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
Nature of this New Creature take this Description of it The New Creature is a supernaturl Work of Gospel-Grace wrought in the Soul of a Sinner by the Word and Spirit of God changing the whole Man from an old state and course into a new thereby transforming it into the Divine Likeness and turning the Heart and Life to the rule of the Word in order to the glory of God and the Souls present and everlasting communion with him This is the New Creature I confess this Description is long but I cannot leave out any of the parts thereof I shall very briefly open the Branches of this description 1. For the general Nature of it I call it a Supernatural Work for it is above the power of nature to produce it it comes from above so he that 's born again John 3.3 Is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from above This perfect Gift comes down from the Father of Lights James 1.17 That Jerusalem that 's above is the Mother of us all Gal. 4.26 This New Creature is no Herb that grows in Nature's Garden it s a Plant of Paradise Flesh and Blood cannot so much as reveal this to the sons of men Matth. 16.17 Therefore it s no wonder if learned Doctors such as Nicodemus laugh at such Doctrine as Fantastical Fancies and say How can these things be John 3.4 Or like Ezekiel's hearers who saith Ah Lord God they say of me Doth he not speak Parables Ezek. 20.49 For such wisdom is too high for a Fool. Psal 56.9 In God's light only must we see light Experience is the best Mistriss in these Cases We speak wisdom saith the Apostle among them that are perfect But the natural man receives not the things of the spirit of God 1 Cor. 2 6 14. This New Crerture is of a Coelestial Original and must have an heavenly Interpreter 2. In this Description we have the particular Nature of this New Creature I call it a Gospel-Grace it is no branch or fruit of the Old Covenant of Works for the Law maketh nothing perfect There was no Law which could give Life Gal. 3.2 21 28. But the New-Testament Dispensation called the Promise this only produceth the New Creation Objection You 'l say Had not Old-Testament Saints this New Creature Doth not David say Create in me a clean heart Psal 51.10 I Answer Old-Testament-Saints had a new-testament-New-Testament-Spirit for they without us could not be made perfect Heb. 11.40 The same Gospel belonged to them and us and was preached to both Heb. 4.2 Abraham saw Christ's Day they all partaked of Gospel Grace John 8.56 both in Justification and Sanctification they were but different Editions of the same Gospel-Covenant they were as Children in Minority under Tutors and Governours Gal. 4.1 2 25. Gospel-Saints as Children at Age their state was under the Bond woman in Mount Sinai Ours is of Jerusalem which is free However that Gospel-Promise made known in the Old Testament belongs both to them and us Ezek. 36.26 A new Heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you This is the proper Gospel-Work in both Dispensations and sincere Believers of Old had experience of it tho' the Veil was upon the Face of Moses 2 Cor. 3.14 15. and the Hearts of Carnal Jews as it is on all Unbelievers to this day but Gospel-Grace renews Souls 3. Here 's the subject in which this New Creature is and that is in the Soul or Heart of a sinner There 's the Seat and Centre of this New Creation it s not meerly external in the Eye or Foot or Hand or Tongue but it s an internal work in the Soul the Christian is renewed in the Spirit of his Mind Ephes 4.23 Behold saith David thou desirest Truth in the inward parts in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know Wisdom Psal 51.6 It s called the hidden man of the heart 1 Pet. 3.4 Not but that it breaks out in Lip and Life but the Root and Spring lies under Ground out of the view of the world as the best Treasures are lock'd up the best Goods are under Deck or as Merchants Wares lie in a back Shop not exposed to the open view of the World A Christians Life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 Hence they are called God's hidden Ones Psal 83.3 And the King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 45.13 These gracious Souls are like Kings in disguise and it doth not yet appear what they shall be 1 John 3.2 But when the Shell is broken the Pearl will appear all external Changes in men are but the change of the Clothes this the change of the Man and his Manners For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly but inwardly Right Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit not in the Letter whose praise is not of men but of God Rom. 2.20 30. It is wrought by God and known to God who alone searcheth and sees the Heart 4. The Instrumental or Organical Cause of this New Man which is the Word of God Rom. 1.16 This is the power of God to Salvation James 1.18 Of his own Will begat he us by the Word of Truth 1 Pet. 1.23 Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth for ever The Word is the Seed which being ingrafted in the Heart springeth up in obedience which is the Flower and visible product of the New Creature yea 't is properly the Gospel-Word Moses or the Law may bring us to the Borders but Joshua leads us into Canaan the terrors of the Law prepare the way as John Baptist but the Word of the Gospel is the door of Faith that takes Souls by the hand and leads them into the Chamber of Presence this is God's method to work this New Man by a powerful Gospel-Sermon so saith blessed Paul 1 Cor. 4.15 I have begotten you in Jesus Christ through the gospel there 's the Instrument Paul I have begotten you the means by the gospel the author in Jesus Christ faith comes by hearing Rom. 10.14 Prov. 8.34 Therefore let all lie at the Gates of Wisdom Expect not this New Creation if you turn your backs on God's Institutions 5. The Efficient Cause is the Holy Ghost The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Rom. 5.5 Oh what a gracious Tincture doth the Spirit leave upon Hearts what a sweet Breath doth it breath into them which breaths out Love to God and Men How is this New Creature diffused into all the Faculties of the Soul by the Spirit This is both a Seal and an Earnest who hath also sealed us Eph. 6.13 14. and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 All good is conveyed to us by the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son especially this Saving Good of Conversion we are born again of Water and of the Spirit John 3.3 8.
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
changed into his Image 2 Cor. 3.18 Beholding the glory of the Lord therein I have begotten you saith Paul through the Gospel 1 Cor. 4.15 This is God's work-house where he shapes and forms this New Creature of how many an Ordinance may it be said this and that man was born there Psal 87.5 Oh therefore be constantly waiting at the Posts of VVisdom hear the most warm lively Preachers prepare for hearing set your selves as in the presence of God Say thus with thy self I am going to hear the VVord of the Living God which is the ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.8 apt and able to give life to dead Souls 1 Thes 2.15 It is not so much the word of Men but of God Oh that it may work effectually in my Soul It is not Man but God that is now treating with me God himself is now beseeching me the Minister praying me in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.20 I perceive it sticks at me God hath declared he is Friends with me if my naughty Heart were at last prevail'd with to be reconciled to him O that this may be the Day this the Sermon wherein and whereby thou wilt mould and melt my Soul for thy self now Lord let thy words be as Spirit and Life to my Soul Oh for renewing Grace 5. Own Convictions by the VVord strike while the Iron is hot let not Impressions dye or wear off this lost both Felix and Agrippa their Souls Acts 24.25 26 27. stifled Convictions leave the Heart harder heated water cooled again is sooner frozen who knows how long the Spirit may strive when God is working work then put not off warnings when God convinceth thee of the evil of a Sin presently discard it when of a Duty fall close to the practice of it when a wound is made take heed left the Wind get in and it begin to fester and at last grow incurable Our Lord is standing at thy Door and knocking Rev. 3.20 He will not always wait thy leisure the Spirit will not always strive with thee Gen. 6.3 You must sail when the VVind blows There are candida tempora proper Seasons for every thing It s a dangerous thing for a Man not to know his time Eccles 9.12 If you miss the nick of opportunity it may never return the Market lasts not all the Year If the Tide have brought you thus far go with it it may never return to fetch you off Now is the accepted Time now is the Day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6.2 Not to morrow O quench not the Spirit 1 Thes 5.19 that would set you on a Fire for God Think you thus I have sitten out many a day of Grace lost many a golden Season 't is infinite mercy God is still calling if I lose this I may never have more yea I may be in Hell before another Sermon yea before Morning O that I could know the Day of my Visitation Luk. 19.4 O that now at last my Soul were effectually changed 6. Get thy Heart affected with thy Sin and Misery by nature and practice look on thy self as dead in Trespasses and Sins and so uncapable of quickening thy self Alas my Praying Reading hearing Reforming will never do the cure or effect the End I am sunk far below the possibility of humane or angelical help Means must be used but Means must not be rested in they cannot effect the End nay alas I am without strength Rom. 5.6 and can do nothing In me that is in my flesh dwells no good thing Rom. 7.18 I am a miserable Leper full of wounds bruises putrified sores Isa 1.5 Wo is me I am defiled in Adam and actually polluted I am a Sink a Sty a Dunghill of Sin a lump of Sin averse to all good propense to all Evil I am in the gall of bitterness and bonds of Iniquity Act. 8.23 Satan is leading me Hell-wards I must be chang'd or damn'd for ought I know I stand tottering over the brink of Eternal Misery I hang by the small Thread of my natural Life over everlasting Burnings my case is worse then the Beasts that are not capable of moral Evil or pain Acts 3.18 I am already condemned and waiting for the execution of the righteous Sentence in a certain fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery Indignation Heb. 10.27 Another Step may set me past hope for any thing that I know This night Luk. 12.20 may Devils require my Soul and hurry it into the Infernal Lake O what will become of me whither am I going Lord awake my sleepy Conscience to see my danger that I may haste out of the Sodom of Fire and Brimstone to the Mountain God forbid I should stay another day in my unregenerate State 7. Learn to know and improve Jesus Christ The Life of Holiness as well as Righteousness is in him I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2.20 There 's no Spiritual Life but what is derived from Christ who saith Because I live you shall live also John 14.19 Sinners are dead the nearer they come to Christ the more hope of Life as the nearer to the Sun the more light we only come to have the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 Nothing doth so transform a Sinner as looking on God through Christ the VVoman had vertue from him that did but touch the Hem of Christ's Garment none are Branches of this Vine but they have Life and Fruitfulness John 5.5 All that are grafted in this Olive partake of the root and fatness of that Olive-tree Rom. 11.17 Labour after Faith and Love Faith unites the Soul to Christ for he dwells in our hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 Love doth assimilate the Soul to God and the more we are like to God the more of his Image we have Faith is the radical ligament of a Soul to Christ Love is a voluntary mover of the Soul to Christ Faith is the receiver Love the worker Faith worketh by love Gal. 5.6 and both are absolutely necessary to the New Creature Christ is the Image of God and the New Creature is the Image of Christ and so of God Love sees all good in God-enjoyment as its End and in conformity to him as its means to attain that End Faith unites the Soul to God mystically Love morally there can be no New Creature without both these therefore to believe in God and to love God are both the only means to be like God and therein consists the New Creature â—erefore study these or you 'l never be New Creatures 8. Get divorced from Sin and Sinners you may and must amend your ways Jer. 1.3 if you cannot mend your Hearts Cease to do evil learn to do well Isal 1.16 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and return to the Lord Isal 55.7 Be no more slaves to your Lusts which are as
New Creature on his Knee or giving it the Kisses of his Mouth no no he hath reserved these Sweat-meats for the upper Table in Heaven there 's great reason thou should have his Frowns as well as Smiles to humble thy Heart exercise thy Graces discover the necessity of Christ the desireableness of Heaven God can and may without any impediment to his Love hide it for a season from his own dearest Child David indeed called in question God's Love and Faithfulness when he hid his Face but at last he found that it was his Infirmity and doubtless lamented it as his Sin God hath given abundant Security in his Promises of his Love without present sense you must not think much at him if he do not come to visit you and take you up in his Arms as oft as you would have him Thou needst some purging Physick as well as Cordials a Son may need a Frown as well as a Smile from his Father God is a free Agent his Kisses are his own but it s well thou art so sensible of his Access and Recess his Smiles and Frowns it 's a sign of some Spiritual Life in thy Soul 4th Case But you said the New Creature grows I find it otherwise I cannot see that I grow in Grace nay I decline and go backwards what think you of that I Answer As the Christian grows in Grace so he grows in Light to discover his state and sees more vileness in himself and is still more sensible of decays in Grace which keeps him humble self-denying and vile in his own Eyes that 's growth too bless God for it but observe it grains of allowance must be given to Old Age when natural parts decay and Persons may not be so quick and lively as formerly yet may be more solid and increasing in Experiences Mr. Greenham said It 's an hard and rare thing to keep up young Zeal with old Discetion Dost thou not keep up a more constant course of Duty settled Resolutions for God Is not thy Heart more deaded to the world taken up with things unseen Art thou not more composed under Afflictions dost thou not more discover and bewail Spiritual Sins Dost thou not long more after the good of Relations take more delight in God's VVord breathe after more of God's Presence in Ordinances Speak out Man deal faithfully bear not false witness against thy self yet it 's true the growing Tree meets with a fall of the Leaf a sharp Winter yet doth a Spring come it grows in the Summer Peter's Fall was recruited to geater boldness for God but I hope thou art not a backslider in Heart Prov. 14.14 To dislike the ways of God Thou art but overtaken with a Sin against thy strong Purposes Gal. 6.1 When thou sleepest doth not thy Heart wake Cant. 5.2 Thou art not pleased with this declining state Thy Spirit is willing but thy Flesh is weak Matth. 26.41 5th Case But alas I have such strong impetuous yea imperious workings of Corruption in my Heart as never any had that hath a principle of Grace None like me Is it possible I should be a New Creature I Answer The Heart knows its own bitterness and wickedness Prov. 14.10 Every gracious Soul thinks his own Heart worst because he knows it best But who told thee that thy Heart was so bad Was it always thus with thee Was there not a time that thou thoughtest thy Heart was as good as any Bodies Is it not Spiritual Light that makes these strange Discoveries Whatsoever doth make manifest is Light Eph. 5.13 Did not Sin revive upon the coming of the Commandment Rom. 7.9 But Friend let me ask thee Dost thou think that upon the planting of this New Creature in thy Soul Sin should be utterly extirpated that thou shouldst hear no more of it Dost thou not find even blessed Paul groaning still under a Body of Death Rom. 7.24 Will not the Flesh still lust against the Spirit Gal. 5.17 Surely thou knowest little of a Christian state if thou imaginest a total Immunity from the Body and Indwelling of Sin in this world It s well if Sin be not upon the Throne though thou hast it in the Field to fight with the Gospel-privilege is Sin shall not have dominion over thee because thou art under Grace Rom. 6.14 6th Case But what will you say by a Man that cannot give a precise account of the Time and Manner of the forming of this New Creature in his Heart that never had such terrors as some have I Answer Will any say the River Nilus is no River because men never found out the Head of it God is a free Agent and hath different Seasons and Manners of working Some were wrought upon in their younger days and were religiously educated and never stept aside into gross Sins and God steals in gently upon them and opens their Hearts as he did Lydia's Acts 16.14 and gently attracts them to himself picking the Lock as it were without much noise whenas he breaks the Wards in others with astonishing Convictions as he dealt with Paul and Luther and famous Mr. Bolton Some are of mild and gentle Natures and God sees they cannot bear hard blows which some others need of sturdy and stubborn Spirits Do not murmur but thank God that he hath come so sweetly into thy Soul he knows thy frame and constitution See the Work be there and a Scriptural work and leave God to his liberty But this thou canst say through Grace it is not with thee now as it hath been as the blind man said I may be ignorant of some Circumstances But one thâ— I know that whereas I was blind now I see John 9.25 Things are otherwise represented to me and my Spirit working otherwise within then formerly So that I may say as Rebekah with her Twins in her Womb If it be so or not so why am I thus 7th Case But alas no Body knows what a frame of Spirit I have in my Prayers such Distractions and Diversions I have from God as cannot be consistent with the New Creature in any what think you Answer I say 't is sad that such Vermin should crawl in God's Sanctuary especially when thou art in God's immediate worship but dost thou approve of them and make them welcome Are they not troublesome Guests Do they not forcibly assault thee as so many unmannerly Guests Suppose in your Family as you are kneeling in Prayer a company of Roysters stand under your VVindow roaring and hollowing though it disturb you would you thence question your Sincerity in the Duty And 't is all one whether the disturbance be in the Room or in the Bosom since both are disliked as a burden to thee Mr. Tho. Shepard Treat of Distract I often reflect on a passage I read many Years ago The good Lord keep the Hearts of his People under a due sense of their Distractions for they are never like to be rid of them while they
it to eternal happiness in the Enjoyment of God 1. Because such a Person may be and is in the Old Adam and is yet under the Old Covenant which brings a Curse and being out of Christ the Second Adam Gal. 3 10-13 All that he hath doth enjoyeth is accursed to him for every man must either keep the Law and satisfie for the breach of it in his own Person or another that is able must do it for him and that 's none but Christ our Surety and Chrst doth it not for any but such as by Faith have interest in him now he that is not a New Creature hath no interest in Christ for if any man be in Christ i. e. related to Christ intitled to him he is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 And he that is not graffed in this true Vine and doth not partake of the root and fatness of this Olive-tree can bear no Fruit John 15.1 5. Rom. 11.17 Do nothing to any purpose nor improve any Privilege to his Spiritual profit for he is a dead Branch cast forth and withered and cast into the Fire John 15.6 Though he was in Christ by Profession yet because he was not planted in Christ by possession of him he is a woful cast-away he is graffed in a wrong Stock to be fruitful here or to shoot up as high as Heaven at last now we cannot be accepted but in the beloved Eph. 1.6 And without Faith in Christ it 's impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 for the first man Adam was made a living Soul and by his Fall himself and his Posterity are become dead condemned Sinners but the last Adam is made a quickning Spirit i. e. Christ becomes a Principle of Life to all his Spiritual Offspring and he will own none but such see 1 Cor. 15.45 49. 2. Because such Souls want the sanctifying operations of the Holy Ghost and we find that the offering up of the Gentiles is only acceptable by being sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15.16 God will own nothing from Men but what hath the Breathings of the Spirit in it For God knoweth the Mind of the Spirit Rom. 8.26 27. The least interpellations thereof in his Children though but a groaning that cannot be uttered is accepted by God but the most eloquent Rhapsodies and loudest Vociferations of graceless Souls are rejected by the Lord For if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom. 8.9 11 14. Here we read of the Spirit of God dwelling in Believers and As many as are led by the Spirit of God they and indeed none else are the Sons of God God will own none for his but them that have this stamp this seal upon them so 2 Cor. 1.22 VVho hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts and this is the Earnest of our Inheritance Ephes 1.13 14. Now all external Ordinances Privileges and Performances amount not to this and the Scripture tells us that He is not a Jew i. e. a sincere Christian for its an Old-Testament Title given to a New-Testament Saint that is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the Flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit and not in the Letter whose praise is not of men but of God Rom. 2.28 29. There lies the Life and Vitals of our Religion the Tree must first be good or it can never bring forth good Fruit Operari sequitur Esse working attends the being of a thing If men be not good they can never do good now it is not any thing External that can make Persons good it must be the hidden man of the Heart 1 Pet. 3.4 that constitutes a Person good So Reason makes a Man not Jewels or outward Ornaments thus Grace constitutes a Christian not outward Privileges As nothing that is without a man can defile a man Mark 15. So nothing without can cleanse him I shall briefly apply this point and so pass to the next Is this so That the Richest Privileges and most Glorious Professions avail not any Man except he be a New Creature Then It follows that Religion consists not in Negatives but Positives It s false arguing to say I am not a Jew not a Turk no Heathen and therefore a good Christian nay it s not enough to say I am no Swearer Drunkard Whoremogner therefore a Saint good enough this was the Fallacy of the Pharisees Luke 18.11 God I thank thee that I am not as other men Extortioners Unjust Adulterers or even as this Publican Alas this would not do God disowned him Christianity consists in something positive Little Children saith the Apostle let no man deceive you he that doth righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous 1 John 3.7 Christ became the Author of Eternal Salvation unto all them and only them that obey him Heb 5.9 Alas Persons may gull and beguil themselves with airy Notions and Speculations of free Grace Christ's merits and trusting God and so build Castles in the Air which will drop with them into Hell for without practical Godliness they will be deceived and die with a Lye in their Right Hand Mistake not I say not that free Grace or Christ's Blood is but a fansie or that a Soul can be saved without them or that he that believeth with a Gospel sincere Faith shall miss of Heaven but many snatch at these and espouse a meer Chimaera a Fancy or Notion of these while they have not a Principle in their Hearts or the Power of Godliness in their Lives I may say with the Apostle Can Faith save thee No no such a Faith without Works is dead James 2.4 20. And being lifeless 't is lost thou must have something that hath existence 2. That Christianity doth not lie in meer Externals If men have no more Religion then is visible to others they have not that which will serve their turn true Godliness is a hidden mystical thing Our Life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 It s a Pearl in the Shell it s an hidden Spring that moves the visible Hand God's Children are hidden Ones Psal 83. King 's in a disguise It appears not yet what they shall be 1 John 3.2 The best and worst of a real Saint is not obvious to mens view The King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 45.13 If Privileges and Profession did denominate a Saint we might infallibly tell who should be saved but a Child of God hath two sides one God-wards another Men-wards A Merchant's Wares are in back Shops the best Goods are often under Deck In the hidden parts saith David thou shalt make me to know VVisdom Psal 51.6 Hypocrites are painted Sepulchres that outwardly appear beautiful but within are full of dead mens Bones and of all uncleanness Mat. 23.27 You must look at Internal Principles not at external Professions or Privileges 3. There is such a
and sanctified by the Spirit born of the Spirit and are Temples of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6.11 19. Nothing can search or reach the Heart but the Holy Ghost The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2.10 and deep things of Men. An Angel is too short-sighted to see into Man's Heart too short-handed to reach the Conscience or make a New Creation God alone turns Stones into Flesh God shall enlarge Japheth and he shall dwell in the Tents of Shem Gen. 9.27 It is an Act of Power to make a People willing Psal 110.3 or Volunteers No man can come to Christ except the Father which sent him draw him Job 6.44 And God reacheth forth the Hand of the Spirit to attract Hearts to himself 6. The proper immediate Effect of this Work that is a change into a new Frame or Course by which the Sinner becomes new or another than what he was before this is the formalis Ratio genuine necessary Attendant yea intrinsick nature of this which we call the New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are past away behold all things are become new The Faculties are the same but new Qualities are put in as in a Lute the Strings are the same but 't is set to a new Tune In a River the Water is the same but 't is put into a new Channel the Bowl hath got a new Byass So the Convert said to the tempting Harlot Ego non sum Ego I am not I or as Paul said of himself who was before a Blasphemer a Persecutor but I obtained mercy 1 Tim. 1.13 i. e. converting Grace hath changed me Thus the same Apostle saith of the Corinthians Such were some of you but ye◠are washed but ye are sanctified 1 Cor. 6.11 Oh what a mighty change doth Grace make from Lying to Fearing an Oath from vain speaking to Holy Discourse from carelesness to the greatest concernedness about Soul affairs yea from Darkness to Light Eph. 5.8 From Death to Life from Satan to God Acts 26.18 The Man is now got into a new World as one observes from Ezek. 11.19 I will give them one Heart which that I may do I will cast it a new in order to this I will melt and soften it as one that hath many pieces of old Silver by them casts them into the Fire melts them and molds them into one Bowle Thus doth God with the divided Heart in renewing it and framing it for his use 7. Here 's yet further the compleatness of this Change it s not some external Acts Motions Conversation nor only Internal Cogitations Affections Workings of the Will and Conscience but the description goes further even to the State Constitution Relation of the Man and therefore I add changing the whole man from an old state to a new for every Man and Woman hath a state before God therefore Paul sends Timothy to know the state of the Philippians Phil. 2.19 This imports not a transient Act but a settled abiding Frame continued Relation Sinners are by Nature Children of wrath Eph. 2.3 Limbs of Satan Heirs of Hell this new Mold makes them Children of God Members of Christ Heirs of Heaven yea it puts them into an habitual tendency towards Heaven and heavenly things which is a kind of a second Nature in them this moves the holy Soul acting like it self as naturally upwards as a Stone moves downward therefore it s called a Divine Nature 2 Pet. 14. the acting follows the being of a thing Make the Tree good and the Fruit will be good Mat. 12.33 If a Watch be not well made it will never go well They say of the Peacock roast him as much as you will yet when cold his Flesh will be raw again So force a Carnal Heart to the highest strain of seeming Piety yet it will come to its old Complexion because there 's not a new Nature fill a Pond full of Water it will abate if there be not a Spring to supply it The New Creature is united to Christ and receives grace for grace John 1.61 8. Here 's the Pattern Copy Example according to which this New Creature is moulded it is the Soul 's being transformed into the divine likeness this Image of God consists in Knowledge in the Intellectual Faculties Righteousness in the Will Holiness in the Affections 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 That you put on the new man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness or holiness of truth As the Work of Grace in the Heart is a true Copy or Transcript of the Divine Image they agree as the Face in the Glass doth with the Face of the Man that looks in it or as the Image in the Wax with the Sculpture in the Seal from which it is derived Godliness is Godlikeness Summa Religionis est imitari quem Colis The Summ and Substance of our Religion is to imitate whom we worship not that its possible to be like God with a perfection of degree but Sincerity Be ye perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect Mat. 5.48 A Child hath the parts of a Man though not the bulk for the New Creature is in a daily increase and tendeth to perfection as a small Seed hath vertually the bigness of a grown Tree though little in its self But the Christian is like God man only can beget a man like himself So the Spirit only doth beget the Christian like God Now Divines Journal Christian Bemon part 2. pag. 173. take notice of a double Likeness a bare Similitude Snow and Milk are both white alike yet are not the Image one of another 2. Derivation deduced from another and so the Picture which is drawn every Line by the Face of a Man this is properly the Image of a man after whose Likeness it is made Thus by Holiness the Christian becomes the Image of Christ Rom. 8.29 Whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son 9. There 's the Rule of this New Creature which is expressed by turning the Heart and Life to the Rule of the Word this either refers to the manner of framing the New Creature or the Rule by which the New Creature acts and moves being once formed As to the former the New Creature receives the Stamp Signature and Impression of the Word Rom. 6.17 But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you Or as it is more properly in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into which you were delivered i. e. the Soul is the Metal the Word is the Mould into which the Sinner is cast and thereby receives a new Stamp formed into a new Shape which naturally issues it self into a new
21.23 Qu. What Use will Heavens and Earth be then of Answ As an Everlasting Monument of God's Power Wisdom and Goodness and possibly righteous Men shall dwell in this New Heaven and Earth and contemplate God in his glorious Works 2 Pet. 3.13 so Righteous is taken for Persons Isa 1.21 That New World shall be possessed only by Saints no Sinners with them Now if we apply all this to this New Creation whereof we are treating it will exactly square thereto Grace shall continue He that doth the will of God shall abide for ever â— John 2.17 This Principle is an immortal Seed and shall be cleansed from all Dregs of Sin and the Fruits thereof and the Spirits of Just Men shall be made perfect Heb. 12.23 Yea their Bodies shall be made like unto the glorious Body of our Lord Jesus Phil. 3.21 And though they may pass through the Fire 1 Cor. 3.13 not of Popish Purgatory of affliction or of the Spirit 's refining yet they shall lose nothing but Dross and shall come forth as Gold Thus I have run a Parallel betwixt the Old Creation and the New But this New Creation is 1. Better 2. More difficult then the Old 1. It s better though the first was perfect in its kind yet this is a more excellent Workmanship being of a more pure refined spiritual Nature and repairs what was decayed in the Old and brought about with more transcendent Love and Good will and hath a tendency to an Everlasting Concernment of precious Souls in the other world But of this more anon 2. This is a Creation in some respects more difficult then the former was This may seem a Paradox that the framing of this new Creation in the Heart of a Sinner is a greater work and of more difficulty then that of making this great Universe Heaven and Earth mistake not this difficulty is not respectu Dei fed rei not in respect of God's Omnipotency to whom all thing are possible and easie but with respect to the thing it self and our consideration of it thâ— appears to our apprehension in these four Respects 1. When God made the World he met with no opposition he Spake the Word and noâ— said no to it by contradiction But in this Neâ— Creation the World the Devil and Corruption within opposes this work sometimes custer in Sin however the Carnal mind is enmity it sâ— against God and fights against him Rom. 8.7 2. When God make the World it cost hiâ— but the speaking of a Word as was said bâ— in order to this New Creation it cost him dear even the giving of his own Son to become Man to live a Life of Sorrow to endure the painful shameful cursed Death of the Cross that Sinners might be reconciled to God and become like God 3. When God made the world he needed no nor used any Instruments in order to the effecting that Work But in this of the New Creation he sends Ministers labouring travelling and long waiting on Sinners to work on mens Hearts he chose Men like themselves endue them with Gifts gives them Compassionate Hearts weeping beseeching with earnest Intreaties to come in yet that will not do except the Spirit strive and prevail 4. When God made the World all was finished in Six Days Heaven and Earth were finished Gen. 2.1 And all the Host of them needed not a second hand to compleat them But he is carrying on this work of the New Creation many Years the whole Life of the Christian if he live a hundred Years it will be still defective in point of degree and never compleat till the Soul be landed in Heaven Chap. IV. Wherein the New Creature is available to Souls THe third main Head in the Doctrinal part is to demonstrate wherein this New Creature is only and every way available to the Souls of men And here lest I be mistaken I must premise two Caveats by way of exception the first refers to the Kind the second to the End of this availableness 1. For the Kind we must beware how we put the New Creature in the room of Christ it is not so available as our blessed Lord Jesus is who is the only Foundation on which the Church is built 1 Cor. 3.10 And able to save to the uttermost Heb. 7.25 No Creature must be set up in competition with him for there 's no Salvation in any other Acts 4.12 And herein I am afraid the Quakers are guilty of a gross Heresie who call us from a Christ without us to a Christ within us yea it hath been a dispute in the Plantation called Pensilvania whether we must believe only in a Christ within us or a Christ both within and without us and it was carried mostly in the former Sence But let no man be drawn from placing his intire confidence in Christ the Son of God both God and Man in one Person who suffered Death on the Cross to make attonement for Sinners and now sits on the right hand of God to make intercession for us 2. If by a Christ within they mean that called Light within either Free will or Natural Conscience or a power to help our selves without special Grace it s an exploded Error and it 's to be feared the Jesuits deliver their Popish stuff out of these mens Mouths with refined Language 3. If by Christ within be meant Christ's Person in the Believer that he is Christed or Goded 't is blasphemy 4. If by this expression Christ within us the hope of glory Col. 1.27 or Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 It is as the Sun is in the House when the Beams or Rays thereof shine into it So Christ dwells in Souls by his Spirit Rom. 8.9 and its Graces and this is that which is called the New Creature and this is but a Creature and a weak one full of imperfections it s a Vein of Gold embased with Earth and dross not to be trusted to The Bride may highly prize her Husband's Picture if like him and drawn by his Hand but it is ridiculous to dote on that and slight her Husband and when she wants Money or Clothes to go not to her Husband for them but to his Picture Surely our Lord will not take it well if men honour his Image to the dishonour of his Person the Original is one thing the Copy is another Christ the object of our Faith and Grace and the Fruit of his Spirit are different Grace in the Heart is not so available as Christ in Heaven Let every thing have its due place 2. That which refers to the End is this Negative that the New Creature is not ordained to have a direct tendency to the justification of a Sinner God did not appoint it for that End That is Faith in Christ Rom. 3.20 21 22. in his Blood Merits and Satisfaction to Divine Justice apprehended by Faith alone And this excludes not only Man's merits but any gracious Habits wrought in man
or good Works done by man nay it also excludes Faith it self as the work of man any otherwise then as laying hold on Christ's Righteousness But this I affirm that this New Creature or the best Inherent Righteousness cannot justifie a Sinner before God's Tribunal For a Man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the Faith of Jesus Christ Gal. 2.16 And lest any should say it was by the Works only of the Ceremonial Law it s apparent the Apostle includes the Moral Law that observance thereof cannot justifie for the Gentiles were never bound to the Ceremonial Law yet he proves both Jews and Gentiles to be both under sin Rom. 3 9.-2.28 30. and both alike justified by Christ in the way of believing But where there is no Law there is no Transgression Rom. 4.15 Besides that Law that shews Sin is the moral Law For by the Law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 3.20 And 't is that Law that drives us out of Self to Christ and therefore it can never justifie us God hath nailed up that Door that none since the Fall can enter into Happiness by Law-Righteousness This way to Heaven is like the Northern Passage to the Indies whoever attempts it is sure to be frozen up before he gets half way thither Obj. But if a legal Righteousness by our own strength will not justifie a Sinner yet this New Creature or the habit or exercise of Evangelical Righteousness will surely justifie The Apostle himself Answers No and he instanceth in two famous Saints in the Old-Testament the one is Abraham the other David Rom. 4.1 6 Faithful Holy Abraham though no Idolater but circumcised offering his Son must not glory in any Habit or Acts of Grace And David though a Man after God's own Heart yet saith Enter not into judgment with thy servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified Psal 143.2 If the Lord mark iniquity who can stand Psal 130.3 Holy Paul dare not stand in his own Righteousness at God's Bar but in the Righteousness which is of God by Faith Phil. 3.7.8 9. Indeed this imparted or inherent Holiness was infused into the Soul for other Ends than to justifie a Sinner before God from the guilt of any one Sin and yet this New Creature is very available to the Souls of men in these 12 cases 1. This New Creature rectifies the Soul's Faculties that were marred by Adam's Fall The former Structure though once a famous Edifice by the Fall was not only tottering but a ruinous House and lies in Rubbish this New Creation re-edifies it in a more stately sumptuous manner yea it is richly adorned thereby Prov. 1.9 They shall be an Ornament of Grace unto thy Head and Chains about thy Neck Prov. 12.26 ch 17.27 Thereby the Christian is more excellent then his Neighbour and of an excellent Spirit more excellent then himself was he is by this become like the Angels yea like God himself and though he be short of Adam in the degree of Grace yet upon better terms in point of duration and now great Grace is upon all true Believers Acts 4.33 Man by his Fall became like the Beasts that perish Psal 49.12 But this New Creature makes him better then other men All men are level as to God till this New Creation sets a divine Stamp on some The tongue of the Just is as choice Silver but the heart of the wicked is little worth Prov. 10.20 God only hath Soveraignty and Authority to rate his Creatures this is the Estimate he sets on his 2. This New Creature is the fruit and Evidence of Electing-Love this is the legible print of God's Heart from Eternity He hath chosen us Eph. 1.4 that we should be holy This is the proper product of free undeserved Grace Gal. 1.15 God calls by his Grace This is the glorious display of his Banner of Love over Souls In the Old Creation there was the strength of God's Arm in this there is the working of God's Bowels God found all mankind alike involved in Sin and Misery but Grace makes some to differ from others 1 Cor. 46.7 As a curious workman seeing a Forrest overgrowing his Ground marks some Trees designing to make of them some rare pieces of workmanship thus God carves his own Image on a common Log and sets it apart for himself this is an act of discriminating Love and when the Sinner sees it he must cry out Who am I O Lord God that thou hast brought me hitherto 2 Sam. 7.18 By the Grace of God I am what I am 1 Cor. 5.10 This this is a shedding abroad his love in my Heart Rom. 5.5 I read Love in every Line and Letter of this new Impression and doth not this avail a Soul much 3. This New Creation consecrates the Soul to be a receptacle for God and renders the Person acceptable to him God dwells in the humble and holy Heart Isa 57.15 There only he takes up his lodging when he hath perfumed the Heart with Mirrh and Frankincense Cant. 3.6 He lays himself in that sweet Bed Having builded this Mansion-House it becomes an habitation of God through the Spirit a Temple of the Holy Ghost Ephes 2.22.1 Cor. 6.17 19. God hath two Thrones in Heaven and in an Holy Heart The Soul and Body is a Sacrifice holy and acceptable to God Rom. 12.1 Happy Soul that is thus owned by the Great God no matter if men reject you if God accept you if men desert you yet if God possess you you are are happy when God casts out the Devil's baggage and saith This is my Rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Psal 132.14 15. No bad House will be kept there where God dwells for he makes all welcome this is available 4. The first instant of this New Creation commenceth a Communion with God this is a consequence of the former and the peculiar privilege of a Saint Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son 1 John 1.3 This communion with God is a mystery to most men Every one that hangs about the Court doth not speak with the King many meddle with Duties but meet not with God It is good for me to draw night to God Psal 73.28 How oft doth the Christian cry out Oh when shall I come and appear before God Psal 63.2 This New Creature puts a Biass in the Soul God-wards it naturally mounts the Soul upwards to ingage his heart in approaching to God Jer. 30.21 And the Lord meets him that rejoyceth and worketh Righteousness Isa 64. Birds cannot converse with Men there 's not a suitableness of Nature an Hypocrite cannot dare not come before God Job 13.16 But a Saint dare draw near with boldness through Christ for he is like God and communio fundatur in Similitudine Communion is founded in Similitude 5. This New Creature evidenceth a Soul's interest in Christ and his union to him yea puts the poor Believer in
a capacity of sucking Influence from him as the Child in the Womb draws nourishment from the Mother's Navel this Churches Navel never wanteth Liquor Cant. 7.2 It is this New Creature that evidenceth our interest in Christ If any man be in Christ he is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 This was one End of our Lord 's giving himself for us to purchase to himself a peculiar People Tit. 2.14 Christ's Cross was both an Altar and a Laver to expiate and to purge to sanctifie and justifie you shall find continual supplies of Grace from Christ and of his fulness receive grace for grace John 1.16 The New Creature hath a constant Spring to feed it to recruit it in its decays God still saith My Grace shall be sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 So he becomes indefectible the New Creature needs not to fear famishing having these Breasts of Consolation to suck Isa 66.11 and as a Store-house to go to so saith the Apostle 1 Pet. 5.10 The God of all Grace who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you Surely then this New Creature avails much 6. The New Creature is the inlet to true Joy Peace Satisfaction though in its first Infancy there be a casting down yet it is in order to a lifting up Light is sown for the Righteous Psal 97.11 It may for a season lie in the Furrows of Gospel-sorrow They that sow in tears shall reap in joy Psal 126.5 6. Just like the Pangs of a Child-bearing Woman that end in comfort John 16.21 The Kingdom of God is righteousness peace and joy in the holy ghost Rom. 14.17 all Joy comes in at this Door that 's but a Bastard yea diabolical Peace that is not a Companion of the New Creature when a strong man armed keepeth the Palace his goods are in peace Luke 11.21 22. The Palace is the Heart the Goods are the Soul's faculties the Strong Man is the Devil the Soul hath never quiet day in God's way till Satan be dispossessed and a rightful Lord introduced that is our Lord Jesus It s true there are oft Furrows in the Face of the new Creature but they are for Sin and for want of the Sence of its inbeing but in God's time he will rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1.8 Yea sorrowful Sufferings will at last yield the peaceable fruits of Righteousness Heb. 12.11 And is this worth nothing 7. This New Creature hath all things profitable entailed upon it Godliness is profitable to all things yea Godliness with contentment is great gain 1. Tim. 4 8-6.6 All the good things of Heaven and Earth are made sure by Covenant-title to this New Creature All things are yours saith God 1 Cor. 3.21 Every thing turns to advantage the Christian is the true Chymist to extract Gold out of every thing All things work together for good to him Rom. 8.28 though not singly yet joyntly in composition with other Ingredients he gains to this New Man by outward Losses Every Mercy Ordinance Providence Affliction is a Talent by which he is a gainer Mat. 25.27 If he fight with Satan he gets Ground at last In petty Skirmishes the Carthaginians got some small Victories but the Romans came off Conquerors at last So the Godly Soul may receive some Foils but at last he shall be more than a Conqueror yea a triumpher through the Captain of his Salvation Rom. 3.37 8. The New Creature renders the Person that hath it safe in a safe condition He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty Psal 91.1 The Holy Angels are a royal Guard to these New-born Babes of Salvation Heb. 1.14 Many are the dangers the New Creature is exposed to but one Angel is as a whole Camp to incompass and deliver God-fearing Souls Psal 34 7-6.18 But the God of Angels is nigh to them and saves them in Spirituals God will secure them from Seduction and the evil of Temptation It is not possible that the Elect shall be finally and damnably seduced Mat. 24.24 for Grace establisheth the Heart and they that are of us shall no doubt continue with us Heb. 13.9 They shall be kept by his mighty power through Faith to Salvation 1 John 2.19 1 Pet. 1.5 And we know that these Souls that are born of God are so kept that the wicked One toucheth them not 1 John 5.18 God will keep them that they shall not be tempted above what they are able 1 Cor. 10.13 God will furnish his Child with Armour of proof against Satan's assaults this Breast-plate may be shot at but never shot through the Christians Bow abides in strength and he stands as a Rock in the midst of Waves Rev. 3.8 9 10. He can neither be stormed nor undermined if the Saints have but a little strength yet it shall be lasting yea everlasting 9. The New Creature makes Christians that possess it useful and profitable to all about them It is natural for this New Creature to propagate its kind as Sin so Grace is assimilating how sollicitous was the Church for her little Sister that had no Breasts when she should be spoken for Cant. 8.8 How did the blessed Apostle Paul pant after the Conversion of his Country-men the Jews Rom. 9 1.-10.1 The Godly Soul labours to do good to all about him both good and bad He would fain pluck Sinners out of the Fire of Hell Jude 22. and ingage them for Heaven and he spurs on his Brethren in Heaven's-Road by Counsels Admonitions Prayers Example and all holy Exercises in Christian Communion yea this New Creature where ever it is makes such the Pillars of the Place and Nation where they live Ten Righteous Persons might have saved Sodom Gen. 18.19 22. And Lot's presence there bound the Angels Hands till he was gone the Godly Soul shall never know while he lives what use he was of in the world Every Godly Soul is a fruitful Tree that brings forth Fruit in due season yea in old age Psal 1 3.-92.14 10. This New Creature fits Souls for Gospel-Privileges it is only the New Creature that is a Vessel qualify'd to receive the new Wine of the Gospel Mat. 9.16 17. In the Gospel all things are new Rev. 21.5 There 's a New Name Rev. 3.12 New Church Jerusalem Rev. 21.1 New Way Heb. 10.19 New Covenant Heb. 8.10 A New Commandment John 13.32 New Sacraments Matth. 26 26-28.19 New Relation 1 Pet. 2.9 A New Condition 2 Pet. 3.13 And a New Song Rev. 14.3 Yea New Heavens and a New Earth And surely it is very fit that Christians should have New Hearts which God promiseth in the New Covenant Ezek. 36.26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you New Qualifications fit Persons for new Dispensations therefore God joyns the new Heavens and new Earth with the new
5.6 〈◊〉 we are all without strength cannot think a g◠thought 1 Cor. 3.4 Yea dead in Trespasses and Sins Eph. 2.1 And are meer Passives in the first Infusion of Spiritual Life Subjectum dei actionem suscipens a Subject capable of divine operations but in the power of Darkness lead captive by Satan at his pleasure Col. 1.13 Yea The Carnal Mind is enmity to God 1 Tim. 2.26 God works both to will and to do of his good pleasure Rom. 8.7 ut velimus in nobis sine nobis operatur Aug. 3. Quest Why then doth God and Man call upon us to turn our selves yea to make us a new heart and a new spirit Ezek. 18.31 if this be not in our power Doth he not mock us when he calls us to do that which he knows it is impossible for us to do Answ No for 1st It was once in our power to do good by his Donation and if we have lost it by our own Folly and cannot do what he requires we must hereby know that God hath not lost his Authority to command because we have lost our Ability to obey He will let us know his Soveraignty But 2dly God knows Man is a proud Creature and thinks he can do what he cannot And now God commands to convince him of his insufficiency that he may look uy to God for help Yet 3dly Though Man hath lost the Rectitude of his Faculties he hath not lost his Faculties he hath a Rational Soul if he have not Spiritual Grace Though carnal Persons be morally dead yet they are naturally alive Men have a self-reflecting Conscience which they may and must use It is the Candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the Belly Prov. 20.27 4thly It was the saying of Augustin Twelve Hundred Year◠ago He that made thee without thee will not save thee without thee If thou be not an Efficient in thy own Conversion thou mayst and must be an Instrument in thy Salvation thou art bound to work out thy own Salvation Phil. 2.12 4. Quest What is a Man better for his endeavours unless God give him the Grace of this New Creature All that he can do will be to no purpose nothing can be pleasing to God or available to himself in his natural state For without Faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 Answ 1. Though carnal men cannot do what God requires in a due manner yet God hath some respect to such as for the matter do something of their Duty God took notice of Ahab's humiliation and promiseth not to bring the Evil in his days 1 King 21.27 29. Jehoahax◠wa◠none of the best Kings Yet when he besought the Lord he hearkned to him 2 King 13.4 And upon Rehoboam's humiliation the Lord considerably remitted of his punishment 2 Chron. 12.6 7. And is not a relaxation or removal of outward punishment of some worth with you Yea though the young Gentleman's obedience was but poor stuff and he in his natural state yet Jesus beholding him loved him see Mark 10.20 21. Is this nothing 2. However such as frame not their Hearts and Doings to turn to God and through sloth or wilfulness neglect God's appointed Means of becoming New Creatures do First evidently declare themselves to be causes of their own damnation Secondly render themselves daily worse and worse and grow more unable to repent 2 Tim. 3.13 Thirdly provoke God to give them up to their own Hearts Lusts Psal 8.10 11. Fourthly make themselves manifold more the Children of Wrath Matth. 25.15 Are more inexcusable and sink themselves deeper in Hell And is this any way desirable 3. But though such poor Souls cannot with all their endeavours make themselves New Creatures yet we may say of such as our Lord said of the Scribe Mark 12.33 34. When he saw that he answered discreetly Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God You are in an hopeful way to Heaven while you are endeavouring in the use of God's appointed means 4. And who can tell what these Labours will produce It s true thou canst not deserve Grace ex congruo to challenge it of Debt for the work done nor can I say that Grace is due to thee by any Promise for all the Promises of God are made in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 But I have something yet to say for thy Encouragement For 1st thou hast to deal with a God of infinite Goodness that hath Sworn he delights not in the death of a Sinner Exod. 34.7 Ezek. 33.11 And who knows what he may do for thee 2dly God hath yet spared thy Life and is sending terms of Reconciliation to thee a vile Sinner 2 Cor. 5.20 and stands knocking at thy Door while thou knockest at his A general Pardon is proclaimed Mark 16.15 thou hast no cause to despair 3dly Didst thou ever meet with any that came sad and disappointed from his Door Did he ever say to any Seek ye me◠in vain Isa 1. Nay doth he not say Those that come unto me I will in no wife cast off John 6.37 4thly And doth he not say Those that seek me early shall find me Prov. 8 Doth not the Gospel promise what the Law commands God doth graciously undertake to do what he requires us to do he bids you make you a new Heart and the same God saith I will put a new Spirit within them Ezek. 11.19 O put him to it and try him what he will do the Means I shall suggest hereafter This only in Answer to this Question 5. Quest Is not the New Creature begot in the Ordinance of Baptism which is called the washing or Laver of Regeneration Tit. 3.5 then we need no more Answ 1. Baptism as Circumcision of Old is a Seal of the Righteousness of Faith Rom. 4.11 And supports Faith either in the Parent or in the Child or Party baptized for the Promise is to you and to your Children Acts 2.38 The Apostles baptized Believers Now the Effect is not before the Cause If they were Regenerated before Baptism could not be the Cause of Regeneration 2. Yet some have been baptized upon the Profession of their Faith that never were regenerated as Simon Magus who was still in the gall of bitterness Acts 8.13 23. So it was but a Sign no proper Cause which would have had its certain Effect 3. If Baptism were the Cause of Regeneration then no unbaptized Children were regenerate and so could not be saved if dying in Innocency but David believed his Child's Salvation 2 Sam. 12.23 tho' not Circumcised by vertue of the Covenant 4. It is a groundless Popish Doctrine to think that Sacraments confer Grace ex opere operato meerly because used that they stamp an indelible Character on the Party baptized it s but an External Act and cannot reach the Heart or Conscience no more then Old Testament Rites could do Heb. 10.1 3. Nor is it in the power of the holiest Minister on Earth or Angel in Heaven its
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
you all yet he 's a damned Fiend in Hell Gifts come upon another Errand than Grace 1 Cor. 12.7 Gifts are given to profit others Grace for a man's own Soul 19th Plea I am verily perswaded I am sound at Heart my Conscience flyes not in my Face yea I have great Peace Joy and Comfort within Answ God knows whether your Peace be of the right Stamp or no I have told you there 's a Peace of the Devil 's speaking and that may arise from Conscience's Sleep Security I now tell you of a Joy rising from the common workings of the Spirit the stony Ground hearers anon with Joy received the Word Mat. 13.20 but had no Root Luk. 8.13 It 's not to tell what Joy and Triumph some may conceive upon a Mistake Some taste of the good Word yea of the heavenly Gift Gal. 6.3 James 1.22 Yet fall away totally and finally Heb. 6.4 5 6. Look to your selves thousands deceive themselves in this weighty Affair 20th Plea You are seeking to drive us to despair but that I will never do I will hope well still say what you will Answ There 's a double despair 1st Good and Necessary a despair of ever being saved in the state of Nature wherein we are born and this God brings the Sinner to in order to planting sound Hope and sincere Faith in the Soul 2dly There 's an Evil sinful despair of obtaining Mercy at God's hands through Christ God forbid we should drive Sinners to this despair no no it s the former we aim at Such as Paul felt Rom 7.9 I was alive without the Law once but when the Commandment came sin revived and I dyed ie I saw my self in a damnable state no hopes of Salvation while I continued in the state of Nature we are sure till Souls see themselves condemned they will never look after a Pardon it 's this we drive men to Therefore 2dly there 's a twofold Hope 1. A bad a false rotten Hope that 's built upon mens Fansie and Imagination Job 8.14 11.20 This will be swept away like a Spiders-Web give up the Ghost what hath the Hypocrite gained by his hope when God taketh away his Soul ch 27.8 It 's the best Office we can do the Sinner to break the Heart of this groundless Hope that we might bring in a better Hope Hence 2. There 's a good Hope through Grace an Hope that will not make ashamed 2 Thes 2.17 Rom. 5.5 An Hope that rests upon the Promises of Grace in the Gospel it s this that will do Men good at the last but men must be sure to observe and comply with the terms of the Promise else it is groundless presumption A Prince hath as much reason to be offended with him that keeps not close to his Commission as with another that acts without a Commission The Israelites of Old saith one durst make God and his Promise a Leaning-stock for their foul Elbows to rest on Isa 48.2 They call themselves the holy City and stay themselves upon the God of Israel See also Micah 3.11 Nothing more common yet nothing more dangerous for such are more bold then welcome for though a Prince may be so condescending as to let a poor Sick or Wounded Man especially in his Service fainting and unable to go alone upon his humble request make use of his Arm rather then perish in the Street yet would reject a reeling Drunkard if he desired to lean on him thus a poor bleeding humble Penitent is entertained when a presumptuous Rebel is kickt off with infinite abhorrency we must incourage the former and convince the latter that their Hope may be dasht and another Hope begot again a lively hope 1 Pet. 1.3.1 John 3.3 that teacheth Persons to cleanse themselves be planted in the Soul For the wicked is driven away in his wickedness but the righteous hath hope in his Death Prov-14 32. Chap. VII An Use of Correction for Reforming Sinners Mistakes MY third Use is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Correction or Castigation of what is amiss in order to a Restitution of the Souls of Sinners to their pristin rectitude for that 's the notion of this Word for it signifies not only Correction of Manners but rectifying of inward Faculties as Criticks observe I must confess the Work is arduous and indeed 't is impossible for a finite Creature to work this New Creature the best Ministers are but Instruments and what can the Ax do without the Hand to move it or the Sword without the Hand to wield it Who then is Paul and who is Apollos but Ministers by whom ye believed 1 Cor. 3.5 I am said worthy Mr. Baxter but a Peâ— for God to write with Well then shall we do nothing because we cannot do all He thaâ— set us a work is able to second our Work with his Benediction the World hath been form'â— new by this blessed Word of Truth I shall therefore make one Experiment more to see what the great God will do for a New Creation upon the Souls of Men humbly imploring the Blessing of Heaven upon my poor Endeavours In prosecuting this Point I shall use some perswasive Arguments to prevail with pooâ— Sinners to look after it in due time 2. Answer what Objections Sinners can make against it and so make way for the next Use of Instruction 7. For Motives Arguments I shall not repeat any thing drawn ab utili the advantages thereof used in the Doctrinal part as 1. Rectifying the Souls Faculties 2. Evidencing Electing Love 3. Consecrating the Soul for God 4. Fitting it for Communion with God 5. Entituling to Christ 6. Producing true Joy 7. Intailing all things profitable 8. Putting the Soul into a safe State 9. As rendring them useful 10. Fitting them for Gospel-Privileges 11. Preparing them for Death and Heaven 12. Yea is an Heaven begun All these might be improved as strong Arguments to perswade Sinners to press after it But I shall further draw some Arguments à periculo from the danger Sinners are in till they become New Creatures 1. If you are not New Creatures you are not true Christians For if any man be in Christ he is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 i.e. Whoever is worthy the Name of Christian fit for so high a Character he must necessarily be a New Creature or else he arrogates to himself an high Title not belonging to him And alas what will a bare Name signifie nomen inane crimen immane arrogating such an high Title is a piece of high Presumption nay it s no less then Blasphemy when men call themselves Jews or Chriâ—tians and are not Rev. 2.9 Even as it is Treason against the rightful Soveraign for any Subâ—ect to intitle himself King what horrid Presumption are graceless Sinners guilty of for whatever you may account your selves God accounts you no better then Heathens uncircumcised Judah is ranked with Aegypt Edom Ammon Moab in Scripture Jer. 9.26 Are ye not as children of
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
Step thou takest the next Breath thou breathest for any thing thou knowest the Word of Coumission may be gone out Cut it down why cumbereth it the Ground Luk. 13.7 9. At least it may be the last Year Week Day or Hour of Indulgence mad Man that thou art to stand in the place where all God's Arrows fly thou art the Center where all the â—urses of Law and Gospel meet The Roman Emperor wondered that Knight slept so securely that was in abundance of Debt and sent for his Pillow Surely thy Pillow is very soft or thy Heart very hard that can sleep in such Debts to Justice and not fear an Arrest to carry thee to the Prison of Hell the Plague is running on thee and a Lord have mercy on thee is upon thy Door and will not this alarum thee to look about thee 9. The possibility of obtaining this New Creature will aggravate thy Misery hadst thou been in Turkey or India and never heard of the first Creation or the Fall or means of recovery or a possibility of being made New by the Second Adam thy case had been excusable at least more tolerable so saith our Saviour If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had Sin but now they have no cloak for their Sin John 15.22 The old Sinner must go into Old Tophet Isa 30.33 And the damned Caitiff will have nothing to ease his Torments not a drop of Honey in his bitter Gall there was to be no Oyl nor Frankincense in the Offering of Jealousie Numb 5.15 Why so because it was a Memorial bringing Iniquity to remembrance Just so this dreadful Memorial in Hell will bring the Sinners slighting of Grace hardening his Heart against the Reproofs of the Word Motions of the Spirit Checks of Conscience Counsels of Ministers and all these will be as Scorpions to sting thee as Oyl to the Flame to burn hotter Oh woe is me Ministers warned me told me of my danger I heeded them not I did not believe that things would ever come to this pass Oh that I had regarded the things that belong to my Peace but now it s too late my Day is over my Sun is set the Door is shut the Gulf is fixed and my Soul shut up in everlasting Darkness these will be your despairing Groans another Day Oh take warning while it is called to day for there will be nothing to mitigate but much to aggravate your Miseries and thus those two Scriptures are reconciled Rev. 14.10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his Indignation i. e. without the least Ingredient of Comfort no Sugar in that bitter Cup of Wormwood but Psal 75.8 In the Hand of the Lord there is a Cup and the Wine is red it is full of mixture i. e. of dreadful Ingredients to aggravate the Sorrows of damned Miscreants yea these wicked Souls shall drink the Dregs thereof and wring them out i.e. their Hearts shall meditate Terror and their Consciences shall squeeze out the astonishing Circumstances of their by-past Lives and that Worm shall never dye but be gnawing at their Heart-strings for evermore 10. Lastly You must undoubtedly be shut out of Heaven if you live and dye without this New Creature I told you that this New Creature fits for Heaven in the Reasons of the Point I will now tell you some Reasons why its impossible any Soul that wants it should go to Heaven nay it s as possible for a Devil to be saved as a poor unregenerate Sinner For 1. A Soul without this New Creature hath no Interest in Christ For if any man be in Christ he is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 This is clear and 't is as clear that there is no Salvation in any other then in Christ Acts 4.12 You must mount to Heaven alone if you think to ascend any other way then upon the Ladder of Jacob as Constantin told Acesius long ago it s a vain attempt and its a meer Phrensie to divide assunder what God hath joyned so inviolably together Holiness and Happiness a new Nature and a new State if you rend them God will rend you 2. It s impossible you should walk in the way to Heaven without being New Creatures for the End can never be attained without the Use of the means Reason tells us that he that would arrive at London must go by Land or Water in Ships or on Horseback Coach or on Foot or by some means or other or he can never come thither So it is here God hath prescribed Means and Methods for attaining Eternal Happiness and bids us enter in at the strait gate Matth. 7.13 14. Yea strive to enter in at the strait Gate And adds That many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able Luk. 13.24 How shall they then enter that neither strive nor seek nor make any Essay to enter And how can they seek or strive that have to strength nay that have no life as a graceless Soul is who is is dead in Trespasses and Sins and till the Grace of God infuse new Life into him with this New Creature he can neither stir Hand nor Foot in a Spiritual Sense Heaven-ward and is not likely to come thither 3. Nay he that wants the New Creature hath no Heart Mind or Will to be saved and God saves no Man against his Will but his Grace makes them truly willing and this change of the Will is a considerable part of the New Creature and 't is a Sovereign Act of free Grace thy people shall be willing in the day of thy Power Psal 110.3 None follow the Captain of our Salvation to Heaven but Volunteers and there 's great need of a vigorous Will for Heaven must be taken by Storm The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force Matth. 11.12 No man will be obedient except he be willing there must be the Imprimis of a willing Mind before there be an active Hand 2 Cor. 8.12 a worshipping Knee or a walking Foot they whose Spirits do not make them willing will not remove from Sin or move one step Heaven-wards and hence it is that our blessed Saviour chargeth mens disowning him upon their Wills You will not come to me that you may have life John 5.40 And why will ye dye O house of Israel Ezek. 18.3 This is the true reason of Sinners undoing they will not chuse Salvation and so consequentially and interpretatively they damn and destroy themselves Hoâ— 13 9 If a man will not eat he will not live if a man drink Poâ—son he will dye and he that will not use means of Salvation cannot be saved how shall we escape if we neglect much more wilfully reject so great Salvation Heb 2.3 And how should it be otherwise if Men be not converted and become New Creatures 4. What should the old Creature do in Heaven Heaven would be
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
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
to Calves of the stall Mal. 4.2 that are still growing as new born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 3. It s the duty of Saints yea their property to grow stronger and stronger Job 17.9 To perfect holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 For the New Creature helps eggs on the Child of God to improve his Talents to use God's appointed means for increase to derive Vertue from Jesus Christ that he may increase with the increase of God Col. 2.19 This New Creature begets a new Appetite which in this imperfect state makes him gape and long after more and he never saith he hath enough in this lower World It s said of the Crocodile quamdiu vivit crescit so the Saint he grows as long as he lives Oh saith the Soul I am short still defective the greatest part of what I have attained is the least part of what I want Oh that I could be more like God! be changed into his Image from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 I can never be enough like God this is the clearest evidence of the Truth of Grace a dead Picture will not grow as a living Child a dead Stake grows not as a living Plant Lord make me more humble holy heavenly self-denying watchful fruitful 5. It is a depending New Creature it makes the Soul sensible of its own weakness it feels not its own Feet it cannot stand alone therefore leans on its Beloved Cant. 8.5 every step through this Wilderness state Wo be to me saith the Soul if I be alone I have long found it by too dear-bought Experience I am like a Staff and shall stand no longer then I am upheld by an Almighty Hand if God bid me come upon the fluid Waves and reach out his Hand I will venture as Peter my Feet shall not fail if Faith fail not Lord hold up my goings in thy path that my Foot-steps slip not Psal 17.5 Alas without thee I can do nothing John 5.5 But by thee I can run through a Troop and by my God I can leap over a Wall Psal 18.29 I am able to do all things through Christ that strengthens me Phil. 4.13 I find by experience that the least difficulty overmatcheth me without divine assistance and the greatest Mountains become a plain before Zerubabel My Lord of Hosts who out of weakness can make strong if he say My Grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.7 I will encounter a Goliah and in the Name of the Lord do wonders my only Strength is in thine all-sufficient Grace by the Grace of God I am what I am 1 Cor. 15.10 do what I do 6. It s a wakeful New Creature the Soul never sleeps Grace in the Soul is still waking I sleep but my Heart wakes Cant. 5.2 The wise Virgins as well as the foolish may take a Nod Matth. 25.6 7. But they are quickly awak'd with the Bridegroom 's coming Grace may lie in the dull habit or as a Spark of Fire in the Ashes but it will revive there needs not a new Life to be put in but a stirring up that vital Principle it may seem a Paradox that the Christian is distinguished from his Heart a suspension of the Actings of spiritual Liveliness and Vivacity there may be whereby the Senses are at present bound up by indisposition to Duty yet a Principle of Grace inclining to motion there may be thus there 's two different Natures in the Child of God like two distinct Persons so Paul Rom. 7.20 If I do that I would not it is no more I that do it but sin that dwelleth in me So he distinguisheth oft betwixt I and I these different Natures have opposite Actings in the worst state of a Christian's spiritual dulness he is very apprehensive things are not right with him there 's some Convictions Challenges Purposes Protestations of the inward Man against this lazy frame it displeaseth him and he hath some faint and languid Struglings to raise himself The New Creature gives not full consent though it can act little vigorously but ther 's a lusting against each other Gal. 5.17 Peter's Faith did not act yet not totally fail when he denyed his Master For Christ's Prayer was heard for him Luk. 22.32 There is some tendency in the Heart God-wards in the Saints lowest Ebbs he 's not satisfied in his Sleepiness 7. It is an abiding New Creature it will remain and overcome all Oppositions and continue as long as the Soul continues as was said before it is an immortal Seed the world passeth away and the lust thereof but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever 1 John 2.17 This anointing abideth in them and causeth them to abide in him ver 27. This Principle will be as a well of water springing up into everlasting Life Joh. 4.14 This fear of the Lord endureth for ever Psal 19.9 His Righteousness endureth for ever Psal 112.3 Morality withers and Decays but Sincerity will run paralel with the Life of God and Line of Eternity If thou art an Apostate thou wast never such a New Creature as I have described If you continue in my Word then are you my Disciples indeed John 8.31 Look you to your Sincerity and God will look to your Perseverance nay that Principle will be attended with an holy Jealousie which is the aw-band of the Soul and a special Preservation against Apostacy Jer. 32.40 I will put my fear in their Hearts that they shall not depart from me This Fear will teach them to incline God-wards and abhor what tends to departing from God Scripture makes this a clear evidence of a state oâ— Grace Col. 1.21 23. of interest in Christ Heb. 3 6-14 And the contrary of a Soul going off 1 John 2.19 Try your selves by this Character Do you persevere Objection How can I evidence my self to be a New Creature I am not yet at the End of my Journey who knows what I may do or be I have a backsliding Heart I may fall away before I dye Answ It s true thou canst not presage what may come but thou mayst guess at time to come from what thou hast met with in times past thou hast had experience of the operations of Grace witnessings of God's Spirit healing of Backslidings conquest of some strong Lusts victory over the World vanquishing Satan's assaults so that thou canst set up Samuel's Stone Ebenezer Hitherto hath the Lord helped 2 Sam. 7.12 And dost thou not find it on Record Phil. 1.6 Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good Work in you will perform it till the day of Jesus Christ Hath Doth Will is the Scripture-Logick its true you are not absolute Conquerorss till the last Enemy be destroyed which is Death but Scripture stile reckons sincere Combatants to be Conquerors Ye are of God little Children and have overcome them 1 John 4 4-5.4 And this is the victory that overcometh
4.11 This Rent will I daily pay as a Tribute to the Crown of Heaven I am resolved to glorifie God in my Body and Soul which are his 1 Cor. 6.20 Better lose my Life then lose the End of my Life God's glory 5. New Worship is always a Companion of the New Creature It s true the carnal man might hear and read the Word Pray receive the Sacrament and perform the external Acts of Religion before but formally heartlesly hypocritically God knows having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof 2 Tim. 3.5 But as soon as the Grace of God hath formed the New Creature in the Heart then 't is said as of Paul Behold he prayeth Acts 9.11 Why did not Paul pray before Yes doubtless he was a Pharisee and Pharisees made long Prayers its likely had a great Gift of Prayer ay but now a Paul had the grace of Prayer behold he prays now he prays with a witness his Prayer hath all the Requisites essential to Prayer Oh now if you could lay your Ear to the Closet of this new born Saint what sighs and groans would you hear Rom. 8.26 What throbs and tears what self-loathing Confessions what heart-rending Complaints what Heaven-piercing Expostulations would you have What believing pleading of Promises what improvement of Christ's mediatorship this is not formal or heartless Canting As soon as ever this New Creature was formed the Soul was turned from Idols to serve the living and true God 1 Thes 1.9 i. e. as such a God in a sincere and lively manner in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 If the Words be the same the workings of Heart are as different as a living man's tone from dead Organ-pipes the one hath Breath the other not The gracious soul engageth his Heart to approach unto God Jer. 30.21 Yea he also saith Let us lift up our Hearts with our Hands Lamen 3.41 i. e. oremus laboremus let us pray and use our utmost endeavour to obtain what we pray for the Hypocrites Tongue may wag but the New Creature sets the Heart a breathing Hands on working Feet on walking Oh how he is concerned in a Duty 6. A New War is commenced by the New Creature as soon as this New Creature peeps out Satan musters all the powers of darkness against it and now begins this holy War which never ceaseth while the Soul is in the â—ody and Oh how many a sharp skirmish hath the Christian with Satan and his armed Bands the carnal Heart holds correspondence with the Enemy and the Devil lets him alone and all his Goods or soul's Faculties are in peace Luk. 11.21 he sleeps quietly in the Devil's Tents little dreaming whither he is going or rather he is carried in a golden Dream into Satan's Territories or as Solomoâ—'s young Gallant with the Whore As an Ox goeth to the slaughter or as a Fool to the correction of the Stocks Prov. 7.22 But the converted soul sees his danger and struggles hard to extricate himself and when he is at liberty the Devil pursues him with rage sometimes otherwhiles with subtilty seeks to undermine him he is aware of both and is not ignorant of his devices 2 Cor. 2.11 One while he fights with spirituâ—â— weapons and so resists the Devil and he fleesâ— another while the soul retires to his strong hold by Faith and Prayer and is secured Thus the gracious soul is warring a good Warfare fighting the Fight of Faith 1 Tim. 1 18-6.12.2 Tim. 2.4 which is a good Fight he gets disintangâ— led from the affairs of this life and lays aside every weight that he may militate more strenuously and more successfully nor doth the good soul so fight as one that beats the Air 1 Cor. 9.26 laying about him at adventures but he spies his Enemy hath taken a view of them in Scripture-light le ts fly at the Faces of foreign and intestine Adversaries with spiritual scriptural Weapons and never sounds a Parly oâ— makes a Truce but disputes every Inch of hiâ— passage to Heaven thus this New Creature 〈◊〉 the Christian Champion 7. The New Creature finds out new company alas his old Companions grow stale wiâ— the Convert he cannot take delight in his old Comrades that would jest and be merry and seek to drive him out of his melancholy Dump with pleasant stories this is but as singing Song to an heavy Heart The good Heart is now sick of such vain company and bids them be gone they are of no use to him 'T is very observable three times and upon so many occasions doth David require all wicked men to depart from him Psal 6.8 Depart from me all ye workers of Iniquity for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping q. d. I have got better company and comfort then you are Psal 119.115 Depart from me ye evil-doers for I will keep the Commandments of my God q. d. I have taken up other Resolutions and must have other Companions then you the last is Psal 139.19 Surely thou shalt slay the wicked O God depart therefore from me ye bloody men q. d. I am loath to fare as you fare and will not be found in your company this is Christian Policy as well as Piety 't is impossible the New Creature should take delight in his old Companions for what communion hath light with darkness 2 Cor. 6.14 15 17. what concord hath Christ with Belial There are in the world persons more suitable to his temper even Saints not in Heaven but that are in the Earth men excellent in whom is all his delight Psal 16.3 These these are his Companions Psal 119.63 the delight of his soul he loves them dearly because they are so like his Father in Heaven these are they he hopes to live with in the other world and he must associate with them in this he loves to discourse with them joyn in Prayer with them none such content he hath on Earth as in the communion of Saints 8. The new Creature needs and requires new Cordials new Food and Physick the world and all that it can afford that are wont to be so pleasant are all but dry Meat have no more savour then the white of an Egg the Soul hath now a more dainty and delicate Stomach then to be satisfied with such Husks and trash he sues for the tender Mercies of God Psal 119.77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me that I may live q. d. I know not how to live a natural Life and I cannot live a spiritual Life without these tender Mercies the Lord knoweth my squeamish and delicate Stomach and crowns me withloving-kindness and tender mercies Psal 103.4 Luther called the whole Turkish Empire but a Crumb cast to Dogs and often protested to God that he would not be put off with these low things even when he had a Silver Mine offered him Even an Heathen Seneca could say major sum ad majora natus I am greater and born to higher things then terrene
their Directions about Conversion which is co-incident with this to whom I refer the Reader Yet this must not be understood as though it were in any man's power to change his own Heart no more than he can create himself or put life into a dead Carcase but it becomes Men 1. Not to hinder or obstruct the strivings of the Spirit that may work this Grace 2. To improve their natural Faculties to the utmost in order to the attaining of this End I shall but briefly lay before you what a natural man can do by the help of common Providence and what he must do as he will answer the contrary another day to that God that hath given him a Command and rational Faculties capable of compliance 1. Own and improve natural Principles such there are that are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 innate notions common to man as man endowed with Reason as That there is a God that this God must needs be an excellent Being the ultimate End of all things the chiefest Good that all things depend upon him and must be reduced to him that this God must be worshipped that his Will is the Rule of man's Obedience that there is moral good and evil that there will be a retribution in this or in another world Natural Conscience even of Heathens discovers something of these grand Principles for so saith the blessed Apostle Rom. 2.14 15. That though the Gentiles have not the written Law before their Eyes yet they have a transcript thereof in their Hearts which declares to them some Good and Evil and Conscience accordingly excuseth them if they do well and accuseth them if they do evil Rom. 1.18 24. The imprisoning of these Truths in Unrighteousness produced a judicial hardening and giving them up to Uncleanness and rendred them to be without excuse and can we think that Men now disclaiming and obliterating these notices of Religion will fare better Surely no So on the contrary the way to obtain more is to improve what we have I say not that God is bound to give special Grace to such as improve common but an instance can hardly be produced to the contrary and this is God's method in vouchsafing his Grace to engage Souls to cherish and excite moral Principles by diligent endeavours which God usually seconds with his blessing yea this course doth naturally tend to weaken vicious Inclinations Set your selves about this work and you little know what it may come to at the last Oh that unconverted Sinners had but the Integrity of King Abimelech to act according to that Light they have Gen. 20.6 and restraining Grace God affords them which the Lord ca◠Integrity which yet is but moral yet is good so far as it goes and a mean of more 2. Be jealous lest you be mistaken in this point lest you mistake the Nature of this New Creature or lest your own Hearts deceive you for they are deceitful and desperately wicked Jer. 17.9 And Satan will be in danger to cast in a Brat of his own in the room of this New Creature Counterfeit Grace may look like Saving Grace Reformation looks like Regeneration how often is a Bristol Stone taken for a Pearl◠painted Grapes once cheated living Birds yo◠must first get a Scriptural definition of thi◠New Creature To the Law and to the Testimony◠Isa 8.20 Judge your selves by that word tha◠must judge you at the last Day Rom. 2.16 Be afraid of Self-deceit Blessed is he that feareth always you live in the midst of Cheats a deceitful Heart deceivable Lusts a deceitful World and a cunning Devil all set against you and we are apt to believe that to be true we would have to be so but put the case to thy self What if I be mistaken I read of some that think themselves something when they are nothing Gal. 6.3 Others put a false Syllogism upon themselves deceiving their own selves James 1.22 What if this be my case VVhat if I be in a golden Dream imagining I am bound for Heaven when I am descending into the Pit what if I be found without the Oyl of Grace in the Vessel of my Heart a foolish Virgin amongst the wise Mat. 25.1 10. What if I prove the only Guest at the Gospel-feast without a VVedding-Garment Matth. 22.12 13. and be struck speechless Oh what an astonishing disappointment will it be hath none proved such why may not I Some have gone off the Stage with a Lye in their Right hand Isa 44 20-50.11 and have lain down in Sorrow notwithstanding the Sparks of their own kindling O what need have I to fear lest a promise being left of entring into Rest I should really come short of it Heb. 4.1 3. Deal faithfully with your own Souls in self-examination Flatter not your selves but examine not only your Actions but the Internals of your Souls how your Principles are stated you may do it for God hath given you a Self-reflecting Faculty The Spirit of a man is the Candle of the Lord Prov. 20.27 that searcheth the inward parts of the Belly You must do it you are commanded to commune with your own heart to examine your selves Psal 4.4.2 Cor. 13.5 Gal. 6.4 Psal 77.6 prove your work God's Servants have made diligent search and will you continue Strangers to your own Hearts will you be so unkind Neighbours as never to ask your Hearts how they do or will you be put off with afrivolous or delatory Answer Oh Sirs come to a point drive your selves to this Dilemma I am either a New Creature or not a Child of God or of the Devil I am bound either for Heaven or Hell I had not need to hang in suspence about this weighty case I will now put this doubt out of doubt I cannot rest satisfied with uncertainties in so weighty a concern God forbid I should weigh it light or be mistaken I must not take Preparatives for parts of the New Creature the Porch for the House I will try and try again and prove my marks by Scripture-rule and appeal to God for the Sincerity of my Heart Examine me O Lord and prove me and try my Reins and my Heart Psal 26 2. I must be a new Man or no man in Christ I will not be put off with morality or uncertainty irresolvedness breeds disquietness I am determined to make something of it 4. Attend diligently on the most powerful Ministry not such a dull formal heartless Preaching as will rock you asleep in Security or sow Pillows to your Arm-holes Ezek. 13.17 22. Preaching placentia promising Life in a sinful State crying peace peace when God proclaims war against you thousands are undone by Flatteries Oh wait on a rouzing convincing Ministry which is the power of God to Salvation Rom. 1.16 The Seed the proper method of working divine Grace Gal. 4.19 where Christ is formed in Sinners Souls the Glass in which you may behold the Face of your Hearts James 1.25 By which you may be
Cords to hold you in the Devil's Service and drag you down Hâ—llwards Prov. 5.22 This day give an everlasting Farewell to Sin Say to every Idol Get thee hence what have I any more to do with â—ols Isa 30.22 Hos 14.8 If you cannot stâ— up Sin by the Roots yet be sure to cut off its Iâ—ches its true this is not enough but this is soâ—ething and who knows what it may tend to â—nd end in Departing from iniquity 2 Tim. 2. â—â— is one part of the New Creature however you cannot find Mercy except you forsake as well as confess Sin Prov. 28.13 Spare but one Sin and God will not spare thee turn from all Sins and you shall live Ezek. 18.21 If you fall out with Sin there is some hopes and then away with Sinners forsake the foolish and live Prov. 9.6 But a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed Prov. 13.20 There 's no hopes of that Man that delights in vain Company how many have been jear'd or alur'd from hopeful beginnings by loose Companions if ever God begin this New Work upon you this will be the first Evidence of it yea and this is a singular help to it changing your Companions running from the Tents of the Wicked into the Society of the Godly I recommend this in a special manner to all Persons young and old and desire you to read and study Prov. 1.10 to 18. 2.12.20 4.14.18 2 Cor. 6.17 Be sure you joyn with Christian Society open your Cases to them beg their Counsel and Prayers Company is assimilating Sin is infectious Holiness imitable Let Communion of Saints be in your Practice as well as in your Creed New Society is a Sign and Means of new Hearts I despair of your being New Creatures in Old Company 9. Enter into a Solemn Covenant with the Lord by taking God as your chiefest Good and utmost End and by making a Deed of Gift of your selves entirely to the Lord. I shall not much need to inlarge upon this having treated on it fully elsewhere only as its subservient to this design Enter into an Oath and swear the Lord liveth Jer. 4.2 Deut. 26. and avouch him to be yours Do this understandingly solemnly resolutely deliberately Set some time apart set God before thine Eyes make him witness of the singleness of thy Heart that thou takest God the Father to love him trust in him depend on him resign up all to him God the Son as Prophet Priest King to be led by him justified and ruled by his Laws God the Holy Ghost to be enlightned to be fanctified comforted by him and when thou hast thus taken God for thy God and devoted thy self to him Soul and Body thou mayst expect and hope that the Lord will dwell in thee as in his Temple his House cleanse thee from Filthiness adorn thee with Graces enable thee for his Service that all the Persons of the Sacred Trinity will take up their lodging and residence in thy Soul that you may henceforth be an Habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2.20 21 22. This imports the New Creature we are speaking of and this is the way to obtain it To give up your selves to the Lord 2 Cor. 8.5 To be ordered according to his pleasure for his glory that he may be glorified both in Soul and Body which are his 1 Cor. 6.19 20. If thou voluntarily subscribe to the Equity of his Articles taking him with all the Sufferings attending the ways of Religion and yieldest up thy whole Interest to his dispose hating the Sins that he forbids practising the Duties that God commands walking in all the Ways of his appointment in his Worship and Ordinances this this is a coming up to the terms of the Covenant of Grace and then thou shalt have the Graces and Privileges of that Covenant which comprehends this New Creation 10. Down on thy Knees and beg this New Creature at the Hands of God say as David Create in me a clean Heart Oh God and renew a right Spirit within me Psal 51.10 Say Lord I am quite marred in the Old Adam and I cannot help my self Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Not one but thou hast promised in the Gospel to make all things new and in the New Covenant thou promisest a new heart Ezek. 36.6 This is the great Mercy O Lord I want and wait for and I ask thee nothing but what I have under thine own Hand in the Promise Oh that I were partaker of it yea thou hast promised to give thy holy spirit to them that ask it Luke 11.13 Now thy Spirit can sanctifie Hearts as Lightning cleanseth the Air as Fire refines Metals Lord seal up my Soul with the Holy Spirit of Promise set on me thine own Stamp as the Seal leaves its impress on the Wax Lord I shall never be acceptable to thee profitable to Men or comfortable to my self except I be renewed and become a New Creature I cannot without this live to any purpose and I cannot dye with any comfort Objection But God heareth not Sinners their Prayers are abomination Answ If you be resolved to go on in a course of Sinning or pray to gratifie a Lust as a Thief for a Prize you and your Prayers are abominable but if you be repenting returning Sinners and pray for Grace Pardon God will pity you and who knows but he may meet you in Mercy as he did the returning Prodigal Luk. 15.20 Repent then and pray God if perhaps the thoughts of thy Heart may be forgiven thee Acts 8.22 Thou art undone if thou give over Praying many have sped well at his Door and so mayst thou still ask seek and knock Chap. XIII Instructions how those must behave themselves that are indeed New Creatures A Third Head to be insisted upon in this Use of Instruction is to direct sincere Christians that do find by good proof that this New Creature is wrought in them how they should live walk and behave themselves in the World both towards God and Man 1. Use God's appointed means for clearing up the reality of this New Creature it 's one thing to be another thing to know that we are New Creatures Alas some sincere Souls walk at Uncertainties A Letter may be written saith one though it be not sealed So Grace may be writ in the Soul though the Spirit hath not set to its Seal partly to keep the Soul humble partly to punish some Sin But I must not handle the common place of Assurance the possibility the hindrances helps advantages nature or kinds of Assurance but give an hint Are the Figures of Grace ingraven upon the Dial of your Hearts pray and wait for the Sun of Righteousness shining on it that you may better see what time of day it is in your Hearts yet if you grope in the dark you may feel some Characters engraven however give diligence to make first your Calling then your Election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 Your
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
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