+III. These two principles are in a state of ceaseless warfare, ever opposed to each other.+--They are like two armies, sometimes encamped, at others engaged in terrible conflict; but, whether apparently engaged or not, each seeks the destruction of the other perpetually. They are and must be ever opposed, till one fall; one must perish and the other live eternally. Where there is no conflict there can be no grace. +IV. Consider the wisdom and valour evinced by this new principle.+--It is illumined by the Spirit and by the truth of God. The sun does not give me an eye. God alone can confer this organ; yet it is equally true my eye must attain its full vigour in the light of the sun: so the external means are necessary to teach us what God is, and to develop all the principles of the new man, to clothe it with the panoply of Deity, and to lead it on from battle to battle, and from victory to victory, till the last battle is eventually fought, the last victory won, and the fruits of triumph enjoyed for ever.--_William Howels._ Ver. 18. _The Leading of the Spirit._--1. The new man performs the office of guide to the godly in all actions truly spiritual. (1) As it is ruled by the Word, which is the external light and lantern to direct our steps. (2) The work of grace itself is the internal light whereby the regenerate man spiritually understands the things of God. (3) The same work of grace being actuated by the continual supply of exciting grace from the Spirit is a strengthening guide to all spiritual actions. 2. The natural man is so much a slave to his sinful lusts that the things appointed by God to curb and make them weaker are so far from bringing this about that his lusts are thereby enraged and made more violent. The rigidity of the law, which tends to restrain sin, is turned by the unregenerate man into an occasion for fulfilling his lusts.--_Fergusson._ _The Guidance of the Spirit._ +I. Preservation,+ whereby the Holy Ghost maintains the gift of regeneration in them that are regenerate. +II. Co-operation,+ whereby the will of God, as the first cause, works together with the regenerate will of man, as the second cause. Without this co-operation, man's will brings forth no good action; no more than the tree which is apt to bring forth fruit yields fruit indeed till it have the co-operation of the sun, and that in the proper season of the year. +III. Direction,+ whereby the Spirit of God ordereth and establisheth the mind, will, and affections in good duties. +IV. Excitation,+ whereby the Spirit stirs and still moves the will and mind after they are regenerate, because the grace of God is hindered and oppressed by the flesh. +V. Privilege of believers not to be subject to the ceremonial law.+--"Ye are not under the law." Not under the law respecting its curse and condemnation, though we are all under law, as it is the rule of good life.--_Perkins._ _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 19-21. _The Works of the Flesh_--