The Sincere Convert

But here is not all, consider secondly,¹ every man is borne stark dead in sin, Ephes. 2. 1. he is borne empty of every inward principle of life, void of all ⟨p. 48⟩graces, and hath no more good in him (whatsoever he thinks,) then a dead Carrion hath. And hence he is under the power of sin, as a dead man is under the power of death, and cannot perform any act of life: their bodies are living coffins to carry a dead soul up and down in.

But here is not all, consider secondly,¹ every man is borne stark dead in sinne, Ephes. 2. 1. he is borne empty of every inward principle of life, voyde of all ⟨p. 48⟩graces, and hath no more good in him (whatsoever hee thinkes,) then a dead Carrion hath. And hence he is under the power of sin, as a dead man is under the power of death, and cannot performe any act of life: their bodies are living coffins to carry a dead soule up and downe in.

1. 1Secondly dead in sin

'Tis true (I confess) many wicked men do many good actions, as praying, hearing, almsdeeds, but it is not from any inward principle of life:¹ External motives like plummets on a dead (yet artificial) clock, set them a running. Jehu was zealous, but it was only for a kingdom: the Pharisees gave alms only o be seen of men. If one write a Will with a dead mans hand deceased, that Will can hold no Law, it was not his Will, because it was not writ by him, by any inward principle of life of his own. Pride makes a man preach, pride makes a man hear, and pray sometimes. Self-love stirs up strange desires in men, so that we may say, this is none of Gods Act by his grace in the soul, but Pride and self-love. Bring