-------.. 220 Loving Chrift above all, SE R M. Every man is at liberty as to his entering IX. into that profeffion : It is a voluntary ahi, and he may choofe for himfelf, whether he will do it, or not. But as to the conditions, he is not at liberty. They are eflablifhed by the author in the original inftitution un- alterably. But we may obferve, that what- ever other reprefentations are given us of the terms, they perfehly agree with this : And in what ever true light we take chrif- tianity, it is impoffible to anfwer the defign of it, without coming up to what is here required. If it he a divine religion, intended to repair the moral hlemifhes and defe ±s of human nature, and reflore men to innocence and virtue, that they may be qualified for enjoying the favour of God. How can this be accomplifhed without their being brought to a prevailing love of innocence and virtue; which, as I have fhown you, is loving Chrift more than any thing elfe ? Again, let us confider that to be worthy of Chrift, to be his true difciples, and ob- tain his acceptance, it is ahfolutely neceffary that we fhould adhere to him inviolably, that we fhould hold fail the pr ofejion of our faith without wavering, and be fledfafl and immovable in good works: For they only who endure
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