3. That _circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter_; that the distinguishing mark of a true follower of _Christ_, of one who is in a state of acceptance with God, is not either outward circumcision or baptism, or any other outward form, but a right state of soul, a mind and spirit renewed after the image of him that created it, is one of those important truths, that can only be _spiritually discerned_. And this the apostle himself intimates in the next words, _whose praise is not of men, but of God_. As if he had said, “Expect not, whoever thou art, who thus followest thy great Master, that the world, the men who follow him not, will say, _well done, good and faithful servant_! Know that the _circumcision of the heart_, the seal of thy calling, _is foolishness with the world_. Be content to wait for thy applause, ’till the day of thy Lord’s appearing. In that day shalt thou _have praise of God_, in the great assembly of men and angels.” I design, first, particularly to enquire, wherein this circumcision of heart consists: And, secondly to mention some reflections, that naturally arise from such an enquiry. I. 1. I am, first, to enquire, wherein that circumcision of heart consists, which will receive the praise of God. In general we may observe, it is that habitual disposition of soul, which in the sacred writings is termed holiness, and which directly implies, the being cleansed from sin, _from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit_, and by consequence, the being endued with those virtues, which were also in _Christ Jesus_, the being so _renewed in the image of our mind_, as to be _perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect_. 2. To be more particular, Circumcision of heart implies humility, faith, hope, and charity. Humility, a right judgment of ourselves, cleanses our minds from those high conceits of our own perfections, from that undue opinion of our own abilities and attainments, which are the genuine fruit of a corrupted nature. This entirely cuts off that vain thought, I am _rich_ and _wise_, and _have need of nothing_; and convinces, us, that we are by nature _wretched, and poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked_. It convinces us, that in our best estate, we are of ourselves all sin and vanity; that confusion, and ignorance and error, reign over our understanding; that unreasonable, earthly, sensual, devilish passions, usurp authority over our will: in a word, that there is no whole part in our soul, that all the foundations of our nature are out of course.