The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…

I shall further consider some particular Precepts, which the Gospel doth especially enforce upon us, and the Reasons of them.

1. That concerning Humility, the peculiar Grace of Christians, so becoming our state as Creatures ⟨p. 322⟩and Sinners, the parent and nurse of other Graces, that preserves in us the light of Faith, and the heat of Love; that procures Modesty in Prosperity, and Patience in Adversity; that is the root of Gratitude and Obedience, and is so lovely in God's eyes, that He gives Grace to the Humble: This our Saviour makes a necessary qualification in all those who shall enter into his Kingdom; Except ye be converted and become as little children, ¹ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. As by Humility he purchased our Salvation, so by that Grace we possess it. And since Pride arises out of Ignorance, the Gospel to cause in us a just and lowly sense of our unworthiness, discovers the nakedness and misery of the humane Nature, devested of its primitive Righteousness. It reveals the transmission of Original Sin, from the first Man to all his Posterity, wherewith they are infected and debased; a Mystery so far from our knowledge, that the participation of it seems impossible, and unjust to carnal Reason.² We are dead in Sins and Trespasses, without any Spiritual strength to perform our Duty. The Gospel ascribes all that is good in Man to the free and powerful Grace of God. He works in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. ³He gives Grace to some because He he is Good, denies it to others because He is Just, but doth injury to none, because all being guilty, He owes it to none. Grace in its being and activity entirely depends upon Him. As the drowsy Sap is drawn forth into flourishing and fruitfulness by the approaches of the Sun; so habitual Grace is drawn forth into act by the presence and influences of the Sun of Righteousness. Without me,