2 The illuminations of carnal men does not draw forth any gracious Exercises. The common discoveries that are given to carnal men, have a considerable effect upon them; besides the stirring up of affections spoken of before, they have an effect upon the conversation; they many times make men to reform their lives, and cast of sinful practices: 2 Pet. 2.20. They escape the pollutions of the World through the knowledge of Christ. Sometimes they encourage men in seeking the pardon of their sins. They may have such a discovery of the happiness of heaven, of the graciousness of God, and of the mercy of God in providing a way of Salvation, as may greatly encourage them to continue seeking his favour. They may likewise have that effect to make men presumptuous. Men may from thence conclude their own estate good: They may take encouragements for assurances of the favour of God: May take occasion also from them to get a false faith. If they have some discoveries of a readiness in God to pardon sinners, they may take encouragement to think, that men so qualified as they, that are reformed and sorry for their sins, may be bold to venture on Christ: But those spiritual discoveries that God makes, do always draw forth the exercise of grace: Cant. 1.4 The King hath brought me to his chambers, we will be glad and delight in thee; the upright love thee. When God breaks ⟨p. 72⟩into the heart by light, the heart is drawn forth in love, and faith, and repentance. Communion is reciprocal. When God draws nigh to his People, that mightily stirs up a spirit of holiness; it doth not only strengthen assurance, but it stirs up all grace: Job. 42.5, 6. Now mine eye seeth thee, wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Eph. 3.19. And to know the love of Christ that posseth knowledge; that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. This gives great increase to grace. 2 Pet. 1.2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
2 The illuminations of carnal men does not draw forth any gracious Exercises. The common discoveries that are given to carnal men, have a considerable effect upon them; besides the stirring up of affections spoken of before, they have an effect upon the conversation; they many times make men to reform their lives, and cast of sinful practices: 2 Pet. 2.20. They escape the pollutions of the World through the knowledge of Christ. Sometimes they encourage men in seeking the pardon of their sins. They may have such a discovery of the happiness of heaven, of the graciousness of God, and of the mercy of God in providing a way of Salvation, as may greatly encourage them to continue seeking his favour. They may likewise have that effect to make men presumptuous. Men may from thence conclude their own estate good: They may take encouragements for assurances of the favour of God: May take occasion also from them to get a false faith. If they have some discoveries of a readiness in God to pardon sinners, they may take encouragement to think, that men so qualified as they, that are reformed and sorry for their sins, may be bold to venture on Christ: But those spiritual discoveries that God makes, do always draw forth the exercise of grace: Cant. 1.4 The King hath brought me to his chambers, we will be glad and delight in thee; the upright love thee. When God breaks ⟨p. 72⟩into the heart by light, the heart is drawn forth in love, and faith, and repentance. Communion is reciprocal. When God draws nigh to his People, that mightily stirs up a spirit of holiness; it doth not only strengthen assurance, but it stirs up all grace: Job. 42.5, 6. Now mine eye seeth thee, wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Eph. 3.19. And to know the love of Christ that posseth knowledge; that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. This gives great increase to grace. 2 Pet. 1.2. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
