4. We allow farther, that the use of all means whatever, will never atone for one sin; that it is the blood of Christ alone, whereby any sinner can be reconciled to God; there being no other propitiation for our sins, no other fountain for sin and uncleanness. Every believer in Christ is deeply convinced, that there is no _merit_, but in him: that there is no _merit_ in any of his own works; not in uttering the prayer, or searching the scripture, or hearing the word of God, or eating of that bread and drinking of that cup. So that if no more be intended by the expression some have used, “Christ is the only means of grace,” than this, that he is the only _meritorious cause_ of it, it cannot be gain-said by any who know the grace of God. 5. Yet once more. We allow (though it is a melancholy truth) that a large proportion of those who are called Christians, do to this day abuse the means of grace, to the destruction of their souls. This is doubtless the case with all those who rest content, in the form of godliness without the power. Either they fondly presume, they are Christians already, because they do thus and thus; although Christ was never yet revealed in their hearts, nor the love of God shed abroad therein: or else they suppose, they shall infallibly be so, barely because they use these means: idly dreaming (though perhaps hardly conscious thereof) either that there is some kind of _power_ therein, whereby sooner or later (they know not when) they shall certainly be made holy: or that there is a sort of _merit_ in using them, which will surely move God to give them holiness, or accept them without it. 6. So little do they understand that great foundation of the whole Christian building, * _By grace ye are saved._ Ye are saved from your sins, from the guilt and power thereof, ye are restored to the favour and image of God, not for any works, _merits_ or deservings of yours, but by the free _grace_, the mere mercy of God, through the _merits_ of his well-beloved Son. Ye are thus saved, not by any _power_, wisdom or strength, which is in you, or in any other creature: but merely through the grace or _power_ of the Holy Ghost, which worketh all in all. 7. But the main question remains. We know this salvation is the gift and the work of God. But how, (may one say, who is convinced he hath it not) may I attain thereto? If you say, “Believe, and thou shalt be saved:” he answers, True; but how shall I believe? You reply, Wait upon God.――Well. But how am I to wait? In the means of grace, or out of them? Am I to wait for the grace of God which bringeth salvation, by using these means, or by laying them aside? 8. It cannot possibly be conceived, that the word of God should give no direction in so important a point: or that the Son of God, who came down from heaven for us men and for our salvation, should have left us undetermined with regard to a question, wherein our salvation is so nearly concerned.