under the very term which is here used ; " That which is born of the Spirit, is spirit0." By being " led by the Spirit," then, I understand the being under the influence of a spiritual principle, in oppo- sition to that carnal principle which directs and go- verns the natural man. And this really characterizes every true Christian. Not only does he possess a new and spiritual nature ; but in him,
1. It gains the ascendant —
[We acknowledge, that in him the old man still remains ; and that the law of sin still works in his members, to bring forth fruit unto death. But there is in him a new man, a law in his mind, which counteracts his evil propensities, and enables him finally to overcome them. True, indeed, the conflict is often severe ; and the saint will at all times be constrained to say, " The good which I would, 1 do not ; and the evil which I would not, that I do." Still, however, through grace he gains the victory over his corruptions, and is daily renewed in the spirit of his mind after the Divine image. Though tempted by the world, the flesh, and the devil, " he triumphs over them all in Christ Jesus d ;" and with his groans for more entire deliverance mingles this song of praise, " Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus ChristM"]
2. It forms his taste —
[Outward victory may be gained to a great extent, whilst yet the heart remains unchanged. But where this new prin- ciple really exists, the man will hate the things which once he loved, and love the things which once he hated. Though he may still be tempted in a variety of ways, he will feel, in a mea- sure, as our Lord himself did under the temptations of Satan. There will be less of the inflammable matter in his soul for the fiery darts of Satan to fix upon ; and a greater plenty of water at hand, even of the Spirit of God, to counteract the first action of the fire upon his soul. There will also be a greater delight in heavenly things ; so that he will engage in them with greater ease, and find himself more in his element, when employed in holy exercises. We may conceive what would be the taste of an angel, if sent down to sojourn for a time on earth ; with what indifference he would behold the things of time and sense ; and with what a zest he would per- form the will of God: and thus the true Christian, though far, alas! from any thing like angelic attainments, will lose his
c John iii. 6. d 2 Cor. ii. 14. e Rom. vii. 24, 25.