Eternal Glorification Begun in Regeneration, Chapter 2

Eternal Glorification Begun in Regeneration · Chapter 2

p. 49CHAP. II. Shewing the abſolute neceſſity of Regeneration.

Q. IS there an abſolute neceſſity of Regeneration?

Anſw. Yea, there is an abſolute neceſſity of it: We have it from the Mouth of Chriſt himſelf in the Text, and verſe 5. Except a man be born again, he cannot ſee the Kingdom of God. And again, Ʋerily, verily, I ſay unto you, except a man be born of Water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. And in verſ. 7. Marvel not that I ſaid unto you, you muſt be born again. And this great Truth is confirmed, as by the ſo often repeating, and reiterating of it, ſo likewiſe by no leſs than four Verities, or Aſſeverations. So that you ſee there is an abſolute neceſſity of it.

But I ſhall not leave it ſo, but further prove and demonſtrate this great Truth, that ſo much, and ſo nearly concerns us all, by ſhewing 1. (The neceſſity of it) from the ends and uſes for which men were created, and are regenerated. 2. From the utter inability and incapacity they are in, to obtain or proſecute thoſe holy Ends of God, whileſt in their unregenerate ſtates. Firſt, let us enquire into the ends and uſes of Gods Creations; his firſt and ſecond Creating work. 1. Here. 2. Hereafter.

1 God created Man in his own Image, Gen. 1.26, p. 5027. He was pleaſed to make us glorious and excellent Creatures indeed. God made man upright, Eccl. 7.29. he ſtampt the impreſſions of his own Wiſdom, Knowledge, Holineſs, and Righteouſneſs on us; he made us capable of knowing, truſting, loving, pleaſing, and enjoying him for ever. God Created us with pure and unſpotted Natures, with free and holy diſpoſitions and inclinations, with all abilities of will and power, to will and do that which was good and pleaſing in his ſight; and as ſuch he delighted in us, and was refreſhed in our Communion with him, Gen. 1.31. God looked on this Noble Piece of his Workmanſhip, and tells us, it was very good; not only good, as his other works were ſaid to be, Gen. 1.18.21. but (ſaith God) they are very good. Hence it is that they are ſaid to be Crown'd with Glory and Honour, Pſal. 8.4, 5. Now in alluſion and conformity to this his firſt Creating of Man, (the Goſpel informs us) is his work in recreating or regenerating him: They are Gods workmanſhip, created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, Eph. 2.10. renewed in knowledge, after the Image of him that created him, Col. 3.10. Eph. 4.24. Sanctified to the Lords uſe, and made partakers of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. Thus the ſecond Greation, or Regeneration, anſwers to the firſt, is commenſurate to it, (although in ſome things, afterward to be ſpoken of, it exceeds it) and is the ſame with it in kind and degree, in likeneſs and reality.

p. 51Secondly, The ends of both theſe Creations are the ſame; namely, to glorifie God, and enjoy him for ever, Iſa. 43.21. This people have I formed for my ſelf, they ſhall ſhew forth my praiſe, 2 Cor. 5.15. That they which live ſhould not henceforth live unto themſelves, but unto God, 1 Cor. 10.31. Whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God. And as to glorifie him, by living to him, ſo alſo to live with him, and enjoy him for ever, 1 Theſ. 4.17. Joh. 17.24. 2 Cor. 5.1-6. But more particularly.

1 They were at firſt created in the Image of God, to hold forth the great and diſtinguiſhing goodneſs of God to them, beyond what it was to other Creatures; for the Excellency and Glory of their Make, and Nature, their ſtate and capacity, loudly proclaims the Wiſdom, Power, Soveraignty, and Goodneſs of God to them. All Creatures were as Clay in the hand of the Potter, in his Eye and Hand, to make and form of it what manner of Creatures he pleaſed, But he was pleaſed to make and form Man of the dust of the ground, put a reaſonable Soul into him, and ſtamp his own Image of Knowledge, Righteouſneſs, and Holineſs upon him, that in this ſtate and condition he might commend and ſhew forth the tranſcendent and glorious Excellency of the Maker. Thus Man is ſaid to be the Image and Glory of God, 1 Cor. 11.7. ſo in Regeneration God declares and holds forth his diſtinguiſhing Love, Wiſdom, Power, and Soveraign Grace, his Holineſs, p. 52and Righteouſneſs, by reſtoring them to their Primitive ſtate, and reſtamping his Image upon them, after they had wickedly and ſhamefully defaced, and utterly marr'd it, by their own wicked inventions, Eccl. 7. ult. and that when they were his vile and hateful Enemies, Rom. 5.10. By this work of God on them whom he Regenerates, he holds forth his Soveraign Attributes, eſpecially his Soveraign Love and Power, diſtinguiſhing Goodneſs, and the exceeding riches of his Grace, Eph. 2.4, 5. Rom. 9.23, 24. Rom. 11.33. Eph. 1.19, 20. This is one of the glorious ends of God in Regenerating men.

2 That they might truſt in, and live upon him. This is a homage which all reaſonable Creatures do owe to their Soveraign Creator, namely, to truſt him with the keeping of themſelves, commit all to him, and relye upon him for all things, 1 Pet. 4. ult. It was one of the Natural Laws that was concreated with them, and put into their hearts in their firſt make, to live always in a dependency on their Creator. For although God made Man a perfect Creature, filled him with his Grace, and adorned him with his Image, yet he was but a Creature, and he was always to live and have his dependency on God for his ſubſiſtance, and not to ſtand and continue in that ſtate, from and by himſelf, but to depend wholly on him that made him. This he was bound to do, not only in point of prudence, for his own ſecurity and p. 53peace, but in point of duty, as that which he was indiſpenſably bound unto by the Law of his Creation. His neglect of his duty in this, occaſioned his Dreadful Fall, which ruined him, (I mean Adam) and all his Poſterity. The ſame end doth God Regenerate men for, namely, that they may believe in Jeſus Chriſt, and in God the Father by him, Joh. 14.1. 1 Pet. 1.21. that they may truſt, commit themſelves to him, and live in a conſtant dependence on him, Iſa. 26.4. Pſal. 37.3.5. Therefore doth he infuſe his Faith into them, when he Regenerates them, Col. 1.12. and writes this Law in their hearts, that they may obey it, Jer. 31.33. Heb. 10.16.

3 They were at firſt Created to love God, with all their hearts, and chiefeſt, ſtrongeſt, and warmeſt love; that they might eſteem and love him as their higheſt and chiefeſt good, and ſingular Object of all their affections. This Law of our Creation we have expreſt in Matth. 22.37. Thou ſhalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, and with all thy Soul, and with all thy Mind. So likewiſe this is Gods End in his ſecond Creation, or Regeneration; and therefore doth he circumciſe their hearts to love him, Deut. 30.6. writes this Law in their hearts, and ſheds it abroad into them, in Regeneration, Rom. 5.5. that they may love him aright, and that with his own love, without which they cannot do it.

4 The Lord Created Man to fear him, to reverence and ſtand in awe of him, as their great p. 54Soveraign Lord and King. This Law was created with them, and written in their hearts, until ſin had defaced and blotted it out. This Law is alſo written in the Bible, that men may remember what was written in their hearts in their Creation, and know their duty, and one of the ends for which they were Created, how they have loſt it, and to provoke them to endeavour the recovery of it. How often have we this Law expreſt in Scripture, Thou ſhalt fear the Lord thy God; thou ſhalt ſtand in awe, and ſin not, Deut. 6.13.24. Deut. 10.12.20. Pſal. 2.11. Pſal. 4.4. 1 Pet. 2.17. It is a holy fear, not a perplexing and heart-diſquieting fear that is commanded; it is a fear that is not an Adverſary to Faith and Love, as the forbidden fear is, but it is uſeful for us, and helpful to all other Graces. Now in Regeneration God puts this fear into our hearts, Jer. 32.39, 40. that we may ſerve the Lord with reverence, and godly fear, Heb. 12.28. that we may not ſin, or depart from God, Jer. 32. I will put my fear into their hearts, and they ſhall not depart from me. But I muſt haſten.

5 God Created Man to obey him, and yield him free, loving, and chearful ſubjection and obedience. He formed them for his Subjects and Children, that they ſhould ſubject themſelves unto his Laws and Authority, and yield or give to him the obedience of Subjects to their Soveraign, and of Children to their Creator and Begetter; and accordingly they were Created with the Principle and p. 55Power of obedience; and to this Created Principle God preſently added a poſitive Law, to try and exerciſe their obedience unto God, Gen. 2.16, 17. But of the Tree of Knowledge, thou ſhalt not eat of it, nor touch it. The Image of God, in which Adam, (and we in him) were Created, was ſuch, as fully enabled him and us, had we kept it, to have yielded all heart and practical obedience unto his whole will; he wanted nothing to help him, but he had all Grace in perfection to obey and conform to the whole Will of God, at all times: But Sin rooted the Principle and Power of Heart-obedience quite out of us; ſo that men have now neither will nor power to obey the Will of God, until they are regenerated by Grace. But that God might not looſe this End (altogether) for which he created Man, he is pleaſed, of his meer Grace, to Regenerate and renew ſome of Mankind, and thereby frame and mould them to ſuch obedience, as he at firſt intended them for; for men cannot, neither will they obey, until Grace hath reſtored this old Power and Principle of obedience which they had loſt. And therefore he Regenerates and infuſes this Power and Principle into men, to make them willing Subjects, and obedient Children, 1 Pet. 1.14. Rom. 6.16, 17, 22. This was Gods End in ſending Paul to convert the Gentiles, Rom. 15.18. and this is powerfully effected in men, in and by the work of Regeneration.

p. 566 That they might ſerve and worſhip him, according to his revealed will. God made men to worſhip and ſerve him externally, as well as internally, by loving, fearing him, and the like. Chriſt mentions this in Matth. 4.10. when the Devil deſired external worſhip from him; It is written, thou ſhalt worſhip the Lord thy God. They were created in the Image of God, to ſerve him with fear, that is, to worſhip God, Pſal. 2.11. Heb. 12.28. Now God Regenerates men, that they may by his Grace be enabled to do and perform that worſhip to him, which he at firſt created them for, and the Law of their Creation enjoyns them to; that is, to worſhip God in Spirit and Truth, for ſuch (Chriſt tells us) the Father ſeeks to worſhip him, John 4.23, 24. God works them for this ſelf-ſame thing, (though not only for it) ſays Paul, 2 Cor. 5.5. Regeneration makes men, together with the help of the Spirit, worſhip God according to his own Will and appointment, ſpiritually, holily, and acceptably through Jeſus Chriſt, Heb. 12.28. 1 Pet. 2.5. Rom. 12.1. But aſſuredly there are not any ſuch Worſhippers in the World, but Regenerate perſons; for all other men do what they do, in the Worſhip of God, without the Grace and Spirit of God; and therefore cannot worſhip him in Spirit and Truth.

7 God created Man in his own Image, that they might know him; and therefore gave them a ſufficient light to ſee by, and eyes to uſe p. 57that light; revealed and made known himſelf unto them, that they might clearly ſee him, and always have him, and his Will in their eyes. The Image of God was Light and Knowledge, as well as Righteouſneſs and Holineſs; and therefore Adam knew, and ſaw God ſo far, as a Man was, or in that ſtate could be capable of knowing him; which as it aggravated his ſin, ſo it heightned his happineſs while he kept it. The knowledge of God was abſolutely neceſſary to help him (and us in him) to truſt, love, fear, and obey him; ſo likewiſe to adore and admire him, and to worſhip and ſerve him as our God: But the knowledge of God being loſt, God hath provided means for the retriving of ſome, and bringing them to the knowledge of himſelf again; and this is done by Regeneration. Hence they are renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created them, Col. 3.10. Eph. 4. And Paul ſaith, God that commanded light to ſhine out of darkneſs, hath ſhined in mens hearts, to give them the knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Chriſt, 2 Cor. 4.6. The having of this knowledge, is Life Eternal, Joh. 17.3. For this end God opened Pauls eyes, Acts 22.14. and for this end he opens others eyes alſo; and until men are Regenerated, they are in darkneſs, and know not God, nor Chriſt the Mediator; and therefore regenerates men, that they may know both, and whatever elſe is neceſſary to be known. Men are like Moles and Bruits without the knowledge p. 58of God, Jeſus Chriſt, his Grace and Laws.

8 God Created Man, to make him the Object of his Love, Delight, Complacency, and Communion; and therefore made him in his own likeneſs, Gen. 5.1. beautified him with his own Image and Nature, Gen. 1.27. 2 Pet. 1.4. that thereby he might make him a lovely and ſuitable Object for thoſe ends. Man was the Flower, Crown, and Quinteſcence of the whole Creation, not ſo much becauſe he had a Reaſonable Soul, and a more Noble Nature, but becauſe he was created in the Image of God. God puts the Accent on that part of his Workmanſhip ſeveral times, Gen. 1.26, 27.5. 1. Eccl. 7. ult. to which the Apoſtle alludes, Col. 3.10. This was the Creature that God ſaw very good, as fitted for theſe ends, namely, to be the objects of his love and delight, Gen. 1.31. God made them after his own Heart, meet and anſwerable to his gracious purpoſes and intentions; but man quickly marr'd and diſrobed himſelf, and thereby made himſelf utterly uncapable and unworthy of Gods Delight, Complacency, and Communion; ſo that now God had not a Creature left in the World to delight in, and have Communion withal. But that he might not be altogether deſtitute of ſome to take up withal, he choſe a certain number, with a deſign to make them Veſſels of Honour, and to prepare them for this his ſpecial uſe, namely, to be his Companions, to ſolace himſelf p. 59with them, and rejoyce in them, as with his Friends and Lovers, Zeph. 3.17. Iſa. 63.3, 4. The Book of Canticles abundantly declares it. Now this he doth accompliſh in and upon them, in and by Regeneration, or making them New Creatures. By Regeneration, God in meaſure and degree, reſtores to them what they ſinfully loſt, by their Rebellion againſt, and Apoſtacy from God, and repoſes them with, and of his Grace and Nature, which they had deprived themſelves of; by which they loſt that love, delight, and complacency that God had to, and in them, and that Communion he had with them whileſt they kept their integrity, and intended them for, in creating them. I ſay, God reſtores to them, and creates in them that which will for ever make them lovely and delightful unto him, by regenerating them; he puts his Grace and Spirit into them, Ezek. 36.25, 26, 27. ſtamps and impreſſes his own glorious Nature and Image on them, Col. 3.10. imputes the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt to them, 2 Cor. 5. ult. and infuſes his Holineſs into the whole man, and ſo makes them lovely and beautiful, by the comelineſs that he hath of his own put upon them, Ezek. 16.14. Then he loves and delights, then he takes complacency in them, and then he enters into, and holds communion with them with ſatisfaction, for his own Image and Grace ſake, as well as for his own love, and Sons ſake, Joh. 13.1. Pro. 8.17. Joh. 14.21.23. Pro. 15.8. Zeph. 3.17. Iſa. 63.3, 4. p. 601 Joh. 1.3. 1 Cor. 1.9. Theſe are ſome, but not all the Ends of God in regenerating men, which muſt be obtained in this world. But beſides theſe that concern this life, there are others that concern Chriſt his coming, and the Eternal ſtates of Gods Elect. A word of theſe, and I have done with this.

1 The Elect are the Spouſes of Chriſt, by Chriſts Purchaſe, and Gods Gift to him, they were given to him, Joh. 6.37. Joh. 10.29. that he might Marry them, and take them into a Conjugal Relation (as you have heard before) in purſuance of Gods Ends in giving them to Chriſt, he pays a price for them, and purchaſes them for himſelf; (for although they are ſaid to be given to Chriſt, yet he could not get them out of Priſon, but by paying their debts, and full ranſom, which Divine Juſtice demanded, 1 Cor. 6.20.) and then comes and requires his own, and contracts, and takes them to himſelf; and by regenerating them, he ſhews himſelf unto them, and acquaints them with himſelf, perſwades them to conſent to his Propoſals, and chuſe him for their Husband; and ſo by his Grace in their hearts, they freely, willingly, and chearfully give their conſent, and Chriſt and they do mutually give themſelves to each other, and take each other into a Matrimonial ſtate and reſolution. This cannot be done without Regeneration; for men are not adorn'd with a perſonal lovelineſs, and made meet for Chriſt, until they are made partakers p. 61of the Divine Nature, and are beautified with his Image, which makes them meet Companions for him: So they will by no means be perſwaded to conſent to have him for their Head and Husband, and reſign up themſelves unto him, until they have their hearts and ſtates changed, by his Spirit and Grace, in Regeneration. And therefore, I ſay, that Regeneration is abſolutely neceſſary to bring perſons into a Conjugal Relation to Chriſt.

But yet there is more to be done than what I have yet ſaid, and which I aim at in what I have ſpoken, namely, that the Contracted Bride is to make her ſelf ready for the great Marriage day, or for the compleatment of the Marriage Solemnities, which ſhall be at Chriſt his ſecond Perſonal coming, when he ſhall receive his Bride unto himſelf, and carry her home to his own Royal Palace in State and Glory, John 14.3. Revel. 19.1-8. Matth. 25.31, 32. For this day, and the great Solemnity of it, Chriſt muſt have his Bride in a state and practical readineſs, to meet her Bridegroom in the Clouds, where he will come with his Attendants in great State, and ſend his Angels for his Bride to come to him; where he will wait to receive and imbrace her, and then will the Lord make his great Feast, called the Supper of the Lamb, and a Feaſt of fat things; to which Feaſt and Marriage ſhe muſt come ready deckt, with all her Ornaments and Wedding Garments, that ſhe p. 62may be ſuitable unto her Husband. For what hath been ſaid, ſee theſe Scriptures, Matth. 25.32, 33, 34. 1 Theſ. 4.16, 17. Rev. 19.9.17. Iſa. 25.6. Now, I ſay, the Lord Jeſus exhorts her, or them, to get and make themſelves ready for his coming, Matth. 24.44. Luke 12.35, 36. 2 Pet. 3.11, 12. Matth. 25.10, 11, 12, 13, 14. that he may praiſe and commend her, bleſs and reward her, Revel. 19.7. Matth. 24.46.

Now this cannot be done without Regeneration, for that is their Ornament, Beauty, Honour, and Glory. Without Regeneration they are not fit for Contraction, much leſs can they make themſelves ready for the great Wedding day, and the glorious Solemnity and ſtate thereof. The Lord Jeſus will have but uncomely, black, and dirty Spouſes of us, without Regeneration, notwithſtanding our Election.

2 Full and everlaſting fruition of, and Communion with the great and holy God. This is the promiſed and deſigned ſtate and portion of all Gods Elect number, and this they are and ſhall be fitted for by Regeneration. Election is the deſigning and appointing us to that happineſs; Regeneration is the preparing and meeting us for the enjoyment of it. Election is the cauſes or Spring of Regeneration, and Regeneration is the fruit of Election; but the fruition and eternal enjoyment of God in Heaven, is the end of both. Men are no more capable of living in the preſence p. 63and enjoyment of God, in their ſtate of ſin, than Swine are to live in a Kings Palace, or Earthly Bodies in the Sun. Regenerate perſons ſhall meet the Lord in the Air, and for ever be with him, 1 Theſ. 4.17. They ſhall ſee him as he is, 1 Joh. 3.2. and face to face, as Paul ſpeaks, 1 Cor. 13.12. and they ſhall live with Chriſt for evermore, in perfect holineſs, joy, and glory, Matth. 25. ult. But this men cannot do nor obtain without Regeneration. (1.) Becauſe of the unſuitableneſs of unregenerate mens hearts, unto ſo glorious a ſtate of holineſs, honour, and dignity. (2.) Becauſe God is a holy God. He is glorious in Holineſs, yea, Holineſs its ſelf, and no uncircumciſed heart can be admitted into his preſence, and men in their unchanged ſtates are an abomination unto him, who is the Fountain of Holineſs. (3.) Becauſe it is Gods own Ordinance, which ſhall ſtand faſt to all Generations, namely, that Regeneration ſhall precede and prepare the way to Glory, and the everlaſting fruition and enjoyment of God, John 3.3.5.7. Rom. 8.29, 30. It is Gods filed, ſtated way with men, that they muſt have their fruit unto holineſs here, before they can enjoy Communion in Heaven with him hereafter; and it is Regeneration that puts men into a ſtate of holineſs here, to qualifie and prepare them for Eternal Glory, and Communion with the Father and Son in another World.

Thus I have preſented you with the firſt p. 64grand reaſon or ground of the neceſſity of Regeneration, namely, the uſes and ends God deſigns men to in their firſt and ſecond Creation. Now in the ſecond place, I am to ſhew you the neceſſity of Regeneration, from the ſtate whereinto Sin hath plunged us, or by ſhewing our weakneſs, wilfulneſs, averſeneſs, and utter inability, to obtain and proſecute thoſe holy Ends of God without Regeneration. Both Scripture and Experience will afford us ſufficient proofs of this.

Firſt then, we are in groſs and palpable darkneſs, (as hath been ſhewed) we are in our ſinful ſtate, not only in the dark, but we are in darkneſs, Eph. 5.8. This is called groſs darkneſs, to ſhew that it is exceeding great, Iſa. 60.2. yea, it is ſaid, that we are full of darkneſs, and in great darkneſs, Matth. 6.23. And the god of this World (is ſaid) to bring us into, and keep us in it, 2 Cor. 4.4. It is ſuch a darkneſs and blindneſs, as that men know not where they are, what they are, nor where they are going. How then can they anſwer or proſecute Gods Ends, in Creating them in his own Image, without Regeneration; and therefore they ſtand in abſolute need of Regeneration, to make them Children of Light, Eph. 5.8. ſuch as the Apoſtle tells us the Theſſalonians were by Regeneration, 1 Theſ. 5.5. Men are commanded to walk as Children of Light, 1 Theſ. 5.8. which Regenerating Light enables them to do. It is only Regenerating Light and Knowledge that ſhews men the p. 65way wherein they ſhould walk, and the things that they ſhould believe and do, in order to Eternal Happineſs, and without which they ſtumble, fall, and periſh.

2 Let us take a further view of the condition, and the utter incapacity we are in by Nature, to anſwer or reach the ends of our firſt Creation, and the ends and uſes which God deſigned us to, in forming and making us in his own Image and Likeneſs, that thereby we may ſee the neceſſity of Regeneration, for the reſtoring us (in meaſure) to our Primitive ſtate, and capacitating us to attain thoſe ends, and ſerve his deſigns, which we are, on many accounts, indiſpenſably bound to do. I ſhall therefore preſent your unregenerate condition unto you, for your conviction and quickning, yet further; and that with all poſſible brevity. 2. We are by ſin fallen from God, and become real ſtrangers to him; we have loſt him in the Fogs of Luſts and Blindneſs. Ever ſince we were caſt out of Paradiſe for ſin, we have been wandring in the Wilderneſs and howling Deſarts, and are Strangers and Forreigners to God, and our ſelves, Eph. 2.12.19. and alſo to all happineſs, and true bleſſedneſs.

3 By Nature we are averſe, and unwilling to know our ſtates, ſins, and wickedneſs, our miſery and wretchedneſs, and the right way to obtain deliverance from, and out of them; as alſo to know Chriſt, and true Holineſs, and moſt of all, to cloſe, comply, and joyn Iſſues with God in his own way for our Salvation. p. 66For although we are exceeding ſinful and wretched, and God hath told us ſo plainly and particularly, and hath alſo ſhewed us the way to eſcape, held out the Golden Scepter to us, and proffered us his Hand to help us out, yet we ſhut our eyes, and ſtop our ears againſt him, and his favours, and refuſe to accept his kindneſs and gracious proffers, until Regeneration changes us, and gives us new Spirits, Matth. 23.37. Joh. 5.4. Pro. 1.24. ult.

4 By Nature we are most vile, filthy, abominable, and loathſome Creatures, laden with ſins, lying in our blood unwaſhed, full of all manner of Leprous ſpots, and accurſed Plagueſores; hateful and contemptible; compared to Dogs, Swine, Serpents, Vipers, and Adders. Oh how doth the Holy Ghoſt in Scripture ſet us out, and decipher us? Rom. 3.10-20. Tit. 1. ult. Rev. 3.17. Rev. 22.11.13. Matth. 23.33. Ezek. 16.2-11. Iſa. 1. Matth. 7.6. Eph. 2. with innumerable other like them.

5 By Nature we are without ſtrength; we are as weak as water; we are ſo impotent, as that we cannot help our ſelves, nor do any thing aright that God commands; for by ſin we loſt all our ſpiritual ſtrength and ability to do good, or obey any Command of God. By ſin we depraved and deprived our ſelves of Light, Life, Holineſs, Strength, and whatever was created with, or given to us, in our Creation and firſt make, all is demoliſhed and ruined, Rom. 5.6. Rom. 8.3. Therefore in Regeneration men receive new ſtrength and power from God to obey, Phil. 2.13.

p. 676 By Nature we are Servants to the Devil, and our own Luſts, Rebels and Enemies to and againſt God (as was ſhewed before.) We have choſen the ſervice of Luſts and Satan, and are well pleaſed and contented with it, do it moſt willingly and readily, and are not weary of it; but againſt God we lift up the heel, and kick, throw off his Yoke, and reject his Authority over us, in his Laws and Statutes, Joh. 8.44. Deut. 32. Eph. 2.2. Pſal. 2. Rom. 6.

7 By Nature we are lovers of ſin, and haters of God, 2 Tim. 3.4. Rom. 1.30. We ſin upon choice, Iſa. 66.3. and are greatly delighted with it, Pro. 2.14. As the Law of God is to Believers, namely, their joy and delight, Rom. 7.22. Pſal. 1.2. ſo is ſin and wickedneſs to Unbelievers, whileſt ſuch; they rejoyce not only to be evil, but alſo to do it, and to work it, or in it, with both hands, Jer. 11.15. It is their meat and drink, their pleaſure and ſatisfaction to ſin, and wallow in the Mire of one or other abomination.

8 By Nature we are dead in ſins and treſpaſſes, Eph. 2.1.5. and live ſtinking above ground, like filthy Carrion. We are unſenſible of our ſin and miſery, or of the wrong we have done to God, Men, and our own Souls. We are all by Nature like ſome condemned Malefactors, who are not touched with their Guilt or Puniſhment: Neither Gods Truths, Promiſes, Precepts, or Threatnings; neither his Judgments or Mercies, will pierce or make any ſaving impreſſions on us.

9 By Nature we are void of all Grace. We p. 68have neither Faith to believe, nor Affection to love God; we neither will that which is good, nor believe that which is true, nor yet love that which is lovely, although we are indiſpenſably bound to do it, in order to Eternal Life. He that believeth not ſhall be damned, Mark 16.16. and if any man love not ou… Lord Jeſus, namely, in ſincerity, let him be accurſed, 1 Cor. 16.22. Eph. 6. ult. Therefore we ſtand in abſolute need of Regeneration, that we may be enabled to believe in, and love Chriſt aright.

10 And laſtly; By Nature we do not ſo much as deſire to be made happy, by Free Grace, in the Lords own way. A happineſs indeed we do deſire, but then we would obtain it in our own way, which will not do it. What men deſire, that they chuſe to, and for themſelves; they deſire happineſs, and deſire and chuſe their ow… way to it, Iſa. 66.3. Rom. 10.3. There is a way that ſeemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death: So we read it, but J. and T. render it, Cujus finis eſt via multiplex as Mortem; the end of that ſeeming right way is manifold, or leads men divers ways to death and deſtruction, Pro. 14.12. and yet it ſeems the right way unto them, towards the obtainment of happineſs: But ſuch is our Depravity, Stupidity, Atheiſm, and Blindneſs, as that we ſee not, deſire not to know the right way to it, neither are we freely willing to find and get it, in the ways God hath appointed. God hath appointed Faith in Chriſt, Repentance towards God, Acts 20.21. and Goſpel-Holineſs, p. 69Rom. 6.22. Heb. 14.14. to be the way to happineſs; but men will rather loſe their happineſs, than have it in theſe ways of Gods own appointment: They will have God to bow and condeſcend to them, but they will not bend to, nor comply with the will and way of God; ſo that if God will ſave them, it muſt be on their own terms, not Gods; for they do by no means like or deſire to win Heaven by Self-denial, Faith, Repentance, true Holineſs, and Goſpel-obedience, but in the way of their own hearts, Eccl. 11.9. The way of Gods preſcribing is contrary to their Luſts, Humours, Inclinations, Intereſts, and Affections. Happineſs they would have, but with all theſe. They do not account their obtainment of happineſs, of that weight and moment, as to deny themſelves of theſe to get it. All the Moral perſwaſions in the World will not make them change their minds; but that they may be happy on other and eaſier terms than, God propounds unto them. In Job 21.14. there is this deſcription given of us, as in our Natural ſtates; They ſay to God, depart from us, for we deſire not the knowledge of thy ways; that is, the ways of God, which are appointed by God to lead and conduct men to Eternal Happineſs. Now if men do not ſo much as deſire happineſs, much leſs will or can they ſeriouſly ſeek it in the Lords way; without which, yea, and alſo ſtriving for it, men ſhall not find, nor obtain it, Luke 13.24. 1 Cor. 9.24. Thus we may ſee (by theſe few things) the neceſſity of Regeneration, p. 70from the ſtate and condition we are all in by Nature. I have ſaid but little of what I could ſay of this matter; but I think I have ſaid enough to evince and prove the abſolute neceſſity of a new ſtate, by what hath been ſaid of our old; how unable and uncapable we are to anſwer, cloſe up with, proſecute and obtain the ends of God in our firſt Make, or his knowing us in his own Image and Likeneſs, without Regeneration. How utterly unable we are to ſerve his holy deſigns, without his ſpecial Grace, renewing and new moulding us for his own glorious ends and purpoſes, which is done by Regeneration.

Q. What have you elſe to offer for the further demonſtrating and proving this great Truth, namely, the abſolute neceſſity of Regeneration, for our fuller information and conviction: for it is a hard matter to believe it, and there are but few that do believe what you have already ſaid; yea, there are many that preach quite contrary Doctrine, and perſwade men that they are Regenerated, in, and by their Water Baptiſm; and therefore they need no other Regeneration?

Anſw. I ſhall therefore further prove and demonſtrate this Truth to you, and ſhew you the abſolute neceſſity of it, in theſe following particulars.

1 No man can know Jeſus Chriſt rightly and ſavingly, without Regeneration; therefore Regeneration is abſolutely neceſſary for the right knowledge, or of knowing Chriſt, which is Life Eternal, Joh. 17.3. And that we cannot p. 71ſo know him until we are Regenerated, hath been already proved: For we are darkneſs, Eph. 5.8. and walk in darkneſs, becauſe darkneſs hath blinded our eyes, 1 Joh. 2.11.

2 No man can rightly believe in Chriſt, and in God the Father, without Regeneration; and therefore it is abſolutely needful, It is abſolutely neceſſary to Salvation that we do rightly believe, becauſe it is Gods Statute Law, that ſuch as do not ſo believe, ſhall not ſee life, but the wrath of God abideth on them, Joh. 3.36. Now that none believe in Chriſt unto Salvation, is evident, becauſe our ſin and Gods Curſe hath concluded, or (foreign) ſhut up all in unbelief, and believing is of Grace, Act. 1.18.2.1.

3 No man can rightly repent of his ſins without Regeneration; therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary for Repentance. Now true Repentance is abſolutely neceſſary to Salvation; for God hath determined, that except we repent, we ſhall all periſh, Luke 13.3.5. and that none can truly and ſavingly repent without the Grace of God in Regeneration, is evident, becauſe the Scripture ſaith, We are under hardneſs of heart, in our unregenerate ſtates, Ezek. 3.7. Mark 3.5. Rom. 2.5. Matth. 19.8. And alſo becauſe Repentance unto Life, is the ſpecial gift of God, Acts 5.31. Acts 11.18.

4 No man can deny himſelf aright, for Chriſt, Grace, and Holineſs, without Regeneration; therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary for Self-denial. Now Self-denial is abſolutely neceſſary to Salvation, and in order thereunto, of being Chriſts Diſciples, Luke 14.26. Mark 8.34. p. 72And that Regeneration is as neceſſary to Self-denial, appears thus; becauſe men have much more content and ſatisfaction in what they ſhould forgo and part withal, than in Chriſt, Holineſs, and Salvation, which they muſt ſell, or leave for the obtainment of; and they ſeem to ſee a greater happineſs in keeping their Luſts, Righteouſneſs, Eaſe, and Intereſts, than in all that they may gain by exchanging what they have in poſſeſſion, for that which is offered them; and who will part with a certain and ſeemingly greater good, for that which they account more uncertain, and of leſſer value? Thus is their caſe, and thus do they abſurdly (in this matter) reaſon, as you may read Luke, 18.22, 23. Luke 14.17-21. Men will never learn, neither can they freely practiſe the Doctrine and Duty of abſolutely neceſſary Self-denial, until the Grace of God in Regeneration hath wrought them for it.

5 No man can really mortifie his luſts without Regeneration; therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary. Now this muſt be done by God and us, or we ſhall be everlaſtingly undone, Rom. 8.13. Col. 3.5. Micah 7.18, 19. And that we cannot, will not do it, until we are New Creatures, is clear; for till then we are in love and league with them, make proviſion for them, as for Friends and Lovers, and have nothing, no Principle of Grace and Power, to do ſuch a work withal; and will want a will to will it, an eye to ſee, and a hand to take hold of, and uſe the Sword that muſt do it, 2 Tim. 3.4. Rom. 13. ult. 1 Joh. 1.7.

p. 736 No man can love God aright without Regeneration; therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary. It is abſolutely needful that we love the Lord Jeſus in ſincerity, as we would avoid the great Curſes, Eph. 6. ult. 1 Cor. 16.22. and this is done by the love of God ſhed abroad in our hearts in Regeneration, Deut. 30.6. Rom. 5.5. without which we cannot ſo love him; for we have no ſuch love in our hearts before Regeneration, but are ſwallowed up in, and with Self-love, with the entire love of our Luſts, Profits, Pleaſures, and Carnal Delights.

7. No man can be united to, and made one with Chriſt, without Regeneration. We are not tranſplanted out of the old Adams Stock into Chriſt, the Heavenly Stock, without Regeneration, but in and by it we are. We are not born (at firſt) living Members of his Body, but are made ſuch by Regeneration, (as was ſhewed.) This alſo is abſolutely neceſſary to Salvation: For all Profeſſors of Chriſt, that hang about him only, and are not grafted into him, ſhall be caſt into Hell Fire, Joh. 15.6. Heb. 6.6, 7.

8 No man can make God his only truſt, and live in a continual dependence on him, without Regeneration. This we are all bound to do, at all times, in all ſtates and conditions, Pſal. 62.8. Pro. 3.5. but we cannot do it without the great change; for we have not the Grace to do it withal, until the Holy Ghoſt convey it into us, by Regenerating us: Till then our Stays are broken Reeds, and on the broken Staff of Egypt do we reſt our ſelves; there p. 74do we repoſe our ſelves, and from them do we expect protection, aid, and ſuccour; but we look not to, nor relye upon the Holy One of Iſrael in truth, but caſt him out of our conſideration.

9 No man can pray or worſhip God in a right manner, without Regeneration; therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary. Until men are Regenerated, they have neither the grace nor ſpirit of Prayer; and therefore cannot poſſibly pray according to the Will of God, nor perform any part of Divine Worſhip, ſo as to pleaſe God, and be accepted of him. God gives men his Spirit of Grace, and the Grace of the Spirit in Regeneration, to enable them to worſhip him ſpiritually and rightly, ſo as to pleaſe and honour him; and therefore they cannot ſo worſhip God, before they are Regenerate, Zach. 12.10. Joh. 16.7, 8. Acts 9. Rom. 8.26, 27.

10 No man can obey God, or ſerve him with Goſpel filial obedience, without he be Regenerated; therefore Regeneration is abſolutely neceſſary to make us obedient to the Will of God. Men without Regenerating Grace may do what God Commands, and the matter of Duty, but they cannot do it dutifully, with Heart-ſubjection to the Will of God, becauſe he hath ſo commanded; for they are ſervants to Sin, and obey their Luſts, and the Devil, Rom. 6.16, 17. Joh. 8.44. It is Regeneration that conforms the whole man to the Will of God, and makes them real obedient Servants and Children, and nothing leſs will do it, Rom. 15.18.

p. 7511 No man can be related to Christ in any ſpecial or peculiar Relation. No man can be the Child of God, or Spouſe of Chriſt, without Regeneration; and then they cannot be obedient Children, nor Spouſes, as they muſt be, if ever ſaved, 1 Pet. 1.14. It is Regeneration that begets men to God, and raiſes up, or brings forth Children for him, 1 Pet. 1.3.14. It is Regeneration that diſpoſes men for, and Marries them to Chriſt, 2 Cor. 11.2. And therefore they are not, neither may they claim the names or priviledges of Gods Children, or Chriſts Spouſes, until they are Regenerated and born again; they are neither adopted Children, nor contracted Spouſes, until Regeneration.

12 No man can have dominion over all his luſts without Regeneration, neither can they curb and keep them under, until they are Regenerate; their Luſts have dominion over them, and they ſerve and obey them, Eph. 2.3. Rom. 6.16, 17. But ever after Regeneration, they have dominion over their luſts, Rom. 6.14. They are enabled by Regeneration to Reign over, and trample on the Necks of thoſe Enemies that had dominion over them all the days of their unregeneracy.

13 No man can live to God, and make it his whole buſineſs and endeavour ſo to do, until they are Regenerated. This is done by Grace after Regeneration, but never before; for all men have loſt their will and power to do it, which is reſtored to them in Regeneration, (as was ſhewed.) The great end of Man was to p. 76live to, and walk with God, 2 Cor. 2.15. Eph. 1.4. but men in their old ſtate do devote themſelves to live wholly and only to themſelves, and not at all to God.

14 No man can be made free of the Heavenly City, and Spiritual Corporation, nor be ſet at liberty from bondage and thraldome, but in and by Regeneration. All men are (by Nature) in bondage to the Devil and Luſts, (as you heard before) but Regeneration is the year or day of Releaſe and Enlargement to impriſoned Souls; for then comes Jeſus Chriſt, opens the Priſon doors, and brings out his Priſoners, Joh. 8.36. Gal. 5.1.13. until then they lye in the Dungeon of darkneſs, bound hand and foot with Fetters of Iron, and ſhut in, under Impenitency, Ignorance, and Ʋnbelief, and cannot get forth, until the Jubilee comes and proclaims Liberty to them, Iſa. 61.1, 2. Zach. 2.11. Then are they made Free Citizens of the New Jeruſalem, and have their Freedom given them, to live and Trade in Heaven for heavenly and everlaſting Commodities, Eph. 2.19. Phil. 3.20. Behold the neceſſity then of Regeneration.

15 No man can be actually and perſonally juſtified, pardoned, and acquitted, without Regeneration, but are held under the Guilt and Curſe of the Law; for they muſt firſt believe unto Juſtification of life, before they can obtain a diſcharge, and take out an Acquittance under the Hand and Seal of the Holy Ghoſt, Eph. 1.13. Rom. 5.18. but this they cannot do, for want of Faith, until they are p. 77Regenerated, and thereby made partakers of this glorious Grace.

16 No man can fear God aright, namely, with a godly filial fear, nor indeed can he ſtand in awe of God, and ſin not, or walk in the fear of God all the day long, as commanded, Pro. 23.17. Pſal. 4.4. until they be Regenerated; for who can ſo fear and reverence God, until God put it into his heart to do it, Jer. 32.39, 40. for if they could, and had they wherewithal to do it without this Grace of God, to what purpoſe hath God promiſed to do it himſelf, and declared it to be a choiſe and ſingular Gift and Grace of his own giving and working in their hearts? I will (ſays God) put my fear into their hearts, that they may not depart from me, and that they may fear me for ever. And how can men fear God with a filial or Child-like fear, until they are made Children by Regeneration, and begotten again by his Word and Spirit, 1 Pet. 1.3. Jam. 1.18. Joh. 3.5.

17 No man can make the Glory of God his greateſt end and aim, and really deſign to pleaſe and honour God, in his words and deeds, without Regeneration; therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary. We are indiſpenſably bound to make God the chief and great aim and end of all our undertakings, and to ſeek, deſign, and endeavour with all poſſible ſeriouſneſs and diligence, to pleaſe, honour, and exalt him, 1 Cor. 10.31. Col. 3.23. Pro. 3.9. Col. 1.10. 1 Theſ. 4.1. But this we cannot do, until a new Spring of Life, and Divine Principles be p. 78put into us by Regeneration; for we are by Nature wholly ſelfiſh, are quite ſwallowed up in ſinful carnal ſelf; Self is the principle, motive, and end of all our thoughts, words, and deeds; Self-pleaſure, profit, eaſe, honour, and ſecurity, have only Self in the bottom and top of every Good, as well as Evil, in Religious, as well as Civil works: And how can it be otherwiſe with us, the Fountain of our Natures being ſo miſerably corrupted and depraved as it is? And it is a truth, that the Streams cannot riſe higher than the Fountains from whence they come.

18 No man can be the object of Gods delight and complacency, until he be Regenerated, becauſe they have nothing that is lovely and deſirable in them. Before Regeneration men are hateful, vile, and abominable in the ſight of God, (as hath been ſhewed) as they are ſinners, and unwaſhed. It is the Nature and Image of God, that is the Object of Gods delight and complacency in men; for the God of Holineſs cannot look on iniquity, he is of purer eyes than to do ſo, Habuk. 1.13. and this Nature and Image we have not, until we are Regenerated, and made New Creatures by Grace; for till then; God looks on us as in our blood, Ezek. 16. Rom. 3. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. and ſtamps his own Nature and Image on us, to make us clean, pure, lovely, and delightful in his eyes. He beautifies men with his Ornaments, that he may take pleaſure in, and rejoyce with them, Zach. 3.17.

19 No man can claim a Right unto, and Intereſt p. 79in the Covenant and Promiſes, without Regeneration; for they are not under, neither have they any intereſt in them, whileſt they lay in their blood, and continue in their ſtate of Enmity againſt God. No man can be intereſted in the Promiſes and Covenant of Grace and Life, that is not intereſted in Chriſt, and no man is intereſted in Chriſt, until he be a New Creature. All the Promiſes are in Christ, 2 Cor. 1.20. and they are made ours by virtue of our having of, and being in Chriſt; and when we are in Chriſt, all is ours, 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23. and not till then; then we may claim and uſe them as ours, but not till then.

20 No man can be in a ſtate of Grace and Life, without Regeneration; no man can be a holy, gracious, and good man, until he be Regenerated. Whatever good things he may have, act, and do, yet he is in a ſtate of ſin and death ſtill, until he paſs under Regeneration. He may be waſhed without, yet he is a Swine ſtill; he may put on Sheeps cloathing, but he is a Wolf ſtill; he may be enlightned, but is in a ſtate of darkneſs ſtill; and he may believe many Truths, and yet be an Ʋnbeliever ſtill, 2 Pet. 2.20.22. Matth. 7.15. Heb. 6.4. Joh. 8.30.44. Acts 8.13.23.

But I ſee I muſt contract my ſelf, leſt I run beyond my intentions; and therefore ſhall briefly ſum up what I have further to ſay on this Head, that I may preſently diſmiſs it. Therefore, I ſay, that as we ſtand in abſolute need of Regeneration, for the Reaſons and Ends already named, ſo likewiſe for thoſe p. 80that follow, which I ſhall but name. We cannot take up in God as in our portion, ſatisfaction, and only happineſs, without Regeneration, neither can we chuſe him for the great and only delight of our Souls, without it. We cannot have our wills bowed to, and ſwallowed up into the Will of God, nor freely, chearfully, and dutifully yield up our ſelves to his diſpoſement, without Regeneration. We cannot rejoyce in Christ Jeſus, nor in tribulation and bearing the Croſs, nor yet in doing good, and working Righteouſneſs, without Regeneration. We cannot be dutifully and thankfully patient under, and contented with an afflicted ſtate and condition, nor demean and carry our ſelves well in it, without Regeneration. We cannot be fruitful in every good work, nor bear fruit unto Eternal Life, without Regeneration. We cannot highly eſteem, and ſet a due, nor a right value on Chriſt his Perſon, Blood, Laws, and Grace, nor on the great love and kindneſs of God, but ſlight and diſeſteem all, without Regeneration. Without Regeneration we cannot willingly be nothing, that Chriſt may be all in all, nor be laid in the duſt and debaſed, that he may be magnified and exalted, nor ſuffer diminution to greaten him. We cannot walk uprightly with God, nor (indeed) ſet our affections on things above, as we are indiſpenſably bound to do, without Regeneration. We cannot walk humbly with God, nor be adorned and cloathed with Humility, be meek, and of poor and contrite ſpirits, without Regeneration. Without Regeneration p. 81we cannot (ought not) be Church-members, nor rightly participate of the Lords Supper: For theſe great and diſtinguiſhing Priviledges belong to, and were appointed only for New Creatures. In a word, we cannot be ſaved, nor walk in the right way to Heaven, nor have Communion with God here, or hereafter, without Regeneration.

And therefore Regeneration is abſolutely needful for theſe, all theſe, and ſeveral other ends and purpoſes. It is abſolutely neceſſary that we be ſaved from wrath to come, and inſtated in Eternal Glory; and that in order thereunto we be Regenerated, and made new Creatures. That we be ſuch indeed, and ſo do and walk, as hath been ſaid, in order to our glorifying of God here, and Eternal Salvation hereafter, which we cannot be, do, nor obtain, but in and by Regeneration; but in and by Regeneration we may and ſhall, and that becauſe God hath ſo appointed and promiſed it. It is Gods fixed, ſtated way, and it ſhall ſtand inviolably; namely, that he will ſave men in and by Regeneration; and that ſuch as are Regenerated ſhall be ſaved, and ſuch as are not, ſhall moſt certainly be damned.

Therefore let no man flatter himſelf with vain hopes of ever getting to Heaven in any other way; for the purpoſes and Ordinances of God ſhall ſtand to all Generations, and he will do all his pleaſure, Iſa. 46.10, 11. He hath ſaid it, and ſhall he not do it? Who can turn his hand, or alter his mind? and who durſt ſay it ſhall not be p. 82ſo, when he ſays it ſhall? O how bold and daring are men that contradict God? ho… audaciouſly preſumptions are they, who confidently expect Salvation hereafter, without concerning themſelves about Regeneration here? Seeing God hath peremptorily reſolved the caſe, and told men ſo, that unleſs they are born again, they cannot, ſhall not ſee the Kingdom of God, Joh. 3. and that without Holineſs they ſhall not ſee God, Heb. 12.14.

Therefore I do exhort and beſeech you i… the Name of Jeſus Chriſt, to look after, and ſeriouſly concern your ſelves about Regeneration, and never ſit down ſatisfied with your conditions, until you find the Great Change; but go to God, and entreat him for Chriſt hi… ſake, to give you his Spirit and Regenerating Grace, and make you New Creatures, that you may be enabled to walk with, and live to God here, and be ſaved in his own way hereafter; and that he would now, with all poſſible ſpeed, work his own Regenerating work with power in your hearts.