The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Therefore, I say, in those who are adult, grown up to some ripeness of years before God works, usually, it is so: but to say, that in every one of these the work of Compunction is sensible, afflicting, as it is in some others, I dare not affirm that neither. For Lydia, Mr. Shepherd answers, she might be a Convert before, so nothing can be proved from her: Be it so, but what shall we say to Zacheus, what was in his heart, when like a Boy he runs to climb up the tree to see Jesus, I know not; but I question whether he ⟨p. 10⟩had any thoughts of that which followed, ¹Luke 19.9. This day is salvation come to this house. If Zacheus had been a Convert before, would Christ have said, This day is salvation come: Surely it was come before, when he was converted; but it appears it was not before this day when he also is become a Son of Abraham: Where were those legal sore Compunctions? The Samaritans, Acts 8.5, 8. there was great joy at Philip's preaching, and faith too; but where are these sore Compunctions? That these were real Converts, Acts 9.31. prove, They walked in the fear of the Lord, &c. It is very much then, there should be a standing Rule for preparatory works, and we read of so many Converts, and no mention of that Rule in practise. Surely these examples in Scripture are not to be slighted: Because the rugged Jailer, Acts 16. that spared not to execute what the persecuting Magistrates gave him in charge concerning Paul and Silas, met with such work; and the Jews, who crucified the Lord, met with such compunction, Acts 2. as made them cry out, must there be a Rule from hence made, that All those who come to Christ, must come under such sensible afflicting Compunctions?

Therefore, I say, in those who are adult, grown up to some ripeness of years before God works, usually, it is so: but to say, that in every one of these the work of Compunction is sensible, afflicting, as it is in some others, I dare not affirm that neither. For Lydia, Mr. Shepheard answers, she might be a Convert before, so nothing can be proved from her: Be it so, but what shall we say to Zacheus, what was in his heart, when like a Boy he runs to climb up the tree to see Jesus, I know not; but I question whether he