Christ's certain and sudden appearance to judgment

1. The power of the Word to search the heart, and convince of sin. Heb. 4. 12. The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; there is a light in the Word, which discovereth the dark filthy corners of the heart, and convinceth of secret sins; and there is a sharp edge in the word to cut and wound; no word in the world searcheth ⟨p. 187⟩and pierceth, like the word in the Scriptures.

2. And especially the power of the Word doth appear in the work of conversion and regeneration, which it effecteth; it is called the incorruptible seed, by which men are born again. 1 Pet. 1. 23. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. Jam. 1. 18. there is a great power goeth along with it, •o break rocky hearts, to bow stubborn wills, to spiritualize carnal affections, to subdue strong lusts, to work a gracious and through change in the heart of man, which exceedeth the power of nature, or moral suasion; and in so much as all are not wrought upon by it which read or hear it, yea sometimes the more disposed subject receiveth no impression thereby, and the less disposed subject is effectually changed; which shows, that the •ower doth proceed from God, and that the work is effected by his Spirit, and proves the di•ine Authority of this Word.

2. And especially the power of the Word doth appear in the work of conversion and regeneration, which it effecteth; it is called the incorruptible seed, by which men are born again.