'Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again,’ saith Christ, John 3:7. The blessed effects of this spiritual birth will be evident in the life. Earthly objects will be forsaken, heavenly ones prized. Jesus will be chosen as our beloved master and only hope. He being esteemed our treasure, our hearts will be with him, our affections towards him; and it will be our chiefest delight to hear his voice, and to follow him in the regeneration. Coming to Christ, is turning our backs upon the ‘lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.’ By the faith of Jesus we renounce and forsake all these things as our curse and shame. The clearer views we…

Thus prayed our great High Priest on earth. What he asked in his humiliation, is founded upon the word and will of his Father, and he hath power to effect it in his exaltation. Hence we have the fullest assurance of the perfect sanctification of all his members, hence the desires and breathings of souls after holiness are encouraged, and the prayers of the faithful gather the strongest confidence of success. While our Beloved expresses his affectionate concern for his people’s salvation, we see an equal regard for the honour and glory of his Father’s word. Love for holiness, and love of the truth are inseparable. As the gospel prevails in the heart, holiness is increased. It is first life, then liveliness in the soul;…