The mercy of the gospel is free mercy. It is pure mercy, without any view to merit, either before its reception or afterward. Before it is received, there is nothing but sin in him who is to receive it. There is nothing even to qualify him for grace, more than there is in those from whom it is withheld. After it is received, it makes a change in the life and heart of the receiver; but this, instead of being repayment of debt, is an additional obligation. Our good works are of God as well as our faith. The mercy which God bestows is wholly without money and without price.

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