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

God hath not tied up himself to one way; why must yours be the only way? Yet this I have observed in some Ministers (men of great spirits and parts) who in their preaching (may I not say also in printing?) have pressed upon people that particular way they found God came to them in; because God did handle them thus, therefore he must do so with all. One man is not a fair Copy, saith Mr. Shepherd; and this is very true. God takes a man of a high lofty spirit, and batters him, with such or such workings: Must the same be found in all others?

God hath not tyed up himself to one way; why must yours be the only way? Yet this I have observed in some Ministers (men of great spirits and parts) who in their preaching (may I not say also in printing?) have pressed upon people that particular way they found God came to them in; because God did handle them thus, therefore he must do so with all. One man is not a fair Copy, saith Mr. Shepherd; and this is very true. God takes a man of a high lofty spirit, and batters him, with such or such workings: Must the same be found in all others?

Fifth Position. Though God is very various in the manner of his working, when he converts or draws the soul to Christ; yet the work wrought is in all the same; there is no variety in the work wrought.

That is, Conversion, or regeneration, is the same in every one without any difference. God works other ways in converting Manasseh, then he did in converting Samuel; but conversion is the same in Samuel that it is in Manasseh. Run over the several varieties I have mentioned of Gods working, and name you as many more, yet that which makes regeneration or union with Christ, is the same in all; here all are alike. Less will not serve the turn in one then in another, as to the essence of regeneration. Let your condition, as to externals, be what it will, it is all one as to regeneration; be you learned or unlearned, noble or