complete my series'1. But, be that as it may, my object on the present occasion is to simplify every thing, that my subject, from beginning to end, may be clearly seen, and fully comprehended.
As to any nice speculations relative to the mode of the Spirit's agency, they would be altogether beside my purpose. It is sufficient to say, that no man, who believes the Holy Scriptures, can doubt of the Holy Spirit being sent of God to apply to the souls of men the redemption which Christ has wrought out for them ; and that if ever we have " access to God, it must be through Christ, and by the Spirit1." It is for this end that the Spirit is given ; and this end he will accomplish in all who implore his aid.
III. Now we are come to our third point; which is, to shew the means which the Gospel prescribes for our participation of its benefits.
The first thought which occurs to men is, that they must do something to merit and to earn sal- vation. But, if we consider the condition of our first parents after the fall, we shall see how vain must be such a conceit, how fallacious such a hope. What could they do to recommend themselves to their offended God ? As for doing any thing to merit the gift of God's only dear Son, and the in- fluences of the Holy Spirit upon their souls, it is obvious that no such idea could, by any possibility, enter into their minds. What can the fallen angels, at this instant, do to merit a restoration to God's favour ? Yet they are as capable of it as we.
But it may be said, that now God, of his own mercy and grace, has given us a Saviour, we must do something to deserve an interest in him. What then, I would ask, can we do ? Our blessed Lord has told us, that " without him we can do nothing3 ;" so that the communication of his grace must precede,
<i This is done in a Course of Sermons on Rom. viii. 9. which the reader should peruse after these.
r Eph. ii. 18. s John xv. 5.