4 which is a good Fight he gets disintangâ— led from the affairs of this life and lays aside every weight that he may militate more strenuously and more successfully nor doth the good soul so fight as one that beats the Air 1 Cor. 9.26 laying about him at adventures but he spies his Enemy hath taken a view of them in Scripture-light le ts fly at the Faces of foreign and intestine Adversaries with spiritual scriptural Weapons and never sounds a Parly oâ— makes a Truce but disputes every Inch of hiâ— passage to Heaven thus this New Creature 〈◊〉 the Christian Champion 7. The New Creature finds out new company alas his old Companions grow stale wiâ— the Convert he cannot take delight in his old Comrades that would jest and be merry and seek to drive him out of his melancholy Dump with pleasant stories this is but as singing Song to an heavy Heart The good Heart is now sick of such vain company and bids them be gone they are of no use to him 'T is very observable three times and upon so many occasions doth David require all wicked men to depart from him Psal 6.8 Depart from me all ye workers of Iniquity for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping q. d. I have got better company and comfort then you are Psal 119.115 Depart from me ye evil-doers for I will keep the Commandments of my God q. d. I have taken up other Resolutions and must have other Companions then you the last is Psal 139.19 Surely thou shalt slay the wicked O God depart therefore from me ye bloody men q. d. I am loath to fare as you fare and will not be found in your company this is Christian Policy as well as Piety 't is impossible the New Creature should take delight in his old Companions for what communion hath light with darkness 2 Cor. 6.14 15 17. what concord hath Christ with Belial There are in the world persons more suitable to his temper even Saints not in Heaven but that are in the Earth men excellent in whom is all his delight Psal 16.3 These these are his Companions Psal 119.63 the delight of his soul he loves them dearly because they are so like his Father in Heaven these are they he hopes to live with in the other world and he must associate with them in this he loves to discourse with them joyn in Prayer with them none such content he hath on Earth as in the communion of Saints 8. The new Creature needs and requires new Cordials new Food and Physick the world and all that it can afford that are wont to be so pleasant are all but dry Meat have no more savour then the white of an Egg the Soul hath now a more dainty and delicate Stomach then to be satisfied with such Husks and trash he sues for the tender Mercies of God Psal 119.77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me that I may live q. d. I know not how to live a natural Life and I cannot live a spiritual Life without these tender Mercies the Lord knoweth my squeamish and delicate Stomach and crowns me withloving-kindness and tender mercies Psal 103.4 Luther called the whole Turkish Empire but a Crumb cast to Dogs and often protested to God that he would not be put off with these low things even when he had a Silver Mine offered him Even an Heathen Seneca could say major sum ad majora natus I am greater and born to higher things then terrene
Temple was built with such curious Care and costly Materials surely it was for Holy Use Sincere Christians are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to good works Eph. 2.10 Now it becomes you to act as you are it would accent your Sin with a greater Circumflex if you sin that have such a curious Work of the Spirit in your Hearts as none in the World-have besides you you are consecrated Persons and by your Sin you prophane God's Temple other 's Sins are Theft your's Sacrilege because you rob God of what was devoted to him when God breathed such a noble Soul into Man's Body he designed him for higher Acts then meerly Sense as Beasts or to converse with Beasts 1 Cor. 3.3 So Christian thou art of an higher extraction then to walk as Men as carnal Men no Friend as thou hast received Christ so thou must walk in him Col. 2.6 O take heed of Sin it 's contrary to the Divine Nature God hath planted in thee now we know the more unnatural any Act is the more horrid as for a Woman to kill her own Child or a Man to be cruel to his own Flesh Oh take heed of Killing the Babe of Grace in thy Soul by Sin but live up to the Principles and Privileges 6. Attend upon God in all his Institutions and in all put forward for closer communion with him in all Duties and Ordinances as in hearing the Word Prayer Seals of the Covenant Christian Conference Communion of Saints these are the Air that the Christian breathes in the most wholsom for this New Creature Lord I have loved the habitation of thy House and the place where thine Honour dwells Psal 26.8 And he often cries out for the Living God Oh when saith he shall I come and appear before God Nothing lies nearer David's holy Heart then God's presence in his Ordinances Psal 42.1.63 1 2.84.1 2. It is or should be so with the New Creature but oh wait for the Spirit 's wafting over thy Soul to Jesus rest not in Ordinances they are but the Boat or Bridge to carry thy Soul over to God the Ordinance is lost and thy labour is in vain if thou do not enjoy God in Ordinances O labour to see Christ walking in the midst of the golden Candlesticks Rev. 2.1 Be sure you hold Christ in the Galleries Cant. 7.5 Ordinances are the golden Pipes that empty the golden Oyl out of themselves Zech. 4. Be sure that of his fulness you receive and Grace for Grace Joh. 1.16 The Holy Ghost sits in Ordinances as a Minister of State in his Office ready to distribute to every ones case as there is need thou art at the right Door wait his leisure and it shall not be in vain 7. Endeavour to propagate Religion do what thou canst to make others new Creatures thy Relations Neighbours and all thou art acquainted with this is the Duty yea the Property of the new Creature by Prayer Advice Example procuring the help of Ministers Christian Friends 't is true no man can propagate Grace to another it 's not in our own power to effect it but we must endeavour it Oh how Paul was concern'd for his Country-men the wilful unbelieving Jews Rom. 9.10 His Prayers Tears Wishes speak him their cordial Friend who were his bitter Enemies God commanded Abraham that all his House should be circumcised to have him go as far as he could to draw them into affinity with God true Grace makes men love Relations better than ever and causeth natural Affection to run in a spiritual Channel which vents it self for the good of their Souls Be concerned to make a Joynture of the Promises to thy VVife an entail of the Covenant to thy Children this is a thousand times better then leaving them thousands a Year Should not you desire that one Heaven may hold those hereafter that one House hold now Oh tremble to think when your House breaks up of one going to Heaven another to Hell and let your Charity extend it self to all you are acquainted with and let your Practices be convincing and winning to all about you Alas what multitudes are there that are unexperienced in this mighty work yet must feel it or never be happy do what thou canst to call in all to this blessed Feast yet there 's room Luk. 14.22 Hast thou none thou lovest so well as to wish them thy happiness There 's no Envy in Spiritual things the more and merrier and no less chear it will add some Pearls to thy Crown to win Souls If a Neighbour lock'd himself in a Room on design to murder himself wouldst thou not break open the Door and rescue him Oh happy Souls that are imployed and successful in this Soul-Charity I have long ago seen a Book writ by Mr. Reiner of Lincoln called The Rule of the New Creature to which I refer the Reader that can procure it at present I shall summ up my thoughts in these Twenty brief Rules of Direction 1. Reason right and Reckon streight let your Reason be regulated by the Word of God Luke 5.21.1 Pet. 3.15 It must follow Faith not give Law and measure to it be sure your Accounts be squared by the Golden Rule of Scripture 1 Cor. 4.3 Set all streight against the Reckoning Day Rom. 14.12 2. Baulk no Sufferings for Christ to avoid sin against Christ Be content to fill up Christ's Sufferings Col. 1.24 Nay be glad to suffer Matth. 5.11 But tremble to sin Sinless sufferings are sweet Heb. 11.26 But sweet sins will be Bitterness in the end Rev. 2.2 Bear any thing but Sin 3. Profess what you are and be what you profess Rom. 10.10 Matth. 10.32 33. Think not to dissemble with Men for worldly Ends but upon a just Cause and Call own Godliness be indeed Nathaniels John 1.47 Pretend not more then truth God knows the Heart Heb. 4.13 4. Serve God for Service not for Wages or rather let his Service be your Wages Psal 19.11 or reward so it is God himself is the Saints reward Gen. 17.1 Hypocrites make Religion a Mount to ascend to some other End let God be thy all Matth. 6.3 Psal 73.25 5. Be most for God when God seems most against thee its pure Faith and Love to hang closest to an angry God Job 13.15 Hos 6.3 To conceive most hopes through Christ when Sense and Reason make against you this is a Faith to be admired Matth. 15.28 6. Joyn pure Precepts to precious Promises look on Precepts as pure therefore lovely Psal 119.140 Dare not to divorce them though for your Spiritual Interest Heb. 8.10 Rom. 7.12 14 22. See to the Law within you and before you as well as plead the Promises of the Gospel for you 7. Be best when least in Mens sight God and Souls give each other their Loves when alone Cant. 7.12 Psal 17.25 Matth. 6.6 Make God your Witness not Men only Friends are most familiar when they are withdrawn from all other Company 8. Sail
low but aim high conclude you have not attained to Perfection Phil. 3.13 15. Rom. 12. but still be designing it be not high-minded yet mind highest things aspire to be better then others yet esteem others better than you Phil. 2.3 4. 9. Do all you must not all you may Eph. 5.15.1 Cor. 10.23 walk to the height of a Command not to the utmost of lawful liberty go not near the Pit's brink stand fast in your Christian liberty Gal. 5.1 13. but do not always use it 10. Be best when others are worst be as Noah in the Old World Gen. 6.9 19. Lot in Sodom Timothy in Ephesus Joshua among the Israelites be hottest in coldest Weather brightest in the darkest Night Savour of Heaven in Hell Neh. 5 20-5.15 Phil. 2.15 11. Be Rational when most Spiritual do nothing at hap-hazard or with a blind Zeal let all Services be reasonable Rom. 12.1 Ezek. 18. God's Will is our Rule and his ways are equal the highest Reason in Man is to comply with God's pleasure 12. Naturalize Religion and Spiritualize the World let Godliness be as second nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Phil. 2.20 Let common Objects Occurrences be well improved to good Ends and Purposes Mercies Afflictions Spiritual Chymists turn all to Gold Rom. 8.28 13. Be dead living and lively in thoughts of Death Col. 3.3 Gal. 6.14 A Child of God is a Paradox dead to the World crucified yet the most active and vigorous Person in the World you must have the best Death and best Life then fear not Death 14. Suit Grace to every case in confessing Sin mourn in begging Mercy working Desires in Thanksgiving Joyfulness yet rejoyce with trembling 1 Cor. 15.30 55. Heb. 2.14 Psal 38.18 Matth. 5.4 Psal 2.11 Phil. 1.2 Psal 26.12 in Prosperity have Humility in Adversity Contentment your Foot must still stand in an even place 15. Let your life be a Comment on your Faith let your believing and living be harmonious let Doctrine of Faith Grace of Faith Life of Faith sweetly correspond Doctrine according to Godliness Godliness according to Truth James 2.18 1 Tim. 1.5 Tit. 1.1 Rom. 2.18 23 24. Jer. 32.19 Let not Head and Hands be contradictory 16. Eye God that eyes you in all you do think the King of Heaven sees thee the Omnipresent God is in the room with thee the Omniscient God knows thy Heart approve thy Heart to God let thine Eyes be ever on him towards him Psal 35.15.26 3. 17. Eccho to divine Calls when God hath a Mouth to speak have an Ear Tongue say Here I am Word or Rod a call to Duty from Sin what 's the meaning of this Oh that I could attain God's end and not resist or quench the holy Spirit 1 Sam. 3. Psal 27.8 Mich. 6.9 1 Thes 5.19 18. Observe and make up daily decays keep up your Watch that you sin not Matth. 26.41.1 John 2.2 But if you sin lie not in it but rise mourn act Faith on Christ your great Advocate let not an ill matter go on quickly recover your first Love Rev. 2.4 5. 19. Give no Offence carelesly and take no Offence causlesly let there be no occasion of stumbling in you 1 John 2.10 Matth. 7.1 Judge not uncharitably take all that 's said and done by the right handle make no sinister Constructions 1 Cor. 10.32 20. When you have done all Luke 17.10 Phil. 3.7 8. Say all this is as nothing at all to appease God's Wrath or satisfie Justice in an absolute Sense and to do what 's required in a comparative sense without Christ I can do nothing John 15.5 Thus I have briefly touch'd the Rules of this New Creature which I leave to the Reader 's further Consideration and Practice Chap. XIV An ANSWER to some Cases of Conscience 4. THe last Head which I propounded in this Use of Instruction is Answering some Cases of Conscience that Godly Souls are apt to make in this case wherein I must be very brief 1st Case Whether is it possible that a Man can be a New Creature and not know it since it is so remarkable a change Answ I have hinted at this before but observe it you must distinguish betwixt a reflexive sense of a change in Heart and Life and a due apprehension of this change morally considered as Saving many a Soul can truly say something hath been done but I know not whether the thing which may be entituled A New Creature I am much in the dark about it I cannot but say I have had Convictions and something like Conversion though not Consolation I am kept still in innitency upon a Promise though I cannot say I have assurance of my Interest in the Covenant Precious Mr. Paul Bains could say Sustentation I have but Suavities Spiritual I do not experience So you may have the Root though not the Flower VVater of Sanctification though not the Oyl of Gladness wait on God and in due time you may have this cleared up to you If you follow on to know the Lord his going forth is prepared as the Morning Hos 6.3 Grace and Peace shall not be long parted Light is sown for the Righteous and Joy for the upright in Heart Psal 97.11 It 's not lost but laid up and hid in the Furrows of the Believer's Bosom 2d Case Whether is it possible that he that 's a New Creature should have a self-accusing self-condemning Conscience Answ You must distinguish of Consciences condemning a man's self 1. Passively when our Hearts censure us and we stifle them such a one indeed is self-condemned 2. If we be Active in condemning our selves it 's a good Sign and a great Duty as we shewed before but the meaning of this Query refers to the State of the Man whether the Conscience of a New Creature may censure the real Christian and tell him he is an Hypocrite To which I Answer If Conscience act according to the Rule of the VVord it must be regarded as God's Officer speaking by his authority but if it speak not in God's Name and by his order we may appeal to the Higher Court of the Holy Scriptures and it 's certain that Conscience may be corrupted and it is often used by Satan to deceive good Men as well as bad and they shall at last have their action against Satan for false Imprisonment and disturbing their Peace Your best course therefore is to have recourse to the VVord for Conscience is but an under Officer and must be accountable for its Verdict Remember it 's one thing to have Hypocrisie in thy Heart another thing to be an Hypocrite the best will find much Guilt within them which Conscience rebukes them for and they bewail it but they are not therefore Hypocrites 3d. Case Whether may God carry it strangely as if he were an Enemy to a New Creature that should seem to be his darling Answ Thou art a Stranger to Scripture and the Experiences of all God's Children if thou think God must always be dandling this
New Creature on his Knee or giving it the Kisses of his Mouth no no he hath reserved these Sweat-meats for the upper Table in Heaven there 's great reason thou should have his Frowns as well as Smiles to humble thy Heart exercise thy Graces discover the necessity of Christ the desireableness of Heaven God can and may without any impediment to his Love hide it for a season from his own dearest Child David indeed called in question God's Love and Faithfulness when he hid his Face but at last he found that it was his Infirmity and doubtless lamented it as his Sin God hath given abundant Security in his Promises of his Love without present sense you must not think much at him if he do not come to visit you and take you up in his Arms as oft as you would have him Thou needst some purging Physick as well as Cordials a Son may need a Frown as well as a Smile from his Father God is a free Agent his Kisses are his own but it s well thou art so sensible of his Access and Recess his Smiles and Frowns it 's a sign of some Spiritual Life in thy Soul 4th Case But you said the New Creature grows I find it otherwise I cannot see that I grow in Grace nay I decline and go backwards what think you of that I Answer As the Christian grows in Grace so he grows in Light to discover his state and sees more vileness in himself and is still more sensible of decays in Grace which keeps him humble self-denying and vile in his own Eyes that 's growth too bless God for it but observe it grains of allowance must be given to Old Age when natural parts decay and Persons may not be so quick and lively as formerly yet may be more solid and increasing in Experiences Mr. Greenham said It 's an hard and rare thing to keep up young Zeal with old Discetion Dost thou not keep up a more constant course of Duty settled Resolutions for God Is not thy Heart more deaded to the world taken up with things unseen Art thou not more composed under Afflictions dost thou not more discover and bewail Spiritual Sins Dost thou not long more after the good of Relations take more delight in God's VVord breathe after more of God's Presence in Ordinances Speak out Man deal faithfully bear not false witness against thy self yet it 's true the growing Tree meets with a fall of the Leaf a sharp Winter yet doth a Spring come it grows in the Summer Peter's Fall was recruited to geater boldness for God but I hope thou art not a backslider in Heart Prov. 14.14 To dislike the ways of God Thou art but overtaken with a Sin against thy strong Purposes Gal. 6.1 When thou sleepest doth not thy Heart wake Cant. 5.2 Thou art not pleased with this declining state Thy Spirit is willing but thy Flesh is weak Matth. 26.41 5th Case But alas I have such strong impetuous yea imperious workings of Corruption in my Heart as never any had that hath a principle of Grace None like me Is it possible I should be a New Creature I Answer The Heart knows its own bitterness and wickedness Prov. 14.10 Every gracious Soul thinks his own Heart worst because he knows it best But who told thee that thy Heart was so bad Was it always thus with thee Was there not a time that thou thoughtest thy Heart was as good as any Bodies Is it not Spiritual Light that makes these strange Discoveries Whatsoever doth make manifest is Light Eph. 5.13 Did not Sin revive upon the coming of the Commandment Rom. 7.9 But Friend let me ask thee Dost thou think that upon the planting of this New Creature in thy Soul Sin should be utterly extirpated that thou shouldst hear no more of it Dost thou not find even blessed Paul groaning still under a Body of Death Rom. 7.24 Will not the Flesh still lust against the Spirit Gal. 5.17 Surely thou knowest little of a Christian state if thou imaginest a total Immunity from the Body and Indwelling of Sin in this world It s well if Sin be not upon the Throne though thou hast it in the Field to fight with the Gospel-privilege is Sin shall not have dominion over thee because thou art under Grace Rom. 6.14 6th Case But what will you say by a Man that cannot give a precise account of the Time and Manner of the forming of this New Creature in his Heart that never had such terrors as some have I Answer Will any say the River Nilus is no River because men never found out the Head of it God is a free Agent and hath different Seasons and Manners of working Some were wrought upon in their younger days and were religiously educated and never stept aside into gross Sins and God steals in gently upon them and opens their Hearts as he did Lydia's Acts 16.14 and gently attracts them to himself picking the Lock as it were without much noise whenas he breaks the Wards in others with astonishing Convictions as he dealt with Paul and Luther and famous Mr. Bolton Some are of mild and gentle Natures and God sees they cannot bear hard blows which some others need of sturdy and stubborn Spirits Do not murmur but thank God that he hath come so sweetly into thy Soul he knows thy frame and constitution See the Work be there and a Scriptural work and leave God to his liberty But this thou canst say through Grace it is not with thee now as it hath been as the blind man said I may be ignorant of some Circumstances But one thâ— I know that whereas I was blind now I see John 9.25 Things are otherwise represented to me and my Spirit working otherwise within then formerly So that I may say as Rebekah with her Twins in her Womb If it be so or not so why am I thus 7th Case But alas no Body knows what a frame of Spirit I have in my Prayers such Distractions and Diversions I have from God as cannot be consistent with the New Creature in any what think you Answer I say 't is sad that such Vermin should crawl in God's Sanctuary especially when thou art in God's immediate worship but dost thou approve of them and make them welcome Are they not troublesome Guests Do they not forcibly assault thee as so many unmannerly Guests Suppose in your Family as you are kneeling in Prayer a company of Roysters stand under your VVindow roaring and hollowing though it disturb you would you thence question your Sincerity in the Duty And 't is all one whether the disturbance be in the Room or in the Bosom since both are disliked as a burden to thee Mr. Tho. Shepard Treat of Distract I often reflect on a passage I read many Years ago The good Lord keep the Hearts of his People under a due sense of their Distractions for they are never like to be rid of them while they
live Thou dost reckon thy self to be as in the Belly of Hell with Jonah while thou art yok'd with such thoughts and sendest many a deep groan to Heaven against them and at somtimes dost obtain some help against them and gettest near thy God in duty But I shall add no more of these Cases but only add two VVords as a Close of this Discourse That if poor doubting Souls would instead of their Complainings and Objections but do these two things it would tend more to their Satisfaction and the Glory of God 1. That they would spend that time in examining their own Consciences which they take up in fruitless Complaints Alas many Professors have got an Art of whining and complaining to Ministers and Christian Friends and think to be better thought of for such complaints but this is a sad Judgment of God for Persons to pine away in their Iniquity and yet mourn one towards another Ezek. 24.23 If poor Souls would spend that time in searching their own Consciences and Conversations it would tend more to the clearing up the Sincerity of their Hearts and Saving Work of Grace Fall to this Sirs enter into your Closets commune with your own Hearts deal faithfully and effectually put not off your selves with unproved Conceits and groundless Imaginations but go through-stitch with the Work ransak your Hearts they are your own be not put off with such mannerly Excuses as Rachel's Take such an Account as you must give to God let no lust escape your view or the least Grace be belyed or denyed with any scorn or disregard When David thought of God he was troubled and expresseth many discontented Murmurings but when he communed with his own Heart Psal 77.36 40. he clears God and condemns his Unbelief indites the Thief and clears his Conscience of that troublesome Jonah in his Bosome Thus plaindealing evidenceth a Christian's State sooner then wrangling and yet still thou art at a loss Appeal to God and say as Job Thou knowest that I am not wicked Job 10.7 Or as Peter Thou knowest that I love thee John 21.15 Or as David Do not I hate them that hate thee Search me O God and know my Heart Psal 139.21 23. As wise Physicians trust not their own Judgment about their own Health so the Saint knows God's Line reacheth lower then his own and to his Judgment he will stand 2. Instead of complaining fall vigorously upon the work of Sanctification to mortifie beloved Lusts to cut off a right Hand and pluck out a right Eye Matth. 5.29 When you have search'd out the Leaven purge it out 1 Cor. 5.7 Lay aside every Weight and the Sin which doth most easily beset you Heb. 12.1 Run the Sword of the Spirit to the Heart of every Lust Lay the Ax to the root of the Tree stub up Sin by the Roots if a vain Thought a proud lustful worldly passionate Thought arise in your Hearts suppress it militate against it crucifie the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts Gal. 5.24 So will you evidence your selves to be Christ's 2 Cor. 7.1 be daily perfecting Holiness in the fear of God Observe wherein you missed it in such a Duty and be still mending it as Apelles when he had drawn a Picture was ever and anon spying Defects and then mended it with his Pencil so do you Observe what Conscience said Oh my Soul in such a Duty thou wast cold distracted unbelieving hard vain-glorious in such an Affliction thou wast froward peevish discontented in such a company thou spakest idlely or wast guilty of sinful silence In the enjoyment of such a Mercy or in thy posperous state how proud secure self-conceited slighting others wast thou Oh mourn for this Fault watch against it for the future walk more closely with God maintain daily Intercourse with God and thine own Conscience thereby you will be better acquainted with God and your own Souls and discern better how your Principles are stated For if you walk according to this Rule Peace shall be upon you Gal. 6.16 Hence the blessed Apostle 2 Cor. 1.12 For our rejoycing is this the Testimony of our Conscience that in Simplicity and Godly Sincerity not in fleshly Wisdom but by the Grace of God we have had our Conversation in the World Dying Hezekiah could plead this with God in his Appeal Isa 38.1 Oh Sirs learn to eâ—ercise every Grace to every Duty the Exercise of Grace is the clearest Evidence of Grace both to our selves and others as he confuted his Antagonist that disputed against Motion by starting up and walking So do you walk with God hereby do we know that we know him if we keep his Commandments 1 John 2.3 6. If you walk as he walked you evidence that you abide in him as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet. 1.15 If you expect that God's Spirit will witness with your Spirits and so subscribe your Certificate for Heaven you must be uniform and universal in your course of Godliness both in your Worship and Walking walking before God and with God Gen. 5 24-17.1 Then indeed will you be found upright or perfect But if thou have any close Box in the Cabinet of thy Heart wherein thou layest up and hidest any beloved Lust or if thou roylest these Waters by any uneven walking or stoppest thy Travels in Heaven's Road by idleness sleeping or stepping back and losing thy first Love then no wonder if thou canst not discern this Stamp of God's Image upon thy Soul but callest thy very state into question Yet above all I advise thee to stop the Mouth of Conscience with that only that satisfied the Justice of God Nothing can reconcile a Man to himself but that which reconciled God and Man It was Dr. Sibs Advice When the Water of Sanctification runs muddy betake your selves to the Blood of Justification There there must lie your Comfort and Confidence by this only must you answer all the Objections raised by Satan and Conscience from Justice Law or whatsoever opposeth your Peace rising from the Defects and Imperfections of Grace or this New Creature within you And indeed the best of us must anchor and center here as to out Justification Acceptation with God or composedness of Conscience Come then let us go in this Gospel-way to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant and to the Blood of Sprinkling that speaketh better things then that of Abel Heb. 12.24 〈◊〉 So be it FINIS