302 au11/4 AND RECOVERY, &CC. If we are well persuaded of original sin, and that our na- tures are so corrupt and degenerate, we shall learn to liehumble before a Godof majesty and holiness, which is the very first part pf all our religion. We shall also becandid and meek and com- passionate towards each other without pride and scorn, being all liable to the same mistakes and infirmities, the saine passions and miseries, and being all involved in the same condemnation and degeneracy. And if we shall find that the doctrine of the imputed sin of Adam is so far from beinga difficulty or hardship in this article, that it is the only effectual way to solve the props= gatiou of the universal corruption and misery of our natures, and to absolve the conduct of God from all blame, we shall raise no more murmuring cavils against the providence of God herein, but receive itin the light in which the scripture seems to have re- presented it with all submission and silence. God is just, though man he sinful andmiserable. If we are made deeply sensible 'of our msiversal guilt and degeneracy in Adam, we shall thankfully rejoice in every disco- very of divine mercy, and especially in the gospel of JesusChrist, who is the second Adam, and the only appointedway of our sal- cation: We shall be more prepared to receive it with greater humility, gratitude and joy, when. we sec our souls so utterly lost and undone in a state of nature And we shall dependmore entirely upon the grace of God the lather, and his Son Jesus, and the influences of the blessed ;Spirit, for every part of our restoration and recovery. All the doctrinesof the special grace of God, of the redemption of Christ, and of the sanctifying Spirit, lie much more easy and obvious before the eye, when we are made deeply sensible of our universal ruitrand misery. That humble temper of soul which this doctrine requires, will more readily subdue all the rising cavils of the mind against the me- thods of savingmercy. If we believe that the undertaking of Christ is secured of success, and that multitudes of souls shall certainly obtain this salvation, this is matter of thankfulness and hope, since all man- kind lay in one common ruin : And we have encouragement to all diligence in the duties of repentance, faith and new obedience, since he that seeks shellfind, and to him that knocks, it shall be opened ; Mat. vii. 8. and since this is the only way for us to obtain our share in the success of the labours and sufferings of Christ, and the blessings that are derived from them. And when we have found our own hearts sincerely and effectually turned to God byg the gospel, and our natures and our lives formed unto holiness, we have thdti high encouragement to believe the security of our interest in the mediation of Christ and the salvation of the gospel, and to rejoice iu hope. And if we take with us also this comprehensive and corn-
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