is the foundation laid in the covenant of graced. The same is laid in all the promises ^^. The same was exhibited in all the types'. The same is laid also in the Gospel'^. We are ex- pressly told that there is no other^ Nor indeed can there be any other to all eternity.]
The necessity of building upon this will appear, while we consider,
III. Why no other can be laid —
Many reasons might easily be assigned : but one or two may suffice :
1. Any other would be unworthy of the Divine Architect —
[God himself is the architect™; and must have all the glory of beginning and perfecting this building. But, if men were to found their hopes on any thing but the Lord Jesus Christ, they would have whereof to glory". So far as respect was had to any merit in them, so far might they ascribe the honour to themselves. Even in heaven their song must differ from that of the redeemed. Instead of giving all the glory to God and to the Lamb", they must take a portion of it to themselves. But this would be utterly unworthy of God to suffer. Indeed he has told us that he never can nor will suffer it P. We may be sure therefore that no such way of salvation shall ever be established, as leaves man at liberty to boast. We shall be rewarded according to our works, and in some respect for our works ; but the only ground of acceptance, either for our persons or our services, is in Christ alone i.]
2. No Other would support the weight that is to be laid upon it —
[Whatever our souls need in time or eternity must be derived from that, which is the foundation of our hope. Our pardon must be obtained by it ; our peace flow from it ; our strength and righteousness be given us on account of it; and eternal glory be bestowed on us, as the reward of it. And can we build our hope of such things in any degree on our own works ? Can we, who, if we had done all that is commanded us, should be only unprofitable servants, imagine, that we can in any respect merit such things, when we have done nothing
er Gen. xvii. 19. Heb. viii. G.
1^ Gen. iii. 15. and xxii. 18. 2 Cor. i. 20,
> The Paschal Lamb, the Scape Goat, &c. ^ \ pgf. ji_ 4 ^_
1 Acts iv. 12. m ver. 9. n Ron,, iv. 2.
0 Rev. V. 1.3. P 1 Cor. i. 29, 31. Eph. ii. S, 9,
1 Eph. i. 6,