Lastly ; we see what obligations lie upon every professor of religion to abound in good works. The
2264.] WORK OF THE TRINITY IN REDEMPTION. Ill
Apostle, in the words immediately following the text, says, " This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that (N. B. to the end that) they who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." Now these words are frequently understood as an exhortation to preach about good works ; but it is not so : it is an exhorta- tion to preach the very doctrines that I have now set before you ; and to preach them to the end that believers may be careful to maintain good works. And indeed it is impossible to conceive stronger motives to a holy life than may be deduced from hence. Did the Father set his love upon us from all eternity, and choose us that we might be a holy people unto himself ; and shall we do that which his soul hateth ? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound ? Again : Did Christ undertake to be- come our surety ; and did he actually die for us, in order to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify us unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works; and shall we take occasion from his death to rest secure in our wickedness ? Shall we thus make the Holy One of God a minister of sin ? Again : Did the Holy Spirit engage to renew and sanctify us, and shall we resist all his motions, till we have altogether quenched them ? Shall we not rather comply with his solicitations, and cherish his sacred influences ? And, once more : Have the blessed Trinity done so much, on purpose to make us heirs of eternal glory ; and shall we to the utmost of our power thwart the Divine counsels, and reject the proffered mercies ? O no ! let us rather feel the obligations that are laid upon us : let us say with the Psalmist, What shall I render to the Lord for all the benefits he hath done unto me ? and let us endeavour to abound in good works, not that we may be saved by them, but that we may please Him who hath called us unto his kingdom and glory.