As the doctrines of election and perseverance are comfortable

As the doctrines of election and perseverance are comfortable, so they
cut off all pretense of boasting and self-dependence, when they are
truly received in the heart, and therefore tend to exalt the Saviour. …
How do our hearts soften, and our eyes melt, when we feel some liberty
in thinking and speaking of him! For we had no help in time past, nor
can have any in time to come, but from him alone. If any persons have
contributed a mite to their own salvation, it was more than we could do.
If any were obedient and faithful to the first calls and impressions of
the Spirit, it was not our case. If any were prepared to receive him
beforehand, we know that we were in a state of alienation from him. We
needed sovereign irresistible grace to save us, or we had been lost
forever. If there are any who have a power of their own, we must confess
ourselves poorer than they are. We cannot watch, unless he watches us;
we cannot strive, unless he strives with us; we cannot stand for one
moment, unless he holds us up; and we believe we must perish after all,
unless his faithfulness is engaged to keep us. But this we trust he will
do, not for our righteousness, but for his own name’s sake, and because
having loved us with an everlasting love, he has been pleased in loving
kindness to draw us to himself, and to be found of us when we sought him
not.

John Newton

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