In the Second Book, the peculiar operations of the Holy Spirit under the old testa- ment, and in preparation for the new, are considered, such as prophecy, inspiration,
4 PREFATORY NOTE.
miracles, and other gifts, i. The importance of the Holy Spiiit in the new creation is proved by the fact that he is the subject of the great promise in sacred Scripture respecting new testament times, ii. His work in reference to Christ is unfolded under a twofold aspect, — 1. As it bore on himself, in framing his human nature, iii. ; sanctifying it in the instant of conception, filling it with the needful grace anointing it with ex- traordinary gifts, conveying to it miraculous powers, guiding, comforting, and support- ing Christ, enabling him to offer himself without spot unto God, preserving his human nature in the state of the dead, raising it from the grave, and finally glorifying it ; and,
2. As he secures, throughout successive ages, a sound and explicit testimony to the per- son and work of Christ, iv. Geneial considerations are urged regai'ding the work of the Spirit in the new creation, as it relates to the mystical body of Christ, — all believers, v.
The Third Book is occupied with the subject of regeneration as the especial work of the Spirit ; it is shown not to consist in baptism merely, or external reformation, or enthusiastic raptures, i. The operations of the Spirit pieparatory to regeneration are exhibited, such as illumination, conviction, etc., ii. Two important chapters of a digres- sive character follow, in which the condition of man by nature is stated, as spiritually blind and impotent, iii., and as spiritually dead, iv. The true nature of regeneration is next illustrated, — first negatively, under which head it is proved not to consist in any result of moral suasion, moral suasion being defined, and the extent of its efiicacy being fixed. No change which it can efi'ect can be viewed as tantamount to regenera- tion, because, — 1. It leaves the will undetermined ; 2. Imparts no supernatural strength;
3. Is not all we pray for when we pray for ef&cient grace ; 4. And does not actually pro- duce regeneration or convei-sion. Regeneration is then considered positively, as imply- ing all the moral operation which means can efi'ect, and not only a moral but a physical immediate operation of the Spirit, and the irresistibility of this internal efiiciency on the minds of men. After explanations to the eflect that the Holy Ghost in regene- ration acts according to our mental nature, does not act upon us by an influence such as inspiration, and offers no violence to the will, three arguments in support of this view of regeneration are given,— from the collation of faith by the power of God, from the victorious efficacy of internal grace as attested by Scripture, and from the nature of the work itself as described in various terms of Scripture, " quickening," "■ regeneration," etc., and also from the terms in which the effect of grace on the different faculties of the soul is represented, v. The manner of conversion is then explained in the instance of Augustine, the account by that eminent father of his own conversion being selected to illustrate both the outward means of conversion, and the various de- grees and effects of spiritual influence on the human mind, vi.
The Fourth Book discusses the doctrine of sanctification, which is exhibited as the process completing what the act of regeneration has begun. A general view is then given of the nature of sanctification, as consisting, 1. In external dedication ; and, 2. In internal purification, i. Its progressive character is unfolded, ii. ; and that it is a gracious process, extending to believers only, is proved, iil Sanctification, so far as it relates to the removal of spiritual defilement, is illustrated ; and that man cannot purge himself from his natural pravity is proved, iv. It is shown how the Spirit and blood of Christ are efiectual to the purgation of the heart and conscience, the Spirit efiica- ciously, the blood of Christ meritoriously, faith as the instrumental cause, aud afilic- tions as a subordinate instrumentality, v. The positive work of saiictification follows, embracing evidence of two propositions: 1. That the Spirit implants a supernatural habit and principle enabling believers to obey the divine will, and differing from all na- tural habits, intellectual or moral ; and, 2. That grace is requisite for every act of ac- ceptable obedience. Under the first proposition four things are considered, — the reality of the principle asserted ; its nature in inclining the will ; the power as well as the incli- nation it imparts ; and, lastly, its specific difference from all other habits, vi. Under the second proposition the acts and duties of holiness are reviewed, and proof supplied of the necessity of gi'ace for them, vii. The nature of the mortification of sin, as a special part of sanctification, is considered; directions for this spiritual exercise are given ; particular means for the mortification of sin are specified ; and certain errors respecting this duty corrected, viii.
The Fjftu Book simply contains arguments for the necessity of holiness, — from the nature of God, i. ; from eternal election, ii. ; from the divine commands, iii. ; from the mission of Christ, iv. ; and from our condition in this world, v. — Ed.