RULES FOR OBTAINING FORGIVENESS. 305 and because these will not mix, they spend a fruitless labor about it all their days. But if the foundation be of grace, it is not at all of works; for otherwise grace is no more grace. If any thing of our own be mixed with grace in this matter, it utterly destroys the nature of grace ; which, if it be not alone, does not .exist at all. But does not this tend to licentiousness I does not this render obedience, holiness, duties, mortification of sin and good works needless l God forbid! yea, this is the only way to order them aright to the glory of God. Have we nothing to do but to lay the foundation 1 Yes, all our days we are to build upon it, when it is surely and firmly laid : and these are the ways and means of our edification. This, then, is the soul to do who would come to peace with God. Let it let go all former endeavors, if it has been engaged to any of that kind ; and let it alone re- ceive and adhere to mere grace, mercy and pardon, with a full sense that in itself it has nothing for which it should have an interest in them, but that all is of mere grace, through Jesus Christ: "Other foundation can no man lay." Depart not hence until this work be well done. Cease not from an earnest endeavor with your own heart to acquiesce in this righteousness of God, and to bring your soul to a comfortable persuasion that God, for Christ's sake, hath freely forgiven you all your sins. Stir not hence until this be effected. If you have been engaged in another way, that is, to seek for an in- terest in the pardon of sin by some endeavors of your own, it is likely that you are filled with the fruit of your own doings; that is, that you go on with all kinds of uncertainties, and without any constant peace. Return,
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