not Salvation as Buyers and Mercenaries: but as Children and Heirs, Rom. 8.17. Col. 3.24.
Q. Why canaot Works done by the Grace of God Merit?
A. First, Because they are imperfect. Secondly, Because they do proceed from the Grace of God, for that which is given cannot merit from him who gave it. Third∣ly, Because they are due, and the payment of Debts is no Merit, Luke 17.10. When you shall have done all these things which are commanded, say you, we are unprofita∣ble servants, we have done that which was our duty to do: Fourthly, Because they sig∣nifie nothing to God: My goodness extendeth not to thee, Psal. 16.2. Job 22.2, 3. and 35.7. and Fifthly, Because they are not to be compared with the glory which shall be re∣vealed in us, Rom.
8.18.
Q. Why then doth the Word of God speak so often of salvation as of a reward?
A. It is not a reward merited, or given to a Mercenary as a thing due, of which St. Paul speaks, Rom. 4.4. To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of Grace, but of debt: but Salvation is a free reward which is given as to a child, of which
David speaks, 103.4. The Lord crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercy.