Good works do not proceed, or induce grace; but grace is before and induces good works. Good works then are not independent of grace, but good works follow as a result of grace. Works, whether good or bad, do not lead to repentance; but the "goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Neither believers nor unbelievers can induce faith and repentance in themselves nor in others but the Bible says faith "is given," and that Jesus is exalted to "give repentance." We are saved "not of works," but we are saved "by grace." Our works do not bring salvation; but the "grace of God brings salvation," and "teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly and righteously in this present evil world." Men nor all their works cannot save from hell and bring even one soul to God. But "God CHOOSES and CAUSES the man to approach unto him." Since man cannot save himself, he is necessitated to cry unto God, "Lord save me." While we feel a deep concern for our fellow-beings here and hereafter, we cannot save them from death in sins. Salvation is not left with men. With men salvation is impossible, but not with God; "for with God all things are possible." So those dead in sin cannot save themselves, "can do nothing;" but Paul by the Spirit says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." God saves us from hell and then commands, inclines and causes us to save ourselves from this untoward (bad) generation." God having saved you, dear brethren, by the renewing work of the Spirit, he commands you to work out your own salvation, while he also "worketh in you both to will and to do"--enabling you to obey. So grace and works are linked together as cause and effect. Grace is the cause and good works the effect. Dear brethren, good works are performed by us, but not without God then working in us. When we work out our salvation "it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure;" for "God hath wrought all our Works in us." To God be all the praise. Dear reader, do you love God and his people? Then you are born again, and as a result of this grace you will be led to perform good works. And I beg you to abound in good works more and more. If some of you who read this have never felt this love for God, but you love the vain ways of the world and are pleased with sin, then your condition is indeed bad. Yet you need not conclude you are doomed to sin and to torment, and so increase in sin yet more. God is able to yet dispose and draw you to Jesus if it seems good in His sight. And him that is thus drawn in loving desire, or "cometh to Jesus He will in nowise cast out." If saved you must be saved, not of your works, but by God's grace, through the obedience of Jesus Christ. If according to his will, may God "put his fear within you" and shed abroad His love in your "heart by the Holy Ghost."

Mexia, Tex. M.D. DENMAN.