The new birthThe nevv birth

The Doctrine concerning the necessity of Regeneration, is, 1. Propounded and proved by Testimonies of Scripture. 2. Confirmed by four manifest Reasons, taken from the 1. Sinfulness of Mans corrupt Nature. 2. Purity of Gods Nature. 3. Tenor of the Covenant of Grace. 4. End of Christs sufferings. 3. Explicated 1. By a Description of Regeneration from the Causes Efficient Principal, the Holy Ghost. Instrumental, the Word of God, chiefly preached. Material, Holiness. Formal, Infusion. Final, Gods glory in the persons salvation. Subject, which is the whole Man. 2. By a Declaration of the degrees and order of working it, which are four. 1. By discovering to a man his natural sinfulness. 2. By stirring up in him a settled desire of pardon, and of holiness. 3. By dropping into him the spirit of Prayer, enabling him solemnly to beg the two forenamed things at the hand of God. 4. By sealing him with the Spirit of Promise, which certifying him of acceptance with God, imprints in his will a firm purpose of living to him hereafter; and so he is a new creature. 3. By a declaration of the effects that follow, which are four, 1. A Spiritual Combat with the Devil, the World, and the Flesh; where the combat of flesh and spirit is distinguished from the combat of the light of Conscience, and the corruption of the will, in five points. 1. In the things that are at variance. 2. In the things about which they fight. 3. In the motives inducing them to fight. 4. In the weapons by which they fight. 5. In the success of the combat. 2. In a good conversation in both parts of it, 1. Leaving all evil Known Grosser, so as not ordinarily to commit it. Less gross, so as not to allow, excuse, defend it. Suspected, so as to seek, and be willing to know it, and to leave it. 2. Doing good For extent, Of all sorts. Manner Out of conscience to God. According to the direction of the Word. 3. A knowledge of his own being regenerate, unless in cases of 1. Infancy and new coming on. 2. Strong tentations. 3. Spiritual swoons of sin. 4. Growth in Grace, whereof the Kinds are either in Quantity. Quality. Manner is, though not without divers (it may be) long stops, as in sickness, yet by recovering out of all. 4. A Declaration of the principal graces of the new man in the 1. Chief faculties 1. Understanding 1. Knowledge. 2. Faith in God. The Word of God. 2.