Many there be that begin with grace and end with works, and think
that is the only way. Indeed, works will save from temporal
punishments, when their imperfections are purged from them by the
intercession of Christ; but to be saved and brought to glory, to be
carried through this dangerous world from my first moving after
Christ until I set foot within the gates of paradise, this is the
work of my Mediator, of my High-priest and Intercessor. It is he
that fetches us again when we are run away; it is he that lifts us
up when the devil and sin have thrown us down; it is he that
quickens us when we grow cold; it is he that comforts us when we
despair; it is he that obtains fresh pardon when we have contracted
sin, and that purges our consciences when they are laden with guilt.
I know that rewards do wait for them in heaven, that believe in
Christ, and shall do well on earth; but this is not a reward of
merit, but of grace. We are saved by Christ, brought to glory by
Christ, and all our works are no other ways made acceptable to God
but by the person and personal excellencies and works of Christ;
therefore, whatever the jewels are, and the bracelets and the
pearls, that thou shalt be adorned with as a reward of service done
for God in the world, for them thou must thank Christ, and before
all confess that he was the meritorious cause thereof.
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