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gave his only Son, very God, to become very man, Phil. ii. 6 - 11, and being made a common person and surety in man's stead, died, and endured the punishment due to the sin of man, and rose again, and was exalted to sit at God's right hand to reign, having all authority committed unto him. Thus he made the new covenant of grace, established in his Son Jesus Christ; the tenor and condition whereof required on man's part is, that man accept of, and enter into this covenant, believing in Christ, in whom it is established; then, whosoever believeth in him, shall not die, but have everlasting life, John iii. 16. This God did in his wisdom, justice, mercy, and love to man, that he himself might be just, and yet a justifier of him that is of the faith of Jesus, Rom. iii. 26. And he has therefore given his word and sacraments, and has called, and has given gifts to his ministers, Eph. iv. 8, thereby to beget, and increase faith in men, by publishing this good news, and by commanding them, as in Christ's stead, in God's name, to believe, and to be reconciled to God, 2 Cor. v. 20, and to live no longer according to the will of their old masters, the devil, the world, and the flesh, under whom they were in cursed bondage; but according to the will of him that redeemed them, in holiness and righteousness, whose service is a perfect and blessed freedom.

Now when you have learned these lessons first, and by looking into yourselves can find faith and new obedience, 2 Peter i. 5, 10, 11, then, by this your effectual calling, you may safely ascend to that high point of your predestination, which will give you comfort, through assurance that you shall never fall away.

When you observe this order in learning your election to life, it will not minister unto you matter of curious and dangerous dispute, either with God or man; but of high admiration, thanksgiving, and unspeakable comfort, causing you to cry out with the apostle, O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God, &c. Rom. xi. 33. And, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus