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Works of the HOLY SPIRIT Preparatory unto Regeneration. CHAP. II.
(1.) Sundry things Preparatory to the Work of Conversion. (2.) Materi∣al and Formal Dispositions with their Difference. (3, 4.) Things in the power of our Natural Abilities required of us in a way of Duty. (5.) Internal Spiritual Effects wrought in the Souls of Men by the Word. (6, 7.) Illumination. Conviction of Sin. Consequents thereof. (8.) These Things variously taught. (9.) Power of the Word and Energie of the Spirit distinct. (10.) Subject of this Work; Mind, Affections, and Conscience. (11, 12, 13.) Nature of this whole Work, and Difference from Saving Conversion farther declared.
[Sect. 1] FIrst; In reference unto the Work of Regeneration it self, positive∣ly considered, we may observe, that ordinarily there are certain previous and preparatory Works, or workings in and upon the Souls of Men, that are antecedent and dispositive unto it. But yet Regeneration doth not consist in them, nor can it be educed out of them. This is for the substance of it the Position of the Divines of the Church of England, at the Synod of Dort, two whereof died Bishops, and others of them were dignified in the Hierarchy. I mention it, that those by whom these things are despised, may a little consider whose Ashes they trample on and scorn. Lawful doubtless it is for any Man, on just grounds, to dissent from their Judg∣ments and Determinations; but to do it with an imputation of folly, with derision, contempt, scorn and scoffing at what they believed and taught, becometh only a Generation of new Divines amongst us. But to return; I speak in this Position only of them that are Adult, and not Converted until they have made use of the Means of Grace, in and by their own Reasons and Understandings: And the Dispositions I in∣tend, are only materially so; not such as con∣tain Grace of the same Nature as is Regenera∣tion it self. A material Disposition is that which disposeth, and some way maketh a Subject fit for the Reception of that which shall be communi∣cated,