SEEM. XVIII. FAITH THE WAY TO SALVATION. 313 vation. We are saved from sin as well as from hell by this gospel; and we must have our souls prepared for heaven, as well as brought to the possession of it. 'He that pretends to trust in Christ, for a deliverance from hell, and has no desire to be made holy, he has no desire after such a salvation as Christ proposes in his gospel, nor is he like. to attain it. We must be sensible then of the corruption of our na- tures, the perverseness of our wills, the vanity of our minds, the earthliness of our affections, our inability to do that which is good. for time to come, as well as our guilt, condemnation and misery, because of our transgressions past: We must desire that,:a thorough -work of repentance may be wrought in our hearts, that the power and reign of sin may be broken there, and that we may become new creatures, as well as desire to escape the wrath of God and hell, and eternal death, if ever we would be partakers of that salvation which the. gos- pel proposes. Christ will not divide one part of his sal- vation from the- other: And in vain do we presume to trust in him for happiness, if we are not willing to be made holy too. How false and unreasonable are all the reproaches that are cast upon the doctrine of salvation by faith, as though it tended to promote looseness of life, and to indulge iniquity ; when that very salvation includes in it a freedom from the power of sin, and a delight in all that is holy ? This is the very character of Christ our Saviour, and the reason of his name Jesus, that he should save his people from their sins, kiat. i. 21. If we are deliveredby Christ, it is from this present wicked world, Gal. i. 4. If we are redeemed, it is from all iniquity, that we might be a peculiar people purified to himself, zealous of good works, Tit. ii. 14. REMARK 1V. Though the gospel is such a glorious doctrine of grace, that there is no reason to be ashamed of it, yet since it saves us by faith, and not by works, there is no reason for us toboast when we are saved. We may glory indeed in the cross of Christ, and- make our boast in the Redeemer all the day long; but the gospel for ever cutsWall ground of boasting in ourselves. Here thejustice and mercy of God shine forth gloriously; here the righteousness of God is declared, sinners find remis-
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