Professional Documents
Culture Documents
"^^^OfilCfil
BX 8915
.W5
st*^
THE
WORKS
OF'
JOHN WITHERSPOON,
D. D.
ESSAYS, SERMONS,
&c.
ON
IMPORTANT SUBJECTS
INT::;NDED
SALVATION
flY
TOGETHER WITH
HIS
ON MORAL PHILOSOPHY,
ELOQUENCE AND DIVINlTYj
LiEJGTURES
HIS
A-JD
VOL.
I.
EDINBURGH
?RIKTED FOR
GLASGOW
J.
J-OGLES, DUNXAN,
1915.'
C;.
Gaw,
PrinttP.
CONTENTS.
Page
Life
Authov.*
bf tbe
An Essay
on Justificatiok
to
which
is
prefix-
35
/ Treatise on Regeneration.
Introduction,
...
^*^.^
Chap.
Some
107^
I.
man
be born again;.
From
this expression.
again.,
may
2.
is
117
life,*.*
man
be born againy
iniply that the
123
From
these words,
we
may
is
J 4.
From
this
and complete
metaphor, Except a
^...
?fian
be born
131
CONTENTS.
Page
other
parftllel
tures,
we
tended
is
Chap.
In which
ly and
II.'
shewn wherein this change doth properdirectly consist, and what are its princip^
Is
evidences and
1.
161
supernatural,
Wherein
173
fruits,
The second
j 3.
The
effects of regeneration,
principal evidences of
^ 4.
ib.
180
its
sincerity,
Chap.
Of
accomplished, 23
is
j 1.
2.
3.
>
5.
Of the
234.
infinite gloiy
245
sin
2S3
Christ,
J
6.
7.
real nature of
of God,.
J 4.
209
HI.
God,
191
what properly
into
How
How
the Christian
versation,
CoNCLusioy,
is
governed
2C5
303
310
ACCOUNT
OF THE
LIFE
OF
The Rev.
JOHN WITHERSPOON,
D. D. L. L. D.
ACCOUNT
OF THE
LIFE
OF
JOHN WITHERSPOON,
The RV.
n. D. L. L. D.
WHEN
the
works
of
men,
eminent
and mo-
this
to
devote
mankind,
will
eminent divine.
feel
memoir
peculiar
of this
Xll
Dr WiTHERSPooN was
a branch of a very
man
of God,
Knox,
well
known
as the
Any
discourses.
propensity,
when
it
may
ample, therefore,
contributed not a
that taste
and
The
is
pe-
influ-
father's ex-
be supposed to have
little
love
by the
has
to
of correctness,
united
life.
early sent
no expence in
his
educa-
OF DR-WITHERSPOON.
tion.
little
He bad
He was
tice.
Xlll
clearness
among
bis
and quickness
scbool fellows,
judgment, and
of conception,
many
of
wbom
filled
in tbe literary
ty-one^
when be was
When
ox)spel.
Hall,
for
bis
character
and
for
He
bad scarcely
left
tbe University
when
How-
from the
parish
of Beitb,
in
the
west of
B3
and where
many
he afterwards received
pleasing
ta-
It is devoutly to be
more frequent in
From
law of patronage.
he soon received a
Beith,
call
to
its
nufactures.
name
will long
be held in sacred
remem-
brance.
During
his
residence at Paisley, he
was
He
was
also invited
rejected also, in the first instance, the invitation of the Trustees of the College of
Jersey, in
America.
He
thought
it
New
almost
XV
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
much
spected and
very happy
so
and, in
re-
the
ment he most
sacrifices
his
respected, and
be
new
world, and
knowing that
from
its foundation to those great objects to which
he had devoted his life, he consented, on a
Jersey
College
had
been consecrated
and to take
highest expectations of
appointed.
all
Dr WiTHERSPOON
prosperity
His
College *.
its
Dickenson
Aron
Pre-
Burr Jonathan
Jonathan
Edwards
XVl
Dr Witherspoon's
atl-
New
since
berality an-d
zeal.
riety of causes,
clining
Its
were
condition,
arrived in America.
finances,
in
from a va-
when Dr Witherspoon
But his reputation ex-
cited an
uncomnK)n
and
personal exertions,
his
li-
liberality in
the Public,
which extended
ed
its
its re^
men
to the Presidency,
in life
little
before
Dr WiTHERSPoaN
left
it
it
Scotland, and
was
his duty to
make him
his heir if
This
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
sources
XVU
stitution indebted
to his enterprise
and
ta-
lents.
But the chief advantages which it derived were from his Hterature, his superintendence, his excellent example,
Formerly
at once,
all
manding power.
the election of
But true
sidency, learning
known
He
all
before in the
American
])rovements of Europe.
losophical course
ciples of
is,
seminaries.
losophy
it
Dr Witherspoon
modern im-
He made
the phi-
he incor-
XVIU
poratcd with
it
sics,
doctrines
of
and contingency ; from the barrenness of the schools, and from the excessive
fatality
refinements
of those
coTitradictory,
who
tics,
either wholly
The numbers
of
men of
distinguished ta-
professions,
received
their
undei^"
elements
of
Dr Witherspoon,
eminent
New
the
who
education
demonstrate
how
his services
Jersey,
formed a
gi^eat
structions
of her
nour of
being
members
first
most
Above
ai'e
of
the
to be found
Congress,
some of
fulness.
Dr Witherspoon
Institution
of
increasing success,
the
till
American war.
the
commencement
of
OF DR WITHERSPOON,
X13C
and appeared
scene,
however,
Still,
ties,
he
the
his
of
citizens
character.
with
shone
Knowing
lustre.
new
in
his
distinguished
New
Jersey
usual
abili-
elected
him
as
the
astonishment of
one of the
the
all
Professors
of
was
71
What
From
mind
committees and
conventions of the State, he was sent early
the
in the year
people of
revolutionary
1776,
New
as a representative of the
Jersey to
the
Congress of
Independence.
al-
for-
and always
discovered the greatest reach and presence
of
mind
in the
affairs,
most embarrasing
situations.
XX
political ideas.
was
originally
until
after
fects, he, in
adopted
and combated
a long experience of
its
He
first
it,
ef-
by contract
ill
done
it
*.
his opposition.
* Congress at
first
supplied the
army by allowing
missioners expended.
At
mode by contract
a certain sum per ration.
length
;
or al-
Dr Witherspoon
li
XXI
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
ambition
of
the individual
States,
which
were not willing to intrust the general government with adequate powers for the common interest. He then pronounced inefficacy upon
it.
re-
monstrated in vain *.
Over-ruled however at that time, in these
in other objects of importance, he
and
America
had
re-
making loans, and establishing funds for the payment of the interest .which, in the temper of the public
mind, lie thought could then have been easily eft'ected.
America has since regretted that she had not pursued
tv of
-,
that policy,
the Doctor afterwards, at the instance of
some of the very gentlemen who opposed him in Congress, published his ideas on the nature, value, and uses
He
efficient,
He
ment of the unioa holding in its own hands the entire regulation of commerce, and the revenues that might be deThese, he contended, would
rived from that source.
be adequate to
all
season of peace.
Vol.
T.
XXlli^Ieas
his
civilian,
He
gladly
sacred
office.
This he consider-
The
was
tlie
* The Rev.
Dr Samuel
S.
His
on
'*
ed before the Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, February 28. 1787, afford sufficient testimony of his genius
and learning. The last mentioned work has distinguished him in the estimation of the
and America.
rope,
it
As
soon as
it
avidity.
literati,
made
its
both in Europe
apearance in Eu-
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
XXlll
its
forme
I*
reputation.
The American
draw-
advancing upon him, was desirous of resigning his place in Congress; and would have
fain retired, in a measure, from the burdens
of the College.
promote its
tain, but the
more
benefit.
to
cross
He
fruit of his
he had so long
the ocean to^
deed answerable to the wishes of his American friends, yet they felt not the less in^
debted to his enterprise and zeal.
From
the very
ap-
bled
more
to
eclat at
German
of that empire.
XXIV
rica,
he was doubtless
much
indebted to the
financier,
man
of business, a
Chmxh
'The
being a
Scotland
of
to be divided into
two
well
is
declared
management.
themselves
known
parties,
their ideas
abundantly zealous
to
confimi and even extend the rights of patronage; while the other wish either to athese
bridge
or
rights,
to confine their o-
influence
and
tlement of ministers.
are considered as
trines
gion in
all
their strictness, as
contained in
The op-
XXV
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
])reach in
They designate
sciences of the hearers.
themselves moderate men, and therefore strenuously oppose what they
call
the luildness
it is
in
Dr WiTHERSPGON,
whilc he remained in
enlightened friends.
his clerical, brethren
He
laboured to
make
their
own
true inte-
rest
to their charge.
c a
ACCOUNT OF THE
XXVI
her sons
LIFE
reconcilement of
wandering flocks
brought back to the fold, and peace and
love, the sound characteristics of the religion of Jesus, thoroughly established in. the
;
to
witness the
land.
it
those
of
his
denominated
them,
tion,
mon
who
brethren,
the
orthodox.
are
usually
Acting with
from convic-
as
he did with all,
and at the same time evincing uncomknowledge and wisdom, he soan acqui-
It had
happened among the orthodox, as it often
does among scrupulous and conscientious
literary
characters
men who
are not
in
much
the nation.
own
independent mind.
no
cslse
pursued inflexibly
were they to
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
They thought
address
all
and
of measures
enlarged
the
policy
Hence
religion.
%vith
eager
to
were
of
overcome
disunion
But
defeat.
Dr Witherspoon,
and unite
contention
bine
the
wisdom of
the
Ihat
inconsistent
resulted
and consequent
mind
XXVll
com-
that
concentration
of
ration,
is
for
possess,
One
day, after
had completely
baffled,
of ope-
and which
degree.
views,
still
it
greater
Dr Witherspoon
in
some important
brated
Dr Robertson,
at
that
time the
for
Dr Wither-
appearing with
XXVin
in.
the eccle-
Few men
Every day he
fast
increasing.
felt
sight,
his ministry,
He
was
and
his
frecp^ently
OF DR WITHERSPOON.
led
into
the
pulpit,
both
XXIX.
home and
at
He
who
they rest
Of Dr Witherspoon's
ttuthor, it
is
Writings are
every
serious
discover
man
an
nature,
character as an
the
intelh'gent
much.
Public;
and
reader, they
uncommon knowledge
His
of
to
must
hu-
They
XXX
him
God had
that
given
Dr Witherspoon's
He
who
possessed also an
talents
serious
were
various-.
but one
fund of re-
writer,
uncommon
cal Characteristics.
The edge
of his wdt in
so severely
felt.
Dr Warburton,
the
ce-
many
respects, one of
lar felicity
New
manner
in
which
it v^ivs
treated
by him,
al-
OF
DR WITHERSPOON.
XXXI
ers,
their
it
did
An
hearts.
profonnd theologian,
not
savingly
admirable
an
reach
textuary,
universal
scholar,
he brought forth
all
human
heart;
illustration
and in-
affecting, and inhe was by no means the most fervent and animated orator.
peculiar affection of his nerves, which generally over-
structive,
very
to feel
on
and
fire
ture,
others
It
at-
him without imhad a happy talent at unfolding the strict and proper meaning of the
sacred writer, in any text from which he
tention,
or
provement.
to
attend to
He
XXXll
chose to discourse
he delighted
discourses,
dwell
to
chiefly
derstanding,
heart.
He
and to the
feelings
of
every
talents.
During
he
was ex-
those
studious
the
whole of
his
tremely solicitous
Presidency,
to
train
youths, who had the ministry of the gospel in view, in such a manner, as to secure
the greatest respectability, as well as usefulness, in their sacred
constant advice
to
profession.
It
v>'as
his
preparation.
It
was
his
ambition and
his
DR WITHERSPOON.
OF
XXXlll
life,
pel.
year, for
He
was
fasting,
also
in
humiliation,
and
prayer.
practice of spending
the
required.
earth,
to
He
" continue
ing/' and he
is
now
patiently in
in
well do-
everlasting reward.
>
^anongate, Edin.
August 1804.
B, the materials of
Memoir have
sermon preached in consequence of Dr WixHERbPooN's
death, by the Rev. Dr Rodgeks, senior minister of the United Presbyterian C))urches,
in the city of New York.
iV.
this
Vol.
I.
ESSAY
ON THE
CONNECTION
BETWEEN THE
DOCTRIiNE OF JUSTIFICATION
BY THE
HOLINESS OF LIFE;
With some Reflections upon theReception which
that Doctrine hath generally
in the
TO WHICH
met with
World.
IS
PREFIXED,
A LETTER
Autiior of
Theron and
Aspasio.
LETTER
TO THE
Mr JAMES HERVEY.
Rev.
Sir,
WHEN
he told
his Father,
his disciples,
"
If the
am
persuaded
mate that the case would be the same in^ all ages
that his doctrine would meet with great resistance
and opposition ; and that the temper and character
of his real disciples would be very different from
the spirit that would generally prevail in the world.
This hath been continually verified in experience.
For
as
many
where there
still
is
and of highest
publication, so even
a nominal profession of
au opposition
to
its
it,
there
is
D3
LETTER
38
As at
first
twelve illiterate
wisdom of
men, but
in the
power of God."
it
fre-
men
Hence
to hear
They
it.
it is
This
sent age.
is
it is
deliv-
From a
and luxury
all
instruc-
which have not something pleasing and insinuating in their dress and form.
You> Sir, are one of those happy few, who have
been willing to consecrate the finest natural talentsto the service of hrist in the gospel,, and are not
ashamed of his cross. You have been able to procure attention upon some subjects, from many who
would haidly have given it to any other writer;
This hath made me observe, with particular attention, the effect of your last performance, Theron.
and Aspasio, the character given to it, and the objections raised against it. And I have always found,^
that the most specious and plausible objection, and
tions
MR HtnviT.
89
made
This
is
what
have
particularly applied myself to refute in the following essay, because I have rarely observed it done
distinctly,
and
at full length, in
And I
my
any writer.
you, as a testimony of
have addressed it
esteem of your excellent and useful writings, as a
to
public declaration of
my
and
my
assist-
It
it
might appear to
all,
smaller differences,
cordial esteem
and
it,
that thereby
no external distinctions, or
ought to be any hindrance to a
that
affection
among
The
it
is
now thrown
title
inta
of a ser-
mon
should offend some, and that it might the betadmit of several additions, both in the body of
the piece and in the notes, which could not have
been so properly delivered frtrm a pulpit. Some of
ter
no way
among us,
a much
of which I propose,
fuller discussion
as there
in
40
L E T T E R, &C.
That your
that you
useful
life
may
be prolonged, and
of contributing more
and more to the conversion of sinners, and the edi*
fication and comfort of believers, is the earnest
prayer
of,
iir,
J:
W,
AN
ESSAY
ON
JUSTIFICATION,
the warks and ways of God hare somethJDg
A1L
in tliem mysterious, above the comprehension
of any
finite
understanding.
As
by Jesus
Christ.
subjection.
They
all
of them,
when
seriously
^^
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
God, through the imputed righteousness of a Redeemer. To this doctrine men do by nature
make
We
man
natural
God
in general, that
<
the
It is there-
fectual
means, of destroying
his
in the heart.
then?
shall
we continue
in
<<
What shall we
sin
that grace
say
may
From
apostle,
the introduction of
we may
this-
objection by the
1 Cor.
ii,
14,
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
versaries
who would
imputation
attempt to load
is
43
with this
it
indeed
on
liable,
wedded
to their lusts.
It
is
;
probable that
last
the
all
render
known
this doctrine,
principles,
many enemies of
who
all
that
agree in assaulting
it
with this
weakens the obligations to holiness of life, by making our justification before God
depend entirely upon the righteousness and merit of
another.
And so far, I think, we must join with
objection
it
a principle
that whatever
it
down
for
by
and genuine tendency, weakens the obligations to practice, must be false.
And I will also
assert, in opposition to some modern infidels, (though
some may think that my cause might avail itself of
belief or persuasion,
native
its
*.
So that,
am
if I
* That
is
to say, so far as
of
which yet
it
can be applied
above
its
opposite
to practice,
and
so
many
and these doubts are nine parts in ten of their lives obversant
a vindication of their licentious practice in some
to their minds, as
sense, such
may be
but they are principles either not really believed or, which
is
the
AN ESSAY ON
44?
JUSTIFICATION.
to holiness, that,
of it, as
its
on the
neces-
purity
this subject, as
am
essaying to defend.
their practice
it
experience
of,
God more
name of God more regularly
called upon in families, children and servants more
carefully instructed and more dutifully governed, a
strict
same
men
a it
upon a
principle,
so firmly bclicvc.u,
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
4-5
stricter sort
So true
is
certainly un-
manners
is
appellation of the
life
and
*.
as
justification
holy in their
am
evidently
an appcaninee of
all li}poerisy.
their
it is
own
who
is
are
indeed
It
to the society
charge of hypocrisy
the heart
justified,
w hole
nxerit of tliose
who
and not
Vol.
I.
is
a judging of
to appearances,
was
it;
for the
usually the
is
Wiiereas,
so
much
as professing
is
that
what
it
AV ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
46
seem to
list,
log.i-
God, which
is
holy, just,
good.
manner
it
itself,
word of God
in
and
such a
and give
as, if
they
would
would
hav^
made,
because
there
not
never have been
*.
given
to
occasion
it
an
been so much as
But of all the pretended Christians, one sort are
worthy of the highest contempt, who, acknowledge
ing the truth of this doctrine, call it dangerous, and
are backward to teach or publish it, lest it should be
Would such weak, half-thinking mortals^
abused.
God? Hath he pubHshed it, and shall
than
wiser
be
we throw a veil over it, to remedy the rashness of
his proceeding ? Do the Scriptures reveal, and are
we backward to " testify the gospel of the grace of
were just, and know^n to be
God
abused
supposes.
portant
works of
that this
It
is,
only
may
God
let
less useful
us endeavour to vindicate
or imit
from
manner,
*
that
it
to maintain
tlie
of
5hall
we
may abound
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
the doctrine
cence, but
i7
itself,
its
inno-
usefulness in practice.
its
The words of the inspired apostle are, " God forhow shall we that are dead to sin, live any long-
bid
The language
prevails.
It
is
very strong,
We that
mind of the
between a dead man,
seems to put us
breach of relation
*<
in
and the objects with which he was formerly connected in life they are nothing to him, nor he to
tlicm ; he neither loves them, needs them, nor uses
:
them.
ed
til
So
plied, sin
is
apostle elsewhere,
*'
God
the world
God
rough
forbid that
Lord Jesus
crucified unto
offer-
and ap-
should glory,
Christ,
me, and
by which
unto the
world *." This, which is indeed the language of
tlie scripture throughout, is not merely denying the
accusation, but establishing the contrary truth, the
is
life,
yea,
we
first, in
it
will
be ne-
C:al. \i
li.
is
made.
R(ni.
iii.
It
Jl.
may be
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFIGATION.
48
*'
That
guilty before
God
all
God
all
the
Therefore by
his sight
But we are
justified freely
Whom God
is
by
his grace,,
in Christ Jesus:
a propitiation, through
bearance of
excluded.
man
is
justified
by
sages of scripture
may
be thus paraphrased
is
That
under an unchangeable
it
Adam,
ESSAY ON JUbTIFlCATIO-N.
A^N
4^9
up a
sacrifice
their
own
mandments of God
as the
lustrated
and explained
embrace
it,
il-
who do
cor-
have ex-
nature of faith.
The
reason of
my
it,
doing so
same
opinion.
way material,
may
without exception.
entirely of the
easily
that
the.
be applied by them
hli
50
A*N
ESSAY
ON^ JUSTIFICATION.
In the
first
by
holy law of
Whence
apprehension of
them
to
be foolishness
justice of the
demand
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION,
as well as
Whilst others
obligation in general.
its
51
bound supremely
are obliged to
to love,
vient.
previous
to,
ness of Christ,
tion of
man
to
God,
God
*.
Every,
*
of
is
to observe, that
liis
it.
duty in
tlie
some deny
presentfallenstatc, because he
is
man, as
meaning of per-
fect obedience
is
AN ESSAY
52
ON" JLSriFICATION.
glect of duty,
makes
honourable.
it
in strength
positions of AuiiUi
tivity
and ac-
biit surely to
lovC
all,
and
God
wlio
without
iniiiiiteiy
is
amiable, with
inttriiiission, to
under to pay
vice of
God
this ?
itHl
And what
Our natural
the inability
fit
is
we
only nioral>
and lies wholly in the aversion of our hearts from such employment.
Does this then take away the guilt ? Must Gud relax his law because we are not willing to obey it? Consult 'even modern philosophers; and such of them as allow there is any such thing as \ice,
in evil or misplaced affections.
"WiD thea
any degree from guilt or
blame ? The truth is, notwitiistanding the loud charge of licentiousness upon tlie truths of the gospel, there is no other system that
ever I perused, which preserves the obligations of the law of God
in its strength: the most part of them, when thoroughly examined,
just amount to this, that men are bo\ind, and that it is RIGHT, and
will tell you that
that which
MEET,
is ill
it lies
themselves incline.
as good
and
as holy us tbej
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
5S
mean
time,
it is
self-evident, that
it
can be
renew
his wickedness.
But
all
is
often
though
not cause
it
may
will lead us to
been
iii
it.
similitude complete,
determine.
rebellion, deeply
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATIGK*
54
which
a pardon
condemning hrm
to die,
is
will
offered' or intimated to
make him
disloyal
possible effect
If
lite
such a person
it
such consequence at
all, it
it its
above used
will lead
am
reasoning.
and the
* But
guilt
tills is
impossible
fnr t1iou;;-h
there
may
be some sort of
there
tiiis is
is
nq
but
liive
Tiierc
where
rig.-.rous
though such
tyrant,
is still
tiiat of
in. all
an un-
Therefore,
and not of a righteous judge
i-dycn tire merits of Christ for par-
.should protcuti to
AX ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
But supposing, wliat
believer, that there
is
is
55
a real
and
stronij;
conviction of
God upon
every ra-
which cannot be taken away to imagine that the mercy of God in pardoning sinners for
Christ's sake will lessen or weaken the sense of this
obligation, is a most manifest contradiction. On the
contrary,sin must needshavereceived a mortal blow,
tional creature,
the love of
it
ed
we
who
?"
believes in Christ,
and expects justification throngli his iniputed righteousness, must have the deepest and strongest sense
This is in a good meaof the evil of sin in itself.
sure included in, o4* an immediate consequence of,
what has been already mentioned. For the obligation of the law, a^ hinted above,
is
it is felt
sense of obligation,
it
law-giver
it is
and there-
their lives.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
56
command,
AH
sin,
but that
it is
will
punish for
so,
and
it.
may
It
God
but
God
to a sinner's acceptance
is
a discovery
abominable nature, in every part of this *' mystery of godliness, God manifested in the flesh," and the truth founded upon it;
of the
evil
of sin, and
so that the
more
its
wicked and
false
o"f
What
a demonstration
is
this
of
its
malignit}^ if
The
cause
we
is
condemning ourselves
God
hath of
we may not
-!
own
it,
so
all- wise
much
as
but
and impartial
his.
And
that
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
that he also
is
57
partial
He
is
of sin appear.
this atonement.
silver
and
*.'*
It
was
Vol;
I.
Pet.
i.
IS.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATiON.
58
God
in-
blessed for
ever.
and
this belief
shewing us the
to expiate.
and
as
it
him
love.
The
in allusion to
Every
light in
this subject,
I shall
Rom.
viii.
32,
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
Hation and sorrow,
nished at
tliee, his
it is
said,
**
59
spirit,
con)plaint,
Isa. liL
1 -I.
liir.
3- S.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
60
and
holiness
justice of
God
man who is my
how much sin
against the
thence learn,
in
fellow."
is
And
let
him
detestation.
Hath
truths
tations?
Are they the frequent theme of his mediAnd must they not necessarily fill him with
Thus
shall
it is
shall look
on
mourn
me whom
for
^*
They
his only
and
shall
impression
tells
us of
strong tincture of a legal spirit, and are for contributing somewhat toward their acceptance with God,
by their own merit and defective obedience^ Such
however
Kttle
many
Z<>>h.
xii.
Onl
vi.
11.
may
6T
AN ESSAY ON J0STIFICATION*
yet perceive,
if
who do
it,
their natural
And
believe them.
in the science
of morals shew,
and the
up some
who
Fighteous Christian,
nominal
self-
made
and
esteem
all his
own
Redeemer
?-
And
if
we compare
the sen-
who
act
upon
who
flies
to the propitiation
of
am
very sensible
:,
tliat
FS
-'
6^
AN ESSAY OK
J.USTI Fl CATIO K,
is
therefore
no more under
this fear
and
its
be-
am
attempting to remove^ This is no doubt plaubut let it be remembered in* what way it is
;
sible
it is
tiie chil*
and they still believe that evei7 sia deserves the wj?ath of God, botH'
in this life and that which is to come.
Will they
therefore re-incur the danger from which they have
so lately escaped, and of which they had so terriblea view ? Will they do so voluntai?ily, even although
they know the remedy to be still at hand, still r^ady
to be applied, and certainly effectual I Suppose any
person had beeniq)on the very point of perishing in
i^ violent and rapid stre^i), and saved when hi&
strength was well nigh exhausted, by the happy in*lervention of a tender-hearted passenger, would hehell
i/oluntarily
lately delivered.
will
6^
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
Let ws only consider the strong sense vvliicli a believer usually shews of the danger of others in im
unconverted state, from a persuatrion of tlieir being
under the wrath of God. He warns them, in treats
them, pities them,, and prays for them. He would
not exchange with any one of them, a prison for a
palace, or a scaffold for a llirone. How then should
he be supposed to follow them in their practice, and?
thereby to return to their state
is
have such an
effect
will,
they cannot
siiis
God doth
flictions are
like nature.
upon
all eternity,
at*
Now, though
these expressions,
may put
all,
suppose
it will
His i^ardon
is
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION,
^4.
curity
is oyi]y
by the promise of
God
of
by means
by
Howerer
contradictory.
is
a supposition
strongly any
is
self-
man may
secure, he
as-
not
\<^ill
if such
tiiuie to do so,
deny that any such case ever did, or ever can pos*
sibly happen *.
The
principles of those
tlie
upon
own
life
chased,
is
is
making assurance
cise.
personal interest
in*
Now, what
certainty
Is it not
consequence
ful,
which
is
So
always
sin,
more
directly or
by
unfair,
them
part of a man's belief, and thence argue against another part, upon
which the
I shall
first is
never to cross
Here
expressly founded.
If I should say, I
is
a nuin
it
at all
wha
hardy in fording
it
would
it
river,
because
am confident
am resolved
thus
when
it
overflows
my
its
security ?
banks, which
is
fool-
con^rar/
65
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION,
ill
Indeed
it
is
kingdom of God.
he be again restored by
From
this I think
it
faith
and repentance.
is
hath
its full
force
God and
full
eternal
life
And
the
Ilcb.
vl
IJ
I 2 Pet.
i.
10.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
66
means, when
who
expect justifica-
to
fit
them
tial
parts,
doctrine in
its
had a tendency
to represent
God
(I will
towards
punishing
it
it,
passing
it
by with
little
notice,
and
from
serve
For
it.
that as
is
him
the
think
God,
it
may be allowed
as a
maxim,
in earnest.
God
strong, awful,
entire
nay,
if it
gives us
it
it
still
more
can never
1 Cor,
k. 2T.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
mediately perceive.
behoved to
suffer
first
place,
That Christ
by divine appointment
piation of sin,
than
In the
67
all
is
striking
when he
is
structed
till
der
this
God
inclined to mercy,
its
justice
is satisfied.
exercise
is
ob-
**
and with whom unrighteousness can have no communion ? Will any, after such views, hope for his
favour while they retain the love of
sin,
or expect to
with
its
pollution
The same
is self- contradictory,
it
necessary to punish
it
so se-
bear with
it
in those for
this
whom
and
6S
AN ESBAY ON JUSTIFICATION;
every one
who
of their Redeemer.
They
will
of the atonement
be so far from ta-
effects
to
God by him
own
as an intercessor
unworthiness, that
we
It
is
distress
ture state,
is
By
tlie
tliis
immediately
doctrine.
and perfecting of
tlieir
but
its
is
sumption.
righteousness than
an unholy boldness,
or a secure
and
slothful pre-
AK ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
in
God
must be
69
towards
us,
doth
sanctified of all
And whilst
it
and most
and so
fied believer,
solicitous to?
Surely the
always with the humble, morticounts all things but loss for the
?
it is
who
by the imputed righteousness of Christ, must be in<luced to obedience, in 'the strongest manner, by the
liberal
and ingenuous motive of gratitude and thankGod. That it is the native and genuii^'
fulness to
expression of gratitude to
holy
life, I
suppose
will
God,
hardly be denied
at least,
him, serving-
and
our
actions,
Vol.
I.
iii.
8.
"70
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
made
upon him by created beings. As his nature is without variableness or shadow of turning, so his happiness
is
And
yet, in this
and
its
These
have been the sentiments of all nations without exception,; and, after the utmost efforts we can make to
exempt him in our minds from all human passions
or affections, of joy, anger, or displeasure, we cannot help considering it still as proper to say, such a
course of
life is
pleasing to
God, and
will
provoke
is
dis-
his wrath.
bear witness to
ral
won by
favours,
and melted
to thankfulness
and
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
we might
principle
This
essay to perform.
is
71
an universal
God
its
force
all."
vii. 7.
G2
John
iii.
IG.
AK ESSAY ON JUSTIFIGATIOK.
7?
o)vn State what, and how strong then must his sense
of gratitude be, to him who hath given his Son, and
to him who has given hiniself for the purchase of
:
pardon ? With what earaestness will he seek afand with what eheerfuhiess will he embrace every opportunity of testitying his thankfulness ? Will
liis
ter,
not the
**
name of
as ointment
his
Redeemer be
poured forth
precious, even
to
him, ^nd his honour dear ?
It is proper to observe liere, that the single viev
of the blessings of diviae goodness^ which must hav^
th/e
sentment of them, i& peculiar to such as expect justification through the imputed righteousness of
phrist
viz. their
Daercy.
who do not, by
it,
excepting
And
and
state
their purest
and
holiest ac-
them, or such a
mixture and alloy of unholiness and impurity in
them, as, if they were weighed in the exact balance
of justice, would be sufficient to procure their total
rejection.
is
this represented
by the
sacred writers
75'
ANESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
and of God
Thus
in him, as
its
object.
righteous
iiood
What a sense of
the death of his son f."
the love of Christ is discovered by the two followGod by
may
faith
that ye being
rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth and
length, and depth, and height j and to know the love
If any
be Anathema, Maranatha
could
more
j"
|1
obligation^
own
sense of the
est
*
Ij
Rom
V. 7, R.
1 Cor. xvi.
'2,2.
f Rom v.
^ Phil.
lo.
iii.
1 8.
G3
Eph.
iii.
* Heb.
vi. C.
T^
AN ESSAr ON JUSTIFTCATION.
the
name
But
of Christian.
is it
ence upon
in
tlie
all
&uek
as^
doctrine of redemption
mut
by an
therefore
This
leatTs
me
That those who expect justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ, must be possessed of a
supreme or superlative love to God, which is not onJy the source and principle, but the very sum and
That
substance, nay, the perfection of holiness.
those who believe in, and hope to be accepted and
place.
finally saved,
means of
John,
God
after,
hath to us
'*
Thus
begetting love.
We have known
;
God
We love him
and
is
love *."
because he
first
And
little
."
loved us f
John
iv. 16.
I 1
John
iv.
19.
AN ESSAY ON
per expression of
natural, nay, this
This
it.
is
J IfSTIFI CATION.
is
75
immediate and
and unavoidable
their
their necessary
** For the love of Christ constraineth us, bethus judge, that if one died for all, then
we
cause
were all dead ; and that he died tor all, that they
effect.
which
selves,
live should not henceforth live unto thembut unto him which died for them, and rose
again *."
If any shall think proper to assert, that favours
thus, for example, supposing any person of a character justly hateful in it-
from caprice,
self,
self-interest,
many
upon another,
and delight in the favours, without esteeming, nay, even when he could
motive, to bestow
tlie
signal favours
jection against
what
if this is
and esteem, as
titude, is here to
well as
be seen.
* 2
Even the
Cor. V. 14.
perfections of
7G
AN
E-SSAY
ON JUSTIFICATIDN.
and mercy (which I will not call jamng attrisome too harshly do, but) which seem to
restrain and limit each other in their exercise, are
jointly illustrated, and shine more brightly by their,
union, than they could have done separately ; and,at the same time, the purity and holiness of the divinenature, which is the Slim of them all, is deeply imSo that here is every thing,
pressed upon the mind.
that can produce love j worth antl excellence to meFromrit it, love and kindness to excite and raise it.
this it evidently appears, that he who believes in theimputed righteousness of Christ, must have a superlative love of God.
But 2dly, Lest it should be said that many have:
not this view of the doctrine in question, as honourable to God, and representing him in an amiable,
light, but the contrary ; I observe that there must
have been a discovery of the glory of God, as shinjustice
butes, as
all
who
cordially
Nothing else could induce them to doIf its enemies do not see this, and therefore set
so.
themselves against it ; this confirms the different and
honourable sentiments entertained by its friends soembrace
it.
we
will
it is
**
who count
The
truth
jections that
is,
may
be raised against
*
Phil.
iii.
8.
it,
many
favours
AK ESSAY ON iJUSTIPlCATION.
received by one to
whom
77
sary,
life, nor angels, nor princinor powers, nor things present, nor things
to conie^ nor height, nor depth, nor any creature,
palities,
love to
mandment
of the law,
and with
all
all
thy
**
Thou
mind
God,
will
Lord
thy soul,
all
As they
love
the ve^
God
especially,
God
because
Can they
love
We know that
MaU.
x;Ji. 3T.
who
possesses our
AN ESSAY
Is
ON^
JUSTIFIGATION.
how
then can
on
it
It is a received
is
be supposed
when
it is
fixed
excellence.
and
himself to op-
sets
pose this part of his character, or to substitute something quite different in its room *. Or, if we can sup-
tell
God
is,
he can never
is
dictive justice,
and that
in the face of
might be to an impartial person, past all donbt and yet this is derided, and denied by many, merely because they can never thinks
that a perfection in the divine nature, for which they have no loveor esteem in their own hearts.
All who love God, tlien, must be.
like him: and even those who will not be what he really is, are
always srongly inclined, at least to suppose him what they them;
selves are.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
For why, he
liiniself is
unholy
that
is
79
to say, in
other words, he supremely loves, and hath his affections habitually fixed,
Let us continue
subject,
which
is
of holiness
itself,
and
possibility.
There
is
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
8(f
opposite to the course of the life, or supremely fixed upon two things mutually destructive to each
tiiat
not serve
Once more.
Is
he
*."
else
Ye can-
precisely
what
is
mean the
meant by
will ?
Is
it
not
which
kind,
disposition.
is
increased
vi.
21.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
free
81
is
perfect in holiness.
It
may probably
this
tue.
tendency of our
others found it upon our connections with our fellow-creatures in this state, and make it consist in
benevolence of heart, and beneficence of action j
others again,
who approach
and
virtue, or
it
Jy appear.
fect
82
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
nature.
For
will scarcely
is
amiable
placed.
all
it is
used with respect to sensible objects, to ethics or morality, in which it must be understood figuratively.
in painting, or
in opposition to falsehood
reality
Wollaston's Religion of
And whoever
dare say, be
and proper as a
sensible, that
rhapsodies
upon
beauty and
author's
certain noble
were
easy
shew
that none
it
to
short,
In
harmony.
h^ve
nature
virtue
the
of
of
given
accounts
,of the
it is
just as natural
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
83
is
it
must be
in
disdained to have
made mention
my
of his
it
affords
me
opportunity of expressing
sense of the
some
Ilnd; as to
crime.
mankind in general,
it would
were to contrive an
answer to this writer, it would be a visible, instead of a legible answer it would be to employ a painter to make a portrait of hixn
from the life to encompass him with a few hieroglyphics, which
it would not be difficult to dr-siise
to inscribe up^jn his breast these
all.
If
and BROAD SHOULand put the lollowing sentence in his mouth, whi^h he hath
adopted from a French author, "
INFIDELITY whea
words,
DERS
HEAJ/ni, CLEANLINESS,
;
FEMALE
known
is
think this
is
It is
H2
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
84-
Thus
have shewn,
those
tliat
who
believe th
it.
who will
reflect,
that
it is
may be convinced
ofi
am
if 1
is
so evidently founded
ou
There
*vhich
it
that
is,
And,
gion, nothing
particularly
more
upon the
subject of reli-
effectually enervates
and leads to a
our resolu-
despondent neglect of
duty, than an opinion that we shall not succeed in
attempting it, or shall not be accepted in our endeavours after it, or our imperfect attainments in it..
But the doctrine of justification by the free grace of
God, ** through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus," gives the greatest encouragement to all whotions,
sullen,,
thmugh
:.
Christ.
2dly,
The
Spirit,
85
Jesus.
The
Although
sin
expect to be justified by their own merits. Accordino-ly we find, that except the grossest and boldest
infidels, of which sort this age has furnished some
examples
guilty of
sino"
*,
all
many
classes of
confess themselves
themselves in
style,
men
If there is any
depravation of natural conscience.
be liable to
must
they
meaning then in these words,
the displeasure of
,
God
in
some
which
must
therefore
and
respects, for
thou pronouncest to be only error, for moral evil vanishes, in somemeasure, from before thy more perfect sight."
H3
SS
is
A-N
ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATIOt?.
how
own
merit as
is
requisite, if there i^
when God
all
there
is
really
Jio
God^
children of
God
love
These,
when they
shall
be
made
perfectly
indebted for their place in heaven, and their continuance there, to the grace of God and the love of
Redeemer.
other branch of the encouragement which;
believers in Christ have to diligence in duty, is the
promise of the Holy Spirit to lead them into all
This promise is
ti'uth, and guide them to all duty.
expressly made to behevers and their seed after
their
The
ST
AN ESSAY UN JUSTinCATrOK.
end of the
world.
Thus says
to
afar
Holy Ghost;
oiY,
call *."
even as
Atid
children',
many
it is
as the
And
for the
and to
all
ye shall
promise
that are
shall
But
it
may be
easily
made
fear of the
boast of their
own
strength.
The
result of experi-
bleness of
* Acts
ii.
38, 39.
f Isa. iUv. 3,
4.
SS
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
is
God
that worketh in
you both to
will
and
to
do
observe, that
nature, and
its
and
fullest
accQunt,
all
Their poets
some deity
no small
The
had
interposition of deities
was indeed
so
remark-
it
has*
Nay,
it
belief
who
him in
Does not
assisted
danger.
difficulty,
all this
Phil.
ii.
in
12, 13.
89
A ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
diligence in duty,
it
not
make
it
trust to nothing
reasonable to expect, that those who
be proportionwill
strength,
better than their own
in their
deficient
and
attempts,
ably low in their
for di^
fixed
are
eyes
whose
those
success ; but that
decontinual
a
in
live
who
and
rection upon God,
partakers
truly
become
will
grace,
pendence on his
of a divine nature ?
Now, is not tliis the distinguishing characteristic
by free grace, that it
of the scheme of redemption
God thun any other
to
more
and
man
o-ives less to
to point at this
particularly
indeed
plan ? It seems
it, to abase the pride of
of
part
every
in
very design
Self-denial ia
man, and to exalt the grace of God.
a renunciation
and
gospel,
the
of
condition
the first
continued through
of all self-dependence is the lesson
*' Surely in the Lord have 1 righteousthe whole.
called the motto of
ness and strength," may be
comprehensive sum^
and
short
is
a
Christian,
every
foundation of his
great
the
and
faith,
his
niary of
that he
hope and trust. As then it has been shewn
is
crity
power is constantly
since he believes that almighty
unable
engaged in his behalf; and that however
that
he^'may be of himself, for any thing
in
is
good.
be wrought
yet a thorough
will
for-
following passage of
titude must be inspired by the
in the same
promises
the prophet Isaiah, and other
not heard,
thou
hast
''
Hast thou not known,
strain ?
that the everlasting
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION,
^0
is wear)? ? There is
no searching of his understanding. He giveth
power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint
and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.
But 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 *."
But now, perhaps, after all the advantages of
preceding discourse",
cannot possibly
some will
of
impiety,
or serve
the
encouragement
be appHed to
to foster a supine sloth and negligence ? To this I
am ready to answer, By some who profess it, it
may
can.
but by those
There
is
who
if it
really believe
it,
it
never
of
God
in fact
many who
are not
profession,
will
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
91
in the doctrine of
who
am
willing to allow
upon
but that
those
all
it
real
The above
was
that
is all
intended in the
first
but perhaps
it
will
make a few
reflections
upon
its
cation.
It is very certain, being neither denied by friends
nor enemies, that this doctrine hath, in all ages, not
only been attacked with the weapons of human wis-
influence
may
After, therefore,
it
much reproach
hath been so far
upon
mind, and
**
it
and
wa
Greeks
tells us, **
to the
eflect
of the
Ye see your
calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after
the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are
Cor.
i.
23,
**
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
92
called.
tJie foolish
things of
and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the
things which ar-e mighty ; and base things of the
world, and things which are despised, hath God
chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to
nought things that are *." This we are not to understand as if the apostle yielded that the gospel was
not agreeable to true wisdom, or that the proper
and legitimate use of human wisdom would not lead
us to embrace it but it contains a strong intimation
of a truth pot commonly attended to, that great natural abilities have pretty much the same influence
on the moral character, with great wealth or temthe world to confound the wise
They
poral prosperity.
self-
an
disposition whatsoever.
God
this
that
manner,
lor the wise ends of his providence, for the subjection of the arrogance
far
it is
Cor.
i.
26,
^S.
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
93
And indeed, besides this exact correspondence between the event and what the Scripture gives us
reason to expect, as to the reception of the gospel
in the world, I appreliend it ought to be a general
prejudice in favour of
ginal
its
it any of
seems to lie (if I
may so speak) quite out of the way of human imagination and contrivance, and is diametrically oppo-
claims, that
it
the marks of
site in its
it
human wisdom.
It
This indeed
trine
is
is
self-esteem, pride,
and vain-glo-
is
It gives a
who
complied with,
it
is
intolera-
And when
men
it
is
truly
from their
who submit
and confess themselves wholly indebted for forgiveness and acceptance, for their present holiness and
their future happiness, to the free, unmerited grace
of God.
who have not some acquaintance widi vital, experimental religion. Now, what is the most natural
inference from this ? Is it not, that we have not the
ceive
Vol.
I,
may
I
"cun-
it is
94f
"
God
if
lor salvatiou,
the reasoning
morahty.
may
from
all
It is, that
man
Christ's
God."
really,
ol"
That
the
first
of these assertions
is
true, the
mention of
tlie
may
as well be expressed
by
its
ought
to be but a
called truth,
assertion
is just,
is
to
mankind
* Rom.
^J^.l
i.
16.
in general,
may be satisfied
t ^^r Warburton.
9o
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
luntary continuance in
it.
of the
visiblcchurch, in which viceand wickedness soshamefully abound, will be no objection to this, if what I
that there
*,
is
a great
sy
They
whom
are hypocrites, by
indeed great
offences
do come
soti-se
We
f.
may
Sf.
Perhaps sonic may think the inte accounts pnblislicd of the MoThey
lavinns an objection to th-j jusliiesr. of tiiis n^prc mentation.
\
thcra,
inipi-.tcd rigliteous
and yet there have not only appeared some bad men amongst
but they arc universally charged as a sect with must impious
uous, if they
had btcn
aflirnied
were calum-
first
sacrifices,
it seems
some uusivspecLed accusers have appeared,
whom non:^ can imagine prejudiced against tiiem for embracing the
doctrine of imputed iigtiteoiisness. i ooufcss myself to have so little
otherwise here
for
i>
Gunnot very
fully
handle the
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
96
say of them as
tlie
apostle
John
says,
if they had
would no doubt have continued
with us; hut they went out that they might be
made manifest that they were not all of us *."
But this is not all ; for the reception of the doctrine of imputed righteousness is not merely, to be
been of
us, they
it is
others are
all
If this be
of salvation, then
it
is
damental truth. Of this we arc frequently and solemnly assured in the word of God. " i am the
subject
but, if there
is
is slTirnied
Zinzendqrf,
tlieir leader,
Besides, as Count
it is
pro-
art,
him than
ia.
Christ.
ia^
tours of the Moravians, has demonf:t rated that, so far from fur
Tiishing ani/ objection against the doctrine defended in this Essiw.
John
ix.
10.
it.
Xotc
of the Anje
AN' ESSAY
97
ON JUSTl'FICATION.
life
worldly conveniency,
with violent and
is'
at all suilicient to
We
sinful- habits.
see
contend
many
ex-
and
justly
vice in others,
will yet
sometimes even
go on to ruin
their
themselves, wlio
in
name,
flmiiJy,
fortune
and health, while they ar6 slaves to evil habits ; nothing wilt change them but the grace of God.
And as we have seen above,, that our own righteousness in
its
best state
is
all
ex-
shew that
they have such defective views of the extent and
pcctations of this kind from
it,
plainly
recommended
at
some
times,
some imperfect
xiv.
0".
13
Acts
iv. i^.
life
of
AN ESSAY OK JUSTIFICATION.
98
offered or trusted in as
worthy of being so
be accepted, or
is
and believe
and then forsanetification,
the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he
fectual,
till
in Christ,
**
will
to
first
for pardon,
* EpL
i.
6.
f The application of these passages of Scripture, to the particular principles above maintained, will perhaps be thought to include
in
it
many
Chris-
And
who
tians,
indeed
differ in
be good."
That it
The
is
assertion
man believes,
if it
foolish
As
to Socinians
AN ESSAY 0^ JUSTIFICATION.
am
99
subject by ob-
tiiis
and necessity
how
much it is the duty ot^ ail ministers of the gospel to
make it the main and leading theme of their sermons.
The preaching of the gospel is by the apostle Paul,
of the imputed righteousness of Christ, shews
in a very just and expressive manner, styled preaching " the unsearchable riches of Christ." In him
tered.
is
cen-
is
held
as a Saviour
and
he
is
ttcm,
may be
easily admitted.
But
him
is
it v; ill
be thought hard
llov.cvcr, if the
to s.ty
rii^litcoustK-.<:s
not see
those
do
who act
upon any other plan. And yet I am persuaded there have been,
and are many good men among them, which may be accounted for
in this manner, that their hearts arc better than their understandand they are habitually under the government of principles
ings
which, through some mistaken views and groundless fears of their
abuse, they speak of more sparingly, or rather seem to estitblish the
;
contrary positions.
own
The
discourses,
pr;i.yer
which they
have drawn up, and not only recommended to others, but left beIf
hind them as a witness of their own exercise in their closets.
they be supposed to feel the sentiments which they express in their
prayers,
it
themselves be true in
believe
it,
its
which charity
obliges us to suppose,
If
own
it
if
they
must be altogether
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
100
due
to
They
ters.
derive almost
wri-
motives to every
all their
when
appear to be warmed
and
when
by the
among
is
free grace of
from
God, through
in Christ Jesus,
And
their departure
ages following.
this doctrine
It is also very
was always
fully
and
remarkable, that
distinctly
taught
valhes,
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION.
101
The
And as it is well
doctrine from the beginning.
known that the Reformation took its first rise from
the gross and scandalous ai)plication of the doctrine
of merit in indulgences, so ail the relbjmers, without
it
nffect Christians
is
more surprising,
valence of infidelity.
not at present
do
and
that we have never wanted,
to stand up in
writers
eminent
want, many able and
and
cliangeabk
the
refute
and
defence of the gospel,
This
is
the
re-
AN
102
eSw<;ay
on justification.
who
call
themselves
i-t
may be
safely said,
its
goodness
not by
There
is
blossoms, but
its
is
its fruits.
may
satisfy
us
promote
real reformation.
who
It is, that
no more) approach
nearest to making our own merit and obedience the
ground of our acceptance with God, very seldom, if
those preachers
(to say
any alarm to the consciences of their hearLet them recommend ever so pure and high a
ever, give
ers.
preach elegantly,
if they
v/ith pleasure,
fear,
and,
even by the
who cannot
easily
be distinguished in this
who
there
is
103
cannot deny
not dismiise
o
it,
But it is so certain a
and so important that I
it.
Upon
age loudly
the
tried stone
the
precious corner
To
to think, will be
accompanied with
*'
the
demon-
gence, and animate our endeavours, by exprcssinowith the Psalmist David our faitli in the perpetuity
of his kingdom.
*<
vi.
14.
for ever
AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION,
104
his
name
sliall
men
shall
whole earth be
Amen
filled
name
for ever
*."
and
let
the
Amen and
PRACTICAL TREATISE
OM
BEGENERATION.
Voul.
PRACTICAL TREATISE
ON
REGENERATION.
John
Jesus answered
iiL 3.
Verily^ verily^
INTRODUCTION.
THE
hold their
must
office, is
extremely awful.
God"
" They
of their fideHty
to the souls
108
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
to save his
life
man
shall die in
he
iii.
possible care, in
all
interest, to consider
with
ners
how we may
to be a
**
who. hear
and
to
life," to
many of those
Such indeed
is
the undeniable
am
often
ready to think
it
will
no more dare
to rush
Almighty's buckler
surely
ings from
109
ON heceneration.
to the unsearchable
we must
Father, for so
seemed good
it
in
be hid
it is
*'
Even so,
Luke
thy sight,"
" But
if
in
our gospel
whom
the
minds of them
of Christ,
who
is
the image of
iv.
3^
4,
and
spirit,
and
of the joints
The
and intend to
and
is
happily as
little
en-
no
A PnACTICAL TREATISE
are called, whatsoever leader you profess to follow, whatever ordinances you enjoy,
**
if
kingdom
me most
which brings oftenest into view, or rather
never losses viev/ of the great and essential difference
between believers and unbelievers, saints and sinners, heirs of glory and heirs of hell.
These are
mixed together on earth. They have common privileges as men and citizens.
They cannot be certainly distinguished by human observation ; for
tliough the image of God shines in a bright and sen^
sible manner in some on the one hand, and some bear
very plain and deadly symptoms on the other, whose
state may be determined with little hazard of misor recommending divine truth, appears to
profitable,
is
mul-
do
belong
?*
if possible, still
more pres-
ON REGENERATION.
at the liead of ibis discourse.
Ill
Not only
are
all
men
men
all
verily, I say
man
be born again,
when he
to
liis
is
old
mother's
It is
not
my
Can he
womb and
purpose
be born ?"
fusion of criticism
the
The
New
Testament
The kingdom
12:-
A.
PRACTICAL TREATIS-E
blessings of
liis
be put
purchase.
in full possession of
1 take
it
tW
to be the last
of
place.
make
life,
I
is
am
new
birth,,
moment, or
rather,
is,.
much into-
desuetude.
it is
all
in:
sins,
ON BXGEMERATION.
part from me, I
know you
11$
quity ?"
If this subject
we
ed,
nature
is
new
new
If a
and
is
will
be found to be
attempt
fruitless
lost labour.
If
is
by addition
to endeavour,
is it
by no means
it is
properly,
it is
sufficient,
Just
more
or, to speak
irregularities
them
and vicious
to
painting
Wo
my
people, saying.
wall,
and
tar
say unto
lo,
mortar, that
shall fall
it
Ezek.
10, 11.
feame in
its
Doubtless
be wished, that
what
is
is
held in derision.
is
re-
We
are told
tion.
xiii.
it is
so.
many
And
it
v\ere greatly to
life.
But the
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
114
reader
is
Holy
it is
Scripture.
a metaphor
I think also
it is
it is
accomplished.
nor ought
is
neither wonderful in
itself,
to be
And
in the
mean
God, never
to depart.
tlie
eminent and useful Dr Doddridge *' If this doctrine, in one form or another, be generally taught
by my brethren in the ministry, I. rejoice in it for:
their
ON REGENERATION.
115
and effects.
shew by what steps, or by what means,
is usually brought about.
IV. In the last place, to improve the subject
cipal evidences
To
III.
it
by
a few practical addresses to persons of different characters.
CHAP.
Some general
I.
nnd
the
other parts
IT
of the
"joord
<f God.
We
it
in
tle's
second
it,
in the
same apos-
Therefa-e
116
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
" For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them,"
Eph. ii. 10, It is still a figure of the same kind
production
" to
that
is
which
and
is
To name no more
to be
" born
of God,"
John
change
tures,
God
attributed to
Whoever
ir.
repeated,
is
is
said
which the
and the
will readily
admit that
it
is
intended
we
should learn something from this very way of speaking itself. Let us therefore consider what may be
safely
deduced from
it.
And,
as I
to run
more
naturally to arise
from
this
metaphor, and
may be
OM REGENERATIOK.
5 1.
From
Il7
this expression ^
may
learn the
signify a great
character,
stricter
or a looser sense.
in a stricter sense,
it
If
may be
we
made new
creatures.
Does not
this
still
and
teach us
? We must be entirely
from what we were before, as one creature differs from another, or as that which begins to
be at any time, is not, nor cannot be the same with
what did formerly exist.
This may also be well supported from a variety
of other passages of Scripture, and is a consequence
different
Vol.
life.
I.
Thus
118
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
^nd
in trespasses
is
when we
plainly the
how
Now,
is
119
ON REGENERATION.
perform a work of no moment ? Would it be celebrated as an effect of the power of God, if it were
not truly great ?
Let me now, in the most earnest manner, beseech
every person
berately
truth,
who
is
the import of
it is established.
It
this>
appears
gospel.
thing
is it
fill
many
of the
the church,
and sunshine to
forms, a
it is
painful to think
number
L2
120
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
am
sensible that
men
They
in deceiving themselves.
ligion
is
all
hearts.
great truth.
tion
And
True
view
who judgeth
doubtless this
religion
diflident of itself,
is
it is
is,
the secrets
in one view, a
unwilling to promise
But it
lest it should be found wanting.
ought to. be considered that, however concealed the
inward principle may be, the practical effects must
As one table of the moral law
of necessity appear.
consists entirely of our duty to others, whoever is
born again, and renewed in the spirit of his mind,
will be found a quite different person from what he
was before, in his conversation with his felk)wmuch,
creatures.
by an extraordinary
effort
of charity, they
12 V
6J^ RlJaiNERATIOlti
the
life.
this,
but
is
men
satisfied
even with
A PRAGTICAL tKEATISB
i^^
the
however slow and insensible the steps of improvement have ben^ the eifects will at last clearly appear, by comparison with an uncultivated state. In
the same mamK)r. whoever cannot remember the
time when he serv^ed the former lusts in his igno*
ranee, has reason to conclude that no change deser-
ving the
place.
It will be, perhaps,
this, that
God, by
some are
atcounted an exception to
so early
his blessing
pily preserved from ever entering upors the destructive paths of vice, that tliey
But
Cod.
The
this
cannot be supposed to
at
enmity with
an objection of no consequence.
much
of
sin, that
of
all
own
hearts,
in their
members
that
God.
To
ON KEGENERATION.
Can you
123
its
proper
This
effects
ejcpressioTiy
Except
man be born
again,
here intended
is
some particu-
in
As
without exception.
is
it
lars,
is
all
this
and
self-de-
Innumerable are the deceits of Satan. If he cannot keep sinners in absolute blindness and security,
which is his first attempt, he industriously endeavours
by causing
them
subject
is
suaded
it is
am
who
per-
numbers
The
of everlast-
ing
of this kind.
their
if any at all,
whole lives, any
way of
religion.
There are
still
do nothing
fewer
who
A FRACTICAL TREATISE
124
is
not permanent.
that the
it is
The
Thus
''
Then
shall 1 not
the
be ashamed, wheii^
is
guilty of all,"
James
ii.
10,
It is
indeed so
much
But what
am
persuaded
will
be of most
how
this differs
from that
ON REGENERATION.
in point of morals,
is
125
human
life;
to,
become the
to
human
Ahab,
to
work
iniquity,
nature.
it
often
folly
and
levity,
nay,
selfish,
age. In
many
in
particulars,
a different kind.
of the
I
is
hey are
It is
It
commandments of God
all
and
as certainly mortal.
What
profit
was
it
like
126
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
the publican
his pride
rendered him
si^jht
still
more
of God.
common and
ne-
will
sometimes
wean a man from one sin, and introduce an attachment to another. If the temptation is removed, the
fire may be extinguished for want of fuel.
The incHnation to sin in some kinds may be thus occasionweakened, or the commission of
ally
possible.
It
can be of no
is
it
rendered im-
it is
God
,*
or rather, to
Are
apply
this reflection to
there not
ceased to sin in
some
respects, be-
not
many
Are there
lusory view
who
de-^
remembering some species of sins or follies whichnow sincerely and heartily despise? Takeheed^
that this be not entirely owing to your progress
through life, or a chanoc of circumstances and situation. Are you not still living as much to yourselves
as ever ? as much averse from a hfe of love to, and
communion with God as ever ? Remember, that
though your conduct may be wiser and more prudent, and your character more respectable in the
world than before, this is no proof of regeneration ;
and ** except a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God/'
they
ON
^. Somefiiiies a
REfl KN ERATION.
127
partial cliange
produced by
is
may urge
believers,
to the practice of
it
is
sins to
whilst
it is
It
is
may
deter from
even
less strong,
throne a favourite
duty in a
lust,
or de-
idol.
There is a remarkable example of this character in Herod, and his behaviour to John Baptist.
We arc told by the evangelist Mark, that Herod
-**
feared John, knowing that he was a just man and
an holy, and observed him, and when he heard him
he did many things, and lieai'd him gladly," Mark
A'i. 20.
That is to say, he did many such tiiings as
were
But
least
that the
is
plain
it
life
of his reprover.
of Israel,
oi'
whom
it is
We find
that
for
only
away
Ahab, king
" did more to
128
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
Scripture, as well as
of
Many
only partial.
sinners,
same
unbounded licence as before. Nay, there are some
sins, under the penal eiFects of which they have se-
indulge.
They were
at first shamefully
lonish captivity
crime.
Some
sins
ON REGENERATION.
them
129
go.
and submission,
there
is
And though
first to
may be
djjire
the worse,
still
there
not commit^
unclean
lust,
who
riot,
or
they rest with complacency, as their sweetest por? Are all outwardly decent and sober persons
ready to take up the cross, and follow their Master
without the camp ? Are they ready to forsake
tion
and
their
pel's ?"
disciples.
own
And
life also,
and
sisters,
and lands,
and the
yejv
g'S^i^^
in rr^g^on,
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
J 30
bear
**
Then
loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest ; go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give
sin.
The
less willing
hand, and to pluck out the right eye, the more zealous and diligent they will be in other things, to
atone for the indulgence, or to cover it from their
own
observation.
he spared of the
Saul when sent against Amalek
s>oil what was good, though he was commanded to
des^oy it, and then pretended to make a free uncomri<inded offering of sacrifice unto God, for which
he metvith this just and severe reprimand *' Hath
:
the Loror^s great deljght in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as T^ obeying, the voice of the Lord ? Behold, to obey ^ ijetter than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the
fat <>^^am's/'
Sam.
xv, 22.
We
tee
ON REGlNERATIOli.
131
U'hen there
is
any
sin
to over- do in
much
the
more ready
you
From
no man ought to
5 3.
is
we may
not merely
and
complete.-
parts,
them together.
That what shall be said on this subject may be
the more useful and profitable, I will endeavour to
explain, in as distinct and simple a manner as I am
able, what you are to understand by the above remark. The first part of it will be most easily com-
join
prehended, that
it is
132^
A FRAGTICAL TRBATTISE
ternal change
and
may
though
fections,
it
peaceable possession.
No man
As our Saviour
tells
us,
he will
hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold
to the one and despise the other
ye cannot serve
God and manimon,'" Matt. vi. 24. Grace and corruption are opposite in their natures, and mutually
**
for either
and therefore the great question is, not 1k)w far any
is altered from what it was formerly in it-
of them
pelf,
how
but
other,
far
fmd
it
truth in
lev^l to
it
and hath
tiuly the
extremely
difficult to
dN REGENERATION.
bonder
fuhiess of sin.
by what
135
is
It will, I
now
to
illustration.
That what
agreeable to
is
God^
It is
There we
God, that he
By this his knowledge
it is
sceth
is
heart;
distinguished from,
and
excels
all
created under-
no insincere profession
him
man
**
will
not as
seetll
be accepted by
man
seeth, for
Sam. xvi. 7. To
David to his son
Solomon: ** And thou Solomon, my son, know
thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a
perfect heart and with a willing mind, for the
Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth allthe
purpose
is
heaiiij"**
the exhortation of
The
stress that
is
laid
on
Chron.
xxviii. 9.
and
in Scripture,
this-
word
**
heart," can
hardly have escaped the notice even of the most cursory reader, or the most superficial observer.
We
out
it,
will
be of no value.
observe
my
ways," Piov.
**
*
xxiii.
My
and
26.
son, give
let
me
thine eyes
We
find
an
15^
A PRACTICAL TIIEATIS:^
and
I will take
of
flesh,
and
I will put
my
my
you, and
and ye 'shall keep
spirit within
statutes,
my judgments
We
find the
*'
Create
m me
xviii.
31.
we find
in Scrip-
that
is
God must
be the
and with
all
xiii. 3.
The
first
**
heart,
and with
all
all
thy mind,"
me
than me,
and he
is
is
not worthy
x. 37.
more
If,
ON RKGENERATION,
to any, the collecting of so
135
many passages of
owing
Scrip-
entirely
to the
and importance
of this truth.
Having
so far confirmed
And
and apply
it
little
more
particularly.
from any
2.
One
that
is
which
ducted
first
place.
may be
said to be
selfish principle.
It
may be
said indeed, in
name of religion or
36
X PRACTICAL TREAtlSE
not by a sense of duty, but by an intention to prc-"mote their own present satisfaction and comfort. It^
is the language of experience and sound reason, as
well as of the word of God, ** that the wickedworketh a deceitful work." There are many immediate and sensible bad consequences of vice and
wickedness. Some who have already smarted under
their effects, may, therefore, in many instances avoid
them, without any due sense of the evil of sin as
against the law of God, or taking his service as their
hearty and unfeigned choice.
Let us give some examples of this* A man may
avoid intemperance and excess, purely or chiefly because it is hurtful to his health, and introduces such
disorders into the frame as incapacitates hrm for relishing even the pleasures of the world and of sense.
A man may
find
rious to others in
word or
little
many
incident, as
He may therefore be
it is
make
A wise
ON REGENERATION.
137
is,
to habituate himself to
is
change,, that
it
it is
so sensible a
on others,
But
change.
if
the chan<re
is
same chanthough they are better hemmed in and preserved iVom impetuosity and excess ; if the source of
happiness is still the same, though it is more sparoutward,
if
the affections
still
flow in the
nel,
ingly or
more
wisely indulged,
it is
igain.
less
**
with
his heart
all
and with
all
his
soul."
human
important lesson,
virtue
and
religion,
a gracious state.
iied at
it
making any
know some
new
nature, or
but
scribed above
may
exist
Is
it
is it
name
of a
new or
is
de-
deserve the
is
it
spiritual birth
cannot
?
and
pel to put
men
in
mind of
one view
is
this,
as well as every
we
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
138
may warn
is
often
insensible to the
doned
profligate.
heart."
him that
But, after
there
We
We may often
a step farther.
its fruits.*"
**
and the
no difficulty in going
may often know the " tree by
all,
is
by an habitual worldliness
of temper and conversation, by a great indifference
about the ordinances and worship of God; nay,
sometimes a bold and avowed opposition to vital experimental religion, to the language and exercises
of the spiritual
To
been
life.
it
will
from the
I in-
pr<?sent benefit
I have said only, that the obedience or reformation which flows from no higher principle, is not
such as will be acceptable to God; it is not that
gion.
ON REGENKRATIdN.
rhange
life
wlilcli is
eternal.
necessary before
There
we can
139
enter into
are,
should
tion
it
let
and why
scribes.
loss of
A PRACTICAL TREATISB
140
which proceeds
to
ance, which
is
God who
surrounds us with
his care,
favours, his
Is
it
commands
should be made
tion
When
we may
ing to
same views
a sense of duty
is
ferior considerations.
hateful
are blessings.
It
with
it
should
make
all
these in-
sin the
more
and abominable, and prevent us from yieldthat party which still secretly pleads for it in
many decent and regular persons are neverunder the wrath of God, what terror should
there to be found
among us,
nay,
HI
ON REGENERATION.
from Sabbath to Sabbath in our worshipping asscmbhes, wlio live in the habitual practice of
some of
Master
of actual guilt
Are
the image of
at
Is
God
it
not
word of
of the above
any pretence
for their deceiving diemselves ? there is no just excuse even for the more regular and sober building
their hope on a false foundation, but there is not so
much as a shadow of excuse for them. Dare any
such entertain a doubt of a judgment to come ? Can
any mortal be insensible of the precariousness of
?
time
all
Is there
The king
after another, as
Khig of kings
an unprepared
Whoever thou
art yet
Vol.
art
who
if
if thou
thou art one
'142
beseech
unto God.
now
liold
Behold now
is
is
God
is
in Christ
is
He
efficacy.
that
The blood
unto them."
.is
**
of this Sa-
of infinite value.
all
ment.
Add
>of
strength.
not to
,all
God, by
please
bis
own power,
Jove.
2.
and
honour from the world. I say supremely governed,
because no doubt there may be a mixture of other
is
am
der the
fair disguise
The
iojjceive,
and
is
more
difficult
a melancholy
is
not easy to
to express.
As
it
ON regeneration;
143
must always proceed upon a known deliberate contempt of God, there is usually such a hardness of
heart and searedness of conscience attendiiig it, that
there is little probability of making any impression
upon them ; or rather, to speak more properly,
they have all the symptoms of being given up of
God and left to themselves. But there is something
extremely harsh and unnatural in suspecting any of
deliberate hypocrisy,
M^ilful
openly detected.
that as
The
it
is
The
a dreadful, so
it
is
is,
am
it
of those
is
persuaded,
a rare character.
who
and
plainly
till
truth
as
I'hese last
much
fall
as,
more
change.
In order to
those
own
must be
it
God
amiable and
diction
this possible
?
a transcript of
lovely.
who
of
appear so even
How
state
be proper to
will
is
and
reputation, or
Is
it
Irom which true religion must flow, be dircc'Jy contrary to the bent of an unrenewed heart,
yet their cftccts are both amiable and beneficial.
Bad men cannot endure inward mortification and
ci|)lcs
self-denial,
God,
justified i'ro^ly
Ne
'
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
44*
Against
mind
set
with indignation.
Cut the
effect
of true religion, or
is
it
amiable in itseU, so
it
is
also of
good
report
the
And
following' terms
^^
:
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, what.soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of
good report
in the
is
That
is
no
in general repute,
favourable light.
sensible infiiicnce,
attend.
in
is,
commanded
that
many
of
in the law of
They
Since disorder
^"^^
ON REGENERATION.
there
was introduced into the human frame by sin,
variable,
mixed,
so
is
character
is no creature whose
Other
inconsistent, and sclt-contradictory as man.
fulfil
steadily
and
uniform,
regularand
ci-eatures are
be
may
disposition
and
nature
their
functions;
their
But man
often appear,
it is
as
is,
hard to
it
tell
in wliat class
he should
>
be ranged.
appear the necessity of
an inward and essential change. That which is done
to gain the applause of men, will n^ver be reckoned
From
which
is in
heaven," Matt.
vi. 1.
cannot help
146"
A PRACTTCAL TREATISE
principle.
is
cording to the standard they have fonned to themselves of deeeney of character and dignity of carriage.
whom
they
There are
present age,
more
who cannot be
significative
its
commanding
motives.
^^
described in juster or
conformed to
this world,"
They
How
tlie spirit
muck
How
different
is
mind from a
magnanimity
and Christian
some whose integrity
in ordinary cases may be depended on, and who^
would abhor the thoughts of a mean and dirty action, as it is usually styled, but wIk) would be covered with nearly equal shame, if surprised in any
Are
there not
fraud
How
and
infidels,
have not
tlieir families
the
ON REGENERATION.
great Creator and Preserver of
men
147
?
last,
Mark
38.
different stamp,
who
seek
more by an appearance of
and devotion, and the duties of the first tableThat there are some such also, not only
the word of God, but daily experience, puts beyond
** This people,^ saith
all doubt or question.
our
"
Lord,
draweth nigh mito me with thei? mouth,^
and honoureth me with their lip&, but their heart is
far from me," Matt. xv. 8.
I set aside, both in
this ami in the former instance, the case of gross,
But are there
intended, and deliberate hypocrisy.
duties,
religious
who,
in
their
6eem chiefly
not many
or
theattahiing
preserving
view
theesteem
have
in
to
and approbation of others? They are not determined,
from any inward and personal conviction of the exeellence or necessity of religion, but from their youth
piety
of the law.
still
though
at the
many
other motives,
same time an
has a strong^,
insensible influence,
and
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
i'48
the world.
is
upon
l)abftuaily set
is
a re-
of^
many
will always
unacquainted with
tliat
is
who
be
follow-
consists in taking
'*
He
xiii.
20, 21.
is- still
another cha-
may be an
which a
spirit
predominates.
is
no
according to the
ON REGENERATION.
149
men
it is
difficult to
deceive themselves,
and
them
so distinctly, as
at the
tliat
serious persons
may
not
in such a
who have
to those
*'
hold of
That
it is
in
little refiection,
will
be sensible.
Upon
They
others.
them
servation,
praise of
is
It
mo-
com-
human
ob-
men
is
God;
providential dispensations
fill
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
150
them with a
know
live always,
peace, and, as
it
hell.
it
as their choice^
and
upon present and temporal enjoyments; but they apply themselves in some measure
but groan under
it
as a burden.
Tlieir hearts
know
they
ON REGENERATION.
cannot keep
tlie
151
misery.
The frequency
of
little
am
proof.
persuaded they
common.
are very
will
Are
drawn, I
Does not
no higher
this plainly
shew itself, by your backward, heartless, cold discharge of duty, your regret and sorrow in parting
with, and frequent relapses into sin? Is not your
rehgion temporary and changeable ? Does
and
fall
it
not rise
Have you not trembled on a sickbed or other time of danger humbled yourselves
before God
cried for relief and promised amendsence and power ?
?
Bat has not your resolution relaxed upon
your recovery, and your diligence borne proportion
-to the supposed nearness or distance ot^ the danger ?
ment
and
.him
Few
34-,
more impor-
tlie
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
152
ijifluGnced
fear, are
not
This indeed
renewed heart.
is
It
appears from
made of the
many
all
those pas-
others where
men-
and will,
compulsion
on
can
be
no
manner
obedience
v;hich
of
undeniably
from
appears
the
great
proof.
It
of
commandment of the law, and sum of practical relition
is
'*
gion,
Thou
and with
commanding and
all
all
is
thy mind,"
Luke
all
all
thy
x. 27.
It
We
16.
is
a direct op-
**
spirit
of fear, but
ON REGENERATION.
158
7.
The
truth
is, it is
That which
thing.
is
done only
change that
speaking,
is
it is
acceptable to
no
real or
inward change
at all.
The
same.
It is
whatever
is
principle, that
nothing moral in
it
its
be good or
nature.
evil in itself,
The sword
that
upon
hath
com-
blame or
praise, or rather
none of them
detected
come honest
The
in his nature.
is
precisely the
man
is
is
will
who plainly discovers that he hates his commands and grieves at his authoritv ? It is true, as
vant,
Vol.
I.
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
154'
man
no laws on earth
much we know
all
of
left
may make
as
it,
out of
We can make
but so
us sensible
what
it is
that
he knoweth and
all hearts.
same thing
God
it is
in the life to
perfectly holy
God,
is
come.
;
it
It is
purely spiritual, as
consists in the
him,
knowledge of
in
conformity
commands
It will
solutely necessary, to
to prevent
ON REGENERATION.
155
There
said,
is
no
fcafr
in love,
is
not
made
perfect in love,"
is
God
he that
John
iv, 18.
is
so far
from
lioliness
of his nature,
tlie
On
tribute.
who
**
It
is
gnawb
his
chained slave,
tongue for pain," who is not satis-
A rRACTICAL TREATISE
156
fied
slavish fear
*
We
Roman
ON REGENERATION*
157^
wliich
by a better principle.
at, since
This
is
not to be wondered
There
is
among
is
lessened,
How many
and whosehands
last
15,
For
fear of death,
their sakes, I
am persuaded,
it
were
Heb.
will
ii.
not be
judge whether
may be enabled
predominates or
not.
of sin
Do
in their
upon
03
Was then
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
158
good made death unto me ? God forthat it might appear sin, working
death in me by that which is good, that sin by the
commandment might become exceeding sinful. For
that which
But
bid.
we know
is
sin,
is
spiritual,
but I
am
carnal,
of aversion.
This
is
plainly the
first eiFect
of
sin.
he
as
had
voice
We find
the
divine
power and
is
whom
shall
ON REGENERATION.
<*
When
it,
he
159
fell
feet,
man,
Lord," Luke
down
at Jesus'
am
a sinful
v. 8.
is
terrible
much
fore, as
ferent objects.
No
sign will
more
surely discover
There
is
it is
rejoice in getting
is
them over,
Christians,
On
as a bullock
when he
sinful fear,
God
cannot
they dare
the
fear produces,
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
160
who are
duties by fear,
so far as to tremble,
The
countenance gives them more joy and gladnessthan the greatest affluence of corn or of wine; and.
ciled
fill
my mouth
with
arguments," Job^
S'-l
ON REGENERATION.
5
From
4'.
this
metaphory Except a
161
man
be born
When I say it
that
it is
is
his
what we cannot
overcome.
mean
own power effect
As we are by na-
is
a supernatural change, I
intended
*'
rational powers,
Thus
in the
the apostle
name
of Christ
i.
13.
**
And
thus the
Not by works of
mercy he saved
us,
5.
There
is
man
own
It gives so
its
**
it
hum-
and
self-suffi-
power and
efficacy.
However,
it
monly
com-
God
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
162
souls.
to vindicate
it
How many
speak
is
it.
ened,
**
And you
in trespasses
Thus the
hath he quick-
and
sins,"
1.
ii.
cy,
in sins,
Eph.
mer-
evea
hath quickened us to-
4, 5.
in your
and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he
quickened together with him, having forgiven
you all trespasses," CoL ii. 13. The reader must
know, that in many other passages the same truth.
is to be found, couched under the same or like metaphors} such as, " blindness, darkness, hardness of.
sins
The
heart."
ficiently
attended
to.
Suffer
me
is
seldom
suf-
Do you give credit to the Holy ScripDo you form your opinions, without par^
question,
tures
tiality
receive
or prejudice, from
it
as truth, that
we must yield
to
tliis.
in Scripture language,
What more
could be said,.
ON REGENERATION.
than that we are
<*
dead"
in sin
who
is
168
What more m-
entirely deprived
life ?
Hut
lest
the thing
draw him
and
I will raise
him up
taught of
God
And
they shall be
all
to
This leads
me
same truth
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
164
As
his power.
in the text
man be born
cept a
kingdom of God,"
vers are said to be
born of the
so, in
*'
it is
asserted, that
**
ex-
born of God
Spirit."
The power
is
of
God
exerted
described in lan-
cies of the
effusion
pel
pernatural influence.
* For
Thus
I will
all
your
A new heart
ON REGENERATION.
165
my judgments, and
the
work
of the
Holy Ghost.
When we
dence.
this truth
evi-
Lord."
warrantably observe
how much
*'
think
Thus
I
may
on
this subject.
hope
this will
be neither
Do we
first
who
to receive
many
rate understandings
instances of persons, of
As they
are born, so
have no knowledge."
What proofs do they often
give of the power and influence of habits of wickedHow frequently docs it happen,
ness over them
that their attachment to sin in general, or to some
particular sin, is such as to bear down before it all
regard to their own interest, temporal and eternal!
while at the same time persons of unspeak'ably in!
VOL.
I.
by
tl)c
166
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
it
seemed good
even
in they sight,"
so,
Luke
and
Father, for
x. 21.
though very valuable, are far from being aleffectual ? Sometimes those who live long under the salutary instruction and edifying example of
pious parents and masters, continue, notwithstanding, in an insensible state.
Sometimes we see persons sit long under the most enlightened and awakening ministry, with hearts as hard as the nether
tion,
ways
The
milstone.
gospel
is
me
to
following terms.
Is
not
or temporary resolutions, it is
lasting effect.
real
or
Doth not this
any
without
following
of Scripthe
confirm
passage
and
gratify
167
**
Who then
is
Paul, and
who
is
Apollos,
he that planteth
is
watereth, but
iii.
God
Cor.
5, 6, 7.
To
God,
is
security.
case of
there not
whom
approaching
of hell, cannot
if
whom
it is
hid to them
the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who isdie image of God, should shine unto them," 2 Cor.
iv. 3, 4.
Let
tial
it
be further considered,
meaning, that one would think nothing but an absolute infaluation could prevent their effect. Sinners
may keep
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
168
.?'
manv
Da-
a^-es ai^o,
**
till
the Spirit
ol'
God
Hence then
**
of
and
effectual-
supernatural change
God
been
cause
there
it is
at the
the
more
i"
it is
new
birtli is
power
I
have
am persuaded,
may be a form,
I
that until
it
be truly received
169
ON REGENERATION.
it
he yet find
Horn.
fault,
for
who hath
This indeed
ix. 19.
is
resisted
the
In*s
sum of
will ?"
all
the
aoainst
it
apostle,
j)Iiest
and inseparably
These are, his own power nethe change, and our duty in th^ ^^^o of the
clearly established,
means
make no
possible for
me, nay,
find
** all
of God."
he
we know
also,
liave sinned^
We
sj)eaketli,
w ith disdain the imputation of being the au" Let no man say when he is tempted,
1 am tempted of God ; for God cannot be tempted
of evil, neither tempteth lie any man," James i. 1 3.
For our greater assurance of this, he hath conderejects
thor of sin,
P3
A rRlCTICAL TREATISE
170
scended to confirm
it
Lord God,
by
his oath.
<*
As
I Kve,.
I have
why
ways, for
Ezek. xxxiii.
will
ye die,
The
1 1.
house of Israel
connection between
this
?'*
and
passage
have
*'
life,"
John
Perhaps,
v.
40.
trine to sloth
palliatix)n
of their con-
But is it not an inference directly contrary to what the Scripture teaches us^
much more justly to draw from the same truth,
viz. *' Work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling ; for it is God that worketh in you to
will and to do of his good pleasure.?" Phil. ii. 13,
14f,
The former inference would be just in the case
of devils, who, having received their sentence, can
only now " believe and tremble ;' but it would be
altogether unjust, and a dreadful contempt of mercy
in those to w^hom the offer of salvation by grace is
tempt of
religion.
addressed.
the ministry
at the
judgment-seat to
tures also
tell
you,
Him
that
cometh
to
me
I will
l7t
ON REGENERATION',
is
impossible witli
God." He first made them, and he is able to reform them. On a conviction of our own inability,
one would think we should but the more humbly
and the more earnestly apply to him who is allThe deplorable and
sufficient in power and grace.
naturally helpless state of sinners, doth not hinder
and therefore
See an
address, where the strongest metaphors are retained^
the exhortation given in these very terms, and tlie
exhortations to them in Scripture
takes not
away
saith,
Awake thou
that sleepest,
**
Where-
and
arise
recovery.
But what
we
are
now
shall
we
speaking
say
Alas
of, affords
^"^2
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
are self-condemned
managed
that plonghs
cannot so
liis
much
in so
The
affairs
ste})
same
of the present
life
He
as unite
how
done.
it is
Thef
act the
preposterous a manner.
lie is
do not
for they
much
He
can-
as begin
one
eequent crop; the mortification of the seed, the resurrection of the blade, and gradual increase, tilliu
come
to perfect maturity.
therefore, reason-
Iti it,
sa}', '* I
for
my
power
and energy and God can as easily raise a crop
without sowing as with it^ in a single instant and inany place, as in a long time by the mutual influence
of soil and season ; I will therefore spare myself the
hardship of toil and labour, and wait with patiencetill I see what he will be pleased to send ?" Wouldthis be madness } Would it be universally reputed;
so ? And would it not be equal madness to turn the
thing
it
"is,
fir^t
and
last,
an
effect of divine
God
grace of
warning
is
into licentiousness
ed,
God
Believe
it,
the
is
man
he that soweth
life
but
everlasting," Gal,
vi. 7, 8,
ON REGENERATION.
CHAP.
In
evidences
II.
I.
and
HAVE
are
xv/iat
its
principal
and fruits,
and
175
hitherto,
directly consist.
ed to caution the reader against taking up with erroneous and defective views of the nature of rehgion.
what
is
without exception,
who
and
manner
is
would
as I
wrought
am
in all,
of
what
it is in the temper and disposition, in the lile and
practice, which constitutes the difference between
one who ** is," and one who is ** not born again."
The different steps by which this change may be
effected in the sovereign providence of God, and the
diflereut degrees of perfection at which it may arrive, I purposely omit liere, and reserve as the subject of a distinct head of discourse.
That we may enter on the subject with the greater perspicuity and simplicity, it will be proper to
begin with observing, that the design and purpose of
this change is to repair the loss which man sustained
by the fall. Man, at his first creation, was made
after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, and enjoyed uninterrupted fellowship and communion witli him.
He was not only
subservient to the divine glory, by a natural and
is
brought about
-,
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
174?
by choice and
By
the
fall
he became not
human race.
man was
the
ness of
man
This
only, but of
He became,
of,
Gen. vi. 5.
same time, not only unworthy
at the
who
*'
is
Godj
-with
God
same
was perfect and without mixture before the
and shall be made equally, or perhaps more
As the change must be entire and universal, corresponding to the corruption of the whole man, it i-i
not unusual to say
the three following
it
may be
things^j
no doubt, with
is
fully
comprehended
in
giving
anew direction
to-
will,
And
But
as
ilx'i
ON
KEC.r.NtCRATION.
175
smdcrstnnding
moral or
and
spiritual nature,
it
seems to me properly
two things: 1. That
That the soul rest in God as its chief hapand habitually prefer his favour to every
other enjoj'ment.
These two particulars I shall
now endeavour to illustrate a little, in the order in
Tvhich I have named them.
1. Our supreme and chief end must be to serve
i>nd glorify God, and every other aim must be su2.
this.
piness,
bordinate to
this.
God
that
is,
the exercise
With
and
this great
end of creation, the inclination and will of every intelligent creature ought to coincide.
It is, according to Scripture and reason, the first duty of man to
" give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name/*
This, I know, the world that lieth in wickedness
can neither understand nor approve. ** The natural
man
God,
hj
A PRACTICAL TREATISIE
176
and
orio-inallv consisted,
as such, doth
still
consist, viz.
withdrawing the
al-
legiance due to
will.
v>'ho is
Our lips
'*
is,
But he
that
is
hath seen
this to
will.
He
He
is
convinced, that
God,
is
all
pre-
a criminal
Regeneration, then,
principle,
and giving
it
is
communicating
such force as
tliat it
this
may
new
ob-
and preserve the ascendency, and habitually goEvery one may easily see the differv^'n the v/ill.
ent operation and effects of this principle and its
opposite, by the different carriage and behaviour of
men in the world. The unrenewed man seeks his
own happiness immediately and ultimately ; it is to
This is the
please himself that he constantly aims.
cause, the uniform cause, of iiis preferring one action
This determines his choice of emplo}'to another.
mens, enjoyments, companions. His religious actions are not chosen, but submitted to, through fear
He considers religion as a restraint, and
cf worse.
the divine Liw as hard and severe.
So that a short
tain
ON REGENERAT10^^
177
This account
will
appear to be
from every
just,
from the
first
man
Then
**
viz. self-denial.
said
come^ after
will
let
follow
**
receive glory,
conviction.
consider
therefore to be feared
God
;
as
being
but as
infi-
and therefore to
that I have
^.erest in
Vol.
The reason
is,
there
is
A PRACTICAL TREAT^ISE
178
certainly, in every
independent of
Were
interest.
this
even supposing a, de$ire of reward or fear of punishment should dispose to obedience, it would plainly
be only a change of life, and no. change of heart.
At the same time, as it did not arise from any inward principle, it would neither be uniform nor lasting.
It is beyond all question, indeed, that our true
interest
is
seeking
is
self-losing
but
still
self-
To honour God
him
in the
that
is
born again.
case, with
and to serve
and highest desire of hii]i
Tins is not, and cannot be the
any in a natural
But, before we
state.
it is
the reason
why profane
a tendency to self-righ-.
upon the
who
none
and have least of
should yet be the most pro-
subject: thatthose
are evidently
of,
fessed admirers and defenders of the doctrine ofjustification by works, and despiseis of the doctrine of
But the solutiqn is easy and nathe grace of God.
tural.
17^
ON REGEN&RATION^.
God
should not be obliged (pardon the expression) to reward them according to their works. It is a hard
service to them, they
i-ewarded, or at least
of
it,
of
it.
do
it
may not
On
it is
God
may be
who
are borri of
God"
and to conseMaker's
service.'
They are convinced, that whoever shold
do so without sin, would do only what is just and
equal, and have no plea of merit to advance.
But
ture to love
crate
with
all his
heart,
faculties to his
still
cleave to
their duty in
every instance, they ask for mercy, and not for re-
ward, and arc ready to say with the Psalmist David, '*
thou. Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O'
Lord, who
shall
stand?
But there
is
forgiveness
4.
The
To sum
up
this
vine law,
some pay
to the di-
to
God.
is
And
therctbre
it
180
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
dependence upon
2.
rest
in-
our
it.
itself,
and
soul rests in
God
as
in a saving
chief happiness,
'\i%
and ha-
On
this
branch of
tlie
subject I
of the proposition,.but
tlie
order in which
it is
plac-
is
retiuced to
its
obe-
i?
tively.
Such a person
is
fully
returns to
him with
desire,
and
feels
an uneasiness
ON IlEGENE RATION.
181
nnd want that cannot be supplied but by the intimation of pardon, and sense of divine love. The
warmth and fervour of devout affection is expressed
in the strongest ternjs in i>cripture
panteth after
tlie
As the hart
*'
water-brooks, so pantcth
my
soul
after thee,
O God. My soul
thirsteth lor
the living.
God, when
fore
God
kindness
up
better than
is
Thus
thee.
my
fied as
shall I
will
hands
with
my
life,
praise
shall
lips
in thy
name
marrow and
my
lift
and
fatness,
for
**
'2,
God,
lips,'*
my mouth
Psal.
xliii.
3,
4, 5.
It is
should be joined
tv)gether
God
on a double account.
reciprocal.
is
It is
and
glorify
God, tVom a
slavish
by
in
it is
obedience through
being inseparably
God,
other hand,
its
as the choice
affections.
On
of
the
God
{mito excellence.
will
then
and the
all-sufficiency of
God
those
who put
Q3
will be an
and peace of
A PRACTICE L TREATISE
182
We
may
two dispositions
and mutually strengthening one another, in the language and exercises of
With what fervour of spithe saints in Scripture.
rit, and with what inimitable force and beauty of
style, do we find the Psalmist David expressing himSometimes he makes a full
self in both views.
surrender of himself and his all to the divine service
and disposal at other times his soul '* makes her
boast in God," and he exults in his happiness; and
" O m}' soul,
security under the divine protection
thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord,"
' The Lord is the portion (^f mine inPsal. xvi. 2.
of my cup, thou maintainest my lot
and
heritance,
often observe these
me
in pleasant places,
yea
!>
we
are at a loss to
know whether we
words: " 1
will sing
unto the
shall
be sweet,
84-.
I will
How
penetrated with a sense of the honour and servicedue to God, may be particularly seen in some ot
those animated passages in which his enlarged heart
calls upon every creature to join in the work of
praise
'*
in strength, that
do
his
commandments, hearkening,
Bless ye the Lord, all ye
do
his pleasure.
ON REGENERATION,
Bless the
Lord
all
85
dominion.
O my soul/'
Psal.
ciii.
20,21,22.
It is easy to see
how
nay,
all
easy to see
it is
man who
how
renewed in the
others, however various
is
The design
of man's creation
is
expi'essed
It
way
tiiat
was that he
**
for ever."
agree,,
though
puts on to
tlie
different forms
in
peace, and
if
that
is
There
is
nature of
ft-om
'5^
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
man
tions," EccJ.
It
may
many
inven-
22.
vii.
Some
there are
who
and disreaarded.
up to tiie un-
yield themselves
and
desire
is
Sensual appetite
their prevailing.,
ol'
others wiJi
pevm it
This, whicii-
tlmin.
governed youth,
is
well described
young man,
in tiiy youth,
and
it:
*'
Rejoice,.
but
know
bring
tliee
into
all
God
these things
judgment," Eccl.
xi. 9.
'
will
I'his
is
who
who draws
ol^
vanity,
present gain.
and
ON REGENERATION.
These " say
to the gold,
think their
**
Thou
houses
dwelling-places to
may more
will
my
my
art
eminently shew
itself,
is
signify
levity of youth, or
and
They
refuge,
confidence."
generations."
all
Thou
art
185
it is
when
its
What
often
absur-
doth
it
and lust, while their affections are supremely set upon the present world, while ** they
sensuality
bless the
covetous
whom
the
Lord abhorreth
?"'
is
those
is
vain.
iirmed by experience,
it is
applied to
common
whether they
will
lire.
hear
maxim
Let
if.
all
that cannot be
such be informed,
may be
as to all sensual
see the
**
kingdom of God/'
And,
that they
may not
deceive themselves, but Tcnow in part at least, wherein this changeconsisteth, let
A PRACTICAL TREATIL>E
186
if
Father
is
not in him,"
Pride,
whicb
may
There
able to exert
it is
is
itself^;
ojratification.
all
not
tlie
mind
it is
acquired advantages,^
all
fame
though
in a narrower'
same desire.
and
furniture,
We may go
is
great
to study,
ON TIEGENEIIATION.
'187
no higher motive.
thouglit J could not
more
of*
intelligible,
my
fail
subject, Vv'hich
men
view of
of the world;
God
is
infinitely superior to
may
them
all.
Whatever
found in
their
more than
in the
wine increased.
time that
I will
tlit^ir
both lay
corn and
me down
iv.
in
me
G, 7, 8.
have occasion more fully to exjilain the comparative influence of this desire ; but
bcibre I conclude this section, must make the two
following remarks: 1. That the favour of God
jnust appear to the believer as absolutely necessary
I shall afterwards
2.
As
full
and
purpose^
1
God
He that
is
He
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
188
else.
even when
smiles,
with any, or
satisfied
will,
above
God
beareth to his
all,
ail
temporal mercies.
He
which
chosen people, a right by pro-
name
it
dead
If the world
it
with complacency, while they are cold and indifferent in their desires towards God.
Perhaps when
God
ti
for relief.
when
vanity of
But wheii
anger.
symptoms they may discover, they are supremely and habitually possessed by a love of thp
world, and desire of sensual gratification. In opposional
sition to this,
God
even
to
life itself;
all
which he values
chiefly as they
are the fruits of the divine bounty, as tokens of divine love, and as they afford him an opportunity of
promoting the divine glory. He is ready to say
with the Psalmist, " Whom have I in heaven but
thee
and there is none upon earth that I desire bemy iflesh and my heart faileth, but God
J
sides thee
ON REGENERATION.
is
my
the strength of
heart,
and
my
189
portion for
He that
2.
God
as full
No earthly
Considered as such.
else
is
can
satisfy
enjoyments
him be
this will
ing temper.
his
He
is
alone are happy, and Miat they are and shall be completely happy,
who
are reconciled to
when
it is
all-sufficiency of
sure,
God.
and breathes
after
He
ture:
**
Although
my
19D
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
though the
fruit
be in the vines
fail,
shall
herd
will
in the stalls
joy in the
yet will
God
of
yield
fold,
my
17, 18.
Thus
properly consist.
recovery of the
It is just the
mo-
is
to love the
Lord
(fur
r*
Rom.
vii. 24-.
It
that
this
ON REGENERATIOlf.
able consolation to
tliat
tlie
is
1^1
when he
Christian,
reflects
gracious
God
smothered by contending
weeds, nor destroyed by the inclemency of this tempestuous climate, till it be transplanted into the
will neither suffer
it
to be
3.
*ix>ith
some ofthepriji-
proposed
t-o
all
the
formed
and holiness in
life
all
will
The
of necessity be re-
manner of conversation,
and charity towards men, will be its native and geBut this would be too wide and genuine eifect.
neral a field. I find most writers on this subject take
particular notice of the
new views
aiid
apprehensions
who
1 shall tlierefore
He
tinners and
of
all
ment.
The
R2
192
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
He really
and inwardly
uiid
power,
Whereas
disbelieved before.
he did believe of
now
God was
it is
God.
what
compared
What
Beingof be-
former blindness
lusti'e
and glory
dvoes the
Inorviinate
possessions
which he
is
all
not wor-
thy.
A converted
and stands astonished at his own former conHe wonders at the boldness of a poor guilty
duct.
helpless rebel, perhaps cursing and blaspheming,
perhaps rioting in sensuality and lust. He wonders
mires,
that the
course,
193
ON Rf GENERATION.
ing
monument
He trem-
of rigliteous indignation.
and it excites ia
acknowledgement of the riches
former
lively
state,
si'^'^ce.
own
case
**
who
was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and inTiiis is a faithful saying, and worthy of
jurious
all
acceptation,
that
Christ Jesus
whom
am
came
into the
chief,"
Tim.
13, 15.
The above
is
and increased
charm
is
now
broke, the
all its
now taken
enjoyments.
How ar-
prosecute ihem
The
colours are
false
how
eagerly did he
lie
este'em
them
lail
who
who
are clothed in
'S
19 4-
A PRACTICAL TUEATISE
He sees the beauof these excellent ones of the earth, under all
their present disadvantages, and in them is all his
delight.
With
companions
and
and attachment to
his kindness to
miserable
them
is
sinful
conveited
and compassion
for their
state.
and-
filled
all,
Now
it is
termination
but
now
there
is
such a discovery of
them
feel as
down
a feather
in the balance.
everlasting
bounds
Who
is
still
endless eternity
Who
is
able to
able to reach
it
do
it
subject
justice in
even in thought
.''
without
words
.?
Happiness;
mi-
ON REGENERATION.
3cry^ angnisli, torment, that shall
Are we
last
all,
Yes
195
Judge
the great
companions on earth,
set-
Shall then
left.
and feland the nearest relatiojis, be parted asunder, and tiike a long, long,
eternal farewell ? O the strong deceit and illusion of
sin, that is able to hide eternity from dying men
O the inconceivable blinchiess of those who are unshall fellow-citizens
mindful of a future
slate,
How
is it
a httle time
in
tottering^
soon
shall so
fall
in
possible
we
we must
**
The
all
'
new views of
Before, he was
alas,
many)
all
office
of a Media-
the
name of a Saviour
is **
precious
even
as oint-
ment poured Ibrth," Cant. i. 3. The strongest language is too weak to express his gratitude, or
breathe out his love.
chief
among
*<
He is white and
ten thousand
How
yea, he
great
is
is
ruddy, the
altogether
the difference
19G
A PilACTICAL TREATISE
knows
righteous,
little
**
counts
know-
Lord
and
desires to be
faith," Phii.
iii.
is
of
God by
8.
fore, the
tlie
holy Psalmist in
all
it
**
is
my
meditation
The law
all
of thy mouth
better to
my
me
flesh
bciii.
y 2,
My
than thou-
silver,'*
is.
To
see
ON REGENERATION.
iliey said
Lord
rusalem
unto me,
our
!"
let
197
Je-
commonly
be distinguished.
1. The new nature
humility.
There
humility.
We
is
*'
God
resisteth the
One
I
that inhabiteth
first sin
of
man
i)efore there
can be any esteem or relish of the gosGod, tlicre must be a deep hu-
wretchedness..
moans of
his
improvement
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
198
conspire in
ing
It is
No flesh is permitted
excluded.
to glory"
feels.
In his former
him
set
ignorance of God,
God and
liis
made
of himself,
own
and
interest,
of every kind.
at the course
were defeated or
his attempts
their
woithy of the
leaf.t
of
all
all
Gen.
we
xxxii. 10.
"
It is
not,"
Lam.
the least of
iii. 12.
**
less
tail
than
iii.
ha4.h'
for the
ON REGENERATION.
J99
self-denial
that he sinks, as
and pride:
'*
am
not as other
men
The
Pharisee
God,
thank
are, extortioners,
all
I fast
that I possess.
5o
.''
Now,
worldly advantages
little
value to have or
200
to
A PRACTICAL. TREATISE
And
lose.
even
still
less will
a good
man
glory
of a spiritual kind.
shews
itself here.
The
it
in the
maketh
receive
tlvee to differ
why
it,
received
?"
it
Cor.
if
iv. V.
convert
is
This
spiritual attainments.
by
is
him
in holiness
and
We
see this
was
says,
" Howbeit,
that in
me
instance,
first,"
**
or in
me
as a capital
mercy,
and leading
all
long-
i.
I,
1
This
is
with me,"
easy to be accounted
for.
201
ON llEGENERATION.
From
therefore,
it is
**
He
any duty
in a
when
the Christian
proper manner.
is
discharging
It is also a
good
am
sensible
it is
a duty openly
med
of me, or of
my
sinful generation,
Unnecessary ostentation
is
Vol. L
nil
such cases,
A PRACTlCxiL TREATISE
^Q'2
by a
sense of duty,
a diffidence of himself,
strength.
own
this particular.
it
with his
own
who
it is
203
ON REGENERATION.
oven of those
wrapt up
in themselves,
to esteem
prevail,
and
their
matter of the smallest consequence, and are never satisfied but when this is the case ? Of this they are
ollen quite insensible themselves,
Nay,
without the
it
is it
least difficulty
so
much
many
pride to
itself
by
sentiments, excessive grief, or immoderate resentment, when their characters are attacked by unjust
and malicious slander ? It is lawful, to be sure, in
such a case, to embrace every opportunity of vindibut, as it is not wonderful that it should
J
cation
From
it
sincerely as he asks
God.
all this it is
much
it
Believe
it,
Christian, so
sation.
2.
neration,
affections.
is
There
S 1
more
204
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
this.
new
souls,
giving a
before.
iiatu rally
an ailection, and
to
we had
whom we bear
far
it is
but in
affections,
to those
it
in
measure, to keep
its
it
to
it
in
its
proper
great
than one.
ther
its
lions
It
in
they operate
ever
we
and endeavouiing
sings which
we
we
sliew
to procure for
it
by desiring
them those
bles-
Let us take any one of these relations for an exDoes a parent sincerely love his children ?
Keligion doth not weaken, but strengthens- this af-
ample.
iection,
serve them.
above
all,
pressed
may be
how
v>ill
born
again.''
all,
that they
grief than
itself.
He
ON REGENERATION.
tlellglUctl to sec tlieni
good
tliaii
great
205
;
and
for this
ed.
life
in
and
most
in the
in the
sily bi-ing in
doubt,
if
tlie
S3
when
begin I
will
206
also
k PKACxrcAL trkatise
make an
For
end.
have
him
told
that J wili
which he
knoweth," 1 Sam. iii. 11, 1 2, 1 3. On the contrary^
see the honourable distinetion put upon Abraham
** and the Lord said, ShalH hide from
Abraham
:
surely
become a great
nation, and
bie::sed in
Abraham
all
shall
the nations of
him.
that he will com.mand his children and his houseshall keep the way of the
Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord
may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him," Gen. xviii. 17,- 18, 19.
Nothing indeed can be more plain from reason it-
self,
than that
in
own minds
of the impor-
tance of salvation, will be their concern and carethat their children also
ing
life.
Suffer
me
may be the
heirs of everlast-
who
reads
such to ask
own
stronoresC
much
ehildrens living in
If this
is
2U7
ON TlEGENEnATION.
oi'
men."
3. Another excellent evidence of regeneration is,
the moderation of our attachment loworkliy enjoyments in general, and habitual snbmission to the wilt
So soon as this change takes place, it will
of Go(L
immediately and certainly abate tlie measure of our
Formerly they
attachment to all earthly things.
were the all of the soul, its portion and its rest;,
but now a clear discovery being made of greater and
better blessings, they nuj-st fall back into the second
There is a woncierful difference between the
place.
rate and value of pres^ent possessions of any kind, irt
the eye of him who lives under the impressions of
eternity, and of him who beiieves it but uncertainly^
who understands it very iniperfcetly, and uho thinks
of
it
him
leave.
one
The
infinitely greater,
truth
is,
when
which
it
is
is
contrasted with
human
marks
They
who
to distliiguish those
are,
To
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
'208
to be spiritually
minded
is life
and peace,"
Ro;ii>
viii. 6.
powers and
consecrated to God.
pleasure to serve
God
him
he thinks
in his conversation, to
and
it
ho-
ratify
renewed
will,
and
is
God
when their
ought to appear. Unrenewed
renew
disappointed,
immediately
earthly hopes are
the pursuit ; they only change the object to one
persons,
more within
sures,
mea;
but
209
ON REGENERATION.
real Christians, receiving a conviction
of
all
and
4.
of the vanity
all-sufficiency of
God.
Thus
of the change.
am
is,
how
far they
ought
to go,
very best,
selves,
may be
in
much
is
to say, the
them-
fear concerning
gour or steadiness
which
Besides,
only general,
w
ill
viz.
who
said i&
will
be
hum-
21b
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
what
siu<i
is
of the change.
as clear
and
distinct
God, without
the mixture
Now, what
subdued
sin
**
who are,
notwithstanding,
and
bond of
gall of bitterness,
in the
ini-
quity."
That there
ruption
not so
still
much
as
one
is
many melancholy
proofs.
it,
It
is
appa-
appears
from the pathetic complaint of the apostle Paul, formerly referred to, of the law in his members vvarring against tlie law of God in his mind. It appears
also from the gross sins into which some eminently
holy persons havtj been suffered occasionally to fall
through the strength of temptation, "as David's adultery and murder, K^olomon's idolatry, the aj)ostle
Peter's denial of his Master, and several others recorded in Scripture.
On the other hand, there are also counterfeit graces,
common
ON RECiENERATION.
211
This
change.
it Avill
and saving
it
We
read of a Felix
trembling at the thoughts of a judgment to come
" And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance,
and judgment
ed.
Go
to
way
thy
come, FeUx trembled, and answerfor this time, when 1 have a con*
call for
it
whom
it
effect.
ni^ root,
xiii. 5, 6.
**
He
same
is
he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it ; yet hath he no root in himself, but dureth
for a while
for
when
tribulation or persecution
word, by and by he
is
We read also of a
offend-
Herod,
eii,"
Matt.
who
things.
**
was a just
xiii.
20, 21.
many
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
212
gladly,"
Mark
vi.
20.
in
many
passages of Scripture.
I shall only
God
afresh,
ON REGENERATION.
213
-science,
hand
kingdom of God."
**
tlic
impor-
tance and difficulty of pointing out the great and distinguishing characters of real religion, and shewing
how
it
essentially differs
from
all counterfeits.
I ap-
of
me
and he
than me,
is
is
not worthy
not worthy of
me; and he
more
that taketh
Vol.
I.
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
214!
terms,
father
Into this
competition.
all
in
God
worth and
Every holy disposition must be examined,
value.
not by
absolute, but
its
its
comparative strength
if
now
What
said
examined
to the
It has,
perhaps,
if
all
QN REGENERATION.
let liis
2PB
we
in the least
degree
or whether
God
is less
I confess I think it
is
**
* *
praise of
God
;"
In the preceding part of this treatise I have affirmed, with sufficient clearness, that there must be
till
ance and their comparative ellects. Neither, indeed, has the person himself any other rule by which
they can be judged.
no true
216
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
jove to
God
that this
is
is
true, or will
is
be accepted
as sincere.
we
on both hands.
common
kind, as to
e'\;ery
grace,
and
different in its
Alas
sa}', I
What
then
am
I to
more than
think of this
.''
can pretend
Must all my
pear
To
all
such
another,
217
ON REGENERATION.
e^l,
at
la'^t
lence,
much
noise.
God
selves,
Jiot
man with
make some
judge amiss
a chikl of
own
favoin'.
They can-
which
good
is
when
it
in
many
respects;
To
mark of
it
is
frequently
made a
and indeed
God
we
We
John
iiL 14.
But
dare
power of godliness, who, upon the most imexamination of themselves, would conclude
that they did love the people of God.
Perhaps some will saj^, they may love good men,
hut tliey love them for other qualities, and cannot
iove them because of their piety.
Experience tells
to the
partial
us the contrary.
their piety.
Nay,
is
2\S
A PHACTICAL TREATISE
more
of mind
is
The description
of his situation
We are told
**
and
yet
still
mere than
vetous
men
ON REGENERATION^.
silver
What
dillerence there
shewn
219
diversity of ope-
us
trial to
is
knOwest
John
I
'*
Lord, thou
love thee,"
xxi. 17.
am
lenge
it,
all
many ready
this,
to chal-
as too general
and undetermined.
many
They
matter
will
still
be
a
at
The
or dissembUng that
in
many
truth
it is
is,
am
far
from denying
instances; nay, as
have hinted
iii
some of
which
it is
altogether impossible to
tain determination.
come
to
any cer-
it
220
some
A FIlACriCAL THEATIOE
idle or
be justly
To many
imaginary ground.
may
it
own
state, it is a
office, to excite
them
far safer,
selves.
be the language of
" Let us therefore
an}^ of
to
come
short of
it,'*
Heb.
iv. I.
Meb.
vi;
The
1.
life
of a Christian
in Scripture as a
tivity
and
life
dilio^encG.
The same
is
constantly represented
Be
whom
he may devour,"
" And
walketh
Pet.
v. Si
vir-
and
to brotherly,
you and
abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jekindness charity
sus Christ.
Wl^erelbre the
brethren, give
make your
and
sure,"
beg
may be observed, that
rather,
diligence to
calling
2 Pet.
i.
this is
no way contrary
5,
10.
election
it
ON REGENERATION.
221
to animate
him
to diligence iu
disappointment as
v^^hat daily
influenced
own conduct
when
" But
a cast- away,"
Cor.
myself should be
ix. 27.
is of-
who,
to
all
ject.
For
all
such
I desire to
es-
and
affection.
willing,
In the
mean
who
Now
am
their mistakes
persuaded there
God's fluour
it
in
in
own
a degree that
is
in-
that
not suited to
They
often seek
ready to lay
it
in a
and, in a variety of particulars, are in danger of re})ealing tlie sin of the Pharisees,
who asked
a sign
from heaven.
When a minister is speaking or writing on this subject, they expect sometiiing particular
and personal; and, if I may speak so, that he should
be in God's stead, and give them assurance in place
'
2^2
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
of telling them
how
But thk
it.
it
may
We
is
is
laid in
Zion,
and
way only is
down
In this
to be obtained.
Perhaps some
condemn
will
in general
may be senjribly
felt
be ready _to
all
saj.
Do
you then
all
secret
and
and walk
in
them; and
they shall be
from
it
my
**
I will
in this
manner
whom
v/ill
he dwells,
dwell in them,
No,
which
is
far
God,
to
it,
When
would
ON REGENERATION.
When
plied with.
ing mind
223
relieved by a strong
is
rich
mercy and
miserable,
mind
is
free grace of
ought
God
to the guilty
and
"
it
my
to
me
in the night
season "
Psal. xvi. 7.
This
is
no more
of the constant
is surely a piece of
presumption
without ground.
Neither is it less foolish than
presumptuous, for
all such must be liable
to be cast down by other and
contrary suggestions.
know xery well, and have
aiiinst ance of it in our Saviour's
temptation,
We
that
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
224?
11.
2. I must also observe, that many serious persons
seem to desire, and even to expect assurance in such
a measure and degree as is not suited to our present
They would have faith and hope to be the
state.
same with sense. They would have heaven and
earth to be the same, and would put on their crown
suaded,
many
am
per-
ON REGENERATION.
the apostle says,
**
Now we
know even
225
now
as also I
know
in part,
am
known,^'
Would you
xiii.
12.
Christians,
selves,
it.
It is
arises directly
To entertain and
is
encou-
directlv contrary
rclv
'
I.
226
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
all-
its
proper description
hope
is
me
essential to faith,
to believe that
my
some measure of
Faith and despair are
If you do really believe
if you do really believe
yet surely
inseparable from
opposite and
is
is,
it.
inconsistent.
To
this let
me
work of the
Spirit
upon your
hearts,
your com-
is
You
begun,
sure of mind.
aide
3 Cor, vii
5,
apostle,
ON REGENERATION.
* *
we
227
Cor.
demn an
cast
It is
iv. 8, 9.
this to
con-
quent and
per, but to
plains.
foundation for
The
stibject.
slothful,
a'
falling into
1 he
devices
unspeakably
security,
they stand
till
still,
and
will
go no farther
in religion,
gone
But whatever good ground any
any length
at
nil.
to resist
it a^s
a temptation.
228
this,
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
than by a similitude borrowed from the Scrip*
love
If in a time of affliction
merciful original by
its
it
will
soon see
salutary effect.
What
and
his
comfort
it is
2^9
ON REOENERATION.
which
still
is
more
fully
discerned as they approach nearer to maturity. Imitate in this the great apostle of the Gentiles " Not
:
as though
perfect
Brethren,
sus.
hended, but
this
am
one thing
mark,
high
Christ Jesus
!"
Phil.
calling,
of
God
in
iii.
it
may
carries in
still
it
leave
some
and
fection
*'
sinners,
whose crimes
mean
the
gion,
Many
professors of reli-
a form of godliness,
am
state,
persuaded
and dethis is
such persons
know
so
little
may
of
it
230"
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
my
youth,"
Mark
X. 20.
or desiring to see
after,
of you pretend
this, to
its
proper
whom
all
fruits
Can such
serious conversa-
is
tedious
and
disgustful,
whom
men
a painful restraint
own
souls.
on
fast
away.
treat, that
Your
to
precious time
is
daily hastening
is
wearing
Hear while there is yet peace, and inGod, for Christ's sake, would freely par-
with
in the heart,
vile, to
itself,
to distinguish
sin.
ON REGENERATION.
ami excite you
duty, that
it
231^
ot*
your
manifest.
At
will
when they
gion, by shewing
HA
C
Ojtlie steps
WE
01/
'which this
proceed
now
am
deeply sensible
ject this
is,
P.
II
change
to consider
this
change
how
difficult
it
will
accomplished^
is
is
by what steps,
brought about.
be to treat of it in
ed of
who
in those
is
often complain-
HOLY ONE,
who have
not had
in the
As
his will.
*
It will
lie
who
as>
signifying
lite
we
say that
meaniuT:
is.
ci'
Cod
acts
'*
is
by no means
crhitrarij.
all.
To
He
say this
larly, that
there
is
232
A PTIACTICAL TK,ATJ3E
neither as to
tion.
To
tlie
canst not
eth
so
and
tins purpose,
and
tell
is
*'
mean--
biowcth where-
John iii. 8.
Sometimes
in this precise
The wind
itpleaseth
is
God
pit,
from
up some of tlje
to snatch sinners
to raise
most abandoned profligates as trophies of his victoand mercy ; white he fuffers others, far
more moderate and decent, who are ** not far from"
the kingdom of God," finally to fall short of it;
He sometimes glorifies his power and mercy at once,
by converting his most inveterate enemies, and making them the most zealous, active, and successfu?
Such'an instance was the*
advocates for his cause.
apostle Paiul, who from a persecutor became a"
preacher.
Sometimes conversion is speedily and"suddenly brought about, and thie times and circum-
rious grace
may
be easily ascertained.'
"*
sonal ministry.
sensible,
233
ON REGENERATION.
the growth and improvement of the spiritual
life
becom-
speedy and
ing themosteminentsaints; liKcthe woman mentionremarkable, the greatest
ed in the gospel to
whom many
sins
siiiiiers
were forgiven,
Some
'
For
when
peace and sensible comfort, rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory j and somciiuics, on the
other hand, he
and made
is
walk
to
and
fears,
in darkness.
he
will."
may be
been said
who
still
divideth to every
man
se-
kept in mind
so that, if the
need be
ol" its
little
jcct,
is
am
propose to
ofTer
on
contrary
1
manner
beintr wrouirht.
What
.
to,
not to lay
down
a plan
and
s.'iy,
this
is
Nay,
the or-
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
234?
dhiary way
in
few,
to the sa-
to him, in
it
some
nary
The
utility.
Adam
is
substance at
will
least,
common
to
all
the change
itself,
and
true converts.
full
It
explication of
Too much
what
is
vereignty, by shewing
tion, so
remarkable
1.
how
subjec*t
" For
same blessed
effects.
la the
step in
fii-st
place,
Oh
23
REr,r:NEJiATioN.
majesty,
God
lies at
the foundation of
all.
whom we
have sinned.
The same
thing
fears as never
go
far-
who
may
or darkness.
They
know not
God:
Gal.
**
iv. 8.
Having theunderstanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that
**
is
rance
*'
J
to
it is
hid to
them
8.
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
236
way
more
is
iv.
In this
4, 6.
much
frequently than
is
commonly observed
as the understanding
is
and,
God,
is
after-
wards to follow:
This will be further evident, if we reflect upon
the account formerly given, and sufficiently supported from the holy Scriptures, of the nature of this
change, That it consists in a supreme regard to the
glory of God, and a habitual prevailing desire of his
favour.
To
this
it is
Neither of these
is
possible
there
be
God,
grow-
as well as a
ON REGENERATION.
237
1.
It
must
discovery
must be seen
his
power, unsearchable
He
almighty in
wisdom, inviolable in
he must be seen as infinite
in hisholiness^nd hatred of
sin, as impartial in his
justice, and determinal to punish
it.
Such is
his truth
but, above
in his
all,
the
Scripture representation of God,
as <* glorious in
his holiness. Evil cannot
dwelhvith him, and sin^
ners cannot stand in his presence."
It is the errmof the wicked to suppose the
contrary; and indeed
Jt IS the very source of
wickedness to deny the being, or to deny the holiness
of
heart
Uiou wilt not require it," Psal. x.
^^
I f,.
The fool
hath said in his heart there is no
God," Psal.xiv i
- These things thou hast done, and
I kept silence"
tiiou thoughtest thatrl was
altogether such an onea'.
thyself, but I will reprove
thee, and set them in order before thine eyes," Psal. 1.
21.
God must
word, which
be seen as he is rej)resented
in his
the only rule of faith, *^
i^
own
'
the pilk^r
This
is
a matter of (he
'
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
238
which,
greatest importance,
lam
sorry to say.
but which
is
is
lu
most
to,
aoc very seldom attended
If God is not seen
just.
undeniably
nifotly and
can ueyerhe
is in truth he
his real nature, as he
ot
this
acceptably served.
achm;t
'--Pl^'^d,
in that case, wholly
is,
directed to
him
but something
room. I beseech the
jeaobserve, what an unspeakable
at
all,
in his
and not
else is loved
4y God
Zbable Aaron
As
receives particu ar
hght
so it also
of regeneration,
what has been said in the
evidence itself fronx
Regeneration coi iIcedt. parts of this subject. again drawn upon
image of God
Id
St
t Aving
tL
heart
the
that
is,
its
239
ON REGENERATION.
worIsj brought to the supreme love
of,
and dehght
in perfect
been expelled.
sess
is
If religion con-
sists in
it
may, indeed,
many, but he
and, so long as
God
is
is
is
impossible.
I
is
worth notice as an
God,
at
tive.
.world
for,
any
rate, is
It is so,
J
**
to
it will be so to
can by searching find out
nay, probably,
Who
all
eternity;
God
Who
It is
hell,
But there
is
X2.
'
240
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
admitted,
we
shall
which
is
himself;
my
am
glory will
New
ing
fast
my
name, and
Neither
Testament.
the truth as
it is
is
is
my
The importance
in Jesus," of
the truth,"
God
majesty by
is
of" holding
much
**
**
hold-
keeping
" no
Of ignorance.
who
are
grossly ignorant
God may
be
ON REGENERATION.
241
should
it
is
it is
astonishing to
relates to religion.
tention for a
any such,
Jittle.
let
me
X-3
242
A PHACTICAL TREATISE
assault you, as
it
and the
his nature,
O how great
is
power.
now mine
wherefore
We
divine
power
in desolating judgTnents.
the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of
The
haughtiness
man
of men
Lord alone
shall
lofty looks
of
shall
and
and
man
and
his idols of
and
to the bats, to
go
into the
ari-
when he
In that day a
majesty,
earth,^Msa.
God
when he
ii.
10,
1 1,
and
of
So soon
as
it
pleases
to
ON REGENF.liATION.
f?.
1 he same
'241^
tliina-
well as ignorance.
embraced in this age, one of the most preand dangerous is the innocence of error.
" (), say some, every man is to inquire freely, and
each will embrace what appears to him to be the
truth.
It is no matter what a man believes, if his
life be good.
Even he vyho mi.stakes may be i\
acceptable to God as his opposite, if he is equally
sincere."
Now, there is no doubt that liberty to inquire freely is an inestimable blessing, and impartiality in religious inquiries an indispensable duty.
But the above maxim becomes false and danxjerous
by being carried an excessive length ; and it is carried to this excess by the favour of two suppositions
which are false and groundless. The maxim is applied frequently to justify an open and virulent opposition to the most important truths of the gospel
blindly
vailing
5.
and revealed.
To
religion, natural
all
be able to apply
it
thus,
it is
ne-
good an
influence
true.
If this
is
all
is
is
not
entirely
thrown away.
maxim
Another
is,
that a
person
may be
highest
as sincere in
A rUACTICAL TREATISE'
^344
in-
ii.
10, 11,
will serve, in
12-
a pecu-
liar
ought by no means
to be extended to differences
all
many
those
I
am
and denominations are building upon the one ** foundation laid in Sion" for a sinner's hope, and that
their distance and alienation from one another in affection
is
very
much
to
be regretted.
Many
will
ON REGENERATION.
who
245
'*
faithful,
**
their" eternal
wreck of the
But
Father."
it is
must
make
ship-
after all,
possible to
faith.
many
following, as well as
otl^cr passages
of Scrip-
among
ture
the
*'
false
prophets also
damnable he-
1.
up false notions of God, or expect sanctification and eternal life in any other way than he
hath pointed out in his word, though they may now
build their hope on a fond imagination that he is
such an one as themselves, they shall at last meet
If any take
**
tence,
of iniquity."
2.
There mult he a
discox^enj
of the
infinite gloiy
of God.
In
tlic
of the
(lod.
He
Being
as
he
These two
it
is
The
first is
no-
itself.
246
A PRACTICAL tri;atise
There can be no true religion, unless there be a discovery of the real nature of God. But though there
be a knowledge of what God is, unless there be also
a discovery of the excellence and glory of this nature, he can never be the object of esteem and love.
It is one thing to know, and another to approve
last is not the case, whatever we
or affirm, or be persuaded of with rela-
may know
to be
many
may
they
becomes,
if
ble.
We have
gels,
little
flillen
an-
speculative knowledge.
upon me
it
what
God
is
same time, a
for thc}^
have
ON REGENERATIONS
ileceiving themselves, that
we have
247
in the present
that
is
is
the
more
more
sensibly
felt.
awakened, and
it
some sinnerswhen
**
inclin-
is
No
and wink
at his
continuance in transgression.
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
248
They have
thoughts of him are entirely changed.
gloomy views of his nature, and harsh thoughts of
his providence
and, as
they
of his law,
government.
his
flir
Who
and
to
is
whom
shall
he go up from us
?'*
Lord God,
1
Sam.
vi.
20.
I
may
What
is it else that makes many frame to themnew and flattering schemes of religion ? that
makes them imagine a God so extremely different
from that- holy Being he is represented in his own
word ? When men will not conform their practice
selves
scarce ever
fail
to
gion to their
With what
is
given us in Scripture
it
him
be approved
be held
God,
in
abhorrence.
mind
subject to
is
tiie
at once,
hearts
opposite
and
carnal
own
Two things
it,
enmity against
is
to bless
only a
shewing that
God
for
it
**
is
new
the
not
ON REGENERATION.
Rom. viii.
itself in
And
7,
as this enmity to
249
God
when
violent
discovers
it
will be-
further resistance
is
When
phemes
whom
he must
for-
ever dwell.
From
supreme love
God,
to
perly consists
this is absolutely
victions of sin.
it is built.
the spotless holiness, the perfect excellence, and inhnite amiableness of the divine nature, that humbles
a sinner under a sense of his breaches of the divine
law ? Without this there may be a sense of weak-
may be
and
a fear of
bin.
sery.
gress of conviciion,
Vol.
I.
it
will
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
250
liailx
been ah'eady
This
said.
is
the
tion.
The
Ij
There must be a
ward change of
religion.
real in-
any true
if
God must
be seen as
*'
the na-
tlie
AVhile
thing.
it is
men
So long
and not
less
continue in
contrary to
it
than light
as they love
is its
is
opposite,
to darkness.
restraint upon our outward conversaand diligence in expensive rites and ceremonies J all duties, of whatever kind, that arise
from fear or other external motives, are of no consequence till the temper and inclination .of the heart
Therefore,
tion
is
all
all
zeal
entirely renewed.
2.
From what
jiscribed to the
may
plainly
to last
must be
It must
first
effect
reign power.
be the
new
ON llEGENERATION.
of
his- first
**
for of
;iii(!
nan
in
being;
is in
251
he
is
While
an enemy to
God
his
that
liis
works and
in his
itself
Nay,
irom loving him as his father, that he
him as his enemy. This fear will discover
one of these two ways. Sometimes it will
make
lIiIs
lie is
so far
lears
proof.
It is
is a melancholy
worth while, at the same time, to ob-
i?erve
that this
first
})()wer:
252
some
men
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
respects contrary to the former,
is
to dispose
Israel, as represented
by the Psalmist:
*'
When he
God
after
bered that
vi-as
their
Hence
it
appears, that to
God,
it is
necessary that
we be
in
is
in
some measure
is
not love at
all.
In a word,
it
is
our
and
to follow
it
so far as
it
goes; but
Therefore,
till
sinevi-
a sinner
may
he may seek
to propitiate
God's favour
he
253
ON REGENERATION.
God
own
for his
safety,
but
cai\not be satis-
lie
'A
ith
"For
tament;
both to
ii.
less clearly
it is
and
will
to
Neither
8.
asserted in the
New
is
Tes-
13,
lies
the funda-
common
or im-
The first
and
arise
a belief of his
may
at all, yet
it
is
They
effect
frequently
f)roduce a counterfeit religion, which not only continues for a time, but is carried down by some to
the grave as a
are
tlxi
lie
deceits
in
of Satan,
that
So
there are
subtle
many
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
2f54
outlines
of
both.
legal hypocrites.
Awakeoed
to
power of God, they fall to the exercise of repentance, and hope that by so doing they may live.
Hence the whole system of bodily penance and mortification.
Hence
and veneration for the places of divine worBeing now somewhat more regular and decent
ligion,
ship.
tain a fond
hope
that
all shall
be well.
In the
mean
in
hopeful way.
25o
ON KEGENERATION.
'<
his goodness,
it
may have
its
They may
be
and
rely
satisfied to
They may
God
in sincerity of heart.
some
heaven
but they
know
256
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
from a false conand not from a true knowTheir notions of God's love to them
leds^e of God.
contain more of a partial indulgence to them as they
are, than of his infinite compass-ion in forgiving what
they have been.
The effects of such religion are
just what might be expected from its nature, violent
and passionate for a season, and commonly ostentaSelf-love
tious, but temporary and changeable.
lies at the root, and therefore, while they are pleased and gratified, they will continue their profession
All such love,
fidence in their
of attachment
the cross
is
it is
own
plain, ariseth
state,
and return
to their
sins.
this,
not only in
Many
to
*'
fended."
^iven of
its
hope
this,
cause,
some appearances
who seem
may be
in a
by and by were
of-
to
ON REGENERATION.
257
This gives occasion to adversaries to speak reproachfully, and is greatly distressing to those who truly
But would men carefully attend to what
fear God.
the holy Scriptures teach us to expect, their surprise
** For it must needs
in all such cases would cease.
be that offences must come," Matt, xviii. 7. And
though there are many counterfeits, there will still
be sufficient means to distinguish the gold from the
dross'.
3.
The
cliftnge, is
a deep
The
ger.
itself,
is
It
means of
its
equally evi-
of the change
If an entire change
very evident,
is
is
necesFary>
Whoever
state.
and
ter, will
^di
is
a chaufxe.
If
same thing will appear with increasing eviThose who are not humbled under a sense
and corruption, will treat with great con-
ners, the
dence.
of guilt
sick.
came not
To
and
Luke
v.
call is
31, 32.
particu-
A PUACTICAL TREATISE
258
larly addressed
"
xi.
To
all
ye
tliat luboiir
I will give
you
rest,'*
shall find
many
other
29.
we
The
ing>~.
Thus
perishing soul.
i the
prophet Isaiah,
come ye to the waiand he that hatli no money, come ye, buy and
yea, eome buy wine and milk, without money
ters
eat;
and without price," Isa. Iv. 1. When Christ entered on his personal ministry, he opened his coitL'mission in the following terms.:
**
The
Spirit of the
Lord
is
to
to
set at liberty
Luke
him that
life
freely,"
From
strain,
is
"
iv. 18.
And
I sliali
I will
give
Rev. xxi.
6.
these passages,
it is
towards conversion.
most clear,, and at the
useful manner, I shall divide it
and, first, consider what is the
In order to treut of
m.ost
it
in the
OK nEGENEllATION.
sin
S.'O
must be
it
in or-
what
is
may
observe hi
general,
that,
And
properly
humiliatimi of mind at
all. viz.
and
Both these are
tlieir union and
fear of suffering,
and it is
;
mutual influence that distinguishes repentance unto
life from every counterfeit.
Many have trembled
mayed
at the
standinor lived
and died
dis-
We
see that
The ScrT)-)ture
own place but
himself in despair.
lie
few,
promises of amendment
and yet
in a little time
than before.
of sin in
is
itself;
no
260
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
is
Here,
may
plainly perceive
the reason and necessity of what was formerly observed, that there
may be
humiliation.
It is only
infinite
With-
when a
glor}',
and
in-
O that
is
truly, effectually,
proper force
its
infinitely
truth
worthy
his
without
God
in the world."
ON KEOENKRATION*
S6I
it
and folly.
But now the language of adoration is in some
measure understood, which had been wholly insipid
and without meaning before. They join with the
Psalmist in saying, *' Honour and majesty are before
])im, strength and beauty are in his sanctuaiy. Give
tempt of
it
as enthusiasm
Lord the glory due unto his name ; bring an offercome into his courts. O worship the Lord in
ing,
all
tlie
wing^ about
v.ii
r.
liini,
full
of eves
within
'
:
'
262
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
and they rest not day and niglit, saying, Holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and
holy,
is
And
to come.
fall
down
him
before
that sat
on the throne,
and ever, and
art worthy,
held,
and
about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders t and
the
loud voice,
Worthy
is
the
Lamb
glory,
and
blessing.
And
every
is
in heaven,
it is
most
all
fit
things belong to
that
all
God
on their
seats, fell
God
upon
their faces,
and wor-
Almighty, which
art,
art to
O^ REGENKRATION.
26S
sin
and as
it
is
it
is
far
from
the evil of
all sin,
as rebellion against,
and disobe-
dience to God, will see the horrible guilt and impiety that attends this abominable practice.
religion which
is
the
work of God's
lioly
That
Spirit,
and
honour and
fear of
glory.
punishment then we
Let
me now
sin in itself,
shewing
it
liave seen,
itself, is
not
without
sufficient.
to be just.
evil
of
lear of punishment
by
hands
on
for
not
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
264"
and
felt
their power.
God
wrath of
justice
is
Their
and inwardly Mi, and the sinwonder at the patience of a long-suf-
therj det^ply
ner begins to
ferinjr
all
m 01 nun en
lone: ere
of vengeance.
is
will
have^
bably be
is
of sovereign gmce.
able to recollect in
how many
He will
pro-
instances his
mind
set itself to
were, to collect
first
nefit of obedience,
26^
ON REGENEKATION.
<
^^hich can
j)ose to
enumerate
all
cannot pro-
may
all
I shall
them to silence.
Perhaps the sinner will say, Alas why should
the law be so extremely rigorous, as to insist upon
absolute and sinless obedience? Hard hideed, that it
will not admit of any transgression, any omission,
the least slip, or fliiling, or frailty, but pronounceth
so severe a sentence : ** Cursed is every one that
that nnisi put
1.
continueth not in
all
to
God
The sum
is,
" To
of
all
love the
all
God
essentially sinful
Is
?
not every
and can
it
own
prophet,
**
is
no God
Is there a
God
God
me
yea, there
Isaiah xliv. S.
at
once silences
objection,
this
and
abatement
due
besides
as
in the
266
A PRACI^rCAL TREATISE
is
in truth
impossi-
ble.
2.
will
with
all
why
The law may be
my
heart.
am
good." O that you would bu^ consider what sort of inability you are under to keep the
that which
is
commandments
of
God
Is
it
naturai, or
is it
mo-
?-
Is
it
really
being coijsecrated to
God
as proper
purpose
When
you
ai*e
commanded
to love
God
all
it
unreasonable
to you.
Let
his
all
made them
.
me
ON KEGENKRATION.
267
By
its
we
source,
see
tracing
tlie i'i['1ueous-
law of
llic
own
God
man
eternal
Wherefore,
Mature.
every
is
and immutable,
^*
let
God
tlvat
as
iii.-,
be true, and
a liar."
shew the
obli-
Creatoiv
slaves to sin,
it is
absurd to
his
mouth
will
be immediately stop-
He
cuseably guilty.
nothing
lies
the impossibility of
ed inclinations
yet
may
it,
all is
tion
be, I
subejct far
more
268
fulJy
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
handled here.
that
beyond the reach of our limited capacity ; but whatever be the nature and effects, or manner of communicating original sin ;
whatever be the use made of it in accounting for
events as a general case; if any voluntary agent hath
there
is
sometliing in
nothing to
it
We
paid to
it
"
all
whom
it
dwells
and
;
him must depart from
liim.
Without perplexing
ON RIilGENERATIONr
269
it
is
to,
powerfully convince
infinite
Wlien he
sinner.
tlie
Ot both
God
will
seeth the
am
"
man
Woe
is
me,
of unclean
for I
lips,
of a people of unclean
lips
Lord of
am
and
;
for
undone, because I
dwell in the midst
hosts," Isa.
vi. 5.
As the
when brought
divine holiness
his
own mouth
and
will
if
he
**
condemn him"
as guilty
from
choice.
When conviction
first
however vain the attempt, he hns still a strong inclination that righteousness "should come by the law."
This is not wonderl\il j for in no other way can he
himself have any title to glory, and a thorough renunciation of
to be
made
nil self-interest, is
at once.
Hence he
is
ready to look
who have
from
pardon
he
he hath abstained.
Hence
also
he
is
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
270
-,
But
besides
all this,
he
is still
all as
and cur
away,"
Isa. Ixiv. 6,
all
and we
is stript
Thus,
for
we are
all
do fade
as a leaf,
He
*'
our righteousnesses
state,
and imper-
he
may
up one by
lies
down
Having
thiis
in true penitcfits.
sin, it
was proposed
it
de-
ON REGENERATION.
271
serve
all
altehtion
Christ, I
The
that
is,
am
persua-
much
as their principle
There
is
it may be
degree of terror
whom
It is
most
terrible kind.
tion of
Ahab,
after
It
is
mere passion of
if
It is
Icar in either of
It
It is
is
The one
is
wrath from an
other
is
its
malignity, and
The one
feels
is
humbled.
'i'lie
the o-
one
is
A PRACTICAL TF.EATISE
272
It
is
some doubt
convictions there
much
they
is
may dread
sin.
We
However,
the
human
as there
heart,
is
to flatter
gree.
it
Many
lias
sin in a
manner corresponding
to
him
mourn
son,
and
for
shall
be
as
in bitterness for
ON IlEGENERATION.
may
273
nature.
One thing
bered, that
in general
we ought not
to lay
We
to express themselves,
may be more
is
There
than in others.
greater naturally in
some
nothing of which
men
is
Another circumstance may also be the occaIn some, convictions may have
been more early and gradual, and therefore less violent and sensible.
It is not to be supposed that Samuel, whose very conception was the answer of
prayer, who was called froin his mother's womb,
and served in the temple from his being a child
should have expei'ienced the same depth of humiliaheard.
sion of diversity.
been guilty of
Manasseh,
many atrocious
for
example,
who had
state.
There-
fore,
2. Suffer
me
cipal evidence of a
XoL.
I.
and prin-
274
A PR ACTUAL TREATISE
sorrow for
ence.
teach thou
me;
is
in heaven.
Many
will say to
me
in that day,
ON REGENERATION.
'J7^
or willing to spare
Remember
And
**
if
this necessary
cau-
thee, pluck
it
out,
and
into hell.
And
if
it
off,
and
cast
it
you desire
liberty
as deliverance
Do
liis
for
my
come
his
after
it,"
Matt. x^i.
24<.
Upon
a 2
276
]ot
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
of God's
cliildreii,
me
The
The
nitely gracious.
that
paths of the
is
perfectly holy*
infi-
my
3. It is
and
in
degree,
when
the pe-
As
of
its
itself,
is
no way
in
stinctly,
fering in
many
professing Christians
How
how
little
about the
ON REGENERATION.
S"??
The
impure conversation.
loss of a child, or
the
sin, if
concealed
all
said of the
What shall
be said of
tlie
all temporal sufand yet are but very slightly affected with
a sense of the evil of sin ? whose tears flow readily
and copiously over a dying friend, but have no tears
at all to shed over a dying Saviour ? Does this at
ferings,
all
phet,
**
compared
penitential sorrow
is
and exquisite of
human
all
to the
calamities.
most severe
must how-
greatest of
ali evils,
parison with
all
and
will
discover this by
com-
a 3
278
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
4. I shall
viction's
is,
when
sing, that
it
is still
Some kind
of
and returns to
his
or he does
God through Christ by true repentance, and continues to serve him in newness of life.
The first of these cases needs no illustration ; the
sense of sin in
all
more
clearly to
in
its
him
his
quantity
279
ON REGENERATION.
and
its
malignity, so to speak.
The
very mercies
row.
his
and condescension.
work of a convinced sinner is, to mourn
The
first
employment
And
life,
or a
life
his continued
and wrestle
from
more
sensible.
many
So true
sions of self-abasement
From
these
Do
evil
grow
tlie
you now
gospel of peact,
see sin in
The
2^0
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
As
and instruction
this part
of the subject,
some 9f
last
age.
It
is,
that ge-
make him
pleased, that
God
everlasting perdition.
ture,
and
This
is
say, evea
so repiignant to na-
some
laid
is first
whom
this requisition
hold
There
has given
shall
make some
remarks which, I hope, will either explain it in asound sense, or shew it to be at bottom false.
Men do often differ more in words than in subPerhaps what these authors chiefly mean,,
stance.
is no more than what has been explained above at
considerable length, viz. That the sinner finds himself witliout excuse, his mouth is stopped, he seeth
the holiness of the law, he confesseth the justice of
the sentence, he quits every claim but mercy.
Thus
ON REGENERATION.
he may be said to absolve or
justify
281
God, though he
So far, I ap-
prehend,
it is
undeniably just
is
strong declarations in
partially
God
is
of debt/'
mercij^
we
life,
they cannot consistently imply less, than that the sinner deserved, and was liable to eternal death.
But
and
itself,
view, as
it
he
is
is
me to be at onceunnutural, unreascruible,
appears to
unlawful,
damna-
as
and impossible.
It is plainly
contrary to
is so deeply
implanted in our natures, and which seems to be in-
No
such thing
own
best interests.
*'
Wherefore,'* says
*^
of David,""
seems to
itself.
Isa. Iv. 2, 3.
me necessarily
For, what
is
to
imply an impossibility in
damnation
It is to
be for ever
282
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
quiescence
It is to
hate
well as to be banished
Can
this
his
name, as
or
is it
righteous will
please
or
is
less
it
Can any
creature be supposed to
all
hope of
his favour
sense of duty,
love
God, by giving up
principle of
We
knowledgment of divine
justice,
We
against her,
Neither
is
way
in
my
daughter
is
But he answered
disciples came and be-
And
his
lost
saying,
Then
Lord help
OK KKGENERATION.
But he answered and
me*
said, It
it
283
not meet to
is
And
to dogs.
faith
22,
be
28,
it
I shall
tlie
lead-
ing sentiment of which was what 1 have recommended above, and in his own language was to the
**
following purpose.:
are
fidl
exercise of
mercy
but
demands my
my
destruction,
perdition.
and
Disdain
will
the stroke
fall,
that
is
The next great step in a sinner's change, is a discovery and acceptance of salvation from sin and
misery through Jesus Christ.
Tliis is the last and
finishing step of the glorious work.
change
formed in all
attained, the
is
is fully
its
When
completed, the
parts.
Des
The
Barreaiix.
this
is
new nature
s])iritual
seed
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
SS*
is
and
it
will ar-
Before conviction of
sin,
or
when
conviction
is
but
be foolishness. Or if, as sometimes happens, education and example prompts the sinner to speak with
some degree of reverence of the name, character, and
undertaking of a Saviour, there is no distinct perception of the meaning, nor any inward relish of the
in their spirits,
The
helpless
him
earnestly
and
and
anxiously enquire, whether there is any way to esis any door of mercy or of hope.
He
What
jailor,
must
do
to
ON
in
arms
my
tigainst
to him.
285
REGEMERATIOJSI.
how
fearful a thing
Who
devouring
fire
burnings
Is there
no balm
in
God
me as an ene-
is it
to
fall
into
with
my past
blindness
have awa-
of destruction.
What would I not
do, what would I not give for good ground to befast to the pit
lieve that
my
guilt
my
peace
!"
flock,
The
No more
worship.
if
He
who
**
Lord,
word.
may commend
<*
God
Vol.
is
r.
work! to
liitn-
A P R A CT I C AL TK E A'Pi SE
^86
self."
The
of pardon,
now
a jovful sound.
tlie
bare meiitiori
It
it
to weigh
long forgotten, and so greatly offended ? hath he indeed loved a guilty world ? hath he loved them in
Son
Here perhaps
a difficulty
Adam
'
may
but are
occur.
It
may
the childi'en of
all
Surely not.
How
and to glorify
condemnation of the
most eminently guilty. What tlien have I reason
to expect ? None, none, none of any rank so crimiI have sinned early, and I have sinned
nal as r.
I have sinned against the clearest light and
long.
knowledge. I have sinned against innumerable mercies. I have sinned against the threatenings of God's
to save a few of the least unworthy,
his justice
and
severity in the
ON regeneration;
287
How many
To
these promises
may
life
freely,'"*
be added
God,
nasseh, an unrighteous and oppressive publican Zaccheus, an unclean Mary Magdalene, and a persecut-
ing Paul.
whom
am
chief."
The
and
efficacy of the
oiid heijious
b2
when he
consi-
288
A PRACTICAL
TPxEATIi-E
is
ready to bring
How
can be passed by
this guilt
ali
all
into question,
Is
it
and
to
possible that
Is it possible that
God
it
Is
Matt.
xxii.
iiJ.
To remove
God, he
ibre
this distrust,
is
and assure
his heart
bc-
Most High,
Sacrifice
and
in the councils
of
not desire
offering
God
is
within
my
Hear also
in
2&9
0^ REGENERATION.
matter
"
is
represented in
tlic
New
Testament:
Whom God
the forbearance of
God
that he
might be
iii.
us,
25, 26.
and
just,
Rom.
who knew no
2-ighteousness of
God
in
him," 2 Cor.
v.
21.
this
The
divine perfections.
ness, the strict
and
spotless purity
imi>artial justice of
our Redeemer,
we
how he may
see
testify his
ab-
sin,
and punish
it,
of his Son."
How
welcome,
how
fear,
Bb
'290
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
But
holy God.
he
evil
in this
of sin, so provoking to 2
crifice
of infinite value.
" For we
by a
sa-
but
Lamb
Pet.
i.
8.
Then
appears, with
victim
no
less
force, the
GOD maniconsiderable
press
image of
his person."
What
is it
that cannot
more
the
race of offending
*'
his fellow,"
than
if
the whole
irrecoverably lost.
in his infinite
John
iv.
0.
is
ON REGENEKATIOy.
tlic
291
to say,
we may both
Saviour's atonement,
its trutl),
tlie
and triumph
in
apostle Paul,
**
charge of God's
to the
fieth
thoughts as our
his
i'eei
with
nor
thoughts."
us
ways,
Wlio
is
Who
elect
is
viii.
We may
also
of
say
any thing
shall lay
It is
risen again,
rest assured
power.
he that condemneth
the right
its
God
that justi-
It is
Christ that
who
is
even at
makcth intercession
33, 'M,
Pause a little, my soul,' saith the convinced sinner, * what tidings are here ? What saith the
Scripture, ** Who shall lay any thing to the charge
of God's elect r" Unanswerable indeed
Happj^,
liappy, thrice happy they, who arc the objects of
God's everlasting, distinguishing and electing love.
But how can I be sure that this includes, or rather
does not exclude me ? Can I ever hope to read my
name w ritten in the Lamb's book of life ? No.*
But,
'
who
Go
ye into
all
**
tlie
gospel to
292
A.
every creature
be saved
shall
PRACriCAL XrrEATlSE
damned," Mark xvi. 15, 16. Is not the call unlimited and universal ?
Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
^'^
am
Matt.
xi. 28.
the bread of
life
**
never
thirst,"
*'
to the
procure
it.
No
nature so pollu-
or refuse our consent ? Shall not every sinner burdened with a sense of guilt or danger, intimate his
compliance and urge his claim, and say, Thanks,
*
God for his unspeakable gift. It isby the death of Christ, and therefore becoming a holy and a jealous God, with whom evil>
canaot dwell. It is the same unchangeable God,
thanks be to
salvation
who
glorious gospel.
It is salvation
who
publishes
this>
by grace, otherwise
ON REGENERATION.
29S
and embrace
and my God, as my
receive
and
life
offer,
Saviour as
this blessed
of the
I will accept
cious invitation.
my
I will
my Lord
all.'
the believer
is still
staggered,
Astonished at the greatness of the mercy, " he bclieveth not for joy, and
wondereth."
He is ready to say, * Might I but
hold
fast this
fail.
my
beginning of
confidence, I would
may
them
I
fail.
Here
that believe
am sensible
of a la-
own
lost
of deliverance from
all
his
of
will.'
the truths of
my own
Do you
God
it ?
May
the
re-
way
Lord himself
in-
happy and
safe.
for if
it
am
afraid
we have
all
'
A FRACTICAL TREATISE
294
too
stron<]:
some ciicournoin-^
on which we might more
faith ? is it any more than
a tendency tolookfor
qualification in ourselves,
securely rest.
What
is
God
ciliation
of Christ, and to
all
-sufficiency
you must
be indebted for both ? What standeth in the way of
your comfort then, but either that you do not give
credit to the promise he hath made, or that you are
not willing that he should do it for you ? And this Jr
acknowledge is both unbelief and impenitence.
Complain therefore no more that you are afraid
that
trust, to
my
it is
of
Lord,
hope-.
fo4'
whom
loss
of
all
things,
is
through the
which
is
of
faith
God by
of
Chriiit,
faith,
Phil.
the righteousness
iii.
8.
It
grieves
OIs
me
HKGENEilATION.
backwardness
own power.
in
me
to be indebted to
Subdue my
thy grace.
thine
and
295
Lord,
to give
lie
riches
and rule by
help thou mine
oi^istinacy,
believe,
uubelieK'
riuw Ihd
6.
Wk
of conscience,
reconciled to
It
will not
how he
heart and
:will
serve
life
how
his
more
\\\c
This
influence and
There
gospel.
is
evil
of sin in
He is not
itself.
pollution of his
own
heart.
and
Supposing, therefore,
is
but halfaccom-
plished.
make
so great
state.
296
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
may be thought
to leave him,
and character, in point
may
and
light.
grace
duce a growing humiliation of mind and self-abasement, as well as an admiration of the love of God
in Christ Jesus.
As the tenderness of a parent is an
image which God hath very frequently made use of
to
shadow
forth his
borrow' from
just
it
now made.
own
two remarks
Suppose any child has offended a
an
illustration of the
if
full
room
for his
sufFei-injr
more
terror
crime
for
for
And
lieart
upon
?
He
is
But notwithstanding
this, as
it,
is
sprinkled from an
ON REGENERATION*
297
is
the dishonour
done to God. Must it not, therefore, please and satisfy him to see this dishonour so
perfectly removed,
and so much of the divine glory shining in the work
of redemption ? All the divine perfections
appear
there with distinguished lustre ; and must not
this be
even the
celestial hosts
w isdom of God,
To
in this
We
'
A PHACTiCAL TREATISE
298
is
God, must
glorious to
God
ii
run
and his
tender mercies are over all his other works ; but
creating and preserving goodness are shaded and eIt is the theme of the
clipsed by redeeming love.
praises t)f heaven, where Christ, as the object of
worship, is represented as appearing " like a lamb
that had been slain."
2. Believers have peace of conscience through
Christ, is their redemption through his blood serves
for their own humiliation and self-abasement, for the
manifestation of the evil of sin, and the vileness and
Nothing could be so
unworthiness of the sinner.
be delightful to the Christian
is
love,
and
its
human
to derive
deemer,
in
our worth and strength from our Re'* it hath pleased the Father that
whom
access with
Eph.
iii.
12.
''
And
deed, do
all in
thanks to
God and
No
the
whatsoever ye do in word or
Jesus, giving
hope of stability
iii.
17.
ON REGENERATION*
iiess
299
oflhilli
tiie
in
me, and
fruit
1 in
for without
me
much
4, 5.
tliis is
condemns us
nation
is
as guilty
man
it is
the gift of
should boast
faith
God
for
we
300
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
of all saints,
least
is this
should
evil
and
him with
and with their bodies which are his.
This must be the most earnest desire of every convinced sinner. He breathes after deliverance from
the bondage of sin ; the more he hath felt the weight
of his chains, the more he longs to be free.
This
is inseparable from genuine convictions, on the prinHow much must it conciples above laid down.
tribute to compose the conscience, to know that this
of
sin,
their souls
However
condemn himself for
much
cause he
may have
to
amendment, he knows
power of his Redeemer. He knows
that henceforth he shall not serve sin, that its dominion shall be gradually broken through life, and enAs the end of Christ's
tirely destroyed at death.
Father, he knows
heavenly
coming was to glorify his
promoted
by leaving
be
that the glory of God cannot
and
corruption,
of
bondage
the
the sinner under
meet
and
made
to
purified,
be
shall
he
therefore that
his
own
resolutions of future
and trusts
in the
saints in
light."
If
we look with
Testament, we
New
sanctificaticn,
301
ON REGENERATION.
ihiit
**
There
is
thcre-
ibre
Spirit
for the
made me
Jesus, hath
death
Horn.
viii.
1.,
2, 3.
scries,
:
one
For whom he
**
his
among many
Moreover,
brethren.
he
justified,
30.
There
them he
is
Rom.
also glorified,"
viii.
29,
the
of Christ,
God
?"
Heb-
life,
The
Co
302
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
site delight.
nistration
is
to
of his admi-
efficacy
fort.
Under him, as the Captain of their salvation,
they display their banners, and go forth with un-
daunted courage
to
**
lift
afraid
lift
it
up, be not
shall feed
hk
he
shall gather
the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bo-
am
am
thy
God
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteBehold, all they that were incensed against
thee shall be ashamed and confounded; they shall be
as nothing ; and they that strive with thee shall pewill
ousness.
rish.
Thou shalt
nought.
For
nothing, and
of
hold thy
10, 12.
0:N
7.
Ho'w
REGKNERATION.
the Christian
is
30<^
conversation.
Before concluding
speak a
governed
is
all
it is
resisted
and coun-
in his
wards
effaced.
God armed
there can be
little else
but when
he hears a gracious promise of pardon ; when on examining the evidence, his doubt and uncertainty is
removed ; when he sees the righteous ground on
which this forgiveness is built, he lays hold of it as
liis own, and is united to God by unfeigned love.
This love, though weak in its measure, is, notwithstanding, perfect in its nature, and therefore powerful in its influence ; being at once a love of esteem,
of gratitude, and of desire.
The
love of
God
is
the
first
A PRACTICAL TREATISET
304i
but
it is
first
is
fixed
It is
Christ Jesus
No man
God
hath seen
is
who
reveals to us the
whom we
at any time
in tlie
had
;
lost,
the only
of it.
But
tail, suffer
me
is
ence of gratitude to
this includes in
it,
God; and,
and
secondly,
will certainly
influ-
That
produce the
tures.
1.
A believer is
<;ratitude to
God, and
that not of
a common
kind.
ON REGENERATION.
It is
305
li-
who
be,
the apostle
For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then
were all dead and that he died for all, that they
which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose
Paul
**
again."
I cannot immediately
drop
this subject,
how
but in-
deeply a sense of
On
hovv~
many
circumstances will
repeated provocations.
condemnation, and he
is
now
willing to conloss
and
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
306
mercy.
And
let
gift
of
God, ** that he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all." How shall we sufficiently
wonder at the boundless mercy ,of the Father, and
the infinite condescension of the Son, when we reflect upon his incarnation, and on the astonishing
end of his appearance in our nature, that he might
" bear our sins in his own body on the tree." Did
he overcome all his enemies in his last conflict, and
.** make a shew of them openly, triumphing over
them in his cross ?" And shall he not also, by the
same means, reign in his people's hearts, and be the
sovereign Lord of all their affections ^
To
ance which
after
well
is
he hath passed
may we join
How
**
Blessed be the
God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away," 1 Pet. i. 3, l-.
Now, when all
these circumstances are considered by the believer,
together with such as
and
his
own
may be
peculiar to himself
me to do ? O
might repay some small part of
my infinite obligations! O that I knew by what
means, or at what expence, 1 might magnify and do
thee honour
Write thy laws in my heart, and put
cry out, " Lord, what wilt thou have
that
knew how
CN liEGENEllATlOK.
tlicni in
my
})ossible
way
shew that
me
307
in every
loved me."
This plainly includes in it, and will certainly
})roduce the mo&t sincere and fervent love to his felLabt
/irst
2.
As
low-creatures.
man
to
love to
God
is
the
first,
so love
law.
like
it is
oth
is
no
unto the
ill
first
to his neighbour,"
is
the
*'
**
work-
fulfilling
of
the law."
love to
ligion.
its
inseparable connection
is
where
to
be found
this,
will
it
be
to
able to
shew
God
or profitable to themselves.
itself in all
It will
huma-
nity
there
is
The
believer,
A PRACTICAL TREATISB
SOS
approaching eternity,
is
for
divine grace.
He
that loveth
God
sincerely,
God
is
under
little
temptation to
he
is
under none
at
all.
Hatred
among
worldly men
It
is
is
so violent a struggle
it
it
at all, that
he
who
graceof God, pardon for hisinnumerableand aggravated offences, should be ready to forgive the far
slighter trespasses of his brethren against himsflf.
;;
ON
TIEGKI^ETIATIOK.
309
ties,
heart fervently.
tianity
make
was
the remark,
heathens should
<
hopes.
all-sufficient
God
all
his
**
That they all may
one, as thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee
that they also may be one in us
that the world
may believe that thou hast sent me. And the
l>e
\'0L.
I.
mavknow
that thou
A PRACTICAL rHEATlSt
3:10
hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved
ine,"
John
xv.ii.
CONCLUSION.
SHALL now close this discourse with some
practical improvement of these important truths.
I
only
make
proceed to a
sei'ious
most interesting
1.
time
all
my readers on this
And,
subject.
and
we may
see the indissoluble connection between salvation by
the grace of God, and holiness in heart and converWe may see their equal importance and
sation.
There are many
their influence upon one another.
the order in which they have been opened,
who attempt to
inseparably joined.
God
hath
on the duties
not to affirm,
God.
liaving his
own
above discourse we
may
how
this
3Vl
ON REGE-STERATIO^r.
salvation.
I have endeavoured in the preceding pages to
shew, that a discovery of the nature and glory of
infinite evil
of
sin, is absolutely
ne-
inor
cross.
What
is
this
then
than
evil
and
bitter a thing"
holiness in all
me
boldly ask,
What
motive to
Judge,
to the
Christian, will
any cold reasoning on the nature and beauty of virtue have such an effect in mortifying corruptions, as
we
Where shall
God,
ing,
as
**
am
in say-
d 2
in
312
life
A PRACTICAL TREATKE
which
now
who
by the
faith
him
and there
What has
o:iie
God
testifying of
is
-,
parti-
Some make
sorrow for
as they explain
it,
it,
repentance, that
sin,
is,
joint
undoubtedly
may
true.
Others,
ry self-righteous plan, arc tempted to go to the oppoextreme. That they might shew salvation to
be wholly of grace, some have even presumed to use
this harsh and unscriptural expression, that it is not
site
come
as
it is
is
to Christ.
true, even
to hate
it,
it,
am
sure
it is
it.
ON
This diniculty
been said
xve
may
iiig
it
in
^y^^
nr.GEiNERATio??.
will
has
\vliat
and
to the scorn- or
resentment of
observe then,
enemies.
its
tiiat
in the
room
God,
till
God
is
discovered,
till
power
is
both
felt
and lamented.
sometimes
in
believe
it is
called so
**
Repent
when
its
ye, therefore,
and
iii.
9.
come
to
if I
may speak
Then
it is
that
comes unspeakably amiable in all its parts, sin becomes more perfectly hateful, and an assured prosis obtained of its immediate mortification, and,
due time, of Its entire and complete destruction.
J'lius faitli and repentance are involved in one another ; tliey produce, and are produced by one ano-
pect
in
d 3
Sr4
A ITlACriCAL TIIEATISE
They may be
ther.
cannot
exist separately.
is
it is false
and spurious.
From what
may
and
3.
which all
Rege-
may
substance.
But
]y
all
to bring in
Lord
that
damnabought
2 Pet.
ii.
].
ON REGENERATION.
smaller differences wliich keep
earth, while in faith
and
God
shall
them asunder on
in love to
315
an unseen Sa-
We are told
that
" many shall come from the east and west, and
down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,
the kingdom of heaven," Matt. viii. 11.
I al-
that
shall sit
in
and
practical religion, or
him
its fitness
to
to
who seem
to
A PrtACTJCAL TREATISE
^i^O
will.
but
all
[fe
Hieir
still
As
4.
distinctions,
this great
me
It't
is
and
sinners.
distinction divides
so very important in
the whols
its
conse-
who
io-
trial
or the other
day
to day,
We are dropping
and our
of change ?
bility
state
is
fixed
beyond any
What astonishing
in unccrtaint}^ wliether
folly to
from
possi-
continue
May
piti
What
injury can
Is
you
not this
suffer
demand
reasonable?'
by complying with
it ?
ON REGENERATION.
I in
Christ
Am
that
is,
a child of God
Am
?
I a
new
or do I
still
317
creature or not?
continue an heir
of hell?'
5.
As
it is
more than
some
together
ties
fruitless.
know
may
that n)en
blinded sinners,
whom no
iieve,
with
make
'*
and yet
can enlighten,
But I know and besame time, that God " whom I serve
at the
my
whom no instruction
his
of his Son,"
is
able to
spirit,
iv.
12.
There
is
an express ap-
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
318
and
his
in this
own
wlien
It is
giveth
'*
receive warning,"'
may be
**
deliver
a door of utterance," he
pray
**
soul.'*
God
shall
" a door of
faith,*'
many who
is
also
which
on
To
reflect seriously
this truth,
concerned in
to alarm us all, either for ourselves or for others,
Who could imagine that this weak
or for both.
flesh, so frail in its nature, antl so easily
taken to
of approaching eternity
relief?
Yes there
is,
CN JMXiENERATiON.
Tlie
ckitiger.
ito
coiuiiiiiiisioii is unliiiiitecl
all
In
" Go ye
Mark xvi.
order to make this
creature/*
stinct
3i9
and
to every
1,').
exhortation the
eflectual, 1 shall
endeavour
more
di-
to address
it
phet Jeremiaii, in
says,
*'
tryinf]!;
me
I will get
The pro-
Verily
man
shall hardly
man
the
When
to enter
iJ3,
is
24,
ready
ready to inspire
ciency, which
and
Worldly grandeur is very
the mind with pride and selt-sufri-
homage.
is,
of
all
and which
is
particulai ly
world
is still
scorn, morti-
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
320
and affluence.
But suffer me
to
uncertain riches."
warn
all
such, not to
"
wealth
trust in
unstable a possession,.
How
how
"Wilt thou set thine
for riches certainly make
strong, as well as
heaven," Prov.
crucifieii
men of
xxiii. 5.
fly
Behold
and
offer
It is
but a very
little
time
Death
that your worldly greatness can endure.
glory
nothing
on
all
created
and
vanity
write
shall
;
you from the wrath of the almighty
and great day. There the rich and
the poor, the prisoner and the oppressor, shall stand
upon a level before the Maker of them all. Embrace, then, while yeu may, the mercy of God.
Put on the spotless robe f your Redeemer's righteousness, and value it more than purple and fine
else shall screen
Judge
in the last
life
scoffinc:
!!
ON REGENERATION.
and
statioH
>^eir-denia],
piety,
321
it
May
tal soldiers.
the
do
to
up your eyes
2.
Let
me
in
torments
preach
this gospel to
the poor.
It
when
is
otherwise,
is
not
al^A'ays
how does
it
the -case
and
iuiserable in time
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
come unto
liim that
innnortal spirit as
splendid palace.
may
may be
be clothed."
But
He
fire,
you
much more loathsome by sin than by poverHumble yourselves deeply in the sight of God.
turally
ty.
you.
when you
see a
man
name, be ready to
plain of poverty,
say,
'
Shall
com-
No;
let
me, on the
me
to
323
ON REGENERATION.
Who
company.
my
retained
integrity, if I
God, united to
and that I- maysecond coming !'
my
Redeemer's at his
would preach the gospel to those who are
This is the most^
but yet in the morning of life.
minister's work.
part
of
a
pleasant and hopeful
be
S.
Happy
my
are you,
dear children,
more happy, if you are inwardly and fully determined to comply with the call. 1 beseech you*^
evil
in the days of
shall say
Eearly piety
exceeding
is
promises and
will
Be not
fitable to yourselves.
ceitful
your
false
be
mankind,
infinitely
pro-
and so warmly
testimony of
all,
i>efore
your
solicit
this
left
world
oi'
sin
Believe
it,
record written on
"
You may
and sorrow.
and manifold
others.
Alas
fruits,
e 2
feel
the early
and see
its
ma-
and
some young persons-
botii
Believe the
love.
without exception,
in yourselves
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
S24f
who
blaspheme theit
^lany children who cannot work
Alas your hearts are natuare expert in sinning.
You '* go astray as soon as
rally far from God.
learn, as their first language, to
Maker's name
Be persuaded,
lies."
therefore, to
fly
to the blood of
*'
who
loved
He died
upon the
which you have de-
up, that
all
For
this
in sin
when they
are
God
in
Christ
learn
it
will greatly
will
be the will of
God
life ;
and
it
ON REGENERATION.
There
in light.
35?.5'
is
in the
suality,
inflamed with
kind.
af-
fliction,
say,
liges
me
There
is
And
do
many
vicissi-
whc
it
because
my
office
ob-
but
cause there
is
little
but
little
hope of
success.
May
not
suppose that some one, or more, may be led to peruse this discourse, who have many years resisted the
calls of the gospel, and have been long accustomed
to do evil ? What cause have you to admire the
mercy of God, that you are not now *' in the lake
which burnswith fire and brimstone for evermore?"
Have you not followed many of your equals in age
to the church-yard, and committed their bodies to
the dust ? What preparation have you madcj^in con:^equcnce of the reprive allowed you and the admonitions given you ? Hear then once more the joyful-
Ee3
526
A PRAGTieAL TREATISE
? Hath not time shed its hoary hairs upon your heads, and drawn its furrows upon your
brows ? Make haste, then, and fly for your lives^
lest you lie down in sorrow, and make your bed in^
ther delay
hell.
5.
By
Let
me preach
the self-righteous I
mean
those
who
trust in an-
doctrines
Do
and scorn.
As
ON RLGENEUATION.
loathctli the
327
ger
is
name
Jikes
Your dan-
it is
not
Your
of Christ.
What
God in
solemn worship
though
in the slightest
you
in
how much
you be able to stand the strict and impartial judgment of the great Searcher of hearts ?
Do but open the book of God, and what page
will not condemn you ? This sentence stands uncancelled against you, " Cursed is every one that conless shall
tinueth not in
will
kw
all
do them.
of the
to
my
and with
all
my
be put to the
let it
*
have loved
my
strength
tlie
?'
Will
trial.
Lord with
my
mind,
have
1 thiuk I
am authorised
to
328"
A PRACTICAL
TllEAl'ISE
* Was it worshipping me to be singing psalnaswitLyour mouths, and not once-remembering their meaning ? to be thinking of an hundred vain things whenyou were in the house of God? to be praising with-
out thankfulness, confessing without sorrow, andasking blessings without desiring them ? and to be
more
Was
arid
hearing
to the
my
word, to be
hold, with-
bowls
Or do you
call
me ins
?'
ON REGENERATION.
in such a
than
'*
''
refuge of
that a
man
329
The bed
lies."
is
shorter
it,
and the
in
You
pollution.
Believe
20.
it,
in Christ.
will
One
iniprolitable servants.
Christ will
make
sin
still
a thousand
which com-
is
no other way
In the
to the Father.
iledccmer, that he
come
to
God
i)y
*'
me to
It is
him.""
The
all
that
have no plea
who
have
530
A PRACTICAL TREATISE
gour.
God
in
its
this as are
utmost
ri-
trembling at
It
is
living
dashed
in pieces.
The more
you are in your own apprehension, the more
need you have *' to pat on Christ." The subsequent change of heart and practice must be the efness of Christ
is
vile
fect
will
venture to
forte],
that
you
will
make
the
This
apprehend,
is
it.
the gospel
itself,
*^
Christ
*'
gospel
came not
to call
on him
the love of
God
for salvation,
in
he
styled in
will
If you
shed abroad
ON REGENERATION.
3:> 1
li-
him
free.
Iliave given
j:nd of fol,
G.
Caw,
Priiiter.
/.
Princeton Theologi
:al
Seminary-Speer Library