A supplement to the several discourses upon various divine subjects

As a drop of Water, or one spark of Fire hath the essential properties of a great mass of Water, or a great quantity of Fire; so every renewed man hath the same love ⟨p. 93⟩to God, and the same hatred of sin essentially, as the most eminent Saint, though not in degree, yea which those in heaven have, though not in the same degree. As a spark of fire will burn, a drop of water will moisten, though not in so eminent a measure. Now, upon the whole consider whether is it possible to bare reason, that a regenerate man should customarily do those things which are against the essential properties of that which is in him, in his will, and doth denominate him a new Creature?

3. Proposition. A regenerate man cannot have a sixth resolution to walk in such a way of sin, were the impediments to it removed. Though unregenerate men may actually as to the outward exercise abstain from some sins, yet it is usually upon low and mean conditions. If it were not for such or such an obstacle in the way I would do such and such an act. This temper is not in a good man, he cannot have a fixed and determinate resolution to commit such an act, if such bars were taken away. Such resolutions are Common in unregenerate men; Jer. 44.25. We will surely perform our vows which we have vowed to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven, and Isa. 56.12. We will fill our selves with strong drink, and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant; we will have as merry a meeting as we had to day. The same character is ascribed to such an one, Psal. 36.4. He deviseth mischief upon his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He abhorreth not evil. He models out his sinful designs with head and heart, he settles himself as an army settles in their ground when they resolve to fight, [Greek or Hebrew] He abhors not evil. He starts not at such motions, but by a Meiosis, he hugs and caresseth them with a wonderful delight. Regenerate men fear to sin, wicked men contrive to sin. One would starve it, the other makes provision for it. This temper cannot be in a Regenerate man.