at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."* But while we assert that it is through the merits of Jesus Christ alone that we can be saved, let it not be understood, that this is all that is required to make us meet for heaven. Our natures must be changed, the darkness of our understandings must be removed, and the will must be subdued and brought into unison with the will of God. Men are not justified and left in a state of disobedience and enmity against God. Regeneration therefore is stated in the scriptures, as absolutely necessary to the enjoyment of heavenly felicity. We must be "born again; not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." Let us enquire here into the nature of this important doctrine. What is it? It is not baptism; for many are baptised, who still remain enemies to God by wicked works. It is not education. This may restrain and reform, in many instances; but we have too many proofs of its inefficacy to change the heart. It is not conviction; for many are con * Rom. viii, 34, 35. † 1 Peter i.. 23. vinced of sin, and not converted from it. It is not relinquishing open vices, for this is sometimes done from interest, or for want of opportunity to practise them. It is not knowledge; for many know much, like the devil, and yet do not practise what they know. It is not moral strictness; for this may take its rise from Pharisaism, as was the case once with Paul.* It is not talent; for many will come in that day and say, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." It is not a profession of religion; for "some profess that they know God, but in works they deny him." It is not feeling, or an emotion of the passions; for some "receive the word with joy, for awhile believe, and, in time of temptation, fall away." But regeneration is a real, divine, and saving change of heart. Hence it is said, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; *Acts xxvi. 5. + Matt. vii. 21, 22. § Luke viii, 13. behold, all things are become new." In this great work, the understanding is illuminated, perceives its depravity and danger, and that Christ alone can save from sin and misery. The will is renewed;-not that new faculties are given to the soul, but the will is inclined towards the supreme good. The affections are drawn off from earthly scenes, and placed on divine objects; beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."+ This is a supernatural work; the effect of the operation of the divine Spirit on the heart. Hence, said Jesus to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." "Of his own will begat he us with the word of the truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures." this, however, man is not rendered perfect: he still finds reason to complain of innate corruption, and is daily longing for greater conformity to God. Sin is the greatest object of his hatred, and he finds himself happy only as he gains the By * 2 Cor. v. 17. + Ib. iii. 18. § James i. 18. John iii. 5. victory over it. For this, divine grace is promised; and he is encouraged to persevere under all the opposition he meets with from the world, the flesh, and the devil. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ. The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”* Now reader, if you are the subject of this grace, you will evidence it God's authority over you. lament your sinful condition. by acknowledging You will deeply You will confess You will place your transgressions before him. all your dependance upon the righteousness and grace of his Son Jesus Christ. You will constantly implore the influences of the Holy Spirit. You will be desirous of resigning yourself, under every dispensation, to his will. You will walk * Phil. i. 6. Job xvii. 9. Prov. iv. 18. Isa. xl. 31. in fellowship with him and live in righteousness, and true holiness before him all your days. Let me beseech you to try yourself by these criterions. We have already stated how many things may be substituted for this divine change; and mistakes, in this point, are of all others the most awful and dangerous. Can you then ascertain any difference between your present and former state? Is sin a burden? Is holiness a delight? Has the world lost its attractions? Do you find pleasure in God's house, in his word, in his ways? Do you love his ministers, his people, his Sabbath?—Can you answer these questions in the affirmative? If so, happy are you! You are prepared to live-you are prepared to die. "You may go your way, eat your bread with joy,"* and participate the blessings of Providence with a cheerful heart. You may meet all the revolving scenes of life with a tranquil mind; and, as you advance towards the heavenly world, you may sing, "Fearless of hell and ghastly death, I'll break through ev'ry foe; The wings of love and arms of faith * Eccl. ix. 7. |