The new birthThe nevv birth

No Angel can change mans heart, no Angel can quicken the dead soul, no creature can breath into us the divine nature: but we are the workmanship of God, by his spirit created unto good works. This is the anointing oil, that being poured upon us, doth consecrate us unto God. The holy Ghost himself (in a wonderful and undiscernible fashion, as the wind that bloweth where it lusteth) doth convey and insinuate himself into the man, whom he will beget again to a new life, and becometh purifying water to cleanse him; and an holy fire, coming down from heaven, to consume his corruptions, and refine him for the Lords use. And yet the Spirit of God, that could work of himself, and without means, pleaseth not so to do in this great work: but of his own free-will, makes choice for himself, of a fit and blessed instrument for that purpose; even the Law of God, the whole doctrine of the Scriptures: which he hath for that end, made known to the sons of men by his holy Prophets; and which hath received this high commendation, from the Divine testimony left in writing by Davids pen, that it is perfect,¹ and converteth the soul. This doctrine hath two main heads; the Law, and the Gospel: The former used by Gods Spirit, as a necessary preparative; the other, as a proper & essential instrument in this business. Wherefore the Word is called the incorruptible seed, which being sown in ⟨p. 16⟩the heart,² doth by little and little grow up to a new creature; and Peter tells us, that by the precious promises,³ we are made partakers of the divine nature; and to his Apostles our Saviour uttereth as much, saying, Now are you clean by the word that I have spoken unto you. ⁴There may be a question made, whither the Word of God read only, may become effectual to regenerate? or whither it must want this efficacy, unless it be preached, as well as read? To which question, me thinketh that this should be a true answer, that the instrumental power of regenerating cannot be denied to the Scriptures barely read, though preaching be not joined withal. For why? seeing the doctrine of the Gospel is called,