420 A RATTOiv A-EFTEJ:A CO ,F T$E OOSpB{.. .S$8}j1. ¡CpiT,, reached but to pn,e single nation, and wrought.but feebly toward the cpnversion of sinful souls to God and holi- ness, in comparison of what the gospel Qf .Christ has +done. Besides, let it be considered, that all the power which all the former discoveries of grace to the patriarchs, or to the Jews, had to save souls, was derived from the ;gospel of Christ, which is contained in them in lower measures, and in a more obscure manner. Therefore since the gospel of Christ now stands forth in open light, and in full glory, it is most eminently powerful to con- vert singers, to bring this apostate world back again to Cod, and to save millions of souls. I. It is the most powerful means of salvation, consi- dered in itself, and in its own nature and influence. II. It is the most powerful means, as it is accompa- nied with the influences of the Holy Spirit. The first of these may be called a moral persuasive in- fluence; the last is supernatural and sovereign. Let qs meditate on each of these distinctly. Ì. It is the most powerful means, if we consider the gospel in itself, and its own nature. Not that the mere word ofthe gospel, reaching the ears of men, is suffici ent to change the heart, and to save the soul without divine influences : For it is said to be the power of God to salvation;, that is, it is that doctrine whereby God exerts his divine power to save sinful man. But still it must be granted, that the doctrine itself in its own na- tùre has à very great and evident tendency to this glori- ous end, as it is the noblest, the richest, and the bright- est discovery of grace that ever was made to man, ifwe consider it in its own nature, it has the greatest moral power, or persuasive influence toward the salva- tion of perishing sinners. This is easily proved by ex- plaining what this salvation means. Salvation includes in it a freedom from the guilt and punishment of sin, together with a right and title to heaven; it implies also a freedom from the power of sin, and thereby a preparation for heaven, and a final pos- session of it. Under each of these considerations it will appear with great evidence, that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the power of God to salvation. 1. It is the most powerful means to set sinners free
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