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is not competent to the discovery of any other, that will obviate the complicated miseries produced
by sin, then the religion of nature cannot save; then it is not, and cannot be, the religion that will
suffice for sinners.
Two obligations, each demanding the whole heart, arising from two distinct relations, would
interfere and prove inconsistent, were they due to distinct Beings. No man can serve two masters. -
But if both relations originate from the same source, and terminate in the same object; if he
who is the CREATOR, be also the REDEEMER, no different interests, no clashing
of authority, no inconsistency can arise from the additional obligation. The duties
may sweetly blend, and one harmonious, rational and divine service be the blessed result.
All these defects are compensated, all these important ends obtained in revealed religion.
This fully recognizes and cordially embraces, as of necessity it ought, the religion of nature. But it does
much more. It meets the new character. It reveals a new relation. It opens a new
access to GOD and happiness. And in this, its essential peculiarity consists.
Revealed religion considers men as sinners, and expressly treats with them as such. CHRIST
came to call, not the righteous, but sinners to