But

ration: much less upon the very word itself. We know, however, how much men are divided and governed by words, and it is because of their dominion in giving an impulse to the mind that religion and morals are so much concerned in the due appropriation of them. If "Regeneration" be an efficacious word, there is a fair reason for insisting upon it. If others lead to the same effect, the practical interest is saved, and one motive for controversy is so far abated. The accuracy of a right faith may be made a separate question if it should be necessary. men may be taught the Gospel, safely and effectually, in great measure, upon the same grounds by those who think differently of Baptismal Regeneration. At any rate, a high esteem of the value of Baptism does not, either in rigid or in popular argument, undermine the practical reasons for any kind of exertion towards a Christian life. If it be so preached as to operate to this pernicious effect, the wrong belongs to the teacher and not to the doctrine. In discussing the doctrine therefore, there is no sufficient cause for aggravating the discussion with the charge and alarm of an evil tendency on one side to abuse the consciences of men, and blind them with the confidence of a false security. And if there be no sufficient cause for that apprehension, and the controversy be entirely discharged of the burden of it, perhaps the distinct and fair reasons may obtain a more disinterested hearing. For it must be confessed that a zeal for practical religion, mixing itself with the infirmities and misapprehensions of men, may be as

injurious to sound religious truth, as it is possible for an erroneous faith to be injurious to the efficacy of religion.

A question sometimes put, which of certain disputed doctrines is most conducive to a Christian life? is premature and unfair, as long as there is any hope of ascertaining which is the true one. For that only which is true, is to be maintained. But among truths, the most improving are to be preferred for the more constant use, and more frequent inculcation. And this is the true province of zeal, in the range of its exertions to spread a living piety in the world, viz. not to make doctrines, but select and apply them. Upon the supposition, therefore, that our view of Baptismal Regeneration is correct; and with the further knowledge that a daily and present change is still to be made in the hearts and lives of baptized persons: we may account for a fact which we do not wish to disguise; that many of our best divines, such as Tillotson, when they are not writing professedly of Baptism, still make Regeneration the great theme of their discourse, by which they intend the present conversion of men from sin to holiness. Their judgment and feeling probably was, that the more useful topic to be sounded in the ears of their people, was the present debt of their Christian calling. From which judgment and feeling we probably should not dissent.

But when the demand, whether just or invidious, was made upon our clergy to preach the doctrine of

Regeneration, it certainly was some answer, to reply, that Regeneration was given in Baptism, and therefore the Liturgy itself took care of the doctrine. It may be, however, that there was too much stress laid upon this one part of the reply, as if it met the whole challenge of the complaint preferred. For the conversion of the man to Christian principles in act, in habit, and in practice, by whatever name that may be called, was not strictly included in the Regeneration of Baptism. If it were included, then so many divines would have mistaken their way, who continued to call men to such conversion, even after they were baptized. Nay those divines are often silent as to the fruit of Baptism, when they are most strongly inculcating the topics of Spiritual improvement. The answer, therefore, was in some sense a partial one. So far as it related to Baptism, it was correct. But more remained to be said. It has indeed been said, but has lost something of its proper force and prominence, by the comparative stress laid upon the baptismal doctrine. Our hope is, that the clergy of our Church will be found faithful in propounding, with a sincere and enlightened labour, the whole of that truth which is confided to them; and will so furnish a correct and substantial reply to any complaint made against them. If there were any failure in this discharge of their trust, it is neither the refutation of an ill-worded or acrimonious censure, nor the exposure of doctrinal error in those who stir the complaint, which would make amends for a defect fatal to interests too great for controversy.

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