Ver.4. Two dirent Orates whereunto all men belong. 33L uncertain in thisalfo. And then it may be for their parts, they neither know the time when, nor the manner how any fuck work was wrought in them ; and yet without this, feeing it is wrcught by means, and fprings from certain caufes, they can have no efiablithment in a not - failing perCwat on of their Ac- ceptance with God, by the pardon of their fins in the blood of Chrit}. This is the Head and fumm of molt ofthe Objc&ions which perplexed fouls do manage again({ themfelves as to their (late and condition. Hence indeed they draw forth reafonings with great variety according as they are fuggetled by their par- ticular occafions and temptations. And many proofs taken from t heir fins, mifcarriages and fears,do they enforce their Ob- jecti9ns withall, My purpofe is to lay down fome General Rules and Principles, which may be applied unto particular occa- lions and emergencies. And this fhall be done in anfwer to the feveral parts of the General Objet` ion mentioned before. I fay then, Firfl, It is molt certain that there are twoFitates and Condi- tions that divide all mankind ; and every one that lives in the world, doch compleatly and abfolutely belong unto one cf them. Thefe are the (lateof Nature, and theRate of Grace, of sin, andof Righteoufnefs by Chrifl every man in the world belongs unto one of thefe flares or condition. This the Scripture fo abounds in, that it feems to be the firtl principal thing that we are taught in it. It is as clear that there are two different (later in thú world, as that there are fo in that to come. Yea, all our Faith and our Obedience depend on this Truth. And not only fo, but the Covenant of God, the Mediation ofChri(l, and all the Promifes and Threats of the Law and Gofptl are built on this fuppofition. And this lays naked unto a ('piritual eye that abounding Atheifm that is in the world. Men are not only like Nicodemns, ignorant ofthefe things, and wonder how they can be, but they (corn them, defpifc them, fcoff at them. To make mention of being regenerate is expofcd to re- proach in the world. But whether men will or no, unto one of thefeconditions they mutt belong. 2. As thefe two eftates differ morally in themfelves, and Phyfi- Uu caGy Two diffe- rent ef}ates whereunto all men belong.
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