absolutely contrary to our merits as they really are. Even the distinguishing favor that to us is the word of this salvation sent, and not to numbers in every part of the world, gives less umbrage, when represented as totally independent of our own doings or deservings: but, when the gospel is sent, and fairly proposed, with invitations, exhorta tions, promises, &c., and one embraces it, while another scornfully or carelessly rejects it; according to my views of scripture the difference is still wholly of grace, nay an act of omnipotent mercy: You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. It appears to me that there is no more moral power in fallen man to welcome the gospel, than to keep the law; and that, if it had been left wholly, or in any degree, to the mere effect of moral suasion, all things had been made ready in vain: though moral suasion is proper means for us to use in dependence on the blessing of God. Regeneration, a resurrection to spiritual and divine life, a new creation, altogether an act of sovereign and omnipotent grace, precedes all willingness to be saved, in the scriptural sense, and in the Lord's way. This is not due to any man, not desired or sought by any; but neglected, if not contemned, by all while left to themselves. When granted, it is as absolutely free grace, as contrary to deserving, as redemption itself: when not granted, no injustice is done, nothing due is withheld; nothing but the pride and enmity of the heart hinders the sinner from embracing the gospel. When granted, it shews itself by humble repentance, and works meet for repentance; by faith, receiving the truth in love, and working by love, love of Christ, love of the brethren, good will to all men, with all its fruits; by serving and worshipping God in newness of spirit, and newness of life. Then the renewed will and heart co-operate with divine grace, and in different degrees men give diligence to make their calling and election sure. In proportion as their calling according to God's purpose is sure to their own consciences; they may be sure of their election; and, tracing back the effect produced to the source, may say on good grounds, He hath loved me with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness hath he drawn me; and conclude, "The love divine, which made me thine, will keep me thine for ever."* But, whether they are able to draw this conclusion or not, * C. Wesley. still it remains sure in itself; and no notions in the mind about election, &c. give any man a right to consider himself as elect, who is not thus in Christ a new creature: and, as to perseverance, such a man can only persevere in things not accompanying salvation. "Salvation then in every sense is wholly gratuitous: but damnation is always deserved. God punishes none above his deserving: his sovereignty is that of infinite wisdom, justice, goodness, truth, and mercy. He has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth; let who will find fault. Thus I have viewed the subject for much above forty years: (but I hardly dare avow my sentiments at present:) and I was led to this view, in part, by a full conviction that, while some individuals of my acquaintance were awfully cut off in their sins, I was brought to welcome and rejoice in God's salvation; and that the reverse might justly have taken place. "Suppose then these views, not floating as notions in the head, but become inward and deeply wrought convictions in the heart, and principles of conduct, and measures of judg ment in all things; it appears to me that humiliation before God must bear a full proportion to the measure in which they prevail: all boasting and self-preference must be excluded; all disposition to trust in ourselves and despise others, to lean to our own understanding, to trust in our own hearts, &c. Calvinists, as well as others, may be proud of their notions and supposed privileges, and we all have too much, far too much, of this remaining; but the inward, habitual, experimental influence of these principles must humble, and keep humble, as far as it prevails. Humility before God, in proportion as it becomes deeper and deeper, must produce great patience, resignation, contentment, thankfulness, in all their varied exercises.-The views ĺ have stated seem especially those of fervent earnest prayer, thanksgiving, and adoration; and one can hardly conceive of the worshippers of heaven having any other views, while they ascribe salvation to our God, that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever.-Deep humility before God always influences to proportionable meekness, forbearance, forgiveness towards men, even those who most injure us, or are most opposed to us: and I must think, if we were all more deeply grounded in the principles above stated, a degree of meekness and mutual love would follow, of which we have at present little concep tion. "As God accomplishes his purposes by means and instruments, which we may know in our own case, these views present no impediment to our using all proper means for the good of others also: while they not only produce the conviction, that the same rich grace and omnipotent energy, by which God saved us, would suffice for the conversion and salvation of any of those whom we address; but also lead directly to a simple and entire dependence on that omnipotent and most rich grace for success, while we are prepared to give the whole glory to God, when our endeavors are prospered. They stimulate to exertions like Paul's: and to his acknowledgment, Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me; to contributions after the manner of David; and to confessions, Who am I, O Lord, that I should be able to give thus willingly after this sort? Of thine own have I given thee.-On the other hand, as in every thing they lead us to expect success only of God's free mercy and powerful grace, they restrict us to such means alone as we may scripturally expect, and confidently pray, that God will bless: not doing evil that good may come.They are also, and I find them such, the grand support and cordial of the soul under temptations, conflicts, sufferings; nay in the midst of doubts and fears, as well as when assured that we have passed from death unto life. Determined to save He watch'd o'er my path, And can he have taught me To trust in his name, And thus far have brought me It is of the Lord's mercies that I am not consumed. Whether in the ark or not, there is an ark: I am in the land of hope, and prayer, and mercy.-Whom he will he hardeneth. He has not hardened me. I am not among scoffers, blasphemers, infidels, Socinians, Pharisees, antinomians, Gallios. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Thus I would plead in the darkest hours. In brighter times, while all the glory of the past is unreservedly given to God, I am enabled to trust him to perfect what concerneth me. But, were my confi dence to rest on any thing in myself, I am so conscious how little my heart and resolution can be depended on, that I should despair, or at least despond. "I must also add, that those very views, or principles, lie at the bottom of all proper exertions, and hope of success in exertions, to propagate Christianity in the world. God's omnipotent grace, his purposes, his predictions, alone give just ground of confidence in attempting to surmount the otherwise insuperable difficulties in the way. In short these views cause the gospel to appear in its full glory, while all other views in a measure seem to darken that glory. They secure all the honor to God, and cherish all right principles and feelings in our hearts towards him, our brethren, and all men. "This is an imperfect view of my sentiments on the subject: My kind regards to Mrs. Knight. God bless you and all your's, and our assembled brethren. Pray for me, especially for faith, patience, and fortitude: for I am weak. "Your's faithfully, "THOMAS SCOTT." 13. ON MATTHEW xiii, 28. "An enemy hath done this." "IN lately reading the parable of the tares of the field, the expression, An enemy hath done this, suggested to me the following general observation, That Christianity is answerable only for its own genuine effects, and not for any thing which men, called Christians, have done of another or contrary nature: I sowed good seed in my field; but, as to tares, an enemy hath done this. "When our Saviour had cast out the legion, restored the frantic demoniac to his right mind, brought him to sit at his feet, and sent him to tell his countrymen what the Lord had done for him; it should seem that the Gadarenes overlooked all this important good; and thought of little but what the devils (by the permission, indeed of Christ,) had done in destroying the swine. And so, charging the benevolent Jesus with the loss of their property, which he, for wise reasons, did not see good by his omnipotence to prevent; they refused both his gracious assistance for the cure of their sick, and his invaluable instructions for the salvation of their souls. An enemy had done this: and they were so alarmed and prejudiced that they desired the best friend, that ever set foot in their country, to depart out of their coasts; though the recovered demoniac was an unexceptionable witness to his love, as well as his power. "It appears to me, that modern infidels and skeptics, of various kinds, have trodden in the steps of these Gadarenes; or rather far outgone them. During eighteen centuries immense multitudes, in regions most remote from each other, have, by the genuine efficacy of Christianity, been turned to God from idols, to serve the living and truc God, and to wait for his Son from heaven: they have bee taught to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live s |