affections also are exercised in a very different manner from what they were before, so that, instead of being called forth principally by the things of time and sense, they are set upon
things spiritual and eternal? We say not that this
change is perfect in any man, (for there still are sad remains of the old and corrupt nature even in the best of men; the leprosy is never wholly removed till the walls be taken down.) But the change is universal in all the faculties, and progressive throughout our lives : nor can it be effected by any efforts of man, or by any other power than that of Godq.]
As the Scriptures give this extensive view of rege- neration, so they fully declare, II. The necessity of it —
" The kingdom of God" sometimes imports the kingdom of grace on earth, and sometimes the king- dom of glory in heaven. Indeed both are one and the same kingdom, subject to the same Head, com- posed of the same members, and governed by the same laws : grace is glory begun ; glory is grace con- summated. But for the purpose of illustrating our subject, we observe that, without regeneration,
1. We cannot enter into God's kingdom of grace —
[There are many duties to be performed, and many privi- leges to be enjoyed, by the subjects of God's spiritual kingdom, which an unregenerate man can neither perform nor enjoy. Who can doubt whether it be our duty to " repent in dust and ashes," to " live by faith on the Son of God," or to " crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts ?" But can an unrege- nerate man do these things? We acknowledge that he may restrain in many respects his outward conduct ; but can he root out from his heart the love of the world, and the love of sin ? Can he truly lothe and abhor himself as well for the unhallowed corruptions of his heart, as for the grosser trans- gressions of his life? As well may he attempt to create a world as to effect these things by any power of his own. Again; it is the Christian's privilege to enjoy that " peace of God which passeth all understanding," to " abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost," and to be transported with that "joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." But can an unregenerate man possess that peace, when his iniqui- ties are not forgiven ? Can he look forward with delight to the corning of the day of Christ, when all his desires and pursuits terminate in this lower world? Can he be so elevated with
p Col. iii. 2. fi John i. 13.