Sin will make Conscience more brawny A Sickness may easily be cured at first but when it gets into the Nerves Bones or strikes to the Heart it becomes incurable impregnable So it is with Soul-maladies Oh what mischief may a Thief do if suffered to lodge one Night in your Houses Besides the Life or Death of the Soul may hang upon this nick of Time he oft limits it to a Day Now is the accepted time now is the day of Salvation Heb. 4.7.2 Cor. 6.2 Who can tell but God may say after this day My Spirit shall strive no more with them Gen. 6.3 You may provoke God to withdraw Oh how many Instances have we of thousands that have lost their Day and have been undone forever 3d. Object If I become a New Creature there will be so much strictness and severity in Praying Reading Watching Holy Walking that it will never be abiden it will make me Melancholy and rob me of the Joy and Comfort of my Life Answ 1. Though the possessor of the New Creature lose sensual delights which are Madness rather then true joy Eccles 2.2 Yet he may retain the lawful Comforts of his Life It s true that he must lay aside lascivious Jests wanton Songs unlawful Gaming excessive Drinking blasphemous Stage-plays Filthiness But there 's no real Content in these to a generous Spirit that bring Guilt and Wrath but the gracious Soul may take as much or more real Pleasure in Relations and Worldly Enjoyments keeping the due Circumstances of Time End Measure and Freedom from Scandal as another Man nay now he tastes the Blessing of God in his Enjoyments as he hath a right to them in Christ as they are cleansed from the Curse sugared with God's Love helping him in God's Service towards Heaven and the New Creature puts Wisdom into the Christian to set every thing in its Place and Order so that the Godly Man enjoys himself with more sweetness in a mean condition then many wicked men in their Abundance 2. A Man hath never true solid Joy and Peace till he be a New Creature this and this only lays the Foundation of strong Consolation Serious Godliness is no such melancholy Life as the Carnal World do imagine Suppose the Christian do labour toil and take pains in God's Service Love oyls the Wheels of his Soul and he takes as much pleasure therein as Jacob for Rachel God spices every step of his way Wisdom's ways are pleasantness Prov. 3.17 The severest Commands of God are not grievous 1 John 5.3 but delightful the Spirit helps his Infirmities Rom. 8.26 Inlargeth his Heart he mounts up with Wings as Eagles he is sure his Gains will answer his Pains He that digs in a Golden Mine is paid for every stroke he strikes nay there 's a praemium ante praemium a Reward at present In keeping thy Commandments there iâ— great Reward Psal 19 11. You hear of the Saints sorrow for Sin grief for God's withdrawing vexing with Satan's assaults but you see not their Joy a stranger intermeddles not with his Joy Prov. 14.10 He hath Comforts that none know of or can deprive him of yea he hath more Comfort in his Tears for Sin than a wicked man hath in gratifying his Senses in committing Sin in the midst of the carnal man's Joy his Heart is sad in the midst of the Christians sorrow for Sin his Heart is full of Joy do but try a Godly Course and you would not exchange it for the Wicked's Rant 4th Object But if I leave my old Companions they will laugh me to scorn I shall be accounted a Fool a Dotard a Schismatick a Fanatick all that 's naught and this I cannot brook and indeed I know not how to discard and disoblige my old intimate Comrades Answ 1. If owning God and saving your precious Souls be a disobliging of them they are better lost then found Carnal Friends are dear but God dearer Religion binds you to forsake your own People and your Father's House Psal 45.10 To hate Father and Mother in comparison of or standing in competition with Christ Matth. 10.37 And it s the best Match you can make You 'l not repent it to foregoe those Syren Songs of bewitching Companions that lead you down to Hell for the Society of Saints to forsake such incarnate Devils for the ministry of blessed Angels yea to renounce the Devil for communion with an holy God you have little reason to be afraid or ashamed of such an exchange 2. As for their hatred scorn or reproach read Isa 51.78 Fear ye not the reproach of men neither be ye afraid of their Revilings The Tongue of such wicked Villains are no Slanders better be reviled then praised by some Our Lord saith Woe be to you when all men speak well of you When the Papists called Luther an Apostate he accounted himself a blessed Apostate from the Synagogue of Satan to the Church of God And what if an Ishmael mock Isaac or a Shimei rail at David are they worse for lying Tongues bespattering them Glorious Stars may be called by ugly Names as Bear Dragon but are glorious still so may you be An Heathen Seneca could say and glory in it mala de me loquuntur sed mali They speak evil of me but they are evil men And is it not better to be reproached by bad men for being good then to be damned by God for being bad Doth not Christ bid you rejoyce and be exceeding glad Matth. 5.10 Surely you may wear these as Trophies and Badges of Honour So did Paul glory in Christ's Cross as an old Soldier Gal. 6.17 in his Scars received in the Wars for his Prince The Christians of Old rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Christ Acts 5.41 They looked on that Reproach as their greatest Honour and Ornament You deserve not the Name of Christian if you will not bear a foul Word from the foul Mouths of men for him that despised the Shame for your sakes Heb. 12.2 If meâ— clip your Credit to make it good weight with God and rub your Crown with Dirt to make it brighter you 'l be no losers if you be reproached for the Name of Christ happy are you for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you 1 Peâ— 4.14 5th Object I see no such Beauty or Excellency in these Puritans and Precisians that pretend to be New Creatures they are no better than their Neighbours all are Sinners and so are they nay I have seen them slip into Scandalous Sins they are Proud and Envious and Covetous they are but a pack of Hypocrites Answ 1. Take heed of speaking Evil of the Persons and Things that you know not Carnal Persons are not competent Judges of God's Children Psal 83.5 These are hidden Ones Kings in disguise It doth not yet appear what they are or shall be 1 John 3.2 The King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 43.13 The Life of Saints is
God is the Christians chief supream End in his natural civil spiritual acts the New Man aims at the glory of God 1 Cor. 10.31 Oh that my Soul may obtain fellowship with God 1 John 1.3 Psal 73.25 I will trample on sinful worldly self and spurn away this dirty Dunghill in comparison of God's Glory and Salvation of my own Soul all other things will neither please nor profit this high-bred Creature infused into the Soul 2. The Elective Power of the Will the New Creature chuseth the most proper means to attain these high Ends as he chuseth God for his only End so in the first place he chuseth Christ as the only Way Truth and Life John 14.6.1 51. By whom he may ascend to God as the Ladder of Jacob for there 's no coming to the Father but by the Son The Will therefore consists to have Christ upon his own terms and chuseth him above the World John 1.12 May I have Christ I will cast all others as Dung at my Heels Phil. 7.7 8 9. Away with them away with them I will refuse Crowns and Scepters in comparison of or in competition with Christ the New Creature comes off freely in his choice of Christ is not forced to him as his last shift to escape damning but by a sweet tendency and propensity of the Will touched and attracted with the Loadstone of divine Grace To me to live is Christ Phil. 1.21 as well as he is good to dye with yea the New Creature chuseth the Precepts the Promises the Patterns of the Word Psal 119.30 111. The way of Faith and Holiness to walk in in order to the attaining Happiness and he never repents this blessed Choice 3. There 's a cleaving act of the Will a peremptory resolved adhereing to God and his ways the Will is fixed determined for God whatever shall be said against he is not off and on like a double-minded man unstable in all his ways James 1.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hanging in suspence halting betwixt two Opinions 1 King 18.21 but cleaves to the Lord with purpose of Heart Acts 11.23 as Ruth was stedfastly minded to go with Naomi Ruth 1.16 17 18. All men on Earth and all the Devils in Hell shall not alter this resolution I will go and return to my Father Luk. 15.17 I am purposed that my Mouth shall not transgress Psal 17.3 Let others do as they list as they dare answer I and my House will serve the Lord John 24.15 I must not be guided by Example or Carnal Reason but by the Word of God and having made my choice by the Grace of God I will not be altered as long as I breath no Sufferings shall daunt me no Allurements shall entice me from my God 4. There 's a resigning act of the Will by which it gives up it self to the Will of God the New Creature melts and molds the Will of man into the Will of God as our Lord said Not my will but thine be done Matth. 26.39 And those gracious Souls Acts 21.13 said The will of the Lord be done Hence Luther durst Pray fiat volunt as mea Let my Will be done but came off thus Mine Lord because my Will shall be thine There shall be but one Will betwixt us this hath been the Language of all the Holy Men in Scripture Eli David Paul Let the Lord do as seems good to him 1 Sam. 8.10.2 Sam. 15.25 This Harmony of Wills is a glorious Fruit of the New Creation and sweet and certain Character of the New Creature this brings Serenity to the Soul in all states when Wind and Tide go both one way there 's no Storm so when the Christian acquiesceth in God's will there 's great Peace in the Soul 4. The last Subject wherein the New Creature is formed in the Affections these are the Motions of the Will the Will is the primum movens or mobile the main Wheel that carries the Affections along with it the Affections are either 1. disliking or 2. liking Aversations or Approbations of these Faculties of the Soul and both of them are reduced to sweet Order and Harmony according to Scripture-Rule 1. The disliking or disapproving Affections the Stream is quite turned into another Channel the Soul loaths what it before loved and bears an implacable hatred yea antipathy not only to Sin but to all appearances of it 1 Thes 5.22 and Avenues that lead to it or proceed from it hating even the Garment spotted by the Flesh Jude 23. as one detests a Coat with the Plague in it as a man's Stomach riseth against some kind of Meats or a Toad for its poysonful quality or a Serpent for its Sting or rather for its loathsome Nature David saith I hate and abhor Lying Psal 119.163 He cannot use words enough to express his Antipathy to Hypocrisie And true hatred is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against all the Kinds of what we hate I hate every false way ver 104. saith the same Holy Man The New Creature makes the Christian not only angry at Sin as against his Interest or as a Man may be with his Wife or Child in a fit of Passion and entertains good Thoughts of them again when the Passion is over but there 's an implacable Enmity commenced in the Heart against all Sin yea there 's an hatred of wicked mens persons for their Sin 's sake Psal 139.21 22. which otherwise the Soul loves as he would not hate the Devil but for Sin O how weary am I of this Body of Death I know not how to bear it it s like a stinking dead Carcase that at once both burdens me with its weight Rom. 7.24 and poysons me with its stink 'T is this and this alone that makes me send forth quotidianos mutigus daily groans and Mournings Oh that I could put a Bill of Divorce into the Hands of my dearest Lust never to meddle with it again I will never be reconciled to Sin more I will cut off my Right hand-Sin and run the Knife of the Law into the very Heart of my dearest Lusts I will study their utter extirpation I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to God Ezra 9.6 because of my Spots of guilt and filth never did any thing lie so near my Heart as my Sin against God I will declare mine Iniquity and be very sorry for my Sin Psal 58.18 For the future I will stand in awe that I may not sin Psal 4.4 I will fear Sin more then Hell I cannot bear them that are evil Rev. 2.2 Though I have patience to bear any Affliction I behold transgressors and am grieved Psal 119.58 136. and shed many Tears for the dishonour they bring to my God Oh that Sin were banish'd out of the World or my Soul withdrawn from the wicked world 2. As for the liking Affections the renewed Soul can truly say as David I have set my affections to the house of my God 2 Chron. 30.3 As to inferior
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
Being so by this Work of Grace Old things are past away and all things become new But of this more hereafter Qu. 2. What 's meant by New Ans 1. New in Scripture-language signifies 1. Another distinct and different from what was before So Exod. 1.8 There arose a new King over Aegypt i. e. another Thus this New Creature is distinct from the former as Caleb is said to have another Spirit Numb 14.24 i. e different and of another Nature than the rest of the Spyes yea what he himself formerly had Thus it is with the Convert 2. New signifies Strange not heard of before Numb 16.30 If the Lord make a new thing if the Earth open her Mouth an unheard of Wonder a Prodigy never known before So say they What new Doctrine is this thou bringest strange things to our Ears Acts 17.19 20. Thus the Work of Regeneration was strange even to a great Doctor among the Jews Job 3.34 3. New signifies something secret hidden not easily discerned or not manifest to all Isa 48.6 I have shewed thee new things from this time even hidden things And this work of the New Creature is much hid from the Eyes of others and sometimes kept secret from a man 's own observation Job 11.6 That he would shew thee the secrets of Wisdom And David saith In the hidden part thou shalt make me to know Wisdom Psal 51.6 4. New imports something excellent transcendent admirable Psal 33.3 Sing unto him a new Song Psal 42.10 Sing unto the Lord a new Song i. e. an excellent Song of the very best you can attain to Even so this is the chief of God's Works in the world and renders the Righteous more excellent then his Neighbour and a man of understanding is of an excellent Spirit Prov. 12.26 ch 17.27 The Text being thus opened I shall deduce an Observation relating to the preceeding Words of the Text Circumcision avails nothing nor Uncircumcision in this New Testament-Dispensation by Christ What is it it then that avails The Answer is The New Creature this indeed is available So this is set in contradistinction to the forementioned Privileges comprehended under this word Circumcision Doctrine 2. That a New Creature is only and every way available to the Souls of Men. Nothing else can avail any thing to mens Eternal Salvation but a New Creature and this is very available Understand this of things of this kind or nature for a New Creature must not be set in competition with the Eternal Love of God or Blood of Christ or sanctifying Operations of the Holy Spirit for application of Christ's purchaces to us A New Creature is but a Creature and cannot do the Work of the Infinite God who hath appropriated Salvation-Work to himself There is no Saviour besides me where is any other that may save them Hos 13.4.10 It is not any thing done by Man nor wrought in man that can save him from divine Wrath or advance him to Heaven No the Lord justifies sanctifies glorifies by Christ All the Causes of man's Salvation are without him Eph. 1.4 9. 1st There 's the Efficient Cause God's chusing us 2dly The Material Cause Christ's redeeming us 3dly The Formal the good pleasure of his Will 4thly The Final the praise of God's glorious Grace So then we do not put this New Creature in God's room as any cause at all of our Happiness but a necessary Qualification Disposition to which Salvation is annexed or as the Apostle phraseth it that which accompanieth Salvation Heb. 6.9 Things that accompany Salvation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that have Salvation i. e. commprehend it are contiguous to it touch it have Happiness annexed to it by the indispensible connexion of Grace and Glory by Covenant-Promise But more of this hereafter In the prosecution of this Doctrine I shall speak to these 4 Things in the Doctrinal part of it Viz. 1. Shew what this New Creature is 2. Why it is so called 3. Wherein it is available 4. Answer some Queries about it and so apply it 1. What is this New Creature Answer In opening this I shall explain These 2 things 1. The Names given to it 2. The Nature of it 1. For the Names or Titles given to this New Creature which are synonymous Expressions holding forth the same thing for Substance are such as these 1st It s called the forming of Christ in the womb of a Man's Heart Gal. 4.9 My little Children of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you Full glad would I be to see this blessed Embryo teamed in your Hearts 2dly It s called quickening Ephes 2.1 And you hath he quickned who were dead-in trespasses and sins Alas what dull Stocks and Lumps of Sin are we till animated with the spirit of Grace and quickned by a vital principle And this is done with Christ vers 5. by his Resurrection 3dly It s called Parturition or bringing forth by spiritual pangs of Soul-travail New Birth John 3.3 Verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Convicting Grace brings a lively and lovely Offspring into the World better than the product of Nature 4thly Such Converts are compared to little Children Mal. 18.3 Verily I say unto you except you be converted and become as little Children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven i. e. You must needs have the Qualities and Dispositions both of Infants and bigger Children 5thly This work of God on the Soul is called a dying with Christ and a rising again with him Rom. 5.5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his Death we shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection Col. 3.1 All real Christians are risen with Christ hence it is called the first Resurrection Rev. 20.6 As if they were newly brought out of their Graves that had been long dead and useless 6thly It s called the Image of God on Souls Col. 3.10 And have put on the New Man which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created him Eph. 4.24 The new man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness This new Creature is a blessed Resemblance of the Trinity of Persons in the renewing of the Mind Will and Affections conform to God 7thly It is called the Divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promises that by these you might be partakers of the Divine Nature i.e. Of those Divine Qualities whereby the Soul resembles God not only as a Picture doth a Man in outward Lineaments but as a Child doth his Father both in countenance and condition As the noble Qualities of an Immortal Soul shew there is a God so the renewed Faculties shew what that one God is But more of this hereafter Thus for the Names of this New Creature most of which are figurative Expressions denoting this same thing we are now treating of 2. For the
to a stronger Faith Besides 4. We may distinguish betwixt a justified State and applications of Pardon to Souls there is forgiveness with God which must be daily sued out by Faith and Prayer Psal 130.4 4. Another difference betwixt this New Creature and Justification is that the Grace of the New Creature is never perfect in this Life the holiest Saints have some Spots and defects who can say I have made my Heart clean Prov. 20.9 I am pure from my Sin Eccle. 7.20 There 's not a just man on Earth that doth good and sinneth not Mat. 3.14 John Baptist needs a New Baptism all the Disciples need their first washing John 13. A Paul complains of a Body of Death Rom. 7.14 It s in Heaven only that the Spirits of just men are made perfect Heb. 12.23 Bat Justification is perfect there 's no Spot in the justified Cant. 4.7 Fair as the Moon Cant. 6.10 as to Sanctification clear as the Sun in respect of Justification Psal 51.7 white as Snow Isa 38.17 God deals with them as if they had never offended casting their Sins behind his Back into the depth of the Sea Mich. 7.18 Remembers them no more Jer. 31.34 Object But doth not God punish his for Sin Answ Those are not properly Acts of Vindictive Justice but Fatherly Chastisements coming from God not as a Judge upon a Malefactor but as an indulgent Father to his wandring and way-ward Child It s true Afflictions are materially the Curse but formally a Blessing being like a Water running through the blessed Mineral of Covenant-Love With reference to this Pardoning Grace Dr. Ames Medul p. 139. its worth noting what D. Ames observes that there 's fourfold Pardon 1st In God's decree and purpose foreseeing it Gal. 3.8 2dly In Christ's undertakings our Sins laid on him Isa 53.6 3dly Virtually upon the Christians first Relation to God Rom. 8.1 4thly Expresly applied upon the Believers Repentance acting of Faith and sence of pardon Rom. 5.1 And I may add there 's a Day of publick proclaiming this Pardon before the whole World Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your Sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Chap. VI. An Use of Reproof and Conviction of sundry sorts A Second Use of this point is Reproof If a New Creature be available to Souls yea of such absolute necessity then what shall we say 1. Of non-pretenders to it 2. Of meer Pretenders to it 1. There are some in the World that plainly say in Words or Deeds that they are as they have been and so will continue they trouble not themselves about these new things but say I am Semper idem still the same I thank God I am no Turn-coat nor will I meddle with them that are given to change I love the old way To this Answer Take that Text with you Jeremiah 6.16 Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the Old Paths where is the good old way and walk therein Mark it not simply the Old Way except it be good for there are many old ways that are not good Cain's way is old enough so was Balaam's and Core's yet there 's a Woe unto them that walk in those ways Jude 11. The Woman of Samaria boasted of the Antiquity that their Father Jacob gave them that Well that her Ancestors did worship in that Mountain John 4 12.-20.24 But our Lord teacheth her other Doctrines yea it was no good Plea of the Jews that they did as their Fathers in burning Incense to the Queen of Heaven though they pleaded great Success then say they We bad plenty of Victuals and saw no Evil Jer. 44.17 18. God answers them to the purpose Ver. 21.22 But let me say to you 1. That this Plea is a multiplication of the Fault if it be not a good way every Step you take in it is a new Error and brings new guilt vetustas Erroris seductio Errantis The way of the Wicked seduceth him Have you examin'd whether this be God's way or no If you be wrong the further you go the further you are from God 2. This continuing in old Customs without inquiry will harden your Hearts and make you more uncapable yea more unwilling to return Can the Ethiopian change his Skin and the Leopard his Spots then may ye also learn to do good that are accustomed to do evil Jer. 13.23 Custom in Sin takes away Conscience of Sin the more men travel the more brawny are their Feet 3. But what think you Adam went wrong and do you delight to follow him or rather should not the Old Man be crucified Rom. 6.6 You have no reason to bear big or brag of the Old Man which is corrupt according to deceitful Lusts but rather put on this new man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness Eph. 4.22 24. See a Parallel betwixt the first Adam and Second 1 Cor. 15.45 49. And then make your choice 4. You 'l never walk in Heaven's Road without a change Deceive not your selves you must be turned from your vain Conversation received by Tradition from your Fathers 1 Pet. â— 18 You will never walk in this New and Living Way without a New Heart You cannot serve God but it must be in the Newness of Spirit not in the Oldness of the Letter Rom. 7.6 You are undone if you dye as you are born you need not change your Religion for you profess the true Religion only you must see you be true to that Religion by a change of Heart and Life Except you be born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God John 3.3 Better never have been born then not be new born But more of this anon Tremble to think of appearing before God naked or in your old rotten Rags the Gibeonites might cheat Israel with their old Bottles Clouts Shoes Josh 9.4 but you cannot cousen God so An old frame is not fit for a new state old Hearts for new Heavens If you live after the Flesh you shall dye i. e. be damned Rom 8.13 but if you through the Spirit mortifie the deeds of the Body you shall live i. e. be saved There are many more that are far from being New Creatures that have a black Brand of Reprobation printed on their Foreheads and disclaim any pretences to this New Creation-Work as 1st Such as have imbibed Atheistical Principles and say with their Tongues or in their Hearts there is no God Psal 14.1 at least Deists that deny God's Providence and Divine Revelations 2dly Prophane Scoffers at true Christian Piety and the Power of Godliness 2 Pet. 3. under the Name of Puritans loading Strictness in Religion with Names of Obloquy Scorn and Derision 3dly Profoundly ignorant of Gospel-Mysteries 1 Cor. 13.34 and the Essentials of Religion the knowledge whereof is of the highest importance and necessity and yet do scorn to learn 4thly Voluptuous Epicures Drunkards Adulterers and that
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
Aethiopians to me O children of Israel saith the Lord Amos 9.7 Prophane Saul is called a Cushite Psal 7 54 and 59. And graceless Jews though of the true Religion are accounted as Strangers and God esteems wicked Princes rulers of Sodom and People of Gomorrah Isa 1.10 though his People by Profession And what if God account you that brag of the Christian Name no better then Jews Mahometans Heathens You are like to fare no better than they 2. You will fare worse then they God will judge you according to the Helps and Advantages you have had it will be worse with you than Sodom and Gomorrah Tyre and Sidon Matth 11 20-24 Yea the Men of Nineveh and Queen of the South shall rise up in Judgment against Graceless Professors of the true Religion Matth. 12.41 42. Oh how dreadful a Rebuke will this be They may say If we had heard so much of Christ and Gospel-Grace we would have framed more to compliance therewith we knew not what estate we were in or what would be the astonishing Consequence thereof as you heard from day to day we never pretended such high Principles nor were engaged by Baptism to be God's Servants Subjects Soldiers as you were Now we know that the Soldier that hath taken Press-Money and is false or fights none or is a Renegado hath the heaviest doom Mat. 24.51 The Hypocrites are free Denizons of Hell it s their proper place You had better been born in India then in England in Turkey then within the Pale of the Church and not be New Creatures yea better have been no Creatures or vilest Creatures than not be New Creature as our Lord said of Judas It had been better if he had never been born John 1. So say I. and not new born If you lived and dyed as Beasts there 's an End of you you would feel neither Weal nor Woe but it will be otherwise with you Wo wo to you that ever you were born Lord have mercy on you 3. If you be not New Creatures you are Slaves to and bear the Image of the Devil you are lead captive by him at his pleasure 2 Tim 2.26 Yea you are his willing Slaves its converting Grace only that brings out of the power of Satan Acts 26.18 But they are invisible Fetters for he holds his black Hand over the Sinners Eye and worketh effectually in his heart 2 Cor. 4.4 Eph. 2.2 that the poor Slave will not believe his Slavery but thinks he is a Freeman though he be holden with the cords of his sins Prov. 5.22 and drag'd apace Hell-wards O worse then Aegyptian Bondage or Turkish Slavery who would abide it Yea without this New Creation you have the Devil's Image upon you you are the very Picture of that infernal Fiend so that if it be asked whose Image and Superscription is this It must be answered Satan's Our Lord tells the Jews You are of your Father the Devil John 8.44 Your Envy is the Devil's Eye your Hypocrisie the Devil 's cloven Foot your Lying the Devil's Tongue your carnal Policy the Devil's Head your Pride and Self-conceit the Devil 's lofty Countenance and all these will end in the Devil's despair Oh tremble to carry such a resemblance to God's enemy It 's storyed that when they brough Tamerlane a Pot of Gold he asked what Stam◠was upon it when he understood it had th◠Roman Stamp he utterly refused it Even 〈◊〉 will God reject you if the Devil's stamp be o◠you you 'l be no currant Money with God th◠you have golden Gifts 4. If you be not New Creatures God an◠you are fallen out there 's an enmity and anti◠pathy betwixt the holy God and your carn◠Hearts and this is the height of a Creatures S◠and misery It is very observable that in th◠middle of that black Bed-roll of Heathens Sins Rom. 1.29 30 31. that cursed Root and Sprin◠haters of God being in the midst it diffuset its malignant Influence backward and forwards to actuate all those Sins Not that the Creatur◠can directly intend to be an Enemy to God b◠that a graceless Person is interpretatively an◠consequentially an enemy to God the chiefe good as he is an enemy to Holiness Justic◠Truth which are divine Perfections so God at counts them that are Enemies to his Soveraig◠ry Luk. 19.27 yea the carnal mind is enm◠it self against God Rom. 8.7 And S◠turns God to be an Enemy Zech. 11.8 Isa 6.10 And there 's no Person that God hates an◠despiseth so much as this hypocritical Pretende Psal 73.20 O Lord when thou awakest the shalt despise their Image Either it is spoken wicked men's Prosperity which God slights 〈◊〉 but an imaginary thing or else the Image of temporary Profession with their phantastical Faith Piety Devotion which now the rotten-hearted hypocrite danceth about in in his pleased thoughts as a man in a Dream conceits himself a great Prince but a Day is coming that this great Idol shall be broken and the Worshippers of it hissed down to Hell with greatest Shame and Disdain for 't is said of the Ape because he hath the Face but not the Soul of a Man he is the most ridiculous and odious of all Creatures Thus an hypocritical Judas is more abhorred of the Lord then a bloody Pilate for 't is an high Crime for an ignoble Person to counterfeit himself to be a King's Son and a false Friend is more detested than an open Enemy Such are those that pretend friendship to God and are his real Enemies 5. If you be not New Creatures you are not capable of getting good by any Ordinances and Providences nothing will do you good for you want a Principle and Capacity to improve any thing you are spiritually dead dead in trespasses and sins Eph. 2.1 It is this New Creation alone that puts Life into you Preaching to you is but surdo canere as singing to a deaf man speaking to a Stone that which is nourishing Food to a living man corrupts and turns to putrefaction in a dead Man's Mouth though the Sinner breaths yet he lives not naturally alive spiritually dead this is the worst kind of Death for he is alienated from the Life of God Eph. 4.18 Heb. 9.14 As his Works are but dead works so his Soul is but a dead rotten Carcase It s true a poor carnal dead Sinner that is naturally alive may hear a sound in the Ministry of the Word but receives not the Sence conceives not aright of the Significancy of what he hears It s worth your observing that it s said of Saul's Companions Acts 7.9 They heard a Voice yet it s said Acts 22.9 They heard not the voice of him that spake to me Are not these inconsistent No they heard indeed a Sound but nothing distinctly or they might hear a Voice but not Christ's as Saul did even so in an Ordinance men may hear distinctly the Voice of a Man but not the Voice of God
so as to fall down and confess that God is there of a truth 1 Cor. 14.25 This is that which makes such a difference of Hearers in the same Auditory Some hear what the Spirit saith Rev. 2. Others profit not from Day to Day because the Word is not mixed with Faith Heb. 4.2 The Chymist can do nothing without Fire the Sinner will neither do nor receive Good by any thing without the Spirit and this blessed New Creation 6. Without the New Creature you will not be secured from the worst of Sins for as you want a Principle of Obedience so you have no reason to expect assistance from Heaven its only God's fear in your hearts that keeps you from departing from him Jer. 32.40 Indeed the Text saith 1 John 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his Seed remaineth in him But alas you want this Seed there is in you the Fomes Spawn Spring Root of all Abominations there want nothing but a Tap to give it vent Satan will be ready enough to fill your hearts to lye to the Holy Ghost Acts 5.3 To betray Jesus to run into all Excess of Riot if Satan find his House empty of Saving Grace though it be swept Matth. 12.43 44 45. from some gross Sins by Morality garnished with Gifts and common Graces he will take to himself seven other Spirits more wicked and take faster possession as those that escaped some gross Pollutions yet are again intangled their latter end is worse then their beginning 2 Pet. 2.20 21 22. These may and likely will wallow in worse mire then ever before Besides God may in Justice give you up to your own hearts Lusts Psal 81. or to strong delusions to believe a Lye 2 Thes 2.10 11. If God leave you who knows whither you may be hurried you will fall downwards into Sin and grow worse and worse till you be diabolized as demure as you seem to be you may commence Persecutors and Blasphemers Atheists and to that height of Impiety that now you shrug and tremble at yea you may commit that unpardonable Sin against the Holy Ghost You say now God forbid is thy Servant a Dog so said Hazael but how canst thou be secured thou hast no hold of God by Faith and God hath no hold of thee in a Covenant-relation for thou wantest the Graces of the Covenant look to they self for God will not look to thee till thou be his and thou canst not look so to thy self but thou mayst prove a prophane Esau a scoffing Ishmael a betraying Judas who knows where thou wilt stop whither thou wilt run 7. If you be not New Creatures you will meet with a woful disappointment Oh remember the case of the Foolish Virgins that too late found they had no Oyl in their Lamps or Grace in their Hearts when the Door was shut and they shut out and cryed Lord open to us Mat. 25 8-12 Oh what an astonishing Word was that I know you not It will not be loud Cries or Heart-renting Lamentations that will pierce the Ears of a Righteous God Oh think how dreadful it will be to go off the Stage with a lye in your right hand Isa 44 20.-50.11 To walk all your days by Sparks of your own kindling and lie down in Sorrow It would vex any Man to be cheated with Pebbles for Pearls Flint for Diamond Men say when they are cheated they would rather have given three times as much then to be thus abused but thus it is with you the Devil imposeth on you and lest you should see your Mistake the Devil holds his black hand before your Eyes the God of this World blindeth you and carries you to Hell in a Golden Dream in a Fools Paradise It s a dreadful case if your Eyes be never opened till the Flames of Hell flash in your scorched Faces If there be no discovery till there be no remedy as some Diseases are past Cure when they are known A graceless Life brings despair of Death O consider poor Sinner what Relief wilt thou have in thy dying-groans When this King of Terrors Job 18.14 this grim Serjeant lays his cold Hand of Arrest upon thee Oh what horror will seize upon thee when thy fine spun Hope must be as the Spiders Web Job 8 14-11.20 swept away with God's Besom or give up the Ghost when thou breathest thy last what a dreadful case will thy Soul be in Alas what hast thou gained though thou shouldst gain the World when God taketh away thy Soul Mat. 16.26 John 27.8 9. Thou hadst better dye a Dog a Toad a Serpent or vilest Creature than a Man if thou be not a New Creature for the upshot of their Misery is but an in-let to thine it s a sad case for a poor Sinner to leave the World and knows not whither he is going he must not stay and he dares not dye if his Eyes be opened and he sees Hell flames flashing in his Eyes oh with what a shriek must his poor confounded Soul descend into that Infernal Lake of Fire and Brimstone this will be a Day of desperate Sorrow Isa 8.22 When Men shall look to the earth and behold trouble and darkness dimness of anguish and they shall be driven to darkness Who can conceive duly of the astonishing Horrors of a desparing Soul 8. Who can tell how quickly this Anguish may seize upon you You now live at ease and fear not because you feel no danger like Laish of Old and Rome at this day but when you say Peace and Safety then sudden destruction cometh upon you as travail upon a woman with-child and you shall not escape It s a dreadful Evil to be surprized 1 Thes 5.3 The poor graceless Sinner is not sure to be another Night out of Hell such a Voice may come to thee as to that senseless secure Wretch that reckoned upon Years This night shall thy Soul be required of thee Luk. 12 19 20. Poor Sinner thou art in continual danger God is angry with thee every day Psal 7.11 12. and stands with his Sword whet and Bow bent and his Arrows stringed and directed to thy Heart yea it will come as a Showre suddenly violently inevitably upon the wicked He shall rain Fire and Brimstone yea Snares and an horrible Tempest Psal 11.6 God thine Enemy stands over thee as an Enemy with a Sword of Vengeance in his Hand ready to cut thee in pieces and though thou sleepest yet thy judgment of a long time sleeps not nor thy damnation slumber 2 Pet. 2.3 Oh who would continue one Hour in such a case when thy Life hangs in doubt nay thy immortal Soul is hanging over Hell by the small twittered Thread of thy natural Life Surely if thou wert condemned and to be executed to morrow thou wouldst be much concerned to prevent or prepare for Death Oh Sinner bethink thy self the Jâ—dge standeth before the Door James 5.9 Heaven or Hell may attend the next
no Heaven to him the Heavenly Jerusalem is another kind of thing then most take it to be What wild bald Conceptions have sensual Sots of Heaven as though it were Mahomet's Paradise or Heathens Elysian Fields wherein Men may only gratifie their Senses or wallow in Pleasures Alas a Man may say to these ignorant Souls as our Lord to Zebedee's Children You know not what you ask You would go to Heaven yes fain you would be saved but do you know what Heaven is I will tell you briefly Heaven consists in a freedom from all Sin a perfection of Grace injoyment of God employment in divine Praises love delight in God meditation on God Ecstacies and Ravishment of all the Soul's Faculties in immediate communion with him And what aukard Conceptions hath a carnal Heart of these blessed Privileges They would be no advantage to him at all but a torment to him that hates God runs from him cannot abide to come near him in any Duty likes not the Society of God's Saints delights in sinful Practices dallies with Satan's Temptations Can men imagine they shall take Cards and Dice Cups and Queans with them to Heaven Nay can Men take fair Houses full Bags or worldly Business into another world Can men make great Purchases gather great Rents or break Jests with their Companions in a future state Alas a poor carnal heart is weary of Duties much more will he be in Heaven Sermon is too long Prayer is tedious when will the Sabbath be gone Can these be fit to enjoy God in an eternal Sabbath of rest nay the poor guilty Sinner cares not for coming near to God the Sight of God is terrible to him as it was to fallen Adam indeed without converting Grace introducing this New Creature and Divine Nature the Soul would be altogether strange to God and any converse with an holy glorious God yea even the sanctified themselves by reason of the Remainders of Corruption in them have much ado to bring their Hearts to converse with God especially when they lie under the sense of Guilt even a Godly Peter then crys out Depart from me for I am a sinful man O Lord Luk. 5.8 Much more will a graceless Soul not dare to come near to God an Hypocrite shall not come before him Job 13.16 He will not and God will not suffer him but a gracious Heart can truly say It is good for me to draw nigh to God Psal 73.28 Communion with God is his Heaven upon Earth Therefore this God will be his Salvation himself is his best Heaven but a carnal Heart knows not what this means and is therefore uncapable of Heaven Chap. VIII Some Objections of Sinners answered against their Endeavours to be New Creatures T IS much if a Carnal Heart and a Witty Head with the Devil's help have not something to say against the thing it self or their Attempts after it to excuse themselves 1. Object Who can in this World be so qualified for Heaven the best come infinitely short I have beard it said that as the Soul passeth out of the Body it is then perfected and qualified for its enjoyment of God no man can expect it before and though I cannot so delight in God and his Service now yet I hope God will perfect my Soul in the instant of its separation from the Body I Answer 1. There is an habitual and an actual disposedness for Heaven as I have at large explained in a Treatise on Col. 1.12 called Meetness for Heaven and every Child of God after the first Infusion of Grace into him and change of his State and Relation God-wards is put into a capacity for communion with God in this and in the other World but increase in Grace and exercise of Grace doth daily capacitate him for further communion with God no man can expect he shall be a perfect man till he be a man perfection of degrees follows that of parts you must first be in Christ or else you 'l not arrive to the measure of the Stature of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4.12 13. 2. That Man feeds himself with a vain groundless hope of being saved and compleated at Death that 's careless and graceless in Life for he hath no promise to nourish such a Perswasion did God ever say Live as thou listest and at the Instant of Death I will infuse Spiritual Life into thy Soul trust me for that at thy expiring Breath I will give thee that then which will qualifie thee for Heaven and make thee then in love with me though thou never caredst for me all thy Life long Where do you find such a Promise and who but a mad man will put all to a desperate adventure at the last gasp You have more reason to fear he will not then to hope he will give you Grace nay you have a dreadful threatning that because he called and you refused you shall call and cry and he will not answer Prov. 1 24-28 And you have a terrible Instance of the fruitless Cries of the foolish Virgins Matth. 25.10 And who are you that the Great God should be at your beck He can and will hear the least whimper of a Child but regards not the howling of a Dog he may and will say Go to the Gods the Lusts you have served I know you not I own you not for mine This is not a time for getting but using Grace yea Death is a time for perfecting the Work of Grace Woe be to that wretched Caitiff that hangs his Eternal state on the uncertain working of the Principle of Life in the moment of Death 2d Object But if I have not yet the New Creature I may have there 's time enough before me I am young and yet in my full strength of an healthful Constitution and may live long Let old Persons that are going off the Stage look after this New Creature I have other things to mind Answ 1. Alas Man art thou certain thou shalt live till the next Year the next Month Week Day or Hour Have not many as young as thou art gone to the Grave before thee and what Assurance hast thou of thy Life another Moment For what is our Life but a vanishing Vapour James 4.14 It s a Bubble a Blast a Shadow a Dream Smoke Job 7.7 Yea every Man in best estate is altogether Vanity Psal 39.5 and 90 56. As flourishing Grass in the Morning cut down before Evening If you fall not by some force of outward Casualty you carry your Bane lurking in your Bosomes Have you a Lease of your Lives as Hezekiah had You have little reason to boast your selves of to Morrow for you little know what a big-bellied Day may bring forth Prov. 27.1 It may Land thy Soul in Eternity Therefore dispatch this main Work at present 2. The longer thou deferrest the more difficult wilt thou find it thy Heart will be daily more hardened through the deceitfulness of Sin Heb. 3.13 Jer. 13.23 Custom in
hid with Christ in God Acts 3.3 You know not what they do in Corners much less do you know their Consciences take heed of rash judgment you know neither their best nor their worst there 's a Vail upon the face of their Souls there is an hidden man of the heart which is invisible to the Eyes of Spectators and if these gracious Souls should open their Experiences to you you would judge them Paradoxes Riddles or meer Enthusiasms Wisdom is too high for a Fool learned Nicodemus hath odd and aukard Conceptions of the New Birth John 3.4 The natural man knoweth not the things of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.14 If you had new Eyes you would be fitter to judge of things that differ Suspend your Censures call not them Hypocrites whom God will own for Children a blind man is not fit to judge of distinct Colours 2. It s true all are Sinners yet there 's a vast difference of Sinners 1 John 3 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth not work sin he makes not sinning his trade his business is to walk in the Ways of God and if he be overtaken with a fault Gal. 6.1 he discovers it mourns for it riseth out of his Falls by Repentance he hates Sin more becomes more watchful and jealous of himself prays desires strength from Christ to crucifie the Flesh and Sin hath not dominion over him Gal. 5.24 Rom. 6.14 but he makes progress in Mortification and ordinarily this Child of God doth not fall into any gross and scandalous Sin or if at any time God do's suffer him to fall foully in Judgment to a wicked World yet it costs him dear it may be broken Bones as it did David and God can heal his Backslidings and make him more humble after however there 's a vast difference betwixt a Sheep stepping into the Mire and a Swine wallowing in the Mire Some are and some are not the Spots of God's Children Deut. 32.6 You have more need to judge your selves then censure others to be Hypocrites Hear what Reverend Mr. Hildersham saith in this case What some say of Professors these Gadders after Sermons Hild. on Psal 51. pag. 642 these holy Brethren that stand so much upon Sincerity can abide nothing that savours of Popery these precise Fools must be Singular forsooth dare not Swear they are no better than Hypocrites He Answers tho' these things be found in some Hypocrites yet they are no Signs to know an Hypocrite by nor are they Hypocrites that do thus thou that scornest a Man for this bewrayest the Prophaneness of thy own Heart and openest thy Mouth against Heaven Psal 73.9 6th Obj. You told us this Work is Creation-Work Can a Man create himself Sure it s not in the power of a dead man to make himself alive So you said Sinners are dead this is the Work of Omnipotency God must do all Alas what can Man do of himself Answ 1. You are not naturally dead tho' spiritually dead yet you are alive God hath given you rational Souls Faculties capable of knowing loving and enjoying God you are not senseless Stocks or Stones nor meer Brutes there is in you a remote aptitude if not a present promptness to receive Grace you have the noble Faculty of a self-reflecting Conscience that is the Candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the Belly Prov. 20.27 It can discover moral Good and Evil yea it can excuse or accuse in what you do good or amiss Rom. 2.14 15. You might be much better if you minded this Light within you the Light of Natural Conscience How can you expect more till you improve what you have Nature can do little towards Grace yet Moral Principles cherished and improved may be some Fence against vicious Inclinations and prevent a Custom in sinful Practices however its dangerous to imprison the common Notices of a Deity Rom. 1.18 or Moral Duty this is the Road to obliterate them this shuts the Door against Grace and opens the Sluce of Vice nourish what 's good in thee who can tell what it may come to at last 2. God commands the use of Means and though he hath not bound himself yet he hath bound every man to his utmost power to be tending towards God Divines say That tho' no Exercise of Common Grace can merit Special Grace yet God is not wanting in his further Grace to those that have made a due improvement of Common Grace and done what in them lay towards their own Salvation Your business is to work out your own Salvation Phil. 2.12 For 't is God that worketh in you the will and the deed It is an Old Saying of St. Augustin He that made thee without thee will not save thee without thee God loves to second man's endeavours he is never wanting to the diligent lex jubet gratia juvat the Precept commands the Gospel-Promise will assist God hath not lost his right to command though we have no Might to obey his Authority must sway with us though we have not ability to do his requirement praecipit Deus quod ipse praestat he bids us up and be doing and he will take us by the Hand and help us Try Man in so necessary a Work as thy Soul 's eternal Happiness thou hast lost much labour in other cases thou mayst not lose it in this there 's a May-be in it and that 's warrant enough for such a Venture Be laborious and thou mayst be gracious 7th Obj. But I may as well sit still as rise up to fall I shall never hold out I see so many Temptations of a cunning Devil oppositions of a furious World and strong Corruptions of a treacherous Heart that I do foresee I shall not be able to stand I had better not begin at all then begin in the Spirit and end in the Flesh and so sink my apostate Soul deeper Answ 1. Art thou in good earnest that makest this Objection or dost thou Complement with God and make it an Excuse and Evasion If the latter and this be but to save thee a labour of being serious in Religion thy case is lamentable thou hast yet but sleight thoughts of God thy Soul or of Heaven that makest such frivolous Excuses to incur a certain Damnation But if thou be in good earnest it will put thee upon the search of thy Heart whether thou be sincere that thou mayst persevere that thou mayst not build upon a Sandy Foundation and if indeed thou art jealous of thy self and afraid of Apostacy this very Fear is the best Fence against falling away I will saith God put my fear in their hearts Jer. 32.40 and they shall not depart from me Blessed is he that feareth always Prov. 28.14 This Godly Fear will make you avoid Sin and all its occasions improve Talents time and means of Grace put you upon all methods to grow in Grace and gain Assurance A caution is necessary to
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
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
the Angels desire to look into 1 Pet. 1.12 and are in continual ecstacy in the admiration of O the Love of God in sending Christ of Christ in becoming Man 1 Joh. 3.1 in taking any of the Sons of Men to be the Children of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God Rom. 11.33 There there only is something to be admired all the Glories of the World are but meer contemptible Pageantry he can trample them under his Feet with a better disdain then Diogenes trampled on Plato's bravery for he is in a sort crucified to the world Gal. 6.14.2 Cor. 4.18 And can pass by things seen with an holy scorn compared with things unseen which are Eternal This is the New Creature in the Mind 2. The New Creature is also manifest in the Conscience which though it be not a distinct Faculty but a compound of more yet it is of great use in the Soul of Man and its necessary that the Heart be sprinkled from an evil Conscience Heb. 10.22 which is done by the Blood of Christ and that the Conscience be purged from dead Works to serve the living God and this is effected by the Eternal Spirit Heb. 9.14 Now there are Four Offices of Conscience which the New Creature doth in good measure rectifie 1. As it is Index a guide a discoverer of Duty a bright Star in a dark Night an Hand in the Margin to shew us what is worth our observing a Schoolmaster to teach us a Monitor to shew our Mistakes and it must be regulated by the Word of God for Conscience is corrupted and is apt to be deceived and deceive us it is but an under-Officer and must it self be subject to God's Law hence the Christian seeks to regulate its dictates by the Word of Truth and Grace brings it to the rule What saith my Supreme Lord and Master I must follow thee no further than God's Law allows now the New Creature brings the Conscience to the Word and saith Thus far thou must go and no further the End of the Commandment is Charity out of a pure Heart and good Conscience and Faith unfeigned 1 Tim. 1.5 These are always Companions this is a good Conscience 2. Conscience is liber 't is a Book wherein are noted and writ down all a man's Actions Expressions yea his Thoughts and Imaginations so it is a wise and faithful Register to produce them as a faithful Witness for or against a man another day the Books were opened Rev. 20.12 One of those was the Book of Conscience Conscience is as a thousand Witnesses if good the Holy Ghost joyns with it my Conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost Rom. 9.1 And this is our rejoycing the testimony of our Conscience 2 Cor. 1.12 If the Person have done any thing amiss Conscience brings it to the man's remembrance as the Sin of Joseph's Brethren made them say We are verily guilty Gen 43.21 Now a faithful Witness will not lye A rectified Conscience will give in a true Testimony to promote Repentance which is therefore called a bethinking our selves 1 King 8.47 or Heb. a bringing back upon our Hearts Conscience hath a tenacious Memory and will speak true in its Excusings or Accusings Rom. 2.14 15. which is proper to Conscience as a Conscience but Grace regulates it and adds some force to it 3. As Conscience is judex a Judge to pass the Sentence upon a man as the verdict is brought in It 's true it is but a petty Judge under the Supreme Judge yet the Great God confirms its judicial Sentence 1 John 3.20 If our Hearts i.e. our Consciences condemn us God is greater than our Hearts and knoweth all things Every man may and must keep a privy Sessions within preparatory to the Great Assizes if he be but passive and is loath to hearken to this Sentence he is self-condemned and this is but praejudicium judicij a sad prognostick of his being condemned at God's Tribunal which he seeks to escape as Felix did but cannot But if he joyn issue with this Sentence and condemn himself actively and voluntarily he shall not be judged or condemned 1 Cor. 11.31 Now Grace in the Heart makes a Man do this I am the Man saith Conscience I confess both the Fact and Fault Aâ—rtthou so saith Conscience I must needs pass the Sentence upon thee according to God's righteous Law Well I yield saith the Soul I am convicted in this Court and cannot escape the Judgment of God I must flye to the City of Refuge 4. Conscience is vindex an anvenger a self-tormenter a guilty Person is one that torments or afflicts himself some do this sinfully by worldly Sorrow which causeth Death 2 Cor 7.10 The Christian must do it penitentially either for his own Sins or other mens so Lot vexed his righteous Soul with the Sodomites Sins 2 Pet. 2.7 8. The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he beat and Bastinado'd his righteous Soul The Godly Man must take the Whip of Conscience with the Hand of Grace and whip himself for his Sins or God will take it with his Hand and scourge him with it as he did David whose Heart smote him for numbring the People 2 Sam. 24.10 The Worm of Conscience gnawing at the Heart is an acute Pain and will be one of the Torments of the Wicked in Hell Mark 9.44 But the Godly Man prevents that by joyning issue with executing God's Sentence by self-excruciating trouble for Sin here this is a profitable use of Conscience by a free and voluntary seconding its severe Lashes to promote Godly Sorrow This for two parts of the New Creature that concern first the Mind secondly The Conscience Chap. X. A further tryal of the New Creature as to the Will and Affections the subjects of it and its Properties 3. ANother Subject wherein this New Creature resides is the Will and this is Cardo animae the hinge of the Soul the Master-Wheel upon which the whole Soul turns as an old Bowl receives a new Byas that turns it quite another way then what it had gone now the change of the Will is the main work of converting Grace There are Four Motions of the Will wherein the New Creature shews it self 1. In its Designs Aims Intentions The world and it self were the main drift of the VVill in a natural state all seek their own Phil. 2.21 the gratifying of the Flesh sensual Appetite and carnal Interest the universal Inquest is Who will shew us any good Psal 4.6 Oh for a good Bargain a cheap Purchase Another is for strong Drink or sweet Meats Plays or Pleasures another for Cap and Knee and Titles of Honour But the New Creature post-pones and scorns all these and designs the glorifying of God enjoyment of him let Chrst be magnified and my Soul glorified Phil. 20. And I can hate all other things God hath twisted them together and the Soul cannot part them
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
the world even our Faith yea we are more than conquerors through him that loved us Rom. 8.37 And 't is often said To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life Rev. 2.7 Mark it it s not said to him that hath overcome but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to him that is overcoming Dost thou keep thy ground fight still though sometimes thou art foiled Yet dost thou not gain ground by thy falls mourn for Sin and grow more watchful As long as thou art in the Field against Sin Sin is not on the Throne in thy Heart And if sin have not dominion over you you are not under the Law but under Grace Rom. 6.14 This Victory may be to acceptation with God though not with satisfaction to thy self Chap. XI A trial of the New Creature by its Effects Consequences and proper Operations 4. THe last way of discovering the truth of the New Creature in the Soul is by its proper Fruits and Effects as the Tree is known by its Fruits and the quality of the Spring by its Streams that issue from it I can but name these 1. The New Creature produceth a New Tongue New Speech New Expressions the Soul that was wont to speak the Language of Ashdod now speaks the Language of Canaan his Tongue was wont to Swear Lye Curse rail at Religion or vain Jangling idle Tales impertinent Stories or at best but of Weather Trading News now he changeth his Note The mouth of the Righteous speaketh Wisdom and his tongue talketh of Judgment Psal 37.30 31. Why so the law of his God is in his heart Out of the abundance of the Heart his Mouth speaks Matth. 12.34 What say you Sirs do you speak as becometh Saints not Filthiness foolish Talking or Jesting Eph. 5.3 4. Is your Speech always with Grace seasoned with Salt Col. 4.6 Not corrupt Communication but that which is good to the use of edifying Eph. 4.29 31. Do you exhort and provoke one another to Love and good Works Heb. 10.24 25. Do you speak reverently of God his Word and Works Do you with one Mind and one Mouth glorifie God Rom. 15.6 Edifie Saints and convince Gainsayers Ribauldry Barbarology and Railing are far from a Godly man's Mouth rather giving of Thanks asking and answering serious Questions with his Tongue which is his glory 2. New Works Not only New Expressions but New Actions The New Creature ingageth Men to a New Course of Life to cast off the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light to walk honestly as in the day Rom. 13.12 13 14. What a change doth it make in mens Employments their Backs are now where their Faces were and their Faces where their Backs were This Grace of God teacheth them to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly righteously godly yea to be zealous of good works Tit. 2.11 12 14. They are wont to work hard for the world now they work out their Salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 They used to follow Sports and Stage-playes now they find other employments Reading Praying Meditating examining their Consciences mortifying Lusts they find something else to do now then to spend their time in Idleness and inventing Pastimes to pass away their time they have many Graces to exercise Duties to perform personal and relative they have no time to be Idle but must fill up their time with profitable Employment to God's glory and their own good account Oh how busie is a Child of God striving to enter in at the strait gate Luk. 13.24 taking the kingdom of heaven by violence Matth. 11.12 And giving diligence to make their calling and election sure 1 Pet. 1.10 and that their Master may not find them idle but that they may be found of him in Peace 3. A New Rule suitable to the New Creature alas in time past the poor Sinner walked according to the course of this World Eph. 2.2 1 Pet. 1.18 The old Traditions and Customs of men were wont to be the carnal man's Canon he followed the multitude by conformity to the world but now the rule of the new creature is the Star he Stears his Course by Rom. 12.2 Gal. 6.16 Bring me a warrant from the Word in a plain Text or a direct unstrained Consequence to bottom my obedience upon or you say nothing God's will is my rule of obedience that only binds Conscience and the New Creature lies square to every Command The authority of God sways it because there 's something in the Soul that suits and lies square to every precept if he cannot keep any yet he hath respect to all God's Commandments Psal 119.6 He is as it were four-square lies square to every thing God makes his duty but an Hypocrite is like a round Globe toucheth in some Corner omits all but what his Interest or Fancy calls him to in that juncture yea if he should keep all yet offend in one point he is guilty of all James 2.10 A true Christian is of a Catholick Spirit an Universalist like Zechariah and Elizabeth that walked in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless Luke 1.6 These were indeed righteous if there be Circumcision of Heart there will be circumspection in Life See then you walk circumspectly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 5.15 according to command and to the height of every Command baulk none abate nothing of what God makes Duty 4. A new End design Alas Self is the End and great Idol of a carnal Heart till Grace rectifie and regulate it All seek their own Phil. 2.21 Matth. 6.2 self-ease pleasure self-profit self-honour or applause the Water will rise no higher then the Spring New Grace changeth the Biass of the Soul as a Ship sailing Westward there comes a strong Gale of Wind and carries it directly into the East Self-seeking is so natural that till Grace alter the constitution of the Soul the sinner will never be beaten off self-denyal is the first and last Lesson our Lord teacheth his Disciples Matth. 16.24 This is the first Step and highest Round in Jacob's Ladder hath thy soul so far learned it as to makes God's glory communion with him the chief aim of thy Duties Studies Endeavours canst thou soul throw thy self in the Dust that God may be on the Throne disappear that God may only be seen as John Baptist said He must increase but I must decrease John 3.30 If any good be done it s not I but the grace of God with me 1 Cor. 15.10 Let him alone have the glory let the Crown be set no where but on Christ's Head Psal 151. Cant. 3.11 It becomes him best I will cast down my Crown before the Throne and say Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power Rev. 4.10 11. As all the Lines tend to the center so shall all my Actions tend only to thy glory Let God in all things be glorified though I be vilified 1 Pet.
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
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