died in vain e." The true way of salvation is this : go to Christ as a sinner : and seek salvation altogether through his atoning sacrifice, and his obedience unto death. But, when you have believed in him, be careful to " maintain good works," yea, and to " excel in" good works f. Then will Christ be honoured in every way : your faith will honour him as the alone Saviour of mankind ; and your works will honour him as your Lord and Master. But remember to keep each in its place. In building an edifice, you do not build the superstructure first, (if I may so speak,) and then lay the foundation afterwards ; nor do you mingle the foundation and superstructure in one indiscriminate mass : but you keep each in its place ; and then it answers the end for which it was raised. So you must lay Christ as your foundation first ; and afterwards raise on him the superstructure of good works : then shall you be found " workmen that need not be ashamed ;" and both in your faith and in your works be justified before God.]
2. Of encouragement —
[Let not any apparent difficulties in this subject embarrass you. They will all vanish in an instant, if only you get a broken and contrite heart. It is surprising what light such a state of mind will reflect on the subject before us. It may not indeed enable you to solve all the verbal difficulties that may be raised : but, as far as relates to the main subject, it will scatter all doubts, as mist is scattered by the noon-day sun. It will convince you that no righteousness but that of Christ can ever avail for your acceptance before God : and, at the same time, that holiness is no less necessary for your final enjoyment of his favour. It will convince you too, that both faith and holiness, being the gifts of God, you have no reason to despair of attaining all that is necessary to your complete salvation; since God is pledged " not to despise the contrite heart," or to withhold from his upright people the blessings either of grace or glory g.]
e Gal. v. 2, 4. f Tit. iii. 8. TzpoiaraaQai. s Ps. lxxxiv. 11.