30; !e 1A-Xn1o1W a í e Zíbine Ifttríbtzte,v Chap, r6. that are above, without the continually- attraóing Po- i wer of Grace. 'Tis by humble Prayer wherein we ac- knowledgour wants and unworthinefs, anddeclare our dependence upon theDivine Mercy and Power, that we obtain Grace. Now from thefe Reafons the Gofpel commands Humility,in our demeanour towardsGod and Men. And ifwe ferioufly confider them, how can any crevice be opened in the heart for the leaLI breathof Pride to enter How can a poor difeafed wretch that bath neither Money, nor can by any induftry procure Nouriíhment,or Phyfick for his deadly Difeafes, and re- ceives from a merciful perfon not only Food but Sove- reign Medicinesbrought from another World (for fuch is the Divine Grace fent to us from Heaven), without hisdefert, or poffibility of retribution,be proud towards his Benefaaorr How can he that only lives upon Alms, boafl that he is rich ? How can a Creature be proud of the Gifts ofGod, which it cannotpoffefs without Hu- mility, and without acknowledging that they are deri- ved fromMercy If we had continued in our Integrity, thepraifeofall had beenentirely due to God;for our Fa- culties and the excellent difpofitions that fitted them for aCìion,were bellowed upon us freely byHim, & depend- edupon his Grace in their exercife. But there is now greater reafon to attribute the Glory of all ourgoodnefs folely to him : for he revives our deadSouls by the po- wer of theSpirit,of theSanóifying Spirit,without which we are to everygoodwork reprobate. Since all our Spiri- tual Abilities are Graces the more we have received the more we are obliged, & therefore fhould bemore humble and thankful to theAuthor ofthem. And in comparing our felves withothers, the Gofpel forbids all proud re- tle Lions that we are dignified above them: For,who ma- keth thee to differfrom another ' And what haft thou that thou didfi not receive ? And ifthou dig receive it, n-by daft thou
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