namely, the death of Jefus Christ. He alfo has perfonally paid a perfect obedience to the divine law; thereby magnifying and making it honourable. And it is the merciful charter of falvation, that "whofoever believeth in him fhall not perish, but have everlafting life." With an intereft in his obedience unto death, are infeparably connected, a change of heart; and by a diligent use of the means of grace, ability to lead a life pleafing to God, acceptable in the beloved. Christian knowledge must therefore begin with the knowledge of ourfelves as fallen creatures; for till we know we are finners, unable to fatisfy the juftice of God for our tranfgreffions, we fhall never fee the want of a Saviour. We may indeed frequently use his name, and even imagine we truft in him; but all the while we fhall truft to our own works, shall be endeavouring to establish our own righteoufnefs. Till we have seen we are finners, we shall never be changed in heart-never fubmit to the righteoufnefs of God-never be able to lead a life of holinefs-never enter into the kingdom of heaven. FIN I S. |