3. From what has been said concerning the apostasy of some from that faith which they once made a profession of, we may infer; that it is only the grace of God experienced in truth, that will preserve us from turning aside from the faith of the gospel. The apostle speaks of some who, by embracing those doctrines that were subversive of the gospel, are _fallen from grace_, Gal. v. 4. that is, from the doctrines of grace; concerning whom he says, that _Christ profited them nothing_, or was _become of no effect to them_, chap. v. 2, 4. that is, the gospel, which contains a display of the glory of Christ, was of no saving advantage to them. All the sad instances we have of many, who are tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, and are made a prey to those that lie in wait to deceive, proceed from their being destitute of the grace of God, which would have a tendency to preserve them from turning aside from the faith of the gospel. 4. Let us be exhorted to be as diligent and watchful against the breakings forth of corruption, and endeavour to avoid all occasions of sin, as much as though perseverance in grace were to be ascribed to our own endeavours, or as though God had given us no ground to conclude that he would enable us to persevere; and yet, at the same time, depend on his assistance, without which this blessing cannot be attained, and hope in his mercy and faithfulness, and lay hold on the promises which he has given us, that it shall go well with us in the end, or that we shall have all joy and peace in believing. 5. Let us not only endeavour to persevere, but grow in grace; which two blessings are joined together; as it is said, _The righteous also shall hold on his way; and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger_, Job xvii. 9. 6. This doctrine has a great tendency to support and fortify believers, under the most adverse dispensations of providence, which, at any time, they are liable to; and to comfort them under all the assaults of their spiritual enemies; since though they may be suffered to discourage or give them interruption in the exercise of those graces which they have experienced, yet grace shall not be wholly extinguished. And sometimes, by the over-ruling providence of God, those things which in themselves have a tendency to weaken their faith, shall be ordered as a means to increase it; so that when they can do nothing in their own strength, they may be enabled, by depending on Christ, and receiving strength from him, to prevail against all the opposition they meet with, and come off _more than conquerors_, at last, _through him that loved them_, Rom. viii. 37. Footnote 81: _See Whitby’s discourse, &c._ _page 463._ Footnote 82: _See Vol. I. Page 469._ Footnote 83: _See Vol. I. page 481, and page 135-138._ Footnote 84: _See Vol. II. page 170, 171._ Footnote 85: _See Vol. I. page 477_, & albi passim. Footnote 86: _See Vol. I. page 437._ Footnote 87: _See Page 11, 12, ante._