The Gracious Provision of God's Mercy.
By F. M. Wilcox
The provisions of God's grace are most bountiful. Were other conditions than simple faith made the basis of acceptance, few indeed could avail themselves of the proffers of mercy through Christ. None could come through the merit of their moral worth; a few, perhaps, might be accepted if the possession of wealth was the condition of divine acceptance; a few more might be included if worldly education, or renown, or honor, were regarded of God. But were any of these the basis, the great mass of mankind must have forever perished. But faith, simple faith, is the only condition required. And the offer is to all—the high and low, the rich and poor, the free and bond—"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." And "whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." No conditions or surroundings can prevent this volition of the will. All may come to God by this condition; all must come on this condition to obtain acceptance. The mightiest potentate can make no different terms with God. He must come, if he comes at all, in the exercise of the same simple, childlike trust as the meanest and lowest of his subjects. Herein is manifested the impartiality, depth, and fullness of the love of God to man. F. M. Wilcox.