1839 Circular Letter of the Redstone Association
He once thought the way of salvation through Christ was established on terms and conditions, and that he must both will and run, or never obtain mercy. He now sees that salvation is of grace through faith, and that not of himself, it is the gift of God, and that it is not of him that wills, or him that runs, but of God that showeth mercy. In this we see old things have passed away and behold all things have become new, and what things were gain to him he now counts lost for Christ, that he may be found in him, not having on his own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. See Phil. Iii. 7,8,9.
But this change more fully develops itself in its effects on the moral conduct of the sinner: the proud and haughty wretch, now becomes a humble penitent; yea, the drunkard becomes a sober man without the aid of abstinence societies: it makes an honest man of a rogue—a man of truth of a liar.—Looking back at his past conduct he exclaims, alas what fruit had I in these things whereof I am now ashamed, for the end of these things is death! Yes, the swearing sinner has now become a praying saint, not using the self applauding praise of the proud; but he prays with the Spirit and with the understanding. Oh! What a display of invincible grace! Well might the Poet say:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
And again:
Oh! To grace how great a debtor,
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Ah! Let that grace Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee.
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