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

3. From hence we may discover the peculiar excellency of the Christian Religion, above all other Institutions; and that in respect of its Design and effect. The whole Design of the Gospel is expressed in the words of Christ from Heaven to Paul, when he sent him to the Gentiles, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, ¹and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by Faith in Christ. One great End of it is to take away all the filthiness and malignity wherewith Sin hath infected the world, and to cause in men a real conformity to Gods Holiness, according to their capacity. ⟨p. 402⟩As the Reward it promises is not an earthly Happiness, such as we enjoy here, but Celestial; so the Holiness it requires, is not an ordinary natural Perfection, which Men honour with the title of Virtue, but an Angelical Divine quality that sanctifies us throughout in Spirit, Soul and Body, that cleanses the Thoughts and Affections, and expresses itself in a course of universal Obedience to Gods Will. Indeed there are other things that commend the Gospel to any, that with judgment compares it with other Religions. The height of its Mysteries which are so sacred and venerable, that upon the discovery,² they affect with reverence and admiration. Whereas the Religion of the Gentiles was built on Follies and Fables. Their most solemn Mysteries to which they were admitted after so long a circuit of Ceremonies and great preparations, contained nothing but a prodigious mixture of Vanity and Impiety, worthy to be concealed in everlasting darkness. Besides, the confirmation of the Gospel by Miracles doth authorize it above all humane Institutions. And the glorious eternal Reward of it infinitely exceeds whatever is propounded by them. But that which gives it the most visible preeminence,³ is, That it is a Doctrine according to godliness. The End is the character of its nature. The whole contexture and harmony of its Doctrines, Precepts, Promises, Threatenings is for the exaltation of Godliness. The objects of Faith revealed are not merely speculative, to be conceived and believed only as true, or to be gazed on in an Ecstasy of Wonder, but are Mysteries of Godliness, that have a powerful influence upon practice.