communicated from above, appears to him to be an enthusi- astic conceit, unworthy of a sober mind. In short, every part of the Gospel salvation, whether as bringing us to God or fitting us for the enjoyment of him, is the very reverse of what the natural man would either suggest or approve. It cannot even be understood by any who possess not a spiritual discernment, nor ever is received but through the teaching of the Holy Spirit.]
Distant, however, as it is, from human apprehen- sions, we cannot but acknowledge,
IV. Its suitableness to the end proposed —
Does God propose to humble the sinner ? [Nothing effects that work like the Gospel : for in the death of Christ he sees the awful desert of sin, and the im- possibility of obtaining mercy without an adequate atonement for it. In the requirement of a life of faith on the Son of God, he sees his own utter incapacity for any thing that is good : and, in the imputation of Christ's righteousness, he is con- strained to acknowledge, that even his best works are full of imperfection ; and that salvation, from first to last, is, and must be, by grace alone.]
Does he desire to exalt the Savionr ?
[Tlie honour of salvation is altogether reserved to Christ, as the Author and Finisher of it : and to him alone, both in heaven and earth, must all the glory of it be ascribed. Not a hope enters the sinner's mind, but through his atoning sacri- fice: not a prayer is offered, but through his mediation and intercession : nor to all eternity will a blessing be enjoyed, without being traced to his merit as the procuring cause, and to the influence of his grace as the efficient cause : so entirely will the glory of it all be given to him alone.]
Does he determine to secure holiness ?
[Here it is secured, beyond a possibility of failure : nor is it found in any creature under heaven, but in him who receives the Gospel of Christ. Semblances of holiness we may find in self-righteous formalists ; but real holiness in none but those who are penetrated with redeeming love. In confirmation of this truth, we appeal to the records of the Church in every age of the world. Even at the present hour, we shrink not from a comparison with all other people under heaven : and we are fi*ee to acknowledge, that the professor of religion who soars not in holiness above all the unbelievers upon earth, is un- worthy of the name of Christian, and will have no part with Christ in his kingdom and glory.