I. A _gracious_ preparation; or, a preparation through the inherent efficacy, and transforming influence of _divine grace_. The nature of man is so depraved, and all the faculties of the soul are so alienated from the life of God, that a divine and supernatural power is absolutely requisite to the restoration of that image, which sin effaced; to the recovery of that happiness, which man, as a transgressor, has forfeited; to the implantation of those fruits of righteousness, which were eradicated by the fall; and to the possession of _that_ divine and gracious “_thing_, _which BY NATURE man_ CANNOT HAVE.” {353} For, “the condition of man, after the fall of _Adam_, is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his _own natural strength_ and good works, to faith, and calling upon God: wherefore we have _no power_ to do good works pleasant and _acceptable_ to God, without the GRACE of God by Christ _preventing_ us, _that we may have_ a good will, and _working with_ us, _when_ we have that good will.” Thus speaks Article X. “Of free will.” And the XIIIth is equally strong and express. “Works done _before_ the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith.” It may be urged, that “these are the words of fallible men.” A poor evasive plea this. For though the _words_ be the composition of fallible men, yet the sentiments are the truths of the infallible God: for the scriptures declare that _the preparation of the heart in man is_ OF THE LORD; Prov. xvi. 1. See also I Chron. xxix. 18; that we _must be born again_, John, iii. 7; that being _dead in trespasses and sins_, we must be _quickened by God_, Ephes. ii. 1; that _no man can come unto Christ_, _except the Father_ DRAW _him_, John, vi. 44; that, _if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his_, Rom. viii. 9; _that it is God who worketh in us_, _to will and to do of his good pleasure_, Phil. xxii. 13; and that, _without_ (or χωρις severed from) _Christ we can do nothing_, but sin, and err. John, xv. 5. The nature of man, since the fall, is _depraved_: nothing but grace can rectify and renew it. It is _disordered_: grace alone provides a remedy. It is _polluted_: its innate defilement is cleansed by grace. It is _unholy_: _the grace of God_, _which bringeth_ present _salvation_, _teacheth us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts_. Titus, iii. 12. It is _debased_ by sin: nothing can ennoble or exalt it, but all-sufficient grace. It is _weak_ and _impotent_: grace alone can strengthen and fortify it against temptation. It is _rebellious_: grace controls and captivates its most stubborn opposition, and makes its powers passive, and flexible. Human nature is _barren_: and nothing but all-conquering grace can subdue its sterility. It is grace that _breaks up the fallow ground_; softens the soil; sows the seed; cherishes it, when sown; makes it spring; brings it