The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it

1. By his most free Grace they are restored in conversion to that Spiritual Power by which they serve him. The Chaos was not a deader Lump before the Spirit of God moved on the Face of the Waters, than the best of Men were before the vital influences of the Spirit wrought upon them. And for this they are so deeply obliged to God, that if a thousand times more for his Glory were performed, yet they cannot discharge what they owe.

1. By his most free Grace they are restored in conversion to that Spiritual Power by which they serve him. The Chaos was not a deader Lump before the Spirit of God moved on the Face of the Waters, than the best of Men were before the vital influences of the Spirit wrought upon them. And for this they are so deeply obliged to God, that if a thousand times more for his Glory were perform'd, yet they cannot discharge what they owe.

2. The continuance and increase of ⟨p. 69⟩the powerful supplies of Grace to the Saints, who even since their holy calling by many lapses have justly deserved that God should withdraw his grieved Spirit, are new Obligations to Thankfulness: and the more Grace the less Merit.

3. The best Works of Men are imperfect, allayed with the mixtures of Infirmities, and not of full weight in the Divine Balance. If God should strictly examine our Righteousness, 'twill be found neither pure nor perfect in his Eyes, and without Favour and Indulgence would be rejected. And that which wants Pardon, cannot deserve Praise and Glory. He shows Mercy to thousands that love him, and keep his Commandments. If Obedience were meritorious, it were strict justice to reward them. The Apostle prays for Onesiphorus, who had exposed himself to great danger for his love to the Gospel, The Lord grant he may find Mercy in that day. The Divine Mercy gives the Crown of Life to the Faithful in the day of eternal Recompenses.