These reflections are only designed to procure a candid unprejudiced hearing to what is offered in the following pages, in defence of what appears to me the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, which are now so greatly neglected, or so openly despised. am encouraged to this republication by the great demand there has been for some of the pieces, particularly The Effay on Juftification. I I must observe here, that I have received several letters on this subject, desiring that the phrase imputed righteoufnefs might be changed, as liable to great exceptions; a request which I would readily have complied with, if it could be made appear to be either unscriptural or dangerous. But as I apprehend it is fully warranted by Rom. iv. 6. and many other passages; so I do not see what can be understood by it, different from, or more dangerous than, forgiveness of fin and acceptance with GoD, not for our own As the case stands, therefore it is to be but for CHRIST'S fake. feared, that a studied endeavor to avoid the expression would do more harm on the one hand than it could do service on the other. 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 than fpeculative Chriflians, but that to explain and enforce the doctrines of the gospel is a better way to produce an unshaken persuasion of their truth, than to collect and refute the cavils of adversaries, which, though they are often trifling, are notwithstanding innumerable. I hope this will excuse the introducing several passages of Scripture in the last mentioned Treatife, and applying them on what appears to me to be their 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. CONTENT S. A FUNERAL DISCOURSE By the Rev. DR. JOHN RODGERS, of NEW-YORK. AN ESSAY ON JUSTIFICATION, Page 9 СНАР. І. Some general obfervations on the metaphor used by the apostle John, Except a man be born again; and the fame or fimilar expreffions to be found in other parts of the SECT. I.-From this expreffion, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, we may learn the greatness of that change which muft pafs upon every child of Adam, before he can become an heir of SECT. II. This expreffion, Except a man be born again, and other fimilar expreffions, imply that the change here intended is not merely partial, but univerfal SECT. III. From thefe words, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, and other fimilar ex- preffions in the holy Scriptures, we may infer that the change here intended is not merely external and im- perfect, but inward, essential and complete. SECT. IV. From this metaphor, except a man be born a- gain, he cannot see the kingdom of God, and other paral- In which is fhewn wherein this change doth properly and directly confift, and what are its principal evi- SECT. I.-Wherein the change in Regeneration doth SECT. III. The effects of Regeneration; with fome of the principal evidences of its fincerity. Of the fteps by which this change is accomplished. The finner without excufe before God. Chrift's death a proper atonement for Sin. 1 John ii. 2. And he is the propitiation for our fins; Redemption the fubject of admiration to the angels. Pages XI. SERMON Fervency and importunity in Prayer. Genefis xxxii. 26. And he faid, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. SERMON XII. Fervency and importunity in Prayer. Genefis xxxii. 26. And he faid, I will not let the go, except thou bless me. Obedience and facrifice compared. 1 Sam. xv. 22. Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and facrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey, is better than facrifice; and to hearken, than the fat of rams. The fecurity of those who truft in God. Prov. xviii. 10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is fafe. The nature and extent of vifible religion. Matth. v. 16. Let your light fo fhine before men, that they may fee your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. The happiness of the Saints in Heaven. Rev. vii. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of 447 465 481 503 529 551 |