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2. The way in which guilty sinners can be saved. By grace they are saved. This is the only way, and it is open to all. The least sinner can only be saved by grace; and grace can save the chief of sinners.

All are invited in the Gospel. Him that cometh, grace will receive, and Christ will not cast off. All who follow an opposite course, instead of building, are pulling down the Lord's temple. No method of opposition is more dishonouring to Christ, or ruining to sinners, than free will or good works. These are diametrically opposite to grace, and inimical in the highest degree. Grace opens a door of hope to the chief of sinners. If it should be objected, "that grace only saves them who receive it when offered, and believe when they hear; but I have long trampled on it and refused it; it should be remembered that it is the nature and glory of grace, not to pardon some sins only, but every sin. The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin; and some sinners of every description will at last join in shouting, Grace, grace.

3. The reason why sinners under the Gospel perish. It is not that grace cannot save them, for it is almighty. It is not that it will not save them, for then it would cease to be grace. It is not that others are preferred; were this the reason, grace would be no more free. It is not because grace is out of their reach; it is brought near in the Gospel. They do not perish because they are not invited; the Saviour in his grace says, Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved. It is not because they have ground to doubt about the sincerity of the offer. We cannot hesitate a moment about the sincerity of him

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who laid down his life, and beseeches sinners to be reconciled. But Gospel hearers perish because they wilfully neglect and despise salvation by free grace. Now as well as formerly Christ has reason for the complaint, "Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." What can sinners object to this method of salvation? It gives God the glory, and saves the sinner. How can you escape, if you neglect so great salvation? Consider. Be wise. Now is the accepted time. Receive not the grace of God in vain. You are called; Christ now waits for your answer. In a little you must appear before him to receive your sentence and doom. Think on eternity. Compare the torments of hell with the exercise and enjoyments of heaven. Those who perish have nothing but weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth; but the saints will eternally enjoy God, and praise his grace.

In fine, from this subject believers may learn when they are most meet for heaven, and have the best evidence that they shall be brought into the palace of the King. It is when they are most employed in adoring and admiring Divine grace. We are fitted and qualified for the enjoyment and exercises of the redeemed above in proportion to our receiving and improving the Lord's grace below. In heaven the saints will be swallowed up in eternal admiration of Divine grace. We should not be slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. If the Lord's people would form any just conceptions of the exercise and employ of heaven, they should reflect on those seasons when they were admitted to the greatest nearness and

familiarity to God. Then, abstracted from the world, sovereign and free grace occupied their attention, impressed their minds, and ravished their heart. Believing the promises, and invigorated to see their names in the Lamb's book of life, pouring out their hearts to God, and tasting the comforts of the Holy Ghost, they have been filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory. These are their best seasons and sweetest enjoyments. They are the gate of heaven, but inconceivably short of future glory. Heaven will be a great surprise to all who reach it! After all they have heard and enjoyed, they will find their ideas have been low, disproportionate, and inadequate; and that heaven has been indeed within the vail! Courage, O believer, your warfare will be accomplished. Your trials will be ended. Your enemies will be conquered, and you will be crowned. You shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Heaven will compensate all your troubles. Grace will save you, and you shall praise grace. Christ will bring forth the headstone, and then, in conjunction with all the redeemed, to eternity, you will shout and sing GRACE, GRACE UNTO IT!!

END OF THE SERMONS.

CORRESPONDENCE

BETWEEN THE

REV. WILLIAM BARLASS

AND

THE REV. JOHN NEWTON,

LATE RECTOR OF ST. MARY WOOLNOTH,

LOMBARD-STREET, LONDON.

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED.

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