conclusion of the main Doctrine delivered in this Epistle viz. That a Sinner is not justified by the Law but by Faith in Jesus Christ q. d. hoc est quod dico et repeto et extremis verbis contendo I urge this first and last with the greatest ardour and importunity let Jews and Judaizing Christians say what they will or can this I resolutely affirm that now in the Gospel-state as settled by Christ it is of no great moment whether a Man be a Jew or a Gentile It 's true under the Law there was something of privilege in Circumcision as it was a badge of God's Covenant with Abraham's Seed and the Uncircumcised were Strangers to the Covenants of Promise and had no right to Church-Membership but now in the Gospel God is the God of the believing Gentiles as well as of the Jews for there is not one God in the Old Testament and another in the New as the Manichees dream'd but it is one God that shall justifie the Circumcision by Faith and Uncircumcision through Faith Rom. 3.29 30. i. e. both one way so they be sincere Saints for God regards not any for being Circumcised nor rejects any for the want of it but looks at real Sanctification of Heart and Life This is a sound and apposite dependance of the words but Calvin adjoyns them to the foregoing Verse The Reason why the blessed Apostle is crucified to the World and the World to him is because in Christ in whom he is planted the chief thing available is a New Creature other things are insignificant the truth of this the Apostle had before demonstrated quia Scilicet veritas Evangelij omnes legis figuras absorbeat exinaniat because the Gospel-Truth makes void legal Figures so both Interpretations come to one It 's observable that this Phrase is three times used with different Conclusions 1 Cor. 7.19 Circumcision is nothing and Uncircumcision is nothing but the keeping of the Commandments of God Again Gal. 5.6 For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but Faith which worketh by Love And in this Text But a New Creature They all conspire in this one Sence That in this New Testament-Dispensation by Christ no Privileges are efficacious to the Salvation of a Soul without a working Faith accompanied with a Principle of Grace in the Heart and an Holy Life agreeable to the Rule of God's holy Word thus there 's a due consistency in these necessary Qualifications for in Spiritual Means Marks Methods of Salvation there is a blessed Combination Confederacy and Concatenation not a Link of this Golden Chain can be wanting the true Religion is of one piece there 's no loose Joynt but all the parts make up one entire Body and compleat System of Christianity But to come to the Words in which we have the negative and positive parts of our Religion wherein it doth not consist and wherein it doth Suppose Men had excellent Privileges and choice Advantages these would not of themselves attain the Ends viz. God's glory and Man's happiness By this Word in Christ Jesus some understand in the Christian Religion others in the Church or Kingdom of Christ others in the Gospel-Dispensation in negotio salutis obtinendae per Christum in the business of obtaining Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ The Doctrine of the Gospel is called the Faith of Jesus Christ Rom. 3.22 wherein and whereby the Glorious design of saving Sinners by Jesus Christ doth eminently and evidently appear called the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 And he hath brought life and immortality to light by the Gospel or through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 Circumcision was to the Jews a Seal of the Righteousness of Faith Rom. 4.11 a Badge and Cognizance whereby an Israelite was distinguished from other People to be God's peculiar Heritage it both ingaged to Duty and entailed many Privileges see Rom. 9.4 By it s not availing any thing is signified its ineffectualness to attain these two great Ends 1. The justifying of a Sinner before God 2. The Salvation of a Soul with God not that I think the New Creature justifies as I shall shew hereafter but it is in a justified Person and these external Privileges avail not to our Justification and the want of them hinders not but in this case there is neither Greek nor Jew Circumcision nor Uncircumcision Barbarian Scythian Bond nor Free but Christ is all and in all Col. 3.11 Hence observe Doctrine 1. That the richest Privileges and most glorious Professions avail no Man without a New Creature The Jews boasted of their Privileges and by consequence Gospel-Professours are apt to bear themselves big with what they think to be of great worth but they all signifie nothing in the sight of God if they be not New Creatures Men may please themselves with external Shews Professions Privileges as to be born of Godly Parents to be baptized living under pure and powerful Ordinances associating with the best Saints in the purest Churches sitting down at the Lord's Supper making credible Profession performing Religious Duties yea suffering much for the Religion of God all these together will not avail a Soul in order to his Eternal Happiness without being a New Creature mistake me not I do not say but these are good in their places and great Mercies and Duties Observe 1. Things that hinder or oppose the New Creature are hurtful in their own Nature and to be laid aside as Sin and the Old Man Eph. 4.22 2. Things that further not this New Creature in our Hearts are comparatively useless though lawful as the Profits Pleasures Honours of this world 3. Things that do further the Work of the New Creature by God's appointment are not of themselves sufficient to attain their End without the concurrence of divine Grace as Preaching Prayer Seals they are but means 4. Things good in themselves may by man's abuse prove rather Snares and Hindrances then Helps and Furtherances in Heaven's Road Circumcision was once good and God's Ordinance but when some Judaizers affirmed that except Christians were Circumcised after the manner of Moses they could not be saved Acts 15.1 9 10. The Apostles determine the point saying that God put no difference between Jews and Gentiles and this was a Yoke that neither they nor their Fathers were able to bear and so it was not only laid aside as other legal Ceremonies which became not only mortuae but mortiferae dead but deadly so the Apostle affirms that if ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing Gal. 5.2 Nay the best Duties Ordinances Privileges rested in short of Christ will rather ruin then raise us undo us than endow us with Grace here or glory hereafter see Rom. 9.31 32.10.3 But this is a great Truth that all the Privileges in the world without this New Creature can never of themselves render a Soul acceptable to God or bring
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
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
this Pearl of Pirce some are content with a Christ to pardon and save them but like him not as a King to rule them and mortifie their Lusts look to it there 's more sorts of Faith then saving the Apostle supposeth a man to have all Faith 1 Cor. 13.2 Yet not that which worketh by Love 1 Tim. 1.5 Feigned Faith is one thing Unfeigned is another 8th Plea But I confess all my Sins from the bottom of my Heart repent of them and am heartily sorry I have done amiss Answ So have many Hypocrites Reprobates so did Pharaoh Exod. 9.27 I have sinned this time the Lord is righteous and I and my People are wicked 1 Sam. 24.16 17-26 21 Twice did Saul confess his Folly yea lift up his Voice and wept and ingenuoussy said I have sinned So did Ahab humble himself King 21.27 And you find Judas repenting himself yea restoring and saying I have sinned in betraying Innocent Blood Matth. 27 34. Oh see yours be not a worldly Sorrow 2 Cor. 7.10 9th Plea But I take up strong Resolutions of better and new Obedience and do actually reform is not this the New Creature Answ No the New Creature always produceth Reformation but Reformation may be without the New Creature Herod feared John Baptist and when he heard him he did many things and heard him gladly Mark 6.20 Partial Reformation is no sound Evidence of Regeneration the unclean Spirit of scandalous sinning may go out of the Devil's Slave for a Season Matth. 12 43-45 Men may escape gross Pollutions yet be intangled in the Devil's Fetters 2 Pet. 20.23 10th Plea I do not only Reform but also Conform to the Will of God in keeping all his Commands this surely shews Grace Answ Yes if done from a right Principle according to rule for a right end with Faith in Jesus Christ but deceive not your selves outward Compliance doth not always testifie a New Creature the Young Gentleman in Matth. 19.20 said concerning the Commandments All these things have I kept from my Youth up what lack I yet Alas poor man he lacked the main Paul before Conversion saith of himself touching the Righteousness of the law blameless Phil. 3.6 11th Plea But I do not only Reform Conform but I Perform many good Duties I Read Pray Fast am serious in God's Worship Answ It 's well so far all do not so but remember those Hypocrites in Isa 58.2 That sought God daily delighted to know his ways yea the Pharisees made long Prayers Matth. 23.14 Yea they fasted and that twice a Week Luke 18.11,12 They were famous for Religious Exercises yet gross Hypocrites 12th Plea Those were only for Externals in Religion but I am for Internals also that God may have my Heart Answ Very well but it 's one thing to be sound in the Doctrinals another to be sincere in Practicals Experimentals it 's one thing to say it another thing to feel it and do it The Scribe in Mark 12.32 33. subscribed to the Truth of this great Doctrine of Loving the Lord with all the Heart Understanding Soul and Strength and repeats it yet was not of but only not far from the Kingdom of God vers 34. Yea you may take delight in approaching to God yet be bad Esay 38.2 13th Plea But I am upright in what I do I know nothing to my self but Integrity Conscience doth not accuse me to be an Hypocrite Answ It may be so because Conscience may be asleep and saith nothing or nothing to the purpose being blinded with Ignorance or besotted with self-conceit and want of self-searching But know there may be a moral Integrity in particular Acts when there is not a Gospel-integrity in point of State as in Heathen Abimelech see God's attestation to it Gen. 20.5 6. 14th Plea I have a Love to God Jesus Christ and follow him out of my dear and tender respects to him Answ It 's well if so but is it not self-love that engageth you to follow him as those John 6.26 Ye seek me not because ye saw the Miracles but because ye did eat of the Loaves and were filled Aug. complained 1200 Years ago vix diligitur Jesus propter Jesum Jesus is scarcely loved for Jesus sake he pays well for his Entertainment in the World's Coyn Let Christ and Carnal Interest part and then you 'l see what is the Master you 'l follow then a discovery will be made 15th Plea Well but I have suffered much for Christ his Cause and a Good Conscience a tryal hath been made of my Integrity Answ You have not yet resisted unto Blood striving against Sin Heb. 12.4 Yea the Apostle seems to suppose a Man may give his Body to be burnt and yet not have Charity 1 Cor. 13.3 And it may be as possible some may suffer in an humor for a good Cause as others pertinaciously in a bad the Thorny Ground Hearers past the brunt of Persecution Matth. 13.20 22. falling on the Stony Ground but were naught And the Apostle Paul supposeth the Galatians to have suffered many things in vain Gal. 3.4 Many things make up a Christian sufferer Men may bear the Cross and not follow Christ 16th Plea But I give liberally to the Poor of my Substance am much in the exercise of Charity to persons in necessity Answ The Apostle supposeth still that a Man may bestow all his Goods to feed the Poor yet not have Charity 1 Cor. 13.3 You 'l say this is a strange Paradox what is Charity but a free distribution But the Apostle distinguisheth betwixt an Hand-Charity and a Heart-Charity the poor Widow with half a Farthing and a free Heart gave more then all the other rich mens large distributions Matth. 6.1 2. Mark 12.41 44. Some give for Ostentation others of Necessity yea out of Covetousness you give nothing unless you give your selves first to God 2 Cor. 9.5 7.2 Cor. 8.5 17th Plea I am forward for Reformation in my place appear against Prophaneness Sabbath-breaking and am of a publick Spirit Answ It 's well done but see you mistake not how oft did the Jews find fault with our Lord for healing on the Sabbath day and his Disciciples for plucking Ears of Corn. Mark 12.1 2. Take heed blind Zeal transport you not but suppose it be against Sin see whether Self bear not sway as it did Jehu who was partial in his Reformation 2 King 10.28 29. At least temporary as Joash who was very zealous for Reforming whilst his good Uncle Jehoida lived 2 Chron. 24 2-18 18th Plea I thank God I have good Gifts in Discourse in Prayer and can edifie others that are apt to admire me Answ Gifts are one thing Grace another all gifted men are not gracious men who more eminent than Judas the traytor yet an Apostle and some will say in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesyed in thy Name Mat. 7.22 23. To whom he 'll say I never knew you depart from me The Devil hath finer Gifts then any of
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
happiness consists in being and your comfort in knowing you are New Creatures Heb. 6.10 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end Another Text calls for a full assurance of Faith in drawing nigh to God Heb. 10.22 Another speaks of Assurance of understanding yea full Assurance yea Riches of full assurance Col. 2.2 Then indeed thy Heart will be comforted to the purpose O labour after much Grace much Comfort or the joy of the Lord is your strength Neh. 8.10 and will chear up your Hearts in every condition and affliction O Brethren content not your selves to live at Uncertainties or under Doubts but use all means to attain to the highest pitch of Assurance that is attainable in this world 2. Thank God for this rich mercy of the New Creation in your Souls will you bless God for the good Creatures that nourish your Bodies and will you not adore him for this new and more excellent Creature in your inward man Say as the blessed Apostle 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead Next to Christ's blessed Undertakings for you this is the greatest mercy God vouchsafed to you to form Christ in your Souls Alas what were you better then the rest of the corrupt Mass of Mankind that lay in the Ordure of Sin What desert was there in you that you should be raised up to sit with Princes even with the Princes of his People to be made like Angels Surely you that are such Patterns of Mercy must be Trumpets of God's Praise you that were stinking Carcases incarnate Devils to be made by this New Creation a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People what is this for but that you should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvelous Light 1 Pet. 2.9 O admire free Grace and say with David Who am I O Lord God and what is my House that thou hast brought me hitherto 2 Sam. 7.18 How many Millions of pretending Christians know nothing of this great Work experimentally this is as Life from the Dead infinitely better then natural Life and all the comforts there of 3. Take heed of declining or Apostasy The New Creature is but a Creature it may fail yea it will fail if not supported by an Almighty Hand and if God be provoked he may justly withdraw and leave us to our selves then we fall as a Staff supported by an Hand its true the Covenant secures real Saints from falling finally but imperfect Grace exposeth them to falling foully as David Peter Be jealous of thy self Blessed is he that feareth always Prov. 28.14 Be not secure that exposeth to Satan's Temptations Sleep levels all the Wise Man is no wiser then a Fool to project his own safety or the Strong Man better than the Weak to defend himself the best of Saints in Spiritual Slumber becomes as Sampson but like another man watch that you enter not into Temptation Matth. 26.41 It 's worth watching to keep the House from Robbing Sleeping one Night may keep thee waking many Nights in Sorrow as it did David The sleepy Christian oft loseth God's Presence as Christ withdrew from the sleepy Spouse Cant. 5.2 4. A sleepy Soul is not capable of improving Christ or Grace put the sweetest Wine in a sleepy Man's Hand it will be spilt And if at any time you take a Nap rouze up your selves gird on your Armour rally your routed Forces Remember whence you are fallen repent do your first Works Rev. 2.5 Awake out of your Lethargy lest it end in Apostasy when thou hast fallen shew this New Creature is in thee by a rebound upwards in renewed Purposes against Sin recover thy Spiritual strength activity and familiarity with God be restless till Matters be set right again like a Bird from its Nest a Stone from its Center or as undigested Meat on a sick Stomach that hath no ease till Sin be pickt up by a Vomit of Repentance and renewed Acts of Faith Look to your selves that we lose not those things which we have wrought but that we receive a full reward 2 John 8. 4. Get this New Creature increased be not content with the habit if you say you have enough you have no Grace your business is to perfect Holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 To grow in Grace that you may be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might 2 Pet. 3.18 2 Tim. 2.1 Dead things grow not Children grow and are fed by that by which they were bred as new born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word that you may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 Be often sucking the Breasts and you will grow up to further maturity There is saith one much Scurf on the Face of this new born Babe of Grace which by degrees will wear off as it grows up and so be more discernable growth helps to see its truth blow up this Spark into a Flame and it will be visible An Hypocrite grows not no more than the Hands Arms Legs of a pictured Child on the Wall let it be there never so long Oh strive to grow every day better to grow from strength to strength Psal 84.7 reaching after Perfection in Grace to run the Race set before you to get daily more power against Corruption He is a careful and skilful Physician that evacuates the Disease and corroborates or strengthens the Body you must do both the Old Man and New Creature are like Weights in Ballances as the one ascends the other descends as the Earth and Sea where the one loseth the other gaineth Oh be still on the gaining Hand improve all Mercies Afflictions Ordinances Providences for nourishing this New Creature in your Souls when you are grown most you will still be defective something will still be lacking in your Faith Love Humility 1 Thes 3.10 You know but in part and are not yet ripe 5. Live up to this New Creature live at the rate of Persons so principled walk worthy of God who hath called you into his Kingdom and glory worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called 1 Thes 2.12 Let your Conversation be as becometh the Gospel Eph. 4.1 Phil. 1.27 There 's an Only upon this as a most comprehensive Word you must act above the rate of carnal men Soberly Righteously Godly Tit. 2.12 If you be singled out to be New Creatures what singular thing do you Matth. 5.47 What do you more then others Remember Sirs you are New Creatures an old Heart would have served well enough to have done the Devil's drudgery withal you are new born to higher Employment now you must serve not in the oldness of the Letter but in the newness of the Spirit Rom. 7.6 When the