An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

2 COR. 1. 1. Grace be to you, &c.

WE have heard, That the grace of God is the chiefest and most eminent ¹mercy that we can desire, either for our selves, or others. We have been informed, who are those capable and fit Subjects, that may partake of this grace of God. There remain some more Qualifications to be insisted upon. And

1. 1Who are fit subjects to partake of Gods grace without.

First, Such only partake of Gods grace without, who have true inward sanctifying grace. For although it be true, that the grace of God without us, is to be preferred and esteemed above all inherent grace, yet these are inseparably conjoined together. None can claim Gods grace, and plead the merciful effects thereof, but such who have this testimony, and evidence within. It is true, this grace (as is to be showed) maketh way for it self; and begins the first stone in this spiritual foundation: but then the subsequent effects of this grace, are only to those, who have the inward work of it upon their own souls. And this must be diligently observed, that so wicked and ungodly men may not think to taste of this tree of life: What hast thou to do, to speak of Gods grace, to hope in Gods grace, who hast no grace in thy heart? Think not, that God will extend it to such as thou art; for then it would be such grace, as would encourage to sin, and embolden in evil ways. Then we might truly take up that resolution, which the Apostle with so much indignation rejecteth, Let us sin that grace may abound. No, the whole word of God speaketh no grace, no peace to a wicked man. It's not the grace of God, but the anger, the fury, and the wrath of God to such persons. Hence