IN THE INSTANCE OF ATIGUSTINE. 203 put forth an especial energy in the dispensation thereof. Sect. 14. By these, and the like means, doth God oft-times put the wildness of corrupted nature unto a stand, and stirs up the faculties of the soul by an effec- tual, though not saving, impression upon them, seri- ously to consider of itself, and its relation unto him and his will. And hereby are men oft-times incited and engaged unto many duties of religion, as prayer for the pardon of sin, with resolutions of amendment; and al- though these things in some are subordinated unto a further and more effectual work of the Spirit of God upon them, yet with many they prove evanid and fad- ing, their goodness in them being as a morning cloud, or as the early dewy which passeth away, Hos. vi. 4. And the reasons whence it is that men cast off these warnings ofGod, and pursue not their own intentions under them, nor answer what they lead unto, are ob- vious: For, Sect. 15. -(1.) The darkness of their minds being yet uncured, they are not able to discern the true nature of these divine intimations and instructions, but after a while regard them not, or reject them as the occasions of needless scruples and fears. (s.) Presumption of their present condition, that it is as good as it need be, or as is convenient in their present circumstances and oc- casions, makes them neglect the improvement of their warnings. (3.) Profane societies and relations, such, as it may be, scoffat and deride all tremblings at divine warnings, with ignorant ministers that undertake to teach what they have not learned, are great means of hardeningmeta in their sins, and . of forfeiting the bene- fit ofthese divine intimations. (4.) They twill, as to all efficacy, and the motions they bring ,on the affec- tions of men, decay and expire of themselves, if they are not diligently improved. Wherefore in many they perish through meresloth and negligence. (5.) Satan applies all his engines to the defeatment of these begin- nings of any good inthe souls of men. (6.) Thatwhich effectually and utterly overthrows this work, which causeth them to cast off these heavenly warnings, is mere love of lusts and pleasures, or the unconquered adherenceof a corrupted heart unto sensual and sinful objects, that offer present satisfaction unto its carnal de- sires.. By this means is this work of the Spirit of God in the hearts and minds of many utterly defeated, to the increase of their guilt, an addition to their natural 25 despised one day, saying, Who is the Lord, that Ishould regard him? Being the next day terrified with thunder and lightning, cries out, Entreat the Lordfor me that it may be so no more, Exod. ix. 28. And such like im- pressions from divine power most men, at one time or other, have experience of. 2. By personal afflictions, Job xxxiii. 19, 20. Psal. Ixxviii. 34, 35. Hos. v. 15. Affliction naturally speaks anger, and anger respects sin. It bespeaks itself to be God's messenger to call sin to remembrance, I Kings xvii.18. Gen. xlii. 21, 22. The time of affliction is a time of consideration, Eccl. vii. 14. And if men be not obdurate and hardened almost unto practical atheism by a course of sinning, they cannot but bethink themselves who sends affliction, and for whatend it is sent. Hence, great thoughtsof the holiness of God, andof his hatred of sin, with some sense of mens own guilt and especial crimes will arise. And these effects many times prove preparatory and materially dispositivounto conversion. And not what these things are in themselves able to o- perate is to beconsidered, but what they are designed onto, and made effectual for by the Holy Ghost. 8. By remarkable deliverances and mercies; so it was with Naamanthe Syrian, 2 Kings ii. 15, 16, 17. Sudden changes from great dangers and distresses by unexpected reliefs, deeply affect the minds of men, convincing them of the power, presence, and goodness of God. And this produceth a sense and acknowledgmentof their own un- worthinessofwhat they have received. Hence also some temporary effects of submission to the divine will and gratitude do proceed. 4. An observation of the conversation of others hash affected many to seek into the causes and ends of it. And this inclines them unto imitation, 1 Peter iii. I, 2. 5. The word, in the :coding or preachingof it, is the principal means hereof. This the Holy Spirit employeth andmalceth use of in his entrance into this work, 1 Cor. xiv. 24, 25. For those convictions befal not men from the word universally or promiscuously, but as the Holy Spirit willeth and designeth. It is by the law that men have the knowledge of sin, Rom. vii. 7. Yet we see, by experience, that the doctrine of the law is despised by the mostthat hear it. Wherefore it hash not in itself a force or virtue always to work conviction of sin in them unto whom it is outwardly proposed. Only towards some the Spirit of God is pleased to 3 E
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=