Gospel-conversation

And then, The great difference that the Gospel makes between one man and another. As now, those that the Gospel doth not prevail upon, the Scripture tells us, they are the children of wrath, they are dead in trespasses and sins, they are under the curse of the Law, they are even enemies to God; this is the condition of all men before this Sceptre of Christ conquers their hearts, children of wrath, enemies to God, dead in sins, under the curse. But now, when the Gospel comes to prevail over mens hearts, then they come to be the Children of the living God, Heirs of Christ, Co-heirs with Him, they come to be partakers of the life of God, they increase with the increase of God, and their lives are hid with Christ in God, and they come to be reconciled to God, to be friends with God, to be at peace with God, and to inherit blessings: Oh the change that the Lord puts upon the heart and state of the Saints when the Gospel prevails! How high are they raised above other men? Therefore you must not make other men to be your example in your way, you must not think to live as the world lives, and to say, I do as other men do; the Gospel makes a mighty difference between your estate and the state of other men, therefore never look to what other men do, but consider as God hath made a vast difference between you and other men, so let there be a great difference ⟨p. 123⟩between your Conversation and the Conversation of other men. Now this meditation should have a mighty deal of power to prevail upon the heart; I believe that I have such and such privileges beyond other men, and I look for such and such mercies above others; now what things I look for beyond others, I must labour to be as much beyond them in holiness of Conversation, as God hath made me beyond them in spiritual privileges, and spiritual mercies; I think sometimes I would not be in the condition of such men as are in their natural estate for a world, nay I would not be one our in their estates if I might have ten thousand worlds, for fear I should die that hour, and then I should be lost for ever; Well, hath God made such a difference? then let not my life be like theirs for one hour, nay for one moment. Oh this meditation (through Gods blessing) would mightily help us in our Conversation.

And then, The great difference that the Gospel makes between one man and another. As now, those that the Gospel doth not prevail upon, the Scripture tels us, they are the children of wrath, they are dead in trespasses and sins, they are under the curse of the Law, they are even enemies to God; this is the condition of al men before this Scepter of Christ conquers their hearts, children of wrath, enemies to God, dead in sins, under the curse. But now, when the Gospel comes to prevail over mens hearts, then they come to be the Children of the living God, Heirs of Christ, Co-heirs with Him, they come to be partakers of the life of God, they encrease with the encrease of God, and their lives are hid with Christ in God, and they come to be reconciled to God, to be friends with God, to be at peace with God, and to inherit blessings: Oh the change that the Lord puts upon the heart and state of the Saints when the Gospel prevails! How high are they raised above other men? Therefore you must not make other men to be your example in your way, you must not think to live as the world lives, and to say, I do as other men do; the Gospel makes a mighty difference between your estate and the state of other men, therefore never look to what other men do, but consider as God hath made a vast difference between you and other men, so let there be a great difference