Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

2. In his relative capacity, he will be a new man. Grace makes men gracious in their several relations, and natively leads them to the conscientious performance of relative duties. It does not only make good men, and good women; but makes good subjects, good husbands, good wives, children, servants, and in a word, good relatives in the church, common-wealth, and family. It is a just exception made against the religion of many; namely, that they are bad relatives, they are ill husbands, wives, masters, servants, &c. How will we prove ourselves to be new creatures, if we be still just such as we were before, in our several relations, 2 Cor. v. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. Real godliness will gain a testimony to a man, from the consciences of his nearest relations, tho' they know more of his sinful infirmities, than others do; as we see in that case. 2 Kings iv. 2. Thy servant, my husband, is dead, and th•• knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord.

3. In the way of his following his worldly business, there is a great change. It appears to be no more his all, as some time it was. Tho' ⟨p. 144⟩saints apply themselves to worldly business, as well as others; yet their hearts are not swallowed up in it. It is evident they are carrying on a trade with heaven, as well as a trade with earth, Philip. iii 20. For our conversation is in heaven. And they go about their employment in the world as a duty laid upon them by the Lord of all; doing their lawful business, as the will of God, Eph vi. 7. working, because he has said, Thou shalt not steal.