Eighteen sermons preached in Oxford 1640 of conversion, unto God. Of redemption, & justification,…

There's a supernatural work wrought in them, and they have tasted the good Word of the Lord; they begin to have some hope, and rejoice in the glory of the world to come: what's the difference then? here's a tasting; but as it is John 6. it's not said he that eats my flesh, and tastes my blood; but he that eats my flesh and drinks my blood shall live for ever. There is a difference betwixt tasting and drinking, there may be a tasting without drinking; and the Text saith, Matth. 27.34. When they gave Christ vinegar, he tasted thereof, but would not drink. He that can take a full draught of Christ crucified, he shall never thirst, but shall be as a springing fountain that springeth up to everlasting life; but it shall not be so with him that doth but taste. The Vintner goes round the Cellar, and tastes every Vessel; he takes it only into his mouth, and spits it out again, and yet knows by the tasting whether it be good or bad; the wine goeth but to his palate, it reaches not to the stomach. So a temporary believer tastes and feels what an excellent thing it is to have communion with Christ, and to be made partaker of his glory, but he does but taste it. Look in Hosea 5.15. where we have another instance of this temporary Believer; Ye would think they sought God in a good sort, and in as good a manner as one could desire: well, but how ⟨p. 394⟩did they seek him? it was only upon occasion, in time of affliction: I will go and return to my place until they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face; in their affliction they will seek me early; and again, Hosea 6.4. the Lord complains of them notwithstanding. They will in their affliction seek me early: was not this a fair returning? Come (say they) let us return unto the Lord, for he hath torn, and he will heal us, &c. What a deal of comfort did they seem to gather from the ways of the Lord! but see what follows, Hosea 6.4. O Ephraim, saith the Lord, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away; that is, it is but a temporary thing, wrought by affliction, which will not abide. As when a wicked man on his death-bed desires that God would spare him and restore him to his health, and that he would become a new man, all this comes but from the terrors of death;