the truth as it is in Jesus, until through the means of a converted Peter they were taught this from on high. Then they could preach the good tidings of salvation, and show that this gospel is to every creature whether Jew or Gentile. For Peter being himself converted had now obeyed his rd in strengthning the faith of his brethren. So that from this time they were called Christians, and preached universal reconciliation to the world. Therefore, we must conclude that no one is worthy of the name of a christian, who is only in a regenerate state, and only preaches partial salvation. "By their fruits ye shall know them." For if their life and conversation is good, and their confession of faith_impartial in Christ, then are they christians. But if otherwise, if any are partial in faith, we have no warrant from the scriptures to call them Christians, for they da not as yet belong to the household of faith.

THE NEW BIRTH.

ST. JOHN S. 3. "Except a man be born again, he cau not see the kingdom of God.” Verse 5. "Except a man be born of water, and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." 1st Epis. John, 4. 1. "Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.” By the kingdom bere spoken of, is meant the gospel kingdom of God our Saviour. To see this kingdom through faith, implies our becoming acquainted with the divine nature of it, which must embrace all that makes it a kingdom. However, four leading points of doctrine relative to its nature, will comprehend every thing that belongs to this kingdom of God. Viz. .st, The king, 2nd, The constitution. 3rd, The extent of territory. And 4th, The people to be governed. Without those regulations, ro kingdom could exist. Jesus Christ is the king who has received of the Father ample power to reign in righteousness, and faithfully govern all his subjects. Wisdom, justice and love are the habitation of his throne and form the basis of the constitution of his glorious kingdom. His government extends over both this world and also over the world of spirits; so that all the territory within these two states of being, at least, belongs to the mediatorial kingdom of our Lord. All people who live in this world, or present state of being, are either obedient or rebellious subjects of his kingdom. For the Father gave him power over all flesh, St. John 17. 2. "For to this end Christ died, rose and revived, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living." Therefore, all departed spirits are still lawful subjects of Emanuel's kingdom, whether they are or are not reconciled to it. But if on the contrary, it could possibly

be proved that any of the souls God has made, do not belong to Christ's kingdom, this would substantiate at once, that such persons are not in any wise amenable to the laws, rules and regulations of his kingdom. Of course could not in justice, be subjects of either rewards or punishments under Christ's government. However, no person in only a regenerate state can possibly see the impartial and extensive nature of Christ's kingdom. "Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." To see a part can never suffice, where there is no partiality with God.

And although thousands may be conceived by regeneration and do belong to the kingdom, even while in their unborn state, yet none of those weak infants can realize a regular knowledge of the truth, but must be exercised more or less by partial views of the ways of God. That is to say, except a man shall receive the refreshing water of divine truth, through the medium of the holy spirit, he cannot enter into the enjoyments of the Gospel kingdom, no more than a legitimate child of the flesh while unborn, can enjoy the surrounding beauties of nature, although in the midst of them: in an unborn state he cannot know the extent of parental kindJust so it is with an unborn child of God, in his spirit, he cannot realize nor believe the impartial love and kindness of God our heavenly Father to all his dependent offspring. Hence the regenerate but unborn children of God, forge to themselves partial and cruel creeds of doctrine, as contrary to God, as darkness is to light. I know what it is to be in such an unborn state, for I have been theremyself.

ness.

No one can love God agreeable to the constitution of Christ's kingdom until born again of the holy spirit, for without it none can know God; and be an object ever so lovely in its nature, no man can love the same object until he is brought to the knowledge of it, so as to suitably appreciate its worth. Therefore, John says, "Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love." Again, "We love him because he first loved us.”

I am very sure no person can know God loves his own soul, until he is born of God; and when he experiences this knowledge of the truth, it will beget love to God in his own heart, which love will be shed abroad to all the offspring of God; now to go abroad is one thing, and to stay at home in our love, is another thing. So that if we only love ourselves and a few favorites about us, of our particular faith and order, this is staying at home in our love; this is not the love of God shed abroad in our hearts; therefore no evidence that we have passed from death unto life by a new birth.

For if we knew God, we should love him, and if we loved him we should love all the moral works of his hands as his offspring. It is as natural for one who is born of the spirit to love God and trust in him, and also to love all his offspring and pray for them in faith, as it is for a natural born child to breathe the natural air, and look to its mother for nourishment. Therefore Christians are compared to little children. However, a christian does not cease to be a child or infant by being born into the kingdom, but is brought into an improved state of knowledge and is introduced into the garden of God, the paradise of Christ's kingdom, for spiritual improvement of the mind in knowledge. For I would here obserye, that in a natural case, as a figure of that which is spiritual, the unborn infant is flesh and bones and remains the same when born into the world, and is no more the child of its parents after birth, than before; even so the child of God is the same child after being born of the spirit, that it was while travelling in a regenerate state, and unborn; but then in that state, this same babe knew not God its Heavenly Father: whereas, in being born of the spirit, the soul is renewed in knowledge, but is the same child of God as before, although differently disposed from a different state of knowledge: To the understanding, things are viewed in a new light; old ideas are done away and all our views become new to us. Whereas, while we travelled in unregeneration our minds were cloged with doubts and fears which had torment, but we now, by the new birth, are made free

and walk in newness of life; we know that our redeemer liveth, and that all have an interest in Christ.Therefore, he that is born of God can pray for all in faith, nothing doubting. And can say in the language of the apostles, "God hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the inystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself. That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth even in him." This mystery of God's glo rious will is made known to all who are born of God and never till they are thus born can they know it. Let no man deceive himself and think he is a christian as long as he doubts the universal grace of God our heav enly Father.