Papists themselves are compelled to own that Paul ascribes to the grace of God the whole glory of our salvation, but endeavor to do away with this admission by another contrivance. This mode of expression, they tell us, is employed, because God bestows the first grace. It is really foolish to imagine that they can succeed in this way, since Paul excludes man and his utmost ability, - not only from the commencement, but throughout, - from the whole work of obtaining salvation.
But it is still more absurd to overlook the apostle's inference, lest any man should boast. Some room must always remain for man's boasting, so long as, independently of grace, merits are of any avail. Paul's doctrine is overthrown, unless the whole praise is rendered to God alone and to his mercy. And here we must advert to a very common error in the interpretation of this passage. Many persons restrict the word gift to faith alone. But Paul is only repeating in other words the former sentiment. His meaning is, not that faith is the gift of God, but that salvation is given to us by God, or, that we obtain it by the gift of God.
Amen! It's all a free gift, from beginning to end. And none can boast.
Nay, Harley, and everything that he can call his own, is set aside. We must attend to the contrast between Calvin and wretched Harley; like grace and works. Why should Calvin be contrasted with Harley?
Harley’s doctrine is overthrown, unless the whole praise is rendered to God alone and to his mercy with Calvin. For Harley is only repeating in other words the former sentiment.