PREPARATORY UNT ing peace unto their souls on the effects of this work, whereby it is not only insufficient to save them, as it is to all persons at all times, but also becomes a means of their present security and future destruction. 1 shall therefore give some few instances of what this work, in the conjunction of all the parts of it, and in its utmost improvement, cannot effict, whereby men may make a judgment hose things stand in their own souls in respect unto it. Sect. 15.-1. It may be observed, that we have placed all the effects of this work in the mind, con- science, affections, and conversation. Hence it fol- lows, notwithstanding all that is or may be spoken of it, that the will is neither really changed, nor internal- ly renewed by it. Nose, the will is the ruling, govern- ing faculty of the soul, as the mind is the guiding and leading. Whilst this abides unchanged, unrenewed, the power and reign of sin continues in the soul; though not undisturbed, yet unruined. It is true, there are many checks and controls from the light of the mind, and reflections of conscience, cast in this state upon the actions of the will, so that it cannot put itself forth in and towards sin, with that freedom, security, and li- centiousness, as it was wont to do; its fierceness and rage rushing into sin, as the horse into the battle, run- ning on God, and the thick bosses of his buckler, may be broken and abated, by those hedges of thorns which it finds set in its way, and those buffettings it meets withal from light and convictions. Its delight and greediness in sinning, may be calmed and quieted by those frequent representations of the terror ofThe Lord on the one hand, and the pleasures of eternal rest on the other, which are made unto it. But yet still, set- ting aside all considerations foreign unto its own prin- ciple, the bent and inclination of the will itself is to sin and evil always and continually. The will of sinning may be restrained upon a thousand considerations, which light and convictions will administer; but it is not taken away. And this discovers itself where the very first motions of the soul towards sinful objects have a sensible complacency, until they are controlled by light and fear. This argues an unrenewed will, if it be constant and universal. Sect. 16. -2. The effects of this work on the mind, which is the first subject affected with it, proceeds not so far as to give it delight, complacency, and satisfác- O REGENERATION. 187 lion, in the lively spiritual nature andexcellencie8of the things revealed unto it. The true nature of saving il- lumination consists in this, that it gives the mind such a direct intuitive insight and prospect into spiritual things, as that, in their own spiritual nature, they suit, please, and satisfy it; so that it is transformed into them, cast into the mould of them, and rests in them, Rom. vi. 17. chap. xii. 2. 1 Cor. ii. 13, 14. 2 Cor. iii. 18. chap. iv. 6. This the work we have insisted on reacheth not-unto. For notwithstanding any discovery that is made therein of spiritual things unto the mind, it finds not an immediate direct spiritual excellency in them, but only with respect unto some benefit or ad- vantage which is to be attained by means thereof. It will not give such a spiritual insight into the mystery of God's grace by Jesus Christ, called, his glory shining in theface of Christ, 2 Cor. iv. 6. as that the soul, in its first direct view of it, should, for what it is in itself admire it, delight in it, approve it, and find spiritual solace with refreshment in it. But such a light, such a knowledge it communicátes as that a man may like it well in its effects, as a way of mercy and salvation. Sect. 17. -3. This work extends itself to the con- science also; but yet it doth not purge the conscience from dead works, that we should serve the living God. This is the effect of a real r.¡pplication of the blood of Christ by faith unto our souls, blob. ix. 14. Two things it effects upon the conscience: (l.) It renders it more eady, quick, and sharp in the reproving and condemn- ng ofall sin than it was before. Tocondemn sin accord- ng unto its light and guidance, is natural unto, and in. eparable from the conscienceof man. But its readiness ml ability to exercise this condemning power, may, by ustom, and course of sinning in the world, be various- y weakened and impeded. But when conscience is brought under the power of this work, having its direc- lug light augmented, whereby it sees more of the evil fsin than formerly, and having its self-reflections sharp- ned and multiplied, it is more ready and quick in put- ng forth its judging and condemning power than it was. 2.) Conscience is assisted and directed hereby to con- emu many things in sin, which before it approved oft or its judgingpower is still commensurate unto its light. nd many things are thereby now discovered to be sin- ul, which were not so by the mere natural guidance nder which before it was, But yet, notwithstanding s a c o e ti ( d F A u 111111111r--
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