presuming to be wise above what is written. On the contrary, the two doctrines are perfectly harmonious ; nor is there any stronger argument for exertions on our part, than the freeness and sufficiency of God's grace. Let us not then set altar against altar, and doctrine against doctrine, but join in our experience those things which God has indissolubly united, and which are equally essential to our eternal welfare.]
2. The folly of the excuses which men urge in
justification of their own supineness —
[One says, It is in vain for me to attempt working, unless God work in me both to will and to do what he commands. But will any man forbear to plough and sow his ground, because he cannot ensure a harvest? We are to work out our salva- tion to the utmost of our power, and to call upon God for all necessary assistance : it is in activity, and not in sloth, that we are to expect his aid ; " Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead ; and Christ will give thee light :" and if we will not put forth the little strength we have, we must reap to all eternity the bitter fruits of our own supineness.
Another says, I need not concern myself much about the present state of my soul ; for if God has ordained me to life, I shall live ; and if he has begun the good work in me, he will carry it on. But to what purpose has God enjoined fear and trembling, if we are at liberty to indulge such a presumptuous confidence as this? It is true, that " God will keep the feet of his saints ;" but it is by fear and trembling that he will keep them ; his injunctions are, " Be not high-minded, but fearq." And, " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall1."
Let not then the doctrines of grace be so perverted and abused : but let us exert ourselves, as if we could do all ; and depend on God, as knowing that, without him, we can do nothing.]
3. The firmness of the believer's hopes —
[While the believer is maintaining continual watchfulness and care, he still enjoys peace in his soul, and oftentimes " a full assurance of hope." But on what is his hope founded? Is it on his own resolution, zeal, and steadfastness ? Nothing is further from his mind : he relies on the sovereignty, the power, and the faithfulness of his God. God's grace is his own, and he disposes of it according to his own good pleasure ; therefore the believer, while he feels himself the most unworthy of the human race, hopes that " God will shew forth the exceeding riches of his grace in acts of kindness towards him." " God
9 Rom. xi. 20. r i Cor. x. 12.