The counterfeit Christian, or, The danger of hypocrisy opened in two sermons

I answer.¹ Naturally all the Hearts of Men and Women are evil, the Defection was universal. But these Hearts of Men who are said to be good ground, were prepared for the Word; by which means, through the Spirit, they came to be regenerated, their Hearts were ploughed up or broken in pieces by the Word and Spirit in effectual Convictions. Plough up the fallow Ground, ²(saith the Lord by the Prophet) and sow not amongst Thorns. Not that Man is able to do this, any more than he is to make himself a new Heart, which he is likewise required to do, Ezek. 18. 11. but the former is the Work of the Spirit by Convictions; the latter the Work of the Spirit in Regeneration. Till the Heart is pierced by the Holy Ghost, and broken to pieces and made soft, which naturally is hard, the Word can find no saving or effectual rooting there, but 'tis like a Rock, or so stony or thorny, that no Fruit of the Word will abide to everlasting Life. Therefore I conclude, effectual Convictions are a Preparative, or a Preparation to Regeneration; the Spirit is a Spirit of Burning before 'tis a Spirit of Consolation: ³it first ploughs up the Fallow-ground, and then when the Seed is sown, it will take Root, and bring forth Fruit to Salvation.

I answer.¹ Naturally all the Hearts of Men and Women are evil, the Defection was universal. But these Hearts of Men who are said to be good ground, were prepared for the Word; by which means, through the Spirit, they came to be regenerated, their Hearts were plowed up or broken in pieces by the Word and Spirit in effectual Convictions. Plow up the fallow Ground, ²(saith the Lord by the Prophet) and sow not amongst Thorns. Not that Man is able to do this, any more than he is to make himself a new Heart, which he is likewise required to do, Ezek. 18. 11. but the former is the Work of the Spirit by Convictions; the latter the Work of the Spirit in Regeneration. Till the Heart is pierced by the Holy Ghost, and broken to pieces and made soft, which naturally is hard, the Word can find no saving or effectual rooting there, but 'tis like a Rock, or so stony or thorny, that no Fruit of the Word will abide to everlasting Life. Therefore I conclude, effectual Convictions are a Preparative, or a Preparation to Regeneration; the Spirit is a Spirit of Burning before 'tis a Spirit of Consolation: