" it is by the cross of Christ alone that the world is crucified unto them, and they unto the world1."]
On the other hand, What truly regenerate man does not effect it ?
[Every one that is born of God does effect it. Whatever be his age or condition in life, it makes no difference ; whether he be a king on his throne, or a beggar on the dunghill, this is his spirit, and this his conduct. In the external habits of men there must, of necessity, be a great difference : because it is not possible for a monarch to live precisely in the style and manner of a private man : but, in the internal principles and feelings there will be no difference whatever between the rich man that lives in splendour, and the poor Lazarus that lies at his gate. The hearts of all, whether young or old, rich or poor, learned or unlearned, will rise superior to the world ; they will all account themselves " pilgrims and sojourners here;" and "have their conversation in heavenu," where their treasure is, and where they hope to spend a blissful eternity in the presence of their God.]
Behold then here,
1. A test, whereby to try your state —
[You cannot wish for a better touchstone than this. You see that every Christian in the universe will stand this trial ; and that no other person whatever can. To a certain extent, the unregenerate and unbelieving may resemble the regenerate believer : but when you bring them to this test, the difference between them will instantly appear. I would not speak dis- respectfully of any person, or any body of men ; nor would I pi'esume to sit in judgment upon them. But I will submit a question to you, which I think deserves consideration. It is well known that names of reproach are given to those who are more religious than their neighbours, and names of honour assumed by those who differ from them. At the present day, their respective titles are, the orthodox, and the evangelical : (what they may be at a future period, we know not : in every age they vary: and my object is, not to designate persons, but characters : ) and these are supposed to differ very widely from each other in principle : but it is in practice, rather than in principle, that they differ : for you may hold what principles you will ; and if you will be of the world, you will be reputed orthodox : but if you will not be of the world, whatever your principles may be, you may be infallibly sure that you will be ranked with the evangelical. Here, in fact, is the true point of distinction between the nominal and the real Christian : the
1 Gal. vi. 14. u Heb. xi. 13. and Phil. iii. 20.