Operation*.-We may talk of the reasonableness of Faith, and the Philosophy of Faith; but, common Capacities are not, generally speaking, equal to such disquisitions; and our principal business, is, with that Grace of Faith, so frequently proposed to our notice in the inspired Oracles.

PROPOSITION 6.

We are therefore " justified freely, by the Grace of God, through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

*Proofs. Rom. i. 8. ... Tit. i. 1. . . . Eph. ii. 8. ... Col. ii. 12..... Fides consideratur vel in persona justificati-ita Radix est omnium virtutum in quantum operatur per charitatem; vel in effectu justificationis-sic Janua est ad vitam æternam ; vel in actu justificationiset eo respectu dicimus esse instrumentum, non quatenus ad extra operatur, sed quatenus ad intra recipit Christumin relatione ad quem tota vis Fidei justificantis consistit. Hæc est Πισις της ενεργειας τ8 Θε8.

+ This Proposition is expressed, verbatim, in the language of holy Writ. It proves itself, and follows, as a necessary Inference, from the Premises. To reject it, is, to deny the christian Faith, and to commence Infidel. To profess to teach that Faith, and not to explain this doctrine, with the utmost perspicuity, and diligence, is

PROPOSITION 7.

The Effects, or Evidences, of our being really in a justified State, are, all the Fruits of evangelical Righteousness, and true Holiness.

The proofs for this are too numerous for reference they abound in all the Scriptures; particularly in our Saviour's memorable Sermon on the mount-in Rom. 12. —and, in 2 Pet. i. 5-11. I must observe, however, once more, that, nothing of this sort, of a truly christian cast, can ever be displayed, but in consequence of a vital and spiritual Union to Christ. John xv. 4*.

to be a Traitor to the Cause of God, of Truth, and the essential Happiness of immortal Souls: and, to derive any secular Emoluments from such treachery, will only aggravate guilt, and increase condemnation.

*All these Propositions, it may be thought, are advanced with a considerable degree of Confidence. The Writer however presumes not to arrogate any dominion ver the judgment of others. His is the confidence of

K K

To arrange all this in a catechetical mode-that every thing may be done, to render it transparent to the most unlearned

firm Conviction-the Result of patient, anxious, persevering Enquiry: and, should he have been mistakenfor, humanum est, errare-he is very ready to beg pardon of GOD, and MAN, for the liberty he has used. At present, it appears to him most egregiously unadvised, insolent, and impious, for any person to assume the responsible office of a public Teacher of Christianity, who does not proclaim these Doctrines, in their due Order, and in so distinct and lucid a manner, that the meanest of his hearers may comprehend him-if indeed they are so disposed. In his comparative view of the different degrees of atrocity, this, he apprehends to be one of the most alarming, and fatal. Luke vi. 39.

As to the trite and idle objections, which are continually raised against these Doctrines of Grace, by Pride, Ignorance, and the most shameful Prejudice, how often shall it be necessary to repeat, what has been said a thousand times, that, though there are neither limits, nor conditions, upon which the pardoning, justifying, and saving Grace of God are suspended, yet, he never bestows it without Repentance, Faith, and Holiness: they are «Things, which always accompany Salvation-" as the Scriptures express it; but, they are as much the Gifts of divine Goodness, and the Grants of unmerited Favour, as Heaven itself. The Whole of Salvation, and therefore, à fortiori, to speak logically, every inclusive part, is altogether of Grace.

would be to say, What is the original, eternal, and primary Cause of Justification? The free Grace of God. And, what is the mediatorial Cause? The imputed Righteousness of Christ. And, what is the recipient, instrumental Cause? Faith. And, how do we come by that Faith? It is the special Gift of God. And, what are the Fruits, or Evidences, of that Faith? Good Works. And, through whom are all these Blessings communicated to us? and from whom must they be received-according to the sovereign and irreversible Appointment of Heaven? From Christ Jesus. "He is Lord of all.

For, it hath pleased the Father, that in HIM should all Fulness dwell." Col. i. 14——20*.

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Proofs. Matt. xi. 27—30. John iii. 35.... Gal. iii. 24- 29.... Eph. i. 22, 23. . . . iv. 7. 7——————16. ... v. 25-28. Philip. ii. 9-11.... Col. i. 16-20, 28... ii. 3 10. Our Religion is therefore called, Christianity-from Christ: because, all its Doctrines lead to Him; all its Premises are fulfilled in Him; and all its Blessings flow from him.-It hath pleased the Father, that thus it should be: but, it does

This however is so little known, or noticed, in the many modern publications, which profess to treat of the christian Verity, that, adoring as I do, both the Wisdom and the Goodness of this divine Constitution, I may be permitted to digest it a little more in detail. For, though mine is but a Miniature, I would wish it to be a striking likeness of the Original*.

You acknowledge then, with me, that one of the inestimable blessings held out to us, in the glorious Gospel, is that of, REDEMPTION. The leading Feature in Christianity, is, that it is a Religion of Redemption, and not, as some have

not please you: why then, you may talk of your Reason, your Philosophy, your Virtue, your Morality, or your Holiness; but, are you not, in fact, an Enemy to the Designs, Determinations, and Will of God? Let our Repugnancy thereto be ever so obstinate, and pertinacious, he will pursue his own Plans, and finally accomplish his invariable Purposes, "working all things after the Counsel of his own Will." Eph. i. 5, 9, II.

* The Χαρακτηρ, Imago expressa, if not the Απαύγασμα Refulgentia, of the Model, after which I am copying.