A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

1. Because it is graciously and out of the free favour of God bestowed. Why it is bestowed at all, 'tis from grace: why it is bestowed upon one age or place rather than other, 'tis only from God's free grace and favour, Rom. 16.25, 26. It is there said to be a mystery kept secret since the world began, but now made manifest. And that in Isa. 65.1. I said, Behold me, to a nation that was not called by my name. To these God was pleased by the gospel to say, Behold me. He was found of those that sought him not. God's argument to bestow the gospel of life upon a person, or a family, or a place, is merely from his own free good will.

2. The gospel is called grace, because the subject matter of the gospel is grace. Whatever it is the gospel promiseth, whatever privilege or saving benefit is contained in the gospel, is all from grace, we are justified freely by his grace, Rom. 3.24. Forgiveness of sin, it is said to be from his rich grace, Eph. 1.7. Eternal life, it is the free gift of God. Effectual vocation, saving conversion is merely from grace. We are called according to his purpose, and grace; not according to our works, 2 Tim. 1.9. To you it is given to believe, Phil. 1.29. God giveth repentance, 2 Tim. 2.25. he called me by his grace, Gal. 3.15. 1 Pet. 3.7. the Saints are heirs of grace. Christ himself, that obtained all the privileges of the gospel for us, was sent as a token of free grace, free favour, through the tender mercy of God,