every man, that naturally is ingendered of the offspring of Adam. Q. What is the consequence thereof? A. Man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit. Q. In every person born into this world, what doth this original sin deserve? A. God's wrath, and damnation. Q. What remaineth in them that are regenerated? A. This infection of nature, or original sin. Q. How are the Greek words, "phronema sarkos," expounded? A. Some expound them the wisdom, some the sensuality, some the affection, and some the desire of the flesh. Q. What is not subject to the law of God? A. The lust of the flesh. Q. Although there be no condemnation for them that believe and are baptized, yet, what doth the Apostle confess? A. That concupiscence and lust, have of themselves the nature of sin. Scripture Proofs. Genesis viii. 21. For the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Jeremiah xvii. 9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it. Galatians v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Ephesians ii. 3. And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Romans vii. 23. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind. Romans viii. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. : What is Redemption, (I would ask,) if we are not by nature children of wrath: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God:"" The Scripture hath concluded all under sin; " but if we deny the fall, and man's natural depravity, then the glory of Him who contrived and executed the plan of our redemption shines no longer. We know that the most variegated and liveliest colours of the rainbow are painted by the sun's rays upon the darkest cloud: so it is in the dark gloom of our apostate nature that the rays of the Sun of Righteousness are reflected with the most conspicuous lustre. But how can the Saviour be precious to that soul that does not feel its need of redeeming love? May the words of the pious Bishop Beveridge on this subject be engraved on every heart: Alas !' he I can neither set my says, hand nor my heart about any thing, but I still shew myself the sinful offspring of sinful parents; nay, I do not only betray the inbred venom of my heart by poisoning my common actions, but even my most religious performances also with sin. I cannot pray but I sin; my repentance needs to be repented of; my tears want washing; and the very washing of my tears need still to be washed over again in the blood of my Redeemer.' How precious to his soul must have been the cheering text: My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." “In strains as sweet as angels use, the Gospel whispers peace." 66 X. OF FREE WILL. The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works, to faith, and calling upon God: wherefore we have no power to do good works pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will. Q. What is the condition of man after the fall? A. He cannot turn, and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works, to faith, and calling upon God. Q. Have we in ourselves power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God? A. Not without the grace of God, by Christ preventing us? Q. What do you mean by preventing us? Q. To what end? A. That we may have a good will; and working with us, when we have that good will. Q. How are we to obtain the grace of God? Scripture Proofs. 2 Corinthians iii. 5. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. 1 Corinthians ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. John vi. 4. John xv. 5. Philippians ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Romans viii. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Luke xi, 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? I would illustrate this article by the following similitude. The sunflower (it is said) turns its face to the bright orb of day. Shall we suppose the sun to say, If thou doest so, I will give thee light; rather we may imagine this to be the language of the luminary, I pour upon thee my light, that thou mayest turn to me.' So we, receiving a principle of life from God through Jesus Christ, through whom alone we are accepted, naturally and freely turn unto the Lord with all our hearts; and the more we feel in them a love to |