The hearts-index, or, Self-knowledg [sic] together with I. the wonderful change that the word and spirit do work upon the heart when a sinner is converted II. the excellency of grace above nature III. the safety and calm of such as have sued out their pardon in Christ / by R. Younge ... Younge, Richard. 1667 Approx. 92 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 17 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A67756 Wing Y160 ESTC R16696 12546042 ocm 12546042 63054 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A67756) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 63054) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 952:33) The hearts-index, or, Self-knowledg [sic] together with I. the wonderful change that the word and spirit do work upon the heart when a sinner is converted II. the excellency of grace above nature III. the safety and calm of such as have sued out their pardon in Christ / by R. Younge ... Younge, Richard. 32 p. Printed by J. Hayes, and are to be sold by Mrs. Crips ..., London : 1667. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Caption title. Imprint taken from colophon. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Grace (Theology) -- Early works to 1800. Calvinism -- Great Britain. 2004-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-04 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2005-04 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Hearts-Index . OR Self-Knowledg : Together with I. The wonderful Change that the Word and Spirit , do work upon the Heart , when a Sinner is converted . II. The excellency of Grace above Nature . III. The Safety and Calm of such as have sued out their pardon in Christ. By R. YOUNGE of Roxwell in Essex . Imprimatur Ex Aed . Sab. Aug. 8 , 1663 . Geo. Stradling , S. T. P. Rev. in Christo Patr. Gilb. Epist. Lond. à Sac. Domest . Section I. PRobable it is , that that medicine which hath cured one desperate Patient , if it be communicated , may work the same effect upon others ; the concealment whereof , would argue in a Physitian , either too much lucre , or too little love . However , the conscience of good intentions in themselves ( let their success be what it will ) is both a discharge and comfort to a free and willing mind . A fine wit , and a Christian will , is like the little Bee , that will not off the meanest flower , until she hath made somewhat of it : whereas an unsanctified heart , will ( spider-like ) suck poyson from the choisest of flowers . Every line of God's word shall adde finew to the virtuous mind ; and withal heal that vice , which would be springing in it . But with the carnally minded , it is far otherwise . The same report , wherewith the spirit of Rahab melteth , hardens the King of Jericho , Josh. 2. Sergius Paulus was converted , Elimas obdurated , at the same Sermon , Acts 13. that one hard saying of our Saviour , John 6. like a file sharpened eleven of his Apostles ; while it so blunted the rest of his Disciples , that many of them murmured , and from that time went back , and walked no more with him , verse 66 , &c. Whence observe , that as all bodies , are not equally apt to be wrought upon , by the same medicine ; so are not all souls by the same means of Grace . One remains obstinate and refractory , whiles others are pliable . Sin and Satan , have no Servants but the simple . As for instance : A wise man hearing in what a dangerous condition he is in , by reason of original and actual sins , and how God is so incensed with wrath and indignation against him , that he means utterly to destroy him , if he go on in his impenitency ; foreseeth the evil of Hell , and preventeth it , by departing from his evil wayes : but fools go on and are careless , Prov. 22.3 . and 14.16 . Stark fools indeed : For if their eyes were opened , to see in what a condition , they are content at present to continue in ; they should need no intreaty , to turn their course another way . Luther says , that if a man could perfectly see his own evils , and the misery that attends them , the fight thereof would be a perfect Hell unto him : and this indeed might prove to be his way to Heaven ; For then , and not till then , a man sees what need he hath of a Saviour ; and then he begins tightly to prize the joys of Heaven , when he sees he hath escaped the Flames of Hell , which those fools before spoken of , never mean to do , because they think themselves wise , good , happy , and what not ? The case of all men by Nature . And until that vail or curtain which is drawn over their hearts , be removed , and taken away by unseigned repentance , and turning to the Lord , they remain stark blind to all saving truths , as the Apostle plainly sets down , 2 Cor. 3.14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18. See Rev. 3.17 . 1 Tim. 6.4 . And the truth is , were it not for pride and Ignorance ( springing hence ) every man would make it his main business , to work out his salvation with fear and trembling . But to proceed , for this is but an excursion , let in , by way of a parenthesis , and in zeal for their good ; that desire not their own . The Ninivites by hearkning to Jonah , and those murtherers of the Lord of Life , by listning to Peter , were converted and saved , Jonah 3.4 , 5. Acts 2.37 . Wax ( we know ) yeeldeth sooner to the seal , than steel to the stamp . Sect. 2. Of Hearers , there are usually four sorts , as our Saviour shews , in the Parable of the seed , Mat. 13.3 , to 24. As first , An honest and good heart , will not return from hearing the Word unbettered : yea , he will so note what is spoken to his own sin , that it shall increase his knowledg , and lessen his vices . As who ( by looking in a glass ) shall spy spots in his face , and will not forthwith wipe them out ? A wise man will not have one sin twice repeated unto him ; Yea , he more rejoyceth , in being overcome with a wise and gracious advice , then he would have rejoyced in a revengeful victory . Of which we have a rare example , 1 Sam. 25.32 , 33. A true argument of an ingenuous nature . Whereas those that will not hearken to , nor obey the voice of Christ , but rage and storm ; are more stubborn than the wind and sea , Luke 8.24 , 25. enough to make them blush blood , when told of it . But Secondly , Another sort of Hearers , are like Tully's strange soil ; much rain leaves them still as dry as dust . Or the Wolf in the Emblem , which though it suckt the Goat , kept notwithstanding his Woolfish nature still . And indeed , untill the spirit of God meekens the soul , say what you will , it minds nothing , or nothing to purpose . Whatever an impenitent sinner hears , it presently passes away , like the sound of a Bell that is rung . Let testimonies and examples never so much concern them , it makes an impression but skin , or ear deep : For as in an hour-glass or conduit , that which in one hour runneth in the same in another hour runneth out again . Who may be resembled to the Smiths Iron , put it into the fire it is much softned , but put it into the water it is harder than before . Thirdly , Another sort will very orderly hear the Word , and delight in it , until it comes home to their consciences , touches their Copy hold ( as John served Herod ) but then they will turn their backs upon it , as the Jews served our Saviour , John 6.66 . the Athenians , Paul , Acts 17.16 , to 34. and Ahab , Micaiah , 1 Kings 228. Now these that will not hear an untoothsome truth , but turn their backs upon and fly from instruction . Joh. 3.19 , 20 , 21. not onely declare themselves to be guilty persons ( for he confesseth the fact , who to judgment turneth his back : And 't is onely the weak sighted , that cannot abide the light ) but it proves them to be out of all hope to become better . For that sin is past cure , which turns from , and refuseth the cure , Deut. 17.12 . Prov 29.1 . 1 Sam. 2.25 . 2 Chron. 25.16 . turn to the places . And take this for a Rule , if ever you see a drowning man refuse help , conclude him a wilful murderer . Sect. 3. Fourthly and lastly , ( for I pass by those blocks ; that can hear the Word powerfully delivered for twenty or thirty years together , and mind no more the spirituality of the matter , than the seats they fit on , or the stones they tread on . ) There are a generation of hearers , who being told the naked truth , plainly reproved for their sins , shewn the judgments of God , and the due of what they deserve , and are like to undergo , if they go on , to the end they may repent and believe , that so they may be saved , will ( Ahab like ) carp , and fret , & chafe , and fume , and swell ; and spurn , against the very Word of God , and be ready to burst again for being so sharp and searching ; and thereupon persecute the Messenger , as Herodias did John , and the Pharisees , Christ. They love application as dearly , as a Dog does a cudgel . So that like Adders , they are not only deaf to the Charmer , but like Slow-worms , they hiss , and then turn their tails to sting him . Gods holy precepts and prohibitions harden them ; as the Sun hardens clay , and water hot iron . Or else they inrage them , as a furious mastiff Dog , is the madder for his chain . But when it comes to this , that men spurn at the means , and are hardned with the word , as steel is hardned with strokes ; or as Bulls grow mad with baiting : the best way is to leave them to their Judg , who hath messengers of wrath , for them that despise the messengers of his love , Psal. 81.11 , 12. See Luke 10.10 , 11. Prov. 29 & 1.24 , 25 , 26 , to 33. 2 Chron. 25.16 20. 1 Sam. 2.25 . And in reason , herbs that are worse for watering , trees that are less fruitful for digging , dunging , pruning , are to be rooted out , or hewed down And to admonish them is to no more purpose , than if one should speak to lifeless stones , or senseless plants , or witless beasts : for they will never fear any thing , till they be in Hell-fire . Wherefore God leaves them to be confuted with fire and brimstone , since nothing else will do it . Sect. 4. Thus you see what a wonderful difference there is in Hearers ! Onely herein they agree , all men ( good and bad ) love the light as it shines ; but the most of men hate it , as it discovers and directs . But the difference is so great , that it is admirable to think , how some men would not be prevailed withall , though an Angel should be sent unto them from the dead . And yet with what small means some others have been converted , as were Justin the Philosopher , Ciprian the Nicromancer , Saint Austin , Fulgentius , Francisco Junius , Malancton , Adrianus , Latimer , and many others . One treating upon the Prodigal son , and the Thief upon the Cross , mentions two famous strumpets , that were suddenly converted by this onely argument , that God seeth all things , even in the dark , when the doors are shut , and the Curtains drawn ; and Mountaigne tells of a Gallant , that ( sporting with a Curtezan in a house of sin ) happened to ask her name , which she said was Mary ; whereat he was so stricken with reverence and remorse , that he instantly both cast off the Harlot , and amended his whole future life . And indeed no means can be too weak where God intends success : yea , a thought onely hath sometimes served the turn . Nor needs there any more to a clarified understanding , than the bare thought of Gods Omnipresence , Omnisciency , or Omnipotency ; as being present every where , knowing every thought and intent of the heart , and being almighty to punish or reward evil and good Sect. 5 And so much of the kinds of hearers Onely a Question or Scruple may hereupon arise . The Minister or Author out of compassion to their precious souls , would shew them from Gods Word , the very faces of their hearts , and like Peter to Cornelius , Acts 11. tell them that , whereby ( with blessing from above ) they might be saved , vers . 14. the which some do kindly entertain , as Lot did those Angels that came to fetch him out of Sodom , Gen. 19. Others as churlishly reject , and as villainously entreat and handle them , as the Ammonites did Davids messengers , 2 Sam. 10.4 . Wherein ( may some say ) lies the difference ? Answ. I could give you sundry Reasons of it , I 'le onely name a few , being injoyned to contract all my matter into two sheets . First , Will makes the difference , and who makes the difference of wills , but he that made them ? He that creates the new heart , leaves a stone in one bosom , puts flesh into another ; and yet if God denies his grace , it is onely when he sees it contemned : As God oftentimes is so provoked , by their obstinate hardness and impenitency , that he gives them over to Satan , and up to the hardness of their own hearts , to be led by their lusts , and to walk in their own counsels ; as it is , Psal. 81.12 . Rom. 1.24 , 26. So that not God , but our selves , are the authors of sin , and of our own damnation , as it is , Hos. 13.9 . Of which , more in its due place . Secondly , The holy Word of God , which is Spirit and Life , is so quick , powerful and operative , that it will have its effect : where it does not quicken , it kils . None ever heard it , but they were either better or worse by it . It is a holy fire ; those whom it doth not purifie and cleanse , by melting into repentance , it doth consume and destroy by burning , into the ashes of prophaneness here , of confusion hereafter . It is the power of God unto salvation , to every one that believeth , Rom. 1.16 . And a sweet savour of life unto life , to them that are saved , 2 Cor. 2.16 . But it becomes the savour of death unto death , unto such as wrest and pervert the same to their own destruction , 2 Pet. 3.16 . And no marvel , for the same cause may have divers and contrary effects , in respect of sundry objects , as might be exemplified in the Sun , the wind , the same breath out of one mouth , the earth ; the stomack , the rain , &c. as might be largely shewn . In one garden , growes an hundred kinds of herbs of several operations and qualities ; some nutritive , others infective ; yet they all draw their juyce from one and the same Earth . Every Member receiveth nourishment from the stomack ; yea , the same meat in the stomack ? but that which the Liver receives becomes blood , that which the Gaul receiveth becomes cholar , that which the Lungs receive becomes fleam , and that which passeth into the paps becomes milk : So all receive the same good Word of God , but every one does not make the same use of it . For as one hath his faith strengthened by it , his patience increased , his judgment rectified , his will reformed , his life and practice amended , his love and zeal inflamed : so fares it with wicked men , in respect of the contrary vices , &c. Again , the Word of God , is like a fructifying dew or rain , which falls not upon any ground in vain . If these Celestial showers , fall into the Garden of a good heart , they raise up herbs and flowers ; if in a field , corn or grass ; whereas if they fall on clay , they make but dirt ; yea , the more rain , the more dirt : If upon kennells , or dunghils , a stink . Or if they produce any fruit , it is Weeds instead of herbs ; or perhaps briars and thorns , to scratch and wound the Husbandman that dresses it . Thus I might go on , and shew you how the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , is recieved by one to salvation , by another to his greater damnation , 1 Cor. 11.29 . The cloudy pillar , which gave light , and was a defence to Israel , became darkness and offence to the Egyptians , Exod. 14 20. And the like of Manna , Exod. 16 20. The Ark the Red Sea , and sundry the like which I might weary you with . Yea , Christ himself , who is a Rock to save all that believe in him , shivers his enemies in pieces , Mat. 21.44 . And immortality , the greatest blessedness of the Saints , is the greatest misery to the damned . No wonder then , if these Spiders , those Bees ; the wicked and the godly , suck , the one honey , the other poyson from the self fame flower of holy Writ . Sect. 6 Thirdly , Another reason why they so swell against their reprehender , is their guiltiness . And it is a sure sign the horse is gauled , that stirs too much when he is touched . In the Law of jealousies , if the suspected wife were guilty , that drank of the bitter waters of tryal , she would presently swell : if otherwise , she was well enough , Numb . 5.27 . Nor did you ever hear of any that were offended with wholsome truth for being untoothsom , that disliked the Minister for being too sharp and searching , but evil minds . But as good meats are unwelcome to sick persons : so is good counsel to obstinate and resolved sinners . Vnfound flesh loves to be stroaked , the least roughness puts it into a rage . Bad wares would have dark shops , Thieves will put out all the lights , that in the dark they may more securely rifle the house , John 3.19.20 , 21. So the conscience that is guilty of flagitious crimes , could wish the Heavens blind . Fourthly , No wicked man can indure to hear the downright truth : For then they must also hear the sentence of their own condemnation . What the Minister delivers is the very Word by which they are judged and condemned , therefore they loath as much to hear it , as the Prisoner at the Bar does abhor to hear his sentence from the just judg . And indeed , if many ( as we well know by experience ) love not to hear the worst of their temporal causes and cases , nor yet of their bodily distempers , with which their lives or estates be endangered ; how much more will wicked men decline from seeing their hainous abominations , and themselves guilty of Hell and eternal damnation ? though thereof , there be an absolute necessity , if ever they be saved . Sect. 7. And so much of the Reasons . From all which we may learn not to impute the cause of wicked mens raging , to any miscarriage in the messenger : for he may vindicate himself as Paul did , 1 Cor. 7.10 . I have not spoken , but the Lord. And therefore as the Lord said unto Saul , Acts 9.4 . that he persecuted him : So they which reject any truth delivered out of the word , do resist God himself , and not his messenger . And this for certain were Christ himself their Minister , they would much more oppose and persecute him , as the Priests and Pharisees did , when they heard him . Yea , consider it rightly , and you will grant , that there cannot be a greater honour done to a poor minister , than this . For , what sayes one of the Fathers ? It may well be doubted that ministers open not the Word aright , when wicked men kick not against it . Yea , sayes Luther , To preach the Gospel as we ought , is to stir up all the furies of Hell against us . And what saith our Saviour himself to his Apostles , in their pupil-age ? The World cannot hate you , but me it hateth ; because I testifie of it , that the works thereof are evil , John 7.7 . And so touching Paul , who had never become their enemy , but for telling them the truth , and dealing so plainly , and so roundly with them . Nor can there be such an argument , that a Minister studies more to profit , than to please men with his wholsome counsel ; as when he will not let them sleep and snort in their sins , but cry aloud against their abominations . Secondly , We may learn from the premises , that if any receive the Word with readiness , and become new creatures by hearing the same : not to attribute , or ascribe the praise thereof to the parties converted , or to the means or to the instrument ; but to God , who is the Author , and gives the blessing . For Paul may plant , and Apollo may water , but it is God onely that gives the increase . It is God alone that giveth words unto the wise , and virtue unto their words , 1 Cor. 3.5 , 6 , 7. And he will give success to whom , when , and as he pleaseth . Even twelve mean Fishermen , when he pleaseth , shall without force , or weapon , armour , bands of men , or stroke stricken , subdue the whole world to their King ! Hillary found not seventeen believers , and left not so many unbelievers in the whole City . Indeed in these dayes , Ministers may tear their throats , spend their lungs , and force their sides , in suing to ' a deaf world , and say , when they have done all they can , Who hath believed our report ? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ? Yea , how many painful Peters have complained to fish all night , and catch nothing ? Many professors , and few converts , hath been the lot of the Gospel in these last times , and since our means hath exceeded . Gods house ( as the streets of Jericho ) may be thronged , and yet but one Zacheus gained to the faith . And why so ? but for this cause ; if some few like the Bee , do gather from the Word , whatsoever addeth to their knowledg and vertue : the greatest number , use the same as some do artificial teeth , more for shew , than service ; more for ability of discourse than activity of practise ; to talk of it , than to walk by it . Whence it is , that God utters his saving truths , as it were in Parables ; so hiding them from the wise and prudent ( namely the proud , that are wise in their own Eyes ) and reveales them to babes and sucklings , ( that is , the humble and lowly ) as Austin speaks . Sect. 8. Which being so , let not him that hath five Talents , despise him that hath but two : Even those great lights of Heaven , the Sun and Moon , take not away the necessity of lamp light . To the making of the Tabernacle , fine linnen , and Goats hair , had their use ; as well as gold , silver , and precious stones . And the same God that gave proportion to the Cedar , gave also being to the Mushroom . Nor is the strength or weakness of means , either spur or bridle to the determinate choises of God ; who not seldom does greatest acts , by weakest agents . He chose Davids sling , rather than Sauls sword , to conquer Goliah Frogs Grashoppers , & Lice , rather than Bears and Lions , to fight against Pharaoh . Yea , he that with Rams horns overthrew the Walls of Jericho , hath sometimes chosen vile and weak means , to serve himself by , in great matters . Peter hath a Cock to tell him of his cowardise . And Balaam an Ass , to reprove his avarice . Yea , that God , who will bless where he pleaseth ; now and then gives the greater success to the weaker means . The men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonas : yet not the Jews , at the preaching of Christ , who was greater then Jonas . The Apostles did greater signs in Christs Name , than Christ himself , Joh. 14.12 . It was a greater miracle , that the shadow of St. Peter ( as he walked in the street ) should heal many sick persons , Acts 5.15 , 16. than that the hem of Christs vesture should heale one single woman of her bloudy Issue , Mat. 9.21 , 22. Who then can cavil , or indeed wonder , at the ensuing story the which I am now to relate ? Yea , who that hath either heart or brain , shall well consider this preceding matter , and the difference of Hearers , and not be forced to acknowledg that which follows , to be the case of every one that shall hear it , be they what they will ? I mean before their hearts are renewed with the power of Gods word , which is the strong arm of the Lord , and the mighty power of God to salvation . Rom. 1.16 . And the sword of the spirit , Eph. 6.17 . And like as a fire , or an hammer that breaketh even the Rock in pieces , Jer 23.29 , 30. And that irresistable Cannon-shot , that is mighty to beat down all the strong holds of sin and Satan , 2 Cor. 10.4 . Quick and powerful , and sharper than any two edged sword , and pierceth even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit , and of the joynts and marrow ; and to the discerning of the very , thoughts , and most secret intents of the heart , Heb. 4 12. Sect. 9. And look to it , for if thou dost not see and acknowledg the very secrets of thy heart to be clearly laid open to thy conscience , in the one or other , first or last of these ensuing Characters : I dare peremptorily conclude , That Satan the God of this world , hath blinded thy mind , that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ , who is the image of God , should not shine unto thee , 2 Cor. 4.3 , 4. Eph. 2.2 . 2 Thes. 2.9.10 , 11. 1 Tim. 4.2 . But this is the misery ! and a just plague upon our so much ignorance , formality , and prophaness , under our so much means of Grace : there be very few men , that make not the whole Bible , and all the Sermons they hear : yea the checks of their own Consciences , and the motions of Gods spirit utterly ineffectual ; for want of wit and grace , to apply the same to themselves , as they can unto others ; being better able to discern others meats , than their own beams . If you question what Satan can do in this case ? Look upon what he hath done to others , as wise , and as good , as the best of us . I le give you instances , both of the godly and wicked , and likewise Testimonies : I pray mind them seriously , and turn to the places , for they are exceeding considerable . In the first place take notice , how he blinded and deluded Ahabs four hundred Prophets , 1 Kings 22.22 . And Judas , John 13.2 . And all Magistrates , when they persecute the people of God , Rev. 2.10 . And indeed all men in their natural estate ; whereof not a few , think they do God good service , in persecuting and killing the Prophets ; as our Saviour expresly tells us , John 16 2. But see other particular instances , as that of Ananias and Saphira , Acts 5.3 . Then for the godly , how he hath blinded and beguiled them , as our first Parents , Adam and Eve ; Eve by himself , and Adam by making her his instrument ; and that in the state of innocency , when they had wit at will , Gen. 3. And holy David , a man after Gods own heart , 1 Chron. 21.1 . Then Peter , who so dearly loved Christ , Mat. 16.22 , 23. And having this done , argue thus with thy self ; If Satan so blinded and besotted these ; if he made such use of all these , whereof some were the best and wisest of Gods children and servants , who hate the very appearance of evil , 1 Thes. 5 22. Jude 23. Ephes. 5.27 . 2 Pet 3.14 . James 1.27 . Have the eye of faith , and the spirits direction , and know the mind of Christ above others , 1 Cor. 2.12 , to 17. John 10.14 . How much more can he work the same upon his own children and servants ? that delight onely in wickedness , and are ignorant of Satans wiles , as not having the least knowledge or ability to discern spiritual things , 1 Cor. 2.14 . 2 Cor. 4 4. But if you still question the truth of this , turn to Joh. 14.30 . and 12.31 . Gen. 3.15 . John. 8.44 . 2 Tim 2.20 . Eph. 2.2 , 3. which are such clear testimonies , that none ( who shut not their eyes against the light ) can gainsay , Mat. 13.15 . Which being so , in reading this ensuing Dialogue or Index of the heart , Make the application to your selves and not to others ; as David did Nathans parable , 2 Sam. 12.1 , to 8. And Ahab the Prophets , 1 Kings 20.39 , to 43. which yet concerned no less then their own lives And so much the rather , for that in all probability , what this will not effect touching your amendment no ordinary means are like to doe . As what can be further expected ? No glass can more lively represent your faces , than this Book does your hearts , if you be yet in your natural condition , unregenerate . Neither can you look that Christ Jesus himself should call to you severally by name , as he did to Saul ; for now we have the Gospel written at large : Visions and Miracles cease . Or put case Christ himself should do so , I question whether you would be any more warned , or reclaimed by it , than Hazael was , when the Prophet told him , what abominable wickedness he should shortly commit , 2 Kings 8.12 , 13 , &c. Yea , Abraham tells Dives the contrary , Luke 13 31. And so I come to the Conference it self . Sect. 10. A loose Libertine meeting with his friend that had lately been a formal Christian , he greets him as followeth : Sir ! Me thinks I have observed in you a strange alteration , since our last meeting at Middleborough : not onely in your behaviour , company , and converse ? but even in your countenance : What is the matter if I may be so bold ? Convert . Truly Sir , you are not at all mistaken , nor am I unwilling to acquaint you with the cause , if you can afford to hear it . Soon after my return into England , I was carried by a friend to hear a Sermon , where the Minister so represented the very thoughts , secrets , and deceitfulness of my heart unto my conscience , that I could not but say of him , as the Woman of Samaria once spake of our Saviour ; He hath told me all things that ever I did . Which made me conclude with that unbeliever , 1 Cor. 14. 24 , 25. That God was in him of a truth : nor could he ever have so done , if he were not of God , as the Young man in the Gospel reasoned with the Pharisees , touching Jesus , when he had opened his eyes that had been blind from his birth , John 9.32 , 33. Whereupon I could have no peace nor rest , until I had further communed with him about my estate ; for I found my self in a lost condition touching Eternity : It faring with me , as it did with those Jews , Acts 2. when Peter by his searching Sermon had convinced them , that Christ , whom they had by wicked hands crucified and slain , was the onely Son of God , and Lord of glory , verse 36 , 37. And having had the happiness to injoy the benefit of his sage advice , as I stood in need thereof , ( God having given him the tongue of the learned to administer a word in season to them that are weary , Isa. 50.4 . ) I bless God his word and spirit hath wrought in me such a change and strange alteration , that it hath opened mine eyes that were blind before , inclined my will to obedience , which before was rebellious , softned my heart , sanctified , and quite changed my affections : so that I now love that good which before I hated , and hate that evil which before I loved ; and am delighted with those holy exercises , which heretofore did most displease me ; and am displeased with those vain pleasures and filthy sins which in times past did most delight me . Which is such a mercy , that no tongue is able to express ! for till that hour , I went on in the broad way , and worlds road to destruction , without any mistrust , whereas now God hath been pleased to take me into his kingdom of grace here , & will never leave me , until he hath brought me to his kingdom of glory hereafter . Loose Libertine . What you speak makes me wonder : for I ever held you the compleatest man of my acquaintance ; just in all your dealings , temperate and civil in your deportment ; yea , I have never seen you exceed in the least , nor heard you swear an oath , except faith and truth , and that very rarely . Besides you have been a good Protestant , and gon to Church all your days . Convert . What you speak , none that know me can contradict ; nor could they ever accuse me of any scandalous crime , or unjust act . Yea , I had the same thoughts of my self ; and should any one have told me formerly , that I was such a great sinner , such a devil incarnate as I was ! I should have replied as Hazael did to the Prophet ( telling him of the abominable wickedness he would ere long commit ) What am I a dog , &c. 2 Kings 8.12 , 13. And no wonder , for as every man in his natural condition is stark blind to spirituall objects , 1 Cor. 2.14 . so the heart of man is deceitful above all things : even so deceitful , that none but God alone can know it , as the Prophet shews , Jer. 17.10 . But because this is a truth that transcends your belief , and because it may be of singular use to you also , to know the same : I will give you a short character of my former condition ; the which done , I doubt not but you will assent unto what I have hitherto said , or shall further relate . Sect. 11. First , Touching my knowledge , ( I mean saving knowledg , without which the soul cannot be good , as wise Solomon witnesseth , Prov. 19.2 . ) it was such , though I thought my self wiser than to make scruple of , or perplex my self about matters of Religion , as do the religious : even as the King of Tyrus thought himself wiser than Daniel , Ezek. 28.3 . that spiritual things were mostly represented to my understanding false , and clean contrary to what they are indeed . Like corporal things in a looking glass , wherein those that are on the right hand seem to be on the left , and those that are on the left hand seem to be on the right . As it fared with St. Paul ; while he was in his natural condition , Acts 26.9 . which made me think and call evil , good ; and good , evil ; bitter , sweet ; and sweet , bitter ; to justifie the wicked , and condemn the just , as the Prophet complains , Isa. 5.20 , 23. As for instance , I most sottishly thought , that I both loved and served God as I ought ; yea , I should have taken it in foul scorn , if any one had questioned the same ; when indeed I was a traytor to God , and took up arms against all that did worship him in spirit and in truth . I was so far from loving and serving him , that I hated those that did it ; and that for their so doing . I could also hear him blasphemed , reproached , and dishonoured , without being once stirred or moved at it . I loved him dearly , but I could never afford to speak a word for him : And likewise his Children entirely ; but instead of justifying them , or speaking in their defence when I heard them scoft , scorned and abused by wicked and ungodly men ; all my delight was to jear at , slight and slander them wherever I came . I more feared the Magistrate , than I feared God , and more regarded the blasts of mens breath , then the fire , of Gods wrath . I chose rather to disobey God , than to displease great ones ; and feared more the worlds scorns , than his anger . And the like of Christ that died for me ; a strong argument that I loved Christ , when I hated all that resembled him in holiness . Yea , I so hated holiness , that I most bitterly hated men for being holy : insomuch that my blood would rise at the sight of a good man , as some stomacks will rise at the sight of sweet-meats . I was a Christian in name , but I could scoff at a Christian indeed . I could honour the dead Saints in a formal profession , while I worried the living Saints in a cruel persecution . I condemned all for Roundheads , that had more religion than a Heathen , or knowledg of Heavenly things , than a child in the womb hath of the things of this life , or Conscience than an Atheist , or care of his soul , than a Beast . I had alwaies the basest thoughts of the best men : making ill constructions of whatsoever they did or spake ; as the Scribes and Pharisees dealt by our Saviour . Sect. 12. As , O what a poor slave did I hold the man of a tender conscience to be ! Yea , how did I applaud my self for being zealless and fearless ; together with my great discretion and moderation : when I saw this man vexed for his zeal , that other hated for his knowledg , a third persecuted for the profession of his Faith , &c. For , ( being like Cain , Ishmael , Eliah , Michel , Pharaoh and Festus ) I thought their Religion Puritanism , their conscience of sin , hypocrisie ; their profession , dissimulation ; their prudence , policy : their faith and confidence , presumption ; their zeal of Gods glory , to be pride and malice , their obedience to Gods laws , rebellion to Princes ; their execution of justice , cruelty &c. If they were any thing devout , or forward to admonish others , that so they might pluck them out of the fire ; I conceived them to be beside themselves , as our Saviour was thought to be by his Kinsfolk , and St. Paul by Festus , Mark 3.21 . John 10.20 . Acts 26.24 . 1 Cor. 1.18 . My religion was to oppose the power of religion , and my knowledge of the truth , to know how to argue against the truth . I never affected Christs Ambassadours , that preached the glad tidings of salvation , but had a spleen against them ; yea , I hated a Minister for being a Minister , especially if a godly and zealous one , that spake home to my conscience , and told me of my sins ; much more if he would not admit me to the Lords Table without trial and examination ; yea , then like Ahab to Eliah , I became his enemy , and hated him ever after ; would impeach his credit , and detain from him his dues . And are not all these strong evidences , that I loved and served God , and my Redeemer as I ought ? But to make it more manifest what a rare Christian I was , I thought my self a Believer ; yea , I could boast of a strong Faith , when yet I fell short of the very Devils in believing : for they believe the threats and judgments contained in the Word , and tremble thereat James 2.19 . Whereas I thought them but Scare-crows to fright the simple withal : yea , I held Hell it self but a fancy , not worth the fearing . Because I was not notoriously wicked , but had a form of godliness , was civil , &c I was able to delude my own soul , and put off all reproofs and threatnings , by comparing my self with those , that I presumed were worse than my self ; as Drunkards , Adulterers , Blasphemers , Oppressors , shedders of blood , and the like ; counting none wicked but such . Yea , looking upon these , I admired my own holiness , and thought my moral honesty would be sufficient to save me . Nor did I know wherein I had offended . And whereas the Law is spiritual , and binds the heart from affecting , no less than the hand from acting : I was so blind and ignorant , that I thought the Commandment was not broken , if the outward gross sin be forborn . Whence these were my thoughts , I never brake the first Commandment of having many gods ; for I was no Papist , nor Idolater : nor the second , for I worshipped God aright . Nor the third , for I had been no common swearer , only a few petty oaths . Nor the fourth , for I had every Sabbath gone duly to Church . Nor the fifth , for I ever honoured my parents , & have been a loyal subject . Nor the sixth , seventh , eighth , ninth , or tenth ; for I never committed murder or adultery , never stole ought , never bare false witness ; nor could I call to mind that I had at any time coveted my neighbours wife , servant , estate , &c. And nothing more common with me , than to brag of a good heart and meaning , of the strength of my faith and hope , of my just and upright dealing , &c. And because I abstained from notorious sins , I thought my self an excellent Christian , if God was not beholding to me for not wounding his Name with Oaths ; for not drinking & playing out his sabbaths , for not railing on his ministers , for not oppressing & persecuting his poor members , &c. Sect. 13. And yet had it been so , as I imagined : Admit I had never offended in the least all my life , either in thought , word , or deed ; yet this were but one half of what I owe to God , this were but to observe the negative part of his law , still the affirmative part thereof I had been so far from performing , that I had not so much as thought of it . And to be just in the sight of God , and graciously accepted of him ; these two things are required : the satisfactory part to escape hell , and the meritorious part to get heaven . And the true method of grace is , Cease to do evil , learn to do well , Isa. 1.16 , 17. The Fig tree was cursed , not for bearing evil fruit , but because it bare no good . The evil servant was not bound hand and foot , and cast into prison , for wasting his masters goods ; but for not gaining with them . And those reprobates at the last day shall be bid depart into everlasting fire ; not for wronging or robbing of any , but for not giving , for not comforting Christs poor members , Mat. 25. So that my case was most desperate ! For though with that Pharisee , Luk. 18.11 . I was apt to thank God and brag , that I was just , and paid every man his due , yet I never thought of being holy , and of paying God his dues ; as his due of believing , or repenting , of new obedience ; his due of praying , hearing , conferring , meditating on his word and works , sanctifying his sabbaths , and instructing my children & servants , teaching them to fear the Lord. His due of love , fear , thankfulness , zeal for his glory , charity and mercy to Christs poor Members , and the like I should have serv'd God in spirit , & according to Christs Gospel : as all that are wise hearted indeavour go live , & believe , & hear , and invocate , and hope , and fear , and love , and worship God in such manner as his word prescribes . I should have been effectually called , and become a new creature by regeneration , being begotten and born anew by the immortal seed of the word . I should have found an apparent change wrought in my judgment , affections , and actions , to what they were formerly . The Old man should have changed with the New-man , Worldly wisdom with Heavenly wisdom , carnal love with spiritual love , servile fear for Christian and Filial fear , idle thoughts for holy thoughts , vain words for holy and wholsom words , fleshly works for works of righteousness : even hating what I formerly loved , and loving what I formerly hated . But alas ! I have heard the Gospel day after day , and year after year : which is the strong arm of the Lord , and the mighty power of God to salvation . That is quick , and powerful , and sharper than any two Edged sword , and yet stood it out and resisted , instead of submitting to Christs call ; even refusing the free offer of Grace and Salvation . I have heard the Word faithfully and powerfully preached for forty years , yet remained in my natural condition unregenerate , without which new birth there is no being saved , as our Saviour affirms , John 3.5 I had not trodden one step in the way to conversion ; for the first part of conversion is to love them that love God , 1 John 3.10 , 11 , 14. I should daily have grown in grace , and in the knowledg of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : but I was so far from growing in grace , that I had not one spark of grace or holiness , without which no man shall see the Lord , Heb. 12.14 . I was all for observing the second Table , without respect to the first ; or all for outward conformity , not at all for spiritual and inward holiness of the heart . Sect. 14. Either what I did was not morally good for the matter , or not well done for the manner ; nor to any right ends : as out of duty and thankfulness to God and my Redeemer , and out of love to my fellow members . Without which , the most glorious performances , and the rarest vertues , are but shining sins , or beautiful abominations . Gods glory was not my principal end , nor to be saved my greatest care . I was a good civil , moral honest hypocrite , or infidel ; but none of these graces grew in the garden of my heart . I did not shine out as a light , by a holy conversation to glorifie God , and win others . Now onely to refrain evil , except a man hates it also , and does the contrary good , is to be evil still : because honesty without piety , is but a body without a soul. All my Religion was either superstition or formality , or hypocrisie , I had a form of Godliness , but denied the power thereof : I often drew near unto God with my mouth , and honoured him with my lips , but my heart was far from him , Isa. 25.13 . Mark 7.2 , to 14. Mat. 15.7 , to 10. All which considered , viz the means which God had afforded me , and the little use I had made thereof , left me in a far worse condition , then the very Heathen that never heard of Christ. So that it was Gods unspeakable mercy , that I am not at this present frying in Hell flames , never to be freed . God hath sent unto us all his servants the Prophets , rising up early , and they have been instant in preaching the Gospel , both in season , and out of season : but my carnal heart hath ever been flint unto God , wax unto Satan : You shall die if you continue in the practise of sin , I heard : but you shall not die , ( as saith the Devil ) I believed . Sect. 15. Besides all this , Suppose I had none of these to answer for ; neither sins of Commission , nor sins of Omission : yet Original sin were enough to damn me , no need of any more ; and yet my actual transgressions have been such , and so many , and my ingratitude therein so great , that it might have sunk me down with shame , and left me hopeless of ever obtaining pardon for them . As see but some small part of my monstrous and devilish ingratitude to so good a God , so loving and merciful a Saviour and Redeemer , that hath done , and suffered so much for me , even more than can either be expressed or conceived , by any heart , were it as deep as the Sea ! Touching what God and Christ hath done for me ; in the first place he gave me my self , and all the creatures to serve for my use ; yea he created me after his own image in righteousness and holiness , and in perfect knowledg of the truth , with a power to stand , and for ever to continue in a most blessed and happy condition . But this was nothing in comparison ; for when I was in a sad-condition ; when I had forfeited all this , and my self ; when by sin I had turned that image of God into the image of Satan , and wilfully plunged my soul and body into Eternal torments : when I was become his enemy , mortally hating him , and to my utmost fighting against him , and taking part with his onely enemies Sin and Satan , not having the least thought or desire of reconcilement , but a perverse and obstinate will to resist all means tending thereunto : he did redeem me , not onely without asking , but even against my will ; so making of me his cursed enemy , a servant ; of a servant , a son ; of a son , an heir , and coheir with Christ , Gal. 4.7 . But how have I required this so great , so superlative a mercy ? All my recompence of Gods love unto me , hath been to do that which he hates , and to hate those whom he loves . Christ the fountain of all good , is my Lord by a manifold right , and I his servant by all manner of obligations . First , he is my Lord by the right of creation , as being his workmanship made by him . Secondly , by the right of Redemption , being his purchase bought by him . Thirdly of preservation being kept , upheld , and maintained by him . Fourthly , his by Vocation , even of his Family , having admitted me a member of his visible Church . Fifthly , his also ( had it not been my own fault ) by sanctification , whereby to possess me . Lastly , he would have me of his Court by glorification , that he might crown me , so that I was every way his God had raised me from a beggar to a great estate : But how did I requite him ? I would not , if possible , suffer a godly and conscientious minister to be chosen , or to abide where I had to do , but to bring in one that would flatter sin , and flout holiness , discourage the godly , and incourage the wicked . I used both my own and all my friends utmost ability . Much more might be mentioned , but I fear to be tedious . Now argue with all the world , and they will conclude , that there is no vice like ingratitude ! But I have been more ungrateful to God , than can be exprest by the best Oratour alive . It was horrid ingratitude in the Jews , to scourge and crucifie Christ , who did them good every way ; for he healed their diseases fed their bodies , enlightned their minds , of God became man , and lived miserably amongst them many years , that he might save their souls : but they fell short of my ingratitude to God , in that most of them were not in the least convinced , that he was the Messias sent from God , and promised from the beginning . But I have not onely denied this Lord that bought me , but I hated him ; yea , most spitefully and maliciously fought on Satans and Sins side against him , and persecuted his children , and the truth with all my might : and all this against knowledg and conscience , after some measure of illumination , which cannot be affirmed of the Jews . Yet miserable wretch that I was , if I could have given him my body and soul , they should have been saved by it , but he were never the better for them . Sect. 16. Lastly , to tell you that which is more strange ! Notwithstanding all this that hath been mention'd , and much more : Yet I thought my self a good Christian forsooth ; yea , with that young man in the Gospel . I thought I had kept all the commandments . Nor was I a whit troubled for sin , either original or actual , but my conscience was at quiet , and I was at peace ; neither did any sin trouble me . Yea , I would applaud my self with that Pharisee , Luke 18.9 , to 15. and say , I was not like other men : not once doubting of my salvation . I ever refused to do what my Maker commanded , and yet confidently hoped to escape what he threatned . Nor did I doubt of having Christ my Redeemer and Advocate in the next life , when I had been a bitter enemy to him and his members in this life . Here was blindness with a witness ; as it is not to be believed how blind & blockish men are , that have onely the flesh for their guide ; especially if they have hardned their hearts , and feared their consciences with a customary sinning . As I could give you for instance , a large catalogue of rare Examples how sin hath besotted men , and what stark fools carnal men are in spiritual things , be they never so wise for mundane knowledg . But least it should be taken for a digression or excursion , you shall have a list of them by themselves , the which I will add as an Appendix to this Discourse , or Dialogue . In the mean time I have given you a brief of my manifold provocations , and great ingratitude , to my Maker and Redeemer ( for otherwise I might be endless in the prosecution thereof . ) It remains that I should in like manner lay open my Original Defilement ; which is the Fountain whence all the former ( whether sins of commission , or sins of omission ) do flow . But touching it , be pleased to peruse that small Tract , intituled , A short and sure way to Grace and Salvation : Or , Three Fundamental Principles of Christian Religion , by R. Y from p. 4 to p. 10. Sect. 17. Loose Libertine . if this hath been your case , no wonder it hath startled you ; for to deal plainly with you , as you have done with me ; what I have heard from you , makes me tremble . For if such honest moral men , that live so unreproveably as you have done , go not to Heaven , what will become of me , that have been so openly prophane , and notoriously wicked all my time ? Yea , it contented me not to doe wickedly my self , and to damn my own soul , but I have been the occasion of drawing hundreds to hell with me , by seducing some , and giving ill example to others , ( the infection of sin , being much worse than the act . ) As how many have I drawn to be drunkards , and swearers , and whoremongers , and prophane persons ; Insomuch , that the blood of so many souls , as I have drawn away , will be required at my hands . Yea , my life hath been so debauch'd and licentious , that I have brought a scandal upon the Gospel and made it odious to the very Turks and Infidels , Rom. 2.24 . Convert . Alas I what I did that was morally good , or what evil I refrained , was more for self-ends , or for fear of mens Laws , than for love of Christs Gospel . True , I went under the notion of an honest man , and a good Christian : I was baptized into the Faith , and made a member of Christs visible Church ; but I was so far from endeavouring to perform what I then promised , that in effect I even renounced both Christ , and my Baptism , in persecuting him , & all that sincerely professed his Name , thinking I did God good service therein , John 16.2 . Gal. 1.13 , 14. Phil. 3.6 . Nor was it for want of ignorance , that you thought so of me : for by nature ( be we never so mild and gentle ) we are all the seed of the serpent , Gen. 3.15 . and children of the Devil , John 8.44 . Yea , the very best moral man , is but a tame Devil , as Athanasius well notes . But it is a true Proverb , The blind eat many a Fly , and all Colours are alike to him that is in the dark . Loose Libertine . So much the worse is my condition ; for my conscience tells me , there is not a word you have spoken of your self , but I can justly apply the same unto my own soul , & a great deal more : for whereas you have been a moral honest man , so that none except your self , could tax you for breaking either Gods Law , or mans : I have been so wicked and prophane , that I could most presumptuously , and of set purpose , take a pride in my wickedness , commit it with greediness , speak of it , defend it , joy in it , boast of it , tempt , and inforce to it ; yea , mock them that disliked it . As if I would send challenges into Heaven , and make love to destruction , and yet did applaud my self , and prefer my own condition before other mens : saying , I was no dissembler ; yea , I hated the hypocrisie of Professors : I do not justifie my self , and despise others , like the Puritans : I am not factious , schismatical , singular , censorious , &c. I am not rebellious , nor contentious , like the Brownists and Anabaptists . I am a good fellow , and love an honest man with my heart , &c. and as touching a good conscience , I was never troubled in mind , as many scrupulous fools are . I have a good heart , and mean as well as the precisest . But now I see the Devil and my own deceitful heart deluded me so , that my whole life hitherto , hath been but a dream , and that like a blind man , I was running headlong to Hell , when yet I thought my self in the way to Heaven . Just as if a Beggar should dream that he were a King ; or as if a Traytor should dream of his being Crowned , when indeed he was to be beheaded ; the case of Laodicea , Rev. 3.17 . the young man in the Gospel , Luke 18.20 , 21. and that Pharisee , spoken of , Luke 18.11 , 12. Sect. 18. Convert . It was not your case alone , but so it fares with the worst of sinners : Onely it much rejoyces me , that it hath pleased God to open your eyes , to see all this in your self . For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto you . Yea , we are naturally so blind , and deaf , and dead in sin , and in soul , that we can no more discern our spiritual filthiness , nor feel sin to be a burden , than a blind Ethiopian can see his own blackness , or then a dead man can feel the weight of a burden , when it is laid upon him , Acts 28.27 . Isa. 6 9 , 10. And this common experience shews ; for if you observe it , who more jocund , confident , and secure , than the worst of sinners ? They can strut it under an unsupportable mass of Oaths , Blasphemies , Thefts , Murders , Adulteries , Drunkenness , and other the like sins ; yea , can easily swallow these spiders with Mithridates , and digest them too : when one that is regenerate shrinks under the burden of wandring thoughts , and want of proficiency . But why is it ? They are dead in sin , Ephes. 2.1 . Revel . 3.1 . Now lay a mountain upon a dead man , he feels not once the weight . To a Christian that hath the life of grace , the least sin lies heavy upon the conscience ! but to him that is dead , let his sins be as heavy as a mountain of lead , he feels in them no weight at all . Again they are insensible of their sin and danger , because ignorant ; for , for what the eye seeth not , the heart rueth not . Security makes worldlings merry , and therefore are they secure , because they are ignorant . A dunce , we know , seldom makes doubts : Yea , a fool , says Solomon , boasteth and is confident , Prov. 14.16 . neither do blind men ever blush . And the truth is , were it not for pride and ignorance , a world of men would be ashamed to have their faces seen abroad . For take away from mens minds vain opinions , flattering hopes , false valuations , imaginations , and the like ; you will leave the minds of most men and women , but poor shrunken things , full of melancholy , indisposition , and unpleasing to themselves . Ignorance is a vail or curtain to hide away their sins , wherupon they are never troubled in conscience , nor macerated with cares about eternity ; but think that all will be well . The Devil and the Flesh prophesie prosperity to sin ; yea , life and salvation , as the Pope promised the Powder Traytors : but Death and Damnation ( which Gods Spirit threatens ) will prove the crop they will reap . For God is true , the Devil and all Flesh are liars . When we become regenerate , and forsake sin ; then the devil strongly and strangely assaults us ▪ as he did Christ , when he was newly baptized ; and Pharaoh the children of Israel , when they would forsake Egypt ; and Herod the children , when Christ was come to deliver his people . Whence commonly it comes to pass , that those think best of themselves , that have least cause ; yea , the true Christian , is as fearful to entertain a good opinion of himself , as the false is unwilling to be driven from it . They that have store of grace mourn for the want of it , and they that indeed want it , chant their abundance . None so apt to doubt their Adoption , as they that may be assured of it : nor none more usually fear then they that have the greatest cause to hope . We feel corruption , not by corruption , but by Grace , and therefore the more we feel our inward corruption , the more Grace we have . Contraries , the nearer they are one to another , the sharper is the conflict betwixt them . Now of all enemies , the Spirit and the Flesh are nearest one to another , being both in the Soul of a regenerate man , and in all faculties of the soul , and in every action that springeth from those faculties . The more Grace , the more Spiritual life ; and the more Spiritual life , the more antipathy to the contrary ; whence none are so sensible of corruption , as those that have the most Living Souls . Sect. 19. Now for Remedy of the contrary , there cannot be a better lesson for carnal men to learn , than this , All the promises of God are conditional , to take place , if we repent ; as all the threatnings of God are conditional , to take place , if we repent not . But wicked men , as they believe without repenting ; their Faith being meer presumption : so they repent without believing , their repentance being indeed Desperation : and this observe , we are cast down in the disappointment of our hopes , in the same measure , as we were too much lifted up in expectation of good from them . Whence these peremptory presumers , if ever they repent , it is commonly as Francis Spira , an Advocate of Padua , did : and never did any man plead so well for himself , as he did against himself . One Star is much bigger than the Earth , yet it seems many degrees less . It is the nature of fear to make dangers greater , helps less than they are Christ hath promised peace and rest unto their souls that labour , and are heavy laden , and to those that walk according to rule , Mat. 11.29 . Gal. 6.16 . even peace celestial in the state of grace , and peace eternal in the state of glory . Such therefore as never were distressed in conscience , or live loosly , never had true peace . Peace is the Daughter of Righteousness , Rom. 5.1 . Being justified by faith , we have peace with God. But he who makes a Bridge of his own shadow , will be sure to fall into the Water . Those blocks , that never in their life were moved with Gods threatnings , never in any streight of conscience , never groaned under the burden of Gods anger : they have not so much as entred into the porch of this house , or lift a foot over the threshold of this school of repentance , Oh! that we could but so much fear the eternal pains , as we do the temporary : and be but so careful to save our souls from torment , as our bodies . In the mean time , the case of these men is so much the worse , by how much their fear is the less . It faring with the soul , as with the body , Those diseases , which do take away all sense of pain , are of all others most desperate . As the dead palsie , the falling sickness , the sleepy lethargy , &c. And the patient is most dangerously sick when he hath no feeling thereof . In like manner , whilest they suppose themselves to be free from judgment , they are already smitten with the heaviest of Gods judgments , a heart that cannot repent , Rom. 2.5 . In a Lethargy , it is needful the Patient should be cast into a burning Feaver , because the senses are benummed , and this will waken them , and dry up the besotting humours . So in our dead security , before our conversion , God is fain to let the Law , Sin , Conscience , and Satan loose upon us , and to kindle the very fire of Hell in our souls , that so we might be roused out of our security : but thousands of these blocks both live and depart with as great hopes , as men go to a Lottery , even dreaming of Heaven , until they awake in Hell. For they too often die without any remorse of conscience , like blocks ; or as an Ox dies in a ditch . Yea , thousands that live like Laban , die like Nabal , ( which is but the same word inverted ) whilest others , the dear children of God , die in distress of Conscience . For it is not every good mans hap to die like Antonius Pius , whose death was after the fashion and semblance of a kindly and pleasant sleep . However St. Austins rule will be sure to hold , He cannot die ill , that hath lived well ; and for the most part , He that lives conscionably , dies comfortably , and departeth rich . And so you see how it fares with the wickedest and worst of men . Wherefore if you are truly sensible of your wretchedness , it is a good sign , that you are in some forwardness to be recovered : and really to become so good , as formerly you but dreamed , or imagined your self to be . And indeed the very first step to grace , is to feel the want of grace , and the next way to receive mercy , is to see your self miserable . Therefore our constant and most diligent search should be to find out the naughtiness of our own hearts ; and to get strength from God against our prevailing corruptions . Sect. 20. Loose Libertine . But is there any hope for one so wicked as I ? who have turned the grace of God into wantonness , applying Christs passion as a warrant for my licentiousness , not as a remedy , and taking his death as a license to sin , his Cross as a Letters patent to do mischief . As if a man should head his drum of rebellion with his pardon . For I have most spightfully , and malitiously taken up Arms against my Maker , and fought against my Redeemer all my dayes . Convert . Do but unfeignedly repent you of your sins , and forsake your former evill wayes , and lay hold upon Christ by a true and lively faith ; my soul for yours , God is very ready to forgive them , be they never so many , and innumerable for multitude ; never so hainous for quality and magnitude . Yea , I can shew you your Pardon from the great King of Heaven , for all that is past , the which you may read at large , Isa , 55.7 . Ezek. 18.21 , to 29. and 33.11 . Joel 2.12 , 13 , 14. Yea , read 1 Cor. 6.10 , 11. together with the story of Manasses , Mary Magdalen , the Thief , and the Prodigal Son ; and you shall see presidents thereof . Yea , the very murderers of the Son of God , upon their serious and unfeigned repentance , and stedfast believing in him , received pardon and salvation . And indeed despair is a sin which never knew Jesus . True every sin deserves damnation ; but no sin shall condemn , but the lying and continuing in it . True repentance is ever blest with forgiveness . And know this that Gods mercy is greater than thy sin , whatever it be : you cannot be so infinite in sinning , as he is infinite in pardoning , if you repent ; yea , sins upon repentance are so remitted , as if they had never been committed . I will put away thy transgressions as a cloud , and thy sins as a mist , Isa. 44.22 . And what by corruption hath been done , by repentance is undone . As the former examples witness . Come and let us Reason together , saith the Lord , though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow , Isa. 1.18 . Yea , whiter than snow . For the Prophet David , laying open his blood guiltiness , and his original impurity , useth these words , Purge me with Hysop , and I shall be clean ; wash me , and I shall be whiter than snow , Psal. 51.7 . And in reason , did Christ come to call sinners to repentance ? and shall he not shew mercy to the penitent ? Or , who would not cast his burden upon him , that desires to give ease ? As I live , saith the Lord , I would not the death of a sinner , Ezek. 18.32 . and 33.11 . Onely , apply not this salve , before the ulcer be searched to the bottome : Lay not hold upon mercy , until thou be'st throughly humbled . The onely way to become good , is , first to believe that you are evil , and by accusing our selves , we prevent Satan ; by judging our selves , we prevent God. Are we as sick of sorrow , as we are of sin ? Then may we hopefully go to the Physitian of our Souls , who came into the World onely to cure the sick , and to give light to them onely , who sit in darkness , and in the shadow of Death . God does not pour the Oyl of Grace , but into a broken and contrite Heart . Wouldest thou get out of the miserable estate of Nature , into the blessed estate of Grace ? and of Satans bond-slave , become the Child of God , and a Member of Christ ? Wouldest thou truly know thine own Heart ? and be very sensible how evil and wicked it is ? that so thou mayest have a more humble conceit of thy self ? Lay to heart these three particulars : 1. The corruption of our nature , by reason of original sin . 2. Our manifold breach of Gods Righteous Law , by actual sin . 3. The guilt and punishment due to us for them both . This being done , thou wilt see and finde thy necessity of a Redeemer . And it is Thirst onely that makes us relish our Drink , Hunger our meat : The full Stomack of a Pharisee , surcharged with the superfluitics of his own Merits , will loath the Honey-comb of Christs Righteousness . This was it which made the Young Prodigal to relish even servants fare , though before wanton , when full fed at home . No more relish feels the Pharisaical heart in Christs blood , than in a chip : But O how acceptable is the Fountain of living Waters , to the chased Heart panting and braying ? The blood of Christ , to the weary and tired soul ; to the thirsty Conscience scorched with the sense of Gods wrath : He that presents him with it , how welcome is he ? even as a special choice man , one of a thousand . And the deeper the sense of Misery is , the sweeter the sense of Mercy is . Sect. 21. Then if you would be satisfied for time to come , whether your Repentance and Conversion be true and sound , these particulars will infallibly inform you . If you shall persevere ( when this trouble for sin is over ) in doing that which now you purpose , it is an infallible signe your Repentance is found , otherwise not . If thou doest call to minde the Vow which thou madest in Baptism , and doest thy endeavour to perform that which then thou didst promise . If thou doest square thy life according to the Rule of Gods Word , and not after the Rudiments of the World. If thou art willing to forsake all sin , without reserving one , ( for otherwise that one sin , may prove the bane of all thy Graces , even as Gideon had seventy sons , and but one Bastard , and yet that Bastard destroyed all the rest that were legitimate , Judg. 9.5 . ) Sin is like the Ivy in the Wall , cut off bough , branch , body , stump , yet some Sprigs or other will sprout out again : Till the Root be pluckt up , or the Wall be pulled down and ruined , it will never utterly die . Regeneration or New-birth , is a creation of new qualities in the soul ; as being by nature onely evil disposed . Gods children are known by this mark , They walk not after the Flesh , but after the Spirit , Rom. 8.1 . If Christ have called you to his service , your life will appear more spiritual and excellent than others . As for your fails , it is a sign that sin hath not gained your consent , but committed a Rape upon your Soul , when you cry out to God. If the ravished Virgin under the Law cryed out , she was pronounced guiltless . A sheep may fall into the mire , but a swine delights to wallow in the mire . Great difference between a woman that is forced , though she cries out and strives , and an alluring Adultress . Again , the thoughts of the godly , are godly , of the wicked , worldly ; and by these , good and evil men are best , and truliest differenced one from another . Would we know our own hearts , and whether they be changed by a new birth : Examine we our thoughts , words , actions , passions , especially our thoughts will inform us , for these cannot be subject to hypocrisie , as words and deeds are . Sect. 22. Then by way of Caution , know , That a Childe may as soon create it self , as a man in the state of nature , regenerate himself . We cannot act in the least , unless God bestows upon us daily privative grace to defend us from evil , and daily positive grace , enabling us to do good . And those that are of Christs teaching , know both from the Word , and by Experience , that of themselves they are not onely weak , but even dead to what is good , moving no more than they are moved ; that their best works are faulty , all their sins deadly , all their Natures corrupted originally . You hath he quickned , that were dead in trespasses and sins , Eph. 2.1 . Yea , we are altogether so dead in sin , that we cannot stir the least joynt , no not so much as feel our own deadness , nor desire life , except God be pleased to raise and restore our souls , from the death of sin , and grave of long custom , to the life of grace . Apt we are to all evil , but reprobate and indisposed to all Grace and Goodness ; yea , to all the means thereof . My Powers are all corrupt , corrupt my will : Marble to good , but Wax to what is ill . Insomuch , that we are not sufficient of our selves to think , much less to speak , least of all to do that which is good , 2 Cor. 3.5 . John 15.4 , 5. If we have power to chuse or refuse the object , to do these well we have no power . We have ability , we have will enough , to undo our selves , scope enough Hell-ward ; but neither motion , nor will to do good , that must be put into us by him that gives both power and will , and power to will. Finally , Each sanctified heart feels this , but no words are able sufficiently to express , what impotent wretches we are , when we are not sustained . So that we have no merit , but the mercy of God to save us : nothing but the blood of Christ , and his mediation to cleanse and Redeem us : nothing but his obedience to inrich us . As for our good works , we are altogether beholding to God for them , not God to us , nor we to our selves , because they are only his works in us . Whatsoever thou art , thou owest to him that made thee : whatever thou hast , thou owest to him that Redeemed thee . Therefore if we do any thing amiss , let us accuse our selves : if any thing well , let us give all the praise to God. And indeed , this is the test of a true or false Religion : that which teacheth us to exalt God most , and most to depress our selves is the true : that which doth most prank up our selves , and detract from God , is the false , as Bonaventure well notes . Sect. 23. Now to wind up with a Word of Exhortation ; If thou beest convinced , and resolvest upon a new course ; let thy resolution be peremptory and constant , and take heed you harden not again , as Pharaoh , the Philistines , the Young man in the Gospel , Pilate and Judas did : resemble not the Iron , which is no longer soft , than it is in the Fire ; for that good ( saith Gregory ) will do us no good , which is not made good by perseverance . If with these premonitions , the Spirit hath vouchsafed to stir up in thine heart any good motions , and holy purposes to obey God , in letting thy sins go ; Quench not , grieve not the spirit , 1 Thes. 5.19 . Return not with the Dog to thy vomit , least thy latter end prove seven-fold worse than thy beginning , Mat. 12.43 , 45. Oh it is a fearful thing to receive tho grace of God in vain ! and a desperate thing , being warned of a Rock , wilfully to cast our selves upon it . Neither let Satan perswade you to defer your repentance ; no not an hour , lest your Resolution proves as a false conception , which never comes to bearing . Besides , death may be sudden : even the least of a thousand things can kill you , and give you no leisure to be sick . Thirdly , If thou wilt be safe from evil works , avoid the occasions ; have no fellowship with the workers of iniquity : neither fear their scoffes ; for this be sure of , If your person and wayes please God , the world will be displeased with both : If God be your friend , men will be your enemies : if they exercise their malice , it is where he shews mercy . But take heed of losing Gods favour to keep theirs . Beda tells of a Great man , that was admonished by his friends in his sickness to repent : who answered , He would not yet ; for that if he should recover , his friends and companions would laugh at him : but growing sicker and sicker , they again prest him ; but then his answer was , That it was now too late ; for I am judged and condemned already . A man cannot be a Nathanael , in whose heart there is no guile , but the World counts him a fool . But Christ sayes , Verily except ye be converted , and become as little Children , ye shall not enter into the Kingdome of Heaven , Matth. 18.3 . Again , Satan and your deceitful heart will suggest unto you , that a Religious life , is a dampish and melancholy life : but holy David will tell you , That light is sown to the Righteous , and joy to the upright , Psal. 97.11 . Isa. 65.14 . And experience tells us , that Earthly and Bodily joyes , are but the body , or rather the dregs of that joy , which Gods people feel and are ravished with . As Oh the calm , and quietness of a good Conscience ! the assurance of the pardon of sin , and joy in the Holy Ghost , the honesty of a virtuous and holy life , how sweet they are ! Yea , even Plato , an Heathen could say , That if Wisdome and Virtue could but represent it self to the Eyes , it would set the heart on fire with the love of it . And the like of a sinners sadness , as hear what Seneca sayes ; If there were no God to punish him , no Devil to torment him , no Hell to burn him , no man to see him ; yet would he not sin , for the ugliness and filthiness of sin , and the guilt and sadness of his Conscience . But Experience is the best informer : wherefore take the counsel of holy David , Psalm 34.8 . O taste and see ! that the Lord is good , blessed is the man that trusteth in him . To which accordeth that of holy Bernard , Good art thou , O Lord , to the soul that seeks thee ; what art thou then , to the soul that findes thee ? As I may appeal to any mans Conscience , that hath been softned with the Unction of Grace , and truly tasted of the powers of the World to come , to him that hath the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost ; whether his whole life be not a perpetual Hallelujah in comparison of his natural condition : Whence they are able to slight all such objections , as he did . You tell me that scrupling of small matters , is but stumbling at straws , that they be but trifles : when I know your tongue can tell nothing but truth , I will believe you . Fifthly , Beg of God that he will give you a new heart , and when the heart is changed , all the members will follow after it , as the rest of the creatures after the Sun when it ariseth . But without a work upon the heart , wrought by the spirit of God , it will follow its own inclination to that which it affecteth , whatsoever the judgment shall say to the contrary . That must be first reformed , which was first deformed . It is idle , and to no purpose to purge the chaanel , when the fountain is corrupt . Whence the Apostle orderly bids us , first , Be renewed in the Spirit of our mindes ; and then , Let him that stole , steal no more , Ephes. 4.23 , 24. Yea , it is Gods own counsel to the men of Jerusalem , Jer. 4. Wash thy heart from wickedness : that thou mayest be saved , verse 14. It is most ridiculous to apply Remedies to the outward parts , when the distemper lies in the stomack . To what purpose is it to crop off the top of weeds , or top off the boughes of the Tree , when the Root and Stalk remain in the Earth ? As cut off the sprig of a Tree , it growes still ; a Bough , an Arm , still it growes ; lop off the top ; yea , saw it in the midst , yet it will grow again ; stock it up by the roots , then ( and not till then ) it will grow no more : Whence it is that God saith , Give me thine heart , Prov. 23.26 . Great Cities once expunged , the dorps and villages will soon come in of themselves : the heart is the treasury and storehouse of wickedness , Mat. 12.34 . such as the heart is , such are the actions of the body which proceed from it , Mat. 12.35 . Therefore as Christ saith , Make clean within , and all will be clean , otherwise not , Mat. 23.26 . therefore Davids prayer is , Create in me a new heart , O Lord and renew a right spirit within me , Ps. 51.10 . Do thou the like , importune him for grace , that you may firmly resolve , speedily begin , and continually persevere , in doing and suffering his holy will : desire him to inform and reform you so , that you may neither mis-believe , nor mis-live , to change and purifie your nature , subdue your reason , rectifie your judgment , reform and strengthen your will , renew your affections , and beat down in you whatsoever stands in opposition to the Scepter of Jesus Christ. Sixthly and lastly , If you receive any power against your former corruptions , forget not to be thankeful , yea , study all possible thankfulness ; for that you and I are not at this present frying in Hell flames , never to be freed ; that we have the offer of Grace here , and Glory hereafter , it is his unspeakable goodness . And there is nothing more pleasing to God , nor profitatable to us , both for the procuring of the good we want , or continuing the good we have , than thankfulness . He will sow there ( and there onely ) plenty of his blessings , where he is sure to reap plenty of thanks and service . But who will sow those barren sands , where they are sure not onely to be without all hope of a good harvest , but are sure to lose both their seed and labour ? Consider what hath been said , and the Lord give you understanding in all things . And so much for the Second Part. An Appendix follows wherein you may have instances of all sorts , how sin besots Men. FINIS . London , Printed by J. Hayes , and are to be sold by Mrs. Crips in Popes-head-Alley , with nine and Thirty other Pieces composed by the same Authour . 1663.