it give us of the weakness of buman nature, that the same persons so frequently bold inconsistent principles ? How many will say the strongest things in favor of an impartial search after trutb, and with the very same breath tell you, “ It is of no consequence at all, either for time or " eternity, whetber you bold one opinion or another.” These reflections are only designed to procure a candid unprejudiced bearing to what is offered in the following pages, in defence of wbat appears to me the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, which are now so greatly neglected, or so openly despised. I am encouraged to this republication by the great demand ibere has been for some of the pieces, particularly The Essay on Justification. I must observe bere, that I have received several letters on this subject, desiring that the pbrase imputed righteousness might be changed, as liable to great exceptions ; a request wbicb I would readily bave complied with, if it could be made appear to be either unscriptural or dar.gerous. But as I apprebend it is fully warranted by Rom. iv. 6. and many otber passages ; so I do not see what can be understood by it, different from or more dangerous tban forgiveness of siń and acceptance with God, not for our own but for Christ's sake. As the case stands, therefore it is to be feared, that a studied endeavor to avoid the expression would do more barm on the one band than it could do service on the otber. In the Treatise on Regeneration, now first published, the same general design is pursued, but in a way more directly practical ; and indeed I am fully convinced, that it is not only of much greater moment to make experimental tban fpeculative Christians, but tbat to explain and enforce the doctrines of the gospel is a better way to produce an unsbaken persuasion of their truth, tban to collect and refute the cavils of adversaries, which, thougb they are often trifling, are notwitbstanding innumerable. I hope this will excuse the introducing several passages of Scripture in the last mentioned Treatise, and applying them on wbat appears to me to be iheir obvious meaning, without taking the least notice of the unwearied pains frequently taken by wire drawing critics to interpret them in a contrary sense. London, June, 1764. J. W. A Funeral Discourse An Essay on Justification, Treatise on Regeneration. INTRODUCTION. CH A P. I. John, Except a man be born again ; and the fame or similar SECT. I. the kingdom of God, we may learn the greatness of that SECT. II. expressions, imply that the change here intended is not SECT. III. the kingdom of God, and other similar expressions in the holy SECT. IV. the kingdom of God, and other parallel expressions in the holy 126 CH A P. 11. page ib. In which is shewn wherein this change doth properly and directa ly confift, and what are its principal evidences and fruits SECT. I Wherein the change in Regeneration doth properly and direct- Jy consist SECT. II. The second part of this change SECT. III. SECT. IV. fincerity of the change 141 150 163 181 192 200 211 of the steps by which this change is accoinplished SECT. I. SECT. II. SECT. III. SECT. IV. Sect. V. SECT. VI. SECT. VII. SERMON there is none other name under heaven given among men 221 230 236 241 259 page 289 319 357 S E RM O . S E R M O N. men, especially faithful ministers, considered and accounted for. . SE R M O N. of Religion inseparably connected. LORD: Awake as in the ancient days in the generations of old. Art not thou it that hath cut Rahab and wounded the Dragon. S E R M O N. The Nature and Extent of Visible Religion. Matth. v. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. S E R M O N. All mankind by Nature under Sin. Romans iii. 23. For all have finned, and come fhort of the glory of God - S E R M 0 N Hope of forgiveness with God. mayest be feared 383 405 423 437 SERMON. page Christ's death a proper atonement for sin. · John ii. 2. And he is the propitiation for our fins; and nct for ours only, but also for the fins of the whole world The love of Christ in Redemption. Rev. i. 5. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our fins Redemption the subject of admiration to the angels. S E R M 0 N. Galatians vi. 14. But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ The world crucified by the cross of Christ. Galatians vi. 14. last clause. By whom the world is crucified The world crucified by the cross of Christ. Gal. vi. 14. last clause. By whom the world, &c. Fervency and importunity in Prayer. Genesis xxxii. 26. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me |