Objects my Soul is as a weaned Child Psal 13 1.12 New light begets new love new desires new delights Truth in the Understanding darting upon the Affections contracted in the Glass of Meditation inflames the Soul Did not our Hearts burn within us while he opened to us the Scriptures Luk. 24.32 The Sun in the Firmament sheds his Influence into the Bowels of the Earth but Light and Heat come together into Souls knowledge affects the Heart◠the more the Christian knows God the more he loves him The Soul risen with Christ cannot but set his affections on things above Col. 3.2 For where the treasure is there will the heart be also Matth. 6.21 Oh saith this Christian how good is God I love the Lord from my inmost Bowels Psal◠18.1 Mat. 22.37 With all my heart soul mind and might with my Soul have I desired thee in the night Isa 26.9 Even as the Hart panteth after the Water-brooks When shall I come and appear before God Psal 45.1 God even God alone is my exceeding joy Psal 43.4 I will take pleasure in nothing but in God This this is both my Duty and Privilege I hope I can call the Sabbath a delight Isa 58.13 14. And he promiseth I shall delight myself in the Lord My Comfort and Content is in communion with God and 't is an anticipation of Heavenly Joys I love the Word of God his testimonies are the rejoycing of my heart and I have rejoyced in the ways thereof more then in all Riches and delight my self in the Lord's Statutes Psal 119.14 Oh how the good Soul is ravished and transported in the Galleries of Love the Pleasures of the Soul are infinitely beyond the Pleasures of Sense Oh then Christian feel how the Pulse of thy Soul beats in a constant motion is thy Heart working God-wards in Duties of God's Worship or in daily Converse which way tends the bent of thy Soul Art thou truly troubled that thou canst not delight thy self in the Lord Psal 37.4 as thou oughtest Would thou give all the World that thou hadst but an Heart to love God more Canst thou say as Peter Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee Joh 21 15-17 A Flame may be painted but a painted Flame cannot be felt I find the workings of Love kindled in my Bosom if I know any thing of my Heart and I have searched the Characters of true Love in the Scriptures and I find my Heart ecchoing thereto harmonizing therewith and I am told that this Love is the proper Character of this New Creature connatural with ingraven in the New Nature for he that dwells in Love dwelleth in God and God in him 1 John 4.16 Thus much for the Preparatives to and parts of this New Creature I proceed briefly to the Third Head which is the Properties of this New Creature and they are these Seven 1. It is an universal New Creature it 's not in part of the Soul but runs through the whole man soul body and spirit 1 Thes 5.23 It 's extensive and comprehensive takes in all Internal Powers External Members all Acts in all Faculties at all times in all employments as in the Law the whole Sacrifice was to be offered to God Lev. 18.9 So it is not acceptable to God if any part be with-held from God Rom. 12.1 This New Creature is as Leaven that runs through the whole lump Matth. 13.33 and puts a gracious Tincture into all the Faculties This is not a Limb or Member but a whole New Man yea the Christian is a perfect man having all the parts of a Saint though defective in point of degree our heavenly Father begets no Blind Lame Mad or Maimed Children there 's no Idiots in his Family A Christian indeed hath all Graces radically but the Hypocrite is mainly defective in something essentially requisite to make up a Saint he is a Cake half baked Dough on one side the Legs of the Lame are not equal 2. It is a vital self-moving New Creature I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2.20 It s true it is hid from outward Observation as the Spring that moves the visible Hand for our Life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 But a vital Principle it is this gracious habit is to the Soul as the Soul is to the Body it 's a spark of divine Life kindled by the holy Spirit a Seed of God 1 Joh. 3.9 quickned within the Womb of the Earth by the influence of Heaven putting forth gracious Acts precious Fruits by excitations of assisting Grace after a nipping winter of Temptations or cold Autumn of Spiritual Decays his Spirit makes him willing Oh saith the Christian I am restless as a Bird out of the Nest or a Fish out of its proper Element of Water unsatisfied till I return to my God But the Hypocrite is but like a Pupper drest like a Saint moved by Art or as a Machin by something outward which the workman fastens to it but not informed by a Soul of its own so it s at last worn or broken and crumbles to nothing so doth the Hypocrite as one saith There is a vast difference betwixt Wool on the Sheep's back which clipt will grow again and the Wool on the Sheep's Skin on the Wolf's back which grows no more The living Saint still works upwards the graceless Soul is dead and puts forth no vital acts 3. It s a sensible new Greature it s not a dead inanimate Log but of a tender quick sensation and can easily discern what Profits or Prejudiceth it what helps or hurts it it groans under what it feels doth make against its being or well-being nothing doth it hurt so much as Sin or what hath a tendency to it any act of omission or commission lies heavy upon it pricks and wounds it and makes it bleed hence 't is called an heart of Flesh which is a soft and sensible thing defects of Grace inroads of Temptation intermissions of Duty or worldliness are more laid to heart by the New Creature then gross out-breakings of Sin in the Hypocrite whatsoever it perceives to be anoyance or disturbance is a grievous Affliction Oh saith the Soul I found at such a time God's withdrawing the assistance of his Spirit I puzzled and bungled in a Duty and could make nothing of it Wo is me what had I done to banish my God I find a weight on me and a Sin that easily besets me Heb. 12.1 Did I not quench grieve resist the Spirit was I not sluggish heartless formal Lord forgive me that Sin and quicken me with thy Grace The Hypocrite hath none of these Experiments Soul-exercises Agonies but runs on 〈◊〉 heartless Formality and customary Performance but knows nothing of God's access and his recess coming or going 4. It is a growing New Creature it never stands at a stay the Godly Man is compared to the Sun that shineth still brighter to the perfect day Prov. 4.18
Work though Ministers are oft calling on you Sinners to look about you we tell you there 's a Cheat in the case Satan is busie to lay his Brats in God's Bed Counterfeit Coin is common our Warnings now will be thought of these frequent Summons will ring in your Ears our Sermons will have a Repetition in this or in another world Conscience will gall you and you cannot plead Ignorance or say non putâram I thought not of such a day How often do we tell you of the danger of dying in your old state and of that Sulphurous Lake that thousands are scolded in that once lived as securely as you now do and they are in an hopeless helpless Eternity and how can you tell but this may be the last day the last warning or overture of Grace the last knock at your Door God may say Away be gone out of my sight take him Devil I will no more be troubled with such a Miscreant But if after all this you be senceless and lie still while you are nailed in your Coffin you are dead twice dead and this Security is a confutation of that Principle that Adam and his Posterity by the Fall is not dead but sleepeth or only in a swound and languor but life is in him No no this sad Stupor or Spiritual Lethargy shews it 's not an excitation of a principle but an infusion of new Life all our shouting and rubbing and pricking will not recover Sinners we must leave them to a creating Power and to him that can raise the Dead But let me rather persuade you to look after this New-Creation-Work from the Advantage it will be to all sorts of Persons of every Age and Relation Oh! you Old Persons that are going off the Stage of the World dropping into the Grave and Eternity that have been long and not yet lived begin at last to turn over a new leaf seek a New Life that you may have Comfort and not terrour in your expiring Pangs yet there is hope God still waits to be gracious and stands knocking at your Door rise out of your Bed of sloth put back the Barr admit him with all his Graces make out for this Change against your last Change You Young People that have lately step'd into the World and slip'd thus far before you know where you are it may be young in Years old in Sin you are entring into a wicked world with wicked hearts Oh! look after this blessed Antidote that may prevent Infection be sure of a Pilot that may row you through this boisterous Sea safe to the Haven without new hearts you will make this bad World worse and be worse by it rather seek to amend it You that are entring into Callings or for changing Conditions you will be fit for nothing without this you will bring a Curse into every Relation and Vocation without this but this will make you fit for any thing and you will be attended with God's Blessing in all you set about You Married Persons I recommend this New Creature to you that you be sure to marry in the Lord then you will be Heirs together of the Grace of Life and pray praise God together have this sweet Relation perfum'd and meet in Glory You Rich Persons are Beggars without this this will make you rich and honourable the excellent in the Earth God's Jewels Favourites of Heaven And you poor that cannot get daily Bread this will make you rich in Faith Heirs of a Kingdom Oh what a Treasure is this fear of the Lord You poor Athenians that are always inquiring after News new Opinions new Inventions new Fashions here 's a brave and blessed piece of Novelty for you this New Creature will stand you in stead not so much to please your itching Ears as to profit your Languishing Souls Well I have done my poor Endeavour to effect this work upon your Hearts When we have said and done all we can we have done nothing at all except the Eternal Jehovah strike with the great Hammer O thou infinite Almighty God that hast made the Earth by thy Power hast established the World by thy Wisdom and stretched out the Heavens by thy discretion Jer. 10.12 Look into the Hearts of Sinners see what a Chaos of Confusion is by Sin brought upon the noble Soul go o're thy Work again mend what Sin hath marred put Light in the Understanding Power into the Will Rectitude into the Affections make Conscience do its office O that Corruption may be mortified Satan cast out a sound Principle introduced the Soul redintegrated and everlastingly saved I commend these my poor Labours into the Hands of God to use them as he sees good and to you that heard these Sermons and to others that shall take the pains to read them having delivered my Conscience in some measure of Uprightness whether the Effect answer my Pains and Aims or no And in this labour of Love I am willing to take my Leave of the World as to troubling it any further in this kind and commend you my Brethren to God and to the Word of his Grace which is able to renew your hearts and build you up and to give you an Inheritance among all them which are sanctified Acts 20.32 which is the daily Prayer of A Poor Watch-man for Your Souls O. H. May 3. 95. THE CONTENTS Chap. I. THe Text opened a Doctrine raised and handled Page 1 Chap. II. What is meant by a New Creature Doctrine raised Page 13 Chap. III. Why this is called a New Creature A Parallel betwixt the Old Creation and this New Creation Page 30 Chap. IV. Wherein the New Creature is available to Souls Page 43 Chap. V. Some Inferences by way of Question and Answer from the Premises Page 56 Chap. VI. An Use of Reproof and Conviction of sundry sorts Page 69 Chap. VII An Use of Correction for Reforming Sinners Mistakes Page 94 Chap. VIII Some Objections of Sinners answered against their Endeavours to be New Creatures Page 110 Chap. IX Instructions for the Tryal of our Spirits whether we be indeed New Creatures Page 124 Chap. X. A further Tryal of the New Creature as to the Will and Affections the Subjects of it and its Properties Page 138 Chap. XI A Tryal of the New Creature by its Effects Consequences and Proper Operations Page 152 Chap. XII Directions what Means may be used for the obtaining this New Creature Page 164 Chap. XIII Instructions how those must behave themselves that are indeed New Creatures Page 177 Chap. XIV An Answer to some Cases of Conscience Page 189 Galatians vi 15. For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Vncircumcision but a New Creature CHAP. I. The Text opened a Doctrine raised and handled SOme Interpreters think that this Text comes not in so much as a proof of the Assertion immediately preceding of the Apostle's glorying in Christ's Cross and his being crucified to the world ver 14. As it is a
Nature of this New Creature take this Description of it The New Creature is a supernaturl Work of Gospel-Grace wrought in the Soul of a Sinner by the Word and Spirit of God changing the whole Man from an old state and course into a new thereby transforming it into the Divine Likeness and turning the Heart and Life to the rule of the Word in order to the glory of God and the Souls present and everlasting communion with him This is the New Creature I confess this Description is long but I cannot leave out any of the parts thereof I shall very briefly open the Branches of this description 1. For the general Nature of it I call it a Supernatural Work for it is above the power of nature to produce it it comes from above so he that 's born again John 3.3 Is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from above This perfect Gift comes down from the Father of Lights James 1.17 That Jerusalem that 's above is the Mother of us all Gal. 4.26 This New Creature is no Herb that grows in Nature's Garden it s a Plant of Paradise Flesh and Blood cannot so much as reveal this to the sons of men Matth. 16.17 Therefore it s no wonder if learned Doctors such as Nicodemus laugh at such Doctrine as Fantastical Fancies and say How can these things be John 3.4 Or like Ezekiel's hearers who saith Ah Lord God they say of me Doth he not speak Parables Ezek. 20.49 For such wisdom is too high for a Fool. Psal 56.9 In God's light only must we see light Experience is the best Mistriss in these Cases We speak wisdom saith the Apostle among them that are perfect But the natural man receives not the things of the spirit of God 1 Cor. 2 6 14. This New Crerture is of a Coelestial Original and must have an heavenly Interpreter 2. In this Description we have the particular Nature of this New Creature I call it a Gospel-Grace it is no branch or fruit of the Old Covenant of Works for the Law maketh nothing perfect There was no Law which could give Life Gal. 3.2 21 28. But the New-Testament Dispensation called the Promise this only produceth the New Creation Objection You 'l say Had not Old-Testament Saints this New Creature Doth not David say Create in me a clean heart Psal 51.10 I Answer Old-Testament-Saints had a New-Testament-Spirit for they without us could not be made perfect Heb. 11.40 The same Gospel belonged to them and us and was preached to both Heb. 4.2 Abraham saw Christ's Day they all partaked of Gospel Grace John 8.56 both in Justification and Sanctification they were but different Editions of the same Gospel-Covenant they were as Children in Minority under Tutors and Governours Gal. 4.1 2 25. Gospel-Saints as Children at Age their state was under the Bond woman in Mount Sinai Ours is of Jerusalem which is free However that Gospel-Promise made known in the Old Testament belongs both to them and us Ezek. 36.26 A new Heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you This is the proper Gospel-Work in both Dispensations and sincere Believers of Old had experience of it tho' the Veil was upon the Face of Moses 2 Cor. 3.14 15. and the Hearts of Carnal Jews as it is on all Unbelievers to this day but Gospel-Grace renews Souls 3. Here 's the subject in which this New Creature is and that is in the Soul or Heart of a sinner There 's the Seat and Centre of this New Creation it s not meerly external in the Eye or Foot or Hand or Tongue but it s an internal work in the Soul the Christian is renewed in the Spirit of his Mind Ephes 4.23 Behold saith David thou desirest Truth in the inward parts in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know Wisdom Psal 51.6 It s called the hidden man of the heart 1 Pet. 3.4 Not but that it breaks out in Lip and Life but the Root and Spring lies under Ground out of the view of the world as the best Treasures are lock'd up the best Goods are under Deck or as Merchants Wares lie in a back Shop not exposed to the open view of the World A Christians Life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 Hence they are called God's hidden Ones Psal 83.3 And the King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 45.13 These gracious Souls are like Kings in disguise and it doth not yet appear what they shall be 1 John 3.2 But when the Shell is broken the Pearl will appear all external Changes in men are but the change of the Clothes this the change of the Man and his Manners For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly but inwardly Right Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit not in the Letter whose praise is not of men but of God Rom. 2.20 30. It is wrought by God and known to God who alone searcheth and sees the Heart 4. The Instrumental or Organical Cause of this New Man which is the Word of God Rom. 1.16 This is the power of God to Salvation James 1.18 Of his own Will begat he us by the Word of Truth 1 Pet. 1.23 Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth for ever The Word is the Seed which being ingrafted in the Heart springeth up in obedience which is the Flower and visible product of the New Creature yea 't is properly the Gospel-Word Moses or the Law may bring us to the Borders but Joshua leads us into Canaan the terrors of the Law prepare the way as John Baptist but the Word of the Gospel is the door of Faith that takes Souls by the hand and leads them into the Chamber of Presence this is God's method to work this New Man by a powerful Gospel-Sermon so saith blessed Paul 1 Cor. 4.15 I have begotten you in Jesus Christ through the gospel there 's the Instrument Paul I have begotten you the means by the gospel the author in Jesus Christ faith comes by hearing Rom. 10.14 Prov. 8.34 Therefore let all lie at the Gates of Wisdom Expect not this New Creation if you turn your backs on God's Institutions 5. The Efficient Cause is the Holy Ghost The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Rom. 5.5 Oh what a gracious Tincture doth the Spirit leave upon Hearts what a sweet Breath doth it breath into them which breaths out Love to God and Men How is this New Creature diffused into all the Faculties of the Soul by the Spirit This is both a Seal and an Earnest who hath also sealed us Eph. 6.13 14. and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 All good is conveyed to us by the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son especially this Saving Good of Conversion we are born again of Water and of the Spirit John 3.3 8.
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
or good Works done by man nay it also excludes Faith it self as the work of man any otherwise then as laying hold on Christ's Righteousness But this I affirm that this New Creature or the best Inherent Righteousness cannot justifie a Sinner before God's Tribunal For a Man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the Faith of Jesus Christ Gal. 2.16 And lest any should say it was by the Works only of the Ceremonial Law it s apparent the Apostle includes the Moral Law that observance thereof cannot justifie for the Gentiles were never bound to the Ceremonial Law yet he proves both Jews and Gentiles to be both under sin Rom. 3 9.-2.28 30. and both alike justified by Christ in the way of believing But where there is no Law there is no Transgression Rom. 4.15 Besides that Law that shews Sin is the moral Law For by the Law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 3.20 And 't is that Law that drives us out of Self to Christ and therefore it can never justifie us God hath nailed up that Door that none since the Fall can enter into Happiness by Law-Righteousness This way to Heaven is like the Northern Passage to the Indies whoever attempts it is sure to be frozen up before he gets half way thither Obj. But if a legal Righteousness by our own strength will not justifie a Sinner yet this New Creature or the habit or exercise of Evangelical Righteousness will surely justifie The Apostle himself Answers No and he instanceth in two famous Saints in the Old-Testament the one is Abraham the other David Rom. 4.1 6 Faithful Holy Abraham though no Idolater but circumcised offering his Son must not glory in any Habit or Acts of Grace And David though a Man after God's own Heart yet saith Enter not into judgment with thy servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified Psal 143.2 If the Lord mark iniquity who can stand Psal 130.3 Holy Paul dare not stand in his own Righteousness at God's Bar but in the Righteousness which is of God by Faith Phil. 3.7.8 9. Indeed this imparted or inherent Holiness was infused into the Soul for other Ends than to justifie a Sinner before God from the guilt of any one Sin and yet this New Creature is very available to the Souls of men in these 12 cases 1. This New Creature rectifies the Soul's Faculties that were marred by Adam's Fall The former Structure though once a famous Edifice by the Fall was not only tottering but a ruinous House and lies in Rubbish this New Creation re-edifies it in a more stately sumptuous manner yea it is richly adorned thereby Prov. 1.9 They shall be an Ornament of Grace unto thy Head and Chains about thy Neck Prov. 12.26 ch 17.27 Thereby the Christian is more excellent then his Neighbour and of an excellent Spirit more excellent then himself was he is by this become like the Angels yea like God himself and though he be short of Adam in the degree of Grace yet upon better terms in point of duration and now great Grace is upon all true Believers Acts 4.33 Man by his Fall became like the Beasts that perish Psal 49.12 But this New Creature makes him better then other men All men are level as to God till this New Creation sets a divine Stamp on some The tongue of the Just is as choice Silver but the heart of the wicked is little worth Prov. 10.20 God only hath Soveraignty and Authority to rate his Creatures this is the Estimate he sets on his 2. This New Creature is the fruit and Evidence of electing-Electing-Love this is the legible print of God's Heart from Eternity He hath chosen us Eph. 1.4 that we should be holy This is the proper product of free undeserved Grace Gal. 1.15 God calls by his Grace This is the glorious display of his Banner of Love over Souls In the Old Creation there was the strength of God's Arm in this there is the working of God's Bowels God found all mankind alike involved in Sin and Misery but Grace makes some to differ from others 1 Cor. 46.7 As a curious workman seeing a Forrest overgrowing his Ground marks some Trees designing to make of them some rare pieces of workmanship thus God carves his own Image on a common Log and sets it apart for himself this is an act of discriminating Love and when the Sinner sees it he must cry out Who am I O Lord God that thou hast brought me hitherto 2 Sam. 7.18 By the Grace of God I am what I am 1 Cor. 5.10 This this is a shedding abroad his love in my Heart Rom. 5.5 I read Love in every Line and Letter of this new Impression and doth not this avail a Soul much 3. This New Creation consecrates the Soul to be a receptacle for God and renders the Person acceptable to him God dwells in the humble and holy Heart Isa 57.15 There only he takes up his lodging when he hath perfumed the Heart with Mirrh and Frankincense Cant. 3.6 He lays himself in that sweet Bed Having builded this Mansion-House it becomes an habitation of God through the Spirit a Temple of the Holy Ghost Ephes 2.22.1 Cor. 6.17 19. God hath two Thrones in Heaven and in an Holy Heart The Soul and Body is a Sacrifice holy and acceptable to God Rom. 12.1 Happy Soul that is thus owned by the Great God no matter if men reject you if God accept you if men desert you yet if God possess you you are are happy when God casts out the Devil's baggage and saith This is my Rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Psal 132.14 15. No bad House will be kept there where God dwells for he makes all welcome this is available 4. The first instant of this New Creation commenceth a Communion with God this is a consequence of the former and the peculiar privilege of a Saint Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son 1 John 1.3 This communion with God is a mystery to most men Every one that hangs about the Court doth not speak with the King many meddle with Duties but meet not with God It is good for me to draw night to God Psal 73.28 How oft doth the Christian cry out Oh when shall I come and appear before God Psal 63.2 This New Creature puts a Biass in the Soul God-wards it naturally mounts the Soul upwards to ingage his heart in approaching to God Jer. 30.21 And the Lord meets him that rejoyceth and worketh Righteousness Isa 64. Birds cannot converse with Men there 's not a suitableness of Nature an Hypocrite cannot dare not come before God Job 13.16 But a Saint dare draw near with boldness through Christ for he is like God and communio fundatur in Similitudine Communion is founded in Similitude 5. This New Creature evidenceth a Soul's interest in Christ and his union to him yea puts the poor Believer in
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
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
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