A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

III. My next Work shall be to give you some Reasons why it must be so, that Grace is the Original Cause of all the Blessings we receive from God; because it is most for the Glory of God, and most for the Comfort of the Creature.

1. It is most convenient for the Glory of God, to keep up the Respects of the Creature to him, in a way suitable to his Majesty. Mark, God would dispense Blessings in such a way, as might beat down Despair, and carnal Confidence at the same time; Man had need of Mercy, but deserveth none; Despair would keep us from returning to God, and carnal Confidence from ascribing all to God: therefore as the Lord would not have Flesh to glory, so neither to be cut off from all Hope. It is of Grace that we may hope, and keep up our Respect to God; for there is nothing that keeps up the Devotion and Respects of the Creature to God, so much as Grace: The Psalmist intimates this, There is Forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared, Psal. 130.4. Mercy in God makes us fear, love and respect him. And it is of Grace, that Flesh may not glory; Ephes. 2.9. Not of Works, lest any Man should boast, but that God may have all the Glory of his Grace. If God did not deal with us upon Terms of Grace, Despair would make us let go all sense of Duty; and a guilty Creature would stand at a distance, and fly from the sight of God. Some think, that the only way to gain Men to a sense of Religion, is by rubbing the Conscience, and keeping it raw and sore with Terror: But the Psalmist faith, There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared; this is the best way to keep up the Creatures Respects. False Worships are merely supported by Terror and Fear; but God, that hath the best Title to the Heart, will gain it by Love and Grace. But as Despair standeth in the way of God's Glory, so doth carnal Confidence: Now Grace taketh off all boasting; 1 Cor. 1.31. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Here is nothing of Pre-engagement, Merit and Hire; yea, it is for the Glory of the Supreme Majesty, that he should act freely, and that his Blessings should come to us, not as a Thing deserved, but as a Gift; and that he should entertain us as a King, not as an Host. He that hath no Money, come ye, buy and eat, yea come, buy Wine and Milk without Money, and without Price,