Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

2. In their spiritual immortal Nature, and the intellectual Operations flowing from it, there is an Image and Resemblance of God; from whence this Title is common ⟨p. 102⟩to all reasonable Creatures, and peculiar to them: for tho Matter may be ordered and fashioned by the Hand of God into a Figure of admirable Beauty, yet 'tis not capable of his Likeness and Image; so that neither the Lights of Heaven, nor the Beasts and Plants of the Earth are called his Children.

Secondly, By External Calling and Covenant some are denominated his Children; for by this Evangelical Constitution God is pleased to receive Believers into a filial Relation. Indeed where there is not a cordial Consent and Subjection to the Terms of the Covenant, visible Profession, and the receiving the External Seals of it, will be of no advantage; but the public serious owning of the Gospel, entitles a Person to be of the Society of Christians; and Filius and Foederatus are all one.

Secondly, By External Calling and Covenant some are denominated his Children; for by this Evangelical Constitution God is pleased to receive Believers into a filial Relation. Indeed where there is not a cordial Consent and Subjection to the Terms of the Covenant, visible Profession, and the receiving the External Seals of it, will be of no advantage; but the publick serious owning of the Gospel, entitles a Person to be of the Society of Christians; and Filius and Foederatus are all one.

Thirdly, There is Sonship that arises from supernatural Regeneration; that is the communicating a new Nature to Man, whereby there is a holy and blessed Change in the directive and commanding Faculties, the Understanding and Will, and in the Affections, and consequently in the whole Life. This is wrought by the Efficacy of the Word and Spirit, and is called by our Saviour Regeneration, because it is not our Original Carnal Birth, but a Second and Celestial. 'Tis with the new Man in Grace, as with an Infant in Nature, that has the essential Parts that compose a Man; a Soul endowed with all its Faculties, a Body with all its Organs and Parts, but not in the Vigour of mature Age. Thus renewed Holiness in a Christian, is complete and entire in its Parts, but not in Perfection of Degrees; there is an universal Inclination to