perfections as exhibited in the mystery of redemption is deemed the very masterpiece of divine wisdom. The believer finds no disposition to open his mouth against these things, but rather to open it in devoutest praises and thanksgivings for them. As for the way of salvation by faith alone, how suitable, how delight- ful does it appear ! He is convinced that, if salvation were less free or less complete than the Gospel repre- sents it, he must for ever perish. He sees that it is exactly such a salvation as was most fit for God to give, and for man to receive ; for that, if it were not altogether of grace, man would have whereof to boast before God ; and that, if one sinless work were re- quired of him, he must for ever sit down in utter despair. Nor does he now think the precepts of the Gospel too strict : there is not so much as one of them that he would dispense with ; not one which he would have relaxed. He would account it an evil, rather than a benefit, to be released from his obliga- tion to obey them. He never now complains, " How strict are the commandments ! " but rather, " How vile am I, that I cannot yield to them a more cordial and unreserved obedience ! " And so far is he from condemning those who are most holy and heavenly in their deportment, he wishes that he were like them; and strives to follow them as they follow Christ.
Such are the fruits that are found on all true con- verts without exception ; even " Kings shut their mouths." They indeed, from their high station, are less under the controul of human laws, and are ready on that account to suppose themselves less amenable also to the laws of God : but, when the Gospel comes with power to their souls, they no longer ask, " Who is Lord over us ?" but prostrate themselves before the Saviour with unreserved submission both to his pro- vidence and grace.
Let us learn then from hence,
1. The evil and danger of prejudice —
It is difficult to conceive what destruction this evil principle brings upon the world. Thousands of persons