The Conversion of the Soul, Discourse 1 (1 of 5)

The Conversion of the Soul · Discourse 1 (1 of 5)

p. 1PSAL. XIX. 7. former part. The Law of the Lord is perfect, Converting the Soul.

THE Works of God, though in himſelf inviſible, ſhew forth the Workers Wiſdom, Power and Goodneſs aaOpera Dei, ſ… pius Conſiderator advertat, perhibent teſtimonium Creatori; quid autem borum eſt quod non ſit mirabile, ſi unumquodque ratione metiamur! Auguſtin. Euarrat. in Pſal. 118.Ps 118: The Heavens Preach to Men on Earth, and plainly Declare their Creators Glory; they utter a Voice which all of all Languages may underſtand; here are ſuch lines, in which every Eye may read the eternal Power and Godhead of Him, of whom, and through whom, and to whom are all things, and who is to be glorifified for evermore. Among the other Works of God, the Pſalmiſt takes ſpecial notice of the Sun in the Firmament, whoſe light and influence is ſo great and beneficial; and p. 2then makes a tranſition to the Law and Word of God, whoſe Light in a ſenſe obſcures that glorious Luminary; giving ſuch a clear manifeſtation, and affecting knowledge to Man, concerning his Maker, as turns his Heart to him, though naturally blind and fooliſh, alienated and eſtranged from Him. The Law of the Lord is perfect, Converting the Soul.

This weighty Argument of Converſion, I begin to inſiſt on this day. Converſion to God is the Epitome of Religion, it is the Summe of Law and Goſpel; in a few Syllables, it is fallen Man's recovery and riſing again, and the new making of that which Sin had marr'd and ſpoyled; it is the ſhutting of Hell, and is exceedingly oppoſed by the evil Angels that are there; it is the opening of the gate of Heaven: There is no Flaming Sword to keep the true Convert from the Tree of Life; he ſhall have entrance into the Paradiſe of God, and be crown'd with Righteouſneſs and Immortality.

But is not the Tongue of an Angel fitter to be employed in calling to Converſion, than that of a mortal Man? Is there not need of the loudeſt Thunder, or ſuch an amazing ſound as was heard when the Law was delivered on Mount Sinai of old? p. 3How unlikely, alas! how unlikely are humane endeavours to be ſucceſsful! ſince where Converſion is, the Power of Satan muſt be vanquiſht; the Dominion of Sin, unto which the whole World almoſt is ſubject, muſt be thrown down; the Deaf muſt be made to hear, the Blind muſt be made to ſee, and the Dead muſt be raiſed to the higheſt Life in this World, and that is Life Spiritual; and Nature it ſelf muſt be changed, and of Old become New. Lord! what is Man, that he ſhould be employed in ſuch a work as this! the earthen Veſſel is weak, or rather nothing; the Treaſure is the Word of God, and the Excellency of its Power is of the Lord himſelf. The Law of Lord is perfect, Converting the Soul.

In the Text there are four things obſervable.

1. The Word of God is called the Law of the Lord. The Law comprehends not only the Preceptive part, but alſo the whole Doctrine revealed in the Holy Scriptures. The very Goſpel it ſelf is ſtyled the Law of Faith: Well may the Word of God be called a Law, ſince its Author is the great Law-giver, who has Power to ſave and to deſtroy; and conſidering the deep Obligation it layes Man under. p. 4A principal part of the Word, are the Commands of it; the Promiſes and Threatnings are Appendices to the Precepts; and the Examples, in which both Promiſes and Threatnings are in ſome meaſure fulfilled, may ſtrongly excite unto Obedience.

2. Here is an excellent Property of this Word of God, 'tis Perfect; though ſome moſt impiouſly make bold with it, and eke it out with their own Traditions, which they make to be of equal Authority with it; yet the Word of God is perfect, ſufficient as a Means to attain the End whereunto 'tis deſigned, turning Sinners to God, and making them wiſe unto Salvation. He does moſt truly conſult his own Eternal Peace and Safety, and is indeed the wiſeſt Man, who refuſes foreign, to be wiſe above what is written.

3. Here is a notable Effect of the Word of God, and that is Converſion: The Hebrew has it foreign from foreign, and ſignifies redire faciens, making to return; ſome Interpreters referr this to the reſtoring and comforting Power of the Word of God; which brings as it were, the Man to life again, who was ready to dye away, and to ſink under the burthen of Sin and Miſery But this Conſolation ſuppoſes Converſion p. 5and Repentance; and it ſeems unlikely, that the Pſalmiſt enumerating the more remarkable effects of the Word of God, ſhould omit this of Converſion, which is one of the chiefeſt among them all.

4. The Sincerity of Converſion is ſignified, when the Soul is ſaid to be Converted. The Soul is ſometimes taken for the Perſon, for the whole Man: The whole Man is by Sin corrupted and depraved, and ſtrongly inclined to depart from God; there is need that the whole ſhould be renewed and reduced. Sometimes the Soul is taken for the ſpiritual and immortal part of Man; and when this is enlightned and inclined, and turned to God, then the very Heart which he ſo often calls for, is given him, and the Change that is wrought, is inward, real, ſaving.

I raiſe four Doctrines from the Text.

Firſt, Converſion to God is of abſolute neceſſity, and the great thing he requires of Man.

Secondly, Converſion to God is then ſincere, when the Soul is Converted to him.

Thirdly, The Word of God is the great Means of Converſion.

Fourthly, In the Word of God, which is the Means of Converſion, there is a Perfection and Sufficiency.

p. 6Doct. I. I begin with the firſt of theſe. Converſion. to God is of abſolute neceſſity, and the great thing he requires of Man: 'Tis ſpoken of in the Text, as that which is Man's Duty, Man's Benefit, and that which is inexpreſſibly for Mans Intereſt. Converting the Soul, is really Saving it, and without Converſion there can be no Salvation: He that turns from his evil wayes ſhall live; he that is reſolved againſt turning, is in effect reſolved to ruine himſelf; Death he wills, Death he chuſes, and 'tis a ſtrange choice that the Will makes, Ezek. 33. 11. As I live, ſaith the Lord God, I have no pleaſure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked ſhould turn from his way and live: Turn ye, turn ye from your evil wayes, for why will you dye, O houſe of Iſrael.

In the handling of this Doctrine, I ſhall

Firſt, Speak of the preparative Antecedents of Converſion.

Secondly, Explain the Nature of Converſion.

Thirdly, Tell you what are the Properties of Converſion.

Fourthly, Demonſtrate the neceſſity of Converſion, and the reaſon why God does ſo much require it.

Fifthly, Anſwer the Arguments which the carnal minds of Men object againſt Converſion▪ page missing p. 23the body of Sin may be more and more deſtroyed.

4. In Converſion there is a turning from the power of Satan. Unconverted ones are of their Father the Devil, and the luſts of their Father they will do; but Converts are no longer at his beck, they are not led Captive by him at his will, but are recovered out of his Snare. Satans great Work and Deſign, is to tempt the Children of men to ſin; he is unalterably confirmed and fixed in wickedneſs himſelf, and with might and main he ſtrives to propagate wickedneſs in the World: He is ſtyled foreign, and foreign, the Tempter, and the evil One; he is ever ſoliciting and perſwading men to what is evil, and truly he prevails, and works his will and their woe in the Children of Diſobedience; but Converts reſiſt him by the Word and Prayer, and uſing both in Faith, they put on the whole armour of God, and ſtand againſt the waies of the Devil, Eph. 6. 11.

5. In Converſion there is an alteration of corrupt Nature it ſelf, and its corrupt and vitious Inclination: This the Apoſtle calls puting off the old Man which is corrupt, according to the deceitful luſts, Eph. 4. 22. The old byaſs that ſo ſtrongly inclined the Heart towards Sin, the World, and Hell, p. 24is taken away; habits of ſin are left, cuſtom in evil ceaſes, and Nature is changed; the heart by a work of new Creation is made after the Heart of God, and that which before Converſion was the worſt part of Man, being deceitful above all things and deſperately wicked, now becomes the beſt part of all, and is ſtill deſiring that it ſelf and the whole Man were more compleatly cleanſed from Sin, and ſanctified. I have told you what Converſion is with reference to Sin.

Secondly, Converſion may be conſidered with reference to this preſent World: Whenever Converſion is true, as there is a loathing and leaving of Sin, ſo there is a weaning from this preſent World. In the Word of God we have the trueſt Map of this World; it is ſet forth as a far Countrey, far from Heaven, bordering upon Hell, and Satan is the Deity that generally here is ſerved, who is therefore called the God of this World, 2 Cor. 4. 4. It is full of danger and ſnares, the grand Idol that provokes the Lord to jealouſie; 'tis that which ſtands in competition with Chriſt, and by moſt Hearts is preferr'd before him; 'tis the Devils moſt taking bait, wherewith he beguiles and ruins immortal Souls. p. 25Chriſt both Prayed and Dyed, that his followers might be delivered from it: He Prayed, Joh. 17. 15. I Pray not that thou ſhouldſt take them out of the World, but that thou ſhouldſt keep them from the evil. He Died to this end alſo, Gal. 1. 4. Who gave himſelf for our Sins, that he might deliver us from this preſent evil World, according to the will of God and our Father: Converts therefore look not upon this World, and they have good reaſon not to look upon it as ſo deſirable a thing. Converſion lies much in keeping our ſelves unſpotted from the VVorld, and in denying worldly luſts and defires, Jam. 1. 27. Tit. 2. 12.

1. The Convert has no friendſhip with the VVorld, becauſe the friendſhip of the VVorld is Enmity with God, Jam. 4. 4. He values not the Worlds Favour above Gods, he fears not the Worlds Diſpleaſure more than the Lords Anger; he prizes the Love of God and the light of his Countenance, above all the reſpects and ſmiles of Mammon: And if he has but a comfortable aſſurance that the Lord is at Peace, he does not ſo much care though all the World fall out with him. Indeed in a ſenſe, the Convert is a true Friend to the World; he Pities and Prayes for the World, and the World is ſpared for the Saints ſake that p. 26are in it, and are to be born into it. A Woman that is condemned to dye, if ſhe be with Child, ſhe is ſpared till delivered: In this World many are to be born that will be born again, and hence it is that the Sentence of the VVorlds burning is not yet Executed. But in the Apoſtles ſenſe the Convert ceaſes to be the Worlds friend; he will be religious though the World be never ſo angry, he will look towards Heaven, he will look at the things unſeen, which are eternal, though the World never give him a good look more.

2. The Convert is not conformed to this VVorld. Conformity in this ſenſe is a damnable thing, and inconſiſtent with Converſion; how plain is the Apoſtles Prohibition, Rom. 12. 2. And be not conformed to this VVorld, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, that acceptable and perfect will of God. The Conformiſt to this World minds not the Will of God, nor what is good and acceptable to Him: He that is truly Converted is otherwiſe minded, he diſlikes the manners, and eſcapes the pollutions of the VVorld; he runs not out with others to the ſame exceſs of riot, he dares not follow a multitude to do evil, becauſe deſtruction and miſery are in their wayes; but according p. 27as the Apoſtle directs, He lives the reſt of his time in the fleſh, not to the luſts of men, but to the will of God, 1 Pet. 4. 2.

3. The Convert is not a Lover and Chuſer of the VVorld, as if it were the beſt Por…ion: He is made ſeriouſly to take notice of the Vanity and Vexation of Spirit that is found in the enjoyment of the World, and how ſhort a time at longeſt 'tis to be enjoyed; he concludes, 'twere better never to have been a Man, than to be only a Man of the VVorld, better never to have lived, than to be put off with a Portion here in this life, Pſal. 17, 14. Better never to have had a Soul, than to diſappoint it with the things of the World, which are unſuitable to its nature, and inſuſticient for its ſatiſfaction, and to loſe it for the gaining of ſuch poor things as theſe. Contempt of this VVorld is always an ingredient in ſincere Converſion; the higheſt Profeſſion, the moſt heavenly Language, argues but the greater Hypocriſie, if the Heart be earthly: Thoſe Hearts that chiefly mind earthly things, ſhould meditate Terrour when they read 1 Joh. 2. 15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

4. The Convert is no longer acted by the p. 28ſpirit of this VVorld: 2 Cor. 2. 12. Now we have received not the ſpirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God: And how infinitely more excellent, deſirable and durable, are the things which are freely given of God in the Goſpel, than all things which the World can boaſt of? The ſpirit of the World, is the genius, nature and diſpoſition of the World; ſuch a Mind, ſuch a Will; ſuch Affections as the Men of the World have. The Convert ſees not with the Worlds eyes, judges not as the World judges, but diſcerns between things that differ, and approves the things that are moſt excellent; his enlightned and rectified Judgment weighs the things of the World in the ballance of the Sanctuary, and he writes Tekel upon them all, becauſe being weighed they are found wanting.

5. The Convert uſes this World as not abuſing it: He calls himſelf bruitiſh becauſe of his former affecting it, becauſe it made him ſuch a Fool, ſuch a Slave; but now he recovers his Dominion over the Creatures which was loſt by the fall: Earth is now under foot, which is its proper place, and the things of it he improves for God. He lives as a Stranger and Pilgrim, and he puts the Mammon of unrighteouſneſs to holy p. 29and gracious uſes, and doing good with the World, he ſcapes the evil of it, and becomes more and more meet for the heavenly Inheritance.

And are Converts thus indeed turn'd from Sin? do they thus come out from the World? Lord! how few will be ſaved! for how ſmall is the number of thoſe who are thus Converted! You ſee what Converſion is with reference to the World.

Thirdly, Converſion may be conſidered with reference to the Sinner himſelf, and ſo it includes that great Chriſtian Duty of Self-denyal. What a ſtrange Creature has Sin turn'd Man into! that he muſt beware of himſelf, eſpecially as one that is falſe, and a Foe to himſelf; he is to flye from Sin, he is to reſiſt Satan, and from Self how unconceivable is his danger! Where ſhall Man find his greateſt Enemy? not among his moſt malicious Neighbours, not among the evil Angels, though theſe as ſo many roaring Lions, go about ſeeking whom they may devour; but Man muſt look into his own Breaſt, and ranſack his own Heart, and there he will find the moſt deadly Foe; his Deſtruction is of himſelf, he procures evil to himſelf, Jer. 2. 17. He treaſures up unto himſelf Wrath againſt the p. 30day of wrath, Rom. 2. 5. Our Lord very well knew how pernicious and fooliſh Mans own Counſels are, how hurtful his own Luſts and Inclinations, therefore he preſſes Selfdenyal upon all his followers, Luk. 9. 23. He ſaid unto them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himſelf, and take up his Croſs daily and follow me: The true Convert does thus, for he apprehends what a Party there is within him, that is indeed againſt him.

1. He that is Converted, mortifies Selflove: The Apoſtle makes it a great part of the Sin, and a great reaſon of the perillouſneſs of the latter dayes, that Men ſhall be lovers of their own ſelves, 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2. There is an holy Self-love, which is a Love to the Soul, and that's a Duty; and in this ſenſe only true Saints are true Self-lovers, and God loves them not the leſs, but the more for being ſo. There is a carnal Self-love, when the Fleſh is loved and gratified, when the Fleſh is the pondus, weight that ſets all wheels a going, when the Fleſh is the center in which all lines meet: This Self-love excludes the Love of God, of the Soul, and of the Brother, and is a great and fruitful root from whence innumerable other Sins do grow. The Converts mortifie this Love of their Fleſh, conſidering p. 31they have Souls that deſerve and need their Love and Care, and whoſe Intereſt ought mainly to be minded.

2. He that is Converted is not a Selfflatterer. The wicked man flatters himſelf in his own eyes, until the Puniſhment inflicted upon him proves his Iniquity is hateful in the eyes of God, Pſal. 36. 2. He loves thoſe that flatter him, he ſayes to the Seers, ſee not, to the Prophets, propheſie not unto me right things, propheſie unto me ſmooth things, though you propheſie Deceits. The Convert is truly willing to know himſelf, and the worſt of himſelf, he can't endure Dawbers, the Word that ſearches moſt is moſt acceptable. He comes to the Light, that what is good in him may be diſcovered, and that God who has wrought that good may have the Glory, Joh. 3. 21. and that all remaining evil may be manifeſt, that it may be mortified.

3. He that is Converted is not a Selfpleaſer: To be all for pleaſing his external ſenſes he accounts bruitiſh, to pleaſe his ſancy he eſteems below reaſon, and contrary to Grace; and that 'tis the higheſt madneſs, for the ſake of ſinful and ſenſual Pleaſures, to incurr the Diſpleaſure and Indignation of the Almighty, and venture the enduring of eternal Vengeance. Moſes ſhewed the p. 32truth of his Converſion, in undervaluing the Pleaſures of Sin that were but for a ſeaſon, Heb. 11. 25. He contemn'd the Delight of Pharaoh's Court, the Honour of being the Son of Pharaoh's Daughter, and choſe Affliction with the People of God, that he might find a truer, an higher, a better Delight in God himſelf.

4. He that is Converted is not a Selfſeeker: He is not taken as once he was, with ſecular honour, and temporal gain, ſuch things ſway not with him, when the Honour of God and his own Salvation lye at ſtake. In different reſpects he is the greatest Selfſeeker and the leaſt: No man minds his trueſt Intereſt, durable Riches, and everlaſting Glory, but himſelf, and ſuch as are like-minded; and yet he can bear the ſcorn of Men, and the ſpoyling of his Goods, and if Chriſt be but magnified, he can lye in the duſt contentedly: He ſeeks not great things for himſelf on Earth; the Praiſe of Men he looks upon as empty and dangerous breath, without Gods approbation, and the gaining of the whole World nothing, if God be not reconciled and enjoyed. How far were the Apoſtles from being Self-ſeekers, when that they might make Chriſt known in the World, and perſwade the World to receive him and be ſaved by him, they p. 33were contented to be made a ſpectacle to Angels and Men, to be hungry, thirſty, naked, …uffeted, and without any certain dwelling-place; …ay, to be eſteemed the very filth of the World, and the off-ſcouring of all things, 1 Cor. 4. 9, 13.

5. He that is Converted is not Self-confident: He dares not glory in his own Wiſdom, for God has made fooliſh the wiſdom of this World, 1 Cor. 1 20. He dares not truſt to his Strength, for God gives Power to the faint, and that perceive they have none of their own to help themſelves, Iſa. 40. 29. He dares not think that his righteouſneſs is ſati…factory to divine Juſtice, or meritorious of divine Favour, but cryes out with David, Enter not into Judgment with thy ſervant, for in thy ſight ſhall no man living be juſtified, Pſal. 143. 2. He that places his Confidence in himſelf, plainly diſcovers great Ignorance of himſelf, and alſo of Gods deſign in the Goſpel, which is, that his Grace in Christ may be All, and that no Fleſh may glory in the Lords Preſence.

6. He that is Converted, is engaged in a Combat with himſelf; his Heart is a Field, where many a Battel is fought between him and his proud Self, between him and his luſtful Self, between him and his worldly Self, between him and his unbelieving p. 34Self. 'Tis eaſier to reſiſt the very Prince of the Devils, and to withſtand the importunity and ſolicitations of Satans Inſtruments; but for a Man to be at defiance with himſelf, to be continually almoſt chiding, loathing, croſſing and oppoſing himſelf, in this lies the moſt difficult part of the Chriſtian warfare. Within the Converts own Breaſt is the very heat of the Battel; Oh what ſtriving is there againſt Self-exalting Imaginations! what ſtruggling againſt Selfwill, and ſelfiſh affections and deſigns! And with good reaſon is Self thus oppoſed by the Convert, ſince Self does ſo much oppoſe the Converts Salvation.

And if turning be thus Self-denying, the prevalency of carnal Intereſt, and the power of Self among Profeſſors of Religion, proves that though they are externally Called, yet there are few ſincere Converts among them: How tender are they in point of Gain, and Honour, and Reputation! every perſon and thing that here ſtands in their way is a great eye-ſore: Religion ſhall ſtoop to worldly Intereſt, this ſhall be ſecured, though Faith and Conſcience be caſt overboard. Thus have I conſider'd Converſion with reference to the Sinner himſelf.

Fourthly, Converſion may be conſider'd p. 35with reference to God: The Sinner forſakes him, and rebels againſt him, the Convert …eturns and ſubmits to him. 'Tis God that …alls to Converſion, and 'tis Converſion to …imſelf that he calls for, Zech. 1. 3. Turn …e unto me, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts, and I …ill turn unto you, ſaith the Lord of Hosts.

1. Converſion is a turning to the living …nd true God; 1 Theſ. 1. 9, 10. Ye turned to God from Idols, to ſerve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from Heaven, …ven Jeſus who delivered us from the Wrath …o come: The glorious and gracious Jeho…ah, who made Heaven and Earth, and …reſerves and governs all things; who promiſed a Seed to Adam that ſhould bruiſe …he Serpents Head, who renewed his Cove…ant with Abraham, who ſpake from Mount Sinai to Iſrael, who has deliver'd lively Ora…les by the Prophets and Apostles in the Ho…y Scriptures; and who is the God and Fa…her of Jeſus Christ, and has ſent him to …e a Propitiation and Saviour; this Jeho…ah is the only living and true God, and …s ſuch, is known and acknowledged by …very true Convert.

2. Converſion is a turning to God for Himſelf, Jer. 4. 1. If thou wilt return, O Iſ…ael, ſaith the Lord, return unto me, q. d. … Iſrael, expect all ſafety, protection, all p. 36manner of Benefits and Bleſſings from my hand; but place thy principal happineſs in my ſelf. The Hypocrite ſeems to turn, and ſeek unto God; but 'tis for the Creatures ſake; his Security or advantage is in his Eye. The Convert by the Creatures is led unto God, and though he ſhould receive never ſo many temporal Mercies, he would look upon himſelf as miſerable, unleſs with the Mercies he enjoyed the Father of them.

3. Converſion is a chooſing of God before all things, ſuch a choice is wiſe and rational. Moſes ſaw Him that is Inviſible, and ſaw ſo much in him; that the Egyptian Crown and Throne were eſteemed trifles in compariſon of Communion with the God of Iſrael. The Pſalmiſt though he had juſt had a ſight of worldly Mens Proſperity and was ready to envy them their happineſs; yet going into the Sanctuary he did diſcern that in God, which eclips'd and obſcured the whole World with all its Wealth and Dignity, and made it look but like a great and empty Bubble; and he cries out, Pſal. 73. 25. Whom have … in Heaven but Thee! and there is none o… Earth that I deſire beſides Thee! The Convert chuſes God for his Portion, and accounts no other heritage ſo goodly. He had p. 37rather have the Lord to be his God, his own God, as the Phraſe is, Pſal. 67. 6. and …o enjoy the light of his countenance, than …o have the greateſt abundance of Corn and Wine, and whatſoever on Earth is call'd deſirable.

There is a twofold enjoyment of God, on Earth; and in Heaven. On Earth God is known but in part, and Sin remaining in the very beſt, is ſtill a bar unto compleat Communion with him, which ſhall be the priviledge of all that come to Heaven. The Convert values fellowſhip with God in his Ordinances; but principally …ongs for the Viſion of God face to face in his Kingdom; he begs to be kept in the path of Life, and to be brought at laſt to that heavenly City which has eternal foundations; in which God does for ever vouchſafe his glorious Preſence, where God himſelf is All in All, where there is fulneſs of Joy and Pleaſures forevermore, Pſal. 16. …ult.

4. Converſion is a devoting the whole Man to God. 'Tis ſaid of the Macedonians, that moſt willingly they gave of their ſubſtance to a good uſe, and they gave their own ſelves unto the Lord, 2 Cor. 8. 5. Whoſe I am, ſays the Apoſtle, and whom I ſerve, Act. 27. 23. 'Tis the very Language of a p. 38Convert, and he ſpeaks it from his Heart. The Convert is ſenſible he is not a Debtor to the fleſh, to live after the fleſh: Fleſhly Luſts do war against the Soul, and he that lives after the fleſh ſhall dye. Neither is he a Debtor to the World, the World is not worthy of his Heart, which can neither be a ſufficient Price for Mans Redemption, nor affords him any true Contentment: But the Convert reckons himſelf a Debtor to God, as his Creator, Preſerver, Owner, Redeemer, and to be under innumerable Obligations to be ſubject to Him, and active and zealous in his Service. Well may Religion be ſtyled Righteouſneſs, for all the acts of it, which the Lord calls for, he justly claims as due to him: And ſince thoſe bonds which Converts are under, are bonds of Love and Kindneſs as well as Duty, 'tis moſt unreaſonable for any to ſay, as Pſal. 2. 3. Let us break theſe bands aſunder, and cast away theſe cords from us.

5. Converſion to God is a transformation into his Image and Likeneſs; 2 Cor. 3. 17, 18. VVhere the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; and we all with open face beholding as in a glaſs the glory of the Lord, are changed into the ſame image from glory to glory. The Apoſtle intimates, that the Image of God is Mans glory, and that his p. 39glory is the greater, the more fully this Image is inſtampt upon him, and that all that are Converted are changed into this Image: Not a true Convert but partakes of the divine Nature, and eſcapes the Corruption that is in the World. This Image of God conſiſts in Knowledge, Righteouſneſs, Holineſs, and Dominion over the Creatures: All theſe things were loſt by Adam's defection, all are recovered in Converſion, and the recovery is more compleat as Converſion is progreſſive. The Convert is called out of Darkneſs into marvellous Light, his Heart is made pure and clean, his Works are righteous, and the Creatures no longer Lord it over him, but he makes them ſubſervient to the religious deſigns he is carrying on. Converts are in a ſenſe the only Rulers in the World; the greateſt Monarchs that are graceleſs, are ſlaves to their ambition, carnal intereſts, and to divers luſts and pleaſures; but the Converted are more than conquerors, and recover that dominion over the Creatures which was loſt in the firſt tranſgreſſion.

6. Converſion is a directing all we do to the glory of God. They that take aim, ſhut one of their Eyes: The Convert in his aims and ends has a ſingle Eye, Gods honour is deſigned above all. He that makes not God p. 40his End, has not yet begun to turn to him in ſincerity. The Convert in his civil actions, as buying and ſelling, in his natural actions, as e…g and ar… does what he does to the glory of God, as the Apoſtle enjoyns, 1 Cor. 10. 31. And eſpecially in his religi…us actions, his deſign is that the Name of God may be hallowed and glorified; in the deſiring and working out his own Salvation, he deſigns that God may have the glory of ſaving him, as well as he …ſelf the happineſs of being ſaved. Thus have I ſhewn what Converſion is with reference to God.

Fifthly, Converſion may be conſidered with reference to Jeſus the Mediatour▪ As God is He to whom we turn, ſo Chriſt is He through whom we do it; and indeed there is no coming to the Father but by this one Mediator between God and Men, the Man Christ Jeſus, Joh. 14. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Chriſt is both God▪ and Man in one perſon, and two Natures ſo very diſtinct, and the one ſo infinitely above the other, being united in the Perſon of Chriſt; hence follows an Ʋnion and Reconciliation between God and thoſe of the Children of Men, for and of whom Chriſt undertakes to be an Advocate, a Surety, a Saviour and Redeemer. p. 41In Converſion there is an abſolute neceſſity of uſing the Mediation of Chriſt; it is by the Grace of Chriſt ſtrengthening that the Sinner is enabled to turn to God, and 'tis upon the account of the Obedience and Interceſſion of the Lord Jeſus, that the returning Sinner does find acceptance with the Father: Chriſt is the Lord whom the Prophet ſpeaks of, Iſa. 45. 24, 25. Surely, ſhall one ſay, in the Lord have I righteouſneſs and ſtrength, in the Lord ſhall all the ſeed of Iſrael be …uſtified, and ſhall glory. Now how the Convert in his turning has his Eye and Heart …n Chriſt, I ſhall ſhew you in theſe particulars▪

1. The Convert is perſwaded that God is acceſſible in Christ Jeſus; Eph. 3. 12. In whom we have boldneſs and acceſs with confidence, by the Faith of him. God is not implacable, he is not mexorable, but ready to forgive, and plenteous in Mercy unto all that cry for it: Chriſt has ſatisfied the Juſtice of God to the very utmost of its demands, he paid more to Juſtice in an hour, than Believers could have paid unto Eternity▪ Chriſt can …ppeaſe the Almighties … Anger, and his Blood can do away the greateſt tranſgreſſions, 1 Joh. …. 7. The Blood of Jeſus Christ his Son cleanſe… us from all ſin. The Convert is encouraged by the Blood of Chriſt, p. 42which is the Blood of him that is God, and by the rich Grace of God in him, Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveneſs of ſins, according to the riches of his Grace: Indeed the Scripture ſpeaks of one Sin that is unpardonable, that againſt the Holy Ghost; but the reaſon is not, as if it were too great for the Blood of Chriſt to procure the Pardon of it; but becauſe ſuch Sinners reſiſt and do deſpight to the Spirit of Chriſt, and will by no means be brought to him, but trample under foot the Son of God, and count his Blood an unholy and common thing. The Remedy is not inſufficient for them, but they perverſely deſpiſe, and will by no means uſe it, and therefore periſh.

2. The Convert is encouraged by the general, ſerious, frequent, gracious invitations made in the Goſpel: All Offenders are invited to Chriſt who is Sinners Peace, for the Chaſtiſement of their peace was upon him, Iſa. 53. 5. The Captives are invited to this Redeemer, that they may have liberty by him, and ſuch liberty as is freedom indeed, Joh. 8. 36. All thirſty Souls are invited to come to him for the Waters of Life, Rev. 22. 17. Whoſoever will, let him drink of the waters of Life freely: Finally, the loſt that ſee themſelves to be loſt, are invited to p. 43come to Chriſt for Salvation, and He is able to ſave unto the uttermoſt, Heb. 7. 25. Whatever the guilt of Sin is, whatever the pollutions are, the Blood, the Spirit of Chriſt are offer'd in the Goſpel, and are ſufficient for the juſtifying and waſhing of the guilty and defiled.

3. The Convert receives Christ, and relyes upon him for Pardon, Grace, and Life eternal: He is troubled that he received him no ſooner, that his Heart was with a fooliſh Obſtinacy ſhut againſt him for ſo long a time, though to receive him, is to have power to become a Son of God, Joh. 1. 12. But now his Heart is open to entertain this Lord of life, this Prince and maker of Peace; his accepting Chriſt is a voluntary, a glad, a thankful acceptance; and in Him, not in the Fleſh, he places his confidence and hopes; he deſpairs in himſelf, and every thing elſe, but he abounds in hope, becauſe of that ſuperabundant Grace that reigns by Jeſus Chriſt, Rom. 5. 20, 21. And becauſe the Apoſtle plainly ſayes, He that ſpared not his own Son, but deliver'd him up for us all, how ſhall he not with him alſo freely give us all things? Rom. 8. 32. The Converts eye is fixt on Jeſus at his very firſt Converſion, and ſtill he is looking to him, to his very diſſolution; he ſees in Him p. 44an everlaſting Righteouſneſs, a foreign, an all-fulneſs of Grace; on Chriſt therefore he depends for acceptance with God, and all needful Strength and Grace, until he comes to Glory.

4. The Convert ſubmits to the eaſie Yoak of Chriſt Jeſus: He walks no longer after the courſe of this World, he fulfils no longer the …ſi… of the Fleſh and of the Mind, he caſts off the Yoak of Mammon and of Satan, and now his great Inquiry is, what the Lord Jeſus would have him to do? that he may do according to his Will: He looks on Chriſt as Law-giver and King in Sion, and his Laws he is willing to obey; and he remembers that Chriſt endured the Croſs, and was Crown'd with th…rns, therefore he ſtumbles not at the Croſs, but takes it up and follows the Lamb; and reckons thoſe are light Afflictions which are but for a moment, and that they ought not to be feared or ſhunn'd, when they can't be avoided without ſin, being they work for thoſe that undergo them, a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.

5. The Convert loves the Lord Jeſus in ſincerity, and lives by Faith on him, is long as he lives here in the fleſh. Chriſt has the higheſt room in every true Converts Heart, he counts all things loſs, that Chriſt may be p. 45gained, Phil. 3. 8. And 'tis but reaſon that Chriſt ſhould be beſt loved by him, whoſe love to him is greateſt and moſt beneficial, and who is altogether lovely, Cant. 5. …. Ʋbi amor, ibi oculus; where the Love is, the Eye is. Chriſt being loved, the Convert's eye of Faith is ſet alſo upon him, and he ſtayes on Jeſus the Author and finiſher of his Faith, that he may be preſerved in a ſtate of Grace, and ſtrengthned unto all continuance and perſeverance in well doing. Let ſenſeleſs Souls, that are without knowledge and experience, call this Reſting a Lolling on Chriſt, notwithſtanding their Ignorance and Blaſphemy, the Members of the true Church will (according as the Holy Ghoſt by wiſe Solomon expreſses it) lean upon their Beloved, Cant. 8. 5. in their paſſage through the Wildern…ſs of this World, that they may be conducted and brought ſafe unto the heavenly and incorruptible Inheritance. Thus much of Converſion with reference to Jeſus the Mediatour.

Sixthly and Laſtly, Converſion may be conſidered with reference to the Word of God: This Word is the way into which every true Convert turns, Pſal. 119. 59, 60. I thought on my wayes, and turned my feet p. 46unto thy testimonies; I made haſte, and delayed not to keep thy Commandments. The Converts Eye is turned to look into this Word of God, his Ear is turned to hearken to it, his Feet are turned to walk according to it, and his very Heart is turned to love it: As 'tis natural to new born Babes to deſire the Mothers or Nurſes Milk, ſo 'tis ſpiritually natural to them that are Regenerate and Converted, to deſire the Word of God, 1 Pet. 2. 2. As new born Babes deſire the ſincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.

1. The Converts natural enmity againſt the Word of God is cured; he neither with the Jews counts the Goſpel a ſtumbling-block and matter of offence, nor with the Greeks does he eſteem it fooliſhneſs; he does not look upon the Myſteries of the Word as abſurd, nor upon the ſtricteſt Rules as unreaſonable: He owns the Authority of God in his Word, and acknowledges his Wiſdom and Goodneſs, in giving ſuch a Teſtimony of his Will upon record, as is ſo faithful and worthy of all acceptation.

2. The Convert approves the whole of the Word of God: He prizes Truth and is afraid of Error, for there are damnable Errors in Judgment, as well as damnable Immoralities in Practice. They that are led away with the p. 47Errour of the wicked, do wreſt the Scriptures, and that is not without danger of Deſtruction, 2 Pet. 3. 16, 17. The Convert ſees a need of threatnings to deter him from Sin; and to keep his fleſh in awe, that it become not head-ſtrong againſt the Spirit: He likes the Commands as well as …he Promiſes, and is perſwaded 'tis a priviledge to work for God as well as an encouragement that his labour ſhall not be … vain, 1 Cor. 15. 58. He concludes whatever God has ſpoken, is ſpoken for his good, therefore diſlikes nothing he has …id. The Apoſtle conſented to the goodneſs of the Law, and was troubled that ſo much evil was preſent with him, which …indred that exact obedience he deſired … yield, Rom. 7. 16, 21. And the Pſamiſt …eaks fully, Pſal. 119. 128. I eſteem all by Commandments concerning all things to be …ght, and I hate every falſe way.

3. The Convert performs the word of God …to the end, his Faith is not temporary, …or his obedience forced by a preſent fear, …niſhing away as ſoon as ever the dan…r is apprehended to be over. The righ…ouſneſs that is as the morning cloud, is hy…critical and unacceptable. The truly …ghteous man holds on his way and waxes …onger and ſtronger, Job 17. 9. The entrance p. 48of the word, gives that light and ſtrength to the Convert as heartens him to go on; the more he obeys, the greate… cauſe and reaſon he ſees to be ſtill more obedient; the greater progreſs he makes i… his courſe, the nearer he comes to the prize; the glory of that prize makes him preſs forward, and run the faſter.

Thus have I opened the Nature o… Converſion. Much is included in it: Happy thoſe that have felt what I have ſpoken. But what a Mul…itude of Profeſſor… are excluded out of the number of ſincer… Converts! To how many a Man may Conſcience ſay, Thou haſt no part, n… experience in this matter, thy heart is not rig… with God. Thy beloved luſts, thy idoliz… gain and pleaſures, thy unreaſonable ſelf-confidence, have hindred thy coming to Chriſt, t… turning to God, and obeying his Word to th… day.

In the third place I am to tell you, wha… are the Properties of Converſion. Here ſhall obſerve ſeveral things concerning i… which will help you the better to underſtand it, and may ſerve for a trial wheth… you are indeed converted.

1. Converſion is both a duty and a previledge. Conſcience ſhould take notice o… p. 49and with authority and vehemency urge …he Sinner to the duty; and the Heart …hould be forward to Converſion; ſince it … ſuch a Priviledge. The Goſpel calls all that hear it, to turn to God, and layes them under an obligation to do it. And Converſion being a Submiſſion to the whole Will of God; it is the ſumm of all the duties which he requires. Turning to God is a conſenting to do and ſuffer whatever he commands, and continuing a Convert is a ſtanding perfect (with …n evangelical perfection, which is Sinceri…) and compleat in all the Will of God, Col. 4. 12. And as the Convert does his duty; ſo the doing of it is beneficial to himſelf. Is it not a priviledge, and every …ay for his trueſt intereſt, to be near God? …o be received into his favour? and to be under the bleſſed influence of his powerful and ſpecial Grace? 'Twas good counſel that …liphaz gave, though he gave it to a better man than himſelf, Job 22. 21. Acquaint …ow thy ſelf with him; (and he explains that by returning to the Almighty) and be … peace, thereby good ſhall come to thee.

2. Converſion meets with great oppoſiti…. What in the whole World is oppo…d more? The Children of men go by …roves in the broad way that leads to Deſtruction, p. 50and they can't endure that any ſhould part company; if any begin to make a ſtand, and run not with them to the ſame exceſs of riot, they think it ſtrange, and their tongues ſpeak evil of them, 1 Pet. 4. 4. if they do not make them feel the violence of their hands alſo.

But if Earth is troubled when any are converted, Hell is much more moved; when a Sinner turns, Satan loſes an Houſe where he dwelt, and an Heart which was a Throne where he reigned. And for that proud ſpirit, to loſe a vaſſal, nay to be forced to flee from him, (as the promiſe is he ſhall upon reſiſtance) Jam. 4. 7. whom before he led captive at his pleaſure; this muſt needs be a very great grief and vexation; eſpecially ſince his malice alſo is diſappointed; for ſo many Souls as are converted, ſo many Souls he is hindred from devouring and deſtroying. How many are the wiles and devices of Satan to hinder mans Converſion and Salvation! Sin is the work of the Devil, 1 Joh. 3. 8. Converſion… from it, is his Envy and his Torments He can patiently enough behold his Subjects growing wealthy and great in the World; let their Bags be never ſo ful… of Gold; nay let there be Crowns upon their Heads, and Scepters in their Hands … p. 51his envy is not ſtirr'd at ſuch poor things as theſe; as long as there is no true ſa…ing Grace in their Hearts. But when any are about to be tranſlated into the Kingdom of Chriſt and to turn to God; Ah! now they become friends to themſelves indeed, and therefore this Enemy is ſo much troubled.

Yet I muſt add; that the greateſt oppoſition is from the Convert himſelf, and from his own carnal Heart. How ſtrongly does carnal reaſon argue againſt the myſtery of God and of the Father and of Chriſt! Col. 2. 2. How does it plead for things that are ſeen; becauſe preſent, and in actual poſſeſſion! It ſaies, a World in hand is a great deal better than a World in hope, which no man alive ever ſaw. It thinks of what on Earth is moſt deſirable, and layes it before the Sinners eyes, that ſtill earthly things may take his Heart; and repreſents Religion as a ſad and ſour thing; whoſe ſtrictneſs is a meer Purgatory, if not an Hell; and the ſufferings that attend it as intolerable. And if carnal reaſon diſſwade from Converſion, the ſtubborn will, the corrupt and inordinate affections, the violent and unruly paſſions, ſwell like the troubled Sea; and who but He that made and rules the Ocean, can aſſwage them? p. 52The Sinners brow is repreſented as braſs, Iſa. 48. 4. What can make him bluſh? His Neck as an Iron ſinew, what can make him yield? his Heart as an Adamant ſtone, what can make him ſenſible? O Convert, be confounded, becauſe thou thy ſelf didſt moſt oppoſe thy own Converſion; and admire victorious Grace, that both conquer'd and chang'd corrupted Nature.

3. Converſion is not to be wrought but by the mighty Power of God. Converſion implies a New Creation, and a Creating Power is no leſs than that of God. David cryes out, Create in me a clean Heart, Pſal. 51. 10. q. d. O Lord! thou who madeſt Heaven and Earth out of nothing, produce purity in my Heart, of which there is nothing by nature, and ſo little left ſince my fall, nay ſo much of ſin which is quite contrary. Converſion implies a Reſurrection, who can raiſe the dead at the laſt day but God only? And who can quicken the dead in Treſpaſſes and Sins, but himſelf alone? Eph. 2. 1. and v. 4. 5, 6. But God who is rich in mercy, for the great love wherewith he loved us; even when we were dead in Sins, hath quickned us together with Chriſt; by Grace ye are ſaved; and hath raiſed us up together, and made us ſit together in heavenly places in Chriſt Jeſus. The a…ſt p. 53Preacher muſt ſay, Power to convert is not in me; Ordinances muſt ſay, This Power is not in us. The Word it ſelf plainly ſignifies, that without Gods Co-operation, it works not to Converſion and Life, but to blinding, hardening and death. The Axe builds not the houſe, the Pencil makes not the Picture, nor the Preacher or Sermon the Convert; but the Grace of God is and does all.

4. Converſion is by Grace that is irreſiſtible. Not that there is Coaction or Compulſion in the ca…e; you muſt not imagine that a man is converted by force; his Will ſtill remaining againſt it. But v…l…e reſiſtere ſublatum eſt. A Will to reſiſt is taken away. A W…ll to reſiſt there can be no longer, when God works the will to yield: Some do ſay, that God takes not away purum foreign poſſe nolle, abſolutely a Power of being unwilling, but effectually cures actual unwillingneſs, healing the Sinners corrupt diſpoſition to reſiſtance. It may juſtly be queſtion'd, whether ever any one that periſht, reſiſted ſo much Grace as was ſufficient and effectual to the Converſion of any one that was ſaved? Auguſtine uſes three Adverbs to expreſs the manner of Gods turning the Heart. Omnipotentèr, indecli…bilitèr, inſuperabilitèr, he does it Omnipotently, p. 54inſuperably, ſo that when he purpoſes to work Converſion the Sinner ſhall not have an Heart to decline it. Heark what our Lord ſayes, Joh. 6. 37. All that the Father giveth me ſhall come to me, and him that comes to me I will in no wiſe caſt out. In the firſt Creation the mighty God was not withſtood, but at his powerful Word of command, came all the Creatures out nothing, from the ſmalleſt Atome to the higheſt Angel. In the preſerving and governing of his Church he works and none can hinder, and ſurely he works irreſiſtibly in the gathering of his Church alſo. In the work of new Creation, there … exceeding greatneſs of mighty Power ſhewn… forth, as the Apoſtle emphatically expreſſes it, Eph. 1. 19. and this Power changes and makes the Heart a new one, and a new Heart will certainly act like i… ſelf; turn to God, and incline to obey and follow him.

5. Converſion does not exclude the Converts agency, but cauſes him to act aright▪ Man is paſſive before he is active in Converſion: God does work on him and i… him, and ſets him a working. Facti ſu… opus Dei, we are firſt the workmanſhip o… God, Eph. 2. 10. afterwards facimus oper… Dei, we do thoſe works which are good▪ p. 55and which God commands us. Converſion is a rectifying Man's activity, making him active in a good ſenſe, who was before active in a bad one. The Underſtanding is active to apprehend, and to propound what is good, the Will is active to chuſe and embrace it, the Affections move towards it; but if you ask, from whence is this activity? the true Anſwer is, all is from the powerfully quickening Grace of God, 1 Cor. 15. 10. By the Grace of God I am what I am, and I labour'd abundantly, yet not I, but the Grace of God that was with me. Repenting, Believing, Turning, are Mans acts, but they are done by a Power beyond his own: 'Tis both abſurd and dangerous to ſay, that Chriſt repented and turned for us; but 'tis a great truth, to affirm that he ſtrengthens to Turn and to Repent, and 'tis through him that repenting and returning Sinners are accepted.

6. Converſion that is true, is Preſent. Delaying to turn, is indeed a denying to turn, and that with this aggravation, that there is an endeavour deceitfully to hide a preſent unwillingneſs to turn, with a ſeeming willingneſs hereafter to do it. The Apoſtle tells us, Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of Salvation, 2 Cor. 6. 2. The Note of attention, Behold, is p. 56uſed, and again repeated, and the inſtant of time, Now, is alſo 'twice mentioned: God is pleaſed Now to Call, it concerns Man, in point of Duty, Wiſdom and Safety, Now to Turn. When the Holy Ghoſt ſayes, To day if ye will hear his Voice, harden not your Hearts, Heb. 3. 7, 8. He plainly ſignifies, that no Sinner in the World, when he hears the Goſpel Call, ſhould deferr his Converſion ſo much as one Day longer: When the Pſalmiſt turned, He made haſte and delayed not, Pſal. 119. 60. which ſhewed that he turn'd indeed. To make haſte in Converſion, is to reſemble a Condemn'd Man, who haſtes to take out a proffer'd Pardon, becauſe every moment he is in danger of having the Sentence paſt upon him put in Execution; 'tis to reſemble a Man that makes haſte out of a City that is all in Flames.

7. Converſion that is true, is without any deceitful Reſervations. The ſincere Convert has not an Heart and an Heart, he does not divide it between God and Mammon, between Chriſt and Belial, between Grace and Sin; but conſents to be wholly the Lords, and at the Lords command and diſpoſe. That Converſion which is not with the whole Heart, is but a feigned Converſion, Jer. 3. 10. He that turns in p. 57truth, does not thus capitulate with God.

Such and ſuch ſins I will caſt away, but ſome I reſolve to keep and live in ſtill, becauſe my Conſtitution ſtrongly inclines me to them, becauſe I have much Wealth by them, and take much Pleaſure in them; ſuch and ſuch Commands I will obſerve, but ſome Precepts are too ſtrict for me, and theſe I will caſt behind my back: I am willing to ſuffer a little for Chriſt, ſome reproach, ſome loſs I am content to undergo, but I muſt be excuſed from Obedience, when I am called to loſe all that I have in the World, and my Life too; Commands thus to ſuffer are hard ſayings, who can hear them?

Theſe reſerves argue reigning and damnable Hypocriſie. The ſound Convert is perſwaded that God requires no more but what is juſt and equal, and really for the good of them that are to obey; hereupon, without any limitation or exception, he ſayes, Lord, Let thy Will be done, by me, in me, and upon me; for thy Will is my Sanctification, and whatever thou command'ſt me to do or ſuffer, my Obeeience whether active or paſſive will turn to thy Glory, to my own Comfort and Salvation.

8. Converſion is an inward thing; Rom. p. 582. 29. He is a Jew that is one inwardly, and Circumciſion is that of the Heart, in the Spirit, and not in the Letter, whoſe Praiſe is not of Men but of God. There is that in Converſion which the eyes of thoſe that are about us cannot ſee, but 'tis apparent to Him that ſearches the heart, and tries the reins, and has pleaſure in uprightneſs. Converting Grace reaches the inward parts, pierces into the very Soul, and there the greateſt change is wrought; there is a new light in the Mind and Conſcience, there is a new bent and diſpoſition in the Heart; the Soul has Wiſdom put into it that before was fooliſh, becomes true to God and to it ſelf, that before was falſe and unfaithful unto both; there is a ſpiritual myſterious Life in the Soul, which before was dead, and this Life is hid with Chriſt in God, Col. 3. 3. He whoſe religion lies all in the outſide, he may look like a Convert, but never was Converted; Colour and Form he may have, but he wants depth and ſubſtance. The Heathen World ſaw a neceſſity of inward Religion: One ſays, that God is

Purâ mente colendus.

To be Worſhipped with a pure Mind. Another ſayes,

p. 59Compoſitum jus faſque animo ſanctoſque receſſus; Mentis, &c.

Honeſty and uprightneſs of Heart, and a moral Life, is more pleaſing to God than the coſtlieſt Sacrifices.

9. Converſion though an inward thing, yet ſhews it ſelf viſibly in an anſwerable Converſation: Grace is an active Principle, and where 'tis wrought in the Heart, 'twill have an apparent influence upon the outward man, 1 Joh. 3. 7. Little Children, let no man deceive you; he that doth righteouſneſs is righteous, even as he is righteous. As the Apoſtle ſayes, Shew me thy Faith by thy VVorks, ſo may I ſay, Shew me thy Converſion to God by thy godly Converſation. If the Heart be turned, Grace will ſhew it ſelf in the Eyes, by looks that are humble and modeſt, a Covenant being made with them, that they turn away from beholding Vanity. Grace will breath out at the lips in Prayer, Praiſes, holy and edifying Communications: And the Tongue will be laid under the law of Love and Kindneſs. Grace will tye up the Hands from being employed in the unfruitful works of darkneſs, but active they ſhall be in deeds of Righteouſneſs, and open and liberal in acts of Charity and Mercy. Grace will hinder the Feet from running to evil; the p. 60Path ſhall be ponder'd, and the VVayes ſt…all be eſtabliſhed.

10. Converſion is gradual. We read in Scripture of different degrees of Grace: All Converts are not of the ſame Age, Strength and Stature. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of little Children, of young Men, and of Fathers, 1 Joh. 2. 12, 13. The little Child has as truly the Nature and all the Parts of a Man, as he that is grown up unto full maturity, but the grown Mans Parts and Members are much ſtronger than thoſe of the other. The young Convert has all the Parts of the new Creature, he is renewed in the whole Man after the Image of God, though he be not wholly, but only in part renewed: And 'tis the Work of God, who has begun this good VVork of renovation, by degrees to perfect it.

The weakeſt Converts that are true, are not diſregarded, Mat. 12. 20. A bruiſed reed ſhall he not break, and ſmoaking flax ſhall he not quench, 'till he ſend forth judgment unto Victory: The bruiſed reed ſignifies the Converts great Infirmity; the ſmoaking flax, the noyſom mixture of much Sin with that little Grace he has received; yet that Grace is not, though ſmall, deſpiſed, but cheriſhed and increaſed, and hereby our Lord ſhews himſelf the true Meſſiah, p. 61a Saviour to the uttermoſt: Thus Judgment is brought forth to Victory and Truth.

The ſtrongeſt Converts are ſtill to grow ſtronger: There is ſome remaining Sin in the beſt of Saints, which they are ſtill to be turning from and purging out; neither are any of them come ſo near, or become ſo like to God, but they may be much nearer and liker to him. At firſt breaking of the Day there is much darkneſs with the light, but by degrees the light increaſes, prevails againſt and expels the darkneſs: An apt Similitude to Illuſtrate the matter in hand, and to ſhew how that Converſion is by degrees compleated, Prov. 4. 18. The path of the juſt is as the ſhining light, which ſhineth more and more unto the perfect day.

11. Converſion may be known to be ſincere: 'Tis poſſible for the Convert to be aſſured he is Converted; and what Conſolation is conſequent upon ſuch an Aſſurance! For if a Man know that he is turned to God, he may warrantably conclude that God is turned unto him; and he may as warrantably inferr, that being turned to him, He will never turn away from him to do him good, Jer. 32. 40. Wherefore are ſuch Characters and Signs of Converſion and Grace laid down in the Scripture, p. 62if the thing were not capable of being made evident? why are Prophets commanded to comfort the Converts, if none in this World could attain to a knowledge they are Converted? What Strangers are they to the Spirit of Adoption, to the Spirits ſealing of Believers to the day of Redemption, and his bearing witneſs with their ſpirits that they are the Children of God, Rom. 8. 16. who deny aſſurance of Converſion and Salvation?

That Church which has been ſo ſevere againſt thoſe that have come out of her, is alſo hard-hearted to them that remain in Communion with her, for ſhe keeps Souls in torment, by encouraging Doubts and Fears; and by calling a confidence of Salvation, though never ſo Scriptural, Fiduciam ab omni pietate alienam, an Impious Preſumption. But we are not to mind the dictates of ſuch a Step-mother, but hearken to a truer, a ſweeter and ſafer Guide, Heb. 3. 6. But Chriſt as a Son over his own houſe, whoſe houſe are we, if we hold faſt the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end.

12. Converſion that is true is laſting: None ever totally and finally turn away from God, who are indeed turn'd to him. Chriſt the Mediator has made a firm Peace p. 63between God, and thoſe that Believe and are Converted. The enmity between Jews and Gentiles, and between them both and God, is ſlain by the croſs of Chriſt, Eph. 2. 16. Upon their turning and believing the Lord enters into a Covenant which he will never break. And as Chriſt by his Death has made an atonement, and appeaſed his Fathers diſpleaſure; ſo his Crucifixion is effectual to the killing the enmity, that was naturally in Converts againſt God; their fleſh and the luſts of it are crucified, Gal. 5. 24. They that are Chriſts have crucified the fleſh with the affections and luſts. And Rom. 6. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the Body of Sin might be deſtroyed, that henceforth we ſhould not ſerve Sin. True Converts ſhall perſevere, for Chriſt has prayed that they may be eſtabliſht, kept from the evil of the World, and be with him where he is, and behold (which does imply the enjoyment of) his Glory, Joh. 17. 15, 24. Perſevering Grace is one thing Promiſed in the Covenant of Grace: God himſelf engages for thoſe that turn to him in Truth, that He will not ſuffer them to apoſtatize and periſh, Jer. 32. 40. I will put my fear into their Hearts that they ſhall not depart from me. I have done with the properties of Converſion.

p. 64In the fourth place I am to demonſtrate the Neceſſity of Converſion: What tongue can name the thing that is of greater, or of ſo great neceſſity? foreign, this is indeed the one thing neceſſary. This has been neceſſary in all ages, ever ſince the fall of Man, and 'twill be neceſſary to the Worlds end, this is neceſſary for all ſorts of Perſons, Jews, Gentiles, high, low; rich, poor; young, old; male, female; bond, and free; all muſt of neceſſity periſh and that for ever without it. None but Converts will live to God in this World; ſhall live with Him in the World to come: We call Food to eat, and Raiment to put on, and Air to breath in, Neceſſaries; and ſo in a ſenſe they are, becauſe frail Nature cannot ſubſiſt without them; becauſe we muſt quickly dye without them: But how much more neceſſary is Converſion, without which the precious Soul muſt needs be loſt; and there is no eſcaping eternal Death and Condemnation! The Arguments to prove the neceſſity of Converſion are theſe following.

1. The firſt ſhall be drawn from Gods frequent earneſt calls, and expreſs command. What voice has ſounded more frequently from Heaven, than that which requires p. 65Man to return to God? Hoſ. 14. 1. O Iſrael, return to the Lord thy God, for thou haſt fallen by thine iniquities. Jer. 3. 12. Go and proclaim theſe words towards the North, and ſay: Return thou backſliding Iſrael, ſaith the Lord, and I will not cauſe my anger to fall upon thee, for I am merciful, ſaith the Lord; and I will not keep anger for ever. The Proclamation was made towards the North whither Iſrael were carried Captives, to intimate their departing from their own land, was the puniſhment of their departing from the Lord, and ſincere returning unto God was the way to prevail with him to turn again their captivity. But now in Goſpel daies, the Proclamation is to be made Eaſt, and Weſt, and North, and South; even to every Creature, for now God commands all men every where to repent and return to him, Act. 17. 30.

This command is not properly a Commandment of the Moral Law, which requires exact obedience, and without allowing of a tranſgreſſours Converſion; Curſes every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them, Gal. 3. 10. Yet it muſt be added, that Converſion includes a ſincere Obedience to the Moral Law, as the rigour of it is abated under the Goſpel. Converſion p. 66is a command of a remedying Law given unto Man after the fall. To refuſe therefore to obey and to return, is not only an affront of Gods Authority and Sovereignty; but a contempt of his gracious condeſcenſion towards man, and ſurely deſpiſing of his kindneſs and good will, muſt needs provoke the fiercer wrath. Converſion, or coming to God by Jeſus Chriſt, is the great command of the Goſpel; know, that then when Converſion is preſs'd on Sinners, the Goſpel is indeed preached to them.

2. Converſion is neceſſary, becauſe Mans trueſt happineſs lies in God; whom he is called to turn unto. 'Tis the Miſery of Hell, that the wicked Spirits there, are ſeparated for ever from that God who made them. And 'tis the Worlds Miſery, that moſt men in it are foreign without God in the World, Eph. 2. 12. If God be not a mans Happineſs, what beſides can make him truly happy? Here all the Creatures manifeſt their utter inſufficiency. Did the Rich mans purple cloathing, and fine tinnen, and delicious fare, make him an happy man? No, no; having this plenty and proſperity without God, it proved a means of loading him with the heavier guilt, and ſinking the Wretch into an hotter and lower Hell. Mans happineſs does p. 67certainly conſiſt in his being favoured of God, in his being admitted unto fellowſhip with him, and transformed into his image and likeneſs.

Thoſe that are far from him, are far from felicity; and are near periſhing, and though never ſo many, though whole Nations turn to Him, the Alſufficient God, has enough, is enough, for the happineſs of them All, Pſal. 33. 12. Bleſſed is the Nation whoſe God is the Lord, and the People whom he hath choſen for his own inheritance. God is able to cure the Soul of Man, and to content it. A ſick man is uneaſiy whereever you lay him, 'till his diſeaſe be healed: God can heal the Souls diſtempers; and ſatisfie its deſires, and fill it to the uttermoſt of its capacity. Therefore the Apoſtle prayes for the Epheſians, Eph. 3. 19. That they migbt be filled with all the fulneſs of God. If our trueſt happineſs be a neceſſary thing, then Converſion to God is neceſſary; who himſelf really is that trueſt happineſs.

3. Converſion is neceſſary, becauſe of corrupted Nature, it's averſion from the Lord. Man is truly called a Tranſgreſſour from the womb, for behold he is ſhapen in iniquity, and in ſin he was conceived, Pſal. 51. 5. Corrupted Nature is Abyſſus mali, an p. 68evil not to be fathom'd; they that are not ſenſible of it, plainly ſhew, that ignorance and ſtupidneſs is added to their wickedneſs. This corrupted Nature is called the Old Adam, which is full of deceitful luſts, a Body of ſin, which has a great many members. The higheſt faculties of the Soul are depraved. The Will is unwilling to be be made clean. The Mind is carnal, and enmity againſt God, and is not ſubject to the Law of God, neither indeed can it be, Rom. 8. 7.

And as man is born with a ſtrong Inclination to depart from God, ſo this inclination quickly ſhews it ſelf, Pſal. 58. 3. The wicked are eſtranged from the womb, they go aſtray as ſoon as they be born, ſpeaking lies. And this eſtrangement from God is more and more increaſed by acts of Sin. And is not Converſion neceſſary, where there is ſuch a deep corruption and revolt? If the greater the Sickneſs, the greater be the need of the Phyſicians skill and care; then Mans alienation from God, highly needs converting Grace, which may perſwade and enable him to return, and this Grace is ſufficient to do it, Eph. 2. 5. Col. 1. 21. And you that were ſometimes alienated and enemies in your minds by reaſon of wicked, works, yet now hath he reconciled.

p. 694. Converſion is neceſſary, becauſe of Gods Holineſs. His Eye is a moſt piercing eye, looks into all, even the darkeſt places, ſees the wickedneſs that is conceal'd from men, and not in the leaſt ſuſpected by them. It looks into the very heart, and takes notice of all the imaginations, deſires, affections, projects that are evil. And as the Eye of God is piercing, ſo 'tis moſt pure. It ſees all iniquity, but does not behold ſo as to approve of any, Pſal. 5. 4, 5. Thou art not a God that haſt Pleaſure in wickedneſs, neither ſhall evil dwell with thee; the fooliſh ſhall not ſtand in thy ſight, thou hateſt all the workers of iniquity. Wicked men indeed are apt to think that God is altogether ſuch an one as themſelves; and becauſe they like their own evil wayes, they can't imagine that He does ſo much diſlike them: But the wicked man, as he is called a fool, ſo he never ſhews himſelf more a fool, than when he concludes, that though he ſins, God is not angry at his ſin: this unbelief, this ſecurity, this most unworthy apprehenſion of God, ſtirs up the greater indignation againſt him, Pſal. 50. 21, 22. Thou thoughtest I was altogether ſuch an one as thy ſelf; but I will reprove thee, and ſet thy Sins in order before thine eyes: Now conſider this ye that forget God, least I tear p. 70you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. If God be glorious in Holineſs, if his wrath be revealed against all unrighteouſneſs of men; if Sin be the abominable thing, which his Soul hates; it undeniably follows, that Turning from wickedneſs is of abſolute neceſſity.

5. Converſion is neceſſary, becauſe of Gods immutability and unchangeableneſs. Can Gods pure and holy Nature ever alter? Can Light it ſelf become Darkneſs? can Perfection become Imperfect? Holy Angels indeed changed and became Devils; many of them Apoſtatized, they kept not their firſt eſtate, but left their own habitation; Man was made upright, but he changed, he ſinn'd, and loſt his Glory in which he was created. But the Apoſtle tells us, that with God there is no variableneſs, neither ſhadow of turning, Jam. 1. 17. If the Holy God cannot change, then ſinful man muſt, elſe he cannot draw near to God, or be accepted of him; Cleanſe your hands ye ſinners, purifie your hearts ye double minded; and ſo draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, Jam. 4. 8.

6. Converſion is neceſſary, becauſe it was one great end of Chriſts dying. Our Lord in his Crucifixion deſigned to ſave his Church from wrath, and this was a p. 71great benefit; he deſigned alſo to ſave his Church from Sin, Tit. 2. 14. VVho gave himſelf for us, that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purifie unto himſelf a peculiar people zealous of good works: And if the Puniſhment of Sin be a leſs evil than Sin it ſelf, Redemption and Converſion from Sin is a greater benefit than bare deliverance from the Puniſhment due to it. Our Lord ſuffer'd for ſins, the just for the unjuſt, that he might make the unjuſt to become juſt, and might bring them unto God, 1 Pet. 3. 18. The Son of God was made Man, he was made Sin and a Sacrifice for it, that ſinful Men might turn and become Saints; he well knew how great an Evil, how dangerous an Enemy, how deadly a Diſeaſe Sin is, and conſequently how needful it was his Church ſhould be Converted and Delivered from it; therefore his great Love, Compaſſion and Care, moved him to give himſelf for his Church; that he might ſanctifie and cleanſe it, Eph. 5. 25, 26.

7. Converſion is neceſſary, becauſe it is one great reaſon of the Miſſion of the Spirit. The Father ſends the Son to dye, that ſin might dye, and Souls converting from it might live: The Son ſends the Spirit, now one great work of the Spirit is to convince p. 72the World of ſin, to ſhew the neceſſity of Converſion, and to work that which is ſo neceſſary. Converſion is a very great thing, and of the higheſt conſequence, in which the concurrence of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoſt, is very much to be remarked: The Father allows of Converſion, gives the Sinner leave to turn, nay, requires him to do it, with an encouraging ſignification, that he will receive him in Chriſt: The Son by his Incarnation, and Sufferings, and Interceſſion, opens a way for the Sinner to come to the Father; and by the Price he paid, has purchaſed both the Sinner that is Converted, and Converting Grace, whereby he comes to be Converted indeed: The Holy Ghoſt works the change and makes the Convert; he enlightens the Eyes of the Ʋnderſtanding, he ſets the Will at liberty, 2 Cor. 3. 17. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty: Liberty, not only to diſcern what is good, but Liberty to chuſe and embrace it. Finally, He changes the Soul into the divine Image, and he abides for ever in the Church of Chriſt, that he may hinder this Image from ever being quite defaced, that he may perfect and compleat it.

8. Converſion is neceſſary to fit for preſent Service and Duty. An Unconverted p. 73Sinner is a bad Tree, and all the Fruit he bears muſt needs be evil. Is it reaſonable to expect Figs from the Thiſtle, or Grapes from the Bramble or the Thorn? how can he whoſe Perſon is hateful to God, whoſe Heart never was ſanctified, do any action which may be truly pleaſing in Gods ſight? Solomon tells us, that not only the Prayer of the wicked is an abomination to God, becauſe he turns away his ear from hearing the Law, Prov. 28. 9. but alſo, that the Ploughing of the wicked is ſin, Prov. 21. 4. If Ploughing be taken properly, it intimates, that the wicked mans ordinary Employments are not without Provocation, becauſe he does nothing in a right manner, to a good end: If Ploughing be taken Metaphorically, for Contriving and Deſigning, it ſhews, that the Devices of the Heart of a wicked man are all vain and evil. Converſion therefore is very needful, that Man may become meet for the Service of God. The Converts Heart is right with God, deſires God himſelf chiefly, and in what he does, deſigns his Glory, and being made a ſanctified Veſſel, he is made fit for his Lords uſe, and prepared unto every good work, 2 Tim. 2. 21.

9. Converſion is neceſſary to fit for future Reward. We read that the unrighteous p. 74ſhall not Inherit the Kingdom of God: Wicked ones are unfit to be among the Spirits of juſt Men who are made perfectly holy, to be among the Elect Angels who never ſinn'd, but are ever crying out, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! Though Heaven is not merited by our turning Holy, yet Holineſs prepares and fits us for Heaven: The Apoſtle ſignifies, that Converts are deliver'd from the power of darkneſs, and tranſlated into the Kingdom of the Son of God, and hereby they are made meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light, Col. 1. 12, 13. The ſame Apoſtle having ſpoken of Life and Immortality, adds, Now he that hath wrought us for the ſelf ſame thing is God, who hath alſo given unto us the earneſt of the Spirit: By Converting Grace we are wrought upon for Glory; and the Spirit who works in us a new Life which is Spiritual, is an earneſt to aſſure us of Life Eternal: Oh Heavenly Jeruſalem! a City that has foundations, whoſe builder and maker is God! where Glory is everlaſting, Bleſſedneſs perfect, and Joy is full, without poſſibility of abatement! into thee none but Converts ſhall have, or are fit to have admiſſion!

10. The Threatnings which the Word denounces againſt the Ʋnconverted, prove the p. 75Neceſſity of Converſion. The only Saviour aſſerts with vehemency, and that again and again, aſſuring all, that there is no Salvation for the Impenitent, Luk. 13. 3, 5. Except ye repent, ye ſhall all likewiſe periſh. If Souls are Unconverted, Sin is certainly Unpardon'd, and unpardon'd Sin binds over to eternal Death: We are commanded to Repent and be Converted, that our Sins may be blotted out, Act. 3. 19. Thoſe who refuſe to be Converted, all their Sins are written down in the book of Gods Remembrance, not one blotted out or forgotten, which book will be open'd at the laſt day, to their Confuſion and Condemnation. What heavy loads are Guilt and Wrath! both theſe abide upon the Unconverted.

How ſoon may the Wrath of God, which is both threatned and juſtly merited, ſeize upon the Unconverted! how ſuddainly may it deſtroy them beyond all poſſibility of remedy! Pſal. 7. 11, 12. God is angry with the wicked every day; and as he grows more wicked, God becomes more angry: If he turn not, he hath whet his Sword, he hath bent his bow and made it ready: To ſignifie the Patience of God, and his unwillingneſs to deſtroy, the ſlaughtering Weapons are repreſented as lying by him unprepared, his p. 76Sword is not whetted, his Bow is unbent; but if Sinners refuſe to turn, the Sword, the Bow may quickly be made ready, and God may come to that peremptory reſolution, Iſa. 1. 24. Ah! I will eaſe me of mine adverſaries, and avenge me of mine enemies.

Turning you ſee is in the higheſt degree neceſſary, for you muſt turn or dye: If a City were on fire, and there were but one Gate at which there might be an egreſs, to fly from the fury of the flames. Oh! what flocking would there be to that Gate! If Sinners had but any ſenſe and knowledge, they would turn to God by thouſands and by millions, ſince Converſion is the only Door through which they may eſcape the Vengeance of eternal Fire: Thoſe obſtinate Wretches that will not turn in time, God will make them burn in Hell for evermore.

Thus have I at large demonſtrated the Neceſſity of Converſion: But alas! VVho believes our report! who credits that which is of all the greateſt certainty! Neceſſity in other matters has a mighty force, but the Neceſſity of Converſion prevails with very few. I make a needful Apoſtrophe from Man to God himſelf.

Lord! Reveal and make bare thine own p. 77arm, and cauſe the moſt ſtubborn and ſtouthearted to yield … thee; for Arguments alone will never prevail with the dead in Sin, to turn and live to God.

In the fifth place, I am to Anſwer the Arguments which the carnal Minds of men object againſt Converſion: Theſe foreign are foreign; theſe fleſhly reaſonings are ſtrong holds which muſt be caſt down, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. And I would not leave one of them undemoliſhed. Removere prohibens, to remove the hindrance of Converſion, is very much conducing to the thing it ſelf; therefore I ſhall (which is but needful) be the larger, in producing the ſtrongeſt Reaſons and moſt forcible Pleas that are brought and uſed againſt Sinners turning to God; and give a full Anſwer, ſhewing the miſerable invalidity and weakneſs of them all.

Obj. 1. The firſt Objection againſt Converſion is this; We are Members of the Chriſtian Church already. We have been Baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoſt: If indeed we were Heathens or Infidels, 'twere proper to call us to turn to the true God, and to embrace the Faith of Chriſt; but ſince we are already Baptized into the Church, which is p. 78his Body, the Call and Invitation to turn ſeems not to be made to us.

Anſw. 1. It is one thing to be a Member of the viſible Church, and another thing to be really a Member of Christ: The Apoſtle ſayes, All are not Iſrael who are of Iſrael, Rom. 9. 6. Many have a Form of Godlineſs without the Power. In the ſame Vine there are many fruitleſs as well as fruitful Branches: In the ſame Church viſible, many unſound Profeſſors, if not more in number than ſincere Believers: Now becauſe theſe Saints in ſhew only, ſeem to be near to God, but their Hearts are really removed far from him, they have need to return to him as well as the openly Prophane.

2. Baptiſm and Converſion are ſeparable. Simon Magus was under a Conviction by the Miracles which were wrought for the Confirmation of the Goſpel, that it was from Heaven; and he was Baptized by Philip, who did his Duty in adminiſtring that Ordinance to him; yet afterwards Simon Peter tells him plainly, that his Heart was not right with God, but he was in the gall of bitterneſs, and in the bond of iniquity, Act. 8. 21, 23.

3. The Jews of old were of the Church of God, and yet how often are they Called to p. 79turn? Will Church-members, without Converſion be the better for their Churchmemberſhip? Oh no. Sin in them is more inexcuſable, they add treachery and perfidiouſneſs to their iniquity; and hereby their Provocation is, and their puniſhment will be the more increaſed, Amos 3. 2. You onelyonly have I known of all the Families of the Earth, therefore will I puniſh you for all your iniquities. Your Sins by my Favour and your Priviledges are aggravated; therefore your Condemnation without Converſion will be much the ſorer.

4. Your Baptiſm is ſo far from proving Converſion needleſs, that it strengthens your obligation to turn to God: And indeed as Circumciſion of old, which was a Seal of the ſame Covenant; it may be improved this way. Under the Old Teſtament, every Iſraelite that in Infancy had been circumciſed in the fleſh, might go unto God for Converting Grace, for a circumciſed Heart, and go to him as unto a God who had ſealed a Covenant to him. Ephraim upon this ſcore calls the Lord his God; when he cries to him to be turned, Jer. 31. 18. Turn thou me and I ſhall be turned, for thou art the Lord my God; as if he ſhould ſay, Lord! I have been circumciſed, and dedicated unto Thee, and laid under an obligation p. 80to be Thine: Oh circumciſe and turn my Heart, that I may be Thine indeed.

Do the Children of Believers under the Goſpel, want ſuch an help to Converſion, as the Jewiſh Children under the Law had? Did Chriſt come to turn Infants out of Covenant who were once taken in, and to leſſen the Saints Priviledgs inſtead of enlarging and augmenting them? No, no. He that has been baptized, and received this Seal of the New Teſtament; may with conſidence addreſs unto God, and ſay, Lord! I have been baptized with Water, Oh! ſprinckle me with the Blood of Jeſus, baptize me with his Spirit, waſh me thorowly from my iniquity, cleanſe and turn my Heart to Thee, and make me faithful and stedfast in thy Covenant.