Before proceeding directly to argue this question, we need to settle definitely the meaning of the phrase _spirit of dependence_. The _conviction_ of our dependence is one thing. The _spirit_ of dependence is quite another. What is this spirit? In its exercise, the mind _rests in voluntary dependence upon the grace of God_. The heart is fully set upon doing the right, and avoiding the wrong, while the mind is in the voluntary exercise of _trust_ in God for "grace whereby we may serve Him acceptably." The _spirit_ of dependence, then, implies obedience actually commenced. The question is, does the belief of the doctrine of Liberty tend intrinsically to induce the exercise of this spirit? In this respect, has it altogether a superiority over the doctrine of Necessity? DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY TENDS NOT TO INDUCE THE SPIRIT OF DEPENDENCE. 1. In accomplishing my object, I will first consider the tendency, in this one respect, of the doctrine of Necessity. An individual, we will suppose, finds himself under influences which induce him to sin, and which consequently, if this doctrine is true, render it impossible for him, without the interposition of Divine power, not to sin. A consideration of his condition tends to _convince_ him, that is, to induce the intellectual conviction, of his entire dependence upon Divine grace. But the intellectual _conviction_ of our dependence, as above shown, is one thing. The _spirit_ of dependence, which, as there stated, consists in actually trusting the Most High for grace to do what he requires, and implies actual obedience already commenced, is quite another thing. Now the doctrine of Necessity has a tendency to produce this _conviction_, but none to induce the _spirit_ of dependence: inasmuch as with this conviction, it produces another equally strong, to wit: that the creature, without a Divine interposition, will not, and cannot, exercise the _spirit_ of dependence. In thus producing the conviction, that, under present influences, the subject does not, and cannot exercise that spirit, this doctrine tends exclusively to the annihilation of that Spirit.