Christian observations and resolutions, or, The daylie practise of the renewed man, turning all occurrents to spirituall uses, and these uses to his vnion with God I. centurie : vvith a resolution for death, &c. / newlie published by Mr William Struther ...

24. Saluation is of Grace alone.

THe Grace of God in man, hath no greater enemie, than man himselfe: Sathan hath his name from Inimitie to God and good, and the world commeth in vnder his Standard in that warre: But they cannot all hurt vs so, as wee our selfe. Their businesse is without, and cannot preuaile, except our corruption bring it within, and partie it against vs. All these enemies may will our hurt, but cānot work it: Our yeelding to them, gi∣ueth both life and way to their euil will. Of our selues wee meere Grace offered with neglect, contempt and opposition, and when wee haue receiued it with abuse and vnthankfulnesse.

Grace justlie beareth the name, for it is a free gift, God is good to vs, for no foreseene good in vs, but of his free fauour: Hee findeth vs euill, and maketh

vs good: The beginning, growth and and perfection of Saluation, is all of Grace: It is good to finde this our na∣tiue gracelesse disposition: When wee finde nothing but euill in vs, and all good to come freelie of God, then wee knowe the praise of the glorie of his Grace.

Who so seeketh any ground of his Saluation, or Election in his foreseene faith, or Workes, or Humilitie, is not humble, but proud against God: hee maketh himselfe a step-bairne, and not a natiue Sonne of God: He is not be∣gotten of a speciall loue, but respected with a posteriot and following fauour, which dependeth on some worthinesse foreseene in himselfe, and the worke of it vpon the willingnes of his owne will.

Hee who buildeth vpon his owne will, and not on the good will of God, can neither haue stabilitie nor peace on so tottering a foūdatiō: As foolish babes presuming of ther owne strength, will not receiue the prepared meate by the

hand of their mother, but with their owne hand, they losse that foode, de∣file their garmentes, and starue in the meane time. So proud, selfe-sufficient men will not receiue Saluation by Gods powerfull application.

They must be partiall workers them∣selues, and Gods worke must depend on their will, and so they loose the offe∣red Saluation: They who with a chil∣dish pryde will not bee freely saued, most justlie are not saued at all: God wrought the worke in it selfe without vs; and in the application hee sweetelie and powerfullie bowes our will to re∣ceiue it. This giueth glory to him, and peace to vs. The Angel ranked these thinges aright. Glorie to God in heauen, Peace on earth, and towards men good will. Luke 2. Gods good will giueth peace to men, and the glorie of all is due to God alone.