Eternal Glorification Begun in Regeneration, Title page – Dedication

Eternal Glorification Begun in Regeneration · Title page – Dedication

Eternal Glorification, BEGUN IN REGENERATION; OR A DISCOURSE OF REGENERATION.

Wherein is ſhewed:

1. What Regeneration is, with the cauſes of it.

2. The neceſſity of Regeneration, in order to Salvation.

3. The Lets and Hindrances of it.

4. The certain Signs and Tokens of it.

5. The ſmall number or fewneſs of Regenerate Perſons.

6. Their Priviledges and Happineſs.

7. Their Duties, and how they ought to walk.

Intended for the profit of all, both REGENERATE and UNREGENERATE Perſons.

By STEPHEN FORD, Preacher of the Goſpel in LONDON.

For in Chriſt Jeſus, neither Circumciſion availeth any thing, nor Ʋncircumciſion; but a New Creature, Gal. 6.15.

London; Printed for Nath. Crouch, in Exchange Alley, over againſt the Royal Exchange. 1675.

The Epiſtle Dedicatory.

To my much loved and regarded Friends, the young men, &c. who have choſen me for your Inſtructor; are of, and continue your chearful attendance on the Lords Days Evening Lecture; and to all other perſons who do frequently wait on, and encourage the ſame; Grace, Mercy, and Peace, be multiplied unto you all.

SIRS;

THe great ends for which we are ſet and maintained in this world, are 1. To get new hearts, and prepare for another world that is to come. 2. To live to, and walk with God, and ſerve our Generation; and in, and by our ſo doing, to look for, and receive from God, the portion of Bleſſings he hath provided for, and promiſed to beſtow on us here. We are all, and every one of us, indiſpenſably bound to endeavour all we can to obtain and proſecute theſe ends, becauſe otherwiſe we ſhall all periſh. In this world we have our day of Grace to fit us for glory; if we are wiſe, and do faithfully improve it, we ſhall aſſuredly reap the fruits of it in another world; yea, the earneſt or firſt-fruits of it here. You have but a little uncertain time here to run your Race in, and to prepare for Eternal Life, and if you neglect to do it to purpoſe here, you will moſt certainly be ſhut out of Heaven hereafter, Mat. 25.1-13. v. If you trifle in this matter, and ſeem indifferent, you are not wiſe, but play the fool, and err exceedingly, as you will find to your coſt at the laſt day, if not before. To prevent which, and to make you truly wiſe, ſenſible, ſerious, and diligent, in and about your everlaſting concerns, I have written this little Book, and do preſent it to your ſerious and faithful conſideration and improvement, and that in and with unfained love and cordial affection: For I do aſſure you, that I have bowels of love for you, and with all my heart and ſoul do pray for, and endeavour your Regeneration and Salvation, which I hope you ſee, and are convinced of, by my conſtant, free, and unwearied labours amongſt you, according to my ſmall Talent. The great and holy God knows, that I ſeek not yours, but you, as I hope you can all bear me witneſs; having once and again told you, that I had Dedicated my poor Labours as a Free-will Offering unto God, and the ſervice of your Souls; and that I did not look for, or expect any reward from you for my pains, but your holy and ſpiritual improvement of them, to the glory of God, and your own Eternal Salvation. The Truths here preſented to your eyes to read, were firſt (you know) preached to your ears to hear; but knowing how treacherous and weak our memories are, and how apt we are to let ſlip that which we hear; and alſo fearing that the great Doctrine of Regeneration, and your concernments in it, might by this time be worn (very much) out of the minds and hearts of many of you, I thought it a neceſſary and uſeful work to provide (as well as I could) for the reviving of it on you, and faſtening it in your hearts, by writing and compoſing the ſum and ſubſtance of what I preached to you, which here I have done. I have endeavoured to contract the whole within as narrow a compaſs as I could, and to hold forth great Truths unto you, with all poſſible plainneſs. You may not expect a large Epiſtle from me, becauſe I want opportunity to do it at this time; and therefore ſhall ſum up all I have to ſay in a few words.

1. I do entreat you to read and ponder well what you ſhall find here written, and importune the Lord to give you much ſpiritual wiſdom and underſtanding, that you may be enabled to make a right judgment of the glorious Truths herein revealed.

2. Look on the great Doctrine of Regeneration, as a moſt weighty and important Doctrine, to add for your ſelves, as well as others; that you ſtand in need of it, and are indiſpenſably bound to know and underſtand it, as it is aſſerted and laid down in the Goſpel, and as written and duplicate page duplicate page ſet up in mens hearts, in order to their Eternal Glorification; yea, and to know and experience the excellency and power of it in your own hearts.

3. Apply what you read unto your ſelves; examine and prove your own ſtates and conditions by what you ſhall find in this Book; ſearch and ſee if the work of Regeneration be indeed wrought in your Souls, and do not take up and deceive your Souls with a bare Reformation, inſtead of real Regeneration, with an external change only, inſtead of an internal. Oh! how many poor Souls are here among Great Profeſſors, who bleſs and ſpeak peace to themſelves, and hope all is well with them; that they are in Gods favour, and ſhall certainly be ſaved, becauſe they have gotten ſome light in their heads, and quiet in their minds, good notions of good things, and alſo a clean outſide, and form of godlineſs. But if you have any pity for your Souls, try and prove your ſelves to purpoſe, until you know your conditions, and take not up in any thing or attainments ſhort of Regeneration; for if you do, you ſhall be ſhut out of Heaven.

4. If you find upon ſearch, that the great and rare work of Regeneration is indeed wrought in your hearts and ſouls, give glory to God, and exalt the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for you are the bleſſed of the Lord; you are the happy people, and are ſanctified and ſet apart for God, and his holy works and ends; and now you muſt unfainedly devote your ſelves, and your all to him, to live to, and ſerve him with your all: Now you muſt wholly mind how to pleaſe and honour him, and to expreſs your thankfulneſs in all poſsible, hearty, and filial obedience. You muſt be wholly taken up with, and imployed for God, perfecting Holineſs in his fear, and bringing forth fruits whereby he may be glorified; and you muſt in all your ways endeavour ſo to walk, as to adorn the Goſpel, and have your good works ſhine in the world, to the praiſe of God.

5. You whom God hath Regenerated, and given a well-grounded hope thereof, put your ſelves under all the Ordinances of Chriſt, and do not content your ſelves with ſome, when he proffers you the uſe and enjoyment of all. They are your Priviledges, and you need them. Chriſt hath commanded you to obſerve them all, and appointed to nouriſh, comfort, and educate your Souls in his Churches, and with his Ordinances there: Therefore do as the Primitive Converts were wont to do, joyn your ſelves to ſome Church, or Society of Regenerate Chriſtians, that there you may be fed with the Bread of Life. The doors ſtand open for you, and the Lord Jeſus wa…ts there for you, to invite you in, and welcom you. You need the Lords Supper to ſtrengthen and confirm you, and the Communion of Saint … a Churchſtate (as means) to ſecure and preſerve you. But I can only mention theſe things, leaving the inlargement of them to your ſelves.

6. If you find any good or profit to your Souls, in and by my Miniſtry and Writing, bleſs God, and aſcribe all the glory to him, for all belongs to him, and to him only: But forget not to pray for me, that I may be enabled by Divine Aſſiſtance to fulfil my Ministry, and continue to hand out the Goſpel of Salvation to you, that the Name of the Lord Jeſus may be glorified, and your Souls profited, and that I may be blameleſs before God and Men.

7. And laſtly, Continue in the good work and ways you have taken in hand, and begun to walk in: Have your eyes always to Jeſus Chriſt; keep faſt hold of him, and let your whole dependance be on him. In him are all your Springs, and it is he that hath the keeping of your Stock of Grace: He can and will ſupply you with all Grace, and preſerve you unto his Heavenly Kingdom: Therefore live upon, and ſtay your ſelves on him. Run your Race, and finiſh your courſe in his hand, and you ſhall obtain the End of your Faith, the Salvation of your Souls. Which that you may do, is the prayer and earneſt deſire of

Your Cordial Friend, S. F.

p. 1ETERNAL GLORIFICATION BEGUN IN REGENERATION. OR A Diſcourſe of Regeneration.

From John 3.3.

Jeſus anſwered and ſaid unto him: verily, verily, I ſay unto thee; except a man be born again, he cannot ſee the Kingdom of God.

Beloved,

I Shall begin this Lecture, (which you have deſired, and are now waiting on) with the Doctrin of Regeneration: becauſe it is one of the great fundamental and Soul-ſaving Doctrins that you ſhould firſt underſtand, and be early and experimentally acquainted withall. Here God begun with p. 2Ignorant and unregenerate Nicodemus, and here he begins to open the door of everlaſting Life unto ſuch as he will ſave; and by Regeneration you muſt begin to ſeek for and expect Salvation, and eternal Glory. It is the Lords fixed and conſtant way, to ſend down and infuſe into the hearts of men the firſt fruits of Heaven, in order to his poſſeſſing them in the fullneſs of everlaſting Glory in Heaven.

The ſeeds of ſpecial grace ſown in the Soul in Regeneration, are the earneſts and firſt fruits of Heavens glory. And as it is a certain Truth, that without Regeneration here, men cannot be ſaved hereafter; ſo it is as certain, that whoever are really Regenerated here, they ſhall be ſaved hereafter.

This is a Truth that nearly concerns every one of you, and therefore requires your ſerious attention and conſideration; for here God will begin to ſave you, if ever you be ſaved.

The words in the Text are ſpoken by Jeſus Chriſt unto Nicodemus, as you may read in the 1. & 2. verſes. The ſubject matter of the Text is, or contains Regeneration, or the Renovation of men, in order to their eternal Salvation; and they are ſpoken to and intended for us, as well as Nicodemus, becauſe we are all by nature in as had and miſerable a condition as he, and ſtand in as much need of Regeneration and the Doctrin thereof, as Nicodemus did when Chriſt ſpake theſe words to him; p. 3and therefore obſerve how Chriſt words the matter, verily, verily, I ſay unto thee; except a man be born again. That is, unleſs thou Nicodemus, to whom I do now immediately direct my Doctrin, and other perſons in thy preſent caſe and condition; except a man, that is, thou, or any other man, be born again, he cannot ſee the Kingdom of God, ſo verſ. 5. And it is obſervable how the Lord Jeſus uſhers in the matter or Doctrin of Regeneration in the Text, and verſ. 5. tis with a double aſſeveration; verily, verily, (Text) and again, verily, verily 5. verſ. which informs us of theſe four things;

Firſt that the matter of Chriſt was ſpeaking of, was a very great and weighty matter indeed, and ſuch as Nicodemus, and other men, were indiſpenſibly bound on pain of eternal death, to take notice of, and concern themſelves about with all poſſible diligence and faithfulneſs; for it was for their Lives, except a man be born again, he cannot ſee the Kingdom of God; that is, he cannot be ſaved. And therefore he quickens and provokes the minds of men to ponder the matter, and lay it to heart, by his verily, and verily, I ſay, &c.

2. That we are dull of hearing, and ſlow of heart to believe, and apply this great Doctrin to our own Souls; but to imagin and fancy that we ſtand in no, or very little need of it; and therefore may overlook, ſlight, and neglect it, as moſt men do. 3. That the Lord Jeſus is very ſerious, hearty, and earneſt with men, in perſwading them to ſeek p. 4after Regeneration, and that he doth really and unfainedly deſire to ſee them ſerious in that ſo great concern of theirs, and to labour after it to purpoſe. 4. That there is ſuch a thing as Regeneration, and that men may be Regenerated if they will not ſlight and oppoſe it. Theſe and other ſuch things were in the eye and heart of Chriſt towards men, in ſpeaking thus to them, which he would have them believe, and think on, in his verilies.

I ſhall have occaſion in my proceedures to ſpeak further to this Text, and therefore ſhall ſpeak no more of it now, but proceed to what I intend to commend to your ſerious conſiderations. Theſe are the moſt material heads I am to diſcourſe on, which I ſhall do, by way of Queſtion and Anſwer.

Queſt. What is Regeneration? wherein does it conſiſt, or what does it contain or import?

Anſw. Regeneration, is a ſpecial, powerful, and ſaving work of God, on a ſinner; changing and renewing his whole man, by infuſing a meaſure of the Spirit, and ſpecial grace of Christ into him, through the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, and that for holy and gracious ends and purpoſes. This is the beſt definition I can give you of Regeneration, and I think it will ſerve, and do well enough, if rightly underſtood and improved by you. If any material thing be found wanting, it may be afterward ſupplied. I ſhall p. 5take abroad the parts of the definition, and briefly clear and prove it; and then proceed.

Firſt, You have the Author and Worker of Regeneration; that is God. God is the ſole and only Author of it, without the help or aſſiſtance of men. God needs none of their help, neither can they afford him any at all, towards their Renovation; and therefore it is God alone.

For firſt, men are all dead in ſins and Treſpaſſes, Eph. 2.1, 5. and therefore cannot move themſelves, to produce new habits or principles of that they have not, nor can they ſet forward the great work of Regeneration in themſelves, for want of Life to act withall.

2. Blind. They are in groſs darkneſs, Iſa. 60.2. They cannot ſo much as ſee where, nor what they are, nor where they are going, Joh. 12 35. They are born blind, and continue ſuch. They ſee not the Light that ſhines round about them; Joh. 1.5. much leſs can they direct themſelves in procuring, or forwarding their own Regeneration.

3. There is nothing in them to make uſe of, towards the production of it, but very much to impede and hinder the work. They will it not, neither will they ſuffer God to do it, until he hath mightily perſwaded and bowed them to yield; Phil. 2.13. Pſal. 110.3. therefore it is not in them to work it in themſelves. As they will not come to Chriſt that p. 6they may have Life, Joh. 5.40. ſo they will not have him to come and create his Life in them.

Therefore, it muſt be of God alone, without the concurrance of ſecond cauſes in men. And I ſay 'tis the work of God, and not of one of the glorious perſons only, (although the work be eſpecially attributed to the holy Ghoſt) but God the father hath his Almighty hand imployed in the work. Eph. 1.19, 20. 1 Pet. 1.3. and ſo hath Jeſus Chriſt his ſon too, Joh. 5.21. Joh. 10.10. ſo it is alſo the holy Spirits work. Joh. 3.5. Tit. 3.5. The Reaſons why the Scripture tells us all the perſons in the God-head have their hand in the work of Regeneration, are, First, to ſhew, and impreſs a deep ſenſe of the exceeding greatneſs and excellency of the work, on the hearts of Regenerate perſons: that they might be induced thereby to admire and value it, and to have it in high eſteem, as a moſt excellent and glorious work indeed, which had ſo many hands of infinite wiſdom, power, and love exerciſed and imployed about the effecting of it. 2. That they might be directed and provoked thereby, to aſcribe all the glory unto all the three perſons, and not to the holy Ghoſt only.

'Tis true, that men unregenerate ought to uſe Gods means in order to Regeneration; they are to hear the Goſpel preached, read the Scriptures and good Books, and to pray to God to Regenerate them; becauſe God hath p. 7commanded them ſo to do. Ezek. 36.25, 26, 27, 37. Luk. 11.13. and alſo becauſe they are the ways and means of Gods own appointing for their Regeneration, whereby he will work it. Jam. 1.18. Rom. 10. Joh. 15.3. But yet your uſing the means and waiting in them, cannot Regenerate you, until God put forth his Almighty power in them, and form a new Creature in you. God tells us again and again, that it is his work alone, and that there is none to help him. Eph. 2.8, 9, 10. Tit. 3.5. to take off all boaſting from men, and that he that glories, might glory in the Lord, 1 Cor. 1.31.

'Tis ſaid to be a ſpecial, powerful, and ſaving work (of God) to diſtinguiſh it from thoſe common and ordinary works, or workings of God on many, which never ariſes to, or Iſſues in real Regeneration on their Souls. Firſt, it is a ſpecial work; it differs not only in the degree or meaſure of it, but in the kind. There is a ſpecifical difference between what God works in, and beſtows upon ſuch as he Regenerates, and others who are never Regenerated, although he beſtows many Spiritual gifts on them. 1. In the root and ſpring of his gifts and favours, Namely, his Love in Chriſt. That is the Fountain and efficient cauſe of their Regeneration, or of the grace and power whereby they are Regenerated. Eph. 2.4, 5. Deut. 7.6.7. &c. God had loved and choſen them in the Lord Jeſus, to be a peculiar people unto himſelf, and therefore p. 8Regenerates, and makes them ſuch by his grace.

But God doth not ſo love others, neither hath he choſen them in Chriſt, and Sanctified them to his uſe, to be his peculiars, and therefore he never effectually Regenerates them. Rom. 9.21, 22, 23, 24, 25. And yet no one perſon is denied Regenerating grace, but ſuch as by their own wickedneſs do procure it unto themſelves: and therefore none ſhall have cauſe to complain of partial, unjuſt, or cruel dealing from the God of Truth, with whom is no unrighteouſneſs.

2. There is a difference in the grace its ſelf, although it is hard to expreſs and clear it, to your Apprehenſions, yet a wide difference there is between the grace and gifts of the Spirit on men, ſome are awakened, enlightened and reformed by the holy Ghoſt, which never are indeed Regenerated. I ſhall not diſcourſe of the differences here, but only ſhall tell you, that ſpecial grace hath virtue in it to enliven, as well as to enlighten, to quicken dead Souls, and revive dead hearts, as well as to enlighten the head. Common grace may put Light into the head, but never quickens and enlivens the heart, but ſpecial grace doth both; and that from its own nature and tendancy; for it is given for that end, Namely, to cauſe the dead to live, and the blind to ſee Spiritual things Spiritually. 1 Cor. 2. There is a generative and renewing nature and virtue in the one, that is not in the other. But more of this elſewhere.

p. 93. There is alſo a ſpecifical difference in the ends, ſpecial grace is given by the God of Love, and from the Love of God to ſome, to conform them to, and mould them for the Lords ſpecial uſe and ſervice, to make them lovely and aimable; pleaſing and delightful to him; that he may delight in them, and they in him, and be made capable of Communion with himſelf. 1 Cor. 1.9. Joh. 14.21, 23. 1 Joh. 1.3. That they may be veſſels of honour fitted for his uſe; live to him, and not unto themſelves. 2 Tim. 2.20, 21. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. and alſo that they may live in the fruition and preſence of God for ever, in another world.

But now common graces are not given for theſe ends, becauſe they cannot effect them. They leave men in as bad a ſtate as they found them in. Their hearts are not changed, neither made new Creatures by them, but remain under the reign and power of their luſts, and are Lovers and obeyers of them under their common grace.

2. It is the powerful work of God; that is, Regenerating grace is Irreſistable. It carries all before it, and prevails. It is mighty in oppoſing, reſiſting, and conquering all its Enemies; to proſecute and obtain its ends, which the common works of God are not, (as experience ſhews) where Regenerating grace comes, it diſlodges Satan, and turns him out of his Throne, Luk. 11.21.22. Luk. 10.18. It ſilences carnal ſelf, and fells down luſts. Gal. 1.16. makes the old man bow down, yea, p. 10and all the ſtrong-holds of ſin and Satan, fall before it. 2 Cor. 10.4.5. It will not be baffled as common grace is; for that gives place to Luſts and Temptations upon every aſſault; but Regenerating grace is ſo mighty and powerful, as that it takes the ſtrongeſt Caſtles, diſarmes the ſtouteſt Souldiers, and levels the ſtrongeſt and higheſt Bulworks of ſin, world, and devil; ſo that it effectually ſubdues and captivates all oppoſers, and oppoſitions whatſoever, and makes the whole Soul to yeild ſubjection to, and comply with it. It makes men willingly deſert their old delights, & break their former confederacies, and to put themſelves under the yoke of Chriſt, and chuſe his ſervice.

3. It is a ſaving work of God. It is not for a time as the common work of grace is, Math. 13.20, 21. but it is for ever, Regeneration is little in the ſeed, but grows to a great Tree. Men are Regenerated for Salvation, 2 Cor. 5.1, 6. and it will not fail, or miſs of its end. Regeneration is the ea…neſt and firſt fruit of Salvation, and Gods power is engaged to nouriſh and keep it to Salvation, 1 Pet. 1 3, 4, 5. therefore they cannot loſe the very end of it. God would never beſtow the grace of Regeneration on men, if he had not firſt deſigned their eternal Salvation to be obtained in that way; but he having decreed and appointed; deſigned and determined the ſaving of Souls, by or through Regeneration; all that he Regenerates p. 11ſhall be ſaved. And therefore I call it the ſaving work of God, becauſe it ſhall certainly Iſſue in their everlaſting Salvation, notwithſtanding their oppoſitions, weakneſſes and ſins.

3. The ſubjects of Regeneration, Namely, ſinners, that is Ignorant, vile, wicked, and abominable men. Not ſuch as have purified themſelves, made ſatisfaction to God for former injuries; ſuch as are worthy or meet for the grace of God, or ſuch as are friends, and to whom God is engaged for any goodneſs of theirs, or ſervice they have done him; no, but God of his free grace Regenerates ſinners, while they are yet ſinners and ungodly. God finds them ſinners, and by Regeneration, makes them Saints; of hateful perſons, he makes them lovely and beloved; of enmies, he makes them friends, and of ſtrangers he makes them intimates. God ſays unto men in their blood, live, Ezek. 16.6. Tit. 3.3, 4, 5. and the vileſt of ſinners he waſhes. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10.11. Rom. 3.9. - 20. Therefore here is great encouragement for all willing ſinners, how vile, filthy and abominable ſoever they have been, that they may be Regenerated and made new Creatures.

4. Regeneration changes and renews the whole man. It is powerful and effectual on the whole body, Soul and Spirit, to revive, quicken and renew it. It affects every part, and 'tis influential to proſecute and obtain its ends throughout. As the natural Life p. 12diffuſes its ſelf into every part of the man, ſo doth the new Spiritual Life in Regeneration. 1 Theſ. 5.23. The underſtanding is thereby enlightened, 1 Pet 2.9. 2 Cor. 4.6. the will is ſanctified and drawn to chooſe and cloſe up with the promiſes, Chriſt and the Covenant of grace, and with the whole will of God. Iſa. 56.4. Pſal. 119.30. Pſal. 110.3. Phil. 2.13. Col. 2.6.

The mind is Spiritualized and ſet on heavenly objects. Phil. 3.20. 2 Cor. 3. ult. Rom. 8.5. The affections are quickened, enlivened, and run Heaven-ward, being riſen to a new Life with Chriſt. Col. 3.1, 2. in a word, the Conſcience is made tender and active, to do its work, and the whole of his converſation is changed; all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5.17. The grace of God hath (in meaſure) ſeaſoned and leavened the whole man, within and without: there is not a faculty or member of Soul or Body untoucht, but grace runs thorow every part. But more of this anon. For I am now but pointing out to you the parts of the definition of Regeneration.

5. Regeneration is wrought by infuſing a meaſure of the holy Spirit and ſpecial grace of Chriſt into a man. In Joh. 3.3. men are ſaid to be born from Heaven; and verſ. 5. to be born of the Spirit. The Spirit is called the Spirit of Chriſt, Rom. 8.9. and the grace of Chriſt, 2 Cor. 13. ult. and this Spirit and grace of Chriſt is ſaid to be in men, Rom. 8.11. and Chriſt p. 13by them dwells in men. Eph. 3.17. and ſays God in the New Covenant, I will put my Spirit within them, and a new heart will I give them: Sprinkle clean water on them, and make them clean. Ezek. 36.25, 26, 27. So he puts his fear into mens hearts, Jer. 32.39, 40. and ſheds abroad his love in them, Rom. 5.8. A Believers new ſtate is twofold, 1. A ſtate of Juſtification. 2. Regeneration. Juſtification is Gods imputing the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt to him, acquitting and diſcharging him of Guilt and Condemnation, pardoning all his ſins, revoking the Sentence of the Law given out againſt him, removing the Curſe, and remitting the puniſhment due to him, and graciouſly accounting and declaring him perfectly righteous in Chriſt, and receiving and accepting him into favour and friendſhip, 2 Cor. 5. ult. 1 Cor. 1.30. Iſa. 53. Rom. 4. Gal. 3.

This is not Regeneration (though Juſtification and Regeneration are never ſeparated) for Regeneration is the work of God within us; Juſtification is the Act of God without us: Regeneration is not our Juſtification, neither is Juſtification our Regeneration, although all that are Regenerated are alſo Juſtified. There is a great difference between the one and the other, which we muſt carefully underſtand, and conſider well, leſt we confound what ought to be diſtinguiſhed. God doth not Juſtifie us by Regenerating us; they are two diſtinct Acts, or works of God towards us, and ſo we ought to underſtand, p. 14and make improvement of them: Therefore (I ſay) in defining Regeneration, that it is the work of God, infuſing the Spirit and Grace of Chriſt into us, that you may diſtinguiſh it from Gods Act in Juſtifying us; for many poor Souls do miſerably confound them.

6. Regeneration is wrought by the Miniſtry of the Goſpel. God doth (ordinarily) Regenerate men by the Preaching of the Goſpel. By mens Preaching and hearing of the Goſpel, the holy Ghoſt is given unto men, to to change their hearts, and make them new Creatures. Acts 10.44. Gal 3.2. The Goſpel ſhews us, that faith comes by hearing, Rom. 10.17. that is, God works faith and all other graces in men by it, as in and by his own ordinance. By this Inſtrument he begets us again to a lively hope, Jam. 1.18. 1 Pet. 1.3. It is the power of God to Salvation. Rom. 1.16. and Chriſt tells us, Joh. 5.25. that the dead ſhall hear the voice of the ſon of God, and they that hear ſhall live. So Iſa. 55.3. This is Gods engin whereby he pulls down ſtrong holds, levels mountains, and overthrows the Devils Kingdom, as the blowing of the Rams horns did fell down the walls of Jericho. By this means the dead are raiſed to Life, the blind are made to ſee, Acts 26.18. and deaf ears are unſtoped. By the Goſpel, men are Tranſlated out of the Kingdom of darkneſs, into Chriſt's Kingdom of Light.

7. God Regenerates men to and for holy and gracious ends and purpoſes. They are created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, which God p. 15had before ordained that they ſhould walk in them. Eph. 2.10. That they that live ſhould not henceforth live unto themſelves, but unto him that dyed for them and roſe again. 2 Cor. 5.15. That they ſhould walk in newneſs of Life, and not ſerve ſin. Rom. 6.4, 6. God Crowns them with, and makes them the ſubject of his ſpecial grace, that they may be Agents of his glory, in bringing forth fruit worthy of their new ſtate.

God hath great ends in beſtowing great grace, and ſpecial ends in giving ſpecial grace. God honours and beautifies men with his grace, that they may therewith adorn his Goſpel and exalt his name. By Regeneration God makes men loving and lovely, and meetens them for communion with himſelf. I have (I think) ſaid enough to or of the definition of Regeneration, therefore ſhall ſay no more of it in this place.

Quest. Pray explain the great work of Regeneration more fully, and ſhew us what thoſe works of God on men are, that do not amount to, or ordinarily Iſſue in Regeneration, that ſo we may clearly underſtand what Regeneration is not, and alſo what it is?

Anſw. I ſhall firſt ſhew what tis not. 2. What it is, more fully.

Firſt, Meer light in the head is not Regeneration. For men may have much Spiritual light without Spirittual Life. Some are enlightened, who fall away from the truth, p. 16and become Apoſtates, Heb. 6.4, 5, 6. and after they have known the way of Righteouſneſs, do turn from the holy commands of God, to their own wicked ways. 2 Pet. 2.21, 22. And we read of ſome who knew their Lords will, but did it not, Luk. 12.47. which ſhews that they were never Regenerated.

Secondly, Men may have many and great convictions of ſin, and of their miſerable and wretched conditions by reaſon thereof; they may be under much trouble of Spirit, and cry out with tears and heart-grief, and they may mourn, and be in bitterneſs of Soul, in the ſight of their ſad caſe, and periſhing ſtate; and yet all may be blown over, and come to nothing, but end in ſin and eternal death. Pharoah crys out, I am wicked, Exod. 9.27. and Saul ſaw his wickedneſs, and wept, 1 Sam. 24.16. and confeſſed his ſin, 1 Sam. 26.21. Wicked Ahab had conviction of, and was greatly troubled for his ſin, and humbled himſelf, 1 King. 21.27, 28, 29. ſo the Iſraelites in the Wilderneſs, and afterward. Judas was troubled, and crys, I have ſinned, Matth. 26.3, 4. yet none of them were Regenerated.

Thirdly, Men may greatly reform their ways, and look like New Creatures; their Converſations may be white, while their hearts are black; they may have a clean outſide, when they are foul and abominable within; they may appear beautiful to men, whileſt they are but whited Sepulchres, and p. 17full of all manner of wickedneſs within, Mat. 23.25, 26, 27, 28. they may be waſhed, and yet be ſtill Swine, 2 Pet. 2.22. and they may go for Saints amongſt men, whileſt they are Devils within: Judas was ſo; and the Lord Jeſus tells us, that many go in Sheeps cloathing, but are indeed Wolves, Matth. 7.15. Therefore meer Reformation is not Regeneration. Thou mayſt forſake many ſins whileſt thou loveſt them, and perform many duties that thou loveſt not, but loatheſt. Herod was a Reformer, he did many good things, Mark 6.20. but he was not a New Man.

Fourthly, Thou mayſt have much ſpiritual joy, and yet be ſtill an unregenerate man. Herod heard John preach with gladneſs, Mark 6.20. The ſtony-ground hearers had joy for a time, in the good ways of God, Mat. 13.20. Thou mayſt have many taſts of the good Word of God, and the Powers of the World to come, Hebr. 6.4, 5. yea, thou mayſt have ſuch taſts of the Heavenly Gift, as to raiſe thy Soul to delight in drawing nigh to God in his Ordinances of Divine Worſhip, and continue in thy unregenerate ſtate, Iſa. 58.2.

Fifthly, Thou mayſt believe the truths of the Goſpel, and on the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and yet be in an unregenerate ſtate and condition. Simon Magus believed, when in the gall of bitterneſs, and bond of iniquity, Act. 8.13.23. The rockie hearers did believe a while, but were afterward Apoſtates, Luk. 8.13. Chriſt his hearers are ſaid to believe on him, Joh. 8.30. p. 18yet in verſe 44. he calls them the children of the Devil; Ye are (ſays he) of your Father the Devil, and his works ye will do. The Hypocrites mentioned in Pſal. 106.12, 13, 14. were ſaid to believe; and ſo may you have Faith, and believe, and yet be Hypocrites ſtill. You may think you do believe aright unto Salvation, when in truth you do not, but delude your own Souls.

Sixthly, Thou mayſt be much in hearing and praying, and yet be an unregenerate man. Herod was a hearer of John, Mark 6.20. Hypocrites in Ezekiel, were great hearers of him, and he was to them as a very lovely Song, Ezek. 33.30, 31, 32. The three bad grounds were all hearers of the Goſpel, Matth. 13.18-22. but not a good hearer amongſt them; they were all ſtark naught, and ſo mayſt thou be alſo, who art a great hearer of good men; and then for praying, or rather ſaying of prayers, thou mayſt pray often and long, and yet be an hypocrite, and an unregenerate man; yea, thou mayſt have the gift of prayer, and yet be a graceleſs man. The Scribes and Phariſees made many and long prayers, Matth. 23.14. So the hypocrites we read of in Job, Chap. 27.8.10. Many make ſuch prayers as God abhors, and will not hear, Iſa. 1.14, 15.

Seventhly, Thou mayſt be very ſtrict, and very ſevere in faſting and afflicting thy ſelf, and yet be an unregenerate man. The Scribes and Phariſees faſted and afflicted themſelves in the height of their hypocriſie, Luke 18.12. p. 19I faſt twice in the week: And wherefore have we faſted and afflicted our ſouls, ſay the hypocrites in Iſa. 58.3. and the like they did in Babylon, Zach. 7.5, 6.

Eighthly, Thou mayſt be a charitable man; I mean, thou mayſt give much Alms to the poor, and yet be an unregenerate man. The Scribes and Phariſees did ſo, Mat. 6.1, 2. Luk. 18.12.

Ninthly, Thou mayſt be a zealous man for, and in Religion, and yet be in an unregenerate ſtate. Paul was ſo before his Regeneration, Act. 22.3. Gal. 1.14. The Jews had a zeal for God, when in their blindneſs and hardneſs of heart, Rom. 10.2. Thou mayſt be of a warm zealous ſpirit, even whileſt thou haſt a carnal unregenerate heart.

Tenthly, Thou mayſt have much Integrity, and do many good things uprightly, or without deſigned guile or fraud towards God and men; Abimelech did ſo, with reſpect to Abraham and Sarah, Gen. 20.5. to which God gave his teſtimony, (namely) that it was ſo indeed, verſe 6. Paul, while unregenerate, had a great deal of Moral Integrity; I have (ſays he) walked in all good Conſcience before God until this day, Acts 23.1. (Mark it) I have walked in all good Conſcience before God; he ſpeaks of his carriages towards God in his unconverted ſtate. To the ſame purpoſe he ſpeaks of himſelf in Acts 26.4, 5, 9. But when he declares his ſincerity and integrity in walking before God in his Regenerate State, he p. 20gives us another account of it, 2 Cor. 1.12. For our rejoycing is this, the teſtimony of our Conſcience; that in ſimplicity and godly ſincerity, or as the Greek word reads it (foreign) that in, or with the ſimplicity and ſincerity of God, we have had our Converſation; and alſo by (ſays he) the Grace of God, to diſtinguiſh his Evangelical and gracious integrity, from his moral and old ſincerity or integrity he had whileſt a Phariſee, and in an unregenerate condition: And Paul further tells us in Phil. 3.6. that concerning the Law, he was blameleſs; that is, he did act and walk according to his Knowledge and Conſcience.

Theſe ſeeming Graces, and good works, look like Regeneration, ſpecial Grace, and real good works, but in truth they are not ſo. Theſe are commonly taken for ſuch, and men conclude that they are Regenerate, and in a happy condition, becauſe they find ſuch things as theſe in and by themſelves; but aſſuredly, ſuch good things may be in you, and done by you in your unregenerate ſtates, yea, you may fear God, and love God, and be (in many things) conſcientious men; you may love the People of God, deſire their Society, and wiſh your Souls in their condition, and yet be unregenerate men; you may be meek, humble, uſeful, and deſirable men, and be taken and accepted, reſpected and honoured by, and of the beſt of men, as good and holy men, and all that while be in the p. 21gall of bitterneſs, and bond of iniquity; therefore it nearly concerns you to be ſerious and diligent in examining and trying your ſelves, whether or no you be ſuch as you ſeem to be, leſt you continue to ſeem to be what you are not, and ſo delude men, and deceive your own Souls; harden your ſelves in a preſumptious confidence, and flatter your ſelves to everlaſting deſtruction. I could have preſented you with many other things that look like Regeneration, but I may ſpeak ſomething more of this matter, when I ſhall characterize Regenerate perſons, or open Regeneration on another Head.

2. But I ſhall now give you a fuller explication of the great work of Regeneration; the word is foreign, and ſignifies a new or ſecond ſtate. This is a compound word of foreign, again, and foreign, Generation: So Regeneration is a New Birth; or as Peter expreſſes it, a being born again, 1 Pet. 1.23. The word is uſed in Tit. 3.5. and in Matth. 19.28. In Titus it is meant of the firſt Regeneration, or change of ſtate here; but in Matthew, it may import the ſtate of Grace here, and Glory hereafter. The words in the Text, and in 1 Pet. 1.23. which are rendred born again, are of the ſame import, and ſignifie the ſame thing, or work of God on men; and ſo do thoſe expreſſions of begetting, 1 Pet. 1.3. Jam. 1.18. Indeed the work of Regeneration is variouſly expreſſed, and ſet out in Scripture by many ſignificant and divers words and p. 22phraſes; to ſhew us, that it is a great and glorious work of God on ſinners, to commend it the more to our conſideration and acceptance, to explain and make it the clearer to our underſtandings, and to quicken and perſwade us to ſeek after it in good earneſt, to eſteem and value it, and to move Regenerate perſons to much thankfulneſs for it, and to provoke to walk worthy of it; to convince men that it is too great a work for them to do, that they are beholding to Free Grace and Omnipotent Power for it, and to lay them low, and make them vile in their own eyes. Now Regeneration is expreſt and ſet out to us in the Goſpel, ſometimes by renewing us, Col. 3.10. Heb. 6.6. ſometimes by making us partakers of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. and ſtamping the Image of God on us, Col. 3.10. Eph. 4. ſometimes 'tis expreſſed by Gods writing his Law in our hearts, Jer. 31.33. Heb. 10.16. and by circumciſing hearts, Deut. 30.6. ſometimes by ſhedding abroad his love, and putting his fear into them, Rom. 5.5. Jer. 32.39, 40. as alſo by quickning the dead, Eph. 2.1.5. Joh. 5.21.25. ſometimes by Creation, or creating them in Christ Jeſus unto good works, Eph. 2.10. Col. 2.10. ſometimes by putting off the old man, and putting on the new, Col. 2.9, 10. Eph. 4.22, 23, 24. ſometimes by tranſlation, or by tranſlating us from death to life, 1 Joh. 3.14. and out of darkneſs into the Kingdom of Chriſt, Col. 1.13. ſometimes by opening blind eyes, and turning men from darkneſs to light, p. 23and from the power of Satan unto God, Acts 26.18. ſometimes by Gods working us to will and do, Phil. 2.13. and working us for this ſelf-ſame thing, 2 Cor. 5.5. that is, preparing us for another world; and ſometimes by calling us by his Grace, Gal. 1.6. to be Saints; to holineſs, 1 Pet. 1.14. and to newneſs of life. Regeneration is held forth to us by ſuch expreſſions, and works of God in and upon us; it includes all theſe, and ſeveral other mentioned in Scripture. But I have more to ſay for the unfolding and clearing this great truth to you, who deſire to learn.

Firſt, Regeneration, Renovation, or the New Birth, is made up of all and every Grace of Chriſt: I mean the ſeeds and firſt fruits of all Grace, Chriſt imparts and infuſes a meaſure of all his Grace in regenerating a man; he opens the Fountain and Treaſury of his Grace and Fulneſs by the hand of the Holy Ghoſt, he conveys it into our hearts, Joh. 16.13, 14. yea, and the Holy Spirit himſelf gets into men, and dwells there, Rom. 8.10. as I ſhewed you before.

Q. What are the Graces of Chriſt, that conſtitutes and forms the New Creature, or that makes the great Change?

Anſw. Firſt Life. We are all by Nature dead in ſins, not only as under the Damning Sentence of the Law, but we are perſonally dead; that is, as the Body is dead without the Soul and Spirit that animates the Body, ſo without the Spirit and Grace of Chriſt, p. 24our Souls, Bodies, and Spirits, are ſpiritually dead, as being without ſpiritual life, Eph. 2.1.5. Matth. 8.22. Joh. 5.25. Now when Chriſt Regenerates a man, he infuſes and conveys of his Life into him, and that enlivens the whole man. Hence Chriſt tells us, that he is the Life, Joh. 14.6. that he came to give Life, Joh. 10.10. that he quickens whom he will, and the dead ſhall hear his voice, and live, Joh. 5.21.25. And Paul tells us, that our life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3.4. He is the Fountain of the Water of Life, which he invites men to come and drink, Rev. 22.17. Joh. 7.37. And he tells us further in Joh. 11.25. that he is the Reſurrection, and the Life; and that whoſo findeth him, findeth life, Pro. 8.35. So that Regeneration is a new Life, a Heavenly Life, and the Life of Chriſt.

Secondly, Light; ſpecial and peculiar Light. By Nature we are blind, walk in darkneſs, and know not whether we go, becauſe darkneſs hath blinded our eyes; we know neither Chriſt, nor our ſelves; there is a Vail before our eyes, ſo as that we cannot diſcern ſpiritual things and matters ſpiritually; they are all Myſteries unto us, and we cannot ſee them ſo as to love, prize, and eſteem them more than our luſts, and the things of this world. So the Goſpel tells us, that by Nature we are in darkneſs, Eph. 5.8. Acts. 20.18. and our calling is out of darkneſs, 1 Pet. 2.9. and the Light (that is Chriſt) ſhined in darkneſs (that is in mens hearts) Joh. 1.5. And p. 25we are told, that men by Nature are not only in darkneſs, but that they love it, or to abide in it, Joh. 3.19. Now in Regeneration God cauſeth light to ſhine in our hearts, to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the Face of Jeſus Chriſt, 2 Cor. 4.6. And we are brought out of darkneſs into marvellous light, 1 Pet. 2.9. and by this light we are enabled to diſcern heavenly and ſpiritual things ſpiritually, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15. Our ſin and hypocriſie from God hath brought us into a Dungeon of darkneſs; and therefore it is abſolutely neceſſary, that God ſhould give us ſpiritual light in Regenerating us, to make us teachable and tractable to know his will, and do it; for without this Light we cannot know, nor do it aright.

Thirdly, Faith; Chriſt gives men Faith that they may believe in him, and in God the Father, as he commands them to do, Joh. 14.1. 1 Pet. 1.21. 1 Joh. 8.23. Joh. 6.22. Men have no Faith, I mean no ſpecial and peculiar Faith of their own, whereby they can rightly believe in Chriſt unto Salvation, Heb. 10. ult. and therefore they muſt have it from him, and from him they have it in Regeneration; for he is the Fountain of Faith, as well as of Life and Light. All things are delivered to him of the Father, Matth. 11.27. and it pleaſed the Father that in him ſhould all fulneſs dwell, Col. 1.19. that of his fulneſs men might receive Grace for Grace, Joh. 1.16. Chriſt commands them to believe in him, and tells them that in ſo doing p. 26they ſhall have Eternal Life, Joh. 3.16. and that they may ſo believe, and obtain Eternal Life, he beſtows of his own Faith upon them, which is a part of their New Life, or Regeneration. This is a lively Faith, 1 Pet. 1.3. of the Operation of God, Col. 2.12. and it is given them in the behalf of Chriſt, Phil. 1.29. And in Eph. 2.8. 'tis ſaid, not to be of our ſelves, but the gift of God; and preſently ſub…oyns, verſe 10. that we are Gods workmanſhip, created (or regenerated) in Christ Jeſus unto good works, whereof believing is the moſt excellent, Joh. 6.29. And in 1 Pet. 1.3. the Apoſtle tells us, and bleſſes God, that he had begotten ſome Souls to a lively Faith or Hope; which ſhews that Faith and Hope are part of the New Creation: And the Faith whereby we believe in Chriſt unto the ſaving of our Souls, is called the Faith of Chriſt, Rom. 3.22. Eph. 3.11, 12. The Faith that meer natural men have, it is a dead Faith, Jam. 2.20.26. but the Faith of Chriſt is a part of the Life of Regeneration. We do not firſt believe that we may be quickned, and Regenerated, but we are firſt Regenerated by the Spirit of Faith, and then we believe with a living, lively, and with a heartpurifying Faith, Acts 15.9.

Fourthly, Hope: Hope is a Grace of Chriſt, and a part of our Regeneration, or of the New Creature in us. Hence Regenerate perſons are called Children of Hope, 1 Joh. 3.3. and in Col. 1.27. it is ſaid, that Chriſt is in them the Hope of Glory. Unregenerate men are ſaid to p. 27be without hope, while they are without God in the world, Eph. 2.12. and when they are ſavingly called, or Regenerated, they are ſaid to be called in Hope, Eph. 1.18. and all believers are called in one Hope, Eph. 4.4. that is, all have the ſame grace of Hope given them in their calling; and in 1 Pet. 1.3. (beforenamed) they are ſaid to be begotten again to a lively Hope, by the Reſurrection of Chriſt from the dead.

Fifthly, Love: Love is another Grace, given from the God of all Grace in Regeneration. Such as loved not God before, above the Creature, are enabled by Regenerating Love, to love him moſtly, heartily, obediently, and conſtantly. This Love is ſhed abroad into the heart by the Holy Ghoſt, Rom. 5.5. and God is ſaid to give it to men by circumciſing; that is, by regenerating their hearts, Deut. 30.6. This is one of the Laws that God promiſes to write in their hearts, Jer. 31.33. God requires men to love him with all their hearts, minds, and ſtrength, Matth. 22.37. and that they may ſo do, he Regenerates them; that is, he gives them Regenerating Love; and this Grace helps to compleat the work of Regeneration in us. This Love is a Beam, a drop of that Love wherewith he loves his Elect, and therewith Regenerate perſons love God again with the ſame love that he loves them; it is the ſame for kind, though not of the ſame degree; ſo that he who loves not God with all his heart, is not Regenerate; p. 28but he that doth, is certainly Regenerated.

Sixthly, Fear: Men have caſt off the fear of God, and fear not to offend him; but God will be feared by men, and requires them to do it all the day long, Pro. 23.17. Men indeed are naturally afraid of Gods Judgments, when they ſee or ſeel them, but they are not afraid of provoking God by their diſobedience and rebellion; men have caſt the fear of God behind their backs, but God will have ſome hearers of him; and therefore he puts it into their hearts, Jer. 32.39, 40. that with his Grace of holy fear, they may indeed ſtand in awe of him, and ſin not, Pſal. 4.4. There are no men in the world that fear God aright, but Regenerate perſons; and the fear of God being a part of their Regeneration, they do from the day of their New Birth begin to fear him, and ever after they are called Fearers of God, Pſal. 115. The Eye and Commands of God keep them in awe; God hath put fear into men and beaſts, to be a means to cauſe them to preſerve themſelves, and to keep them from hurting one another: So in Regeneration God puts his holy ſpiritual fear into their hearts, that they may not ſin againſt God, or wrong their own Souls. God hath promiſed to cauſe men to fear him, not ſo much for his Judgments, as for his Mercy and Co…dneſs, Hoſ. 3.5. and this fear he put into the Body of Regeneration, without which it will be imperfect.

p. 29Seventhly, Humility, Meekneſs: Theſe Graces (if they are two) are parts of the New Creature; they are the Beauty and Ornament of the New Creature, without which it would not be ſo amiable and lovely as now it is. We are by Nature exceeding proud, rugged, haughty, ſowre, and pieviſh Creatures, but God loves a meek and humble ſpirit; and therefore he Regenerates ſome with Humility and Meekneſs, and the more men have of theſe, the more lovely they are to God and men, the more conformable to Chriſt, who was meek and lowly in heart, Matth. 11.29. Chriſt will have all his Members like himſelf; the Body muſt be like the Head; and Chriſt becoming their Head in Regeneration, he beſtows on them his Humility and Meekneſs, which is a part of that fulneſs of Grace he hath received for his Members. Meekneſs is one of the glorious fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5.22. and one of the Graces of Christ, Jam. 4.6. By Humility and Meekneſs Chriſt prepares and capacitates men for his ſervice, and communion with himſelf; to bow and bend them to his holy will, and make them obedient unto him in all things; for only the Humble and Meek are ſuch perſons and walkers.

Eighthly, Zeal: Regeneration makes men zealous againſt ſin, and for God, and godlineſs. Before Regeneration men may have a zeal for God, but not the Zeal; it is not according to knowledge, Rom. 10.2. True Goſpel-zeal is a glorious Grace of Chriſt infuſed into p. 30men in Regeneration, and that in purſuance of one of the great ends of Chriſt his death, Tit. 2.14. He gave himſelf to redeem us from all iniquity, and to make us a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Before men are Regenerated, they are zealous for their own gain, honour, pleaſure, and ſuperſtition; but Regeneration makes them zealous for God, with the Zeal of God. As ſoon as Paul was converted, he ſhewed himſelf a true and great Zealot indeed for Chriſt, Grace, Holineſs, and the Souls of men. It is holy Goſpel-zeal that makes men active for God, and puts them forward to follow their Light. Light in the Head, without Zeal in the Heart, may fill men with notions of duty, but never make them Practitioners of duty; they may know the Will of God, but they will not, they cannot be perſwaded to do it: 'tis true, that Zeal without knowledge is not good, and as true, that knowledge without zeal is unprofitable; Chriſt hath a fulneſs of zeal for men, and in Regeneration he imparts it to them.

Ninthly, Prayer: In Regeneration Chriſt infuſes the Grace and Spirit of Prayer; as ſoon as Paul was Regenerated, behold he prayeth, Acts 9.11. He had often prayed before, for he was a zealous Phariſee, and concerning the Law he was blameleſs, Phil. 3.6. but he never prayed aright until he was Regenerated, for then Chriſt gave him the grace of Prayer; he could then pray with Grace in his heart, and then, not till then, behold he prayeth. p. 31There are none can pray ſpiritually but New Creatures, for the voice of Nature is the voice of the fleſh, and what is of the fleſh is fleſh, Joh. 3.6. and that voice God is not pleaſed with, and heareth not; but it is the voice of the New Creature, which is formed and made up of the Grace and Spirit of Chriſt, that God heareth and delighteth in, Pro. 15.8. Therefore God promiſeth to give unto men (in Regeneration) the Spirit of Grace and Supplication, Zach. 12.10. that they may thereby be enabled to pray unto God holily and acceptably, 1 Pet. 2.5. Rom. 8.26, 27. God is a Spirit, and will be worſhipped in ſpirit and truth, Joh. 4.23, 24. and therefore he ſpirits them in Regeneration ſo to do. Men may ſpeak great and good words, and make plauſible and ſeemingly good prayers from light in their heads, and other common ſpiritual gifts, without Regeneration, but they are but fleſhly, cold, dead, and loathſome prayers, becauſe they proceed not from a Divine Root and Spring; they are dead, their hearts are dead, and therefore their prayers muſt needs be dead prayers, which the Living God abhors, Iſa. 1. But now Regeneration opens their hearts and tongues, enlivens and quickens them, puts a heavenly Principle into them, ſo that now they can ſpeak to God with new tongues and hearts; now they can pray in Faith and Hope, with ſpiritual and lively affections, and in obedience to the Will of God.

p. 32Tenthly, Self-denial: Men are by Nature altogether ſelfiſh, they are wholly devoted to the ſervice of the fleſh, and ſet upon fulfilling the deſires of the fleſh, and of the mind, Eph. 2.3. Rom. 8.5. Phil. 3.19. But God lays in Self-denying grace on their hearts in Regeneration; ſo that now they can deny themſelves of their eaſe, pleaſures, profits, opinions, relations, peace, and all their once beloved Intereſts whatſoever, for God, Holineſs, Truth, and the welfare of their own Souls. They can, and that upon choice, diſpleaſe themſelves, to pleaſe God; they can willingly be nothing, that Christ may be all in all things, Col. 3.11. yea, they would be the Footſtool of Chriſt to exalt him, and ſet him on the Throne. Regeneration makes them account their all too little for him, as before they accounted a little too much for Chriſt. This is the great term on which we receive and believe in the Lord Jeſus, Mark 8.34. Matth. 16.24. Luk. 9.23. and by Regeneration he gives them power and will to do it, Pſal. 110.3. Phil. 2.13. Joh. 6.44, 45. This Regeneration wrought in Paul, Gal. 1.16. I conſulted not with fleſh and blood (ſays he) that is, as ſoon as he was Regenerated, Chriſt ſent him to preach the Faith which before he had zealouſly deſtroyed, verſ. 23. and that amongſt the barbarous Heathens, where was much danger, and in the doing of which he ſhould meet with many difficulties, (as he did) yet he immediately yielded up himſelf to the Will of Chriſt, p. 33and laid his own in the duſt. So when Chriſt called Peter and Andrew, they ſtraightway left all and followed him, Matth. 4.18, 19, 20. and after ward Matthew did the like; he preſently left his gainful Trade at the Cuſtom-Houſe, and followed Chriſt, Matth. 9.9. So the Diſciples tell Chriſt, Luke 18. that they had left all, and followed him; and the grace of Self-denial is given to all Regenerate perſons in the very moment of their Regeneration.

Eleventhly, Sincerity: This is the general grace, or that which is the Salt that ſeaſons and makes (as it were) all other grace good and ſingular. Goſpel-ſincerity is the holy ſpiritual Leven, that runs through the whole Lump, or Body of the graces of Chriſt given in Regeneration; it is not properly one ſingle grace, but it is rather the grace of all other graces; 'tis that which makes the ſpecifical difference between common and peculiar grace, that makes a man to be what he ſeems to be; it makes and really qualifies a man, a truly godly and gracious man; it makes the heart, face, and tongue of a man the ſame towards God and men; it makes a man entire, and wholly for God, Chriſt and Holineſs, according to his holy profeſſion; it brings up, and muſters all graces, ſets them in their places, and directs them all unto God in duties, and to thoſe holy ends for which he hath appointed them to be performed. Goſpel-ſincerity is a ſpecial gift of God beſtowed on men in Regeneration, 2 Cor. 1.12. that in p. 34the ſimplicity and ſincerity of God we have had our Converſation among you, (ſays Paul;) and he tells the Coloſians, that they had heard and known the Grace of God in truth, Col. 1.6. Goſpel-ſincerity hath all grace in the Womb of it; by it the Holy Ghoſt makes men a peculiar people unto God, qualifies and fits them for all ſpiritual and holy imployments, and Religious Exerciſes, for acceptance and Communion with God. This is it that makes men lovely, and deſirable to God and man, that makes them true and faithful to God, that draws forth and ingages their hearts to God, and cauſes them to yield up their wills to the Will of God. Without Goſpel-ſincerity men are but whited Sepulchres, and like the Apples of Sodom, beautiful without, but rotten and abominable within. Mens Religion, I mean their profeſſion of it, without Goſpel-ſincerity, is vain and unſavoury. Goſpel-ſincerity is that which makes us like God, Jer. 22.41. and that which ſpiritualizes and perſumes all our duties. All our duties muſt be done, and profeſſion of godlineſs made in Goſpel-ſincerity, or God will abhor both us and them, Joſhua 24.14. Heb. 10.22. Joh. 4.23, 24. Iſai. 1. Therefore that God may have ſome to ſerve him in Spirit and Truth, he Regenerates them, and makes them New Creatures, by putting his own Nature, and ſtamping his own Image into, and upon them, and ſo they are made holy and ſincere, in meaſure, like unto himſelf. This is another glorious part p. 35of Regeneration. Theſe are ſome, and but ſome of the graces of Chriſt, that makes forms, and conſtitutes the Heavenly Babe, the New Creature. There are many other graces of Chriſt given to men in their Regeneration, to make a compleat New Creature; as Joy, Temperance, Patience, and ſeveral other, which I ſhall not now inſiſt on, nor mention, becauſe I have many other Truths to open to you on this Subject. Let me then adviſe you, who think you are Regenerated, to examine and try your ſelves, if you can find indeed theſe graces of Chriſt in you; and if you you can, and do find them in you really, you may be ſure that all other graces (that have not been mentioned) are in you, and that you are in a ſtate of Regeneration; but if there be none of theſe graces in you, then you are in an unregenerate ſtate and condition.

Q. What have you further to ſay and declare of Regeneration?

Anſw. I ſay, that the Holy Ghoſt gets into a man when he Regenerates him, and brings in all the Graces of Chriſt with him, Joh. 16.7, 8, 13, 14. as was ſhewed before, Rom, 8.9, 10, 11. And Chriſt is ſaid to be in Regenerate men by his Spirit and graces, 2 Cor. 5.17. and by regenerating them, he works in them new principles, habits, diſpoſitions, and ends, and he ſets up in their hearts and ſouls new Laws, namely, his own, to direct and guide them, to rule and order them; All things are p. 36become new in him, and to him, that is Regenerated, 2 Cor. 5.17.

1 There are new, that is, divine and heavenly Principles in him; there is Divine Light to ſee withal, and New Life to walk withal, in the ways of God; there is Love to move and incline his heart to his duty, Life to quicken, and Light to direct and guide him: ſo that his duties proceed from his new Principles of Light, Life, Faith, and Love. All things are become new in him.

2 New Habits. His new Principles are become fixed, ſtated habits in his Soul; he doth not move and act in the things of God by Forreign cauſes, and external motives only, as he did before Regeneration, but he acts and brings forth fruit from a ſtock of grace in his heart. In Matth. 12.35. Chriſt tells us, that a good man, out of the good t…eaſure of the heart, bringeth forth good things; that is, from a gracious fixed habit. His good works do naturally flow from him; he is fixed and reſolved at all times, to do and comply with the Will of God, in all ſtates and condit…ons whatſoever, not only when he hears or feels ſome ſtirring word, or provoking judgment, to quicken and irritate him, but alſo at other times, when none of theſe things do occur. Thus we find David and Paul, Pſal. 57.7. Pſal. 119. Acts 20.24. Acts 2. All things are new.

3 New diſpoſitions. Regeneration diſpoſes us to every good word and work; it is an habitual diſpoſition, though it be ſometimes p. 37ſtronger, ſometimes weaker, yet they do genuinely mind and will God, their duty, and eternal happineſs, Rom. 7.18. For to will (ſays he) is preſent with …ne, but how to do it he knew not. And the ſame Apoſtle ſhews us, that 'tis ſo with all good men, Gal. 5.17. and they are ſaid to be ſpiritually minded, Rom. 8.5, 6. that is, the bent, inclination, deſire and intention of their hearts were ſo. Thus Regenerate men are ſaid to be ready to every good work, Acts 17.11. Tit. 3 1. 2 Cor. 8.11. Rom. 1.15. Regeneration diſpoſes them to pray in ſecret, Acts 9.11. to hear and learn the Will of God, Acts 17.11. ſo to be delivered from all ſin, Rom. 7.24. to perfect holineſs, Phil. 3.13, 14. and as theſe, ſo all other things and duties whatſoever. It is true, that the carnal ſpirit in Regenerate perſons, doth greatly oppoſe and draw them backward, but yet that hinders not their holy diſpoſitions and inclinations, but they will breathe and operate in them, with a notwithſtanding, as good men do experience. And indeed, this is one of Gods great and holy ends in regenerating men, namely, to move and incline their hearts unto himſelf, and his holy will, that they may move, will, aed act freely, by his Life and Power within them; that their habitual inclinations and diſpoſitions may be ſuited to his will, and the things above, and that his external motives may ſweetly and freely draw, and not force and drive them to himſelf, and their duty. Hence the Spouſe prays p. 38Chriſt to draw her, and ſhe will run after him, Cant. 1.4. ſhewing thereby which way ſhe was diſpoſed and bent.

4 New ends and deſigns. All things are become new with regenerate perſons, and therefore needs they muſt have new ends and deſigns in their eyes, and hearts; in their wills, underſtandings, judgments, minds, and affections; as their ends and deſigns in things before Regeneration were baſe, low, and ſordid, ſo now in a Regenerate ſtate they are high, noble, and honourable: They were wont to make the Lusts of the fleſh, of the eye, and the pride of life, the mark they ſhot at, and the point, ſcope, and end of all their projects, contrivements, and endeavours; but Regeneration hath ſublimated and heightned their ſpirits, cauſed them to ſee, and carry on more worthy and glorious deſigns and ends; their hearts are in meaſure ſuited to the Commands of God, and the end of Chriſt his. Death. This the Apoſtle notably declares, 2 Cor. 5.15. and that he died for all, that they that live, (that is, that are Regenerated, and begotten again to a lively hope) ſhould not henceforth live unto themſelves, (but to whom then?) why, to him who died for them, and roſe again. They are now partakers of the Divine Nature, and are of a heavenly deſcent; they are the ſpiritually natural and adopted Sons and Daughters of God, the Off-ſpring and Royal Iſſue of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; and therefore they muſt needs p. 39have aims, ends, and deſigns in their eyes and hearts, according to their new Nature, and Royal Spirits. Now their Hearts and Souls are bent and ſet to live in the Court, in the preſence of the King, to wait on, and do homage to him, to honour, ſerve, and pleaſe him; to keep his favour, and ſmiles of his countenance; to know his pleaſure, and yield him free and chearful obedience thereunto; to inrich themſelves with his graces and Spirit, and prepare themſelves for full and everlaſting Communion with himſelf. Now they deſire to hold up his Intereſt and Concerns in the world, to inlarge and augment his Kingdom, and to have their light ſo to ſhine in the world before men, as that they may ſee their good works, and be induced to glorifie God, Matth. 5.16. Theſe, and ſuch like glorious ends and deſigns, are in the New Creatures eye; but to live, project, and contrive, to get and keep worldly riches, honours, pleaſures, beauty, and a great name, are things far beneath the Noble and excellent nature and ſpirit of the New Creature; it is of a Chriſt-like Spirit and Nature, and therefore it muſt of neceſſity have and deſign the ſame ends he doth; Their old ends are paſſed away, and new take place.

5 New Rules, or Laws. Regeneration brings into a man, and puts him under new Laws, Orders, and Rules; All things are become new. Before Regeneration they were ruled and governed by the will of the Fleſh, the counſels p. 40of the Fleſh, the ſuggeſtions of Satan, and examples of carnal men, and accordingly they walked and ſteered their courſe, bleſt themſelves in ſo doing, promiſing peace and felicity to themſelves in thoſe ways of their own hearts, Iſa. 66.3. 1 Theſ. 5.3. But Regeneration puts into them, and brings them under the Laws and Orders of Jeſus Chriſt, and the Kingdom into which they are tranſlated, Col. 1.3. The Laws written in the Goſpel, are by Regeneration written with the Finger of the Holy Ghoſt in their hearts; ſo that now they have (as it were) two Bibles, or Books of Laws, the one in their hand, the other in their hearts, Jer. 31.33. Jer. 32.40. Heb. 8.10, 11. Heb. 10.16. By theſe Laws and Rules, they deſire, chuſe, and endeavour to walk under them, to live and be ſubject to them, and to none elſe. The New Creature knows no other Lord, Laws, or Law-giver, over it's Soul and Conſcience, but Chriſt; it freely yields up its ſelf to all chearful obedience to all his Laws, and accounts it his happineſs to walk by his Rules; he honours them, and is thankful for them.

Theſe are his Laws upon choice, and his obedience to them he eſteems as a great priviledge and honour, Deut. 4.8. He would not vary from them, but have them continually before him, in his eye, heart, and hand; he makes them his delights and Councellours, and they are the joy and rejoycing of his heart, as David and Jeremy experienced. When they vary p. 41from them, or in any thing tranſgreſs them, they are afflicted; and when they conform to them, they rejoyce.

Q. You ſaid before, that Regeneration ſignifies a change of ſtate, or a ſecond ſtate; pray ſhew what is meant by a ſecond, or new ſtate, that Regeneration puts men into?

Anſw. I have ſhewed you already, that Regeneration puts men into a new ſtate of life; it tranſlates and raiſes them from ſpiritual death, to ſpiritual life, from darkneſs to light, &c. by the infuſion of the Spirit, Light, and Life of Chriſt: And ſeveral things have already been diſcourſed on, which may not here be mentioned, but ſhall refer you to what hath been ſaid before. Here I ſhall add, ſecondly, that Regeneration tranſplants men out of the old Adam into the new; it takes them from the old ſtock, and grafts them into the new, out of the Earthy man, and puts them into the Heavenly, 1 Cor. 15. By Regeneration they are actually put into Chriſt, and Chriſt into them; they are taken out of the Kingdom of Satan, and put into the Kingdom of Chriſt, as theſe Scriptures ſhew, Rom. 8.9, 10. 2 Cor. 5.17. 2 Cor. 13.5. Col. 1.13. Acts 26.18. Joh. 18.36. Men are firſt put into Chriſt by Election, they are ſaid to be choſen in Chriſt, Eph. 1.4. and that before the Foundation of the World; and they were united to Chriſt in his Incarnation, when he took up our Nature into a Perſonal Union with the Divine; but in Regeneration, we are fully p. 42and compleatly, actually and perſonally united to Chriſt, with our own choiſe, and free conſent; ſo that here is a great change indeed. Regenerate perſons are ſet into a new and living ſtock, which will yield ſufficient ſap and nouriſhment to ſuch grafts. I am the Vine, (ſays Chriſt) ye are the Branches, Joh. 15.5. And hence it is that they bear much fruit unto Eternal Life, after Regeneration, Joh. 15.5. Joh. 4.36. By Regeneration we are made Subjects of his Kingdom, and living Members of his Body, 1 Cor. 6.15. Eph. 1. ult. Eph. 5.30. They are now of another Kingdom, and Corporation, of another Root, Stock, and Body, of another Family and Houſhold, Eph. 2.19, 20.

Thirdly, Regeneration puts men into a ſtate of liberty and freedom. In their unregenerate ſtate, they are in bondage, in priſon, and ſlavery to their Luſts, Rom. 6.17. to Satan, 2 Tim. 2. ult. Eph. 2.2. They are alſo in bondage under the Law, and enjoyned to keep every tittle of it, on pain of Eternal Death, Gal. 3.10. Rom. 6.14. They are alſo by Nature Children of wrath, as they are ſinners and tranſgreſſors of the Law, Eph. 2.3. And they are, as ſinners, under the damning Sentence of the Law, Joh. 3.18. Moreover, the Scripture tells us, that all men, while in their unregenerate ſtates, are Priſoners, Iſa. 61.1. and Priſoners in the Pit, Zach. 9.11. This, and much more, is their miſery and bondage, thraldom and ſlavery, while in their ſtate of ſin; but p. 43now Regeneration ſets them at liberty and freedom, Gal. 5.1.13. Chriſt hath by his Death purchaſed their freedom and liberty, Tit. 2.14. but it is made theirs by, or in Regeneration. Then he opens the Priſon doors, Iſa. 61.1. turns the Devil out of his Throne, Luke 11.21, 22. breaks off their bonds, and brings them out, ſets them at liberty, and lets them go free, and all by virtue of his blood, in purſuance of the Covenant, Zach. 9.11. Now they are ſaid to be free from ſin, and become the ſervants of God, Rom. 6.22. and the wicked one toucheth them not, 1 Joh. 5.18. In Regeneration Chriſt leads Captivity captive, Eph. 4.8. It is a great, real, and Everlaſting Freedom that men have in Regeneration; they ſhall no more return into Captivity: If therefore the Son ſhall make you free, ye ſhall be free indeed, Joh. 8.36. Hence they are ever after Regeneration called the Lords Free-men, 1 Cor. 7.22. for by Regeneration they are put into the ſtate of liberty, not upon condition, or for a time, but for ever. They are free from the Ruledom of Sin and Satan, from the Law of ſin and death, by the Law of the Spirit of Life, Rom. 8.2. By Regeneration they are made free to, and for God and Holineſs, to ſerve him without fear, in righteouſneſs and holineſs, all their days, Rom. 6.22. Luke 1.74, 75. So that now they have nothing elſe to do or mind, but how, as Free-men, to walk worthy of their new ſtate, to live unto God, and bear fruit to his praiſe and glory; for they p. 44are now in a ſecure ſtate of freedom and liberty, and need not fear the loſs of it.

Fourthly, By Regeneration we are put into a ſtate of Relation to God the Father, and Jeſus Chriſt the Son. In our unregenerate ſtates we are the Children of the Devil, Joh. 8.44. are his ſubjects and ſervants, and alſo the ſervants of ſin, Rom. 6.17, 18. and then we ſtood in no ſpecial Relations to Chriſt: For when we are made free from ſin by Regeneration, then, and not till then, we become the Lords ſervants, Rom. 6.22. God is indeed related to us, as our Creator, and we are related to him, as we are his Creatures; but this is no ſpecial Relation, for the Devils are ſo related to God: But Regeneration puts us into ſeveral ſpecial Relations. (1.) Into a Conjugal Relation. Chriſt is Married to them, and they to him, 2 Cor. 11.2. Cant. 2.16. Chriſt is their Husband, and they are his Wife, as the Song of Solomon ſhews. (2.) God is their Father, and they are his Children, not as by the firſt Creation, but by Regeneration, Joh. 1.12. 2 Cor. 6. ult. Iſa. 9 6. Heb. 2. (3.) Chriſt is their Head, and they are his Members, Eph. 5.30. (4.) Chriſt is their Lord and King, and they are his Subjects and Servanti, Col. 2.6. Rom. 6.16.22. Pſal. 2.6. (5.) Chriſt is their Shepherd, and they are his Sheep, Joh. 10.11.14.27. (6.) Chriſt is their Prophet, and they are his Scholars, Acts 3.22, 23. Theſe are ſome of the near Relations that Regenerate perſons ſtand in to Chriſt, and they are inſtated p. 45in them by Regeneration; for then they are contracted to Chriſt: I have (ſays Paul) eſpouſed you to Chriſt, 2 Cor. 11.2. namely, by the means of his Preaching to them; and ſo they are made Sons and Daughters, Gal. 4.5.

Fifthly, In Regeneration men are put into a ſtate of Righteouſneſs and Justification; not that they are Juſtified by Inherent Grace, or becauſe they are Regenerated, but that God doth by Regenerating them, enable them to take hold of Chriſt, and believe in him unto Juſtification of Life, Rom. 5.18. Rom. 3.22.25. So alſo, for that God doth actually and perſonally juſtifie men, when he Regenerates and makes them New Creatures. Before Regeneration men are in a guilty ſtate; they are in an unrighteous, and (as ſuch) in a condemned ſtate and condition; but by the means of Regeneration they are enabled to believe, receive, and apply the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt unto themſelves; and they can go to God the Father, and take out his Acquittances, and promiſed Diſcharges, Pardons, and Acceptance, bring home, and apply all unto themſelves; and ſo God accepts them, acquits and forgives them, diſcharges them of, and juſtifies them from and againſt all Crimes, Accuſations, and Indictments whatſoever and puts them into a Juſtified ſtate, or into a ſtate of Righteouſneſs and Juſtification, upon their believing in him, with the Faith given them in and by their Regeneration, Rom. 8.33, p. 4634. 2 Cor. 5. ult. Rom. 3.24.26. 1 Cor. 1.30.

Sixthly, Regeneration puts men into a ſtate of Friendſhip with God. By Nature we are all Enemies to him, and God ſeems to be, and to carry himſelf towards us as an Enemy, Rom. 5.10. Iſa. 63.10. yea, we are by Nature worſe, and more than Enemies, for being in Friendſhip with the World, we are at Enmity with God, Jam. 4.4. But Regeneration makes a great change, for it makes us Friends to God, and God carries himſelf Friendly towards us: The old Enmity is turned into a ſweet, real, and comfortable Friendſhip. God carries himſelf Friendly, and as a Cordial and great Friend to us, and ſo do we (in meaſure) unto him; we have his Heart opened to us in love and kindneſs, and ours are opened unto him in duty, love, and obedience. There is a great kindneſs, familiarity, and communication, between God and Regenerate perſons, and they do greatly delight in one anothers company, Iſa. 62.4. Iſa. 58. ult. Pro. 15.8. This Friendſhip between God and New Creatures, is a real, not feigned Friendſhip; it is a heart-endearing, and Soul-knitting Friendſhip; it is a pleaſant and delightful Friendſhip; it is a ſure and well-grounded Friendſhip, and it is a conſtant and perpetual Friendſhip; it is ſuch a knitting and faſt Friendſhip, as that neither Sip or Satan can poſſibly deſolve. In, and ever after Regeneration, God calls his p. 47New Creatures his Friends, Luke 12.4. Joh. 15.13, 14. Iſa. 41.8. Jam. 2.23. and God and them declare themſelves true and choice Friends indeed to each other, by their love, and loving one another at all times, which is the property of a true Friend, Pro. 17.17.

Seventhly and laſtly, They are by Regeneration put into a ſtate of Grace. By Nature men are not only ſinful, but they are in a ſtate of ſin and death; they are dead in ſin, and ſold under ſin; yea, they are altogether ſin, Eph. 2.1. Rom. 3.10-20. As their ſervices to God are, ſo are they; they are iniquity, Iſa. 1.13. It is their name, character, and nature, Rom. 5.8. Gal. 2.15. But Regeneration ſets men in a ſtate of Grace; for although after Regeneration they have much ſin and filthineſs in them, yet their ſtate is accounted and called, and it is really a holy ſtate; and after Regeneration, men are never accounted and called ſinners, but Saints, holy Brethren, the People and Children of God, and the like; for they have their new Names from their new States. As the Apoſtle ſpeaks to the Epheſians, Ye are (ſaith he) no more Strangers and Forreigners, but Fellow-Citizens of the Saints, Eph. 2.19. ſo it may be ſaid, and that truly, of all Regenerate perſons, that they are no more ſinners, (although they ſin) but holy and beloved, Col. 3.12. It is, and may be called a ſtate of Grace, on many accounts; I'le name a few, and ſo diſmiſs this Head. (1.) Becauſe they are ingrafted into Christ, who is p. 48their Root, Revel. 22.16. the Stock and Vine in whom they are ſet by Regeneration, Job. 15.2.5. (2.) Becauſe they are in favour with God; he loves the New Creature with the love of complacency and delight, becauſe it is his very Image and Nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. Col. 3.10. and he hath great favour and kindneſs for them as ſuch, Tit. 3.4, 5. (3.) Becauſe they are under the Conduct and Power of Grace: For as before ſin reigned unto death, in, and over them; ſo now the Grace of Chriſt reigns through righteouſneſs unto Eternal Life, Rom. 5. ult. (4.) Becauſe of their Relation to God. They were the Children of the Devil, but now the Children of God: So their new Relation puts them into a new State. (5.) Becauſe of their work and ſervice; their work was to ſerve ſin, Rom. 6. but now to ſerve God. It is now their only work and buſineſs to live unto God in all ſincere Goſpel-obedience. Holineſs is their Aim, Trade, and Principle; 'tis ſtated in their hearts, moulded and framed there, and expreſſed in their endeavours. (6.) Becauſe they are in an abiding and laſting ſtate; it is not tranſient, but their Regeneration ſhall be perfected in Glorification, Phil. 1 6. Rom. 8.30. Thus you have heard what Regeneration is; I have opened it as plainly as I can unto you, that you may underſtand it, and make a judgment of your own ſtates, whether you are indeed in a Regenerate ſtate and condition.