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that all its workings are excluded, and of no value in heaven.
If nature had been to contrive the way of ſalvation, it would rather have put it into the hands of ſaints or angels, to ſell it, than of Chriſt who gives it freely. It would have ſet np a way to purchaſe by doing; therefore it abominates the merits of Chriſt, as the moſt deſtructive thing to it. Nature could any thing to be ſaved rather than come to Chrift, or cloſe with him. Chriſt will have nothing, but the ſoul will be forcing ſomewhat of its own upon him: Herein is that great controverſy. Conſider, didſt thou ever ſee merits of Chriſt, and the infinite ſatisfaction made by his death? Didſt thou ever ſee this when the burden of ſin and the wrath of God lay heavy on thy conſcience? That is grace. The greateſt of Chriſt's merits is not known but to a poor ſoul at the greateſt loſs. High convictions will but have ſlight low priſings, of Chriſt's blood and merits.
Deſpairing ſinner! thou lookeſt on thy right hand and on thy left, ſaying, who will ſhew us any good? Thou art tumbling over all thy duties and graces, to patch up a righteouſneſs to ſave thee.
Look Chriſt, look unto him and be ſaved, all the ends of the earth. He is a Saviour, and there is none beſides him. Look any where elſe, and thou art undone. God will look at nothing but Chriſt, and thou muſt look at nothing elſe. Chriſt is lifted on high, as the brazen ſerpent in the wilderneſs, that ſinners at the ends of the earth, at the greateſt diſtance may ſee him, and look towards him. He will forgive not only ſeven times, but ſeventyſeven. It put the faith to believe this, becauſe we are hard to forgive, we think Christ is hard.
F I N I S.
