Eternal glorification begun in regeneration, or, A discourse of regeneration intended for the profit of all, both regenerate and unregenerate persons / by Stephen Ford.

CHAP. V. Shewing there are but few reall Regenerate Persons among the multitudes of Professors.

Q. THere are many great Professors of the Name and good ways of Jesus Christ in the world, which are called Christians: May we think or judge them all Regenerate persons? Are there many, or but few Regenerate persons? What shall we judge of this matter, for all Professors do pretend to, and would have men think them a singular and peculiar people; such as are in a good and happy state and condition; in which they cannot be, except they are indeed Regenerated.

Ans. That there are many great and high Professors of the holy Name, and good ways of Jesus Christ, is certain; and that there are but few really Regenerate persons among them, is as certain too. That they have the Name, and do own themselves Christians, is also apparent; but that they are not such in Truth (I mean the greater number) is clear and notorious, as will appear by and by. That they do pretend to, and would have men think them to be (what they are not indeed) namely, a singular and peculiar, and a happy people, is clear, and that they are not so, or such as they pretend to be, is evident also. Now this I shall (the Lord helping) prove and de∣monstrate to you, as well as I can, and I am

sure I have clear proof for what I say. That there are but a small number of Regenerate persons in the world, Comparatively, or if com∣pared to the number of such as seem or pro∣fess to be such, I shall evince by many Scrip∣ture Testimonies, Math. 7, 14. Because strait is the Gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. Mark it, few there be that find it, namely, among, or of those that seek it, which the most of men do not. They do not so much as seek to be Regenera∣ted and saved in the Lords way. But of them who do really (though not rightly) seek to enter in at the strait Gate: I say, that such Professors shall not find it. This is further confirmed in Luke 13, 24. Strive to enter in at the strait Gate, (says Christ) why, because many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Ano∣ther testimony is in Math. 20, 16. For many are called, but few are chosen: So Math. 22, 14. Christ calls his People, A little Flock, fear not little Flock, (says Christ) to and of his true Dis∣ciples, Lu••. 12, 32. And the Apostle Paul assures us; Rom. 9, 27. That although the number of the Children of Israel be as the sand of the Sea, a Rem∣nant shall be saved. Now, who or what kind of men were they which are so innumerable, and should not be saved were they the Hea∣thenish world, such as the Apostle saith, Eph. 2.12. Are strangers, without hope, and without God in the world: No, they were the Seed of Abraham, John 8, 37. To whom appertained the Adoption, and the Glory, and the Covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the

Promises, Rom. 9, 4. They were Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, of whom he speaks, that they should perish and be damned. And yet there was amongst them a little flock, a small Remnant that should be saved; but these were comparatively, very few. For what is a small Remnant in number, compared with the innumerable sands of the Sea. God tells us in, Jer. 3.14. That he will take one of a City, and two of a family, and bring them to Sion. What is one or two to a City and Tribe, where were many thousands? and yet you see these are the num∣ber of Regenerated and saved persons. Thus you see the Truth Cleared and confirmed by many express Scriptures. But I shall further prove and explain this Truth, namely, that there are but a very few Regenerate men com∣paritively to the multitude of high Profes∣sors, thus. First, the Scripture, or the holy God in his Word, shews us, that there are but a few, a very small number that shall be saved (as was shewed) therefore there are but a few Regenerated; for all Regenerate persons shall be saved, 1 Pet. 1, 3, 4, 5. The Lord Jesus that knows the number of them to a man, having all their Names in the Book of Life, and calls them all by their Names, Revel. 21, ult. Joh. 10, 3. tells us so, and he knows very well what he saith: He is the Truth its self, Joh. 14.6. and there∣fore cannot deceive us, in and by what he speaks. We are taught this Doctrine by Christ, and therefore we may and must believe it as a real Truth: He certainly knows their persons, and number, though he keeps that

to himself, as a secret not fit for us to know. But although simply they are a great number, (no doubt on't) yet if compared to the num∣ber or multiude of unregenerate Professors, they are but a very small number. For (says the Lord Jesus) Many are called, but few are cho∣sen, Math. 23, 16. that is, many come to the Word and Ordinances of the Gospel, and there they are called upon to come to Christ, and believe in him: but they do not, will not come to him, nor accept him on his own tearms, John 5.40. But why not, why will they not answer Christs call, and come in on his Invitation? why, because they are not chosen. To the same purpose he speaks in John 10, 26. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my Sheep, as I said unto you.

Secondly, This Truth is further evidenced by their general frames, walking, and want af all those qualifications and Attainments that all new Creatures or Regenerate persons have. Regenerate men are Singular and peculiar men, Tit. 2.14. Caleb was a man of another Spirit and followed God fully; Numb. 14.24. he was of a choice, singular and Peculiar Spirit; much above and different from the Spirit of the Generality of the Con∣gregation with whom he walked. So all the Children of God are persons of another, name∣ly, of a Choice, Singular and Peculiar spirit. They differ as much from other men, as Gold from dross, Light from darkness, and in some sense, as good from evil. Their frames of heart, their qualifications and atttainments, and their carriages and walkings towards God

and men, are vastly different; for Regenerate men are men of other Spirits. They are (1) knowing men: they see and discern Spiritual things Spiritually, Eph. 1.18. 1. Cor. 2.12.13.14. They are Children of light, Eph. 5.8. But all others are Children of darkness, Eph. 5.8. 1 Pet. 2.9. Now how few are their Comparatively, that have the eies of their understandings thus en∣lightned? how few are their that see and un∣derstand the things of God, and the Lord Je∣sus Christ, with a Spiritual Judgment and dis∣cerning? Regenerate men, are men of wisdome, Mica. 6.9. they have hidden wisdom of God and divine things in them, 1 Cor. 2.7. But how few Spiritually wise Professors of the Gospel are there to be found? All other men are cal∣led fools in scripture, Pro. 1.7, 22, 32. Eccles. 5, 1. Eph. 5.15.

2. How few are there among the multitudes of Professors, that can indeed experience a real Change of heart and State? many, very many are reformed and have the outside changed, and that they think is Regeneration, when it is but a Reformation of their own, not a work of God on their hearts, making them new within, and changing their frame, habits and course. Nice∣demus was a reformed, but not a new man; his outside was clean, but his heart and Soul was unsanctified and in darkness, and so were the Scribes and Pharisees too, Math. 23.26, 27, 28. and Paul was in the same plight and condition likewise, before his conversation or Regeneration, Phil. 3.4, 5, 6. Acts 23.1. Concerning the Law (says he) I was blamless; and

I love walked in all good Conscience before God ••unt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day.

3. How few are there that deny themselves, take 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the cross of Christ and follow him; without which day cannot be his disciples? Luk. 14.26.27. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there any Self-deniers amongst them, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 little flock, and smal Remnant? did not the ••••ng man in Luk. 18. Stick at this, and here Christ and he parted? and did not they in John 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tell Christ, this was a hard saying, and there∣upon went away from him, and walked no more with him, Joh. 6.60.66. Peter and the little ••ock came fully and freely up to his terms and continued with him, 67.68.69. Verses. How few are there, but are Lovers of pleasures, more th••n Lovers of God, 2 Tim. 3.4. that will deny themselves of any worldly, carnal pleasures, profits, or Interests for Christ, Grace, and ho∣siness, or so much as take any pains, be at any Costs, or deny themselves of any thing that is near and dear unto them, to please, and ho∣••our Christ; to have communion with and to be saved by him, in his own way?

4. How few are there that do seriously and in Good Earnest, seek and strive to be saved, that take the kingdome of Heaven by a holy violence, or that ran so, as if they were fully set and bent to ••in the prize and wear the Crown of life and Righ∣teousness? And yet all men and women that are Regenerated do, and all that shal win the prize, wear the Crown and obtain Salvation by Christ must so strive, run, and press into the king∣dom of Heaven, Luk. 13.24. Math. 11.12.1. 1 Cor. 9.24. Heb. 12.1. without which they

shall not obtain them. When God Regenerates men, he sets them a Running for an Incorruptible Crown; Striving to be saved, and to take the kingdom by a kind of violence. But assuredly there are but few professors who do so, and therefore there are but a smal number amongst them that are Regenerated. For were they such indeed, they would do all they can in the Lords own way to win the Crown of Righ∣teousness, in the true way of Righteousness. They would do all they can, to run so as to obtaine, would most freely lay aside all other business to attend on this, and suffer any thing rather than this Eternal concern should be neglected, as all truly regenerate persons do, and cannot but do. They would not act and do like the foolish Virgins, as the most do, namely, neglect to take Oyl in their Vessels with their Lamps, Math. 25. No, they would strive and labour night and day, to get Grace into their hearts, as well as Light into their heads, as the Wise Virgins did, and they would cry, and give God no rest, until they had wone the Prize, and got the Crown of life on their heads.

5. There are but a few wounded and brokes hearted Professors, and few who are indeed deeply and heartily sensible of their Misery and Sin, that do really see and feel their pressing need, and absolute necessity of Christ, and change of state; and therefore there are but a few Rege∣nerate persons among Professors; for all Rege∣nerate Persons are deeply sensible of, affected, and afflicted with their own deplorable states, and see an absolute necessity of Christ, and

interest in his Blood and Righteousness, as also a real change of their states, Phil. 3.7, 8, 9. ••••e not the generality of Professors, whole, see not, and feel not their sin and misery, nor any need of a Phisitian to heal and save them, Mat. 3.12, 13. Revel. 3.17.

6. There are but a small number of Professors, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do indeed go out of themselves and take up in Christ, or that have the faith to believe in him, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saving of their Souls, Heb. 10. ult. There are many (indeed) that have a Faith, and pretend to believe in Christ so, John 8, 31. Acts 8. but very few have that faith to do so in Truth, neither do they much, if at all, desire and seek after such a Faith, but are pleased and satis∣fied well enough without it: Oh! how few are there, who have the Faith of Gods Elect, and their pretious Faith, that do Believe through ••race, and have that Faith which purifies the heart, and leads them forth, and carries them out of themselves to Christ, to take up in him only, Tit. 1, 1. 2 Pet. 1, 1. Acts 15, 9, Acts 18, 27. This they could and would do indeed, were they Regenerated, for (as hath been shewed) all such as are Regenerated do so, in and by the light and power of Christs grace in Rege∣neration.

7. How few are there among the great multi∣lades of professors that love God, the Lord Jesus Christ, his Grace, Laws, People, and Gospel Obedience, ••••re, or so much as they do their own Lusts, the world, and their own carnal profits, pleasures and honours; Oh! how few are there that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. 6. ult. and with their

whole hearts, Math. 22.37. how few are there to be found, that have their hearts circumcised to love the Lord, and that have had the holy Ghost sheding abroad the love of God into their hearts, as all regenerate persons have, Deut. 30.6. Rom. 5.5. Is it not apparent that the most of pro∣fessors are strong and greedy, fervent and zealous Lovers of the world and carnal self, 2 Tim. 3.2. men shall in the last dayes (sayes Paul) be lovers of themselves, and of pleasures, more then God, Vers. 4. And is it not really so now with the greater number of professors, which shews they are in an unregenerate state and condition. For were they new Creatures indeed, they would love God, Jesus Christ, and heavenly things, as the great and onely objects of their lovely delight, choice and complacency. All other things would be to them, as they were to regenerate Paul: name∣ly, di•••• and dung, in comparison of Christ, Grace, Gospel-obedience, Holyness, Heaven and heavenly things, Phil. 3.

8. How few are there, who have, or are about the great work of Crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts in good earnest; which were they ••ew Creatures indeed, they would assuredly be much concerned in, and busying themselves about, as one of their great and indispensible workes and businesses. For all regenerate persons are seriously exercising themselves in this work, Gall. 5.24. they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 purifying their hearts by faith, and perfecting holiness in the fear of God, Acts. 15.9. 1 Joh. 3.3. 2 Co. 7.1. But so are not the Generality of

professors: they are strangers, if not ene∣••ies to this work. They are (as was said) in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with them; they are their joy and de∣••ight, and who will seek and unfainedly en∣deavour to destroy them, they love, deilght, and take pleasure in? These are onely the works of regenerate men.

9. How few are there, who do unfainedly repent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Sins, and mourn night and day for their transgressions, are in real bitterness of soul, and abase, Judge and condemn themselves; which if they were regenerated, they would 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They would humble themselves, be asham∣ed of themselves for uncovering their naked∣ness and laying open their shame before God and men, and they would repent in dust and Ashes withall their hearts and Souls, Job. 42.5.6. Izek. 36.31. For this is the New Creatures dayly worke. Regenerate men have that be∣refit of Christ his Resurrection and Ascension as well as others, namely, Repentance, Acts 5.31. and that great grant and fruit of the Covenant of Grace, and the blood of it, Acts 11.18. Heb. 13.20. Repentance unto Life. By the power of which they practice Repentance. They have it in their hearts, and act it in their walk∣ings. They mark and observe what they should be, and what Errors and mistakes they are guilty of, mourn for it, and labor to mend them. But do the multitude of professors do so? no, not in the least: they cast these things out of all serious Consideration; it is a work they loath and wholly neglect. It is too low and base business for them to mind or concern

10. How few are there among the multitudes of professors, who make it their business to please and honour God; to fear and reverence him, and to wor∣ship him in Spirit and Truth? This, or these matters would be strong and powerful on their hearts and Souls, and they would labour to do it indeed, were they regenerated. For all regenerate men have it so on their hearts, and they do really aim at and endeavour it (as was before proved) Phill. 3.3. God hath wrought in them that which is well-pleasing in his sight, Heb. 13.21. and to worship him in Spirit and Truth, Joh. 4.23. They are formed by Grace to ho∣nour and magnifie God, and to make it their work and business, Isa. 43.21. and are creat∣ed in Christ Jesus unto this and all other good works, Eph. 2.10. They are renewed in knowledge to understand them, and with power and will to do them, Coll. 3.10. Phil. 2.13. Psal. 110.3. But where are such persons to be found among Professors? O! how few, how this are they sown, and how rarely do they appear, if compared with others? how few have the power of Godliness, in comparison of them, who take up with the meer forme? how few professors are Spiritually minded persons, who set their Af∣fections on things above, and not on things below? Coll. 3.1. 2 Rom. 8.5.6. and that have thee Conversation or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Trade in heaven, Phil. 3.20. how few are their who guard and watch themselves and their Souls adversaries, and keep their hearts with all diligence, or above & before all things? Pro. 4, 23. how few are there who labour and make it their Trade and bu∣siness,

to be fruitful in every good worke, and dound in the work of the Lord; to bear much fruit unto Eternal Life, and all that God may be glorified, and their own Souls profited and saved by Grace? Coll. 1.10. 1 Cor. 15. ult. J••b. 15.8. Rom. 6.22. How few are there who do unfainedly minde and labour to walk sincerely and uprightly with God and before him, and to adorn the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. Surely very few do and are so indeed. Only a little, little flock do; they and they only are such persons within, and walk so without; as hath been shewed. From which Proofs and Instances we may certainly conclude, that there are but a very few, a small number of Re∣generate persons among the multitudes of professors. I have (I think) said enough for the confirming and clearing of this Truth, al∣though I could say much more to and of it, were it needful. Now then, what use and Im∣provement should we all make of this Truth? Surely it is a great Truth, and that which doth very much and nearly concern us all and every one.

1. Such as are Regenerated, and have suffi∣cient proof of it, that they are so indeed, why, they should consider and lay to heart their great priviledge and singular happiness in their Regeneration, and that Exceeding great love and Grace of God that have been put forth and expended on them, to make them new Creatures, and they ••ould labour to walk worthy of so high a calling to which they are called in and by their Regeneration.

And declare that they are in Truth a Choice and a peculiar people.

2. This Truth should be considered and laid to heart by all sorts of professors, to cause them to fear and tremble, and to look with all seri∣ousness and diligence into their states and Souls Concernments. To search and try the bottomes they build upon, and see indeed if they will hold and stand them in stead in the great day of Gods tryal: which tryal they must pass under and come to. That they may no more delude themselves, and say they shall have peace, while they continue Re∣generate and in a State of sin and death. The most of professors are willingly Ignorant of their own conditions, and of what is likely to be their future State. If there are, but few Regenerate men among professors, and they are such a people (as was proved) then the most of you may conclude that you are unre∣generate, because you are not indeed such a people.