A Treatise of Conversion, Chapter 1 · Section 27
SECT. XXVII.
3. I Have hitherto spoke onelyonly of sins of Commission, which are cast away when the soul is changed: the next part of the Reformation of the life is in point of Duty. A Converted soul hath presently another work to do. As he hath set his heart upon another end, and looketh after another portion and Inheritance: so hath he other means to use, which are sutable to the nature of the End which is to be obtained. A Heavenly felicity is not gotten by earthly means Learning to do well, therefore is ever joyned with ceasing to do evil, Isa. 1. 17. Seeking the Lord while he may be found, and calling on him while he is neer, is joyned with forsaking wicked wayes, Isa. 55. 6. He that is turned from the power of Satan, is turned to God, Act. 26. 18. Before Conversion the wretched sinner had no pleasure in God, and therefore no pleasure in his service. And therefore was seldom, and cold, and careless in it, and gave God nothing but the Leavings of the world and the flesh, and what they could spare, and put him off with some formal superficial cheap kind of service that would cost them but little. But when Converting Grace hath made a change: as God is their delight, so is his work and worship. They see a world of work before them, which they made no conscience of before: As I told you, of Paul, Act. 9. 11. He fals a praying as soon as he is converted; and from praying he proceeds to the preaching of that Gospel which he persecuted before. It made the people wonder to see him that had been persecuting all that called upon the name of Jesus, but a little before, to preach for them a little after, Act. 9. 20, 21. The Text saith, All that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither to that intent, to bring them bound to the chief Priests? So is it to this day. When a poor sinner that was wont to mock at a holy life, and never was used to call upon God, or at least, but heartlesly and with the lips: that made no conscience of praying in his family, or instructing them, or holy spending the Lords day, shall now be as diligent in these as any. When the Bible is in his hands, or other good books, that had rather before have had a pair of cards, or dice, or worldly business; when a man that was wont to set light by these things, is now set upon them, and cannot live without them: this makes the world about him amazed, and say, Is not this he that scorned Sermons, who now followeth after Sermons? Is not this he that was against these things as much as any, that now is set so much upon them? I know, a man that is unconverted may be much in the use of means, but here is the difference: To a converted man, the obedience of God is his chiefest work and business, to which all other things are made to stoop: But to the unconverted, the work of the flesh, and world is the chief, and the service of God must stoop to that. Sirs, If any of you dream that you are converted, and yet will not be brought to the works of obedience, both in holiness to God, and Righteousness to men, you do but wilfully deceive your selves. Do you think a man can love God above all, as every true Christian doth, and not seek him above all? Or that a man can have a heavenly heart, and not have a heavenly life? it cannot be. If you had rather sit at home, when you should be attending upon God in the publick Assembly, or enjoying private helps for your souls; Or are cumbred about many things, when you should be looking after the one thing Necessary; It is a sign that you have not chosen the better part; when ever the heart is changed to God, the main bent of the life will presently consist in the seeking of God.