Abyssus mali, or, The corruption of man's nature briefly handled in some of its principal parts grounded upon Psal. 14: 1, 2, 3 : together with Man's salvation by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, on Acts 16:31 / by W.G.

CHAP. X.

TO see if there were any that did seek God: They are all gone aside.

We have seen, what the mind of a natural man is. We are now to enquire, whether his heart be any better. The mind and the heart, being the two principle parts, and the two great Re∣gents in this little World; we shall in the ana∣tomy of them, much discover what the whole is. And if he do no more seek, than understand (as indeed one will follow from the other) we shall then find, that all is naught with him.

From the second and third verse laid together, we may gather; that there is none that seeks God: Which the Apostle therefore, Rom. 3.11. puts in express terms: There is none that seeketh after God.

Obser. 10. There is no natural man that seeks God.

For the clearing of it, we shall lead you by the paths of Scripture, and enquire,

1. What it grants in the case?

1. It grants an outside-seeking, even to natural Men; or seeking in a way of means-using. Matt. 7.7, Seek and ye shall find. Where seeking being distinguished to asking, I interpret it of the use of other means. And so they may seek, Luke 3.24, For many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter.

2. It grants a formal seeking, or seeking by way of Prayer. Psal. 78.34, When he slew them, then they sought him; and they returned, and enquired early after God. Vers. 36, Nevertheless, they did flatter him with their mouth, and lie unto him with their tongue; as Dogs, that fawn when the cudgel is over them; or to get a bone. Isa. 29.13, This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me; but have removed their heart far from me. Isa. 1.15, Yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear you. Multiply prayer, as in the Hebrew, over and over, again and again, pray much: yea, they may pray long too, Matt. 23.14, For a pretence make long prayers.

Quest. Why, what is wanting in these two, that they be not counted right seeking?

Answ. 1. Intentio ad finem, they have no aim at the end. They use not means, as means; but only as duties, or tasks rather.

2. There is want of circumspection, or attenti∣on to the circumstances. And so they offer the sacrifice of fools; not considering what they do, or regarding how they do it. They want the great

things requisite in Moral actions, much more in spiritual.

3. They may seek with a self-seeking, seeking in their extremity, when trouble and anguish is up∣on them. Isa. 26.16, Lord, in trouble have they visited thee; they poured out a prayer, when thy chast∣ning was upon them. Every man wishes himself so much good, as in extremity to desire relief; and because there is in all, some kind of sense of a supe∣riour, therefore it is they seek unto God, but meerly, that he would stand their friend, or ra∣ther be their servant. Thus God presumes of proud Ephraim: In their affliction they will seek me early, Hosea 5 15. Thus many of the Russian generation may be full of prayers, and promises too at such a time, because they cannot tell how to help them∣selves. Prov. 1.28, They shall seek me early; but they shall not find me. What? not they find, that seek early, when you may find this very word turned into promise, Those that seek me early, shall find me? Prov. 8.17. But in this latter, I suppose [Early] by a Metalepsis to be taken for seriously, from the heart, and according to the rule of the word: but in the former, it is meerly out of fear, without any of the other qualificati∣ons, unless it be a meer Moral seriousness. Vers. 27, When your fear cometh as desolation.

4. There is an indirect preposterous seeking of God, which consists in voluntary humility, will-worship, maceration, and contempt of the body, &c. In which some may much seek, Col. 2.18, 23. And thus many Papists, and men of their strain may be very devout, like Baals Priests; and count they do God good service, and engage him much by such

kind of ways. Hence come the Popish-scorpi∣ons; as if they would pacifie God with their own blood. From this conceit it's likely, came that a∣bominable Idol Moloch: see Jun. e Trem. Notes on Levit. 18.21. Which the Jews learned of the Gentiles: There must be humility indeed, and vo∣luntary too; but if it be your own invention, you have no thank for your labour, but displeasure. There must be keeping down the body, 1 Cor. 9. ult. I keep under my body, and bring it into sub∣jection: But if it be simply so, as if you counted it a great matter in it self; meerly as if God was delighted with your torments, and self-punishment, you have your sorrow for your pain. It must in∣deed be kept under; but, as a man would his Ass, that it may be serviceable. All such kind of seek∣ings are, as the Jews sought righteousness, as it were by the works of the law, Rom. 9.33. and something worse: unless they could intrude themselves by their own doings into his favour, they would not be be∣holding for it. These men are never the nearer; be∣cause these are not means to Gods ends: for his means are according to his own will, not our fancy.

5. There is an unsound hypocritical-seeking; meerly upon some carnal design. So the enemies of Judah and Benjamin, would have built with the Jews; alledg, For we seek your God, as ye do, Ezra 4.1, 2. Whereas it was a wretched pretence to hinder their work: So Ephraim shall come with their flocks and their herds to seek the Lord, Hos. 5.6. In their oppression, and breaking, as was pro∣phesied; when neither the Assyrian, nor King Ja∣reb could help them: but they should not find him:

For the spirit of whoredoms was in the midst of them. Vers. 4. i. e. their very heart was deeply engaged in Idolatry.

Thus you see there are several ways called seek∣ing in Scripture, which a meer natural Man may go. But now let us see what seeking it is, which Scripture denies of them?

1. There is some seeking in Scripture, which is made the description of a true Christian; and there∣fore it cannot belong to them: For that which constitutes a Christian, must needs distinguish him from all others. Isa. 51.1, Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord. Psal. 24.6, This is the generation of them that seek him; that seek thy face, O Jacob! The fourth verse will give you such a character of them, as can agree to no other than true Christians. So Psal. 70.4, Let all those that seek thee, rejoyce and be glad in thee. Thus natural men are no seekers.

2. To descend by degrees: There is seeking with the soul and spirit. Isa. 26.8, 9, With my soul have I desired thee; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee. Thus Jehoshaphat, though he was reproved by the Prophet Jehu, for helping Ahab, 2 Chron. 19.2, Shouldst thou help the ungod∣ly, and love them that hate the Lord? Yet was com∣mended, vers. 3, He had prepared his heart to seek the Lord. In the time of Jeroboams Apostacy, Out of all the tribes of Israel, such as set their heart to seek the Lord God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice, &c. 2 Chron. 11.16. Thus natural men seek not: It is not h••ar•• deep, but all overly, superficial seeking.

3. There is a seeking with the whole heart, and

all the heart. Deut. 4.29, But if from thence, thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him; if thou seek him with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, i. e. when they were scattered amongst the heathen, Psal. 119.10, With my whole heart have I sought thee, says David. Thus Hezekiah, 2 Chron. 31.21, In every work that he begun in the service of the house of God, and in the Law, and in the Com∣mandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. I am not willing to tire you with instances: See 2 Chron. 15.12. It is with the whole, and all the heart, in opposition to all o∣ther seeking: which either hath nothing of the heart, or else a divided false heart. Though Gods people seek not so intensly, earnestly, diligently, as they should; yet it is in truth with the whole heart, though the whole heart be not wholly in it. The phrase implies integrity, mind, and heart, are all this way. Ask them, do you think it best? yea truly, indeed I do; do you love it, and chuse it? yea with my soul; when they can have the sense of their hearts.

4. There is seeking, which is seconded and back'd in Scripture with many gracious promises and en∣couragements: Which, because I shall not have op∣portunity elsewhere, I shall a little here insist on, for the comfort of such true seekers, as well as the confirmation of the matter in hand. Lam. 3.25, The Lord is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Psal. 9.10, For the Lord hath not forsaken them that seek him. Whereas of all men, such are afraid God should leave them: We are apt to think we shall be never the near; as good sit still, as trouble our selves: See therefore Prov.

8.17, They that seek me early, i. e. from the heart, and diligently (as before), shall find me. Jer. 29. 13, Ye shall seek me, and find me. When ye shall search for me with all your heart. They are apt to think their heart will die within them, and fail them: But see Psal. 22.26, Their heart shall live that seek God. Your heart shall never, fail before you find. But if it be in an evil time we seek God; we are afraid we shall the sooner be made an hand of: See therefore Amos 5.6, Seek the Lord, and ye shall live. The context leads me to interpret it of temporal deliverance, as vers. 14, Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts shall be with you, as ye have spoken. This is the way to life, to be sure. They fear, however, they shall miss the way to heaven: For this see Prov. 28.5, Evil men understand not judgment, but they that seek the Lord understand all things. Where you see, seekers are opposed to evil men: And who are they that are opposed to evil, but good? And such good men understand all things, i. e. all things ne∣cessary to bring them to heaven at last: which was the thing in question, Prov. 2.4, 5. If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid trea∣sure; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledg of God. They that seek the Lord, must of necessity be poor: in this case con∣sult, Matt. 6.33, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. We balk God, and think our own wayes and courses the likeliest to thrive: and this is the way to undo our selves. Psal. 34.10, They that seek the Lord, shall want no good thing, i. e. relatively good, and formally good, nothing that

is good for them. But we are afraid we shall ne∣ver get out of our sackcloath and mourning: But see what a hopeful thing it is, by the Psalmists en∣couragement, Psal. 70.4, Let all those that seek thee, rejoyce and be glad in thee: see himself an instance, Psal. 30.11, Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing, &c. I have laid before you Scriptures and their sense plentifully; wherein it appears, what kind of seeking a natural man may have, and what not. Now judg your selves, whe∣ther he can be said truly and properly to seek God, that seeks him not as his people seek him, with their heart, their whole heart; and such as brings them under promise. Which was the first thing I propounded to clear; In what sense according to Scripture it might be said, a natural Man might seek God, and what not?

2. The second particular, I now come to en∣quire more particularly, In what sense it is denied; and to state the question more clearly. Where observe,

1. It is not meant, but a natural Man may seek God, or sue to him to do him some particular courtesie, or shew him some special favour in a strait extremity, &c. As Pharaoh, and the flat∣tering Jews, Psal. 78.36.

2. Nor is the question, whether there be not something analogous in a natural Man, something that looks like it, that bears the same name and colour in Scripture.

3. But whether in truth, and reality, truly, and properly, a natural Man may be said to seek God?

Towards the resolution of this: I shall shew what is implied and included in this phrase seeking God:

Which will go a great way towards the case in hand.

1. It implies making God their main object, and their last end. I put them both together: because, what is a mans last end, will be his main object. Psal. 27.4, One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after. And what doth this come to? To behold the beauty of the Lord. Where o∣ther things are sought equally with him, he counts himself not sought at all, but dethroned, and de∣posed. When a man is more taken with gold, than with God; then his gold is made his God: And therefore covetousness is Idolatry, Col. 3.5. And a co∣vetous man is an Idolater, Eph. 5.5. So when a man is most addict to his belly, that is his God. Phil. 3.19, Whose God is their belly. How near natural men come to this, or rather how far they are from seeking God, may appear afterwards: This is not its place, but it is easie to observe, that al∣most any thing carries it with them before God. They are so far from making God their last end; that it is the last end of their thoughts.

2. It implies using means for this end, i. e. with that aim and intention that they might attain their desire. Matt. 7.7, Seek and ye shall find. Using means in relation to the end, is an act of counsel and deliberation, not of custom and fashion.

3. It implies an absolute, choice and volition, in opposition to an imperfect conditional will. This imperfect, conditional will is that we call ve∣leity; which is a fleeting, inconstant, trembling motion, and desire of the soul; it would if it durst; it would but for cost; it would but for pains; it would, and it would not. These are not the

seekers in Matt. 7.7. nor Luk. 11.13, How much more shall your heavenly father give his holy spirit to them which ask him? But this absolute choice, is when we desire, will, and chuse God, notwith∣standing all inconveniencies, come what will come; fall back, fall edg, as in an instance very little differing. Josh. 24.15, Chuse ye whom ye will serve: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

4. It implies a peremptory design and resolu∣tion, for the obtaining what it seeks. Psal. 27.4, One thing have I desired, that will I seek after. Ver. 8, Thy face Lord will I seek, Isa. 26.9, With my spirit within me will I seek thee. The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force, Matt. 11.12. It is not a neutrality or indifferency unto God, as if they could mend them∣selves elsewhere.

5. It implies a freedom, and alacrity of spirit, 2 Chron. 15.15. The people rejoyced, for they had sworn with all their heart, i. e. to seek the Lord, Psal. 27.8, My heart answered, thy face Lord will I seek: Yea Lord, I am ready, with all my heart. What the heart doth, is done indeed, even when a Christian goes to God under his damps and fears, his God he seeks with a free heart; only he fears he may not be admitted.

6. It implies an integrity of the heart: When the heart seeks, all goes one way, i. e. all the pow∣ers are engaged, though not wholly. For the heart commands the whole soul, though it cannot fully. Psal. 119.10, With my whole heart have I sought thee. Which one Scripture, had I said no more, proves all I have said already. A man never be∣stows

his All, but upon that which is his Main.

3. The third particular. We shall now enquire whether a natural Man thus seeks God; or rather demonstrate, that he doth not: for all this while you have had it rather supposed.

Demonstr. 1. If they seek him, they know him. This is so clear a case, that seeking must needs be imagined a strange kind of thing, a meer blind de∣votion, if this be not granted. But that natural men know not, hath been largely proved elsewhere: For all divine Knowledg is influential, first upon the affection: secondly upon action: or, in other terms, it is practical.

They may know the an sit, that he is; and have some speculations as to the quid sit, what he is; but they know him not as God: therefore prefer other things to him; Intelligit spiritualia quasi aliae res essent, quam revera sunt, &c. He understands spi∣ritual things, as though they were other things than they are. Ames. de cum. nat. & gr.

Demonstr. 2 If they seek him, they desire him: for what is seeking but the act of the heart? The rational appetite (as they call it) extending it self to the thing desired, that it may enjoy it. Desire is put as the spring in the motion: One thing have I desired, that will I seek after, Psal. 27.4. There∣fore it is, that desiring and praying, are put for the same thing: Thou hast given him his hearts desire, and hast not withheld the request of his lips. Psal. 21.2. But natural men desire not God. For,

1. They that desire, are sensible of their want: For what is desire, but looking out elsewhere for what it finds it needs at home? But no natural man wants God; I mean, is pinched with the sense

of his want, i. e. sees it, feels it, mourns under it, as the Spouse, Cant. 3.1, 2, I sought him, but I found him not; I will arise now, and go about the city. Rev. 3.17, And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Here is Laodicea, like a poor, foolish, doting creature, counts her self rich, and encreased, and hath need of nothing; when yet she wants every thing. What made Laodicea so senseless, makes every natural man also. Men are clog'd with the sweet of sin, the fulsomeness of the creature (the scent of many a mans kitchen takes away his favour of God, as Calvin), their own conceited riches, self-sufficiency, that they find no need of God in their imaginary fulness.

2. If they desire God, there is something must make him good unto them; something there is which must commend him, that may induce them to a good liking. This must either be from their own spirit, or the Spirit of God; if from their own spirit, Why was it not always so? For what is natural, is never separated; besides what Christ says, Matt. 11.27, Neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whomsoever the son will reveal him. Not from the Spirit of God: for they have it not, John 14.17, He is the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive.

3. If they desire, then there is something in a natural Man, which suits with God; for desire is of something which is good: and bonum est, quod convenit, good is that which is suitable: according to every mans temper and inclination, such is the good he seeks, because it suits him. So pleasure suits the voluptuous, riches the covetous. But

there is nothing in the natural Man which suits with God, for that which suits with God, must be divine, and supernatural; and then also, there is no special difference between a natural man, and a spi∣ritual: When yet the Apostle says, they differ as light and darkness, Eph. 5.8.

4. If they desire God truly, and properly, it is with an absolute desire, not conditional. For by this, a man may be said, no more to desire that, than the contrary, but even, as it happens, or falls out. And this is that which God counts no desire at all, because such a man is a double-minded man: and let not that man think, he shall receive any thing of the Lord, James 1.7, 8. They that desire truly, desire God without any exception of any thing that is in him, or comes with him: else every man would have something of God. according to their humor, if he could be divided. See what God says of Ephraim in this case, Hos. 10.2, 3. His heart is divided, now shall he be found faulty, i. e. greatly faulty: for it was in the case of idolatry. They would have so much of God, as to preserve their state and polity against Judah, and all their ene∣mies; but yet would share it between God and Idol.

5. If they desire, then all things are uniform, and accordingly, in some measure. A man that great∣ly desires, and does nothing; neither acts, nor con∣sults how he may best; we count him a meer pro∣jector. They that drive on a purpose and de∣sign, are considerate, vigilant, industrious. A wise woman considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard, Prov. 31.16. If natural men were so desirous, you should find

them waiting at the posts of wisdoms-doors; you should have them enquiring the way to Zion with their fa∣ces thitherward; You should have them in their Closets, where God uses to be met with, musing, and solicitous, that they might not miss their summum bonum, their desired good. But doth not common observation, as well as Scripture tell us, they are Gallio's, and care for none of these matters? But their eyes are in the ends of the earth, Prov. 17.24, And their heart at their left hand, Eccle∣siastes, 10.2.

Demonstr. 3. They that seek, would be glad to find: The poor Woman that lost but her groat, looks till she find, calls her friends and rejoyces, Luk. 15.9. Desire accomplish'd, is a tree of life, Prov. 13.12. I found him, and would not let him go, Cant. 3, 4. But natural men are so far from rejoycing to find God, that if God do but find them, they are con∣founded. If at any time God meet them in a Ser∣mon, Prayer, Meditation, or otherwise, they are affrighted; he scares them, they run from him; they count themselves as caught in the Briars. 1 Kings 21.20, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy, says Ahab? It was because God had found him indeed by the Prophet. Ahab counted him his ene∣my, for Gods sake. I have found thee, because thou hast sold thy self to work evil, &c. When God met with the proud Pharisees in Stephen's apology. They gnashed upon him with their teeth, Act. 7.54. You'l say, they were hardened obstinate Sinners, and what differs an obstinate sinner from another, but in degree? Therefore take that Rom. 8.7, The carnal mind is enmity against God. The Gadarens, a more moderate people, yet desire Jesus Christ

(even the whole City of them) to depart out of their coasts. Vae tibi generatio prava & perversa; vae tibi stulte popule, & insipiens; qui memoriam fasti∣dis, & praesentiam expavescis. Bern.

Demonstr. 4. If the natural man seek God, then grace is a pearl in his eye. It is the description of the same persons: Hearken to me, ye that follow af∣ter righteousness, ye that seek the Lord, Isa. 51.1. Faith and good works, I mean, actions inwardly and outwardly good, are now admired. For if the greater, why not the less? give any reason: And that,

1. Because it disposes to Divine reception. Psal. 25.9, The meek will he guide in judgment, the meek will he teach his way. Isa. 57.15, I dwell with him also that is of an humble and contrite heart. To be sure, grace disposes to communion with God: That is one reason why it is so desirable. It's true, he comes where the soul is not disposed, i. e. to dispose it; but not immediately to dispose himself to it, ad fruitionem, to be injoyed: Though these many times differ not in order of Time, but of Nature.

2. Because this is that which inables them to seek, and seek with importunity. Hence it is, That they become improbi flagitatores, such bold Beg∣gars, as Luther calls them. It is the elect partakers of grace, which cry day and night, Luk. 18.7. This opens the mouth wide, and so disposes unto mercy, Psal. 81.10, Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. What is it makes men seek, but a poverty of spi∣rit, hunger and thirst, purity of heart in some mea∣sure, Faith and Dependence? Rom. 10.14, How shall they call on him, in whom they have not be∣lieved.

3. Because it makes them walk to pleasing. They that would enjoy God, are tender of offending him. And he that hath this hope in him, purifieth him∣self, 1 John 3.3. Therefore we labour, that whe∣ther present, or absent, we may be accepted of him, 2 Cor. 5.9. i. e. do those things that please him, as Beza. But natural men are not for grace: this is the thing they are shie of, have no esteem for; are afraid it should prevail, and over-top them. Therefore it is, they fight, and struggle, resist, and quench the Holy Ghost in its motions and workings. Fools despise wisdom and instruction, Prov. 1.7. i. e. to be wise, and to be instructed. And this is the reason why there is so much work in preparation to conversion. Natural men therefore seek not God, because they are such enemies to grace.

Demonstr. 5. If they seek him, they would be solicitous about finding him. See it in the Psalmist, Psal. 6.3, But thou, O Lord, how long? Psal. 77.3. I remembered God, and was troubled. To think God my great joy and solace, should be so far from me, Psal. 101.2, O when wilt thou come unto me.

1. Solicitous about the end, i. e. whether they have found him, or are likely to find him. Therefore it is, there are such inquiries, and look∣ing into their own soul, to see whether they can discern any footsteps, any appearance of God, any token for good. Cant. 3.2, By night on my bed I sought him, i. e. to see whether he were there or no, for present enjoyment. Psal. 77.2, My soul refused to be comforted, q. d. So long as I fiind not signs of Gods presence.

2. Solicitous about the means. Cant. 1.7, Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest,

where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon, Chap. 3.2, I will rise now, and go about the city, in the streets, and in the broad ways will I seek him.

3. Solicitous about impediments, and hinder∣ances, Psal. 77.6, I commune with my own heart, and my spirit made diligent search: Lest there should any thing lie in the way, between him and me, Psal. 139.23, 24, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, Psal. 51.16. Thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it thee, q. d. If my defect was here, Lord, I would soon make it up.

4. Their thoughts are working, and restless, un∣til they find; they are not where they would be, but as in a strange land, cast out, Psal. 61.2, From the ends of the earth, will I cry unto thee, when my spirit is overwhelmed. Looking upon himself, as cast into some abstruse corner of the world, Psal. 116.7, Return unto thy rest, O my soul: Intima∣ting he was restless, as unsatisfied before.

But natural men have no such thoughts, no such workings. Therefore you shall find the Daugh∣ters of Jerusalem, i. e. carnal professors (which are all one with natural men), giving this answer to the Spouse, Cant. 5.9, What is thy beloved more than another beloved? What is thy beloved more than another beloved? What is he? what is he? They are so far from being solicitous, that they wonder any body are about such a matter, Psal. 10.4, The wicked through the pride of his counte∣nance, will not seek after God, God is not in all his thoughts, collectively, or distributively, in all, or any.

Demonstr. 6. They that seek shall find, Matt. 7.7. Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, Prov. 8.17, And they that seek me early, shall find me. But no natural Man shall find in his way; be∣cause no flesh shall glory in his presence, 1 Cor. 1.29, Therefore Israel did not obtain what he had sought for, Rom. 11.7. And Christ says, Many shall seek to enter, and shall not be able, Luk. 13.24. Such kind of seekers as those we are speaking of. If no natural Man find in his way, then no natural man seeks as he should; seeks God in truth and reality: Which was the thing to be proved. And so I dismiss this as clear, and proceed to the fourth particular.

4. The fourth particular; To enquire into the grounds and causes of this stupidity, or non-en∣quiry.

Ground 1. Because there are several Principles, which carry them clear another way: and there∣fore take them off from due seeking of him. And these are heart-principles, i. e. such as command the affection, and whole man: Though they may be able to argue the contrary.

Principle 1. That present, sensible good things, are the only good things. They know no other, or greater good than what they see, or taste, or converse with every day. They mind nothing but to be rich, live in pleasure, &c. Job 11.12, Vain man would be wise, though he be born like a wild asses colt, that knows no other than present vanity. Luk. 16.25, Son, remember thou in thy life-time re∣ceivedst thy good things. Therefore they are called men of the world, which have their portion, i. e. their great good in this life, Psal. 17.14. Now if any

man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. 1 Joh. 2.15. Love, i. e. with an absolute love; so as to acquiesce in it, and prefer it: therefore they seek not God.

Principle 2. That God-injoyment is contrary to true Self-injoyment, and a Man's real Interest in the World. This is their maxim, though false. In∣deed such a self-injoyment, as they mean, to do what they will, and what they list, in gratification of their lust, this is contrary. Now the Apostle sayes, Eph. 2.2, That all natural Men, till regene∣rate, and quickned, are after the course of this world. And pray what is the course of the World, but to fulfil the desires of the flesh, and of the mind? Vers. 3. i. e. of a fleshly mind; but to live after, either the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life. 1 John 2.16. They are all for gratifying their lust; though some in one kind, some in ano∣ther; to be religious, will dash all their designs, spoile their fortunes, level all their towring thoughts. Therefore it is they seek not God.

Principle 3. To live in self-crossing, and self-de∣nial, is but a Cynical, Stoical humour, and can ne∣ver be consistent with a Mans real good and wel∣fare. Thus a man must do that seeks God, Isa. 55.7, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrigh∣teous man his thoughts, &c. Mark 8.34, Let him deny himself: But as it is a sport to a fool to do mis∣chief, Prov. 10.23. So it is abomination to a fool to depart from evil, Prov. 13.19. They look up∣on it as a most pitiful contemptible thing, They de∣spise wisdom, chap. 1.7.

Principle 4. That to ransack their hearts, or un∣ravel their life, is the way to turn fool, or mope.

The world is all for rejoycing, young and old. Eccles. 11.9, Rejoyce, O young man in thy youth, q. d. this is that thou wilt do: Hos. 9.1, Rejoyce not, O Israel for joy, as other people. They are for reioycing, though it be in a thing of nought; though it be in that which is evil. Prov. 2.14, Who rejoyce to do evil. But men must repent, and return, if they seek God, or ever expect to find him, Ezek. 14.6, 7, 8, Repent and turn your selves from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abomi∣nations. For he that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to enquire concerning me, I the Lord will answer him by my self. And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb. The seriousness of repentance and godly sorrow, they think will mope them.

Principle 5. That living upon Gods word or pro∣mise, is next to nothing, or living upon the air. The people of God have the best living this way. Heb. 13.5, 6, For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, &c. Habbak. 2.4, Now the just shall live by faith. But natural men can∣not live thus, they are strangers to the covenant of promise, Eph. 2.12. as strangers passively, God giveth it not unto them as their portion; so they are actively, they love not so to live; and it is strange to them. For they have no faith to make any thing real to them. What they have in hand, this they think they are sure of, and live upon, Luk 12.19, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. See an instance in the Israelites, Numb. 13.30, 31.

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him, said, We be not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. Cal••b judged by faith, because of Gods promise, to give them the good land; but this was nothing unto them; be∣cause all the people were men of great stature, and there they saw the Giants, vers. 32, 33. Caleb's way of faith was foolishness to them. See the like, Isa. 30.15, 16, For thus saith the Lord God, the holy One of Israel, in returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength, and ye would not; but ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses. Gods word was nothing to them, unless they had the aid of Egypt. To con∣tract, see Jer. 42.10, 11. compare with Jer. 43.4, 5. Therefore they seek not God; for they that seek, have respect to his word and promise.

Principle 6. That coming to God by Jesus Christ is but a kind of mysterious 〈…〉〈…〉 that they know not what to make of. A 〈…〉〈…〉 God with any hope, but by Jesus Christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 7.19, By the which hope we draw nigh to God. That Christ died, that men may be saved without any more ado, this they think they understand, and applaud: But to be join'd to Christ according to the Apostle, 1 Cor. 6.17, and made members of him; this is a mystery they understand not: where∣as God makes over himself to no man, but only in him, 2 Cor. 1.20, In him are all the promises, yea, and amen; and especially that great promise, I will be thy God. This is non-sense unto them, 1 Cor. 1.18, But the preaching of the cross is to them which

perish foolishness. Vers. 23, But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. And thus it is unto all, but those that are saved, as it follows; But to them which are called both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Therefore they can∣not truly seek God.

Principle 7. To recant any thing, or to repent, is but a weakness, and becomes not a man of reso∣lution; especially a man of pre-engagements. E∣very man is pre-engaged, either to his lusts, or the men of the world: These they must be true to, though they perish for it. The heart of man is so deceitful, Jer. 17.9, that it thinks it hath an indispensible necessity of adhering to some way, or course, or company, or interest, that it may not, it cannot recede from, as those in the Gospel, Luk. 14.18, All with one consent began to make excuse: The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. Vers. 19, Another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. These would seem to come off fairly, and complement themselves out of Gods fa∣vour: The other is more peremptory, Vers. 20, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. These are looked upon as great matters; whereas it is nothing but the hardness of mens hearts, and the blindness of mens minds that makes them think they are a sufficient excuse. For there can be no dispensation from being down-right religious; or else the heart is so desperately wicked, that it will on, whatever come on't, though it lose God and Heaven too. This Principle keeps them off from seeking God.

Principle 8. That God may be found when they please, or else he is not worth seeking: In old age, when the pleasures and profits of the World leave them; when bed-rid, or confined to their chambers, and cannot tell how to busie themselves any other way. Natural men have no such esteem of God, as to think him worth time, and labour all their dayes; either the World comes in too quick upon them, and then through confluence they say, Depart from us, we desire not, &c. Job 21.14, or else too slow, and then they say, stand by; they have no time nor leasure yet. For I ask, 1. Have they not something which they prefer to God? And if so, they cannot serve two Masters, Luk. 16.13. Or 2. Are they upright? if this cannot be said, then they are too high to wait upon God.

These Principles carrying the natural man ano∣ther way, he cannot seek God, or seek him as he will be sought. And thus much of the first ground.

Ground 2. But there are more direct reasons of their non-seeking God.

1. For the most part, God is to them an unin∣telligible mystery. God is in himself such a my∣stery as cannot perfectly be understood by any creature, Saints or Angels. Col. 2.2, The mystery of God, and of the father, &c. Job 11.7, 8, Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the almighty to perfection? It is as high as heaven, what canst thou do? deeper than hell, what canst thou know. Much more then, must he be so to a natural man, notwithstanding all the advantages of his works, or his word. John 17.25, O righteous father, the world hath not known thee. He speaks of

the World of reprobates, in opposition to the elect, or called, whether they were Jews or Gentiles. The Jews knew him not, though God himself had re∣vealed himself unto them by his Prophets, and at last by his Son, Heb. 1.1, 2. Matt. 11.27, Nei∣ther knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whomsoever the son will reveal him, i. e. revelati∣one interna, by inward Revelation; for outward they had, and yet he was hid to the wise and prudent, vers. 25. Hence it is they are averse to him, and flee from him; because to them he is an unintelli∣gible 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, depth, they are afraid to venture, lest they should be ingulph'd, and swallowed up. Ve∣rentur ne opprimantur, for even his works and do∣ings declare him to be immensum aliquid, & mira∣culo simile, immense and miraculous; and knowing nothing of his goodness and grace, i. e. his special kindness, they run from him, and dare not approach him.

2. So much as they know of him, they like only for their own sake. Men cannot but know some∣thing of him in such a sorry manner as it is: Some∣thing of his wisdom in contriving so glorious a Fa∣brick as the World; in preserving and maintain∣ing what he hath made of his Omnipotence, in ef∣fecting what he hath so contrived, and all out of nothing; to omit his magnalia, and terribilia, his great and terrible works in the way of his Pro∣vidence and Government; of his goodness and boun∣ty, in being so well-willed unto his creatures, espe∣cially man the Master-piece of this lower World: So freely and bountifully every day and moment to communicate to them: Thou openest thy hand: they are filled with good, Psal. 104.28. Thus I say, man

cannot but know something of him in some man∣ner, Rom. 1.19, 20. But what they thus know of him, either in a way of speculation, as scholars; or by tast, and sense of his daily bounty, as even the Countrey-man may; they like, and love only for their own sake, no farther than will serve their turn. They would have a God, as authour of Nature, to preserve, and bless themselves, and what they have; to give rain and fruitful seasons when they need them; to keep their bodies in health and plight, encrease their Corn, Wine, and Oyl, and main∣tain peace in their borders. But what is this, but to desire God to be their servant? Which shews the abominable madness of mans Nature; they would be as 'twere supream, their own last end, and Gods too; and God blessed for ever, only a Medium to their felicity. They would be as God, Gen. 3.5.

3. They are diametrically opposite and contrary to his holiness and purity. They hate to think of it; they could wish there was no such thing at all; at least that it were not at all concerned with them.

1. Because it requires and commands separation from all evil, Habbak. 1.13, Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, i. e. to behold it with any ap∣probation, or liking. Though he sees it so as to re∣quite it; he hates it so, as to hate the Sinner for it, Psal. 5.5, Thou hatest all workers of iniquity: Though he may be reconciled to a sinner through Christ.

2. Because it implies and requires a separation from the world, i. e. not only that which is in it self sinful, and unlawful; but that which in its cir∣cumstances,

in its use, and according to the manner of men, is unlawful. For holiness is opposite unto that which speaks an exclusion or privation of its self; whether it be in the thing bad, or only in the use: Therefore Christ gave himself to deliver us from this present evil world, and that according to the will of God and our Father, Gal. 1.4.

3. Because it implies, and requires a love to that which is the most absolute purity, God him∣self. He commands all men to love him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, this is the first and great commandment, Matt. 22.37, 38. Bate a man love to God, and he may do many things.

4. Because it requires such an addiction, and dedication to God, as never more to be alie∣nated.

1. Of a mans self, Rom. 12.1, I beseech you there∣fore brethren, by the mercies of the Lord, that you present your bodies, &c. i. e. your selves by a synec∣doche: for the body without the soul, is neither a living, holy, nor acceptable sacrifice to God. Psal. 119.38, Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Therefore it is said of the Macedonians, They gave themselves to the Lord, 2 Cor. 8.5.

2. Of his services, his endeavours; not barely himself; but what he can do: therefore it is not a dead or lifeless sacrifice, but a living.

3. Of his substance, Prov 3.9, Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine encrease.

But natural men are directly contrary, and op∣posite to all these:

1. To separation from sin; for it is not only said

of the Jews, The lusts of your father, i. e. the devil, ye will do, Joh. 8.44. But of the whole world, it lies in wickedness, 1 Joh. 5.19. And therefore must needs be averse to the contrary.

2. To separation from the world (as explain'd before): for the world is their whole, and all; earth is their heaven, and earthly things their summum bonum: Therefore they are called men of this world, Psal. 17.14, and men of the earth, Psal. 10.18. What makes men deny Christ, but father, mother, brethren, sisters, house, and land?

3. For love to God, and his absolute purity, they have such enmity to it, that therefore it is they hate Ministers, Christians, all that are of that mind, or would make them so, 1 John 3.1, Therefore the world knoweth us not: Nay, Therefore the world hates you, Joh. 15.19. They that hate it in so much imperfection, must needs hate it in the super∣lative degree. They that hate the picture, must needs hate the person.

4. As for dedication, and devoting unto God of themselves, their endeavours, and their substance: they are so far from it, that they will first chuse to do any thing; they that yield themselves to God, are such as are alive from the dead, Rom. 6.13, His servants they are to whom they yield themselves to obey, Vers. 16. But that is any thing else but God, until by grace they be once conquered. God be thanked, ye were the servants of sin, &c. But now ye have obeyed, i. e. being overcome by Gods grace. The very scent of this at a distance, is that which keeps men from entertaining so much as any serious thought of religion, or seeking God in truth. This makes all religion loathsome to their impure

spirits, stifles and choaks all beginnings and good motions. To add, what is the thing that makes the great contest under conviction? What makes men even under terrours and contrition, so hard to be won by the Spirit of God, but this, That they must take his yoak upon them, Matt. 11.28, and not only so, but deny themselves, and take up their cross, Matt. 16.24? And so I have done with this.

4. Even his mercy and goodness they are con∣trary to. That which is the great winning, pre∣vailing argument with all Gods people, whence they come to put their trust under the shadow of his wings: This, even this they are opposite to. The greatest and most universal motive, and likely ground to prevail, is to them nothing but matter of contempt. For though I give it for granted (as before) that the goodness of God, as expres∣sed in his bountiful, munificent, dispensing, common mercies, i. e. such as concern this natural, temporal, fading life, is (at least from the teeth outward) much applauded (though at the same time they abuse it at their pleasure). Yet to this goodness, as dispensing, and communicating special benefits, and blessings as to his people, they are utterly averse.

1. As bestowing Christ, that great gift, they are utter enemies unto. God may keep his Son to himself, for ought they care. John 5.40, Ye will not come to me that ye may have life. No, though the event, and issue be so happy, yet this would not prevail with the Jews. And what does a na∣tural man differ from a stubborn Jew? What made the one such, makes the other so in degree. But if you will have a fuller place, see John 6.44, No

man can come unto me, i. e. no man can will me, or be willing of me: For this is coming in Scrip∣ture-phrase, else they should signifie, no man come, nisi qui veniunt, as Camer in loc. but they that come. Et quis trahitur, si jam volebat? Aug. Who is drawn, if he be already willing?

2. They are enemies to this Goodness, or grace communicating the spirit: For the spirit of truth, the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, Joh. 14.17.

5. They are directly opposite to his Justice, be∣cause Justice distributes to every man his due. God being Justice its self, and the supream Judg cannot but judg in righteousness. Gen. 18.25, For shall not the judg of all the earth do right? Rom. 3.5, 6. Is God unrighteous? God forbid: for then how shall God judg the world? Rom. 2.2, We are sure the judgment of God is according to truth. And how is that? Vers. 6, He will render io every man accord∣ing to his deeds, 1 Thes. 4.6, God is the avenger of all such; and therefore they must needs fear him, and by consequence hate him: For quem timemus, odimus, whom we fear we hate; it is true indeed, there is a fear of reverence, which relates to worth and excellency, which is all alway mixt with love and admiration; but that fear which is of punish∣ment only, makes men hate whom they so fear.

6. And lastly, They are enemies to his Omnisci∣ence, and Omnipotence, as backing his Justice; be∣cause they make him capable to execute his most just will upon them. His Omniscience will single out every secret thing, act, or thought; his Omni∣potence is that irresistible power, whereby he turns the wicked to hell with all the nations that forget

God. Can the Thief but hate the light, or that power which hales him before the judg, and from thence to prison?

You see then how clear it is, that natural men are opposite to God; and therefore can never seek him in truth.

Object. 1. But doth not a natural man know, that all his interest hangs upon God; his being, and his well-being? How then can he but seek him?

Answ. 1. But pray, what is a natural man's great Interest? Is it not the world, or something in the world? Is not the natural man walking according to the course of the world? Now what is the course of the world? Is it not after profit, or pleasure, or the like?

2. These he presumes he can have in a way of common Providence. He sees little need of being beholden to God, more than the rest of the world are, even his fraternity of wicked men all the world over, Pagans and Infidels, Turk and Pope. He finds by experience in the way of common Provi∣dence, that God is so good, as to do good against evil; that he makes his sun to rise on the evil, and on the good, Matt. 5.45. And sendeth rain on the just and unjust; that they that tempt God, are even delivered, Mal. 3.15, And the way of the wicked prospers, Jer. 12.1. He easily presumes therefore, he can have what he would without this, without seeking God.

3. But if he seek him, it's only in a sawn, and flat∣tery, either as author of Nature, or as supream Lord of life and death meerly: which in truth is not to seek him as before.

4. But this they know not neither in Scripture-sense,

i. e. they know it not with due considerati∣on, and affection, as before proved. For they know nothing of spiritual concernment, in a spiritual man∣ner. Where is the man (the natural man I mean) that sits him down with any practical consideration of all the goodness of God to him, in the way of Providence, or of his dependance upon him?

5. All the knowledg they have of God, and their dependance upon him, will not reconcile them to God, nor make them love him, supra omnia simpli∣citer, simply, and absolutely above all; no, not as the authour of Nature: For thus they love him, propter aliud, for something else; and that other is most to them, and nearest their heart. So they always adhere, bonis particularibus, to particular good things: and so alwayes stick in the dirt.

Object. 2. But hath not mans soul an infinite ca∣pacity, and therefore cannot be satisfied without God? And if so, how can they but desire him, and conse∣quently seek him?

Answ. 1. 'Tis true, the soul of Man is of an in∣finite capacity, and nothing finite will fill it; and therefore something infinite it must have ere it can be satisfied. Hence it is, that it is always whining and complaining; though it hath never so much, yet it must have more of the same, or something else: Which made Austin say, Fecisti nos Domine, ad te, &c. And Bernard, Capacem Dei quicquid Deo minus est, non implebit: caeteris omnibus occu∣pari potest, repleri non potest. What ever is less than God, will not fill that which is capable of God: It may be taken up with other things not filled.

Answ. 2. Man hath therefore a posse beatificari,

a possibility of being happy, because he may injoy God; i. e. he hath an Understanding and Will, which may be advanced hereunto, and so be satis∣fied: Which is to be happy. He may be brought to know, and affect him, which is to enjoy him. John 17.3, This is life-eternal, to know thee, &c. Which knowledg implies affection.

Answ. 3. Man hath a velle formalis suae beatitu∣dinis, a desire of happiness, i. e. he would be com∣pleat, he would have enough: and this without any consideration, or deliberation. The poorest creature that lives, that knows not how to dis∣course of happiness, would yet be satisfied every way, and have enough. Homo necessitatur circa ulti∣mum finem.

Answ. 4. There is a necessitas quaerendi Deum, a necessity of seeking God, i. e. if ever he will be hap∣py, or satisfied, it must be in the enjoyment of God: because nothing else will fill, and so happifie him. Therefore it is, natural men are necessarily miserable. The soul devours and swallows up all finite things, and yet is in want, though under the greatest ex∣cess, Job 20.22, In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits.

Answ. 5. But a natural man doth not see, that God, or injoyment of God, hath any necessary con∣nection with his happiness, i. e. he thinks he may so be without God: nay, the thought of God spoyls all his sport; is mors in olla, the Coloquin∣tida in the pot. And therefore you have them usually taken up, either bonis particularibus sejunctis, or at least, bonis particularibus conjunctis & unitis, either with particular good things divided or uni∣ted. Psal. 4.6, Who will shew us any good?

Answ. 6. If he have any desire of God, 'tis but a veleity, not a volition, as before, i. e. if he might have something in God upon his own terms; In∣terest in him, ad conservandum 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to preserve, or advance him in his natural happiness: It is all he desires. For the absolute choice of him, he is so far from it, that he neither desires himself should come to God, or God come near him, being alienated, and an enemy to God by his mind, in wicked works, Col. 1.21. No, he is so glutted (though not satisfied) and befotted with temporal good things, that he is wholly taken up with them, and seeks no farther. He may de∣sire him possibly, as an infinite good; but not as an holy, just, gracious good; desire him as he is a na∣tural end, at least a Medium to his good, not as a supernatural. There is something he desires, which is no where but in God; but he doth not directly desire God, much less all in God.

Answ. 7. This capacity then that we speak of, doth only difference him from a stock, or a stone, or a beast, being made naturally capable of that which they are not. For they have neither un∣derstanding nor will; but are tied to one thing by a necessity of nature. But this is only potentia passiva, a remote, a very remote capacity; which may by grace be advanced to seek God. And thus every natural man may be said to be capable of heaven, not that he is so proximately, or in any next disposition: But because, by the mercy and power of God, he may be regenerate, and so made meet to partake of the Inheritance of the Saints in light, Col. 1.12. And thus he hath a posse beati∣ficari: But this is only in relation to the power

of God, that it's possible: Who can do what he please; and even of stones, raise up children unto Abraham, Matt. 3.9. i. e. first make them men, and then of men true believers. This therefore will be one great torment of hell, that they had souls capable, and that will never be satisfied with∣out an infinite good: and yet they could not find in their heart to will this good, with an absolute vo∣lition.

Lastly, If any man think there is more in it: let him think again; the Devils and damned must have it, whatever it be, as well as they: make them also seekers of God.

Object. 3. But bonum in communi est objectum vo∣luntatis. It is commonly said, that good in com∣mon is the Object of the Will. Therefore every man naturally seeks God, and must.

Answ. 1. The meaning is,* 1.1 whatever the will desires, or chuses, must be good, at least ap∣pear so to be. Not that it values every good, which is so in its own nature; but that which hath in it, rationem appetibilita∣tis, the reason why it should be desired: Which is, Convenien∣tia respectu sui. Profit is good; but a man addict to pleasures, regards it not, but casts it at his heels, that he may have his hu∣mour. So to him it is not good, that is, not convenient, but evil rather. Nothing can invite

the will, but what appears good; for evil, as evil, is not to be chosen. And that's the reason why some men make away themselves; because it ap∣pears good to them, rather not to be at all, than to live in shame, poverty, reproach, or misery. Nay therefore it is, the Devils themselves blas∣pheme the Lord; because it seems good to them, thus far to satisfie their revenge, q. d. against the most high, whom they cannot otherwise hurt. But for a natural man to think of God, it hath no conveniency, or suitableness to him at all; he ab∣hors the thought.

Answ. 2. This good must be bonum apprehen∣sum, apprehended. For men are not carried to good, as other things are, by meer instinct or incli∣nation of nature; but it is, to what is dictated to them by reason and judgment. For though liber∣ty be in the will, as it's subject; and from thence hath its form; yet it is in the understanding, as in the root and cause. Therefore a man wills this, or wills that, wills, or not wills; because he ap∣prehends by reason divine, or humane, that it is to be chosen, or not to be chosen. God never made man like a head-strong horse, that runs this way, or that way, without any guide. But no natural man hath any apprehension of God as good: rea∣son tells him no such matter. And therefore it is, you never find him at a loss here; I mean, com∣plaining of the want of God and his absence; but only Christians, Psal. 30.7. Thou hidst thy face, and I was troubled.

Answ. 3. Though they necessarily seek happiness, and their will is necessitated about this last end; because no man can Will to be miserable: Yet it

appears not to a natural man, that habere Deum, to have God, hath any necessary connection with his happiness, they do not so much as dream, that God alone is the materia beatificans, the thing that can make them happy: and therefore say not with David, It is good for me to draw nigh to God, Psal. 73. ult. No, it is best they count, for them to be farthest off.

4. They are so prejudic'd, or taken up with par∣ticular good things, that like a vitiat••d palate, they can relish nothing spiritual. Reason in them is a slave to their sense, anima obbrutescit, the soul is brutish, as Calvin says; though God be dulcedo mea, in the Fathers apprehension; Yet the full soul loaths the honey-comb, Prov. 27.7. The cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of o∣ther things entring in, choak, as the word, so all things spiritual, Mark. 4.19. We see a sad instance in the young man: He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions, Matt. 19.22. His possessions had him, as Mr. Rogers sayes.

5. God is no good to a natural man, nor can be, without regenerating grace. Nay he appears such an evil to him, that he flees him as the Devil; And that

1. Because he is not bonum satians, a satisfying good to him; and that, because not carnal. They are all sor what they shall eat, and what they shall drink, and what they shall put on, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life: For these are of the world, 1 Joh. 2.16. Therefore, because God is not suited to these desires, he hath to them an evil name, an evil resentment. Because he is not to them a satisfying good, therefore he appears

sub ratione mali, under tne notion of evil, and so to be rejected.

2. Because he is to them bonum obstruens, a spoil-good, a hinder-good; the only thing, they think, that stands in their light and happiness; in as much as they know him against that they most affect, and the course they take. What's that? To walk after the imagination of their own heart. What would a natural man do, but that which is right in his own eyes? He would be without Law, without Rule, without Controul; and therefore without an over-seer. He would have as much of the world as he pleases, take as much of his plea∣sure, as seems him good; and because God is an enemy to this, he therefore is an enemy to God; and thinks he sees reason to be mad, viz. to reject God. So out of reason he seems to reject him, though against all reason. He appears to him, sub ratione mali, under the notion of evil. And this is such a distemper in natural men, as will never be cured without regenerating grace. For this is not only their passion; but their will, their delibera∣tion, and inclination, their law, and rule. And thus you see, though the will cannot chuse any thing, but under the notion of good; yet how wilfully it rejects God the chief good.

Object. 4. Men can love the lesser good, why not the greater, seeing the greater is alway more lovely than the less; and therefore more desirable? Man can seek, will, and chuse that which is fair and pleasant: why then, cannot he chuse God which is most desirable?

Answ. 1. It is not simply the betterness, or ex∣cellency

of the Object, that makes men chuse it; but the suitableness to their faculty. The object makes no faculty, or power of chusing; but only draws it out by a Metaphorical motion; and there∣fore presupposes it. But a natural man is without any spiritual power or faculty; weak and without strength, Rom. 5.6. Why see we not every man wonderfully taken with God, if this were all? even those that behold him, but in the beauty of his works, and every dayes Providence? You cannot say it is want of super-excellency in God: But it must needs be degeneracy in man.

Answ. 2. As if there was no difference between Natural, Moral, and Spiritual good: Whereas they differ the breadth of the Heavens. Spiritual good is of a higher rank and nature, that it makes them which have it, differ from others, as light and darkness, Eph. 5.8. as happy and blessed, from cur∣sed and miserable. Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are they that hunger and thirst; blessed are the pure in heart, Matt. 5.3, 6, 8. You hear no such Eulogy of the most knowing, wise, prudent, moral Man in the World, but depart from me ye cursed. There is such a difference between these natural, and super-natural; moral, and spiritual; that divers School-men, and those Papists, have not only disputed, but defended, that there is not only no man in the World, but no creature that can love God, out of the meer, or pure Principles of nature; and that it is impossible that God should make a creature so: Namely, that that which is super-na∣tural (as the love of God) should belong unto the principles of his Nature. Cajetan Alvar. Thom. & Thomiste. vid. Alvar. de. auxiliis gratiae divine

disp. 69. It follows not then, because men love that which is natural, or moral, therefore they can that which is spiritual; spiritual Objects must have a super-natural principle, as the principium quo, principle from which, though the principium quod, principle with which, be the same. Paul while a Pharisee, pleased himself with Morals; but when the law came in its spirituality, then he died, Rom. 7.9, because he saw he could not reach it; there∣fore he was a condemned man in his own sense. So I gladly dismiss these difficulties.

Quest. Lastly, Where then is the first error, that a natural man seeks not God?

Answ. 1. If you enquire what is the first in or∣der; I answer, it is in the understanding, because that is the leading faculty; and the will of it self is potentia coeca, a blind power, and acts not, but as the understanding propounds, and offers to it what it judges good. It wills nothing (as before) but under the notion of good: But whether this or that be good or bad, that is, sub judicio rationis, at the judgment of reason. Hence it is, That omnis peccans est ignorans, that every sinner is an ignorant man. Not but that there are sins of malice, as well as of ignorance, as in the very case of Christs crucifixion: Yet, even then, he that sins out of malice, knows not what he should know, 1 Cor. 2.8. Which none of the princes af this world knew: for had they known it, i. e. the hidden wisdom, Vers. 7, They would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Answ. 2. But if the query be, Where is the prin∣cipal, or main error? Then I say it is in the will.

For, 1. The will hath imperium despoticum, it or∣ders all that is done, as a Master orders all in his family. 2. Because it is appetitus totius hominis; it chuses, and so refuses, for the whole man; the af∣fections, or the sensitive powers have their appetites; and the understanding hath its appetite: For it hath an inclination unto its proper object, truth, as well as others unto their. But the will chuses, or refuses for the whole: And therefore, orders even the understanding it self; whether it shall consider of this or that, or let it alone. John 8.43, Why do ye not understand my speech, says Christ? even, because ye cannot hear my word, i. e. obey it. And why could they not? because they would not.

3. Because men may understand more by nature, than the will approves, or consents too. Rom. 1. ult. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not on∣ly do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Though they know them to be evil, nay penal and capital, yet they do them. How comes that? They have pleasure in them, it is their will. So now I have done with this great truth, as to the Doctrine of it.

If no natural man seeks God,

1. Then every natural man is of necessity miser∣able in that state, Because he wills not God, with∣out whom he must of necessity be miserable. If it be life-eternal to know him, &c. John 17.3. i. e. with approbation, and suitable affection: Then to reject him, and finally to reject him, is to be eter∣nally miserable. If there was but one thing in the world would save a mans life; and of all things in

the world, he could not away with that: We say that man in an ordinary way, as to means, must die. Prov. 8. ult, They that hate me, love death, i. e. by consequence, because it is the inevitable consequent of rejecting God and Jesus Christ.

2. Then men are justly miserable, because they are willingly, and wilfully miserable. They seek not God; they willingly withstand their own of∣fers that can only make them; Chuse to refuse God and Christ, and therefore chuse their own damnation. Psal. 81.11, 12. But my people (i. e. my visible people) would not hearken to my voice, and Israel would none of me: So I gave them up to their own hearts lusts, and they walked in their own counsels; as Christ complains of them after∣wards, John 5.40, And ye will not come unto me that ye might have life. Who deserve death, if they do not, that wilfully refuse to have life; I mean the author and object of it?

Object. 1. What necessarily miserable, and justly too?

Answ. Yea, Consider of it: necessarily miserable, because they chuse not God; misery must needs be consequent to such an estate; and justly misera∣ble, because they do wilfully reject him.

Object. 2. But then it is, because they are ne∣cessarily sinful, and yet willingly. How can this be?

Answ. To make short: Let any man consider whether the Devil be not necessarily wicked, and yet wilfully. God is necessarily good, and cannot be otherwise; and yet he is most freely so. Besides,

mans necessity is not a necessity simply, but by reason of the sinful estate he hath brought himself into.

3. They are then mercifully saved, if ever they be saved. If ever they come to heaven, it must be by an act of grace; yea, by many multiplied acts of grace, a gracious power; yea, an exceed∣ing gracious power, Rom. 11.32, He hath shut up all under unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all, i. e. that it might be meer mercy to all them that do believe, Rom. 9.18, He hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, i. e. by softning their hearts to a Divine compliance. Hosea 13.9, O Israel, thou hast destroyed thy self, but in me is thy help.

Object. 1. But how can God make a man willing, without forcing him, seeing man is Lord of his own act (as they say) the will at least, Domina sui actus?

Answ. 1. It's true, it is so; but under God. No creature can make him will, whether he will or no; he may force his body; but he cannot make him willing, do what he can. But man is not absolute Lord of his own act, but under God. For then he should be the primum ens, the first being; or at least, primum principium, the first principle; and so there should either be two Absolutes, or man were the first, and not God. In him we live and move, Acts 17.28.

2. God doth effectually move every creature, but according to its capacity, so as to preserve, and not destroy their nature. So voluntary agents he works upon freely; as well the freedom, or the manner of acting, as the acting it self proceeds from

God, Phil. 2.13, He works in you to will: God so saves man, as he makes him willing to be saved in his way.

Object. 2. But if man be unwilling (as is suppo∣sed), how can this be without a force? or how can God make him willing, acting in a manner suitable to his nature, which is liberty?

Answ. 1. By enlightning the mind: that he shall see with his own eyes, that it is good for him, best in it sels, and best for him too. Gal. 1.15, 16. When it pleased God to reveal his Son in me, (i. e. made me to see what a good Christ was, and how much bet∣ter it was to serve him) immediately I consulted not with flesh and blood. And all Gods people receive an unction, and they know all things, 1 Joh. 2.20. And thus far the Remonstrants themselves grant, that God doth irresistably enlighten the mind.

2. By infusing a tast, and savour of his goodness and grace. If a man be of a prejudicate opinion con∣cerning things sensible, we say, pray tast, &c. and from this tast their eyes are enlightened (as Jona∣thans, 1 Sam. 14.27.) that they become of ano∣ther mind. God prevents his people with these tasts which make them so free, 1 Pet. 2.3. If so be that ye have tasted, that the Lord is gracious, and so that other sense, Cant. 1.3, Because of the sa∣vour of thy good ointments: Thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the virgins love thee.

Object. 3. Though I have said enough, and more I fear than many understand yet some would farther say: But how is the actual resistance of the will ta∣ken down, that so it may appear it is not forced?

Answ. 1. I have in part shewed already; for by that time these two things are well done, the man is become a new Creature, created in Christ Jesus to goodworks, Eph. 2.10. But if you enquire de fieri, how God doth that, notwithstanding the re∣sistance of the will, (though quomodo's may be not only difficult, but dangerous, when to indulge cu∣riosity, or if men suspend their faith for them). Yet to say something for their sakes, who are glad of any satisfaction; I answer,

2. It is easie with God to take off a mans actu∣al resistance to his own good; he can soon lay this asleep; bring a man into that extremity, that he shall think God will undo him presently: though Paul's case be extraordinary, taking in all circum∣stances, Act. 9.6. yet there are many times cases that have some proportion and resemblance. God often brings man into such extremities, upon a sick-bed, or such straits and cramps of Consci∣ence, that they shall presently cry out for peace and truce: Though this may be nothing but the Son of the bond-woman, Gal. 4.30, and the will still where it was, i. e. liking, and loving of its lusts, only nature it self labours for self-preserva∣tion; and so its actual resistance is taken down.

Answ. 3. While the will resists not actually, God throws in a seed of grace into the heart; those sights and tasts, those sensations and savours I told you of before, which rectifie its inclination, and habitually frame; and then there is a new nature, a divine nature, a new will, new heart, new mind, new spirit: and then easie it is, in comparison, to will well. And thus I have shewed you, how it is not of him that willeth, scil. velle, to will, nor of

him that runneth, viz. currere, to run, as Aquinas glosses it, Rom. 9.16. Or that it is not ex libero hominum arbitrio, vel humanis conatibus, of mans free will, or his endeavours (as another upon that place) but of God that shews mercy; that takes a∣way the heart of stone, and gives an heart of flesh, Ezek. 36.26. And how, if ever a man be saved, he must be mercifully and graciously saved.

Qu. But what hath man to do then?

Answ. To wait on God in that way wherein he uses to do for men, and sinners, and do his ut∣most herein; to study the mind of God in Scrip∣ture, wait daily at Wisdom's gates, &c.

Object. 1. But why do you put men upon doing, and yet tell them, it is the mercy of God must save them?

Answ. 1. But whoever made these two contrary? I put men upon no more than I have alwayes ac∣knowledged they could do; and again say, a meer natural man can do, i. e. use all outward means, and be diligent herein. Whoever denied this, that understood themselves? Doth not daily experience evince, that men can do them if they will; and I appeal to the Consciences of men: Though I must confess, I am apt to think a man may judicially lose much of his aptitude and ability hereunto: Let men look to it.

Answ. 2. This doing I call, but waiting upon God (nothing in it self saving) if he may please to do for them; as poor Pensioners and Prisoners wait upon their Lord or Prince to find grace in his sight. Happy for Lydia, that ever she came to the place

where Prayer was wont to be made; for there the Lord opened her heart, A•••• 16.13, 14.

Object. 2. But thus you make men in a despe∣rate case, even the whole World.

Ans. 1. As to themselves indeed, I do, in a miserable case, without mercy; but not despe∣rate, as to God, who can reconcile enemies, and of them make friends: Col. 1.21, Yet now hath he reconciled. He makes things that are not, indeed to be, 1 Cor. 1.28. We Preach no abso∣lute despair (God can perswade Japhet to dwell in the tents of Shem, Gen. 9.27), but self-de∣spair we do: And say again, it is the estate of every man by Nature, that he is undone over and over, as to Law and Gospel: he can nei∣ther do acceptably, nor yet believe.

Ans. 2. From the deepest sense of misery, many times begins their saving-mercy; the ulti∣mum non esse, is many times principium essendi, Hosea 2.14, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her: I say many times, because all these preparatory works, as sight; and sense of sin and misery, have no necessary connection with the Grace of God, or Regeneration.

Question, Pray Sir once more, what way will you set us in?

Ans. Though I have said something already, I further add:

1. Consider seriously of the truth of things; as whether this Doctrine I have Preach'd be truth; and if so, what a Nature thou hast, and what a

condition thou art in; and of the Grace of God, whether it be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••uth, a reality, and not a fable, &c.

2. Consider of the goodness of things, whe∣ther the Grace of God propounded to thee in the Gospel, be not only what is true, but so ad∣mirably good, as thou canst no where meet with the like; though thou wanderest in circuitu, from one creature to another, one pleasure to another, in the vanity of thy mind never so long; unless thou seest, and believest this, thou wilt never be free while thou livest.

Object. But when we have done all, we cannot convince, or perswade our selves.

Ans. But God can do it: and this with what I have said before, is the ready way hereunto. Quando nihil rei, aut spei est reliquum, ibi demum incipit auxilium divinum: when there is no hope left (i. e. in our selves); then begins divine help. And thus of the third use.

4. What then hath God done for his people? Concerning this time, it shall be said, What hath the Lord wrought? as he said, Numb. 23.23. They were not able to see to the end of that mercy, it reaches so long, and extendeth so far: for if that people had been destroyed (as Balack would have had it), what then had become of all? So con∣cerning this time and thing, it shall be said, What hath the Lord done? If man's nature and heart be so pitiful, that it opposes it self to its own great good: What grace is it, that hath turned and altered them? You that have got but one step on this side grace: What salvation hath God

shew'd you! 'tis as if you should have had the favour to be taken into the Ark, when thousands perished. The revelations of the Gospel, convicti∣ons, perswasions, preaching, exhortations; nay Christ himself, would be nothing without this, but the aggravation of thy condemnation; what mercy hast thou found!

5. Then they that seek the Lord, whose hearts seek him in truth, (where there are those under∣ground workings, that the soul secretly goes af∣ter God, making a choice, an absolute choice of him) have more in them, than any natural man hath, or can attain to; are partakers of the Grace of God, and out of the deplorable estate of the Text.

6. But to make this more profitable, and the improvement of it to bear some proportion to the moment of the Doctrine: I proceed yet farther. How deeply sensible should this make us (even Gods people and others) of our corrupt Nature! If none seek God naturally; this is Apostacy in∣deed; this is turning aside, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, If man's great end be God, and God his great good and happiness, to turn aside from him, what a lamen∣table estate does this shew! what a devillish nature! there is none good but God, and we are for any thing but God. How should this turn all high thoughts of our selves into self-contempt, and abo∣mination? This the Law aims at; God gave it on purpose, that man might see himself by it, and sin appear out of measure sinful, Rom. 7.13. The Law entred, that sin might abound, Rom. 5.20. This the Gospel aims at, to debase man, and ex∣alt Christ, on the ruins of nature, and the nullity

of the creature. Christ came to justifie the ungod∣ly, Rom. 4.5. Then the way of the Lord is pre∣pared, when mountains and hills are laid low, Isa. 40.3, 4, 5. Now we are in the way to have this glory revealed. The best men were most sensible of this corruption, Rom. 7.24, I find another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind. O wretched man that I am! For farther improve∣ment:

Question 1. But may not a person be overmuch sensible of sin?

Answer 1. If by sin, you mean the evil nature of it, you can never be enough sensible of it, ce∣teris paribus; supposing a proportionable faith of the Gospel. It is an evil so contrary to God, the chief good, and so defiling and destructive to the person in whom it is, that it can never be too much understood nor lamented, Rom. 5.20. Chap. 7.13.

2. In as much as sin, by the Grace of God, is not an irremissible, or irremediable evil; to be so sensible of it, as to turn our selves aside from the remedy, is overmuch sense of sin, or rather an ill use, or abuse of the sense we have, and a woful per∣versness of our nature: for hereby we oppose God, while we seem to comply with him; oppose him in the way of mercy, while we fear him in his justice; and increase sin, while we would seem to magnifie the Law: Ye have done all this wicked∣ness, yet turn not aside from following the Lord, says Samuel, 1 Sam. 12.20. Rom. 5.20, But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

3. To aggravate, and extend sin beyond Gospel allowance, is overmuch sense of sin.

1. As if there was more demerit in it, than me∣rit in the blood of Christ: whereas the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin, 1 John 1.9. It is the blood of God, Acts 20.28. Your sins (be they what they will), are but the sins of a creature.

2. As if there were more in your sins, than in the Grace of God: as if there were more in your evil, than in the goodness of God. This is igno∣rance and pride of heart, proceeding from that corruption we are speaking of.

Answ. 4. When the people of God let sin reign and domineer in the Conscience, as if they were children of wrath, and simply under the wrath of God, though they have repented, and are repenting, and have truly applyed the remedy. This is too much, and more than should be: For Rom. 8.1, There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus: or to count your selves in as ill a case by reason of your remaining sin, as if you did not belong to Christ: this is too much sense of sin. If we practice ill, however let us know it, though it be hard to correct this errour.

Answ. 5. When the sense of sin so blinds you, as it makes you disown any good which you have in you in truth, though, in a great deal of weak∣ness; this also is too much: As

1. The true acceptance of the Person of a Me∣diator, in all his Offices: For John 1.12, To as many as received him, he gave priviledg to become the sons of God.

2. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness; for such are blessed, Mat. 5.6.

3. Sincere love to his Name, Eph. 6.24, Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

4. Unfeigned desire of pleasing God. Gal. 1.10.

Question 2. When hath a person sufficient convicti∣on, or sense of sin?

Answer 1. Things are said to be sufficient seve∣ral ways, as suited and proportioned to several ends; and the same thing is sufficient to one end, which is not to another. As suppose the question were of the sufficiency of Scripture (as in the Dispute between Us and the Papists): in some sense it is sufficient, in others not, Jam. 1.21, The word is able to save the soul. 2 Tim. 3.15, Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation. But yet the Word alone without the Spirit is not: For the Letter killeth, even the Letter of the New Testament with∣out the Spirit; but the Spirit giveth life, 2 Cor. 3.6. So that it is sufficient in genere medii externi, though not in genere cause efficientis, as an outward means, or sufficient instrument to that purpose; but not as an inward cause. So the Law is suffi∣cient: To what? To save? no: but to legal humi∣liation aod conviction of sin, Rom. 3.20, For by the Law comes the knowledg of sin; but not to this neither, without the Spirit co-operating, Rom. 7.9. So when we say the Gospel is able to save the soul, or 'tis the power of God to salvation, Rom. 1.16. What? Is it sufficient without any other means using, or course-taking? No sure; yet it is sufficient, ratione medii particularis, though it be not medium universale; as a particular means it is sufficient, but not alone, to exclude all other. So in this case, conviction, or a sense of sin, is said to be sufficient according to the divers ends which may be propounded.

Answ. 2. If therefore you mean, what sense of sin is sufficient to expiate sin, or answer the demerit of sin, and the justice of God; then, there is no sense of sin, horror, or trouble in this world sufficient.

Answ. 3. If by sufficient, you mean so much sense or conviction of sin (for I use these pro∣miscuously, though strictly they ought to be di∣stinguished) as may deserve your conversion, or converting-grace: i. e. that God thereby should be necessitated or obliged to give you converting-grace: Then I answer, There is no sufficiency in the greatest measure of conviction, contrition, or humiliation: For then grace would of necessity be given according to our works; which was the er∣ror of Pelagius of old, and of the Papists now-a-days: Tit. 3.5, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration.

Answ. 4. If you mean when a Christian hath sufficient conviction, sense of sin and humiliation; so as to be nextly disposed or prepared to con∣version: I answer, So much as makes thee an abso∣lute lost creature in thy self, is sufficient to be sure, in way of preparation; that, when thou art invited (as thou art) to come and receive Jesus Christ, and with him heaven and happiness, and all things, thou shalt not need to strain courte∣sie, or keep off, because thou art not sufficiently humbled (as thou thinkest), but presently and readily take to Christ, and the riches of God's Grace in him, as being a poor lost creature in thy self: i. e. every way lost so as thou canst not so much as come, unless he enable thee: For the great

end of legal humiliation, is to bring the soul from its existence in, and adherence to the Covenant of works, or trusting to its own doings for salvati∣on. What serves to this end, is so far sufficient, viz. in way of preparation.

Answ. 5. So much as plains the soul for the reception of Christ in all his saving-Offices, is sufficient. If the Law have shewed thee a neces∣sity of Christ for all, i. e. to take down the re∣bellion of thy heart, as well as for any thing else; and thou art legally willing, i. e. willing for fear thou shouldst be undone, that it may be so; the Law hath done what it can do for thee. Thou art now to attend what the Gospel says, in which you will see God takes a nothing-creature, and makes Christ all in all to him, 1 Cor. 1.30, com∣pared with v. 28.

6. For a conclusion, I add, An humbled sinners joyful acceptance of, and acquiescence in the prof∣fer of the Gospel, viz. Christ proffered, not on∣ly for righteousness, but faith also, sanctification, destruction of sin, &c. speaks a soul to have at∣tained what it is seeking after. I say an humbled sinner, because many other will be ready to say so, they do accept, when they know not what they say: But I say, an humbled sinners joyful ac∣ceptance, &c. (when it is done, verbo de presenti, as they say in the marriage-contract, by a present act, and they do not content themselves with a possibility) shews that they are already partakers of the grace of the Gospel. For,

1. Here is the right object, and the right act, in relation to the object: for what is faith, but a joyful acceptance of a whole Christ.

2. This is faith in the second moment, viz. To live upon Christ for all; why not in the first: Since faith at first, and faith at last, are both of the same nature.

3. Because this frame of heart fully complies with Gods design in the Gospel, and all the offers of his grace. And what is a soul really and readily complying with the Gospel, but one under grace, and not under the law? Rom. 6.13, 14. I know persons may here deceive themselves, that do not sufficiently attend to what I say, and unto the frame of their hearts in this transaction: but whose fault is that?

Quest. 3. Whether a sight or sense of one sin, be a sufficient preparation to conversion?

Answ. 1. Conviction, and sense of one particular sin, is sometimes initial, or preparatory to con∣version, sometimes not. Those, Act. 2.36, 37. When they heard this, i. e. how guilty they were in imbruing their hands in the blood of Christ, cryed out, Men and brethren, what shall we do? And it ended in their conversion: Yet the con∣viction of the same sin in Judas had a very differ∣ing issue and event. Matt. 27.4, 5. I have sin∣ned in betraying innocent blood, and yet he went and banged himself.

Answ. 2. Consider sin as to the outward act on∣ly: And then I do not see, that in a natural ten∣dency, and in an ordinary way, the conviction of one particular sin is sufficient preparation. I'le give you my reason: For as conversion from one single sin, is not conversion properly; so convicti∣on of one particular sin, is not a sufficient prepara∣tion

to conversion. Because it shews only a ne∣cessity of an outward reformation and amendment, and brings not the person to a loss for a whole Sa∣viour, but a partial one only.

Answ. 3. God is pleased often to begin here; by the sight and sense of one sin, to lead them on to a self-discovery; and so the conviction of one sin proves initial to, and ends in conversion. Yet I cannot say it is always thus; many that cry out of particular sins, have come no farther towards Christ or Conversion: and that God always begins here, I cannot say: That which slew Paul, seems to be that command, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7.7, 9. Which discovered to him the lust of his heart.

Answ. 4. When a man is made sensible of one sin, not only in the branch or act of it, but in the root also; then it may be preparatory. I mean im∣mediately preparatory to conversion; because then the pertinacy of the heart, and its strong addicti∣on unto sin is hereby discovered, which will urge a necessity of conversion. For this strong addicti∣on to that one sin, shews the strength of original Corruption; what enmity and contradiction to God it carries in it? Ex. gr. suppose a man convict of profane swearing; when this sin is so anatomized by the Spirit of God in conviction, that the per∣son sees and discovers how profane his heart is, how void of all fear of God, not only that of re∣verence and aw, that he should bear to him, but even of the fear of his Justice, and threatning, that he can despise his word, misbelieve his threatning, contemn his holiness: This shews what a man he is, and what a nature he hath. This man appre∣hending

the grace of God in the Gospel, may be encouraged to come and embrace it.

Quest. 4. What sense of sin is that which shews a present state in conversion?

Answ. 1. When thou feelest and mournest under it, in consideration of its evil nature, as contrary to the will of God, which is, and ought to be the supream rule and regulation of the creature, Rom. 7.14, The law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Answ. 2. When thou mournest over it, as against the grace of the Gospel; and so the greatest disin∣genuity that can be. When thy heart shall reflect upon thee, in this manner or the like: Dost thou thus requite the Lord, O foolish, and unwise? Deut. 32.6. Or as Absalom to Hushai, Is this thy kind∣ness to thy friend? 2 Sam. 16.17: As being quite contrary to the love of God in giving his Son, the love of Christ in giving himself, and the love of both in manifesting and revealing themselves unto thee.

Answ. 3. When sins adherence, and existence is a burthen to thee. Which manifests thou hast a spirit against it, another spirit than the spirit of the world; which lives and lies in sin. When thou wouldst be glad (all things rightly stated, for some men count those sins which are not) to part with, and be rid of, in thy deliberate thoughts, all, and every evil way and inclination, as a man would be glad to be rid of his burden, Rom. 7.24. More of this will appear in the next particular.

Quest. 5. Why, what is the difference between sense

of sin before conversion, and after conversion?

Answ. 1. The one is in relation to God, only as a just Judg; the other as against a gracious So∣veraign. God is a just Judg, and therefore it is that persons under conviction, and sense of sin, fear, and mourn. Thus Judas repented, Matt. 27.3. i. e. was desperately sorry he had done the thing, betrayed innocent blood: because God began to judg him presently. Thus, if Judgment was speedi∣ly executed, men would be afraid to sin; but ne∣ver the more against it properly; they might not dare to sin, but love it notwithstanding. But o∣thers mourn under it, as against a gracious. Sove∣raign, whose face they have had some sight of in Jesus Christ, apprehending him a God of grace, though they cannot say (possibly) to themselves in particular, Against thee, thee only have I sin∣ned, Psal. 51.4.

Answ. 2. The one a man would be rid of, the other a Christian would be glad to have more of. The one mans sense of sin, is meerly his bondage: He hath received the spirit of bondage to fear, Rom. 8.15, and so he mourns: The others is his free∣dom, and so accounted, They shall mourn and be in bitterness, as for an only son, Zach. 12.10. Take a man in that passion, and you cannot perswade him out of it; it is so sweet to him, 2 Cor. 7.11, That ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what Zeal it wrought in you, yea, what indignation? Zeal and Indignation are two things men are pleased with, especially for the time. They are pleased with be∣ing angry against themselves, and to find their heart imbittered against sin.

Answ. 3. The one man casts down himself, the

other is meerly cast down by God: we find Ezra weeping and casting down himself, Ezra 10.1. A convict person meerly suffers under it; but the o∣ther is active in it. Judas was held down by strong hand, that he could not oppose: but Peter went out and wept bitterly, Matt. 27. ult.

Answ. 4. The one is from a slave meerly, the other from a Son, and something at least of a Son-like spirit: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, Luk. 15.18, 19.

Answ. 5. The one makes a man run from God, the other makes him flee to him; as you see in the prodigal, I will arise and go to my father, Verse 18. And he arose and came to his father, Verse 20. See it in David, Psal. 130.3, If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquity, O Lord, who shall stand? Verse 4, But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayst be feared: and therefore concludes, Verse 5, I wait for the Lord: my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope; and encourages others to do the like, Verse 7, Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous re∣demption.

Answ. 6. The one hath the mixtures of Faith, the other not. Judas either saw nothing of the Saviour he professed; or else believed it not by any such faith as brought down his spirit to be willing to be beholden to him. But those con∣verts, Acts 2.41, Gladly received the word, though they were guilty of the same sin: For in thee the fatherless find mercy, Hosea 14.3. This is mixed with their confessions and repentance.

Answ. 7. The one man is meerly disturbed in

spirit; the other is satisfied, and takes content in it. Paul under first convictions is in an amazed, frighted condition, He trembling and astonish'd, said, &c. Acts 9.6. But the same Paul afterward condemns himself with great delight, 1 Tim. 1.13, Who was before a blasphemer, persecutor, and inju∣rious; as if he could never speak bad enough of himself, Eph. 3.8, To me, who am less than the least of all saints, &c. Paul was not the least of all Saints: For he dare say of himself, He was not behind the very chief of the Apostles, though he was nothing, 2 Cor. 12.11. But he speaks it in relation to what he was formerly, as taking content to debase him∣self.

Answ. 8. The one divides between a man and his sins, the other not. Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols? Hosea 14.8. Time was Ephraim was joyned to idols, Hosea 4.17. But now he renounces them, and all that belongs to them, Isa. 30.22. Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornaments of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, get thee hence. Divides, you shall divide: Sir, This is the thing that troubles and grieves us; we cannot be rid of our sins; they will hang about us. But yet you divide between your selves, and your selves, as two parties, Rom. 7.20. If I do what I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Here is, I do, and I do not: I do, but it is against my will that I so do; and yet, not altogether against my will, for then I should not do it at all. Here are two parties divided. Ʋterus Rebeccae gestat discordes. Rebecca's womb bears men of differing Tempers and Inclinations.

Answ. 9. The one commends and endears Jesus Christ, and the grace of God, Rom. 7. ult, I thank God through Jesus Christ. He had been complain∣ing, Vers. 24, O wretched man that I am: That Christ had delivered him in part, and would de∣liver him; this makes him so praiseful, and Christ so precious: the other not.

Quest. 6. Whether may, and ought a Christian to grow in the sight and sense of sin?

Answ. For answer, I lay down these positions.

1. Sin is so great an evil, as can never be suffici∣ently understood or bewailed. It is so exceeding sinful, that the best Saint on earth never saw the utmost of the evil of it, i. e. the utmost degree of its wickedness. For they must first know how good, and how great God is, against whom it is, before they can know that: And there is no finding out the almighty, Job 11.7.

2. God doth not commonly bestow all at once, that he hath to give of spiritual blessings. For his design is to have a Christians life, a state of depen∣dance, 1 Pet. 2.4, 5, To whom coming as unto a living stone: ye also as lively stones are built up. Therefore it is, that we have as well promises of growth, as Commands to grow.

3. Sight and Sense of sin is one great spiritual blessing, and makes those that have it more spiri∣tual. I mean, such a sight especially, as shews us together with the extent, the evil nature of it. Mark, Psal. 97.10, Ye that love the Lord, hate evil. Then by way of proportion, they that love the Lord most, should hate evil most. And it is not hated, but from sight or sense. Had we only Pauls

example for it, would it not prove, that a person most sensible of sin in this kind, were the most spi∣ritual Christian? Rom. 7.24. But is it not clear, when we can discover more, and less bear that which to God is most intolerable? We are apt to think sense of sin belongs only to a prepa∣ratory work and state of Bondage; and conse∣quently that we have no more to do with it after∣wards; and if we have, it is only our bondage: And hence some (though without all ground) conclude themselves in a Christless condition. But this is a great mistake; though it be in another manner after conversion than before: It is a sense of the same thing though not the same sense of the thing altogether.

4. We have not so much at first, especially some, at least in that manner, but we had need give great diligence hereunto, lest we be cast and overgrown. And I mean, not only of the evil nature of sin, (for this I count we have nothing of before) but of its indwelling, close adherence, extent, &c. And indeed I cannot see, but that sight and sense we have of sin after conversion, is wholly of another kind, though both introduced by the same spirit, the one in a way of common working, the other in a way of special grace. Which may be the reason why some Christians complain not so sensibly of their own evil, and emptiness, as before under meer legal workings; though they have better convictions now, yet not proportionably greater. He that hath most, hath not enough: For quantum barathrum sit sola in∣credulitas? what an abyss is unbelief alone? Strong convictions of our own vileness and self-emptiness,

coeteris paribus, together with the discoveries of the Gospel and Faith in them, what Christians would they make! For the ordinary way of Christs com∣ing to the heart, is by humiliation and self-empti∣ness.

But here I must give you these Items:

Item 1. Be as careful to grow in the conviction of the Gospel, and sins against the Gospel, as of other sins. For these belong to your natural cor∣ruption, and will discover as great an enmity, Job. 16.8, 9, 10, He shall convince of sin, of righteous∣ness, and of judgment, &c.

Item 2. Give diligence to secure, and assure your interest in the Gospel; for these two things put together, cut off, or abate those terrors which use to accompany conviction in a state of bondage, 2 Pet. 1.10, Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.

Question 7. But in what sense is it to be under∣stood, when you say we must grow in the sense of this corrupt nature? Answ. To answer in a few words.

1. As to the extensiveness of it, i. e. how it is spread over the face of the soul, as a Leprosie that over-runs all: What natural evils, unnatural, dia∣bolical, spiritual wickednesses? pride, rage, murmur∣ing, unbelief, doubting of God and his truth, blas∣phemies, these dwell in thy heart. Consider the Apostles Catalogue, Gal. 5.19, 20, 21. Whether those works of the flesh do not all dwell in thee, and live in thee, though thou livest not in them: and though thou find not all in thy temper, see whether thou find'st them not in thy nature.

2. As to the intensiveness; their deep radicati∣on, their strong-hold, their great possession, the close adherence, Rom. 7.24. This conviction is that which doth a Christian the greatest courte∣sie of any I know of this kind; and would mighti∣ly engage the soul for firm adherence unto Christ, that knows the Gospel.

3. As to the evil nature of it, or in relation to the motives of your sense and sorrow, or what it is that makes it so evil to you; and see that those be more solid, more spiritual. Many take on, and are very much troubled at sin: but many times there is very much of self in it, and legal mo∣tives.

Object. Why, Hath not a Christian seen him∣self lost? had so much sight and sense of sin? How then can he have more, at least need more?

Answ. 1. A more confused sight he may have had, but not so distinct, possibly, and clear at least, as he may have afterwards, and should endeavour for. What distinct sight and sense of sin, Lydia, or the Jaylor, or Zacheus had, I know not: a confused sight they might have, and distinct in some particulars; as the Jaylor of his cruelty, and Za∣cheus of his extortion, &c. Acts 16.14, and ver. 29, 30, 31. Luke 19. from 1, to 11. I deny not but it might be distinct also, more universally, though of a sudden; but I do not know that so it was.

Answ. 2. If you mean such a sight of himself from the word, as is not meerly speculative, but influential upon the heart, to affect it; (in which sense Mr. Ames says, all divine knowledg hath ex∣perience

accompanying it): I say, this is such as needs to he confirm'd and follow'd, whatever it be, faith, or experence: Vid. Ames de lum. nat. & gr.

Answ. 3. Those that have the most distinct work of conviction, sense of sin, and their own lost estate; yet had need give diligence hereunto, though they have lyen long under such and such methods of conviction, and saw they could not but sin, at least in heart; and though they sinned, yet they could not be humble, though they were humbled, nor believe, notwithstanding both; yet, they had need attend, 1st, Unto Scripture revelation concerning the same thing. 2dly, To, the Spirits discoveries, or convictions of them. 3dly, To the daily ex∣perience of their own heart. They had need have them better grounded, and in a better manner setled: for I cannot see the light before conver∣sion, and the light after, both of one kind.

Answ. 4. If a Christian see the ultimum malum, I mean no more than that which will conclude him absolutely lost; yet not the ultimum mali: he is far from seeing the utmost degree of its evil.

Answ. 5. Sense of sin, is either direct, or con∣sequential, viz. of what I find directly working, or what I gather from what I find by spiritual Argumentation; which because it depends upon sense, may therefore be called sense, though not directly so apprehended, but by Argumentation arising from sense, Ex. gr. I find the reflex beams of the Sun are hot, therefore I conclude by rea∣son, help'd by experience, that the direct are hot also. To the case in hand, I find my heart in such and such a particular, deceitful, and desperately

wicked, therefore I conclude it is so in the like; because there is the same common reason of one and the other, where the same interest is invol∣ved.

Quest. 8. How should a Christian do to grow in the sight and sense of his natural corruption, i. e. in the discovery of the evil nature of it, intention, ex∣tension, and also to be more and more affected with it?

Answ. 1. By attending to the rule, and the spi∣rits enlightning that, i. e. helping thee to under∣stand the true sense and meaning of it, Rom. 7.7, 9, I had not known sin, but by the Law. And how came he to know the Law? by the spirit; when the Law came, i. e. when the spirit brought it home. The Gospel is a rule also, to which thou must at∣tend for the discovery of Gospel-sins, Mat. 14.31, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Answ. 2. By self-reflection, and attendance to the heart, compared with the rule: How would you know sin in any action, but by comparing it with the law and rule, which commands or for∣bids such and such things? Is not attendance then to the stirrings and workings of your heart, con∣trary to the rule; the way to know your sinful nature, Rom. 7.14, The Law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. Verse 21, When I would do good, evil is present with me. How did he know what was good, but by the rule? How did he know he would do good, but by observation of him∣self, in compare with the rule? So how did he know evil, but by the rule? How did he know evil was present, but by attendance to his own heart, and what he found striving there?

Answ. 3. By observation or notice-taking how it is with us, when God withdraws his influence at any time more or less: for while we are assist∣ed and strengthned, we less attend, and are less able to distinguish what nature contributes, and what grace: Therefore it is, God so often leaves us more or less, that we may see what we are of our selves, to humble us, and kill our pride; to mortifie self-conceit, and self-trust. Then the Church cries, Why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardned our hearts from thy fear? Isa. 63.17. How does God make them, but by withdrawing at such a time? Therefore consider we how backward, how listless, how dead, how unbelieving, how unaffected we are: what pride, what sensual inclinations stir in us: this is the way to grow in self-sense. Again, observe we how it is with us in time of temptation; when God suf∣fers the Devil to winnow us, and neither gives light to know what to do, nor faith and courage to resist him: How the heart would move us to a provoking dis-regard of God; what quarrelling, crossness, doubting of his truth and goodness, call∣ing him to question for his dealings with us. And this is the way to gain by temptation, and learn Divinity by the Devil, as he said.

Answ 4. By anatomizing and resolving things into their principles, where you may see the root of your passion, is your pride. What? you dealt with so and so? the root of much dissettlement (not that this is the only thing); your unbelief in great measure, as betraying the succours of grace, the word of God, &c. your discontent∣ment may shew you, that you have the same Lea∣ven,

are of the same spirit with the very Devils. Thus Paul resolves his doing, and his not doing, into his evil nature, Rom. 7.18, For I know that in me, i. e. in my flesh, dwells no good. Thus James resolves their brawlings into their lusts, Jam. 4.1.

Object. 1. How ean these discover any thing to a Christian, of his nature, seeing they are but pas∣sions and infirmities, at least, in a Christian? As David, Psal. 116.11, I said in my haste, &c. Psal. 77.10, But I said, This is my infirmity: How then can they give any true account of the heart, the nature?

Answ. 1. No Do? not passions and affections give an account of the heart, they proceed from? How could such fruit come, but from many bitter roots that are there? and such streams flow, but from a corrupt Fountain? especially considering the plea∣singness of them; the perpetuity and constancy; that every day, upon all occasions, they find their heart thus prone to one thing or other? Now what does a constant proneness shew, but a na∣turalness? Though grace in a Christian takes down the predominancy, yet you may find your aptness and proneness; which is the thing I speak of. If any say on their behalf, they were contracted; these, and such like were contracted before grace.

Answ. 2. How come they to be so bad, to con∣tract such a natural madness? What wild creatures were they to contract them? Which speaks the thing I would prove, they are wild by nature.

Answ. 3. This must be understood of all the evils in the soul of man, that they are so con∣tracted: whereas many never came into practice;

and what at first put men upon such actings, but sinful inclinations?

Answ. 4. I ask a natural man (for those I have to deal with in this Objection, though for the be∣nefit of others), would you help it, or would you not? and I speak not of passions and affections, as to the outward acts only, but as to their prin∣ciples and inward stirrings; and this must be ex∣tended also to every one of them (for the heart of sin may be contracted into one); I say then, Would you help it, or would you not? If not▪ this speaks the perversness of nature, and that your will is excentrical, even as to the elicit acts: If you say you would, but cannot; this shews how weak you are, and that your will is lost as to its imperate acts. Natural men are enemies to deli∣beration and better advice; they are all passion: I say therefore to a Christian again, follow the streams of your heart unto their Fountain.

5. By Observation, how your help comes in. Are you ever free, unless the Son make you free? John 8.36. Free from sin, and free to righte∣ousness, under the stirrings of corruption, unless God discover himself gracious, willing and ready to accept and help you, enlighten your mind, re∣new your purposes and resolutions, strengthen your hatred and antipathy, fortifie your courage and magnanimity: Have you any relief or liberty at all? Mark I say which way your help comes in: if it be all by grace, according to those Scriptures, Phil. 4.13, I can do all things through Christ which strengthneth me: and John 15.5, Without me ye can do nothing: then you have none by nature, which leads you whither I am directing you.

6. By acting faith upon the promises of the Gos∣pel for light and sense, as a Christian must be al∣ways attending to carry on a Gospel-sense of sin, and kindly humiliation for it; so he must act faith in the promises to that end. To instance in a few, Isa. 54, 13, And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, i. e. not only concerning Jesus Christ himself (as he applies it, John 6.45), but every o∣ther matter of spiritual concernment, Zach. 12.10, I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and suppli∣cation, and they shall mourn.

7. By the observation and experience of others: For as in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man, Prov. 27.19. Another mans heart will tell you your own; and his actions, his heart, as the water will represent your own face to you: 'tis easie to see and observe how the world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5.19. There is no evil almost but walks abroad in view, in the person of one or other: Whence comes this, but from a corrupt abominable nature? Mat. 15.19, Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornicati∣ons, lusts, false witness, blasphemies: You will say from an evil habit: but how come men to be so wicked, to acquire such habits? What put them upon such actions as before? Whence are those actions, but from evil inclinations? And whence such inclinations, but from an evil nature? Their hearts incline them that way, therefore they run. Take the most moderate instances of natural men, from one to another, from the least to the grea∣test; you may observe they are all ignorant of what they should know; heartless to any thing that is spiritually good, and cannot be prevailed

with, to be otherwise. You may possibly perswade some men to do something (others you cannot pre∣vail with thus far, to take any pains); but to love it, or addict themselves to it, as their life, it is in vain to talk of it. Thus by other men, you may learn your selves; and by their actions, your heart; and so much wisdom by their folly. For a conclusion of this discourse.

Qu. 9. Do men seek God first, or God seek them first?

For answer in general, I must mind you, how in the beginning of this discourse, I distinguished be∣twixt seeking in a way of means-using, formal, out∣side-seeking; and seeking properly, or seeking in truth. Then particularly, I answer first:

1. If by seeking, you mean meer formal seeking, or in a way of means-using: Thus, even thus, God seeks, and finds men first; by bestowing upon them the means of grace. He thus prevents, even the Heathen-world, by entailing the Scriptures, and the means of grace upon them, Psal. 147, 19, 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob: his statutes, and his judgments unto Israel: he hath not dealt so with any nation, Matt. 21.43, The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation, bringing forth the fruit thereof: The Kingdom of God, i. e. the means of the Kingdom, by a metonymy, shall be ta∣ken away. Who takes it away? The answer is easie; then who gave it them? or who gives it to another nation? Even the Eunuch, Act. 8.27, who came so far, as from Saba in Aethiopia, to Jerusa∣lem, (which by computation is near a thousand Miles, plus minus) though he seem'd to seek God

first; yet God first sought him, and found him: For, 1. The report must come to his ears, that the word and worship of God was at Jerusalem: And then who inclined his heart, to undertake so long a journey? Isa. 65.1, I said, behold me, behold me, to a nation that was not called by my name.

Object. 1. But men, though they have the means of grace, might not use them for all that?

Answ. But either by some civil or moral induce∣ment, or some conviction of the spirit, he keeps them to the means.

2. If by seeking, you mean in truth, and with a perfect heart (as Scripture phraseth it) then God seeks them first, ere they can seek him, Hos. 3. ult. Afterwards shall the children of Israel re∣turn, and shall seek the Lord, and David their King, i. e. Jesus Christ. And this shall be in truth; be∣cause it is joyned with the fear of the Lord, And shall fear the Lord, and his goodness, in the latter dayes. I ask now; doth God that makes promises, make them good? Or doth man make God perform his promise? It must be the effect of an absolute pro∣mise, that such obstinate Creatures should return: As you may farther clearly see it expresly made to this people, Ezek. 36.26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. See also to the same purpose, Zach. 12.10. And abundantly more I might alledg: But I am willing now to dismiss this Doctrine.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Objectum appetitus intellectivi, qui vo∣luntas dicitur, est bo∣num secundum commu∣nem boni rationem, nec potest esse aliquis ap∣petitus nisi boni. A∣quin. nar. prim. qu. 59. artic. 4. Item qu. 80. artic. 2. Item qu. 82. artic. 4.

  Secundum communem rationem; sui objecti, quod est bonum.