A25247:89
Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things
Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things: or, the doctrine of regeneration, the new birth, the very beginning of a godly life. Delivered by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amounderness in Lancashire.
London: printed by J.F. for I.A., 1650
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In others is the new birth wrought after Baptism; so Polanus: but whether after Baptism, or in Baptism, we will not dispute, only (as the case stands with us) this I affirm, That there is no manifestation of the new birth, until after Baptism. But when after Baptism? I answer, whensoever men receive Christ by faith, which though it be many years after, yet then do they feel the power of God regenerate them, and to work all things in them, which he offered in Baptism. Now the manner of this feeling (or of Gods Spirit working) proceeds usually thus:
In others is the new birth wrought after Baptism; so Polanus: but whether after Baptism, or in Baptism, we will not dispute, onely (as the case stands with us) this I affirm, That there is no manifestation of the new birth, until after Baptism. But when after Baptism? I answer, whensoever men receive Christ by faith, which though it be many years after, yet then do they feel the power of God regenerate them, and to work all things in them, which he offered in Baptism. Now the maner of this feeling (or of Gods Spirit working) proceeds usually thus:
There be certain steps of degrees (say Divines) by which it passeth, and howsoever in those whom God hath blessed with that great favour of holy and Christian education (the Spirit of God dropping grace into their hearts, even very betimes) these steps, or degrees, are not so easily perceived: Yet in those men who have lived long in sin, whose sins have been gross, and great and grievous, no sooner come they to a new birth, but they can feel grace work in them step after step, and these steps we shall reckon to the number of eight.
There be certain steps of degrees (say Divines) by which it passeth, and howsoever in those whom God hath blessed with that great favor of holy and Christian education (the Spirit of God dropping grace into their hearts, even very betimes) these steps, or degrees, are not so easily perceived: Yet in those men who have lived long in sin, whose sins have been gross, and great and grievous, no sooner come they to a new birth, but they can feel grace work in them step after step, and these steps we shall reckon to the number of eight.