132 WORK OP THE by their own reasons and understandings: and the dis- positions 1 intend, are only materiallyso; not such as contain grace of the same nature, as is regeneration it- self. A material disposition is that which disposeth, and some way maketh a subject fit for the reception of that which shall be communicated, added, or infused into it as its form. So wood by dryness and a due composure, is made fit and ready toadmit of firing, or continual fire. A formal disposition is where one de- gree of the same kind, disposeth the subject unto far- ther degrees of it. As the morning light, which is of the same kind, disposeth the air to the reception of the full light of the sun. The former we allow here, not the latter. Thus, in natural generation, there are sun- dry dispositions of the matter before the form is intro- duced. So the body of Adam was formed, before the rationalsoul was breathed into it; and Ezekiel's bones came together with a noise and shaking before the breath of life entered into them. Sect. 2. I shall, in this place, give only a sum- mary account of this preparatory work; because, in the close of these discourses, I shall handle it practical- ly, and more at large. Wherefore, what I have here to offer concerning it, shall be reduced unto theensuing observations: Sect. S. (1.) There are some things required of us in a way of duty, in order unto our regeneration, which are sa in the power of our own natural abilities, as that nothing but corrupt prejudices and stubbornness in sin- ning, doth keep or hinder men from the performance ofthem. And these we may reduce unto two heads: (I.) An outward attendance unto the dispensation of the word of God, with those other external means of grace, which accompany it, or are appointed therein. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Rom. x. 17. that is, it is hearing the word of Godwhich is the ordinary means of ingenerating faith in the souls of men. This is required of all to whom the gospel doth come, and this they are able of them- selves to do, as well as any other natural or civil action: and where men do it not, where they despise the word at a distance, yea, where they do it not with diligence and choice, it is merely from supine negligence of spi- ritual things, carnal security, and contempt of God, which they must answer for. (2.) A diligent intention of mind, in attendance on the means of grace, to un- HOLY SPIRIT derst'and and receive the things revealed and declared as the mind and will of God. For this end bath God given men their reasons and understandings, that they may use and exercise them about their duty towards him, according to the revelation of his mind and will. To this purpose hecalls upon them to remember that they are men, and to turn unto him. And there is nothing herein but what is in the liberty and power of the rational faculties of our souls, assisted with those common aids, which Godaffords unto all men in gene- ral. And great advantages both may be, and aredaily attained hereby. Persons, I say, who diligently apply their rational abilities in and about spiritual things, as externally revealed in the word, and the preaching of it, do usually attain great advantages by it, and excel their equals in other things; as Paul did when he was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. Would men be but as intent and diligent in their endeavours after knowledge in spiritual things, as revealed in a way suit- ed unto our capacities and understandings, as they are to get skill in crafts, sciences, and other mysteries of life, it would be much Otherwise with many than it is. A neglect herein also is the fruit of sensuality, spiritual sloth, love of sin, and contempt of God, all which are the voluntary frames and actings of the minds of men. Sect. h.These things are required of us in order unto our regeneration, and it is in the power of our own wills to comply with them; and we may observe concerning them, that, (1.) The omission of them, the neglect of men in them, is the principal occasion and cause of the eternal ruin of the souls of the generality of, them, to whom, or amongst whom, the gospel is preached. " This is the condemnation, that light is " come into the world, and men loved darkness rather " s than light, because their deeds were evil," John iii. 19. The generallity of men know full well, that they do in this matter, nomore what they are able, than what they should. All pleadablepretences of inability and weakness are far from them. They cannot but know here, and they shall be forced to confess here- after, that it was merely from their own cursed sloth, with love of the world and sin, that they were diverted from a diligent attendance on the means of conversion, and the sedulous exerciseof their minds about them. Complaints hereof against themselves will make up a great part of their last dreadful cry. (2.) In the most _._..._ ..,._.,..
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