merit, but of grace. We are saved by Christ, brought to glory by
Christ, and all our works are no other ways made acceptable to God
but by the person and personal excellencies and works of Christ;
therefore, whatever the jewels are, and the bracelets and the
pearls, that thou shalt be adorned with as a reward of service done
for God in the world, for them thou must thank Christ, and before
all confess that he was the meritorious cause thereof.

Christ must be helpful to thee every way, or he will be helpful to
thee no way; thou must enter in by every whit of Christ, or thou
shalt enter in by never a whit of him. Wherefore look not to have
him thy Saviour, if thou take him not for King and Prophet; nay,
thou shalt not have him in any one, if thou dost not take him in
every one of these.

Christ shall bear the glory of our salvation from sin, preservation
in the midst of all temptations, and of our going to glory; also he
shall bear the glory of our labor in the gospel, of our gifts and
abilities, of making our work and labor effectual to the saving of
sinners, that in all things he might have the preeminence.

If you have indeed laid Christ, God-man, for your foundation, then
you do lay the hope of your felicity and joy on this, that the Son
of Mary is now absent from his children in his person and humanity,
making intercession for them and for thee in the presence of his
Father. 2 Cor. 5:6.

And the reason that thou canst rejoice hereat is, because thou hast
not only heard of it with thine ear, but dost enjoy the sweet hope
and faith of it in thy heart; which hope and faith are begotten by