tered man in the universe. Nothing is requisite for the un-^ derstandini( of it but hinnility of mind, and a willingness to be indebted for every thing to the free grace of God in Christ Jesus. If there be any dilKculty, it arises only from the pride of our hearts that would mix something of our own with the finished work of Christ. The fact is, that salvation by faith alone is so plain and simple, that we are offended at it on ac- count of its plainness and simplicity \ But let the weak re- joice, that what is hid from the wise, is revealed to theni^]
2. How milable is the way of salvation !
[If salvation had been to be merited and earned by our good works, who amongst us could have entertained a hope ? If our works, imperfect as they are, were only to have eked out the merits of Christ, who could tell us the precise quantity and quality of the works that would have sufficed ? In what doubt and suspense must Ave have been held all our days \ And how would this way of salvation have suited persons in the situation of the dying thief, who are called away without having sufficient time to " make up their tale of bricks ?" But a ififi is suitable to all : a free salvation commends itself to all; and the more humbled we are under a sense of our own guilt and weakness, the more suitable will it appear, that we should receive all from Christ, and give all the glory of our salvation to liim.]
3. What infatuation is it to substitute any other plan of salvation in the place of that which God has offered us !
[Suppose for one moment (though it is a horrid and blasphemous supposition) that we were wiser than God, and that we knew better than he did what was fit for him to do ; still are we also " stronger than he ?" and can we oblige him to alter his decrees ? Vain hope ! We may entertain as strong pre- judices as we will, and load the Gospel with opprobious names ; still that will be true and irreversible, *' He that hath the Son, hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life." Let all of us then cease to Aveave a spider's web ; and accept with gratitude " the salvation that is in Christ Jesus."] '
^ 2 Kingv. 10—14. ' Matt. xi. 25.