heart by nature; if his mind be altogether carnal, and the carnal mind be enmity against God; then it follows of course, that before he can love and serve God, before he can delight himself in the Lord, and can find pleasure in his ways, he must be born again. A spiritual mind must be given to him.

A new principle, a new life must be put into him. This is a conclusion so plain, that it needs no proof and requires no explanation. "Marvel not (says our Saviour) that ye must be born again. "That which is born of the flesh, is flesh;" and therefore "cannot please God," nor" can be subject to his law," but is "Enmity against Him." Where then is the wonder that ye must be born again; that ye must of the Spirit receive a spiritual mind, a mind to love and obey the Lord Jesus Christ? For" that which is born of the Spirit," and that only, "is spirit ;" and can render spiritual obedience to God, and can offer to Him spiritual sacrifices.

3. We here learn some interesting particulars respecting that contest which takes place in the heart of the true Christian. We see of what kind it is, and from what cause it springs. It is a contest arising from the two different principles which are in him, and which are opposed the one to the other. "The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh." The old nature,

which is derived from Adam, is directly opposed to the new nature, which is derived from Christ. The carnal principle struggles against the spiritual principle. Once the carnal mind had possession of the whole man. He was altogether carnally-minded. But now He has received a new mind from the Spirit of God, and he is upon the whole spirituallyminded. He loves, and values, and follows the things of the Spirit.-But though such a glorious change has taken place in the soul, and the man is really "a new creature ;" yet the old nature still lurks within, and unwillingly gives way, and continually strives to recover its original influence in the heart. It is condemned and crucified, but it is not yet dead. And hence then arises that conflict in the Christian's soul. "With the mind he serves the law of Christ. But he finds another law in his members, warring against the law of his mind; and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin, which is in his members." And to such a height is this contest sometimes carried in his heart, that he is ready to cry out with the Apostle, under a like experience of the power of remaining corruption, "O, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death!"*

4. We learn from this subject the reason

Romans, vii. 24,

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of that inconsistency and imperfection of conduct, which even the real Christian too frequently displays. He is renewed but in part. Though he is decidedly a new creature," yet he is not one perfectly. The old man, as we have already observed, still remains in him, and continually watches and struggles against the new man. And where then is the wonder, if, assaulted by surprise, or by violence, he is occasionally found off his guard, and for a time falls under the power of the flesh? Sin, indeed, according to the promise," shall not have dominion over him." It shall not reign and rule in him, as it once did. But there is no promise that it shall never at any time prevail against him. The weakness of grace in his soul is often a just cause for lamentation, shame, and selfreproach: and he may reasonably condemn himself for the little progress which he makes in holiness. But he pretends not to be perfect. He says not, I have no sin in me.' He is but following after holiness. And those persons therefore who would represent his remaining infirmities as an evident proof either of his hypocrisy, or of the inefficiency of Christian Faith, manifest only their own ignorance of the truth, or their malevolence against it.

In conclusion, My Brethren, consider those * Romans, vi. 14.

practical lessons, which this subject strongly inculcates.

In the first place, see that you are really born again of the Spirit of God. Remember, that by nature you are carnal, and that the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God. Nothing but a new heart, and a new spirit, can prove effectual to your salvation. No outward change can profit you, unless there be also an inward change. "You must be born again." Seek then this new birth; and seek it from above." It is to be obtained from no other quarter. Those who are born again, are "born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." The new creation is wrought in the soul by the Spirit of Christ. The spiritual mind comes from Him. Seek it then of Him. Pray to Him to give it you: Humbly, earnestly pray to Him, to give to you spiritual life, to quicken you by his grace, and to make you "a new creature." Pray for this great and blessed work to be wrought in your heart; and you will find that your prayers will be heard, and a new work will be begun in you.

In the second place, see that this work when once begun be advanced in your soul. Let the Carnal Mind be more and more mortified and weakened; and let the Spiritual Mind be daily gathering strength. If you

your

are born again of the Spirit of God, it is your privilege to overcome the devil, the world, and the flesh. Live then up to your privilege. Live in the exercise of it. "Let profiting appear unto all men." To this end pray that the divine life may be encreased in your soul. Pray for larger supplies of the spirit of grace. Seek that the fruits of the Spirit may more and more abound in you. So shall your lives be more happy and useful; your walk more consistent in itself, and more honourable to God; your prospects more glorious, and your end more blessed.