The Parable of the Prodigal, Part 14

The Parable of the Prodigal · Part 14

p. 302This my ſon was dead, and is alive again.Luke 15. 24.Luke 15:24

Theſe words comprehend in them (if I miſtake not) a moſt exact diſcription of a ſinners converſion; both 1. In the general nature of it, that it is a (perfective) change; [Was, and Is; was dead, and is alive:] 2. And in the differential or proper ingredients of it, which are couched in theſe words [is alive again.] In which three diſtinguiſhing ingredients of converſion are eſpiable; namely, That it is a Change: 1. Very great, and notable: The inlivening of a dead man is ſo. 2. Very ſecret and internal; the puting of life into a dead man is ſo. 3. Very ſpreading and univerſal; when a dead man is made alive, it is ſo. I confeſs that every one of theſe particulars doth merit a full and large diſcourſe; but becauſe I deſire to open unto you the true nature of converſion, at the firſt, in as narrow a compaſs as I can, I ſhall therefore endeavour to draw all theſe goodly truths into one little Map, that ſo you may be the better able to …nderſtand and remember them. With your favour, I will p. 303graſp them into this one Propoſition.

That true Converſion is a change, a very great, and inward, Doct. 6. True converſion is a change, a great, inward, and Univerſal Change. It is a Change.and univerſal change. You plainly ſee four things in this Aſſertion which offer themſelves to our conſideration. 1. True Converſion is a change; (was dead and is alive;) certainly here is a change. Ego ſum ego, ſaid the Harlot, here was no Converſion. Ego non ſum ego, anſwered the young man; here was converſion, for here was a change; There may be a was, and an is, without a change. Chriſt was God, and is God, Revel. 1. 8. And in many men the was, and the is, are without a change; They were ignorant, and are ignorant ſtill; they were filthy, and are filthy ſtill; Rev. 22. 11. But if a man be converted, the was, and the is, are different, they are changed: I was a Perſecutor, ſaid Paul, but being converted he is not ſo; ſuch were ſome of you, ſaid Paul of the Corinthians, but ye are waſhed, but ye are ſanctified. Now when I ſay, that Converſion is a change, you muſt know that there is a two-fold Change: One is, Subſtantial, which alters the ſubſtance of man, as in Generation, and in Corruption, of which the Philoſophers ſpeak: Converſion is no ſuch change; the ſoul and body of a man remaines the ſelfe ſame ſubſtance before and after Converſion: It was the ſame Paul who Was a Perſecutor, and Is a Preacher of Chriſt: As in the Sacrament, it is the ſame Bread for ſubſtance after Conſecration, which it was before Conſecration; So is it the ſame man, for the Philoſophical ſubſtance, before and after converſion.

Another is accidental, which alters the qualities of man. Naaman was the ſame man when he was a Leper, and when he was cured of his Leproſie; he was the ſame for ſubſtance, (of it there was no change,) but he was not the ſame for the accidental quality, (becauſe his leproſie was changed.) Such a change is there in converſion; the ſinfull Leproſie is changed, and a fair beautiful form of holineſs is put into his ſoul; the Glove is now perfumed, the bitter water is now ſeaſoned, another nature contrary to his former nature is now infuſed; old things are paſt away, all things are become new, 2. Cor. 5. 17. Againe obſerve, that the accidental change, or alteration of a perſon, is likewiſe two-fold; 1. One is Corruptive, which is from good to evil; ſuch a change was there in the Angels that fell, (they fell from heaven to hell, from being Children of Light, to be the Princes of darkneſs) p. 304and ſuch a change was there in Adam that fell. O what a change! what a ſudden loſs of great poſſeſſions, of unſpeakable perfections. O how good once he was, O what a ſinner now he is! 2. Another is perfective, which is from evil to Good: Such a change is Converſion: Why! it is from ſin to God: It is more then for Joſeph to leave the priſon and be made a Prince: when a man is converted, he is now raiſed and enabled with the nature, and life, and excellencies of God and Chriſt; true Converſion is a perfecting change.

One diſtinction more I cannot omit; It is this, The perfective change is likewiſe two-fold 1. Relative and forinſecal, as in the Juſtification of a ſinner: when a ſinner is Juſtified, the ſtate of this ſinner is changed; before it he was in the ſtate of death and condemnation; after it he is in the ſtate of life and abſolution. 2. Inherent and intrinſecal; as here in the converſion of a ſinner, which is a change within a man; a change not ſo properly of his condition, as of his diſpoſition; even from one contrary to another, and that à Genere ad Genus, from one kind of quality to another kind. A ſinner hath ſometimes a contrary motion of good to evil put into him, but this is not Converſion; for it is not a mutation, but a motion: A ſinners inclination is ſometimes withheld, that he doth not ſin; yet this is not converſion, for it is a chaining only, not a changing of his diſpoſition; the Lyon is a Lyon in chains. A ſinner goes from one ſin to another; he leaveth his riotouſneſs, and turneth to coveteouſneſs; he leaveth profaneneſs, and turneth to hypocriſy; yet this is not Converſion, for his ſinful diſpoſition is not altered from kind to kind: It is but a ſhifting from one evil to another evil; as the wind from one poynt to another; it is not a change from evil to good. If a man could leave all the ſins in the world, and yet he loved and ſerved but one, this man is not a converted man, becauſe converſion is a change from one kind to a contrary kind, which the man comes ſhort of whoſe heart is ſtill ſet on any one ſin.

2. True Converſion is a very great and notable Change; It is a very great and not able change.there is no change, I think, in all the world of that height and depth as the converſion of a ſinner. No not that from Grace to Glory; becauſe it is but ab imperfecto, and this is à contrario. p. 305The Scripture doth frequently parallel it even with thoſe changes which are miraculous: When Chriſt made the blind to ſee, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to ſpeak, and the dead to live, and diſpoſſeſſed Devils; theſe were very great and notable changes, take them ſingle and they were ſo. Now all theſe miracles are wrought in any one converted perſon; 'Tis called a Creation, a Reſurrection, &c. becauſe God puts out as much Power in the Converſion of a ſinner, as he did in creating the World. It is the prime work of the Spirit of Chriſt, the top, the very higheſt; when any one man is converted, the blind is made to ſee, and the deaf is made to hear: (Iſai. 29. 18. In that day ſhall the deaf hear the words of the Book, and the eyes of the blind ſhall ſee out of obſcurity, and out of darkneſs,) and the dumb is made to ſpeak, and the lame is made to leap: Iſai. 35. 5. The eyes of the blind ſhall be opened, and the ears of the deaf ſhall be unſtopped. v. 6. Then ſhall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb ſing: Yea, and the dead is made to live; [This my Son was dead, and is alive again;] and ſo many ſins as there are from which the heart is converted, of ſo many Devils is that heart diſpoſſeſſed; thy filthineſs was an unclean Devil, and thy perſecution was a raging Devil; every ſin that poſſeſſed thee was a ſtrong Devil within thee: Oh, what a great change is it to behold a ſtone turned into fleſh! and yet in Converſion, The heart of ſtone is turned into an heart of fleſh, Ezek. 36. 26. What a change were it to ſee a ſtone changed into a Son of Abraham! and yet in Converſion a ſtony hearted ſinner is changed into a Son of God; what a change were it to ſee darkneſs turned into light! yet in Converſion it is ſo; Ye were once darkneſs, but now are ye light in the Lord, Eph. 5. 8. What ſhall I ſay? in Converſion, the Bramble becomes a Fig Tree, and the Lion becomes a Lamb, and the Wilderneſs is turned into a Paradiſe, and Hell is turned into Heaven; the Extortioner turns liberal, ſo did Zacheus; the Perſecutor becomes a Martyr, ſo did Paul; the hideous ſinner become a Saint, ſo did Four things ſe… out the greatneſs of this change. The…e is a change of nature in nature.the Corinthians; the blaſphemer now fears an oath. There are four things which ſet out the greatneſs of the change in a ſinners Converſion. 1. There is a change of nature in nature; there is a man, and a man, in the ſame man; an old man, and a new man, in the ſame man; two judgments in one judgment, two wills in p. 306one will, like two Armies in one Field, or like the Twins in Rebecca's Womb. 2. There is the ſtrangeſt unlikeneſs to a This is in a moment.mans ſelf in a moment that ever was; in a moment to hate Chriſt exceedingly, and the next moment to love Chriſt above all; to crucifie Chriſt becauſe he ſaid he was the Son of God, and preſently confeſs that he is the Son of God; to mock the Apoſtles as drunkards, and preſently cry out, what ſhall we do? &c. this moment to love ſin, as if it were my only Heaven; and the next moment to loath ſin, as if it were my only Hell: Now to count all truth and holineſs, but as dung to the World; and preſently to count all the World but as dung to Grace and Chriſt. 3. There is the higheſt contrariety in actions and courſes that ever was; to ſee a man pull down what he built up, and There is the higheſt contrariety of courſes and actions.to build up what he pulled down; to be mad againſt Chriſt, and then preſently even beſides himſelf for Chriſt; to ſcourge and revile Paul and Silas, and preſently after, honour and embrace, and almoſt adore them: To reproach the Saints and their wayes, and ſuddenly to admire them, and value them and their paths, as worthieſt of our deareſt love and ſociety. 4. And a little, And a little grace to produce all this.very little Grace to produce all this: That one drop ſhould ſweeten the great bitter Ocean; that one little ſpark ſhould cauſe all this flame; A very little Engine ſhould move all the World, and level the Mountains; a little Grace to enter the Throne, and to turn all the ſoul round about. That Moſes little Rod ſhould divide the Sea, and melt the Rock; a little Ant tumble down a Mountain; that the Grain of Muſtard-ſeed, which is the leaſt of ſeeds, ſhould grow into a Tree: That a very little Grace ſhould transform the moſt rebellious heart, humble the moſt proud heart, quicken the dead, puriſie the moſt vile affections, conquer the Gates of Hell, overthrow ſin, diſpoſſeſs Satan; ſhould beget ſuch a River of Grief, kindle ſuch a flame of love, ſuch a zeal for God, tenderneſs in Conſcience, ſuch a ſtrength to do, and ſuffer, to believe, life in death, joy in ſorrows, hopes in deſpair; raiſe ſo high as to love them that hate us, bleſs them that curſe us, pray for them that deſpightfully uſe us, and do good for evil. 3. True Converſion is an inward change: When It is an inward change.a dead man is made alive, this is done by the infuſion of an inward principle of life; the cloathing of a dead man is one thing, and the quickning of a dead man is another thing; it is one p. 307thing to plaiſter an old houſe, and it is another thing to build a new houſe; Converſion may be conſidered two wayes; either 1. Extenſively: So it is a change even of the life, and outward actions of men; it is a cleanſing of the fleſh, as well as of the ſpirit; it is a ſanctifying of the body, as well as of the ſoul: It is a putting off the former Converſation, Eph. 4. 22. 2. Denominatively: So it is an inward change; the Prophet calls it a waſhing of the heart, Waſh thine heart, O Jeruſalem, Jer. 44. 4. The Apoſtle calls it a transformation by the renewing of the mind, Rom. 2. 29. and a Circumciſion of the heart, Rom. 2. 29. St. John calls it, a laying the Ax to the root of the Tree, Mat. 3. 10. Ezekiel calls it, the giving of a new heart, and of a new ſpirit, Ezek. 36. 26. Every converted man hath a changed heart; we ſay in nature, that Cor eſt primum vivens: It is true alſo in Grace, the firſt work of quickning and converting Grace begins in the heart of a ſinner. The heart firſt fell from God, and it is the firſt that turns unto God. The heart is the firſt Seat of Sin, and it is the firſt Throne of Grace: Sin is the wound and diſeaſe of the heart, and Grace muſt bring the Plaiſter thither; ſin is firſt in the heart, and moſt in the heart; dominion is there, the poyſon is there; bring in the heart, prevail with it, and you bring in all the man: An outward change without an inward change, is 1. But Hypocriſie: The Hypocritical Phariſees made clean the outſide of the Cup, bùt not the inſide; a golden profeſſion and a rotten heart, this is but Hypocriſie. 2. But Vanity; it is to lap the Boughs, and leave the Roots which can ſend out more; it is to empty the Ciſtern, and to leave the Fountain running, which fills it again. 3. But ſelf and ſouldeceit: What a fooliſh fancy is it to think my ſelf a converted man, becauſe my Tongue is quiet, and yet my heart doth curſe Whether every internalchange be an evidence of true converſion. Four internal changes may be in man unconverted. A change from ignorance to knowledg.God? becauſe my body is honeſt, when yet my heart burns and boils with luſt? becauſe my hands ſtrike not, and yet my heart is full of malice, and revenge, and murder?

Queſt. But here a ſingle ſcruple may be propounded, viz. Whether every internal change be an evidence of true Converſion. To which I anſwer, it is not; there are four Internal changes which may be in a man unconverted. 1. A change from ignorance to knowledg: The man who was an ignorant ſinner, may become a knowing ſinner, and yet remain ſtill an unconverted p. 308ſinner; for a man may hate the good which he knows, and love the evil which he knows; neither of which can conſiſt with true Converſion. 2. A change from error to truth. Many F…om error to truth.a man forſakes the Popiſh Religion, and embraceth the Proteſtant Religion; his opinion and judgment of things may be altered, and yet his ſinful heart may not be altered; he may hold juſtification by faith only, and yet his heart be utterly void of ſaving faith; he may deny merit unto the works of Repentance, and yet his heart never truly repent; he may hold the true and right Government of Chriſt in his Church, and yet that Government of Chriſt may never be ſet up in his own heart. 3. A change from ſecurity to trouble and perplexity: It is poſſible that a great From ſecurity to trouble.ſinner who was as ſenſeleſs as the Rock, may now be as trembling as the Leaf, and his conſcience troubled as the Sea, and yet his heart not converted; Cain was troubled, ſo was Pharaoh, ſo was Saul, ſo was Judas, yet none of them converted: There is a trouble which riſeth from a quick conſcience, and there is a trouble which riſeth from quickning grace; this latter is an evidence of true Converſion, the other is not. 4. A temporary change, or A temporary change.rather a tranſient diverſity in the affections. It is poſſible for ſome ſcornful perſon to hear the Goſpel preached by ſome John Baptiſt (as Herod did) with joy, and to hear ſome Paul (as Felix did) with trembling, who formerly ſcorned all preaching; yea, this man may be in a great changeableneſs, yet never be truly changed; divine truths may fall upon him with that evidence and efficacy, as to ſhake his heart, ſtir his affections, excite his reſolutions, and yet after a little while, as the cold doth on Water that is heated, all theſe workings expire into nothing, his old incorporated, familiar luſts prevail over them, and work them wholly out; till the inward change be a change of the heart, it is not a truly converting change.

4. Laſtly, true Converſion is an univerſal change: When It is a univerſal change.a dead man is quickned, the ſoul is not only infuſed, but alſo diffuſed, it is tota in toto, & tota in qualibet parte, the whole made alive; ſo is it in true Converſion, that grace which converts a ſinner, doth change all the ſinner, every faculty of the ſoul for the quality of it, and every member of the body, for the ſpiritual uſe of it: Therefore, converting p. 309grace is compared to the Light which runs through all the body of the aire, every part whereof is inlightned; and it is compared to Leaven which ſpreads and inſinuates it ſelf into every part of the Lump. You cannot dip into any leaf of this Book, into any parcel of a converted man, but you ſhall find a divine and ſpiritual change, a ſpirit of grace on it. He is ſanctifyed throughout, in ſoul, ſpirit and body: I confeſs, it were a work worthy of the deepeſt ſtudy of the exacteſt Miniſter to find out, and deliver two things unto us: 1. One is, the Minimum quod ſic, the leaſt breath or life of converting grace. 2. Another is, The ſpecifical operations of converting grace, in all the faculties of the ſoul, ſo that one may ſay ſafely, this faculty is changed, and that faculty is changed by grace and nothing elſe. This I make no queſtion of, that converting grace doth make the whole man alive. For 1. It is a new and renewing quality. 2. It is of a diffuſive virtue, being a good in Genere optimorum. 3. It muſt be Co-extenſive with ſin, which hath perverted the whole man: But yet to ſet out its changing work in every faculty of the ſou…, I cannot undertake it in the exquiſiteneſs thereof; yet if you will favourably accept of my endeavours, I ſhall attempt towards it, that ſo you may Concerning this univerſal change,the better conceive of that univerſal change wrought in a ſinner upon his Converſion.

1. I premiſe a few Propoſitions which I take for granted Premiſe ſome things. Co…verting grace is a concatination of all ſaving graces. All theſe are Simultaneous in their Birth.truths, (v. g.) 1. That converting Grace, (which changeth the ſoul) is a Concatination of all particular ſaving graces: It is not Faith only, …or Repentance only, nor Hope only, nor Love only, &c. but all of them, a Link or Golden …hain, as it were, of them. 2. That all theſe are ſimultaneous in their birth; they are not implanted one before another, or one more than another, (habitually conſidered) but are of a ſimultaneous and coexiſtent production, although in the order of working and manifeſtation of work, there be a precedency. 3. All theſe All theſe concur in their ſpecifical nature, as to this change.graces concur in their ſpecifical nature, and immediate operation, as to a change of the ſoul. The change wrought in the mind, is of the ſame nature with that which is wought in the will; and the change in the will, is of the ſame nature with that in the affections; every faculty is renewed and changed with the ſame kind of Grace in Converſion; for all true p. 310Graces are of the ſame nature, and all of them concur to work a like ſaving change; though one grace be ſeated in one faculty, and another grace in another faculty; all of them are like ſo many ſtreams flowing from the ſame Fountain, and coming into diverſe Rooms, and waſhing, or cleanſing of them all, ſo that the whole houſe is made clean by them.

2. Theſe things being premiſed; I ſhall now briefly ſhew unto you the Univerſ…lity of change wrought by converting The univerſality of this change ſhewed in the particulars. In the mind.Grace. 1. In the mind or underſtanding of a ſinner (when he is converted) there is implanted an heavenly or ſaving light or knowledg, which removes the power and dominion of darkneſs or ignorance, and now inables the perſon to behold the ſaving truths, and will, and wayes of God in Chriſt, in a ſpiritual, clear, ſerious, and delightful manner; all which he looks upon, not with a naked or meerly intuitive apprehenſion, but with admiration, but with application, but with delight, and ſingular deſire, and a certain kind of transformation. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Bu… 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: When the mind is renewed, it hath now a ſpiritual light and worth. Jeſus Chriſt appears as an excellent Object to Paul, Phil. 3. 8. and the Statutes of God an excellent Object to David, Pſal. 119. 4, 5. 2. In the Judgment of a ſinner (when he is converted) there In the judgment.is alſo a ſaving and a gracious change; for there doth converting Grace caſt down the high imaginations of a ſinner (as touching himſelf) and his carnal reaſonings, and fleſhly diſputes againſt God and Chriſt, and holineſs, and ſo captivates the judgment of a ſinner, that he confeſſeth and acknowledgeth, and approveth of all the methods, truths, cauſes, means, and wayes of ſalvation, as beſt, and beſt for him, and now beſt for him; Oh, none but Chriſt, none but Chriſt (ſaid the Martyr:) It it wonderful to behold how the judgment of a converted man condemns what he formerly approved moſt, and how it approves what he condemned moſt; the man now judgeth of his ſin, as the only evil, and of Chriſt as his only good: Oh, how fooliſh, how vain, how vile, that I have lived in, and ſerved, and followed my ſinful luſts! Oh, how glorious, how happy, how deſireable is a part in Chriſt and Grace; yea, and the judgment now is as fruitful and p. 311vigorous in forming Arguments to forſake ſin, as it was once to draw the heart to ſin, and ſees a thouſand times more reaſon to embrace Chriſt, and love holineſs, then to ſlight and refuſe them. 3. In the Will of a ſinner (when he is converted) there is alſo a change wrought by Grace; the reſiſting, proud, unreaſonable In the will.ſtubbornneſs and enmity of it is ſubdued, and an holy pliableneſs, yieldingneſs, willingneſs is conveyed into it. Tis rare to behold how the Needle with one touch of the Adamant wheels about, ſo to behold the admirable inclinations of the will of a ſinner, upon one touch of Grace from Chriſt; not long ſince deaf, but now hearkening; not long ſince reſiſting of Chriſt to the death, and now following Chriſt as for life; a little while ſince ſhutting the door, and barring it, and now unlocking the door, and opening it; ere while I will not, and now Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? I ſhould be tedious unto you to diſcourſe of the new inclinations and averſions, of the new elections and rejections, of the new purpoſes and reſolutions, of the In the affections.new conformableneſs and ſubjections which are plainly evident upon Converſion in the will of the ſinner. 4▪ In all the affections of a ſinner, which in Converſion are ſo metamorphoſed or changed, that you can hardly perſwade your ſelf, this is the man to day, whom you knew yeſterday; one affection ſeems to be changed into another, love into hatred, and hatred into love; joy into grief, boldneſs into fear; Lately, the deſires were, who will ſhew us any good; now the deſires are, what ſhall we do to be ſaved? Lately, the delights were i… ſin, in ſenſualities, in vain ſocieties; now they are in the favour of God, in Jeſus Chriſt, in pardon of ſin, in heavenly communion: Lately, the love was ſet on that which was moſt unlovely, now it is ſet on the moſt lovely object indeed, Chriſt is the center, &c. Lately, the grief was a turbulent Sea for worldly loſſes, but now it is a running River for ſinning againſt God: Lately, the affections were wings for iniquity, but now they are ſprings for duty: I may not inlarge; by what you have heard, it may plainly appear D…monſtrations of a notable change in Converſion. From the perſon converted. From the work of Converſion.that true Converſion works an univerſal change in the ſinner: Demonſtrations that there is a notable change in Converſion. 1. The perſon converted, he is made pertaker of the Divine Nature, 1 Pet. 1. 4. He is a new Creature, 2 Cor. 5. 7. He is quickned from the dead, Eph. 2. 1. He is born again, Jo. 3. 3. 2. The p. 312work of Converſion: It is the effect of the great and good will of Election; and in it, God diſplayes the glory of his great Love and Grace, and Mercy; And Chriſt ſees of the travel of his ſoul, ſome ſpecial fruit of his wonderful ſufferings and purchaſes; And the holy Ghoſt doth manifeſt his almighty Po…er, and the nobleſt act thereof; and converting grace is a new contrary nature, a new man. 3. The end of Converſion: Converſion is the firſt From the end of Converſion.inward work for heavenly glory. It is wrought to make us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light; Naturally we are oppoſite to God, and to all Communion with him; Without holineſs no man ſhall ſee the Lord; no unclean thing can enter there; ſinning Angels were caſt out of Heaven; God qualifies thoſe whom he will dignifie; he qualifyed Saul for an earthly Kingdome, much more the ſinner for an heavenly Kingdome: Heavenly glory is abſolutely inconſiſtent with a graceleſs heart; the promiſe of it is ſo, and the nature of it is ſo, and the work of it is ſo, and the reward of it is ſo. 4. Converted perſons are to live other lives, and to do other works; therefore, there muſt be a change of their Converted perſons muſt live o…her lives. Ʋſe 1. This convince…h many to be yet unconverted. Such in whom appears no change at all.Forms, and Principles, and Powers.

Is true Converſion a change? a great change? an internal and cordial change? an univerſal change? Why! then this one truth palpably convinceth multitudes of people, to be (as yet) not converted.

1. There are ſome men in whom there appears no change at all, neither inward nor outward; the Leopards ſpots remain, and the Blackmores skin is unchanged; they were ignorant, and ſo are ſtill; they were drunkards, ſwearers, railers, ſcoffers, mockers of godlineſs, and godly men, Sabbath-breakers, unclean, proud, and ſo are ſtill. The Prophet ſpeaks of ſome, whoſe ſcum departed not from them, Ezek. 24. 12. And the Apoſtle, of ſome who cannot ceaſe to do evil, 2 Pet. 2. 14. And David, of ſome who hate to be reformed, Pſal. 50. 16. And Steven, of ſome who alwayes reſiſt the holy Ghoſt, Acts 7. 51. And Paul, of ſome who wax worſe and worſe, 2 Tim. 3. 13. Although changes go over their age, they were young, and now are old, yet no change goes over their hearts and lives; although changes go over their bodies, (their ſtrength is changed into weakneſs, and their health is changed into ſickneſs;) although changes go over their eſtates, (their p. 313wealth is changed into poverty, and their abundance is changed into want;) although changes go over the times, (peace is changed into war, and ſafety is changed into danger:) nay although ſometimes changes goe over their conſciences, (Stupidity is changed into horrour, and pleaſure into terrour:) yet their hearts are not changed: (they approve, love and delight in their ſins as much as ever:) and their Converſations are not changed; they drive the ſame trade, run on to the ſame exceſs of Riotouſneſs, wallow in the ſame mire of Ungodlineſs; deſpiſe converting Ordinances, converted Perſons, converting Graces. Now what ſhall I ſay to theſe Perſons? They are unchanged ſinners, and ſo is God an unchangeable God; who hath threatned them, and ſwore his Wrath againſt them. Thou wilt not repent of thy ſins, nor will God repe…t of his Wrath; thou wilt not turn to him, and therefore will he turn away his mercy from thee, and will overturn, overturn, overturn thee, as the Prophet phraſeth it.

2. There are ſome whoſe change is only outward, but it is Such whoſe Change is only outward not inward.not inward and cordial: they ſtand off from many ſins, and come on to many duties, and yet their hearts are not changed: There are ſix things which may convince a man, that his heart is not changed; 1. When a man ſeems to be tender leaſt he ſhould Six things convince a man his Heart is not changed.commit a ſin, but yet his heart was never tender and humbled for all the ſins which he hath committed. Jer. 31. 19. I was aſhamed, yea even confounded, becauſe I did bear the reproach of my youth. If Repentance begins not in tears, it will end in tears. When I look forward and ſee ſin with a trembling eye, (O I dare not offend my God:) and when I look backward and ſee ſin with a mournful eye; (O I have ſinned, I have ſinned:) theſe indeed do ſhew a converted and changed heart. But I fear it is rather a policy, then a change, and a regard more to my credit, then my conſcience, when I expoſtulate with a ſin in Temptation, and never mourn for many ſins in Commiſſion.

2. When a man leaves many ſins, but yet he doth not loath any ſin. Many a man ſometimes abſtains from meat, yet loves it; but a good heart abſtains from ſin, as from a ſerpent, which he hates. He turnes his face from them, but he turnes not his heart from them; he doth not act the ſin, nor doth hate the ſin; he doth not let … out of door, nor yet crucify it within p. 314door; he ſeems not to be a friend, and yet is not an enemy to ſin; this mans heart is not changed. 3. When a man acts from an awing Conſcience and not from a renewing Spirit; flies from ſin, only, when conſcience flies upon him for ſinning, and doth good only when conſcience is unquiet; when not Grace (which works uniformly,) but terour (which works accidentally) is his Principle; though a while there be ſome diverſity and diverſion too in this man, yet there is no change of heart in him; even Pharaoh under a Judgment yielded, who yet upon a reſpite hardned his heart again; and Iron, whiles hot, becomes malleable, nevertheleſs, it is not changed in its Intrinſecal diſpoſition. 4. When a man is Formal in duties, but not Spiritual in duties; he holds a cuſtomary courſe, but not a conſcientious courſe; this mans heart is not changed: Judas was as buſie about Chriſt as the other Diſciples, yet he was not changed; Some unconverted man may be as frequent in religious duties as converted perſons are, yet their hearts unchanged. There are four things which prove a formal Chriſtian to have an unchanged Four things prove a formal Chriſtian to have an unchanged Heart.Heart; for though he doth good duties, yet he doth them, 1. From carnal Principles, of Cuſtome, Education, Example, not from Faith, Love and Spiritual Principles. 2. For Carnal Ends, with a reſpect to his Eſtimation with men, not with God; or he doth ſome good, to blind and cover more evil. 3. As a Carnal or Natural work, not as a Communion with God or Chriſt; if he doth them it is ſufficient, but whether he meets with God in them, or God with him in them; whether he pleaſeth God, and God accepts of him and them, or what heavenly revenues come into his ſoul upon them, he regards not. 4. Without any Delight; A good m…n hates the ſin which he doth, an evil man hates the good which he doth; he delights not in the Law of God after the Inward man; he is glad when the work is done, but not to do the work: It is his Task, it is not his Pleaſure; It is a Heavineſs, but not an Heaven to him; his Spirit is weary, as much as his Body; he cannot take hold of God, be importunate in prayer for any Grace; he doth not put out a Might, a Power, a Zeal in holy Services; but acts them with a ſleepy, faint, weariſome undelightful Spirit. 5. When a man hath been and ſtill is a ſtranger to Inward Conflicts, certainly that mans heart was never changed: there may p. 315be two conditions, wherein all may be quiet: One is in anothere life where grace ſtands alone; in heaven there is no ſin, but holineſs is grown unto its utmoſt perfection, and therefore it is above contrariety and conflict. Another is in this life, where ſin ſtands alone, it hath the dominion, and blinds the mind, ſears the conſcience, and hardens the heart; there is neither a contrary light, nor a contrary grace, to raiſe any ſtirs and conflicts. But then there is a third condition, which hath medium participationis in it, in which the ſoul is partly fleſh and partly ſpirit, ſin is there, and grace is there; there are two contrary Natures, two contrary Lawes, two contrary Inclinations and workings; two Adamants as it were, one drawing the ſoul to evil, the other drawing the ſoul to good, one willing, the other unwilling, one yielding, the other reſiſting, one putting on to …aith, to love, to mourning, to praying, to repenting, the other putting off the ſoul from all theſe; when I would do good, evil is preſent with me, ſaith Paul. And verily it is thus with every converted and changed man: The fleſh luſteth againſt the Spirit, and the Spirit luſteth againſt the fleſh; and theſe two are contrary one to another, ſo that they cannot do the good that they would, Gal. 5. 17. And if no ſuch thing be in thee, thy heart was never changed: That man who never finds an unbelieving nature, oppoſing and conflicting with a believing nature; hardneſs conflicting with ſoftneſs, &c. his heart was never changed, for converting grace is in us but in part; and if but in part, then ſome ſinfulneſs ſtill remains; and believe it, there are not two more active, more contrary, more conflicting principles then grace and ſin in the ſame ſubject. 6. When a man is conſtantly formal in the ſame rode and poſture, all his dayes like a Pio…ture, never better nor worſe.Such who ſeem to be changed without and within, but it is not total. Two things manifeſt a partial change. When they do not come up fully to the commanding Will of God.

3. There are many men who ſeem to be changed without and within, yet the change is not a total or univerſal change; and there are two things which do manifeſt a partial change only to be in many men. 1. When they do not come up fully to God, in reſpect of his commanding will; they cannot come up to the Will of God, when his Will is moſt ſpiritual, when his will is moſt ſtrict as ſelf-denial, when his will is moſt difficult; Oh, to ſacrifice Iſa…c that beloved Child, to part with Ben…amin, this is againſt them; to pluck out the right eye, and cut off the right hand, this p. 316is an hard ſaying, when his will is moſt ſuffering: For the young man to forſake all his riches, this is a ſorrowful Injuction; to renounce all our honours with Moſes, and to ſuffer reproaches with the people of God; to leave Friends, and Father, and Mother, and Brethren, and Siſters, and Children, and Lands, and Life too, as the Apoſtles did. When a man is converted, he is now ſo changed that his will and Gods Will are not ſutable, but alſo coextenſive; It is pliable, and it is parallel: Gods Will is my will, and what he wills I will; the Law of God is written in his heart, every command of God is ingraven upon it; there may you read the Maſters Copy, and the Scholar writing after it. This is to be done (ſaith God,) this I deſire to do, ſaith the Godly heart; this I would have thee to believe, Lord I believe, help my unbelief; Thus much I would have thee to ſuffer; Lord ſtrengthen me, and give me not only to believe, but to ſuffer for thy ſake: But in a partial change it is otherwiſe. 2. When they do not fully come up to God in reſpect of his forbidding Nor to the forbidding Will of God.will; You know that God forbids all ſin, he forbids ſpiritual ſins, (pride, ambition, &c.) as well as fleſhly ſins, 2 Cor. 7. 1. little ſins (faith and troth, vain thoughts) as well as great ſins; ſecret ſins (alone) as well as open ſins; heart ſins (heart-adultery, revenge, malice) as well as life ſins; Goſpel ſins (unbelief and grieving of the Spirit of God) as well as Law ſins; ſins of Omiſſion as well as ſins of Commiſſion; breeding or original ſin as well as actual.

Queſt. But ſome may ſay unto me; If the caſe be ſo, How How a man may know that God hath indeed changed his heart? Some things premiſed. There are many abo…ive changes.may one know that God hath indeed converted and changed his very heart, ſo that he may confidently ſay, that although I was once dead, yet I am now alive? This Queſtion deſerves a ſerious Reſolution. For 1. There are many abortive changes, deluding changes, riſing from falſe and inſufficient Principles, from a terrifyed conſcience, or from politick parts, or from the power of reſtraint, or from denial of occaſions, or from prevalent paſſions, or from the contrariety of one ſin to another, or from a preſent and ſudden apprehenſion of matters, or from the defect of ſtrength, or from judicial impreſſions, by the appearing of death, or from education, or from reſpect to our ſuperiours and friends, and hopes which we have from them, &c. 2. If the heart ſhould never graciouſly be changed, p. 317If the heart be never changed, the man is damned.(as ſure as God lives) the man will be damned; though the man may have parts, abilities, honours, be civil, ingenuous, candid and punctual with men, and in-offenſive in his dealings: O friends! the Heart (or Soul) is that which God looks on, and every man is as his heart is; as that is, ſo the man is; he is ſo for the preſent, and he is ſo for eternity. Except a man be born again he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God, ſaid Chriſt to Nicodemus, Joh. 3. 3. If any man be in Chriſt, he is a new creature, ſaith the Apoſtle 2 Cor. 5. 17. Old things are paſt away, all things are become new. Chriſt you know is the way, the truth, and the life: Can the Chriſtleſs man ever be a heavenly man? aſſuredly no Chriſt, no Heaven: But then if a man be in Chriſt he is a new Creature (.i.) Chriſt doth change him, and forms him a new; he ſtrips him of his old heart, and puts into him a new heart.

Theſe things being premiſed: I now come to anſwer the Caſe The caſe anſwered.propounded; Only I muſt crave favour to acquaint you with two things. One, that I ſpeak not of ſuch a change as implies perfection, but only of that which although it be true and ſaving, is nevertheleſs imperfect, for ſo is all the work of grace in this life. Another is, that I intend not to give you Characters of a progreſſive change, which may be found in Chriſtians whom God hath called, and converted, and changed for many years, in whom the work of Converſion is come to much maturity and ſtrength; but only of an initial change, as it ſtands in truth and ſincerity, although newly wrought, and perhaps it be very feeble and weak, yet it is to be found in every man whom Divine Grace doth convert. Now this Initial change may be evidenced by the ſeveral contrary habitudes and fixed carriages in the converted The initial change evidenced by the ſeveral contraricties.perſon, as to time paſt, and time preſent, and time future; in reſpect of all which you ſhall clearly diſcern a ſingular alteration, if the Converſion be true.

1. The firſt contrariety or alteration, reſpects the time paſt: As to the time paſt.Before the ſinner was converted, there were four unhappy qualities poſſeſſing of him, as touching his ſinfulneſs. 1. A marvellous blindneſs, and reflexive unſenſibleneſs of his ſinful condition, dead in treſpaſſes and ſins, Eph. 2. Paſt feeling, Eph. 4. 19. 2. A wonderful erroneouſneſs and falſe judgment of his eſtate; thinking highly and proudly of himſelf, as once La…dicea did, and p. 318the Jews and Phariſees did; We are Abrahams ſeed, and never in bondage, Joh. 8. 33. 3. A miſerable ſecurity of ſpirit, extreamly careleſs and negligent about the internal and eternal concernments of his ſoul; alive once without the Law, Rom. 7. 9. Soul, take thine eaſe, &c. They ſay, peace and ſafety, 1 Theſ. 5. 3. 4. A remorſeleſs purſuing of his ſinful luſts, without any heartſmiting troubles for his ſinning and provoking of God. No man repented, ſaying, What have I done? every one turned to his courſe, Jer. 8. 6. 5. Alienation from the life of God, Eph. 4. 18. Thus it was with the man, before God converted him, and changed him; but now behold the alteration and contrariety. 1. There is a graciouſly quick and active quickning light fallen into him, which opens his eyes, and affects his conſcience to a clear and right ſight of his ſinful heart and life. Rom. 7. 9. But when the Commandment came, ſin revived, &c. As if the light of the Sun brake into a darkroom, and repreſented all the naſtineſs in it. Acts 26. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkneſs to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. His ſins are ſet before him, and conſcience acquaints him with his forepaſt evils, ſo that he is convinced, and can make no defence, but cries out with the Leper, I am unclean, unclean. 2. All his erroneous and proud conceits of himſelf are tumbled down; the Mountains are laid low, and the man judgeth of himſelf, as if he were the greateſt and vileſt ſinner that ever lived; he abhors himſelf, Oh, how wicked! Oh, how vain! Oh, how vile! Oh, how mad! Oh, how fooliſh! Oh, how beaſtly! I have been a tranſgreſſor from the womb; I have lived without God, againſt God; none ſo ignorant, none ſo proud, none ſo filthy, none ſo froward and rebellious againſt the Will of God, againſt the goodneſs of God as I: In me there dwelleth no good thing; I am without ſtrength: No man living hath ſuch proper thoughts, ſuch humble thoughts of himſelf as he. Oh, unfit to dye, unworthy to live, undone if mercy be not free mercy, and abundant mercy. 3. His Caſtle of ſecurity is demoliſhed, and the ſecure negligent man becomes now a moſt anxious and ſolicitous and careful man about the condition of his ſoul. 2 Cor. 7. 11. What carefulneſs it wrought in you; this now takes him up. What ſhall we do? ſay they to John the Baptiſt: And what ſhall we do? ſay they to Peter: And what ſhall I do to be p. 319ſaved? Acts 16. 30. O my Soul (my poor loſt, wandring, ſinful, undone Soul) what ſhall I do? what will become of me? and what will become of thee for all theſe ſins? And now the man inquires, and hears, and confers, and prayes, as for his life: Oh (ſaith he) I need mercy, and mercy I muſt have; I need Chriſt, and Chriſt I muſt have; I need grace, and grace I muſt have; and as that impotent perſon lay at the Pool for cure, ſo doth this converted ſinner; he lyes at the pool of the word, and at the gates of heaven day and night; and there he cries out, God be merciful to me a ſinner; and there he wreſtles with God, as Jacob once; I will not let thee go unleſs thou bleſs me; until thou be reconciled, until I have Chriſt, until my heart be ſanctifyed. 4. His hardned remorſeleſneſs is now turned into a ſingular brokenneſs and grief of ſpirit; the Rock is ſmitten, and the waters guſh out; a Fountain is opened within him: He who made but a ſport of ſinning before; he who could graſp the nettles, and tread on hell, and vex mercy, and ſhoot through the heart of Chriſt, and not be moved or troubled at all: Oh now, how is the man altered? I ſee him trembling and quaking with Paul, I ſee him bitterly weeping with Peter, I ſee him waſhing his Couch, with David; I ſee him in heavineſs and bitterneſs for his ſinnings, as one for his firſt born. One while he meditates, and then weeps; thus, and thus, and thus have I diſhonoured my God. Another while he hears, and reads, and weeps, I am that man, O Lord; I am he of whom thou ſpeakeſt, I am that ſinner; Iam he who hath out-faced thy Law, out-ſtood thy offers of grace, and reſiſted (Oh how often) thy good Spirit. 5. He is now for the life of God to be wrought in him: This he now prizeth as the moſt excellent life; and for this, he praies, Lord, another heart, a new ſpirit.

2. The ſecond contrariety reſpects the time preſent: And As to the time preſent.there are four things for the time preſent, in a truely changed and converted perſon which never were in him before. 1. A preſent hatred of ſin. 2. A preſent flying unto Chriſt. 3. A preſent love of God. 4. A preſent courſe of new obedience. 1. When the Lord hath converted and changed the heart of a ſinner, there is wrought in him a preſent hatred of ſin; the man loved his ſins before, and took pleaſure in unrighteouſneſs, held it faſt, and defended it; ſin is now ſeen as the greateſt p. 320evil, and the more he ſees it, the more he hates it: As ſoon as ever the heart is changed, immediately it is a ſin-hating heart; I do not ſay there is no ſin, but I ſay the heart hates ſin: The evil that I hate, ſaid Paul, Rom. 7. 15. and in Ezek. 36. where God promiſeth to give them a new heart, he ſaith, Then ſhall ye remember your own evil wayes, and ſhall loath your ſelves in your own ſight for your iniquities, and for your abominations.

Queſt. But here now is a great Scruple, how a perſon may know that he hates ſin? Many think they do ſo, and are deceived, How a man may know that he hates ſin.it proves only a paſſion.

Sol. In true hatred there are ſix things. 1. An extream deteſtation: Every diſlike is not hatred, but true hatred is an extream loathing. Thou ſhalt caſt them away as a menſtruous cloath; thou ſhalt ſay unto it, Get thee hence, Iſai. 30. 22. 2. An earneſt ſeparation: He that hated his wife did ſue out a Bill of divorce from her in the Law. 3. An irreconcileable alienation: Two angry men may be made friends; but if two men hate each other, friendſhip is everlaſtingly broken betwixt them. 4. A conſtant and perpetual colluctation: If they cannot be ſevered one from the other, they ſtill oppoſe and conflict one with the other. 5. A deadly intention and deſtruction; for nothing ſatisfies hatred, but death and ruine; Saul hated David, and ſought his life, Abſalom hated Amnon, and killed him. 6. An impartial averſation; hatred is of the whole kind, I hate every falſe way: Wilt thou now know whether God hath changed thy heart, then ask thy heart; What is it that thou abhorreſt as the ſuperlative evil? what is that which thou wouldſt have ſeparated as far from thee, as heaven is from hell? what is that thy heart will never renew league or friendſhip with any more? what is that againſt which thy ſoul doth riſe, and with which (as Iſrael with Amalek,) thou haſt war for ever? what is that which thou wilt be avenged of, and daily doſt endeavour the mortifying and crucifying of? what is that which thou ſets thy heart againſt, in the comprehenſive latitude thereof, whether great, or little, open, or ſecret? If it be ſin, if it be thy ſins, aſſuredly here is true hatred of ſin, and aſſuredly here is a moſt diſtinguiſhing Character of a ſound Converſion and change. It was not wont to be thus with thee, nor p. 321is this findeable in any unconverted perſon whoſoever. Sin was once to thee as Dalilah to Samſon, and now is it to thee as Tamar to Amnon. It was a ſweet morſel once which thou heldſt faſt, but now it is the menſtruous cloath which thou doſt caſt away, and ſay, get thee hence; what have I to do any more with Idols? If it be thus with thee, bleſs thy God who hath ſhewed grace to thy ſoul.

2. When the Lord hath changed and converted the heart of a ſinner, the ſinner preſently flies unto Jeſus Christ: The firſt ſtroke of Grace is on the heart, and the firſt breathing of Grace is for Chriſt; as the new born babe flies unto the breſts, or as any creature doth to its center, and place of reſt. For when the heart is changed by converting grace, 1. It breeds the moſt exquiſite diſcovery and ſenſe of ſin, and conſequently of the ſouls need of Chriſt. 2. It is moſt impatient of diſtance or difference with God, and prizeth his reconciled favour ſuperlatively, cannot live without it. 3. It ſeeth nothing more valuable in it ſelf, or more ſutable to its condition then Chriſt, Christus amor meus pondus meum. And therefore, if you take notice of it, you may experimentally find upon the firſt impreſſions of Grace, that the ſoul is moſtly taken up with Chriſt, and with Faith: Oh, that I might be found in him! Oh, that I could believe on him! It ſees excellency in Chriſt, and Peace in Chriſt, and Redemption in Chriſt, and Righteouſneſs in Chriſt, and Grace in Chriſt, and Kindneſs in Chriſt, and Help, and Life, and Heaven, and all in Chriſt. In Converſion, Chriſt ſecretly draws the Soul to himſelf; and being converted, the ſoul ſtrives to draw Chriſt to it ſelf; It would have Chriſt, it muſt have Chriſt; it is never well, it is never ſatisfied until it hath Chriſt.

3. When the Lord hath converted and changed the heart of a ſinner, there is wrought in him a preſent love of God: It is wonderful to ſee how the Tide turns upon Converſion. There was once one found weeping very bitterly; and being demanded, why! O, ſaid he, all other things are loved, but Amorum amatur, Love it ſelf is not loved. So before Converſion, a man could find love for his Parents, and love for his Relations, and love for his Recreations, and love for his Profits, and love for his Sins; but no love for God. But after Converſion, the man can p. 322ſcarce find any love for any, unleſs it be for his God, and in his God. A graciouſly changed Heart is enabled to ſee, 1. The glories in God; thoſe moſt Pure and Amiable Excellencies in God. 2. The Tranſcendent Love of God to it, in the Eternity of it, in the Freeneſs of it, in the Sweetneſs and Goodneſs of it. 3. The Unſpeakable Communications and Bounties of God towards it in Jeſus Chriſt; for the preſent, and for the future: It is Grace which makes us to ſee what a gracious God he is: It is Grace which makes us to ſee what a Royal gift Jeſus Chriſt is; It is Grace which makes us apprehenſive of all the Love in God, and from God; and therefore no marvel that the changed heart fals preſently in love with God; (O Love the Lord all ye his Saints) into a Love of Friendſhip, and into a Love of Complacence, as they ſpeake; that it admires God, and prizeth Communion with him; and takes its full and higheſt delight in him: Pluſquam mea, pluſquam meos, pluſquam me, ſaid Bernard.

4. When the Lord converts and changeth a perſon, the man preſently Steps into the path of new Obedience; when Grace hath changed the Heart, the Heart inſtantly changeth its Maſter and its ſervice; O it will not live as it hath done, for a thouſand Worlds; It is a ſervant of ſin no more, but a ſervant of righteouſneſs: look on any converted man (ſince the Word began,) as ſoon as ever Grace dropt into his Heart, a newneſs of Obedience dropt into his Life, againſt all Eaſe, Pleaſures, Profits, Encouragements, Diſcouragements, Threats, Dangers; It was ſo with Abraham, with Paul, with all thoſe thouſands in the Acts, with all thoſe Epheſians; And indeed it cannot be otherwiſe, foraſm…ch as all their external courſe is but the pulſe of the Heart. The Pondus of the will is changed, it is at the command of the Heart; which being brought into God, the ſervices of the heart are alſo brought in with it. O, that you would peruſe your ſelves in this ſecond Tryal, what preſent contratiety you find in your Hearts; It is a very neer Tryal, and a moſt Infallible diſcovery of the truth or falſhood, or your Change.

3. The laſt Contrariety or Change (which I ſhall but touch) As to the time future.reſpects the time Future: there are five admirable Properties for the time future, which may be found in every truly Changed and Converted perſon. 1. He is very tender p. 323and fearful, leaſt he ſhould ſin againſt his God: Keep thy ſervant from preſum ptuous ſins; cleanſe thou me from ſecret faults: Pſal. 19. 12, 13. Should we again break thy Commandments! ſaid Ex…a, c. 9. 14. How can I do this Great wickedneſs, and ſin againſt God! ſaid Joſeph, Gen. 39. 9. There is in a Changed and Converted man, 1. A tender Jealouſy over a Deceitful heart. 2. a tender Watchfulneſs, againſt Alluring temptations. 3. a tender Conſcience, which feels the firſt Riſings of ſin. 4. a tender Diſſidence of his Own ſtrength. 5. a tender Fear, and aweful Regard of Gods Preſence and Goodneſs. He is afraid to ſin, although the ſin be Secret; and although it be Commodious; and although it be Pleaſant. I will but name the reſt. 2. He is very Zealous and Active for God; Paul even beſides himſelf. 3. He is very Faithful and Conſtant unto God. 4. He is very Serious and Induſtrious, to get aſſurance of Gods love, and of his inheritance in the higheſt heavens. Give all diligence &c. 2 Pet. 1. 10. 5. He ſtrives for the Converſion and change of others.

The next Uſe muſt be of Comfort and Support, to all ſuch who find this change wrought in their hearts by converting Grace. Uſe. 2.There are four Adjuncts which make this Converting change Comfort to thoſe who are changed.unſpeakably Comfortable and Joyous. 1. Next to Chriſt it is the choiceſt and chiefeſt gift that the heart of man is capable of in this life. The gifts of God are of ſeveral Orders and ſeveral Next to Chriſt it is the choiceſt gift the heart is capable of.Natures, uſes and ends; ſome are in order to a natural preſervation, as food, and raiment, and Health. Some are in order to an extrinſecal condition or State of Life, as Honours and civil Authority; Some are in order to private ſociety and relation, as Wife, and Husband, and Children; Some are in order to ſecular converſe, as Father and Friends, politick wiſdome, and parts, &c. Theſe are all of them good in their kind, but as it is ſaid of diverſe Captaines belonging to David, although they did great matters, yet they attained not to the acts of the three firſt Worthies: So none of theſe riſe or mount either to that intrinſecal Dignity, or to that ſupernatural and ultimate End, which the change by Grace doth; The leaſt drop of Grace is more then all the Ocean of the World. The Apoſtle Paul ſaith, it is a change from Glory to Glory; the work is a work of Glory and the man p. 324becomes glorious who is a converted man. S. Peter ſaith, He is now made partaker of the Divine Nature: The excellencies of God are ſtamped on thy ſoul; the Sun is now riſen within thee as the Glory of God filled the Temple: ſo when a man is converted, the beams of grace do fill his ſoul; thou art precious, the filthy rags are taken away.

2. It is an evidence of great love and rich mercy, Eph. 2. 4. But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he It is an evidence of great love.loved us when we were dead, hath quickned us, &c. It is a teſtimony of the greateſt love, as it is of the greateſt hatred in God, to be left to our ſinful luſts and wayes.

3. Converting grace it is the firſt, viſible and ſure characteriſtical It is the firſt viſible diſtinction betwixt hell and heaven.diſtinction twixt Hell and Heaven, twixt Death and Life, twixt a Goat and a Sheep, twixt a wicked condition, and a Godly condition. There is a twofold diſtinction of perſons touching their everlaſting eſtates: One is in decreto, which lies in the breſt and counſel of God; the other is in decreto, which is to be found in the heart of man. Now quoad nos & quantum ad objectum; Converting grace makes the difference, it ſhews who is loved, and who is hated; it ſhews who is for Heaven, and who is for Hell. It is not honour, nor wealth, nor ſtrength, nor parts, nor civility, nor meanneſs, nor poverty, nor education, nor knowledg, nor trouble of conſcience, nor reſtraint, nor profeſſion, nor external action, which is the partition wall which divides and decides the ſtate for the preſent and future. If Miniſters or Angels ſhould aſſure thee of an intereſt in Chriſt, and of remiſſion of thy ſins, and of future happineſs while yet thy heart is unconverted, they do certainly delude and deceive thee; for if any man be in Chriſt, he is a new Creature: But if God hath converted and changed thy heart, thou art aſſuredly paſt from death to life, thou art among the firſt born of God: No ſorts of wicked men are in this changed and converted condition, no prophane perſon, no hypocritical perſon; as ſoon as any is converted, it may be ſaid of him, as Chriſt of Zacheus, This day is ſalvation come to him, for as much as he alſo is a child of Abraham.

4. It never goes alone, it is alwayes accompanied with juſtification, It never goes alone.pardon, intereſt in Chriſt, reconciliation with God. Jeſus was ſent to bleſs them in turning them away from their iniquities, p. 325Acts 3. 26. Be converted that your ſins may be blotted out, Acts 3. 19. Come now, and let us reaſon together, Iſai. 55. 7. 1 Cor. 6. 11. But ye are waſhed, but ye are ſanctifyed, but ye are juſtifyed, &c.It is the moſt comfortable condition.

5. It is the moſt comfortable and joyful condition; for now there is a change of all, without and within you. The converted ſouls are glad, Acts 2. 47. the converted Jailor rejoyced, Acts 16. 34. the Eunuch rejoyced, Acts 8. 6, 8. The firſt work of the Spirit is grace, the next is joy; Heaven now ſtands open for you to ſee all, &c. Threatnings are turned into promiſes, curſes into bleſſings, enemies unto friends, aliens into ſons, accuſing into an excuſing conſcience, voice of terror into a voice of peace, hell into heaven.It is the only unprejudicial change on earth.

6. It is the only unprejudicial change on earth: In all other changes there is either diminution or danger. If a rich man becomes poor, there is a diminution of his Condition; if a poor man becomes rich, there is a danger to his ſpirit, leſt he becomes covetous or proud. If a man be lifted up to greatneſs and authority, there is a danger, leſt he forgets God, and be injurious; if an healthy man becomes ſick and weak, here is an impairing, a loſs and danger of life: Only, when a wicked man is converted, and becomes holy, there is neither diminution nor danger; converting grace is no thief in the Candle: It is no preternatural heat which ſucks away that which is vital; thou loſeſt nothing at all by it, no ſpot to thy credit, no burden to thy conſcience, no eclipſe to thy honour, no gall in thy Cup, nor waſt to thy Lands: It doth not darken thy name, nor weaken thy ſtrength, nor diminiſh thy coffers, nor imbitter thy comforts: No loſs but the loſing of ſin, which we cannot keep but to our loſs; all that it doth is this, that it decreaſeth and deſtroyeth thy ſinful luſts; it roots out thoſe weeds, it pulls out hell, it heals thy wounds, and is the deadly enemy to thy deadlieſt enemies.

7. The converting change is an unchangeable change: The next change is into Heaven. A wicked man may be changed It is an unchangeable change.into a Godly man, and a Godly man may be changed into Heaven, but the Godly man ſhall never be changed again into a wicked man; the ſtate of grace is an unchangeable ſtate, a better condition them Adams in Paradiſe; his was perfect but mutable, this is imperfect, but not changeable: Once a Son, and p. 326ever a Son; the Son abides in the houſe for ever (ſayes Chriſt;) once converted, and for ever bleſſed. Gods converting Grace is an abiding ſeed, and it is immortal ſeed, and it is a gift which God never repents of, although much of the ſtrength of it may be abated by our falls, as fire is raked up under the aſhes; although the ſenſe of it doth ſometime fail us, and the comfort, and the livelineſs of operation appears not, yet as there is life in the root, though there be not leaves on the Tree, and as there is a ſoul in the man, though ſickneſs be in his body, ſo the truth and ſtate of grace continues under all a Chriſtians eclipſes, weakneſſes, failings; for converting grace comes from an unchangeable will in God, the will of his love, whom he loves once, he loves to the end. 2. It depends upon an everlaſting Communion with Chriſt, who marries the ſoul to himſelf for ever. 3. And it is given as a pledg and pawn of eternal glory. 4. And it is aſſiſted with an everlaſting arm, and power of God.

8. No other change ſhall hurt you, but further you: Afflictions, No other change ſhall hurt us, but further us.Death, it is gain unto you, it is the laſt ſtile, and then you are at home for ever.

Object. But now ſome diſtreſſed perſon may reply, Theſe are comforts indeed, but not to me; for I fear that my heart is not changed, nor yet truly changed; I am not indeed altogether what once I was, but this I fear is but a ſtop of conſcience, or but the fruit of hypocriſie. Oh, I feel ſuch changes on my ſpirit! I fear I am not truly changed.it is not alwayes alike, and ſo much ſinfulneſs, ſo much unbelief, ſo much hardneſs, ſo much difficulty to good, ſo much weakneſs under temptations; ſurely my change is not true, a great, an inward, a total change, and therefore none of theſe comforts appertain unto me.

Sol. Shall I ſpeak a few words to ſuch a perſon, (ſurely ſome ſuch there may be.)

1. The change by Converſion is but imperfect in this life; it is a total change, although it changeth us not totally: A converted This change is but imperfect in this life.man is ſanctifyed throughout, but not perfectly throughout; when the day breaks, there is a change that one may truly ſay, the night is paſt, and yet many degrees of darkneſs ſtick in the air; as ſoon as ever God infuſeth grace into the ſoul, there is immediately a change as to the denomination of the eſtate, though not as to the conſummation of the eſtate; Paul's eſtate was a converted p. 327and changed eſtate, and yet there was a Law in his Members, as well as a Law in his Mind, Rom. 7. Converſion is a change from the dominion of what was contrary, not from the abſolute being of a contrary. Though a Tyrant dwell and ſtirs in a Kingdome, yet if a lawful Monarch rules, the Kingdome is changed: Many ſins are in a converted man ſtill; but if grace doth rule the heart now, which formerly was ruled by ſin, that man is a changed man.

2. Converting grace, although it be wrought at once, yet it is Converting grace, though wrought at once, yet is brought on by degrees.brought on by degrees: The truth of it begins in an inſtant, but the ſtrength of it comes in time. It is a very curious queſtion why God gives Grace by degrees, or ſucceſſively in this life, and not all at once, but ſtill leaves ſome ſinful corruption behind. Divines conjecture three reaſons of it? 1. Our preſent incapacity of a preſent fulneſs: The Bottle cannot be filled but by degrees, though the Ocean be full; there is as much grace given at firſt as to make a new creature, but not a ſtrong creature. 2. Our eſtate on earth, muſt be a combating eſtate, to difference the eſtate of grace and glory; that in heaven only is the crowning and triumphing. 3. And it is an eſtate of faith, which is a continual dependance, and a continual drawing of help, and a continual recourſe to the fountain: In Creation, Perfection of being was at once, and in Glorification at once; but not ſo in Sanctification, this riſes like Ezekiels Water, or like the light of the Sun. This may yet ſatisfie thee, though grace be imperfect and not full at once. 1. Juſtification is perfect. 2. Though you find but little, yet you cannot be fatisfyed without more. 3. You have perfecting means of holineſs, though you have not perfect holineſs; a word to build you up. 4. That God who hath begun, has promiſed to finiſh, and your little is a pledg of more. 5. Truth of grace may lye in a little compaſs.

3. There may be many changes upon the ſpirit of a man, which There may be many changes not inconſiſtent with the ſaving change.yet are not inconſiſtent with the ſaving change of his Spirit: Sometimes he may be lively and quick, ſometimes he may be flat and dull, ſometimes he may be confident and cheerful, and at ſome other times he may be afraid and mournful; ſometimes he may be full, and enlarged; and at ſome other time he may be aukard, and ſtreightned; ſometimes he may have more ſenſe of Gods Love, and ſometimes more ſenſe of his own ſins: None of p. 328theſe things are eſſential to the converted eſtate; a mans heart may be truly changed by converting grace, notwithſtanding many croſſes and afflictions on his outward eſtate, many eclipſes in his comforts, many varieties in his ſpiritual actings, many contrarieties twixt his ſence and his faith, many temptations upon his ſpirit, to many doubts and fears in his heart.

4. Sinful corruptions never work with a more ſenſible ſtrength, Sinful corruptions work with more ſenſible ſtrength when the heart is truely changed.then when the heart is truly converted and changed: Before Converſion, our ſins do work more mightily, but we do not then perceive the workings, becauſe your delight was then in ſinning, and nothing is burthenſome to delight; and nothing was in us contrary to our ſinnings; the ſtrong man kept all the houſe, and every faculty was a friend and ſervant to ſin; the river ran all one way: But when the heart is converted, there is now laid into it 1. The quickeſt principle of feeling. 2. The contrarieſt principle of reſiſting. 3. The propereſt principle of deſtruction to ſin; and therefore no marvel that we feel our ſinful natures more than formerly; for all qualities are moſt active, and moſt felt in caſes of reſiſtance and deſtruction; nevertheleſs none of theſe muſt conclude againſt our Converſion, but rather for it, becauſe 1. The greateſt work of grace is inward. 2. The ſenſe of ſinful workings joyned with an hatred of them, and humbling of the heart under them, and with addreſſes to God for ſubduing power, is certainly a ſign of converting grace: Therefore hearken unto me thou diſtreſſed ſoul: 1. Though the Glory of Grace conſiſts in Victory, yet the Truth of Grace appears in Combats; the fighting Souldier is as right to the cauſe, as the conquering Souldier: there is fire in the ſmoking flax, as well as in the flaming furnace. 2. That great corruptions ſtill remaining in temptation, are the burdens of a weak Chriſtian, but are not the Characters of a falſe Chriſtian. 3. Jeſus Chriſt can by a little grace weaken ſtrongeſt corruptions: The leaſt true grace will help thy ſoul to Chriſt, through whoſe ſtrength thou who art now in conflict ſhalt ere long be made more than a Conqueror. 4. True grace begins in weakneſs, goes on with combat, but ends in victory: There is but little light at the firſt, and more darkneſs for quantity; but the light of the Sun is riſing, and diſſipating, and at length remains alone. Conquering grace hath comfort, conflicting grace hath ſtrength, and p. 329even mourning grace hath truth; Peter's tears ſhewed truth of Grace, as well as Paul's Triumph.

But how may I deſcern my change to ariſe from the power of converting How it may be diſcerned, that this change is from converting grace, and …ot from the power of a troubling co…ſcience. Anſwered.grace, and not from the power only of a troubling conſcience? Sol. I conceive thus, in four particulars. 1. When the change is made only from the ſting of conſcience, that change goes off, and vaniſheth, when the trouble of conſcience goes off, and continues only while that doth continue: whiles the trouble of conſcience is on the man, the man will hear, and the man will pray, and the man will conſult, and profeſs, and reſolve, yea, and now too, to become a new man; yea, and he will cry out againſt his ſins, and will not come near his ſins. But when that trouble is off, all is off again; the Water which was heated, grows cold again; Saul is purſuing David again, and Foelix is covetous again. But if the change be from grace, though trouble be off, yet the heart is againſt ſin, and is for good; for grace ſets us againſt ſin, as it makes us unholy, and evil, and not only, or principally, as it makes us uncomfortable and miſerable. 2. When the change ariſeth only from a troubling conſcience, not from a contrariety to God, but to us: It doth not ariſe from a hatred of ſin, and a love of good; but only from a hatred of torment, a ſelf-love, and a love of eaſe; the man loves that ſin, that he dares not now commit, and hates the good which now he doth; he doth the good, only as a means to take off his trouble; he doth it not as a work in which he delights, nor doth he flie ſin as an evil which he hates; he flies ſin as it is malum ſenſibile, not as it is malum ſpirituale: But in a gracious change, trouble doth not cauſe hatred, but hatred cauſeth trouble of ſin. 3. When the change is only from a troubling conſcience, then when the trouble is gone, the mans heart is more hardned, and he growes more wicked then ever before, and in after ſinnings, leſs ſenſible, and leſs troubled; as Iron growes more hardned after it hath been in the fire, or water that is ſtopped more violent. If they be again intangled, and overcome, the latter end is worſe with them then the beginning, 2 Pet. 2. 20. But where the heart is changed by grace, the more grace, ſtill the more ſenſe of ſin, and ſtill the more fear to ſin, and ſtill the more love of God. 4. When the change comes only from the trouble of conſcience, the change extends no further then to p. 330that, or thoſe particular ſins for which the conſcience doth trouble the man; if the other ſins trouble not, they are not left: But when the change is wrought by grace, this change extends to all ſins. I hate every evil way (ſaith David;) they do no iniquity, Pſal. 119. Let us …leanſe our ſelves from all filthineſs of fleſh and ſpirit, 2 Cor. 7. 1.

Queſt. How may a man know that his change is not the fruit of Hypocriſie, but of Converting grace? Sol. This may be diſcerned How it appears, this change is not the fruit of Hypocriſie.thus. 1 The change by Hypocriſie 1. Is not Cordial; no Hypocrites heart is changed: In heart ye work wickedneſs. The Hypocrite dares to give way to heart ſins: Judah turned Anſwered.not with her heart but feignedly. 2. Is not Ʋniverſal: The Prophet tells the hypocritical Iſraelites, that they were as a Cake half baked, and not turned; an hypocrite, though he forſake many ſins, yet he loves ſome ſin; Jehu cannot part with the golden Calves, though he did deſtroy Baal. 3. Is not laſting, but changeable; ſutable occaſions are too ſtrong for an heart felſely changed. 4. Is not able to abide three Trials, of the Word, of Conſcience, of Death.

The third Uſe ſhall be to exhort and entreat us to ſtir up all our hearts, to beg of God to work in them this admirable change by Ʋſe 3. Exhortation to beg of God to work this change.Converſion. I read in Scripture that the blind man cryed out, Jeſu… thou Son of David have mercy on me; and again, Thou Son of David, &c. and all this was for a change in his eyes; and I read that Naoman took a great journey into the Land of Iſrael, and all was to be cleanſed of the Leproſie of his body. And why will we not take a little pains to have our hearts and ſouls changed by grace: Conſider ſeriouſly, 1. That a man is not excluded No other want excludes from heaven. This want certainly excludes us.from heaven, for any other want; not for want of wiſdome, or parts, or riches, or dignities. 2. Thou art certainly excluded from heaven, the door is ſhut up againſt thee, if thou be not converted and changed; the holy God will never look upon thee, and thou ſhalt never look upon that holy God in his holy place. The unclean perſon was ſhut out of the Camp, and no unclean thing ſhall ever enter into heaven. 3. It is thy duty, thou art It is thy duty to be changed.bound to be a converted and changed perſon; every man is bound to hate and forſake his ſins, and to come back, and love, and ſerve his God; did God make thee to ſerve thy luſts? hath he preſerved thee all this while to ſin againſt him? Is this the p. 331fruit of thy dreadful Covenant which thou haſt made with him? 4. What wilt thou get by keeping thy ſins, or any one of them? What wilt thou get by keeping thy ſins. Be perſwaded. To beſeech the Lord to change thy heart.Be perſwaded therefore at leaſt unto two things. 1. To beſeech the Lord to change and convert thy heart, even thine alſo, remember well. 1. None can change a ſinner but God: The Muſician muſt tune the Inſtrument. 2. It is no ſin to beg of God a Converſion from ſin; No, no, thou canſt not put up a more acceptable requeſt: Lord, I am weary of my ſins, I would diſhonour thee no more, I would be good, I would ſerve thee; thou only canſt change me, and enable me; for thy Mercies ſake do ſo, and heal, and turn me, ſo ſhall I be healed and turned. 3. God hath changed and converted great ſinners; was not Manaſſes ſo! M. Magdalen ſo! Paul ſo! the Corinthians ſo! Why, venture toward his mercy ſeat; who can tell but he may do ſo to thee? 4. He hath changed ſinners, who have not ſought him; and will he refuſe it for them, who do ſeek it of him? if he many times be found of them that ſeek him not, will he deny to them, who ſeek? 5. You have his promiſe to do this very converting work for you; He will give his holy Spirit to them that ask him, Luk. 11. 13. I will give a new heart, and a new ſpirit, Ezek. 36. 26. Behold he calls thee, he tells thee that he is willing to convert thee, why, then art thou not willing to receive it, to have it done? do not ſay, thou art a ſinner; God never did convert any but a ſinner, nor does he promiſe to convert any, who is not a ſinner. 6. Did ever any beg this, and failed of it? Lord (ſaid one to Chriſt) If thou wilt, thou canſt make me clean, (what, ſaith Chriſt to him? doth he not anſwer him at all? Doth he ſay, I cannot? Or doth he ſay, I will not? O no, his anſwer is (and it is a preſent anſwer,) I will, be thou clean. 2. To come to the Word, and come for this end, that God may convert and change; many came Come to the word for this end.to the Pool of Betheſda, to look on it; and an impotent man came thither to be cured in it, and there he was cured; many come to hear the Word, to mock at it; and many come to get ſome notions from it, and many come to catch the Miniſter at it, but he who comes for this very end to be converted and changed by it, I believe he ſhall firſt or laſt attain his end; the word ſhall convert and change him. The word is ſometimes compared to a Glaſs, which diſcovers; Jam. 1. 29. and ſometimes to a Laver which waſheth and cleanſeth, Pſal. 119. 9. even p. 332the young man (who of all other is moſt unruly and wild) is converted by it. The Power of God, goes with the Word of God; and the Grace of God, comes by the Word of God; it is Vehiculum Spiritus, & canalis Gratiae; Thouſands have been converted by it, and ſo maiſt thou.

Hath God converted and changed thy heart? hearken then to Ʋſe 4. Counſels to the converted.a few counſels. 1. Take heed of ſinning after Converſion; Do not ſin againſt grace received; if thou doſt, thou wilt weaken and lame thy ſtrength, wilt darken thy heaven, wilt perplex thy conſcience, wilt ſhew thy ſelf more ungrateful then any man; no wicked man can have ſuch an aggravation of ſin upon him, as thou haſt. 2. Honour God with that Grace which thou haſt received: Converſion fits and enables a man for Gods Service and Glory.