The nature of saving conversion, and the way

The difference between those affecting illuminations that carnal men have, and those discoveries that are given to godly men, lies in these two particulars.

1. The illuminations that carnal men have, are affecting, but not convincing. They are many times much affected with Joy; so they said, What a blessedness is it! when Paul preached the gospel unto them, Gal. 4.15. It works desires in them, Luk. 14, 15. And their hearts upon that occasion may be mightily weaned from the world, and taken up about heavenly things: They may be mightily transported with zeal. The people of the Jews were so affected with Christ, that they were of the mind to make him a King. But these illuminations does not convince them; the men remain ignorant of God, and Christ, and the truth of the gospel. These flashes of light do not discover the certainty of divine truths. The people that cry Hosanna to day, cry crucify him another time; and that was a sign that they did not know him; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, 1 Cor. 2.8. Many are greatly affected in the hearing of sermons, that do not firmly ⟨p. 70⟩believe what they hear: Act. 25.48. When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as was ordained to eternal life believed. They were generally much affected, but it was only a select number that be loved. Stony ground hearers are much affected, but not convinced. Men are often affected with such things as they look upon as probable; but special discoveries that God makes to Saints, are very affecting and convincing. Godly men must needs be affected with those discoveries, for they are wondrous in their eyes: Psal. 119.18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things in thy law. Sometimes the love of God is said to be shed abroad in their hearts; that implies great affection,