and earth, and filling all the intervening space! Observe how his bleeding hands are raised in supplication for you! and now, he bends a look of infinite tenderness over your bed of woe; and now the voice from the eternal presence is heard, “Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom." Amen.

LECTURE IX.

REGENERATION.

JOHN i. 13.

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

It is hardly necessary to say that the term regenerated, and others equivalent to it, are often applied to christians in scripture. It is believed that these are designations of christian character, more frequently used in the New Testament than any other: so that, on this consideration, as well as many others, it becomes a matter of the first importance to attach correct ideas to the term.

I am not, however, about to attempt a deep investigation of this subject. There are many excellent works on regeneration, to which my young friends have access; and my object at present, is simply to furnish those scriptures, which speak of regeneration, and then,

from a careful view of the whole, to infer what wc are to understand of the doctrine.

the same.

And here it may be necessary to premise, that this term has several variations in scripture, without altering its essential meaning. "These variations have sometimes been produced by a different translation of the same original word; as what in one place is called being born again, is expressed in another by regeneration-the words in the Greek being Sometimes this idea of a new birth is expressed by giving us its origin, in contrast with the origin of another birthas in that passage of John-" that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit :" and sometimes by simply styling it a new work, in opposition to an older one; "if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature; old things are passed away."

There are several other variations; but these are sufficient to show that the same thing is meant in different modes of expression. Where we quote passages, therefore, which speak of regeneration-being born again -born of God and the Spirit-begotten of God, and begotten again-a new creature, and created in Christ Jesus-we wish you to con

sider them all as relating to the same subject.

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We shall now attend to the passages, and let them speak for themselves. And we begin with John iii. 3-6, 7. "Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "That which is, born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." "Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again." (1 Peter i. 23.) " Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." "Wherefore, (ii. ch. 2d verse) As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." (1 John v. 1.) "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God”—and ii. 29," Every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”

(Titus iii. 5.) "Saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost," which I understand of the distinction between the new birth and sanctification; and again, (Matthew xix. 28.) " Ye, (says the Saviour,) which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit up

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on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Here regeneration is probably used in a general sense, as referring to that renovation of all things, which is expected at the end of the world; and in that event, the Saviour tells his disciples they shall sit with him in judgment; but even on this construction, the passage is to our purpose, since this illustration is evidently taken from a case of individual regeneration.

Let us proceed with our quotations. (1 Pet. i. 3.) Who hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 James i. 18.) "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth." And again, in 1 John v. 1, “ Every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him that is begotten of him."

In Ephesians ii. 10, we are said to be" his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good works." Again, 2 Cor. v. 17, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature," or, there is a new creation; and finally, in our text, those who had just been called the sons of God—those who have received him and believed on his name, are said to be born, but "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God."