The Marrow of Modern Divnity - Monergism...THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY by Edward Fisher CONTENTS...

THEMARROWOFMODERNDIVINITYbyEdwardFisher

CONTENTS

PARTI.

ThePreface.(8k)TheDedication.(4k)AddresstotheReader.(16k)Introduction.Sect.I.Differenceaboutthelaw,2.Athreefoldlaw.(21k)

CHAP.I.OftheLawofWorks,orCovenantofWorks.Sect.I.Thenatureofthecovenantofworks.(17k)Sect.II.Adam'sfall.(5k)Sect.III.Thesinfulnessandmiseryofmankindbythefall.(6k)Sect.IV.Norecoverybythelaw,orcovenantofworks.(8k)Sect.V.Thecovenantofworksbinding,thoughbroken.(2k)

CHAP.II.OftheLawofFaith,orCovenantofGrace.Sect.I.Oftheeternalpurposeofgrace.(15k)Sect.II.Ofthepromise.

ThepromisemadetoAdam.(17k)ThepromiserenewedtoAbraham.(13k)Thelaw,asthecovenantofworks,addedtothepromise.(40k)ThepromiseandcovenantwithAbraham,renewedwiththeIsraelites.(12k)ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensation.(51k)Thenaturalbiastowardsthecovenantofworks.(27k)TheAntinomianfaithrejected.(14k)Theeviloflegalism.(6k)

Sect.III.Oftheperformanceofthepromise.

Christ'sfulfillingofthelawintheroomoftheelect.(31k)Believersdeadtothelawasthecovenantofworks.(63k)ThewarranttobelieveinChrist.(57k)Evangelicalrepentanceaconsequentoffaith.(26k)

ThespiritualmarriagewithJesusChrist.(20k)Justificationbeforefaith,refuted.(7k)Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.(50k)

CHAP.III.OftheLawofChrist.

ThenatureofthelawofChrist.(14k)Thelawofthetencommandmentsaruleoflifetobelievers.(14k)Antinomianobjectionsanswered.(20k)Thenecessityofmarksandsignsofgrace.(14k)Antinomianobjectionsanswered.(7k)Holinessandgoodworksattainedtoonlybyfaith.(29k)Slavishfearandservilehopenotthespringsoftrueobedience.(26k)Theefficacyoffaithforholinessofheartandlife.(27k)Useofmeansforstrengtheningoffaith.(3k)Thedistinctionofthelawofworks,andlawofChrist,appliedtosixparadoxes.(16k)Theuseofthatdistinctioninpractice.(36k)ThatdistinctionameanbetwixtlegalismandAntinomianism.(5k)Howtoattaintoassurance.(10k)Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.(4k)Howtorecoverlostevidences.(4k)MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.(12k)

CHAP.IV.OftheHeart'sHappiness,orSoul'sRest.

NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.(8k)HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.(19k)GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.(17k)

THECONCLUSION(4k)

PARTII.

Dedication.(5k)

TheAuthortotheReader.(6k)

Introduction,(10k)Ignorantmenconfinethemeaningofthetencommandments,ThetencommandmentsanepitomeofthelawofGod,Sixrulesfortherightexpoundingofthetencommandments.

Thesumofthefirstcommandment,&c.(13k)Whereinthefirstandsecondcommandmentsdiffer,&c.(13k)Whereinthesecondandthirdcommandmentsdiffer,&c.(21k)Thedifferencebetweenthethirdandfourthcommandments,&c.(7k)Thesumofthefifthcommandment.(21k)Thesumofthesixthcommandment.(9k)Thesumoftheseventhcommandment.(5k)Thesumoftheeighthcommandment.(7k)Thesumoftheninthcommandment.(7k)Thesumofthetenthcommandment.(7k)

Theuseofthelaw.(56k)TheLordrequirethperfectobediencetoallthetencommandments.Allmenbynatureundersin,wrath,andeternaldeath.Christhathredeemedbelieversfromthecurseofthelaw.Everyman'sbestactionsarecorruptedanddefiledwithsin.Theleastsinfulthoughtmakesmanliabletoeternaldamnation.Thoughmancannotbejustifiedbyhisobediencetothelaw,yetshallnothisobediencebeinvain.Manisnaturallyapttothinkhemustdosomethingtowardshisownjustification,andactaccordingly.Christrequiresthatbelieversdodesireandendeavourtoyieldperfectobediencetoallthetencommandments.Believersshallberewardedfortheirobedience,andwithwhat.Afterwhatmannerbelieversaretomakeconfessionoftheirsinsuponadayofhumiliation.WhyandtowhatendbelieversaretoreceivethesacramentoftheLord'sSupper.

THEDIFFERENCEBETWEENTHELAWANDTHEGOSPEL.(17k)

Appendix(103k)TheOccasionofthe"Marrow"Controversy,StatedbytheLateRev.JohnBrown,ofHaddington.QueriesAgreedUntobytheCommissionoftheGeneralAssembly,andputtothoseMinisterswhogaveinaRepresentationandPetitionagainstthe5thand8thActsofAssembly1720,withtheAnswersgivenbytheseMinisterstotheSaidQueries.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

IhaveperusedthisensuingDialogue,andfindittendingtopeaceandholiness;theauthorendeavouringtoreconcileandhealthoseunhappydifferences,whichhavelatelybrokenoutafreshamongstus,aboutthepointsthereinhandledandcleared;forwhichcauseIallowittobeprinted,andrecommendittothereader,asadiscoursestoredwithmanynecessaryandseasonabletruths,confirmedbyScripture,andavowedbymanyapprovedwriters:allcomposedinafamiliar,plain,moderatestyle,withoutbitternessagainst,oruncomelyreflectionsuponothers,whichflieshavelatelycorruptedmanyboxesofotherwisepreciousointment.May1,1645.JOS.CARYL.

Themarrowofthesecondboneislikethatofthefirst,sweetandgood.ThecommandmentsofGodaremarrowtothesaints,aswellasthepromises;andtheyshallnevertastethemarrowofthepromisewhodistastethecommandments.Thislittletreatisebreakeththebone,thehardpartofcommandments,byaplainexposition,thatsoall,evenbabesinChrist,yea,suchasareyetoutofChrist,maysuckoutandfeeduponthemarrowbyprofitablemeditation.Sept.6,1648.JOS.CARYL.

Ifthouwiltpleasetoperusethislittlebook,thoushaltfindgreatworthinit.Thereisalineofagraciousspiritdrawnthroughit,whichhasfastenedmanyprecioustruthstogether,andpresentedthemtothyview:accordingtothevarietyofmen'sspirits,thevariouswaysofpresentingknowntruthsareprofitable.ThegraceofGodhashelpedthisauthorinmakinghiswork.Ifitinlikemannerhelptheeinreading,thoushalthavecausetoblessGodforthesetruthsthusbroughttothee,andforthelaboursofthisgoodman,whoseends,Ibelieve,areverysincereforGodandthygood.JER.BURROUGHS.

Occasionallylightinguponthedialogue,undertheapprobationofalearnedandjudiciousdivine,Iwastherebyinducedtoreadit,andafterwards,onaseriousconsiderationoftheusefulnessofit,tocommendittothepeopleinmypublicministry.

Twothingsinitespeciallytookwithme:First,Thematter;themainsubstancebeingdistinctlytodiscoverthenatureofthetwocovenants,uponwhichallthemysteries,bothofthelawandgospel,depend.ToseethefirstAdamtobeprimusfederatusintheone,andthesecondAdamintheother:todistinguish

rightlybetwixtthelawstandingaloneasacovenant,andstandinginsubordinationtothegospelasaservant:thisIassuremyselftobethekeywhichopensthehiddentreasureofthegospel.AssoonasGodhadgivenLutherbutaglimpsehereof,heprofessesthatheseemedtobebroughtintoparadiseagain,andthewholefaceoftheScripturetobechangedtohim:andhelookeduponeverytruthwithanothereye.

Secondly,Themanner;becauseitisanirenicum,andtendstoanaccommodationandarightunderstanding.Timesofreformationhavealwaysbeentimesofdivision.Satanwillcastoutafloodafterthewoman,asknowingthatmorediebythedisagreementofthehumoursoftheirownbodies,thanbythesword;andthat,ifmenbeonceengaged,theywillcontend,ifnotfortruth,yetforvictory.

Now,ifthedifferencebeinthingsoflesserconsequence,thebestwaytoquenchitweresilence.Butifthedifferencebeofgreaterconcernmentthanthisis,thebestwaytodecideit,istobringinmorelight,whichthisauthorhasdonewithmuchevidenceofScripture,backedwiththeauthorityofmostmoderndivines.SothatwhosoeverdesirestohavehisjudgmentclearedinthemaincontroversybetweenusandtheAntinomians,withasmallexpense,eitherofmoneyortime,hemayherereceiveamplesatisfaction.ThisItestifyuponrequest,professingmyselfafriendbothtotruthandpeace.W.STRONG.

Thisbook,atfirstwellaccommodatedwithsovaluableatestimonyasMr.Caryl's,besidesitsbetterapprovingitselftothechoicerspiritseverywhere,bythespeedydistributionofthewholeimpression;itmightseemaneedlessorsuperfluousthingtoaddanymoretothepraisethereof;yetmeetingwithdetractinglanguagefromsomefew,byreasonofsomephrases,bythemeithernotdulypondered,ornotrightlyunderstood,itisthoughtmeet,inthissecondimpression,torelievethatworthytestimony,whichstillstandstoit,withfreshsupplies,notforanyneedthetruththereincontainedhaththereof,butbecauseeithertheprejudiceordarknessofsomemen'sjudgmentsdoesrequireit.I,therefore,havingthoroughlyperusedit,cannotbuttestify,thatifIhaveanytheleastjudgment,orrelishoftruth,hethatfindsthisbookfindsagoodthing,andnotunworthyofitstitle;andmayaccountthesaintstohaveobtainedfavourwiththeLordintheministrationofit,asthatwhich,withgreatplainnessandevidenceoftruth,comprisesthechief,ifnotallthedifferencesthathavebeenlatelyengenderedaboutthelaw.Ithas,Imustconfess,notonlyfortifiedmyjudgment,butalsowarmedmyheartinthereadingofit;asindeedinculcating,

throughoutthewholedialogue,theclearandfamiliarnotionofthosethingsbywhichwelive,asEzekiel16speaksinanothercase;anditappearstometobewrittenfrommuchexperimentalknowledgeofChrist,andteachingoftheSpirit.Letallmenthattastethefruitofitconfess,tothegloryofGod,heisnorespecterofpersons;andendeavourtoknownomanhenceforthaftertheflesh,norenvythecompilerthereofthehonourtobeaccounted,asGodhasmadehiminthispoint,ahealerofbreaches,andarestoreroftheovergrownpathsofthegospel.Asformyownpart,IamsosatisfiedinthistestimonyIlend,thatIreckonwhatevercreditisthuspawned,willbeaglorytothenamethatstandsbyandavowsthistruth,solongasthebookshallenduretorecordit.JOSHUASPRIGGE.

Ihave,accordingtoyourdesire,readoveryourbook,andfinditfullofevangelicallightandlife;andIdoubtnotbuttheoftenerIreadit,themoretruecomfortIshallfindintheknowledgeofChristthereby;thematterispure,themethodisapostolical,whereintheworksoflove,intherightplace,afterthelifeoffaith,beeffectuallyrequired.GodhasendowedhisFisherwiththenetofatryingunderstanding,anddiscerningjudgmentandjudgmentanddiscretion,whereby,outofthechristalinestreamsofthewelloflife,youhavetakenamessofthesweetestandwholesomefishthattheworldcanafford,which,ifIcoulddailyhaveenoughof,Ishouldnotcarefortheflesh,ortheworksthereof.SAMUELPRETTIE.

Thisbookcameintomyhandbyamercifulandmostunexpecteddisposureofprovidence,andIreaditwithgreatandsweetcomplacence.Itcontainsagreatdealofthemarrowofrevealedandgospeltruth,selectedfromauthorsofgreatnote,clearlyenlightened,andofmostdigestedexperience;andsomeofthemwerehonouredtodoeminentandheroicalservicesintheirday.ThustheChristianreaderhasthefloweroftheirlabourscommunicatedtohimverybriefly,yetclearlyandpowerfully.Andthemannerofconveyance,beingbywayofamicableconference,isnotonlyfittedtoafforddelighttothejudiciousreader,butlayshimalsoattheadvantageoftrying,throughgrace,hisownheartthemoreexactly,accordingtowhatechoitgives,orhowitrelishes,orisdispleasedwiththeseveralspeechesofthecommuners.Herewehavethegreatestdepths,andmostpainteddelusionsofhell,inoppositiontotheonlywayofsalvation,discoveredwithmarvellousbrevityandevidence,andthatbytheconcurringsuffragesofburningandshininglights,menoftheclearest

experience,andhonouredofGodtodoeminentserviceintheirday,foradvancingtheinterestsofourLord'skingdomandgospel.

ThereluctanceofgospellighthasbeenthechoicemeanblessedbytheLord,fortheeffectingofgreatthings,intheseveralperiodsoftheChurch,sincethatlightbrakeupinparadise,afterourfirstsinandfall;andeversince,thebalancehasswayed,andwillsway,accordingtothebetterorworsestateofmattersinthatimportantregard.Whengospellightisclear,andattendedwithpower,Satan'skingdomcannotstandbeforeit;theprinceandpowersofdarknessmustfallaslightningfromheaven.Anduponthecontrary,accordingtotherecessionsfromthence,Christianchurcheswentoff,bydegrees,fromtheonlyfoundation,evenfromtherockChrist,untilthemanofsin,thegreatantichrist,didmountthethrone.Nevertheless,whiletheworldiswanderingafterthebeast,behold!evangelicallightbreaksforthinpapaldarkness,andhereuponantichrist'sthroneshakes,andisatthepointoffalling;yethiswoundsarecured,andherecoversnewstrengthandspirits,throughadarkeningofthegloriousgospel,andperversionthereof,byanti-evangelicalerrorsandheresies.

Thatthetaresofsucherrorsaresowninthereformedchurches,andbymenwhoprofessreformedfaith,isbeyonddebate;andthese,wholaytoheartthepurityofgospeldoctrine.Suchdregsofantichristianismdoyetremain,orarebroughtinamongstus.Hereinthewordsoftheapostleareverified,viz:"Ofyourownselvesshallmenarise,speakingperversethingstodrawawaydisciplesafterthem":andasthisrenderstheessaysforafurtherdiffusionofevangelicallightthemorenecessaryandseasonable,sothereisgroundtohope,thatinthesewaysthechurchesofChristwillgraduallygettheascendantovertheirenemies,untilthegreatantichristshallfall,asatrophybeforeagospeldispensation.FortheLordwill"destroyhimbythebreathofhismouth,andwiththebrightnessofhiscoming."Thatthisexcellentandspiritualpiecemaybeblessedtothereader,istheprayeroftheirsincerewell-wisherandservantintheworkofthegospel.Carnock,December4,1717.JAMESHOG.

TheActaboutthe"Marrow"occasionedgreatthoughtsofheartamongus.Ihavebeenacquaintedwiththatbookabout18or19years,andmanytimeshaveadmiredthegraciousconductofholyProvidencewhichbroughtittomyhand,havingoccasionallylighteduponitinahouseoftheparishwhereIwasfirstsettled.AstoanydistinctuptakingsofthedoctrineofthegospelIhave,suchastheyare,Iowethemtothatbook.ExtractofaLetterfromMr.BostontoMr.Hog.

Ineverreadthe"Marrow"withMr.Boston'sNotes,tillthispresenttime,1755;andIfind,bynothavingreadit,Ihavesustainedaconsiderableloss.Itisamostvaluablebook;thedoctrinesitcontainsarethelifeofmysoul,andthejoyofmyheart.Mightmytongueorpenbemadeinstrumentaltorecommendandillustrate,tosupportandpropagatesuchprecioustruths,IshouldblessthedaywhereinIwasborn.Mr.Boston'sNotesonthe"Marrow"are,inmyopinion,someofthemostjudiciousandvaluablethateverwerepenned.ExtractofaLetterfromMr.HerveytoMr.WilliamHog.

Ihavefrequentlyperused,withgreatsatisfaction,the"MarrowofModernDivinity,"firstandsecondparts;and,asfarasIcanjudge,itwillbefound,bythosethatreadit,veryusefulforillustratingthedifferencebetweenthelawandthegospel,andpreventingthemfromsplitting,eitherontherockoflegalityontheonehand,orthatofAntinomianismontheother;and,accordingly,recommendit[bydesire]asabookfilledwithprecious,seasonable,andnecessarytruth,clearlyfoundeduponthesacredoracles.Falkirk,December9,1788.JOHNBELFRAGE.

Itisconsiderednecessarytoaddthefollowingaccountoftheauthorof"TheMarrowofModernDivinity"fromWood'sAthenaOxonienses,vol.2,p198:"EDWARDFISHER,theeldestsonofaknight,becameagentleman-commonerofBrasen-noseCollege,August25,1627,tookonhisdegreeinarts,andsoonafterleftthathouse.Afterwards,beingcalledhomebyhisrelations,whowerethen,asIhavebeeninformed,muchindebt,heimprovedthatlearningwhichhehadobtainedintheuniversitysomuch,thathebecameanotedpersonamongthelearned,forhisgreatreadinginecclesiasticalhistory,andinthefathers,andforhisadmirableskillintheGreekandHebrewlanguages.Hisworksare,1.'AnAppealtotheConscience,asthouwiltansweritatthegreatanddreadfuldayofJesusChrist.'Oxford,1644.Quarto.2.'TheMarrowofModernDivinity.'1646,Octavo.3.'AChristianCaveattoOldandNewSabbatarians,'1650.4.'AnAnswertoSixteenQueries,touchingtheRiseandObservationofChristmas.'"

Preface

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher

[Contents][Next:Dedication]

PREFACE.Whosoeverthouartintowhosehandsthisbookshallcome,Ipresumetoputtheeinmindofthedivinecommand,bindingonthyconscience,Deuteronomy1:17-"Yeshallnotrespectpersonsinjudgment;butyeshallhearthesmallaswellasthegreat."Rejectnotthebookwithcontempt,norwithindignationneither,whenthoufindestitentitledTheMarrowofModernDivinity,lestthoudoittothineownhurt.Remember,thatourblessedLordhimselfwas"accountedafriendofpublicansandsinners,'(Matt11:19)."Manysaidofhim,Hehathadevil,andismad;whyhearyehim?"(John10:20).TheapostlePaulwasslanderouslyreportedtobeanAntinomian;onewho,byhisdoctrine,encouragedmentodoevil,and"makevoidthelaw,"(Rom3:8,31).Andthefirstmartyr,inthedaysofthegospel,wasstonedforpretended"blasphemouswordsagainstMosesandagainstthelaw,"(Acts6:11,13).

Thegospelmethodofsanctification,aswellasofjustification,liessofaroutofthekenofnaturalreason,thatifalltherationalistsintheworld,philosophersanddivines,hadconsultedtogethertolaydownaplanforrepairingthelostimageofGodinman,theyhadneverhituponthatwhichthedivinewisdomhaspitchedupon,viz:thatsinnersshouldbesanctifiedinChristJesus,(1Cor1:2),byfaithinhim,(Acts26:18);nay,beinglaidbeforethem,theywouldhaverejecteditwithdisdain,asfoolishness,(1Cor1:23).

Inallviewswhichfallenmanhastowardsthemeansofhisownrecovery,thenaturalbentistothewayofthecovenantofworks.Thisisevidentinthecaseofthevastmultitudesthroughouttheworld,embracingJudaism,Paganism,Mahometanism,andPopery.Alltheseagreeinthisoneprinciple,thatitisbydoingmenmustlive,thoughtheyhugelydifferastothethingstobedoneforlife.

TheJews,inthetimeofJuliantheApostate,attemptedtorebuildtheirtemple,afterithadlainmanyyearsinruins,bythedecreeofheavennevertobebuiltagain;andceasednot,tillbyanearthquake,whichshooktheoldfoundationand

turnedalldowntotheground,theywereforcedtoforbear,asSocratesthehistoriantellsus.ButtheJewswerenevermoreaddictedtothattemple,thanmankindnaturallyistothebuildingonthefirstcovenant:andAdam'schildrenwillbynomeansquitit,untilMountSinai,wheretheydesiretoworkwhattheydowork,beallonafireaboutthem.Oh,thatthosewhohavebeenfrightenedfromitwerenotsoreadytogobacktowardsit!

Howbeit,thatcanneverbethechannelofsanctification,whatsoeverwaymenprepareitandfititoutforthatpurpose,becauseitisnot,bydivineappointment,the"ministrationofrighteousnessandlife,"(2Cor3).

Andhenceitisalwaystobeobserved,thatasthedoctrineofthegospeliscorrupted,tointroduceamorerationalsortofreligion,thefloodofloosenessandlicentiousnessswellsproportionably;insomuchthatmorality,broughtinfordoctrine,inroomandsteadofthegospelofthegraceofGod,neverfailstobe,ineffect,asignalforaninundationofimmoralityinpractice.Aplaininstancehereofistobeseeninthegrandapostasyfromthetruthandholinessofthegospel,asexemplifiedinPopery.Andontheotherhand,realandthoroughreformationinchurchesisalwaystheeffectofgospellight,breakingforthagain,fromunderthecloudwhichhadgoneoverit;andhereoftheChurchofScotland,amongothers,has,oftenerthanonce,hadcomfortableexperience.

Therealfriendsoftrueholiness,then,doexceedinglymistaketheirmeasures,inaffordingahandle,onanyoccasionwhatsoever,foradvancingtheprinciplesoflegalism,forbringingundercontemptthegoodoldwayinwhichourfathersfoundresttotheirsouls,andforremovingtheancientlandmarkswhichtheyset.

Itisnowabovefourscoreyearssincethisbookmadeitsfirstentranceintotheworld,underthetitleofTheMarrowofModernDivinity,atthattimenotunfitlyprefixedtoit;butitistooevidentithasoutlivedthefitnessofthattitle.Thetruthis,thedivinitythereintaughtisnownolongerthemodern,buttheancientdivinity,asitwasrecoveredfromunderneaththeAntichristiandarkness;andasitstoodbeforethetoolsofthelaterefinersontheProtestantdoctrinewereliftedupuponitadoctrinewhich,beingfromGod,mustneedsbeaccordingtogodliness.

Itwastocontributetowardsthepreservingofthisdoctrine,andthewithstandingofitsbeingrundown,undertheodiousnameofAntinomianism,inthedisadvantageoussituationithasinthisbook,whoseundeservedlotitistobe

everywherespokenagainst,thatthefollowingnoteswerewritten.

Andhereintwothingschieflyhavehadweight:oneis,lestthatdoctrine,beingputintosuchanillname,shouldbecometheobjectofthesettledaversionofsoberpersons,andtheybetherebybetrayedintolegalism.Theotheris,lestinthesedaysofGod'sindignationsomuchappearinginspiritualjudgments,sometakinguptheprinciplesofit,fromthehandofthisauthorandancientdivines,fortruths,shouldtakethesense,scope,anddesignofthem,from(now)commonfame;andsobebetrayeduntorealAntinomianism.

Reader,layasideprejudices,lookandseewiththineowneyes,callthingsbytheirownnames,anddonotreckonAnti-BaxterianismorAnti-NeonomianismtobeAntinomianism,andthoushaltfindnoAntinomianismtaughthere;butthouwiltbeperhapssurprisedtofind,thatthetaleistoldofLutherandotherfamousProtestantdivines,undertheborrowednameofthedespisedMr.Fisher,authorofTheMarrowofModernDivinity.

IntheNotes,obsoleteorambiguouswords,phrases,andthingsareexplained;truthcleared,confirmed,andvindicated;theannotatormakingnoscrupleofdeclaringhisdissentfromtheauthor,wherehesawjustgroundforit.

Imakenoquestionbuthewillbethoughtbysometohaveconstructedtoofavourablyofseveralpassages;but,asitisnothingstrangethatheinclinestothecharitableside,thebookhavingbeenmanyyearsagoblessedofGodtohisownsoul;so,ifhehaserredonthatside,itisthesafestofthetwofortheeandme,judgingofthewordsofanotherman,whoseintention,Ibelieve,withMr.Burroughs,tohavebeenverysincereforGodandthereader'sgood.However,Iamsatisfiedhehasdealtcandidlyinthatmatter,accordingtohislight.

Beadvisedalwaystoreadoveralessersectionofthebook,beforereadinganyofthenotesthereupon,thatyoumayhavethemoreclearunderstandingofthewhole.

Iconcludethispreface,inthewordsoftwoeminentprofessorsoftheology,deservingourseriousregard:

"Idreadmightilythatarationalsortofreligioniscominginamongus:Imeanbyit,areligionthatconsistsinabareattendanceonoutwarddutiesandordinances,withoutthepowerofgodliness:andthencepeopleshallfallintoawayofservingGod,whichisameredeism,havingnorelationtoJesusChrist

andtheSpiritofGod."[1]

"Iwarneachoneofyou,andespeciallysuchasaretobedirectorsoftheconscience,thatyouexerciseyourselvesinstudy,reading,meditation,andprayer,soasyoumaybeabletoinstructandcomfortbothyourownandother'sconsciencesinthetimeoftemptation,andtobringthembackfromthelawtograce,fromtheactive(orworking)righteousness,tothepassive(orreceived)righteousness;inaword,fromMosestoChrist."[2]

Footnotes:

[1]MemoirsofMr.Halyburton'sLife,page199.

[2]Luth.Comment.inEpist.adGal.page27

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TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Preface][Next:AddresstotheReader]

TOTHEHON.COLONELJOHNDOWNES,OneoftheMembersoftheHonourableHouseofCommons,&c.,E.F.wishesthetrueknowledgeofGodin

JesusChrist.

MOSTHONOUREDSIR,

AlthoughIdoobservethatneweditions,accompaniedwithnewadditions,aresometimespublishedwithnewdedications;yetsolongashewhoformerlyownedthesubjectdoesyetlive,andhasthesameaffectionstowardsit,Iconceivethereisnoneedofanewpatron,butofanewepistle.

Bepleasedthen,mosthonouredsir,togivemeleavetotellyou,thatyoureminencyofplacedidsomewhatinduceme,bothnowandbefore,tomakechoiceofyouforitspatron;butyourendowmentswithgracedidinvitemetoit,GodhavingbestoweduponyouspecialspiritualblessingsinheavenlythingsinChrist:forithasbeendeclareduntome,bythemthatknewyouwhenyouwerebutayouth,howChristmetwithyouthen,andbysendinghisSpiritintoyourheart,firstconvincedyouofsin,aswasmanifestbythoseconflictswhichyoursoulthenhadbothwithSatananditself,whilstyoudidnotbelieveinChrist;secondly,ofrighteousness,aswasmanifestbythepeaceandcomfortwhichyouafterwardshad,bybelievingthatChristwasgonetotheFather,andappearedinhispresenceasyouradvocateandsuretythathadundertakenforyou;thirdly,ofjudgment,ashasbeenmanifesteversince,inthatyouhavebeencarefulwiththetruegodlyman,Psalm112:5,to"guideyouraffairswithjudgment,"inwalkingaccordingtothemindofChrist.

Ihavenotforgottenwhatdesiresyouhaveexpressedtoknowthetruedifferencebetweenthecovenantofworksandthecovenantofgrace;andexperimentallytobeacquaintedwiththedoctrineoffreegrace,themysteriesofChrist,andthelifeoffaith.Witnessnotonlyyourhighapprovingofsomeheadsofasermon,whichIonceheardagodlyministerpreach,andrepeatedinyourhearing,ofthelifeoffaith;butalsoyourearnestrequesttometowritethemoutfair,andsendthemtoyouintothecountry;yea,witnessyourhighlyapprovingofthisdialogue,whenIfirstacquaintedyouwiththecontentsthereof,encouragingmetoexpediteittothepress,andyourkindacceptance,togetherwithyourcordialthanksformylovemanifestedindedicatingittoyourhonourablename.

Sincethen,worthysire,ithaspleasedtheLordtoenablemebothtoamendandenlargeit,Ihopeyouraffectionwillalsobeenlargedtowardsthematterthereincontained,consideringthatittendstotheclearingofthoseforenamedtruths,and,throughtheblessingofGod,maybeameanstorootthemmoredeeplyinyourheart.Andtruly,sir,Iamconfidentthemoretheygrownandflourishinanyman'sheart,themorewillallheart-corruptionswitheranddecay.Osir,ifthetruthscontainedinthisdialoguewerebutasmuchinmyheart,astheyareinmyhead,Iwereahappyman;forthenshouldIbemorefreefrompride,vainglory,wrath,anger,self-love,andloveoftheworld,thanIam;andthenshouldIhavemorehumility,meekness,andlove,bothtoGodandman,thanIhave.Oh!thenshouldIbecontentwithChristalone,andliveaboveallthingsintheworld;thenshouldIexperimentallyknowbothhowtoaboundandhowtowant;andthenshouldIbefitforanycondition:nothingcouldcomeamisstome.Oh,thattheLordwouldbepleasedtowritetheminourheartsbyhisblessedSpirit!

Mosthumblybeseechingyoustilltopardonmyboldness,andvouchsafetotakeitintoyourpatronageandprotection,Ihumblytakemyleaveofyou,andremain,yourobligedservanttobecommanded,

EDWARDFISHER.

[Contents][Previous:Preface][Next:AddresstotheReader]

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Dedication][Next:Introduction]

TOALLSUCHHUMBLE-HEARTEDREADERS,ASSEEANYNEEDTOLEARNEITHERTOKNOWTHEMSELVES,ORGODINCHRIST.

LOVINGCHRISTIANS,

Consider,Iprayyou,thatasthefirstAdamdid,asacommonperson,enterintocovenantwithGodforallmankind,andbrakeit,wherebytheybecamesinfulandguiltyofeverlastingdeathanddamnation;evensoJesusChrist,thesecondAdam,did,asacommonperson,enterintocovenantwithGodhisFather,foralltheelect1,thatistosay,allthosethathave,orshallbelieveonhisname2,andforthemkeptit3;wherebytheybecomerighteous,andheirsofeverlastinglifeandsalvation4;andthereforeitisourgreatestwisdom,andoughttobeourgreatestcareandendeavour,tocomeout5andfromthefirstAdam,untoandintothesecondAdam;6thatsowe"mayhavelifethroughhisname,"(John20:31).

Andyet,alas!thereisnopointinallpracticaldivinitythatwearenaturallysomuchaverseandbackwardtoasuntothis;neitherdoesSatanstrivetohinderussomuchfromdoinganythingelseasthis;andhenceitis,thatweareallofusnaturallyapttoabideandcontinueinthatsinfulandmiserablestatethatthefirstAdamplungedusinto,withouteithertakinganynoticeofit,orbeingatallaffectedwithit,sofararewefromcomingoutofit.AndiftheLordbepleasedbyanymeanstoopenoureyestoseeourmisery,andwedothereuponbegintostepoutofit,yet,alas!wearepronerathertogobackwardstowardsthefirstAdam'spurestate7,instrivingandstrugglingtoleavesin,andperformduties,anddogoodworks;hopingtherebytomakeourselvessorighteousandholy,thatGodwillletusintoparadiseagain,toeatofthetreeoflife,andliveforever:andthiswedo,untilweseethe"flamingswordatEden'sgateturningeverywaytokeepthewayofthetreeoflife,"8(Gen3:24).Isitnotordinary,whentheLordconvincethamanofhissin(eitherbymeansofhiswordorhisrod)tocryafterthismanner:Oh!Iamasinfulman!forIhavelivedaverywickedlife,andthereforesurelytheLordisangrywithme,andwilldamnmeinhell!Oh!whatshallIdotosavemysoul?Andistherenotathandsomeignorant,miserablecomforter,readytosay,Yetdonotdespair,man,butrepentofthysins,andaskGodforgiveness,andreformyourlife,anddoubtnotbuthewillbemerciful

untoyou9;forhehaspromised,youknow,"thatatwhattimesoeverasinnerrepentethhimofhissins,hewillforgivehim."10

Anddoeshenothereuponcomforthimself,andsayinhisheartatleast,Oh!iftheLordwillbutsparemylife,andlengthenoutmydays,Iwillbecomeanewman!IamverysorrythatIhavelivedsuchasinfullife;butIwillneverdoasIhavedoneforalltheworld!Oh!youshallseeagreatchangeinme!believeit?

Andhereuponhebetakeshimselftoanewcourseoflife;and,itmaybe,becomesazealousprofessorofreligion,performingallChristianexercises,bothpublicandprivate,andleavesoffhisoldcompanions,andkeepscompanywithreligiousmen;andso,itmaybe,goesontillhisdyingday,andthinkshimselfsureofheavenandeternalhappiness;andyet,itmaybe,allthiswhileisignorantofChristandhisrighteousness,andthereforeestablishethhisown.

Whereistheman,orwhereisthewomanthatistrulycometoChrist,thathasnothadsomeexperienceinthemselvesofsuchadispositionasthis?Iftherebeanythathavereformedtheirlives,andarebecomeprofessorsofreligion,andhavenottakennoticeofthisinthemselvesmore,orless,Iwishtheymayhavegonebeyondalegalprofessor,oronestillunderthecovenantofworks.

Nay,whereisthemanorwoman,thatistrulyinChrist,thatfindethnotinthemselvesanaptnesstowithdrawtheirheartsfromChrist,andtoputsomeconfidenceintheirownworksanddoings?Iftherebeanythatdonotfindit,Iwishtheirheartsmaynotdeceivethem.

Letmeconfessingenuously,IwasaprofessorofreligionatleastadozenofyearsbeforeIknewanyotherwaytoeternallife,thantobesorryformysins,andaskforgiveness,andstriveandendeavourtofulfilthelaw,andkeepthecommandments,accordingasMr.Dodandothergodlymenhadexpoundedthem;andtruly,IrememberIwasinhopeIshouldatlastattaintotheperfectfulfillingofthem;and,inthemeantime,IconceivedthatGodwouldacceptthewillforthedeed;orwhatIcouldnotdo,Christhaddoneforme.

Andthoughatlast,bymeansofconferringwithMr.ThomasHookerinprivate,theLordwaspleasedtoconvincemethatIwasyetbutaproudPharisee,andtoshowmethewayoffaithandsalvationbyChristalone,andtogiveme,Ihope,aheartinsomemeasuretoembraceit;yet,alas!throughtheweaknessofmyfaith,Ihavebeen,andamstillapttoturnasidetothecovenantofworks;andtherefore

havenotattainedtothatjoyandpeaceinbelieving,northatmeasureoflovetoChrist,andmanforChrist'ssake,asIamconfidentmanyofGod'ssaintsdoattainuntointhetimeofthislife.TheLordbemercifuluntome,andincreasemyfaith!

Andaretherenotothers,thoughIhopebutfew,whobeingenlightenedtoseetheirmisery,byreasonoftheguiltofsin,thoughnotbyreasonofthefilthofsin,andhearingofjustificationfreelybygrace,throughtheredemptionwhichisinJesusChrist,doapplaudandmagnifythatdoctrine,followingthemthatdomostpreachandpressthesame,seemingtobe,asitwere,ravishedwiththehearingthereof,outofaconceitthattheyarebyChristfreelyjustifiedfromtheguiltofsin,thoughstilltheyretainthefilthofsin?11Thesearetheythatcontentthemselveswithagospelknowledge,withmerenotionsinthehead,butnotintheheart;gloryingandrejoicinginfreegraceandjustificationbyfaithalone;professingfaithinChrist,andyetarenotpossessedofChrist;thesearetheythatcantalklikebelievers,andyetdonotwalklikebelievers,;thesearetheythathavelanguagelikesaints,andyethaveconversationlikedevils;thesearetheythatarenotobedienttothelawofChrist,andthereforearejustlycalledAntinomians.

Now,boththesepaths12leadingfromChrist,havebeenjustlyjudgedaserroneous;andtomyknowledge,notonlyamatterofeighteenortwentyyearsago,butalsowithinthesethreeorfouryears,therehasbeenmuchado,bothbypreaching,writing,anddisputing,bothtoreducemenoutofthem,andtokeepthemfromthem;andhotcontentionshavebeenonbothsides,andall,Ifear,tolittlepurpose:forhasnotthestrictprofessoraccordingtothelaw,whilsthehasstriventoreducethelooseprofessoraccordingtothegospeloutoftheAntinomianpath,entangledbothhimselfandothersthefasterintheyokeofbondage?(Gal5:1).Andhasnotthelooseprofessoraccordingtothegospel,whilsthehasstriventoreducethestrictprofessoraccordingtothelawoutofthelegalpath,"bypromisinglibertyfromthelaw,taughtothers,andbeenhimselftheservantofcorruption?"(2Peter2:19).

ForthiscauseI,thoughIbenothing,havebythegraceofGodendeavoured,inthisDialogue,towalkasamiddlemanbetwixtthemboth,inshowingtoeachofthemhiserroneouspath,withthemiddlepath,(whichisJesusChristreceivedtruly,andwalkedinanswerably,)13asameanstobringthembothuntohim,andmakethembothoneinhim;andOh!thattheLordwouldbepleasedsotoblessittothem,thatitmightbeameanstoproducethateffect!

Ihave,asyoumaysee,gatheredmuchofitoutofknownandapprovedauthors;andyethavethereinwrongednoman,forIhaverestoredittotherightowneragain.Somepartofitmymanuscriptshaveaffordedme;andoftherestIhopeImaysay,asJacobdidofhisvenison,(Gen27:20),"theLordhathbroughtituntome."Letmespeakitwithoutvainglory,Ihaveendeavouredhereintoimitatethelaboriousbee,whooutofdiversflowersgathershoneyandwax,andthereofmakesonecomb:ifanysoulsfeelanysweetnessinit,letthempraiseGod,andprayforme,whoamweakinfaith,andcoldinlove.

E.F.

ACatalogueofthoseWriters'Names,outofwhomIhavecollectedmuchofthemattercontainedinthisensuingDialogue.

Mr.Ainsworth,Dr.Ames,BishopBabington,Mr.Ball,Mr.Bastingius,Mr.Beza,Mr.RobertBolton,Mr.SamuelBolton,Mr.Bradford,Mr.Bullinger,Mr.Calvin,Mr.Careless,Mr.Caryl,Mr.Cornwall,Mr.Cotton,Mr.Culverwell,Mr.Dent,Mr.Diodati,Mr.D.Dixon,Mr.Downham,Mr.DuPlesse,Mr.Dyke,Mr.Elton,Mr.Forbes,Mr.Fox,Mr.Frith,Mr.Gibbons,Mr.Thos.Godwin,Mr.Gray,jun.,Mr.Greenham,Mr.Grotius,BishopHall,Mr.Thos.Hooker,Mr.Lestanno,Mr.Lightfoot,Dr.Luther,Mr.Marbeck,Mr.Marshal,PeterMartyr,Dr.Mayer,WolfgangusMusculus,BernardineOchin,Dr.Pemble,Mr.Perkins,Mr.Polanus,Dr.Preston,Mr.Reynolds,Mr.Rollock,Mr.Rouse,Dr.Sibs,Mr.Slater,Dr.Smith,Mr.Stock,Mr.Tindal,Mr.RobertTown,Mr.Vaughan,Mr.Vaumeth,Dr.UrbanRegius,Dr.Ursinus,Mr.Walker,Mr.Ward,Dr.Willet,Dr.Williams,Mr.Wilson.

[Contents][Previous:Dedication][Next:Introduction]

Footnotes:[Back][1]"Thecovenant(viz:ofworks)beingmadewithAdam,notonlyforhimselfbutforhisposterity,allmankind,descendingfromhimbyordinarygeneration,sinnedinhim,andfellwithhiminhisfirsttransgression."ShorterCatechism,quest.16."ThecovenantofgracewasmadewithChrist,asthesecondAdam,andinhim,withalltheelect,ashisseed."LargerCat.,quest.31.

[Back][2]Seechap.2.sect.3.note.

[Back][3]Namely,bydoinganddyingforthem,viz:theelect.

[Back][4]Thustheimpetrationorpurchaseofredemption,andtheapplicationofit,aretaughttobeofthesameextent;evenasAdam'srepresentation,andtheruinsbyhisfallare:theformerextendingtotheelect,asthelatteruntoallmankind.

[Back][5]Of.

[Back][6]UnitingwithChristbyfaith.

[Back][7]Thatis,tothewayofthecovenantofworks,whichinnocentAdamwassetupon.

[Back][8]Thatis,tillwebebroughttodespairofobtainingsalvationinthewayofthecovenantofworks.Markherethespringoflegalism,namely,thenaturalbiasofman'shearttowardsthewayofthelaw,asacovenantofworks,andignoranceofthelaw,initsspiritualityandvastextent,(Rom7:9,10:2,3).

[Back][9]ThereisnotonewordofJesusChristthegloriousMediator,noroffaithinhisblood,inalltheadvicegivenbythiscasuisttotheafflicted;andagreeabletheretoistheeffectithasupontheafflicted,whotakescomforttohimself,withoutlookinguntotheLordJesusChristatall,asappearsfromthenextparagraph.

BeholdtheScripturepatterninsuchacase:Acts2:37,38,"Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?ThenPetersaiduntothem,RepentandbebaptizedeveryoneofyouinthenameofJesusChrist,fortheremissionofsins."Chapter16:30,31,"Sirs,whatmustIdotobesaved?andtheysaid,BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved."AndthustheDirectory,title"ConcerningVisitationoftheSick.""Ifitappearthathehathnotaduesenseofhissins,endeavoursoughttobeusedtoconvincehimofhissinstomakeknownthedangerofdeferringrepentance,andofsalvationatanytimeoffered,toawakentheconscience,andtorousehimoutofastupidandsecurecondition,toapprehendthejusticeandwrathofGod";herethismiserablecomforterfindstheafflicted,andshouldhavetaughthimconcerninganoffendedGod,asthereimmediatelyfollows"beforewhomnonecanstandbuthethat,beinglostinhimself,layethholduponChristbyfaith."

[Back][10]Thissentence,takenfromtheEnglishservice-book,isinthe

"PracticeofPiety,"p.122,citedfromEzekiel33:14,16,andisreckonedamongsttheseScriptures,anignorantmistakeofwhichkeepsbackasinnerfromthepracticeofpiety.Butthetruthis,itisnottobefoundintheOldorNewTestament;andthereforeitwasobjectedagainst,asstandingintheservice-bookunderthenameofa"SentenceofScripture,"pretendedtobecitedfromEzekiel18:21,22.ReasonsShowingtheNecessityofReformation,&c.p.26.

[Back][11]MarkherethespringofAntinomianism;namely,thewantofasoundconvictionoftheodiousnessandfilthinessofsin,renderingthesoulloathsomeandabominableinthesightofaholyGod.Hence,asthesinnerseesnothisneedof,soneitherwillhereceiveandrestonChristforallhissalvation,butwillgoabouttohalveit,graspingathisjustifyingblood,neglectinghissanctifyingSpirit,andsofallsshortofallpartorlotinthatmatter.

[Back][12]Namely,legalismandAntinomianism.

[Back][13]Ashortandpithydescriptionofthemiddlepath,theonlypathwaytoheaven"JesusChrist[theway,(John14:6)]receivedtruly[byfaith,(John1:12);thisisoverlookedbythelegalist]andwalkedinanswerably,"byholinessofheartandlife,(Col2:6);thisisneglectedbytheAntinomian.TheAntinomian'sfaithisbutpretended,andnottruefaith,sincehewalksnotinChristanswerably.Thelegalist'sholinessisbutpretended,andnottttrueholiness,sincehehathnot"receivedChrist"truly,andthereforeisincapableofwalkinginChrist,whichistheonlytrueholinesscompetenttofallenmankind.Thus,boththelegalistandAntinomianareeachofthemdestituteoftruefaithandtrueholiness;forasmuchastherecanbenowalkinginChrist,withoutatruereceivingofhim;andtherecannotbeatruereceivingofhimwithoutwalkinginhim:sobothofthemareofftheonlywayofsalvation,and,continuingso,mustneedsperish.Whereforeitconcernseveryonewhohasavalueforhisownsoul,totakeheedthathebefoundinthemiddlepath.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:AddresstotheReader][Next:Thenatureofthecovenantofworks.]

INTRODUCTION

EVANGELISTA,aMinisteroftheGospel.NOMIST,aLegalist.

ANTINOMISTA,anAntinomian.NEOPHYTUS,aYoungChristian.

Sect.1.DifferencesabouttheLaw.2.AthreefoldLaw.

Nomista.Sir,myneighbour,NeophytusandIhavinglatelyhadsomeconferencewiththisourfriendandacquaintance,Antinomista,aboutsomepointsofreligion,whereinhe,differingfromusboth,atlastsaidhewouldbecontentedtobejudgedbyourminister:therefore,havewemadeboldtocomeuntoyou,allthreeofus,toprayyoutohearus,andjudgeofourdifferences.

Evan.Youareallofyouverywelcometome;andifyoupleasetoletmehearwhatyourdifferencesare,IwilltellyouwhatIthink.

SECT.1.Nom.Thetruthis,sir,heandIdifferinverymanythings;butmoreespeciallyaboutthelaw:forIsay,thelawoughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever;andhesays,itoughtnot.

Neo.Andsurely,sir,thegreatestdifferencebetwixthimandme,isthis;hewouldpersuademetobelieveinChrist;andbidsmerejoiceintheLord,andlivemerrily,thoughIfeelneversomanycorruptionsinmyheart,yea,thoughIbeneversosinfulinmylife;thewhichIcannotdo,nor,Ithink,oughttodo;butrathertofear,andsorrow,andlamentformysins.

Ant.Thetruthis,sir,thegreatestdifferencebetwixtmyfriendNomistaandme,isaboutthelaw;andthereforethatisthegreatestmatterwecometoyouabout.

Evan.IremembertheApostlePaulwillethTitusto"avoidcontentionsandstrivingsaboutthelaw,becausetheyareunprofitableandvain,"(Titus3:9);andsoIfearyourshavebeen.

Nom.Sir,formyownpart,Iholditverymeet,thateverytrueChristianshould

beveryzealousfortheholylawofGod;especiallynow,whenacompanyoftheseAntinomiansdosetthemselvesagainstit,anddowhattheycanquitetoabolishit,andutterlytorootitoutofthechurch:surely,sir,IthinkitnotmeettheyshouldliveinaChristiancommonwealth.

Evan.Iprayyou,neighbourNomista,benotsohot,neitherletushavesuchunchristian-likeexpressionsamongstus;butletusreasontogetherinlove,andwiththespiritofmeekness,(1Cor4:21),asChristiansoughttodo.Iconfesswiththeapostle,"Itisgoodtobezealouslyaffectedalwaysinagoodthing,"(Gal4:18).Butyet,asthesameapostlesaidoftheJews,soIfearImaysayofsomeChristians,that"theyarezealousofthelaw,"(Acts21:20);yea,somewouldbedoctorsofthelaw,andyetneitherunderstand"whattheysay,norwhereoftheyaffirm,"(1Tim1:7).

Nom.Sir,ImakenodoubtbutthatIbothknowwhatIsay,andwhereofIaffirm,whenIsayandaffirmthattheholylawofGodoughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever;forIdarepawnmysoulonthetruthofit.

Evan.Butwhatlawdoyoumean?

Nom.Why,sir,whatlawdoyouthinkImean?Arethereanymorelawsthanone?

SECT.2.Evan.Yea,intheScripturesthereismentionmadeofdiverslaws,buttheymayallbecomprisedunderthesethree,viz.thelawofworks,thelawoffaith,andthelawofChrist;1(Rom3:27,Gal6:2);and,therefore,Iprayyou,tellme,whenyousaythelawoughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever,whichofthesethreelawsyoumean.

Nom.Sir,Iknownotthedifferencebetwixtthem;butthisIknow,thatthelawofthetencommandments,commonlycalledthemorallaw,oughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever.

Evan.Butthelawofthetencommandments,ormorallawmaybeeithersaidtobethematterofthelawofworks,orthematterofthelawofChrist:andthereforeIprayyoutotellme,inwhetherofthesesensesyouconceiveitoughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever?

Nom.Sir,Imustconfess,Idonotknowwhatyoumeanbythisdistinction;butthisIknow,thatGodrequiresthateveryChristianshouldframeandleadhislife

accordingtothetencommandments;thewhichifhedo,thenmayheexpecttheblessingofGodbothuponhisownsoulandbody;andifhedonot,thencanheexpectnothingelsebuthiswrathandcurseuponthemboth.

Evan.Thetruthis,Nomista,thelawofthetencommandments,asitisthematterofthelawofworks,oughtnottobearuleoflifetoabeliever.Butinthussaying,youhaveaffirmedthatitought;andthereforethereinyouhaveerredfromthetruth.Andnow,Antinomista,thatImayalsoknowyourjudgment,whenyousaythelawoughtnottobearuleoflifetoabeliever,praytellmewhatlawdoyoumean?

Ant.Why,Imeanthelawofthetencommandments.

Evan.Butwhetherdoyoumeanthatlaw,asitisthematterofthelawofworks,orasitisthematterofthelawofChrist?

Ant.Surely,sir,Idoconceive,thatthetencommandmentsarenowaytobearuleoflifetoabeliever;forChristhathdeliveredhimfromthem.

Evan.Butthetruthis,thelawofthetencommandments,asitisthematterofthelawofChrist,oughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever;2andthereforeyouhavingaffirmedthecontrary,havethereinalsoerredfromthetruth.

Nom.Thetruthis,sir,ImustconfessInevertookanynoticeofthisthreefoldlaw,which,itseems,ismentionedintheNewTestament.

Ant.AndImustconfess,ifItookanynoticeofthem,Ineverunderstoodthem.

Evan.Well,givemeleavetotellyou,thatsofarasanymancomesshortofthetrueknowledgeofthisthreefoldlaw,3sofarhecomesshortbothofthetrueknowledgeofGodandofhimself;andthereforeIwishyoubothtoconsiderofit.

Nom.Sir,ifitbeso,youmaydowelltobeameanstoinformus,andhelpustothetrueknowledgeofthisthreefoldlaw;andtherefore,Iprayyou,firsttelluswhatismeantbythelawofworks.

[Contents][Previous:AddresstotheReader][Next:Thenatureofthecovenantofworks.]

Footnotes:[Back][1]Thesetermsarescriptural,asappearsfromthewholetextsquotedbyourauthor,namely,(Rom3:27),"Whereisboastingthen?itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?ofworks?nay:butbythelawoffaith."(Gal6:2),"Bearyeoneanother'sburdens,andsofulfilthelawofChrist."Bythelawofworksismeantthelawofthetencommandments,asthecovenantofworks.Bythelawoffaith,thegospel,orcovenantofgrace;forjustificationbeingthepointuponwhichtheapostletherestatestheoppositionbetwixtthesetwolaws,itisevidentthattheformeronlyisthelawthatdothnotexcludeboasting;andthatthelatteronlyisit,bywhichasinnerisjustifiedinawaythatdothexcludeboasting.BythelawofChrist,ismeantthesamelawofthetencommandments,asaruleoflife,inthehandofaMediator,tobelieversalreadyjustified,andnotanyonecommandofthelawonly;for"bearingoneanother'sburdens"isa"fulfillingofthelawofChrist,"asitisalovingoneanother:but,accordingtotheScripture,thatloveisnotafulfillingofonecommandonly,butofthewholelawofthetencommands,(Rom13:8-10)."Hethatlovethanotherhathfulfilledthelaw.Forthis,Thoushaltnotcommitadultery,Thoushaltnotkill,Thoushaltnotsteal,Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitness,Thoushaltnotcovet;andiftherebeanyothercommandment,itisbrieflycomprehendedinthissaying,namely,Thoushaltlovethyneighbourasthyself;thereforeloveisthefulfillingofthelaw."Itisafulfillingofthesecondtabledirectly,andofthefirsttableindirectlyandconsequentially:therefore,bythelawofChristismeant,notonecommandonly,butthewholelaw.

Thelawofworksisthelawtobedone,thatonemaybesaved;thelawoffaithisthelawtobebelieved,thatonemaybesaved;thelawofChrististhelawoftheSaviour,bindinghissavedpeopletoallthedutiesofobedience,(Gal3:12,Acts16:31).

Thetermlawisnothereusedunivocally;forthelawoffaithisneitherintheScripturesense,norinthesenseofourauthor,alaw,properlysocalled.TheapostleusesthatphraseonlyinimitationoftheJews'mannerofspeaking,whohadthelawcontinuallyintheirmouths.Butsincethepromiseofthegospelproposedtofaith,iscalledinScripture"thelawoffaith,"ourauthorwassufficientlywarrantedtocallitsotoo.Sothelawoffaithisnotaproperpreceptivelaw.

Thelawofworks,andthelawofChrist,areinsubstancebutonelaw,eventhelawofthetencommandmentsthemorallawthatlawwhichwasfromthebeginning,continuingstillthesameinitsownnature,butvestedwithdifferent

forms.Andsincethatlawisperfect,andsinisanywantofconformityunto,ortransgressionofit,whateverformitbevestedwith,whetherasthelawofworksorasthelawofChrist,allcommandsofGoduntomenmustneedsbecomprehendedunderit,andparticularlythecommandtorepent,commontoallmankind,pagansnotexcepted,whodoubtlessareobliged,aswellasothers,toturnfromsinuntoGod;asalsothecommandtobelieveinChrist,bindingalltowhomthegospelrevelationcomes,though,inthemeantime,thislawstandsunderdifferentformstothosewhoareinastateofunionwithChristbyfaith,andtothosewhoarenotso.ThelawofChristisnotanew,proper,preceptivelaw,buttheold,proper,preceptivelaw,whichwasfromthebeginning,underanewaccidentalform.

Thedistinctionbetweenthelawofworksandthelawoffaithcannotbecontroverted,sincetheapostledothsoclearlydistinguishthem,(Rom3:27).

ThedistinctionbetweenthelawofworksandthelawofChrist,asaboveexplainedaccordingtotheScriptures,andthemindofourauthor,isthesameineffectwiththatofthelaw,asacovenantofworks,andasaruleoflifetobelievers,andoughttobeadmitted,(Westm.Confess.chap.19,art.6).For,(1.)Believersarenotunder,butdeadtothelawofworks,(Rom6:14),"Foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."(7:4),"Whereforemybrethren,yealsoarebecomedeadtothelaw,thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother,eventohimwhoisraisedfromthedead."(1Cor9:21),"BeingnotwithoutlawtoGod,butunderthelawofChrist."Somecopiesreadhere"ofGod,"and"ofChrist";whichImention,notoutofanyregardtothatdifferentreading,butthatupontheoccasionthereofthesenseisownedbythelearnedtobethesameeitherway.TobeunderthelawtoGodis,withoutquestion,tobeunderthelawofGod;whateveritmaybejudgedtoimportmore,itcanimportnoless;thereforetobeunderthelawtoChrist,istobeunderthelawofChrist.Thistextgivesaplainanddecisiveanswertothequestion,"HowisthebelieverunderthelawofGod?"namely,asheisunderthelawtoChrist.(2.)ThelawofChristisan"easyyoke,"anda"lightburden,"(Matt11:30);butthelawofworks,toasinner,isaninsupportableburden,requiringworksastheconditionofjustificationandacceptancewithGod,asisclearfromthewholeoftheapostle'sreasoning,(Rom3).[andthereforeitiscalledthelawofworks,forotherwisethelawofChristrequiresworkstoo,]andcursing"everyonethatcontinuesnotinallthingswritteninittodothem,"(Gal3:10).Theapostleassuresus,that"whatthingssoeverthelawsaith,itsaithtothemwhoareunderthelaw,"(Rom3:19).Thedutiesofthelawofworks,assuch,are,asIconceive,calledbyourLord

himself,"heavyburdens,andgrievoustobeborne,"(Matt23:4)."Forthey,"viz:theScribesandPharisees,"bindheavyburdens,andgrievoustobeborne,andlaythemonmen'sshoulders;buttheythemselveswillnotmovethemwithoneoftheirfingers."Theseheavyburdenswerenothumantraditions,andritesdevisedbymen;forChristwouldnothavecommandedtheobservinganddoingofthese,asinthiscasehedid,(verse3),"Whatsoevertheybidyouobserve,thatobserveanddo";neitherweretheytheMosaicritesandceremonies,whichwerenotthenabrogated,fortheScribesandPhariseesweresofarfromnotmovingtheseburdenswithoneoftheirownfingers,thatthewholeoftheirreligionwasconfinedtothem,namelytotheritesandceremoniesofMoses'law,andthoseoftheirowndevising.Butthedutiesofthemorallawtheylaidonothers,bindingthemonwiththetieofthelawofworks,yetmadenoconscienceofthemintheirownpractice:thewhichduties,nevertheless,ourLordJesuscommandedtobeobservedanddone.

"HewhohathbelievedonJesusChrist,[thoughhebefreedfromthecurseofthelaw,]isnotfreedfromthecommandandobedienceofthelaw,buttiedthereuntobyanewobligation,andanewcommandfromChrist.WhichnewcommandfromChristimportethhelptoobeythecommand."PracticalUseofSavingKnowledge,title,TheThirdWarranttoBelieve,fig.5.

Whatthisdistinctionamountstois,thattherebyadifferenceisconstitutedbetwixtthetencommandmentsascomingfromanabsoluteGodoutofChristuntosinners,andthesametencommandmentsascomingfromGodinChristuntothem;adifferencewhichthechildrenofGod,assistingtheirconsciencesbeforehimto"receivethelawathismouth,"willvalueastheirlife,howevertheydisagreeaboutitinwordsandmannerofexpression.Butthattheoriginalindispensableobligationofthelawofthetencommandmentsisinanymeasureweakenedbythebeliever'stakingitasthelawofChrist,andnotasthelawofworks;orthatthesovereignauthorityofGodtheCreator,whichisinseparablefromitfortheagesofeternity,inwhatchannelsoeveritbeconveyeduntomen,istherebylaidaside,willappearutterlygroundless,uponanimpartialconsiderationofthematter.ForisnotourLordJesusChrist,equallywiththeFatherandtheHolySpirit,JEHOVAH,theSovereign,Supreme,MostHighGod,Creatoroftheworld?(Isa47:4,Jer23:6,withPsa83:18,John1:3,Rev3:14).Isnotthesame[orsovereignauthority]ofGodinChrist?(Exo23:21).IsnotheintheFather,andtheFatherinhim?(John14:11).Nay,dothnotallthefullnessoftheGodheaddwellinhim?(Col2:9).How,then,cantheoriginalobligationofthelawofthetencommandments,arisingfromtheauthorityofthe

Creator,Father,Son,andHolyGhost,beweakenedbyitsbeingissueduntothebelieverfromandbythatblessedchannel,theLordJesusChrist?

AsforthedistinctionbetwixtthelawoffaithandthelawofChrist,thelatterissubordinateduntotheformer.Allmenbynatureareunderthelawofworks;buttakingthebenefitofthelawoffaith,bybelievingintheLordJesusChrist,theyaresetfreefromthelawofworks,andbroughtunderthelawofChrist.(Matt11:28,29),"Comeuntome,allyethatlabourandareheavyladentakemyyokeuponyou."

[Back][2]Thelawofthetencommandments,beingthenaturallaw,waswrittenonAdam'sheartonhiscreation;whileasyetitwasneitherthelawofworks,northelawofChrist,inthesensewhereinthesetermsareusedinScripture,andbyourauthor.Butaftermanwascreated,andputintothegarden,thisnaturallaw,havingmademanliabletofallawayfromGod,athreateningofeternaldeathincaseofdisobedience,hadalsoapromiseofeternallifeannexedtoitincaseofobedience;invirtueofwhilehe,havingdonehiswork,mightthereuponpleadanddemandtherewardofeternallife.Thusitbecamethelawofworks,whereofthetencommandmentswere,andarestillthematter.Allmankindbeingruinedbythebreachofthislaw,JesusChristobeysanddiesintheroomoftheelect,thattheymightbesaved;theybeingunitedtohimbyfaith,are,throughhisobedienceandsatisfactionimputedtothem,freedfrometernaldeath,andbecomeheirsofeverlastinglife;sothatthelawofworksbeingfullysatisfied,expiresastothem,asitwouldhavedoneofcourseinthecaseofAdam'shavingstoodthetimeofhistrial:howbeititremainsinfullforceastounbelievers.Butthenaturallawofthetencommandments[whichcanneverexpireordetermine,butisobligatoryinallpossiblestatesofthecreature,inearth,heaven,orhell]is,fromthemomentthelawofworksexpiresastobelievers,issuedforthtothem[stillliabletoinfirmities,thoughnottofallingawaylikeAdam]inthechannelofthecovenantofgrace,bearingapromiseofhelptoobey,(Ezek36:27),and,agreeabletotheirstatebeforetheLord,havingannexedtoitapromiseofthetokensofGod'sfatherlylove,forthesakeofChrist,incaseofthatobedience;andathreateningofGod'sfatherlydispleasureincaseoftheirdisobedience.(John14:21),"Hethathathmycommandments,andkeepeththem,heitisthatlovethme;andhethatlovethme,shallbelovedofmyFather;andIwilllovehim,andwillmanifestmyselftohim."(Psa89:31-33),"Iftheybreakmystatutes,andkeepnotmycommandments;thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionwiththerod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes.Nevertheless,mylovingkindnesswillInotutterlytakefromhim,norsuffermyfaithfulnesstofail."Thusitbecomesthe

lawofChristtothem;ofwhichlawalsothesametencommandmentsarelikewisethematter.Inthethreateningsofthislawthereisnorevengingwrath;andinthepromisesofitnoproperconditionaltyofworks;buthereistheorderinthecovenantofgrace,towhichthelawofChristbelongs;abeautifulorderofgrace,obedience,particularfavours,andchastisementsfordisobedience.Thusthetencommandmentsstand,bothinthelawofworksandinthelawofChristatthesametime,beingthecommonmatterofboth;butastheyarethematterof[i.e.standin]thelawofworks,theyareactuallyapartofthelawofworks;howbeit,astheyarethematterof,orstandin,thelawofChrist,theyareactuallyapart,notofthelawofworks,butofthelawofChrist.AndastheystandinthelawofChrist,ourauthorexpresslyasserts,againsttheAntinomian,thattheyoughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever;butthattheyoughttobearuleoflifetoabeliever,astheystandinthelawofworks,hejustlydenies,againstthelegalist.Evenaswhenoneandthesamecrimestandsforbiddeninthelawsofdifferentindependentkingdoms,itismanifestthattheruleoflifetothesubjectsinthatparticularistheprohibition,asitstandsinthelawofthatkingdomwhereoftheyaresubjectsrespectively,andnotasitstandsinthelawofthatkingdomofwhichtheyarenotsubjects.

[Back][3]Notofthetermshereusedtoexpressitby,butofthethingstherebymeant,viz:thecovenantofworks,thecovenantofgrace,andthelawasaruleoflifetobelievers,inwhatevertermsthesethingsbeexpressed.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Introduction][Next:Adam'sfall.]

ChapterI,SectionIThenatureofthecovenantofworks.

Evan.Thelawofworks,opposedtothelawoffaith,(Rom3:27),holdsforthasmuchasthecovenantofworks;foritismanifest,saysMusculus,thatthewordwhichsignifiescovenant,orbargain,isputforlaw:sothatyouseethelawofworksisasmuchastosay,thecovenantofworks;thewhichcovenanttheLordmadewithallmankindinAdambeforehisfall;thesumwhereofwas,"Dothis,andthoushaltlive,"(Lev18:5);"andifthoudoitnot,thoushaltdiethedeath,"(Gen2:17).Inwhichcovenanttherewascontainedfirstaprecept,"Dothis";secondlyapromisejoineduntoit,"Ifthoudoitthoushaltlive";thirdly,alikethreatening,"Ifthoudoitnot,thoushaltdiethedeath."Imagine,saysMusculus,thatGodhadsaidtoAdam,Lo,totheintentthatthoumayestlive,Ihavegiventheelibertytoeat,andhavegiventheeabundantlytoeat:letallthefruitsofparadisebeinthypower,onetreeexcepted,whichseethoutouchnot,forthatIkeeptomineownauthority:thesameis"thetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil";ifthoutouchit,themeatthereofshallnotbelife,butdeath.

Nom.But,sir,yousaid,thatthelawofthetencommandments,ormorallaw,maybesaidtobethematterofthelawofworks;andyouhavealsosaid,thatthelawofworksisasmuchastosaythecovenantofworks,wherebyitseemstome,youholdthatthelawofthetencommandmentswasthematterofthecovenantofworks,whichGodmadewithallmankindinAdambeforehisfall.

Evan.ThatisatruthagreeduponbyallauthorsandinterpretersthatIknow.Andindeedthelawofworks[asalearnedauthorsays]signifiesthemorallaw;andthemorallaw,strictlyandproperlytaken,signifiesthecovenantofworks.1

Nom.But,sir,whatisthereasonyoucallitbutthematterofthecovenantofworks?

Evan.ThereasonwhyIratherchoosetocallthelawofthetencommandmentsthematterofthecovenantofworks,thanthecovenantitself,is,becauseIconceivethatthematterofitcannotproperlybecalledthecovenantofworks,excepttheformbeputuponit;thatistosay,excepttheLordrequire,andmanundertaketoyieldperfectobediencethereunto,uponconditionofeternallifeand

death.

Andtherefore,tillthen,itwasnotacovenantofworksbetwixtGodandallmankindinAdam;as,forexample,youknow,thatalthoughaservant2haveanabilitytodoamaster'swork,andthoughamasterhavewagestobestowuponhimforit;yetistherenotacovenantbetwixtthemtilltheyhavethereuponagreed.Evenso,thoughamanatthefirsthadpowertoyieldperfectandperpetualobediencetoallthetencommandments,andGodhadaneternallifetobestowuponhim;yetwastherenotacovenantbetwixtthemtilltheywerethereuponagreed.

Nom.But,sir,youknowthereisnomentionmadeinthebookofGenesisofthiscovenantofworks,which,yousay,wasmadewithmanatfirst.

Evan.Thoughwereadnottheword"covenant"betwixtGodandman,yethavewethererecordedwhatmayamounttoasmuch;forGodprovidedandpromisedtoAdameternalhappiness,andcalledforperfectobedience,whichappearsfromGod'sthreatening,(Gen2:17);forifmanmustdieifhedisobeyed,itimpliesstrongly,thatGod'scovenantwaswithhimforlife,ifheobeyed.

Nom.But,sir,youknowtheword"covenant"signifiesamutualpromise,bargain,andobligationbetwixttwoparties.Now,thoughitisimpliedthatGodpromisedmantogivehimlifeifheobeyed,yetwereadnot,thatmanpromisedtobeobedient.

Evan.Ipraytakenotice,thatGoddoesnotalwaystiemantoverbalexpressions,butdothoftencontractthecovenantinrealimpressionsintheheartandframeofthecreature,3andthiswasthemannerofcovenantingwithmanatthefirst;4forGodhadfurnishedhissoulwithanunderstandingmind,wherebyhemightdiscerngoodfromevil,andrightfromwrong:andnotonlyso,butalsoinhiswillwasmostgreatuprightness,(Eccl7:29);andhisinstrumentalparts5wereorderlyframedtoobedience.Thetruthis,Goddidengraveinman'ssoulwisdomandknowledgeofhiswillandworks,andintegrityinthewholesoul,andsuchafitnessinallthepowersthereof,thatneithertheminddidconceive,northeheartdesire,northebodyputinexecution,anythingbutthatwhichwasacceptabletoGod;sothatman,enduedwiththesequalities,wasabletoserveGodperfectly.

Nom.But,sir,howcouldthelawofthetencommandmentsbethematterofthiscovenantofworks,whentheywerenotwritten,asyouknow,tillthetimeof

Moses?

Evan.ThoughtheywerenotwrittenintablesofstoneuntilthetimeofMoses,yetweretheywritteninthetablesofman'sheartinthetimeofAdam:forwereadthatmanwascreatedintheimageorlikenessofGod,(Gen1:27).AndthetencommandmentsareadoctrineagreeingwiththeeternalwisdomandjusticethatisinGod;whereinhehathsopaintedouthisownnature,thatitdoesinamannerexpresstheveryimageofGod,(Col3:10).Anddoesnottheapostlesay,(Eph4:24),thattheimageofGodconsistsinknowledge,righteousness,andtrueholiness?Andisnotknowledge,righteousness,andtrueholiness,theperfectionofboththetablesofthelaw?Andindeed,saysMr.Rollock,itcouldnotwellstandwiththejusticeofGod,tomakeacovenantwithman,undertheconditionofholyandgoodworks,andperfectobediencetohislaw,excepthehadfirstcreatedmanholyandpure,andengravenhislawinhisheart,whencethosegoodworksshouldproceed.

Nom.ButyetIcannotbutmarvelthatGod,inmakingthecovenantwithman,didmakementionofnoothercommandmentthanthatoftheforbiddenfruit.

Evan.Donotmarvelatit:forbythatonespeciesofsinthewholegenusorkindisshown;asthesamelaw,beingmoreclearlyunfolded,dothexpress,(Deut28:26,Gal3:10).And,indeed,inthatonecommandmentthewholeworshipofGoddidconsist;asobedience,honour,love,confidence,andreligiousfear;togetherwiththeoutwardabstinencefromsin,andreverendrespecttothevoiceofGod;yea,hereinalsoconsistedhislove,andsohiswholedutytohisneighbour;6sothat,asalearnedwritersays,Adamheardasmuch[ofthelaw]inthegarden,asIsraeldidatSinai;butonlyinfewerwords,andwithoutthunder.

Nom.But,sir,oughtnotmantohaveyieldedperfectobediencetoGod,thoughthiscovenanthadnotbeenmadebetwixtthem?

Evan.Yea,indeed;perfectandperpetualobediencewasduefrommanuntoGod,thoughGodhadmadenopromisetoman;forwhenGodcreatedmanatfirst,heputforthanexcellencyfromhimselfintohim;andthereforeitwasthebondandtiethatlayuponmantoreturnthatgainuntoGod;7sothatmanbeingGod'screature,bythelawofcreationheowedallobedienceandsubjectiontoGodhisCreator.

Nom.Why,then,wasitneedfulthattheLordshouldmakeacovenantwithhim,bypromisinghimlife,andthreateninghimwithdeath?

Evan.Foranswerhereunto,inthefirstplace,Iprayyouunderstand,thatmanwasareasonablecreature;andso,outofjudgment,discretion,andelection,abletomakechoiceofhisway,andthereforeitwasmeetthereshouldbesuchacovenantmadewithhim,thathemight,accordingtoGod'sappointment,servehimafterareasonablemanner.Secondly,Itwasmeetthereshouldbesuchacovenantmadewithhim,toshowthathewasnotsuchaprinceonearth,butthathehadasovereignLord:therefore,Godsetapunishmentuponthebreachofhiscommandment;8thatmanmightknowhisinferiority,andthatthingsbetwixthimandGodwerenotasbetwixtequals.Thirdly,Itwasmeetthereshouldbesuchacovenantmadewithhim,toshowthathehadnothingbypersonal,immediate,andunderivedright,butallbygiftandgentleness:sothatyouseeitwasanequalcovenant,9whichGod,outofhisprerogative-royal,madewithmankindinAdambeforehisfall.

Nom.Well,sir,IdoperceivethatAdamandallmankindinhimwerecreatedmostholy.

Evan.Yea,andmosthappy,too:forGodplacedhiminparadiseinthemidstofalldelightfulpleasuresandcontents,whereinhedidenjoymostnearandsweetcommunionwithhisCreator,inwhosepresenceisfullnessofjoy,andwhoserighthandarepleasuresevermore,(Psa16:11).SothatifAdamhadreceivedofthetreeoflife,bytakingandeatingit,whilehestoodinthestateofinnocencybeforehisfall,hehadcertainlybeenestablishedinahappyestateforever,andcouldnothavebeenseducedandsupplantedbySatan,assomelearnedmen,dothink,andasGod'sownwordsseemtoimply,(Gen3:22).10

[Contents][Previous:Introduction][Next:Adam'sfall]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Themorallawisanambiguoustermamongdivines.(1.)Themorallawistakenfromthedecalogue,ortencommandments,simply.Sothelawinthetencommandmentsisownedtobecommonlycalledthemorallaw,Westm.Confess.chap.19,art.2,3.Andthusourauthorhashithertousedthatterm,reckoningthemorallawnotthecovenantofworksitself,butonlythematterof

it.(2.)Themorallawistakenforthetencommandments,havingthepromiseoflife,andthreateningofdeathannexedtothem;thatisforthelaw,orcovenantofworks.Thusthemorallawisdescribedtobe,"thedeclarationofthewillofGodtomankind,directingandbindingeveryonetopersonal,perfect,andperpetualconformityandobediencethereunto,intheframeanddispositionofthewholeman,soulandbody,andinperformanceofallthesedutiesofholinessandrighteousness,whichheowethtoGodandman,promisinglifeuponthefulfilling,andthreateningdeathuponthebreachofit."LargerCatech.Quest.93.Thatthisisthecovenantofworks,isclearfromWestm.Confess.chap.19,art.1,"GodgavetoAdamalaw,asacovenantofworks,bywhichheboundhimandallhisposteritytopersonal,entire,exact,andperpetualobedience;promisedlifeuponthefulfilling,andthreateneddeathuponthebreachofit."Andthisourauthorownstobethesenseofthatterm,strictlyandproperlytaken;thereasonwhereofIconceivetobe,thatthemorallaw,properlysignifyingthelawofmanners,answerstotheScriptureterm,thelawofworks,bywhichismeantthecovenantofworks.Andifhehadadded,thatinthissensebelieversaredeliveredfromit,hehadsaidnomorethantheLargerCatechismdoth,inthesewords:"Theythatareregenerate,andbelieveinChrist,bedeliveredfromthemorallawasacovenantofworks,"Quest.97.But,inthemeantime,itisevidenthedoesnothereusethatterminthissense;andinthenextparagraph,saveone,hegivesareasonwhyhedidnotsouseit.

[Back][2]Notahiredservant,forthereisacovenantbetwixtsuchanoneandthemaster,butabond-servant,boughtwithmoney,ofanotherperson,orborninthemaster'shouse,whoisobligedtoservehismaster,andisliabletopunishmentincasehedonot,butcannotdemandwages,sincethereisnocovenantbetweenthem.

Thiswasthecaseofmankind,withrelationtotheCreator,beforethecovenantofworkswasmade.

[Back][3]Thesoulapproving,embracing,andconsentingtothecovenant;which,withoutanymore,isplainlanguage,thoughnotuntomen,yetuntoGod,whoknoweththeheart.

[Back][4]ThecovenantbeingrevealedtomancreatedafterGod'sownimage,hecouldnotbutperceivetheequityandbenefitofit;andsoheartilyapprove,embrace,accept,andconsenttoit.AndthisacceptingisplainlyintimatedinEve'swordstotheserpent,(Gen3:2,3),"Wemayeatofthefruitofthetreesof

thegarden;butofthefruitofthetreewhichisinthemidstofthegarden,Godhathsaid,Yeshallnoteatofit,neithershallyetouchit,lestyedie."

[Back][5]Executivefacultiesandpowers,wherebythegoodknownandwilledwastobedone.

[Back][6]Thatonecommandmentwasineffectasummaryofthewholedutyofman,thewhichclearlyappears,ifoneconsidersthatthebreachofitwasatransgressingofallthetencommandmentsatonce,asourauthorafterwardsdistinctlyshows.

[Back][7]Godhavinggivenmanabeingafterhisownimage,agloriousexcellency,itwashisnaturaldutytomakesuitablereturnsthereofuntotheGiver,inawayofduty,beingandactingforhim;evenasthewaters,whichoriginallyarefromthesea,doinbrooksandriversreturntotheseaagain.Man,beingofGodashisfirstcause,behovedtobetohimashischiefandultimateend,(Rom11:36).

[Back][8]Thepunishmentofdeathuponthebreachofhiscommandmenttouchingtheforbiddenfruit.

[Back][9]Thatis,anequitablecovenant,fairandreasonable.

[Back][10]Theauthorsays,thatsomelearnedmenthinkso,andthatthewords,(Gen3:22),seemtoimplysomuch;butallthisamountsnottoapositivedeterminationofthepoint.Thewordsarethese,"Behold,themanisbecomeasoneofus,toknowgoodandevil;andnow,lestheputforthhishand,andtakealsoofthetreeoflife,andeat,andliveforever,"&c.Whetherornotthesewordsseemtoimplysomesuchthings,Ileavetothejudgmentofthereader,whomIinclinenottoentertainwithmineownorothers'conjecturesuponthishead;butthreethingsItaketobeplain,andbeyondconjecture,inthistext,(1.)Thatthereisnoironynorscoffhere,asmanythinkthereis;but,onthecontrary,amostpatheticlamentationoverfallenman.Theliteralversionandsenseoftheformerpartofthetextrunsthus:"Beholdthemanthatwasoneofus,"&c.,comparefortheversion,Lamentations3:1;Psalm3:7;andforthesense,Genesis1:26,27,"AndGodsaid,Letusmakemaninourimage.SoGodcreatedmaninhisownimage,"&c.ThelatterpartofthetextIwouldreadthus,"Andeatthathemayliveforever."Compareforthisversion,Exodus4:23;1Samuel6:8.Itisevidentthesentenceisbrokenoffabruptly;thewords,"Iwilldrivehimout,"

beingsuppressed;evenasinthecaseofafather,withsighs,sobs,andtears,puttinghissonoutofdoors.(2.)ThatitwasGod'sdesign,topreventAdam'seatingofthetreeoflife,ashehadoftheforbiddentree,"lesthetakealsoofthetreeoflife";therebymercifullytakingcarethatourfallenfather,towhomthecovenantofgracewasnowproclaimed,mightnot,accordingtothecorruptnaturalinclinationoffallenmankind,runbacktothecovenantofworksforlifeandsalvation,bypartakingofthetreeoflife,asacramentofthatcovenant,andsorejectthecovenantofgrace,byeatingofthattreenow,ashehadbeforebrokenthecovenantofworks,byeatingofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil.(3.)ThatatthistimeAdamdidthink,thatbyeatingofthetreeoflifehemightliveforever.FartherIdipnothereinthismatter.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Thenatureofthecovenantofworks.][Next:Thesinfulnessandmiseryofmankindbythefall.]

ChapterI,SectionIIAdam'sfall.

Nom.ButitseemeththatAdamdidnotcontinueinthatholyandhappyestate.

Evan.No,indeed;forhedisobeyedGod'sexpresscommand,ineatingtheforbiddenfruit,andsobecameguiltyofthebreachofthecovenant.

Nom.But,sir,howcouldAdam,whohadhisunderstandingsosound,andhiswillsofreetochoosegood,besodisobedienttoGod'sexpresscommand?

Evan.Thoughheandhiswillwerebothgood,yetweretheymutuallygood;sothathemightstandorfall,athisownelectionorchoice.

Nom.ButwhythendidnottheLordcreatehimimmutable?or,whydidhenotsoover-rulehiminthataction,thathemightnothaveeatentheforbiddenfruit?1

Evan.ThereasonwhytheLorddidnotcreatehimimmutable,wasbecausehewouldbeobeyedoutofjudgmentandfreechoice,andnotbyfatalnecessityandabsolutedetermination;2andwithal,letmetellyou,itwasnotreasonabletorestrainGodtothispoint,tomakemansuchanoneaswouldnot,norcouldnotsinatall,foritwasathischoicetocreatehimhowhepleased.Butwhyhedidnotupholdhimwithstrengthofsteadfastcontinuance;thatrestethhiddeninGod'ssecretcouncil.Howbeit,thiswemaycertainlyconclude,thatAdam'sstatewassuchasservedtotakeawayfromhimallexcuse;forhereceivedsomuch,thatofhisownwillhewroughthisowndestruction;3becausethisactofhiswasawillfultransgressionofalaw,underthepreceptswhereofhewasasnecessarilyandrighteouslysubject,ifhetransgressed:for,asbeingGod'screature,hewastobesubjecttohiswill,sobybeingGod'sprisoner,hewasasjustlysubjecttohiswrath;andthatsomuchthemore,byhowmuchthepreceptwasmostjust,theobediencemoreeasy,thetransgressionmorereasonable,andthepunishmentmorecertain.

[Contents][Previous:Thenatureofthecovenantofworks.][Next:Thesinfulnessandmiseryofmankindbythefall.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thesearetwodistinctquestions,bothofthemnativelyarisingfromalegaltemperofspirit:andIdoubtifevertheheartofasinnershallreceiveasatisfyinganswerastoeitherofthem,untilitcometoembracethegospel-wayofsalvation;takingupitseverlastingrestinChrist,forwisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption.

[Back][2]Immutability,properlysocalled,orabsoluteunchangeableness,isanincommunicableattributeofGod,(Mal3:6,James1:17);andmutably,orchangeableness,issoofthenatureofacreature,thatitshouldceasetobeacreature,oradependentbeing,ifitshouldceasetobemutable.Butthereisanimmutability,improperlysocalled,whichiscompetenttothecreature,wherebyitisfreefrombeingactuallyliabletochangeinsomerespect;thewhich,inreferencetoman,maybeconsideredtwoways.(1.)Asputtinghimbeyondthehazardofchangebyanotherhandthanhisown.(2.)Asputtinghimbeyondthehazardofchangebyhimself.Intheformersense,manwasindeedmadeimmutableinpointofmoralgoodness;forhecouldonlybemadesinfulorevilbyhimself,andnotbyanyother.Ifhehadbeenmadeimmutableinthelattersense,thatimmutabilitybehovedeithertohavebeenwovenintohisverynature,orelsetohavearisenfromconfirminggrace.NowGoddidnotcreatemanthusimmutableinhisnature;whichisitthatthefirstquestionaimsat;andthatforthisverygoodreason,viz:that,atthatrate,manwouldhaveobeyedbyfatalnecessityandabsolutedetermination,asonenothavingsomuchasaremotepowerinhisnaturetochangehimself.Andneitherglorifiedsaints,norangels,arethusimmutable;theirimmutabilityingoodnessentirelydependingonconfirminggrace.Asforimmutabilitybyconfirminggrace,whichisitthatthesecondquestionaimsat,itisconferredonglorifiedsaintsandangels;butwhyitwasnotaffordedtoAdamathiscreation,ourauthorwiselydeclinestogiveanyreason."Thereason,sayshe,whytheLorddidnotcreatehimimmutablewas,because,"&c.;butwhyhedidnotupholdhimwithstrengthofsteadfastcontinuance,thatrestethhiddeninGod'ssecretcounsel.

[Back][3]Thatis,hereceivedsomuchstrength,thatitwasnotofweakness,butwillfulness,thathedestroyedhimself.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Adam'sfall.][Next:Norecoverybythelaw,orcovenantofworks.]

ChapterI,SectionIIIThesinfulnessandmiseryofmankindbythefall.

Nom.AndwasAdam'ssinandpunishmentimputeduntohiswholeoffspring?

Evan.Yea,indeed;forsaystheapostle,(Rom5:12),"Deathpasseduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned";or,"inwhomallhavesinned,"thatis,inAdam.Theverytruthis,Adambyhisfallthrewdownourwholenature1headlongintothesamedestruction,anddrownedhiswholeoffspringinthesamegulfofmisery,2andthereasonis,because,byGod'sappointment,hewasnottostandorfallasasinglepersononly,butasacommonpublicperson,representingallmankindtocomeofhim:3therefore,asallthathappiness,allthosegifts,andendowments,whichwerebestoweduponhim,werenotbestoweduponhimalone,butalsouponthewholenatureofman,andasthatcovenantwhichwasmadewithhim,wasmadewiththewholeofmankind;evensohebybreakingcovenantlostall,aswellforusasforhimself.Ashereceivedallforhimselfandus,sohelostallbothforhimselfandus.

Nom.Then,sir,itseemethbyAdam'sbreachofcovenant,allmankindwerebroughtintoamiserablecondition?

Evan.AllmankindbythefallofAdamreceivedatwofolddamage:First,Adeprivationofalloriginalgoodness.Secondly,Anhabitualnaturalpronenesstoallkindofwickedness.FortheimageofGod,afterwhichtheywerecreated,wasforthwithblottedout;andinplaceofwisdom,righteousness,andtrueholiness,cameblindness,uncleanness,falsehood,andinjustice.Theverytruthis,ourwholenature4wastherebycorrupted,defiled,deformed,depraved,infected,madeinfirm,frail,malignant,fullofvenom,contrarytoGod;yea,enemiesandrebelsuntohim.Sothat,saysLuther,thisisthetitlewehavereceivedfromAdam:inthisonethingwemayglory,andinnothingelseatall;namely,thateveryinfantthatisbornintothisworld,iswhollyinthepowerofsin,death,Satan,hell,andeverlastingdamnation.Nay,saysMusculus,"Thewhirlpoolofman'ssininparadiseisbottomlessandunsearchable."

Nom.But,sir,methinksitisastrangethingthatsosmallanoffence,aseatingof

theforbiddenfruitseemstobe,shouldplungethewholeofmankindintosuchagulfofmisery.

Evan.Thoughatfirstglanceitseemstobeasmalloffence,yet,ifwelookmorewistfully5uponthematteritwillappeartobeanexceedinggreatoffence;fortherebyintolerableinjurywasdoneuntoGod;as,first,Hisdominionandauthorityinhisholycommandwasviolated.Secondly,Hisjustice,truth,andpower,inhismostrighteousthreatenings,weredespised.Thirdly,Hismostpureandperfectimage,whereinmanwascreatedinrighteousnessandtrueholiness,wasutterlydefaced.Fourthly,Hisglory,which,byanactiveservice,thecreatureshouldhavebroughttohim,waslostanddespoiled.Nay,howcouldtherebeagreatersincommittedthanthat,whenAdam,atthatoneclap,brokeallthetencommandments?

Nom.Didhebreakallthetencommandments,sayyou?Sir,Ibeseechyoushowmewherein.

Evan.1.HechosehimselfanotherGodwhenhefollowedthedevil.

2.Heidolizedanddeifiedhisownbelly;6astheapostle'sphraseis,"HemadehisbellyhisGod."

3.HetookthenameofGodinvain,whenhebelievedhimnot.

4.HekeptnottherestandestatewhereinGodhadsethim.

5.HedishonouredhisFatherwhowasinheaven;andthereforehisdayswerenotprolongedinthatlandwhichtheLordhisGodhadgivenhim.

6.Hemassacredhimselfandallhisposterity.

7.FromEvehewasavirgin,butineyesandmindhecommittedspiritualfornication.

8.Hestole,likeAchan,thatwhichGodhadsetasidenottobemeddledwith;andthishisstealthisthatwhichtroublesallIsrael,葉hewholeworld.

9.HebarewitnessagainstGod,whenhebelievedthewitnessofthedevilbeforehim.

10.Hecovetedanevilcovetousness,likeAmnon,whichcosthimhislife,(2Sam13),andallhisprogeny.Now,whosoeverconsiderswhatanestofevilsherewerecommittedatoneblow,mustneeds,withMusculus,seeourcasetobesuch,thatwearecompelledeverywaytocommendthejusticeofGod,7andtocondemnthesinofourfirstparents,saying,concerningallmankind,astheprophetHoseadoesconcerningIsrael,"OIsrael,thouhastdestroyedthyself,"(Hosea3:9).

[Contents][Previous:Adam'sfall.][Next:Norecoverybythelaw,orcovenantofworks.]

Footnotes:[Back][1]Thatis,allmankind.

[Back][2]Withhimself.

[Back][3]Byvirtueoftheblessingoffruitfulnessgivenbeforethefall.

[Back][4]Thatis,allmankind.

[Back][5]Thatis,earnestly.

[Back][6]Thatis,astheapostle's,&c.

[Back][7]Thatis,tojustifyGod.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Thesinfulnessandmiseryofmankindbythefall][Next:Thecovenantofworksbinding,thoughbroken.]

ChapterI,SectionIVNorecoverybythelaw,orcovenantofworks.

Nom.But,sir,haditnotbeenpossibleforAdambothtohavehelpedhimselfandhisposterityoutofhismisery,byrenewingthesamecovenantwithGod,andkeepingitsoafterwards?

Evan.No,bynomeans;forthecovenantofworkswasacovenantnowaycapableofrenovation.1Whenhehadoncebrokenit,hewasgoneforever;becauseitwasacovenantbetweentwofriends,butnowfallenmanwasbecomeanenemy.AndbesidesitwasanimpossiblethingforAdamtohaveperformedtheconditionswhichnowthejusticeofGoddidnecessarilyrequireathishands;forhewasnowbecomeliableforthepaymentofadoubledebt,viz:thedebtofsatisfactionforhissincommittedintimepast,andthedebtofperfectandperpetualobedienceforthetimetocome;andhewasutterlyunabletopayeitherofthem.

Nom.Whywasheunabletopaythedebtofsatisfactionforhissincommittedintimepast?

Evan.Becausehissin,ineatingtheforbiddenfruit[forthatisthesinImean]2wascommittedagainstaninfiniteandeternalGod,andthereforemeritedaninfiniteandeternalsatisfaction;whichwastobeeithersometemporalpunishment,equivalenttoeternaldamnation,oreternaldamnationitself.NowAdamwasafinitecreature,therefore,betweenfiniteandinfinitetherecouldbenoproportion;sothatitwasimpossibleforAdamtohavemadesatisfactionbyanytemporalpunishment;andifhehadundertakentohavesatisfiedbyaneternalpunishment,heshouldalwayshavebeensatisfying,andneverhavesatisfied,asisthecaseofthedamnedinhell.

Nom.Andwhywasheunabletopaythedebtofperfectandperpetualobedienceforthetimetocome?

Evan.Becausehisformerpowertoobeywasbyhisfallutterlyimpaired;fortherebyhisunderstandingwasbothenfeebledanddrownedindarkness;andhiswillwasmadeperverse,andutterlydeprivedofallpowertowillwell;andhisaffectionswerequitesetoutoforder;andallthingsbelongingtotheblessedlifeofthesoulwereextinguished,bothinhimandus;sothathewasbecomeimpotent,yea,dead,andthereforenotabletostandinthelowesttermstoperformthemeanestcondition.Theverytruthis,ourfatherAdamfallingfromGod,did,byhisfall,sodashhimandusallinpieces,thattherewasnowholepartleft,eitherinhimorus,fittogroundsuchacovenantupon.Andthistheapostlewitnesseth,bothwhenhesays,"Weareofnostrength";and,"Thelawwasmadeweak,becauseoftheflesh,"(Rom5:6,8:3).

Nom.But,sir,mightnottheLordhavepardonedAdam'ssinwithoutsatisfaction?

Evan.Ono!forjusticeisessentialinGod,anditisarighteousthingwithGod,thateverytransgressionreceiveajustrecompense:3andifrecompensebejust,itisunjusttopardonsinwithoutsatisfaction.AndthoughtheLordhadpardonedandforgivenhisformertransgression,andsosethiminhisformerconditionofamityandfriendship,yethavingnopowertokeepthelawperfectly,hecouldnothavecontinuedtherein.4

Nom.Andisitalsoimpossibleforanyofhisposteritytokeepthelawperfectly?

Evan.Yea,indeed,itisimpossibleforanymeremaninthetimeofthislifetokeepitperfectly;yea,thoughhebearegenerateman;forthelawrequirethofmanthathe"lovetheLordwithallhisheart,soul,andmight";andthereisnottheholiestmanthatlives,butheisfleshaswellasspiritinallpartsandfacultiesofhissoul,andthereforecannotlovetheLordperfectly.Yea,andthelawforbiddethallhabitualconcupiscence,notonlysaying,"thoushaltnotconsenttolust,"but,"thoushaltnotlust":itdothnotonlycommandthebindingoflust,butforbidsalsothebeingoflust:andwhointhiscasecansay,"Myheartisclean"?

Ant.Then,Nomista,takenotice,Ipray,thatasitwasaltogetherimpossibleforAdamtoreturnintothatholyandhappyestatewhereinhewascreated,bythesamewayhewentfromit,5soisitforanyofhisposterity;andtherefore,Irememberonesaysverywittingly,"ThelawwasAdam'sleasewhenGodmadehimtenantofEden;theconditionsofwhichbondwhenhekeptnot,heforfeitedhimselfandallforus."Godreadalectureofthelawtohimbeforehefell,tobe

ahedgetohimtokeephiminparadise;butwhenAdamwouldnotkeepwithincompass,thislawisnowbecomeastheflamingswordatEden'sgate,tokeephimandhisposterityout.

[Contents][Previous:Thesinfulnessandmiseryofmankindbythefall][Next:Thecovenantofworksbinding,thoughbroken.]

Footnotes:[Back][1]ThecovenantofworkscouldbynomeansberenewedbyfallenAdam,soastherebytohelphimselfandhisposterityoutofhismisery,thewhichistheonlythinginquestionhere;otherwise,indeed,itmighthavebeenrenewed,whichisevidentbythissadtoken,thatmanydoactuallyrenewitintheircovenantingwithGod,beingpromptedtheretobytheirignoranceofthehighdemandsofthelaw,theirownutterinability,andthewayofsalvationbyJesusChrist.AndfromthesameprincipleourlegalistheremakesnoquestionbutAdammighthaverenewedit,andkeptittoo,fortheafter-time;only,hequestionswhetherornotAdammighttherebyhavehelpedhimselfandhisposteritytoo,outofthemiserytheywerebroughtintobyhissin.[Back][2]Thatbeingthesininwhichallmankindfellwithhim,(Rom5:15).[Back][3](2Thess1:6),"SeeingitisarighteousthingwithGod,torecompensetribulationtothemthattroubleyou."(Heb2:2),"Everytransgressionanddisobediencereceivedajustrecompense."[Back][4]Butwouldhavesinnedagain,andsofallenunderthecurseanew.[Back][5]Walkingbackbythewayofthecovenantofworks,whichheleftbyhissinning.

Object."Dowethenmakevoidthelaw,"(Rom3:31),leavinganimputationofdishonouruponit,asadisregardedpath,bypretendingtoreturnantherway?Ans.SinnersbeingunitedtoChristbyfaith,return,beingcarriedbackthesamewaytheycame;onlytheirownfeetnevertouchtheground;butthegloriousMediator,sustainingthepersonsofthemall,walkedeverybitoftheroadexactly,(Gal4:4,5).Thus,inChrist,thewayoffreegrace,andofthelaw,sweetlymeettogether;andthroughfaithweestablishthelaw.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Norecoverybythelaw,orcovenantofworks.][Next:Oftheeternalpurposeofgrace.]

ChapterI,SectionVThecovenantofworksbinding,thoughbroken.

Nom.But,sir,youknow,thatwhenacovenantisbroken,thepartiesthatwereboundarefreedandreleasedfromtheirengagements;andtherefore,methinks,bothAdamandhisposterityshouldhavebeenreleasedfromthecovenantofworkswhenitwasbroken,especiallyconsideringtheyhavenostrengthtoperformtheconditionofit.

Evan.Indeeditistrue,ineverycovenant,ifeitherpartyfailinhisduty,andperformnothiscondition,theotherpartyistherebyfreedfromhispart,butthepartyfailingisnotfreedtilltheotherreleasehim;and,therefore,thoughtheLordbefreedfromperforminghiscondition,thatis,fromgivingtomaneternallife,yetsoisnotmanfromhispart;no,thoughstrengthtoobeybelost,yetmanhavinglostitbyhisowndefault,theobligationtoobedienceremainsstill;sothatAdamandhisoffspringarenomoredischargedoftheirduties,becausetheyhavenostrengthtodothem,thanadebtorisquittedofhisbond,becausehewantsmoneytopayit.Andthus,Nomista,Ihave,accordingtoyourdesire,endeavouredtohelpyoutothetrueknowledgeofthelawofworks.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Thecovenantofworksbinding,thoughbroken.][Next:ThepromisemadetoAdam.]

ChapterIIOftheLawofFaith,orCovenantofGrace

Ant.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedtohelpustothetrueknowledgeofthelawoffaith.

Evan.Thelawoffaithisasmuchastosaythecovenantofgrace,orthegospel,whichsignifiesgood,merry,glad,andjoyfultidings;thatistosay,thatGod,towhoseeternalknowledgeallthingsarepresent,andnothingpastortocome,foreseeingman'sfall,beforealltimepurposed,1andintimepromised,2andinthefullnessoftimeperformed,3thesendingofhisSonJesusChristintotheworld,tohelpanddeliverfallenmankind.4

SectionI.Oftheeternalpurposeofgrace.

Ant.Ibeseechyou,sir,letushearmoreofthesethings;andfirstofall,showhowwearetoconceiveofGod'seternalpurposeinsendingofJesusChrist.

Evan.Why,herethelearnedframeakindofconflictinGod'sholyattributes;andbyaliberty,whichtheHolyGhost,fromthelanguageofholyScripture,alloweththem,theyspeakofGodafterthemannerofmen,asifhewerereducedtosomestraitsanddifficulties,bythecrossdemandsofhisseveralattributes.5ForTruthandJusticestoodupandsaid,thatmanhadsinned,andthereforemanmustdie;andsocalledforthecondemnationofasinful,andthereforeworthilyacursedcreature;orelsetheymustbeviolated:forthousaidst,[saidtheytoGod],"Inthatdaythatthoueatestofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltdiethedeath."Mercy,ontheotherside,pleadedforfavour,andappealstothegreatcourtinheaven:andthereitpleads,saying,Wisdom,andpower,andgoodness,havebeenallmanifestinthecreation;andangerandjusticehavebeenmagnifiedinman'smiserythatheisnowplungedintobyhisfall:butIhavenotyetbeenmanifested.6Oletfavourandcompassionbeshowntowardsman,woefullyseducedandoverthrownbySatan!Oh!saidthey7untoGod,itisaroyalthingtorelievethedistressed;andthegreateranyoneis,themoreplacable

andgentleheoughttobe.ButJusticereplied,IfIbeoffended,Imustbesatisfiedandhavemyright;andthereforeIrequire,thatman,whohathlosthimselfbyhisdisobedience,should,forremedy,setobedienceagainstit,andsosatisfythejudgmentofGod.ThereforethewisdomofGodbecameanumpire,anddevisedawaytoreconcilethem;concluding,thatbeforetherecouldbereconciliationmade,theremustbetwothingseffected;(1.)AsatisfactionofGod'sjustice.(2.)Areparationofman'snature:whichtwothingsmustneedsbeeffectedbysuchamiddleandcommonpersonthathadbothzealtowardsGod,thathemightbesatisfied;andcompassiontowardsman,thathemightberepaired:suchaperson,as,havingman'sguiltandpunishmenttranslatedonhim,mightsatisfythejusticeofGod,andashavingafullnessofGod'sSpiritandholinessinhim,mightsanctifyandrepairthenatureofman.8AndthiscouldbenoneotherbutJesusChrist,oneoftheThreePersonsoftheblessedTrinity;thereforehe,byhisFather'sordination,hisownvoluntaryoffering,andtheHolySpirit'ssanctification,wasfittedforthebusiness.Whereupontherewasaspecialcovenant,ormutualagreementmadebetweenGodandChrist,asisexpressed,(Isa53:10),thatifChristwouldmakehimselfasacrificeforsin,thenheshould"seehisseed,heshouldprolonghisdays,andthepleasureoftheLordshouldprosperbyhim."SoinPsalm89:19,themerciesofthiscovenantbetweenGodandChrist,underthetypeofGod'scovenantwithDavid,aresetforth:"ThouspakestinvisiontothyholyOne,andsaidst,IhavelaidhelpuponOnethatismighty":or,astheChaldeeexpoundsit,"Onemightyinthelaw."AsifGodhadsaidconcerninghiselect,Iknowthatthesewillbreak,andneverbeabletosatisfyme;butthouartamightyandsubstantialperson,abletopayme,thereforeIwilllookformydebtofthee.9AsPareuswellobserves,Goddid,asitwere,saytoChrist,WhattheyowemeIrequireallatthyhands.ThensaidChrist,"Lo,Icometodothywill!inthevolumeofthebookitiswrittenofme,Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod!yea,thylawisinmyheart,"(Psa40:7,8).ThusChristassented,andfromeverlastingstruckhandswithGod,toputuponhimman'sperson,andtotakeuponhimhisname,andtoenterinhissteadinobeyinghisFather,andtodoallformanthatheshouldrequire,andtoyieldinman'sfleshthepriceofthesatisfactionofthejustjudgmentofGod,and,inthesameflesh,tosufferthepunishmentthatmanhaddeserved;andthisheundertookunderthepenaltythatlayuponmantohaveundergone.10Andthuswasjusticesatisfied,andmercybytheLordJesusChrist;andsoGodtookChrist'ssinglebond;whenceChristisnotonlycalledthe"suretyofthecovenantforus,"(Heb7:22),butthecovenantitself,(Isa49:8).AndGodlaidalluponhim,thathemightbesureofsatisfaction;protestingthathewouldnotdealwith

us,norsomuchasexpectanypaymentfromus;suchwashisgrace.AndthusdidourLordJesusChristenterintothesamecovenantofworksthatAdamdidtodeliverbelieversfromit:11hewascontentedtobeunderallthatcommanding,revengingauthority,whichthatcovenanthadoverthem,tofreethemfromthepenaltyofit;andinthatrespect,AdamissaidtobeatypeofChrist,asyouhaveit,(Rom5:14),"whowasthetypeofhimthatwastocome."Towhichpurpose,thetitleswhichtheapostlegivesthesetwo,ChristandAdam,areexceedingobservable:hecallsAdamthe"firstman,"andChristourLordthe"secondman,"(1Cor15:47);speakingofthemasifthereneverhadbeenanymoremenintheworldbesidesthesetwo;therebymakingthemheadandrootofallmankind,theyhaving,asitwere,therestofthesonsofmenincludedinthem.Thefirstmaniscalledthe"earthyman";thesecondman,Christ,iscalledthe"Lordfromheaven,"(1Cor15:47).Theearthymanhadallthesonsofmenbornintotheworldincludedinhim,andissocalled,inconformityuntothem,the"firstman":12thesecondMan,Christ,iscalledthe"Lordfromheaven,"whohadalltheelectincludedinhim,whoaresaidtobethe"firstborn,"andtohavetheir"nameswritteninheaven,"(Heb12:23),andthereforeareappositelycalled"heavenlymen";sothatthesetwo,inGod'saccount,stoodforalltherest.13Andthusyousee,thattheLord,willingtoshowmercytothefallencreature,andwithaltomaintaintheauthorityofhislaw,tooksuchacourseasmightbestmanifesthisclemencyandseverity.Christenteredintocovenant,andbecamesuretyforman,andsobecameliabletoman'sengagements:forhethatanswersasasuretymustpaythesamesumofmoneythatthedebtoroweth.

AndthushaveIendeavouredtoshowyou,howwearetoconceiveofGod'seternalpurposeinsendingofJesusChristtohelpanddeliverfallenmankind.

[Contents][Previous:Thecovenantofworksbinding,thoughbroken.][Next:ThepromisemadetoAdam.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1](2Tim1:9),"Whohathsavedusaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace,whichwasgivenusinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan."(Eph3:11),"Accordingtotheeternalpurpose,whichhepurposedinChristJesusourLord."

[Back][2](Rom1:1,2),"ThegospelofGod,whichhehadpromisedaforebyhisprophetsintheholyScriptures."

[Back][3](Gal4:4,5),"Butwhenthefullnessofthetimewascome,GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw."

[Back][4]Thesearethegoodtidings,thisisthelawoffaith,i.e.thelawtobebelievedforsalvation,whichtheapostleplainlyteacheth.(Rom1:16),"ThegospelisthepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth";and,(verse17),"ForthereinistherighteousnessofGodrevealedfromfaithtofaith."Inthislasttext,cloudedwithagreatvarietyofinterpretations,Ithinkthereisatranspositionofwordstobeadmitted,andwouldreadthewholeversethus:"ForthereinisrevealedtherighteousnessofGodbyfaithuntofaith;asitiswritten,Butthejustbyfaithshalllive."Thekeytothisconstructionandreadingofthewordsintheformerpartoftheverse,is,thetestimonyadducedbytheapostleinthelatterpartofit,fromHabakkuk2:4,wheretheoriginaltextappearstometodeterminetheversionofthattestimonyashereoffered.Thesenseis,therighteousnesswhichisbyfaith,namely,therighteousnessofChrist,theonlyrighteousnessinwhichasinnercanstandbeforeGod,isinthegospelrevealeduntofaith,i.e.tobebelieved.Seealikephrase,1Timothy4:3,translatedafterthismanner.

[Back][5]"HowshallIgivetheeup,Ephraim?HowshallIdeliverthee,Israel?HowshallImaketheeasAdmah?HowshallIsettheeasZeboim?Mineheartisturnedwithinme,myrepentingsarekindledtogether,"(Hosea11:8).

[Back][6]Mercyrequiresanobjectinmisery.

[Back][7]Favourandcompassion.

[Back][8]Asmanlayinruins,bythefallguiltyandunclean,therestoodinthewayofhissalvation,bymercydesigned,1.ThejusticeofGod,whichcouldnotadmittheguiltycreature;and,2.TheholinessofGod,whichcouldnotadmittheuncleanandunholycreaturetocommunionwithhim.Therefore,inthecontrivanceofhissalvation,itwasnecessarythatprovisionshouldbemadeforthesatisfactionofGod'sjustice,bypaymentofthedoubledebtmentionedabove;namely,thedebtofpunishmentandthedebtofperfectobedience.Itwasalsonecessarythatprovisionshouldbemadeforthesanctificationofthesinner,therepairingofthelostimageofGodinhim.Andmanbeingasunabletosanctifyhimself,astosatisfyjustice,[atruthwhichproudnaturecannotdigest],theSaviourbehoved,notonlytoobeyandsufferinhisstead,butalsotohavea

fullnessoftheSpiritofholinessinhimtocommunicatetothesinner,thathisnaturemightberepairedthroughsanctificationoftheSpirit.Thuswasthegroundworkofman'ssalvationlaidintheeternalcounsel;thesanctificationofthesinner,accordingtoourauthor,beingasnecessarytohissalvationasthesatisfactionofjustice;forindeedthenecessityoftheformer,aswellasofthelatter,arisethfromthenatureofGod,andthereforeisanabsolutenecessity.

[Back][9]Thatis,thedebtwhichtheelectowetome.ThuswasthecovenantmadebetwixttheFatherandtheSonfortheelect,thatheshouldobeyforthem,anddieforthem.

[Back][10]TheSonofGodconsentedtoputhimselfinman'sstead,inobeyinghisFather,andsotodoallformanthathisFathershouldrequire,thatsatisfactionshouldbemade:farther,heconsented,inman'snature,tosatisfyandsufferthedeservedpunishment,thatthesamenaturethatsinnedmightsatisfy;andyetfarther,heundertooktobeartheverysamepenaltythatlayuponman,byvirtueofthecovenantofworks,tohaveundergone;somakinghimselfapropersuretyforthem,who,astheauthorobserves,mustpaythesumofmoneythatthedebtoroweth.ThisItaketobetheauthor'smeaning;buttheexpressionof"Christ'sundertakingunderthepenalty,"&c.,isharshandunguarded.

[Back][11]OurLordJesusChristbecamesuretyfortheelectinthesecondcovenant,(Heb8:22);andinvirtueofthatsuretyship,wherebyheputhimselfintheroomoftheprincipaldebtors,hecameunderthesamecovenantofworksthatAdamdid;insofarasthefulfillingofthatcovenantintheirsteadwastheveryconditionrequiredofhim,asthesecondAdaminthesecondcovenant.(Gal4:4,5),"GodsentforthhisSon;madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw."ThusChristputhisneckundertheyokeofthelawasacovenantofworks,toredeemthemwhowereunderitassuch.Henceheissaidtobethe"endofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth,"(Rom10:4);namely,theendforconsummation,orperfectfulfillingofitbyhisobedienceanddeath,whichpre-supposethhiscomingunderit.Andthusthelawasacovenantofworkswasmagnifiedandmadehonourable;anditclearlyappearshow"byfaithweestablishthelaw,"(Rom3:31).Howthenisthesecondcovenantacovenantofgrace?InrespectofChrist,itwasmostproperlyandstrictlyacovenantofworks,inthathemadeaproper,real,andfullsatisfactioninbehalfoftheelect;butinrespectofthem,itispurelyacovenantofrichestgrace,inasmuchasGodacceptedthesatisfactionfromasurety,whichhemighthavedemandedofthem;providedthesuretyhimself,andgivesalltothemfreely

forhissake.

[Back][12]Andso,inrelationtothem,iscalledthe"firstman."

[Back][13]ThusAdamrepresentedallmankindinthefirstcovenant,andChristrepresentedalltheelectinthesecondcovenant.SeethefirstnoteonthePreface.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Oftheeternalpurposeofgrace.][Next:ThepromiserenewedtoAbraham]

ChapterII,SectionII,1ThepromisemadetoAdam.

Ant.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedalsotothesecondthing;andfirsttellus,whentheLordbegantomakeapromisetohelpanddeliverfallenmankind.

Evan.Eventhesamedaythathesinned,1which,asIsuppose,wastheverysamedayhewascreated.2ForAdam,byhissin,beingbecomethechildofwrath,andbothinbodyandinsoulsubjecttothecurse,andseeingnothingduetohimbutthewrathandvengeanceofGod,was"afraid,andsoughttohidehimselffromthepresenceofGod,"(Gen3:10),whereupontheLordpromisedChristuntohim,sayingtotheserpent,"Iwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman,andbetweenthyseedandherseed";he[thatistosay,theseedofthewoman,forsoistheHebrewtext]"shallbreakthyhead,andthoushaltbruisehisheel."ThispromiseofChrist,thewoman'sseed,(verse15),wasthegospel;andtheonlycomfortofAdam,Abel,Enoch,Noah,andtherestofthegodlyfathers,untilthetimeofAbraham.3

Nom.Iprayyou,sir,whatgroundhaveyoutothinkthatAdamfellthesamedayhewascreated?

Evan.Mygroundforthisopinionis,Psalm49:12;whichtextMr.Ainsworthmakestobethe13thverse,andreadsitthus,"Butmaninhonourdothnotlodgeanight;heislikeneduntobeaststhataresilenced."4Thatmaybeminded,sayshe,bothforthefirstmanAdam,whocontinuednotinhisdignity,andforallhischildren.

Ant.But,sir,doyouthinkthatAdamandthoseothersdidunderstandthatpromisedseedtobemeantofChrist?

Evan.Whocanmakedoubt,butthattheLordhadacquaintedAdamwithChrist,betwixtthetimeofhissinningandthetimeofhissacrificing,thoughbothononeday?

Ant.ButdidAdamoffersacrifice?

Evan.Canyoumakeanyquestion,butthatthebodiesofthosebeasts,whoseskinswentforacoveringforhisbody,wereimmediatelybeforeofferedinsacrificeforhissoul?Surelytheseskinscouldbenoneotherbutofbeastsslain,andofferedinsacrifice;forbeforeAdamfell,beastswerenotsubjecttomortalitynorslaying.AndGod'sclothingofAdamandhiswifewithskinssignified,thattheirsinandshamewerecoveredwithChrist'srighteousness.And,questionless,theLordhadtaughthim,thathissacrificedidsignifyhisacknowledgmentofhissin,andthathelookedfortheSeedofthewoman,promisedtobeslainintheeveningoftheworld,therebytoappeasethewrathofGodforhisoffence;thewhich,undoubtedly,heacquaintedhissons,CainandAbel,with,whenhetaughtthemalsotooffersacrifice.

Ant.Buthowdothitappearthatthishissacrificingwastheverysamedaythathesinned?

Evan.Itissaid,(John7:3),concerningChrist,"Thattheysoughttotakehim,yetnomanlaidhandsonhim,becausehishourwasnotyetcome";butafterthatwhenthetimeofhissufferingwasathand,hehimselfsaid,(John12:23),"Thehouriscome";whichdayisexpresslysetdownbytheEvangelistMarktobethesixthday,andninthhourofthatday,when"Christ,throughtheeternalSpirit,offereduphimselfwithoutspottoGod,"(Mark15:34,42).Now,ifyoucomparethiswithExodus12:6,youshallfindthatthepaschallamb,amostlivelytypeofChrist,wasofferedtheverysamedayandhour,eventhesixthday,andninthhourofthatday,whichwasatthreeoftheclockintheafternoon:andtheScripturetestifies,thatAdamwascreatedtheverysamesixthday;andgivesusgroundtothinkthathesinnedthesameday.AnddonotthebeforeallegedScripturesafforduswarranttobelievethatitwastheverysamehourofthatday,(Gen1:26);whenChristenteredmysticallyandtypicallyupontheworkofredemption,inbeingofferedasasacrificeforAdam'ssin?5Andsurelywemaysuppose,thatthecovenant[asyouheard]beingbrokenbetweenGodandAdam,justicewouldnothaveadmittedofonehour'srespite,beforeithadproceededtoexecution,tothedestructionbothofAdamandthewholecreation,hadnotChrist,atthatverytime,stoodastheram[orratherthelamb]inthebush,andsteppedintoperformtheworkofthecovenant.AndhenceIconceiveitis,thatSaint6Johncallshimthe"Lambslain"fromthebeginningoftheworld,7(Rev13:8).ForasthefirststateofcreationwasconfirmedbythecovenantwhichGodmadewithman,andallcreaturesweretobeupheldbymeansofobservingthelawandconditionofthatcovenant;sothatcovenantbeingbrokenbyman,theworldshouldhavecometoruin,haditnotbeen,asitwere,createdanew,and

upheldbythecovenantofgraceinChrist.

Ant.Then,sir,youthinkthatAdamwassaved?

Evan.TheHebrewdoctorsholdthatAdamwasarepentantsinner,andsay,thathewasbywisdom,[thatistosay,byfaithinChrist,]broughtoutofhisfall;yea,andtheChurchofGoddothhold,andthatfornecessarycauses,thathewassavedbythedeathofChrist;yea,saysMr.Vaughan,itiscertainhebelievedthepromiseconcerningChrist,inwhosecommemorationheofferedcontinualsacrifice;andintheassurancethereof,henamedhiswifeHevah,thatistosay,life,8andhecalledhissonSeth,settledorpersuadedinChrist.

Ant.Well,now,IampersuadedthatAdamdidunderstandthisseedofthewomantobemeantofChrist.

Evan.Assureyourself,thatnotonlyAdam,butalltherestofthegodlyfathersdidsounderstandit,asismanifestinthattheTargum,orChaldeeBible,whichistheancienttranslationofJerusalem,hasitthus:"Betweenthysonandherson";addingfurther,bywayofcomment,"Solong,Oserpent,asthewoman'schildrenkeepthelaw,theykillthee!andwhentheyceasetodoso,thoustingestthemintheheel,andhastpowertohurtthemmuch;butwhereasfortheirharmthereisasureremedy,fortheethereisnone;forinthelastdaystheyshallcrushtheealltopieces,bymeansofChristtheirking."AndthiswasitwhichdidsupportandupholdtheirfaithuntilthetimeofAbraham.

[Contents][Previous:Oftheeternalpurposeofgrace.][Next:ThepromiserenewedtoAbraham]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]This,ourauthordoesherepositivelyassert,andafterwardsconfirm.AndthereisplainevidenceforitfromtheholyScriptures,whichdeterminesthetimeofourLord'scallingourguiltyfirstparentsbeforehim,atthewhichtimehegavethemthepromise.(Gen3:8),"AndtheyheardthevoiceoftheLordGodwalkinginthegardeninthecooloftheday";[Heb,"Atthewindofthatday,"asJuniusandTremellius,PiscatorandPicherellus,readit;]thewhich,assoonasitbegantoblow,mightconvincethemthattheirapronsoffig-leaveswerenotfitcoversfortheirnakedness.

[Back][2]Ourauthorisfarfrombeingsingularinthisopinion.ThelearnedGataker,[apudPol.Synop.Crit.inGenesis3:23,]ownsittobethecommonopinion,thoughhehimselfisofanothermind,"Thatmanfell,andwascastoutofparadise,thesamedayinwhichhewascreated."Andhetellsus,[Ibid.inPsalm49:13,]that"BroughtondoesmostconfidentlyassertAdamnottohavestoodinhisintegritysomuchasoneday;andthathesaith,outofMaimonides,ThisisheldbyalltheJews,asalsobytheGreekfathers."Thatthisopinionislessreceivedthanformerly,is,ifImistakenot,notalittleowingtothecavilsoftheDeists;who,toweakenthecreditoftheinspiredhistory,allegeittobeincrediblethattheeventsrecorded(Gen1:24-26,2:7,18,totheendofthethirdchapter),couldallbecrowdedintooneday.[SeeNichol'sConferencewithaTheist.]Thereasonstosupportit,takenfromthelearnedSharp,oneofthesixministersbanishedintheyear1606.[Curs.Theol.Loc.dePeccato.]1."Becauseofthedevil'senvy,who,itislikely,couldnotlongenduretoseeamaninahappystate.2.Ifmanhadstoodmoredays,theblessingofmarriagewouldhavetakenplace,Adamwouldhaveknownhiswife,andbegotachildwithoutoriginalsin.3.TheSabbathwasnotsomuchappointedformeditatingontheworksofcreation,asontheworkofredemption.4.Itappearsfromthewordsoftheserpent,andofthewoman,thatshehadnotyettastedanyfruit.5.WhentheHolyGhostspeaksofthesixthday,(Gen1),andofthedayofthefall,itiswithHEemphatic.[CompareGenesis1ult.and3:8.]6.Hefellsosoon,thattheworkofredemptionmightbethemoreillustrious,sincemancouldnotstandonedaywithouttheMediator'shelp."HowtheSabbathwasbrokenbyAdam'ssin,thoughcommittedthedaybefore,maybelearnedfromtheLargerCatechism,onthefourthcommandment,whichteaches,that"TheSabbathistobesanctifiedandtothatendwearetoprepareourheartsthatwemaybethemorefitforthedutiesofthatday":andthat"thesinsforbiddeninthefourthcommandment,areallomissionsofthedutiesrequired,"&c.

[Back][3]Inthispromisewasrevealed,1.Man'srestorationuntothefavourofGod,andhissalvation;nottobeeffectedbymanhimself,andhisownworks,butbyanother.Forourfirstparents,standingcondemnedforbreakingofthecovenantofworks,arenotsentbacktoit,toessaythemendingofthematter,whichtheyhadmarredbefore;butanewcovenantispurposed,aSaviourpromisedastheironlyhope.2.ThatthisSaviourwastobeincarnate,tobecomeman,"theseedofthewomen."3.Thathebehovedtosuffer;hisheel,namelyhishumanity,tobebruisedtodeath.4.Thatbyhisdeathheshouldmakeafullconquestoverthedevil,anddestroyhisworks,whohadnowovercomeanddestroyedmankind;andsorecoverthecaptivesoutofhishand:"heshallbruise

thyhead,viz:whilethoubruisesthisheel."Thisencounterwasonthecross:thereChristtreadingontheserpent,itbruisedhisheel,buthebruiseditshead.5.Thatheshouldnotbeheldbydeath,butSatan'spowershouldbebrokenirrecoverably:theSaviourbeingonlybruisedintheheel,buttheserpentinthehead.6.Thatthesavinginterestinhim,andhissalvation,isbyfaithalone,believingthepromisewithparticularapplicationtoone'sself,andsoreceivinghim,forasmuchasthesethingsarerevealedbywayofasimplepromise.

[Back][4]"FromthistexttheHebrewdoctors,alsoinBereshitRabba,dogather,thatthegloryofthefirstmandidnotnightwithhim,andthatinthebeginningoftheSabbathhissplendourwastakenawayfromhim,andhewasdrivenoutofEden."[CartwrightandPol.Synops.Crit.inLoc.]ThelearnedLeigh,[inhisCrit.Sacr.invoc.Lun,]citingthistext,says,"Adamlodgednotonenightinhonour,forsoarethewords,iftheybeproperlytranslated."HerepeatsthesameinhisannotationsonthebookofPsalms,andpointshisreadertoAinsworth,whoseversiondoesevidentlyfavourthisopinion,andisherefaithfullycitedbyourauthor,thoughwithoutthemarksofcomposition"lodgeanight,"therebeingnosuchmarksinmycopyofAinsworth'sversionorannotations,printedatLondon,1639.Howeverthewordlunmaysignify,toabideorcontinue,itiscertaintheproperandprimarysignificationofitis,tonight[at,in,orwith].Imustbeallowedtheuseofthiswordtoexpressthetrueimportoftheoriginalone.Thuswehaveitrendered,(Gen28:11),"tarriedallnight."(Judg19:9,10,13),"Tarryallnighttarrythatnightlodgedallnight."Andsincethisistheproperandprimarysignificationoftheword,itisnottoberecededfrom,withoutnecessity;thewhichIcannotdiscoverhere.Thetextseemstometostandthus,wordforword,theproprietyofthetensesalsoobserved:"YetAdaminhonourcouldnotnight;hebecamelikeasthebeasts,theywerealike."ComparetheSeptuagint,andthevulgarLatin;withwhich,accordingtoPool,[inSynop.Crit.,]theEthiopic,Syriac,andArabic,doagree,thoughunhappyinnotobservingthedifferencebetweenthisandthelastverseofthePsalm.Nothingcanbemoreagreeabletothescopeandcontent.Worldlymenboastthemselvesinthemultitudeoftheirriches,(verse6),asiftheirhousesshouldcontinueforever,(verse11);andyetAdam,ashappyashewasinparadise,continuednotonenightinhishonour;itquicklylefthim;yea,hedied,andinthatrespectbecamelikethebeasts;(compareverse14),"Likesheeptheyarelaidinthegrave,deathshallfeedonthem."Andaftershowingthattheworldlymanshalldie,notwithstandingofhisworldlywealthandhonour,(verse19),thissuitablememorialforAdam'ssonsisrepeatedwithaverysmallvariation,(verse20,21),"Adamwasinhonour,butcouldnotunderstand;hebecame,"&c.

[Back][5]ThatthepromisewasgiventhesamedaythatAdamsinned,wasevincedbefore:andfromthehistory,(Gen3),andthenatureofthethingitself,onemayreasonablyconclude,thatthesacrificeswereannexedtothepromise.AndsincethehourofChrist'sdeathwasallalongthetimeoftheeveningsacrifice,itisverynaturaltoreckonthatitwasalsothehourofthefirstsacrifice;evenastheplaceonwhichthetemplestoodwasatfirstdesignedbyanextraordinarysacrificeonthatspot,(1Chron20:18-28,22:1).1."Atthreeo'clockintheafternoon,ChristyieldeduptheGhost,(Mark15:34,)theverytimewhenAdamhadreceivedthepromiseofthishispassionforhisredemption."LightfootonActs2:1.

[Back][6]Thiswordmightwellhavebeensparedhere;notwithstandingthatwesoreadinthetitleofthebookoftheRevelationinourEnglishBibles;andinlikemanner,inthetitlesofotherbooksintheNewTestament,St.[i.e.Saint]Matthew,St.Mark,St.Luke,&c.;itisevident,thereisnotsuchawordtobefoundinthetitlesofthesebooksintheoriginalGreek;andtheDutchtranslatorshavejustlydiscardeditoutoftheirtranslations.Ifitistoberetained,becauseJohn,Matthew,Mark,Luke,&c.,were,withoutcontroversy,saints,whynotonthesameground,SaintMoses,SaintAaron,[expresslycalled"theSaintoftheLord,"(Psa106:16)]&c.?Noreasoncanbegivenofthedifferencemadeinthispoint,butthatitpleasedAntichristtocanonizetheseNewTestamentsaints,butnottheOldTestamentones.CanonizingisanactorsentenceofthePope,decreeingreligiousworshipandhonourstosuchmenorwomendeparted,asheseesmeettoconferthehonourofsaintshipon.Thesehonoursareseven,andthefirstofthemis,"Thattheyareenrolledinthecatalogueofsaints,andmustbeaccountedandcalledsaintsbyall."BellarminDisp.tom.1.Col.1496.

[Back][7]Thebenefitsthereof[viz:ofChrist'sredemption]"werecommunicateduntotheelectfromthebeginningoftheworldinandbythosepromises,types,andsacrifices,whereinhewasrevealed,andsignifiedtobetheSeedofthewomanwhichshouldbruisetheserpent'shead,andtheLambslainfromthebeginningoftheworld."Westm.Confess.chap.8,art.6.

[Back][8]SotheSeptuagintexpoundsit.Others,anenlivener,notdoubtingbutAdam,ingivingherthisname,hadthepromisedlife-givingSeed,ourLordJesusChrist,particularlyinview,amongstthe"allliving"shewastobemotherof.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:ThepromisemadetoAdam.][Next:TheLaw,asthecovenantofworks,addedtotheprommise.]

ChapterII,SectionII,2ThepromiserenewedtoAbraham.

Ant.Whatfollowedthen?

Evan.Why,then,thepromisewasturnedintoacovenantwithAbrahamandhisseed,andoftentimesrepeated,thatinhisseedallnationsshouldbeblessed,1(Gen12:3,18:18,22:18);whichpromiseandcovenantwastheveryvoiceitselfofthegospel,itbeingatruetestimonyofJesusChrist;astheapostlePaulbearethwitness,saying,TheScriptureforeseeingthatGodwouldjustifytheGentilesthroughfaith,preachedbeforetheGospeluntoAbraham,(Gal3:8),saying,"Intheeshallallthenationsoftheearthbeblessed."AndthebettertoconfirmAbraham'sfaithinthispromiseofChrist,itissaid,(Gen14:19),thatMelchisedeccameforthandmethim,andblessedhim.Now,saystheapostle,(Heb7:1-3,6:20),"ThisMelchisedecwasapriestofthemosthighGod,andkingofrighteousness,andkingofpeace,withoutfatherandwithoutmother;andsolikeuntotheSonofGod,whoisapriestforever,aftertheorderofMelchisedec";andbothkingofrighteousnessandkingofpeace,(Jer23:6,Isa9:6);yea,andwithoutfatherastouchinghismanhood,andwithoutmotherastouchinghisgodhead.Wherebywearegiventounderstand,thatitwasthepurposeofGodthatMelchisedecshould,intheseparticulars,resemblethepersonandofficeofJesusChrist,theSonofGod;andso,byGod'sownappointment,beatypeofhimtoAbraham,toratifyandconfirmthepromisemadetohimandhisseed,inrespectoftheeternalcovenant,2namely,thatheandhisbelievingseedshouldbesoblessedinChrist,asMelchisedechadblessedhim.3Nay,letmetellyoumore,somehavethoughtitmostprobable,yea,andhavesaid,ifwesearchoutthistruthwithoutpartiality,weshallfindthatthisMelchisedec,whichappeareduntoAbraham,wasnoneotherthantheSonofGod,manifestbyaspecialdispensationandprivilegeuntoAbrahamintheflesh,whoisthereforesaidtohave"seenhisdayandrejoiced."4(John8:56).Moreover,inGenesis15,wereadthattheLorddidagainconfirmthiscovenantwithAbraham;forwhenAbrahamhaddividedthebeasts,Godcamebetweenthepartslikeasmokingfurnaceandaburninglamp,which,5assomehavethought,didprimarilytypifythetormentandrendingofChrist;andthe

furnaceandfierylampdidtypifythewrathofGodwhichranbetween,andyetdidnotconsumetherentandtornnature.AndthebloodofcircumcisiondidtypifythebloodofChrist;6andtheresolvedsacrificingofIsaaconMountMoriah,byGod'sappointment,didprefigureandforeshow,thatbytheofferingupofChrist,thepromisedseed,intheverysameplace,allnationsshouldbesaved.Nowthiscovenant,thusmadeandconfirmedwithAbraham,wasrenewedwithIsaac,(Gen26:4),andmadeknownuntoJacobbyJesusChristhimself;forthatmanwhichwrestledwithJacobwasnoneotherbutthemanChristJesus;forhimselfsaid,thatJacobshouldbecalledIsrael,awrestlerandprevailerwithGod;andJacobcalledthenameoftheplacePeniel,becausehehad"seenGodfacetoface,"(Gen32:28,30).AndJacobleftitbyhislastwilluntohischildreninthesewords,"ThesceptreshallnotdepartfromJudah,noralawgiverfrombetweenhisfeet,tillShilohcome,"(Gen49:10);thatistosay,ofJudahshallkingscomeoneafteranother,andmanyinnumber,tillatlasttheLordJesuscome,whoisKingofkings,andLordoflords;or,astheTargumofJerusalemandOnkelosdotranslateit,untilChristtheAnointedcome.

Nom.But,sir,areyousurethatthispromisedseedwasmeantofChrist?

Evan.Theapostleputsthatoutofdoubt,(Gal3:16),saying,"NowuntoAbrahamandtohisseedwerethepromisesmade.7Hesaysnotandtoseeds,asofmany,butasofone,andtothyseed,whichisChrist."8Andsonodoubtbutthesegodlypatriarchsdidunderstandit.

Ant.But,sir,thegreatpromisethatwasmadetothem,asIconceive,andwhichtheyseemedtohavemostregardto,wasthelandofCanaan.

Evan.Thereisnodoubtbutthatthesegodlypatriarchsdidseetheirheavenlyinheritance[byChrist]throughthepromiseofthelandofCanaan,astheapostletestifiesofAbraham,(Heb11:9,10),saying,"Hesojournedinastrangecountry,andlookedforacityhavingfoundations,whosebuilderandmakerisGod.""Wherebyitisevident,"saysCalvin,[Instit.p.204,]"thattheheightandeminencyofAbraham'sfaithwasthelookingforaneverlastinglifeinheaven."TheliketestimonyhegivesofSarah,Isaac,andJacob,saying,"Allthesediedinthefaith,"9(Heb11:13);implyingthattheydidnotexpecttoreceivethefruitofthepromisetillafterdeath.And,thereforeinalltheirtravailstheyhadbeforetheireyestheblessednessofthelifetocome;andwhichcausedoldJacobtosayathisdeath,"Lord,Ihavewaitedforthysalvation,"(Gen49:18).ThewhichspeechtheChaldeeparaphraseexpoundsthus,"OurfatherJacobsaidnot,I

expectthesalvationofGideon,sonofJoash,whichisatemporalsalvation,northesalvationofSamson,sonofManoah,whichisatransitorysalvation,butthesalvationofChrist,theSonofDavid,whoshallcome,andbringuntohimselfthesonsofIsrael,whosesalvationmysouldesireth."Andsoyouseethatthiscovenant,madewithAbrahaminChrist,wasthecomfortandsupportoftheseandtherestofthegodlyfathers,untiltheirdepartureoutofEgypt.

Ant.Andwhatfollowedthen?

Evan.Why,then,ChristJesuswasmostclearlymanifesteduntotheminthepassoverlamb;for,asthatlambwastobewithoutspotorblemish,(Exo12:5),evensowasChrist,(1Peter1:19).AndasthatlambwastakenupthetenthdayofthefirstnewmooninMarch,evensoontheverysamedayofthesamemonthcameChristtoJerusalemtosufferhispassion.Andasthatlambwaskilledonthefourteenthdayateven,justthen,onthesameday,andatthesamehour,didChristgiveuptheghost;andasthebloodofthatlambwastobesprinkledontheIsraelites'doors,(Exo12:7),evensoisthebloodofChristsprinkledonbelievers'heartsbyfaith,(1Peter1:2)AndtheirdeliveranceoutofEgyptwasafigureoftheirredemptionbyChrist,10theirpassingthroughtheRedSeawasatypeofbaptism,11whenChristshouldcomeintheflesh,andtheirmannainthewilderness,andwateroutoftherock,didresemblethesacramentoftheLord'sSupper;andhenceitisthattheapostlesays,(1Cor10:2-4),"Theydidalleatthesamespiritualmeat,anddidalldrinkthesamespiritualdrink;fortheydrankofthatspiritualRockthatfollowedthem,andthatRockwasChrist."AndwhentheywerecometoMountSinai,theLorddeliveredthetencommandmentsuntothem.

[Contents][Previous:ThepromisemadetoAdam.][Next:TheLaw,asthecovenantofworks,addedtotheprommise.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]TheancientpromisegiventoAdamwasthefirstgospel,thecovenantofgrace;forman,byhisfall,"havingmadehimselfincapableoflifebythecovenantofworks,theLordwaspleasedtomakeasecond,commonlycalledthecovenantofgrace,"(Gen3:15).Westm.Confess.chap.7,art.3.Whenthatpromiseorcovenant,inwhichthepersonsitrespectedwerenotexpresslydesigned,wasrenewed,Abrahamandhisseedweredesignedexpresslytherein;

andsoitbecameacovenantwithAbrahamandhisseed.Andthepromisebeingstillthesameastothesubstanceofit,wasoftenrepeated,andintherepetitionmorefullyandclearlyopened.SoJesusChrist,revealedtoAdamonlyastheseedofthewoman,wasthereafterrevealedtoAbrahamasAbraham'sownseed;andthuswasitbelievedandembraceduntosalvationinthevariousrevelationsthereof."GoddidseekAdamagain,calluponhim,rebukehissin,convicthimofthesame;and,intheend,madeuntohimamostjoyfulpromise,viz:thattheseedofthewomanshouldbreakdowntheserpent'shead;thatis,heshoulddestroytheworksofthedevil;whichpromise,asitwasrepeated,andmademoreclearfromtimetotime,sowasitembracedwithjoy,andmayconstantly[i.e.moststeadfastly]bereceivedofallthefaithful,fromAdamtoNoe,andfromNoetoAbraham,fromAbrahamtoDavid,andso,forthtotheincarnationofChristJesus."OldConfess.art.4.

[Back][2]ThatpassedbetwixttheFatherandtheSonfromeverlasting.

[Back][3]MelchisedecwasuntoAbrahamatype,toconfirmhiminthefaith,thatheandhisbelievingseedshouldbeasreallyblessedinChrist,ashewasblessedbyMelchisedec.

[Back][4]Thisseemstometobeamorethangroundlessopinion,asbeinginconsistentwiththeScriptureaccountofMelchisedec,(Gen14:18,Heb7:1-4);howbeititwantsnopatronsamongthelearned;thedeclaringofwhichisnojustgroundtofititonourauthor,especiallyafterhisspeakingsoplainlyofChristandMelchisedecastwodifferentpersons,alittlebefore.Thetext,(John8:56),allegedbythepatronsofthatopinion,makesnothingfortheirpurpose:"forall[wemeanthefaithfulfathersunderthelaw]didsee[viz:byfaith]thejoyfuldayofChristJesus,anddidrejoice."OldConfess.art.4.

[Back][5]Namely,thepassingofthefurnaceandburninglampbetweenthepieces.

[Back][6](Heb9:22),"Andalmostallthingsarebythelawpurgedwithblood:andwithoutsheddingofbloodisnoremission."CompareGenesis17:14,"Theuncircumcisedman-childshallbecutofffromhispeople:hehathbrokenmycovenant."

[Back][7]Namely,thepromisesoftheeverlastinginheritance,typifiedbythelandofCanaan:thewhichpromisesseeinGenesis12:7,and13:15.

[Back][8]Thatis,Christmystical,ChristandtheChurch,theheadandthemembers;yetsoasthedignityoftheheadbeingstillreservedheistobeunderstoodhereprimarily,whichissufficientforourauthor'spurposes;andhismemberssecondarilyonly.

[Back][9]Thatthesethree,togetherwithAbraham,areheremeantbytheapostle,andnotthesementionedinthefirstsevenversesofthechapter,ifitisconsidered,thatofthemhespokelast,(verse9,11).TononebeforethemwasthepromiseofCanaangiven;andtheywerethepersonswhohadopportunitytohavereturnedtothecountrywhencetheycameout,(verse15).

[Back][10]Thatis,thedeliveranceoftheIsraelitesoutofEgyptwasafigureoftheredemptionofbelieversbyChrist.

[Back][11]Notthatitprefiguredorrepresentedbaptismasaproperandpropheticaltypethereof,thoughsomeorthodoxdivinesseemtobeofthatmind;butthat,astheauthorexpresseshimself,inthecaseofthemannaandthewateroutoftherock,itresembledbaptism,beingalikefigure[ortype]thereunto,astheapostlePeterdetermines,concerningNoah'sarkwiththewatersofthedeluge,(1Peter3:21),evenastheprinter'stypesofthelettersimpressedonthepaper,bothsignifyingoneandthesameword.Fortheancientchurchisexpresslysaidtohavebeen"baptizedinthesea,"(1Cor10:1,2),andastherock,withthewatersflowingfromit,didnotsignifytheLord'sSupper,butthethingsignifiedbythatNewTestamentSacrament,namely,Christ,(verse4),sotheirbaptismintheseadidnotsignifyourbaptismitself,butthethingrepresentedthereby.AndthusitwasatypeorfigureansweringtoandresemblingthebaptismoftheNewTestament-church;theonebeinganextraordinarysacramentoftheOldTestament,andtheotheranordinarysacramentoftheNew,bothrepresentingthesamething.

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:ThepromiserenewedtoAbraham.][Next:ThepromiseandcovenantwithAbraham,renewedwiththeIsraelites]

ChapterII,SectionII,3Thelaw,asthecovenantofworks,addedtothepromise.

Ant.Butwhetherwerethetencommandments,astheyweredeliveredtothemonMountSinai,thecovenantofworksorno?

Evan.Theyweredeliveredtothemasthecovenantofworks.1

Nom.But,byyourfavour,sir,youknowthatthesepeopleweretheposterityofAbraham,andthereforeunderthatcovenantofgracewhichGodmadewiththeirfather;andthereforeIdonotthinkthattheyweredeliveredtothemasthecovenantofworks;foryouknowtheLordneverdeliversthecovenantofworkstoanythatareunderthecovenantofgrace.

Evan.Indeeditistrue,theLorddidmanifestsomuchlovetothebodyofthisnation,thatallthenaturalseedofAbrahamwereexternally,andbyprofession,underthecovenantofgracemadewiththeirfatherAbraham;though,itistobefeared,manyofthemwerestillunderthecovenantofworksmadewiththeirfatherAdam.2

Nom.But,sir,youknow,intheprefacetothetencommandments,theLordcallshimselfbythenameoftheirGodingeneral;andthereforeitshouldseemthattheywereallofthemthepeopleofGod.3

Evan.Thatisnothingtothepurpose;4formanywickedandungodlymen,beinginthevisiblechurch,andundertheexternalcovenant,arecalledthechosenofGod,andthepeopleofGod,thoughtheybenotso.InlikemannerweremanyoftheseIsraelitescalledthepeopleofGod,thoughindeedtheywerenotso.

Nom.But,sir,wasthesamecovenantofworksmadewiththemthatwasmadewithAdam?

Evan.Forthegeneralsubstanceoftheduty,thelawdeliveredonMountSinai,andformerlyengravenonman'sheart,wasoneandthesame;sothatatMount

SinaitheLorddeliverednonewthing,onlyitcamemoregentlytoAdambeforehisfall,butafterhisfallcamethunderwithit.

Nom.Ay,sir,butasyourselfsaid,thetencommandments,astheywerewritteninAdam'sheart,werebutthematterofthecovenantofworks,andnotthecovenantitself,tilltheformwasannexedtothem,thatistosay,tillGodandmanwerethereuponagreed:now,wedonotfindthatGodandthesepeopledidagreeuponanysuchtermsatMountSinai.

Evan.No;5sayyouso?doyounotrememberthattheLordconsentedandagreed,whenhesaid,(Lev18:5),"Yeshallthereforekeepmystatutesandmyjudgments,whichifamando,heshallliveinthem";andinDeuteronomy27:26,whenhesaid,"Cursedishethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthislaw,todothem?"Anddoyounotrememberthatthepeopleconsented,(Exo19:8),andagreed,whentheysaid,"AllthattheLordhathspokenwewilldo?"AnddothnottheapostlePaulgiveevidencethatthesewordsweretheformofthecovenantofworks,whenhesays,(Rom10:5),"Mosesdescribeththatrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,thatthemanthatdoeththesethingsshallliveinthem";andwhenhesays,(Gal3:10),"Foritiswritten,Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthebookofthelawtodothem?"6AndinDeuteronomy4:13,Moses,inexpressterms,callsitacovenant,saying,"Andhedeclareduntoyouhiscovenant,whichhecommandedyoutoperform,eventhetencommandments,andhewrotethemupontablesofstone."Now,thiswasnotthecovenantofgrace;forMosesafterwards,(Deut5:3),speakingofthiscovenant,says,"Godmadenotthiscovenantwithyourfathers,butwithyou";andby"fathers"allthepatriarchsuntoAdammaybemeant,[saysMr.Ainsworth,]whohadthepromiseofthecovenantofChrist.7Therefore,ifithadbeenthecovenantofgrace,hewouldhavesaid,Goddidmakethiscovenantwiththem,ratherthanthathedidnot.8

Nom.Anddoanyofourgodlyandmodernwritersagreewithyouonthispoint?

Evan.Yes,indeed.Polonussays,"ThecovenantofworksisthatinwhichGodpromisetheverlastinglifeuntoamanthatinallrespectsperformethperfectobediencetothelawofworks,addingthereuntothreateningsofeternaldeath,ifheshallnotperformperfectobediencethereto.GodmadethiscovenantinthebeginningwiththefirstmanAdam,whilsthewasinthefirstestateofintegrity:thesamecovenantGoddidrepeatandmakeagainbyMoseswiththepeopleofIsrael."AndDr.Preston,ontheNewCovenant,[p.317,]says,"Thecovenantof

worksrunsintheseterms,'Dothisandthoushaltlive,andIwillbethyGod.'ThiswasthecovenantwhichwasmadewithAdam,andthecovenantthatisexpressedbyMosesinthemorallaw."AndMr.Pemble[Vind.Fid.p.152]says,"Bythecovenantofworks,weunderstandwhatwecallinoneword'thelaw,'namely,thatmeansofbringingmantosalvation,whichisbyperfectobedienceuntothewillofGod.Hereoftherearealsotwoseveraladministrations;thefirstiswithAdambeforehisfall,whenimmortalityandhappinesswerepromisedtoman,andconfirmedbyanexternalsymbolofthetreeoflife,uponconditionthathecontinuedobedienttoGod,aswellinallotherthings,asinthatparticularcommandmentofnoteatingofthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil.ThesecondadministrationofthiscovenantwastherenewingthereofwiththeIsraelitesatMountSinai;where,afterthelightofnaturebegantogrowdarker,andcorruptionhadintimewornoutthecharactersofreligionandvirtuefirstgraveinman'sheart,9GodrevivedthelawbyacompendiousandfulldeclarationofalldutiesrequiredofmantowardsGodorhisneighbour,expressedinthedecalogue;accordingtothetenorofwhichlawGodenteredintocovenantwiththeIsraelites,promisingtobetheirGodinbestowinguponthemallblessingsoflifeandhappiness,uponconditionthattheywouldbehispeople,obeyingallthingsthathehadcommanded;whichconditiontheyacceptedof,promisinganabsoluteobedience,(Exo19:8),'allthingswhichtheLordhathsaidwewilldo';andalsosubmittingthemselvestoallpunishmentincasetheydisobeyed,saying,'Amen'tothecurseofthelaw,'Cursedbeeveryonethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthelaw:andallthepeopleshallsay,Amen.'"AndMr.Walker,ontheCovenant,[p.128,]says,that"thefirstpartofthecovenant,whichGodmadewithIsraelatHoreb,wasnothingelsebutarenewingoftheoldcovenantofworks,10whichGodmadewithAdaminparadise."Anditisgenerallylaiddownbyourdivines,thatwearebyChristdeliveredfromthelawasitisacovenant.11

Nom.But,sir,werethechildrenofIsraelatthistimebetterabletoperformtheconditionofthecovenantofworks,thaneitherAdamoranyoftheoldpatriarchswere,thatGodreneweditnowwiththem,ratherthanbefore?

Evan.No,indeed;Goddidnotrenewitwiththemnow,andnotbefore,becausetheywerebetterabletokeepit,butbecausetheyhadmoreneedtobemadeacquaintedwhatthecovenantofworksis,thanthosebefore.Forthoughitistruethetencommandments,whichwereatfirstperfectlywritteninAdam'sheart,weremuchobliterated12byhisfall,yetsomeimpressionsandrelicsthereofstill

remained;13andAdamhimselfwasverysensibleofhisfall,andtherestofthefatherswerehelpedbytradition;14and,saysCameron,"Goddidspeaktothepatriarchsfromheaven,yea,andhespakeuntothembyhisangels";15butnow,bythistime,sinhadalmostobliteratedanddefacedtheimpressionsofthelawwrittenintheirhearts;16andbytheirbeingsolonginEgypt,theyweresocorrupted,thattheinstructionsandordinancesoftheirfatherswerealmostwornoutofmind;andtheirfallinAdamwasalmostforgotten,astheapostletestifies,(Rom5:13,14),saying,"Beforethetimeofthelaw,sinwasintheworld,butsinisnotimputedwhenthereisnolaw."Nay,inthatlongcourseoftimebetwixtAdamandMoses,menhadforgottenwhatwassin;so,althoughGodhadmadeapromiseofblessingtoAbraham,andtoallhisseed,thatwouldpleadinterestinit,17yetthesepeopleatthistimewereproudandsecure,andheedlessoftheirestate;andthough"sinwasinthem,anddeathreignedoverthem,"yettheybeingwithoutalawtoevidencethissinanddeathuntotheirconsciences,18theydidnotimputeituntothemselves,theywouldnotownit,norchargethemselveswithit;andso,byconsequence,foundnoneedofpleadingthepromisemadetoAbraham;19(Rom5:20),therefore,"thelawentered,"thatAdam'soffenceandtheirownactualtransgressionmightabound,sothatnowtheLordsawitneedful,thatthereshouldbeaneweditionandpublicationofthecovenantofworks,thesoonertocompeltheelectunbelieverstocometoChrist,thepromisedseed,andthatthegraceofGodinChristtotheelectbelieversmightappearthemoreexceedingglorious.SothatyouseetheLord'sintentionthereinwas,thatthey,bylookinguponthiscovenantmightbeputinmindwhatwastheirdutyofold,whentheywereinAdam'sloins;yea,andwhatwastheirdutystill,iftheywouldstandtothatcovenant,andsogotheoldandnaturalwaytowork;yea,andherebytheywerealsotoseewhatwastheirpresentinfirmityinnotdoingtheirduty:20thatsotheyseeinganimpossibilityofobtaininglifebythatwayofworks,firstappointedinparadise,theymightbehumbled,andmoreheedfullymindthepromisemadetotheirfatherAbraham,andhastentolayholdontheMessiah,orpromisedseed.

Nom.Then,sir,itseemsthattheLorddidnotrenewthecovenantofworkswiththem,totheintentthattheyshouldobtaineternallifebytheiryieldingobediencetoit?

Evan.No,indeed;Godnevermadethecovenantofworkswithanymansincethefall,eitherwithexpectationthatheshouldfulfilit,21ortogivehimlifebyit;forGodneverappointsanythingtoanend,tothewhichitisutterlyunsuitable

andimproper.Nowthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,isbecomeweakandunprofitabletothepurposeofsalvation;22and,therefore,Godneverappointedittoman,sincethefall,tothatend.Andbesides,itismanifestthatthepurposeofGod,inthecovenantmadewithAbraham,wastogivelifeandsalvationbygraceandpromise;and,therefore,hispurposeinrenewingthecovenantofworks,wasnot,neithercouldbe,togivelifeandsalvationbyworking;forthentherewouldhavebeencontradictionsinthecovenants,andinstabilityinhimthatmadethem.WhereforeletnomanimaginethatGodpublishedthecovenantofworksonMountSinai,asthoughhehadbeenmutable,andsochangedhisdeterminationinthatcovenantmadewithAbraham;neither,yetletanymansuppose,thatGodnowinprocessoftimehadfoundoutabetterwayforman'ssalvationthanheknewbefore:for,asthecovenantofgracemadewithAbrahamhadbeenneedless,ifthecovenantofworksmadewithAdamwouldhavegivenhimandhisbelievingseedlife;so,afterthecovenantofgracewasoncemade,itwasneedlesstorenewthecovenantofworks,totheendthatrighteousnessoflifeshouldbehadbytheobservationofit.Thewhichwillyetmoreevidentlyappear,ifweconsider,thattheapostle,speakingofthecovenantofworksasitwasgivenonMountSinai,says,"Itwasaddedbecauseoftransgressions,"(Gal3:19).Itwasnotsetupasasolidruleofrighteousness,asitwasgiventoAdaminparadise,butwasaddedorputto;23itwasnotsetupasathingingrossbyitself.

Nom.Then,sir,itshouldseemthatthecovenantofworkswasaddedtothecovenantofgrace,tomakeitmorecomplete.

Evan.Ono!youarenotsotounderstandtheapostle,asthoughitwereaddedbywayofingrediencyasapartofthecovenantofgrace,asifthatcovenanthadbeenincompletewithoutthecovenantofworks;forthenthesamecovenantshouldhaveconsistedofcontradictorymaterials,andsoitshouldhaveoverthrownitself;for,saystheapostle,"Ifitbebygrace,thenitisnomoreofworks;otherwisegraceisnomoregrace:butifitbeofworks,thenitisnomoreofgrace;otherwiseworkisnomorework,"(Rom11:6).Butitwasaddedbywayofsubserviencyandattendance,thebettertoadvanceandmakeeffectualthecovenantofgrace;sothatalthoughthesamecovenantthatwasmadewithAdamwasrenewedonMountSinai,yetIsaystill,itwasnotforthesamepurpose.ForthiswasitthatGodaimedat,inmakingthecovenantofworkswithmanininnocency,tohavethatwhichwashisduefromman:24butGodmadeitwiththeIsraelitesfornootherend,thanthatman,beingtherebyconvincedofhisweakness,mightfleetoChrist.Sothatitwasrenewedonlytohelpforward

andintroduceanotherandabettercovenant;andsotobeamanuductionuntoChrist,viz:todiscoversin,towakentheconscience,andtoconvincethemoftheirownimpotency,andsodrivethemoutofthemselvestoChrist.Knowitthen,Ibeseechyou,thatallthiswhiletherewasnootherwayoflifegiven,eitherinwhole,orinpart,thanthecovenantofgrace.AllthiswhileGoddidbutpursuethedesignofhisowngrace;and,therefore,wastherenoinconsistencyeitherinGod'swilloracts;onlysuchwashismercy,thathesubordinatedthecovenantofworks,andmadeitsubservienttothecovenantofgrace,andsototendtoevangelicalpurposes.

Nom.Butyet,sir,methinksitissomewhatstrangethattheLordshouldputthemupondoingthelaw,andalsopromisethemlifefordoing,andyetneverintendit.

Evan.Thoughhedidso,yetdidheneitherrequireofthemthatwhichwasunjust,noryetdissemblewiththeminthepromise;fortheLordmayjustlyrequireperfectobedienceatallmen'shands,byvirtueofthatcovenantwhichwasmadewiththeminAdam;andifanymancouldyieldperfectobediencetothelaw,bothindoingandsuffering,heshouldhaveeternallife;forwemaynotdeny[saysCalvin]butthattherewardofeternalsalvationbelongethtotheuprightobedienceofthelaw.25ButGodknewwellenoughthattheIsraeliteswereneverabletoyieldsuchanobedience:andyethesawitmeettopropoundeternallifetothemupontheseterms;thatsohemightspeaktothemintheirownhumour,asindeeditwasmeet:fortheyswelledwithmadassuranceinthemselves,saying,"AllthattheLordcommandethwewilldo,"andbeobedient,(Exo19:8).Well,saidtheLord,ifyouwillneedsbedoing,whyhereisalawtobekept;andifyoucanfullyobservetherighteousnessofit,youshallbesaved:sendingthemofpurposetothelaw,toawakenandconvincethem,tosentenceandhumblethem,andtomakethemseetheirownfollyinseekingforlifethatway;inshort,tomakethemseethetermsunderwhichtheystood,thatsotheymightbebroughtoutofthemselves,andexpectnothingfromthelaw,inrelationtolife,butallfromChrist.ForhowshouldamanseehisneedoflifebyChrist,ifhedonotfirstseethatheisfallenfromthewayoflife?andhowshouldheunderstandhowfarhehadstrayedfromthewayoflife,unlesshedofirstfindwhatisthatwayoflife?ThereforeitwasneedfulthattheLordshoulddealwiththemaftersuchamannertodrivethemoutofthemselves,andfromallconfidenceintheworksofthelaw;thatso,byfaithinChrist,theymightobtainrighteousnessandlife.AndjustsodidourSaviouralsodealwiththatyoungexpounderofthelaw,(Matt19:16),whoitseems,wassickofthesamedisease:"GoodMaster,"sayshe,"whatshallIdothatImayinheriteternallife?"Hedoth

not,saysCalvin,simplyask,whichwayorbywhatmeansheshouldcometoeternallife,butwhatgoodheshoulddotogetit;wherebyitappears,thathewasaproudjusticiary,onethatswelledinfleshlyopinionthathecouldkeepthelaw,andbesavedbyit;thereforeheisworthilysenttothelawtoworkhimselfweary,andtoseeneedtocometoChristforrest.AndthusyouseethattheLord,totheformerpromisesmadetothefathers,addedafierylaw;whichhegavefromMountSinai,inthunderingandlightning,andwithaterriblevoice,tothestubbornandstiff-neckedIsrael;wherebytobreakandtamethem,andtomakethemsighandlongforthepromisedRedeemer.

[Contents]

[Previous:ThepromiserenewedtoAbraham.]

[Next:ThepromiseandcovenantwithAbraham,renewedwiththeIsraelites]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Astothispoint,therearedifferentsentimentsamongorthodoxdivines;thoughallofthemdoagree,thatthewayofsalvationwasthesameundertheOldandNewTestament,andthattheSinaicovenant,whateveritwas,carriednoprejudicetothepromisemadeuntoAbraham,andthewayofsalvationthereinrevealed,butservedtoleadmentoJesusChrist.Ourauthorisfarfrombeingsingularinthisdecisionofthisquestion.Iadduceonlythetestimoniesofthreelatelearnedwriters,"ThatGodmadesuchacovenant[viz:thecovenantofworks]withourfirstparents,isconfirmedbyseveralpartsofScripture,"(Hosea6:7,Gal4:24),Willison'sSacr.Cat.p.3.Thewordsofthetextlastquotedarethese:"Forthesearethetwocovenants,theonefromtheMountSinaiwhichgenderethtobondage."Henceitappears,thatinthejudgmentofthisauthor,thecovenantfromMountSinaiwasthecovenantofworks,otherwisethereisnoshadowofreasonfromthistextforwhatitisadducedtoprove.TheRev.Messrs.FlintandM'Claren,intheirelaborateandseasonabletreatiseagainstProfessorSimpson'sdoctrine,[forwhichImakenoquestionbuttheirnameswillbeinhonourwithposterity]speaktothesamepurpose.Theformerhavingadducedthefore-citedtext,(Gal4:24),says,Jamduofedera,&c.,thatis,"Nowherearetwocovenantsmentioned,thefirstthelegalone,bysinrenderedineffectual,enteredintowithAdam,andnowagainpromulgate."[Exam.Doctr.Joh.Simp.p.125.]Andafterwards,speakingofthelawofworks,headds,Atque

hocestilludfadus,&c.,thatis,"AndthisisthatcovenantpromulgateonMountSinai,whichiscalledoneofthecovenants,"(Gal4:24).Ibid.p.131.Thewordsofthelatter,speakingofthecovenantofworksarethese,"Yea,itisexpresslycalledacovenant,"(Hosea6,Gal4).AndMr.Gillespieprovesstrongly,thatGalations4isunderstoodofthecovenantofworksandgrace.SeehisArkoftheTestament,part1.chap.5.p.180.TheNewSchemeExamined,p.176.ThedeliveringofthetencommandmentsonMountSinaiasthecovenantofworks,necessarilyincludesinitthedeliveringofthemasaperfectruleofrighteousness;forasmuchasthatcovenantdidalwayscontaininitsucharule,thetrueknowledgeofwhichtheIsraeliteswereatthattimeingreatwantof,asourauthorafterwardsteaches.

[Back][2]Thestrengthoftheobjectionintheprecedingparagraphlieshere,namely,thatatthisrate,thesameperson,atoneandthesametime,werebothunderthecovenantofworks,andunderthecovenantofgrace,whichisabsurd.Ans.TheunbelievingIsraeliteswereunderthecovenantofgracemadewiththeirfatherAbrahamexternallyandbyprofession,inrespectoftheirvisiblechurchstate;butunderthecovenantofworksmadewiththeirfatherAdaminternallyandreally,inrespectofthestateoftheirsoulsbeforetheLord.Hereinthereisnoabsurdity;fortothisdaymanyinthevisiblechurcharethus,inthesedifferentrespects,underbothcovenants.Farther,astobelieversamongthem,theywereinternallyandreally,aswellasexternally,underthecovenantofgrace;andonlyexternallyunderthecovenantofworks,andthat,notasacovenantco-ordinatewith,butsubordinateandsubservientunto,thecovenantofgrace:andinthisthereisnomoreinconsistencythanintheformer.

[Back][3]Asdeliveredfromthecovenantofworks,byvirtueofthecovenantofgrace.

[Back][4]Thatwillnot,indeed,provethemalltohavebeenthepeopleofGodinthesensebeforegiven,forthereasonhereadducedbyourauthor.

Howbeit,theprefacetothetencommandmentsdeservesaparticularnoticeinthematteroftheSinaitransaction,(Exo20:2),"IamtheLordthyGod,whichhavebroughttheeoutofthelandofEgypt,outofthehouseofbondage."Henceitisevidenttome,thatthecovenantofgracewasdeliveredtotheIsraelitesonMountSinai.FortheSonofGod,themessengerofthecovenantofgrace,spokethesewordstoaselectpeople,thenaturalseedofAbraham,typicalofhiswholespiritualseed.HeavouchethhimselftobetheirGod;namely,invirtueofthe

promise,orcovenantmadewithAbraham,(Gen17:7),"IwillestablishmycovenanttobeaGoduntothee,andtothyseedafterthee":andtheirGod,whichbroughtthemoutofthelandofEgypt;accordingtothepromisemadetoAbrahamatthemostsolemnrenewalofthecovenantwithhim.(Gen15:14),"Afterwardsshalltheycomeoutwithgreatsubstance.AndhefirstdeclareshimselftheirGod,andthenrequiresobedience,accordingtothemannerofthecovenantwithAbraham,(Gen17:1);"IamtheAlmightyGod,[i.e.inthelanguageofthecovenant,TheAlmightyGodTOTHEE,tomakeTHEEforeverblestthroughthepromisedSEED,]walkthoubeforeme,andbethouperfect."

Butthatthecovenantofworkswasalso,forspecialends,repeatedanddeliveredtotheIsraelitesonMountSinai,Icannotrefuse,1.Becauseoftheapostle'stestimony,(Gal4:24),"Thesearethetwocovenants;theonefromMountSinai,whichgenderethtobondage."ForthechildrenofthisSinaicovenanttheapostleheretreatsof,areexcludedfromtheeternalinheritance,asIshmaelwasfromCanaan,thetypeofit,(verse30),"Castoutthebond-womanandherson;forthesonofthebond-womanshallnotbeheirwiththesonofthefreewoman";butthiscouldneverbesaidofthechildrenofthecovenantofgraceunderanydispensation,thoughboththelawandcovenantfromSinaiitself,anditschildren,wereevenbeforethecomingofChristunderasentenceofexclusion,tobeexecutedonthemrespectivelyinduetime.2.ThenatureofthecovenantofworksismostexpresslyintheNewTestamentbroughtin,propounded,andexplainedfromtheMosaicaldispensation.ThecommandsofitfromExodus20byourblessedSaviour,(Matt19:17-19),"Ifthouwiltenterintolifekeepthecommandments.Hesaithuntohim,Which?Jesussaid,Thoushaltdonomurder,thoushaltnotcommitadultery,"&c.Thepromiseofit,(Rom10:5),"Mosesdescribestherighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,thatthemanwhichdoththesethingsshalllivebythem."Thecommandsandpromiseofittogether,seeLuke10:25-28.Theterriblesanctionofit,Galations3:10.Foritiswritten[viz:Deuteronomy27:26,]"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."3.Tothismaybeaddedtheoppositionbetwixtthelawandgrace,sofrequentlyinculcatedintheNewTestament,especiallyinPaul'sepistles.Seeonetextforall,(Gal3:12),"Andthelawisnotoffaith,butthemanthatdoeththemshallliveinthem."4.ThelawfromMountSinaiwasacovenant,(Gal4:24),"Thesearethetwocovenants,theonefromtheMountSinai";andsuchacovenantashadasemblanceofdisannullingthecovenantofgrace,(Gal3:17),"ThecovenantthatwasconfirmedbeforeofGodinChrist,thelawwhichwas430yearsafter,cannotdisannul";yea,suchanoneasdid,initsownnature,bearamethodofobtaining

theinheritance,sofardifferentfromthatofthepromise,thatitwasinconsistentwithit;"Foriftheinheritancebeofthelaw,itisnomoreofpromise,"(Gal3:18),whereforethecovenantofthelawfromMountSinaicouldnotbethecovenantofgrace,unlessonewillmakethislastnotonlyacovenantseemingtodestroyitself,butreallyinconsistent:butitwasthecovenantofworks,whichindeedhadsuchasemblance,andinitsownnaturedidbearsuchamethodasbeforenoted;howbeit,asAinsworthsays,"Thecovenantofthelawnowgivencouldnotdisannulthecovenantofgrace,"(Gal3:17).Annot.onExodus19:1

WhereforeIconceivethetwocovenantstohavebeenbothdeliveredonMountSinaitotheIsraelites.First,ThecovenantofgracemadewithAbraham,containedinthepreface,repeatedandpromulgatethereuntoIsrael,tobebelievedandembracedbyfaith,thattheymightbesaved;towhichwereannexedthetencommandments,givenbytheMediatorChrist,theheadofthecovenant,asaruleoflifetohiscovenantpeople.Secondly,thecovenantofworksmadewithAdam,containedinthesametencommands,deliveredwiththunderingsandlightnings,themeaningofwhichwasafterwardsclearedbyMoses,describingtherighteousnessofthelawandsanctionthereof,repeatedandpromulgatetotheIsraelitesthere,astheoriginalperfectruleofrighteousness,tobeobeyed;andyetweretheynomoreboundherebytoseekrighteousnessbythelawthantheyoungmanwasbyourSaviour'ssayingtohim,(Matt19:17,18),"Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandmentsThoushaltdonomurder,"&c.Thelatterwasarepetitionoftheformer.

Thusthereisnoconfoundingofthetwocovenantsofgraceandworks;butthelatterwasaddedtotheformerassubservientuntoit,toturntheireyestowardsthepromise,orcovenantofgrace:"GodgaveittoAbrahambypromise.Whereforethenserveththelaw?itwasadded,becauseoftransgressions,tilltheSeedshouldcome,"(Gal3:18,19).SoitwasuntothepromisegiventoAbraham,thatthissubservientcovenantwasadded;andthatpromisewehavefoundintheprefacetothetencommands.Toit,thenwasthesubservientcovenant,accordingtotheapostle,added,put,orsetto,asthewordproperlysignifies.Soitwasnopartofthecovenantofgrace,thewhichwasentiretothefathers,beforethetimethatwassettoit;andyetis,totheNewTestamentchurch,afterthatistakenawayfromit:for,saystheapostle,"Itwasaddedtilltheseedshouldcome."Henceitappearsthatthecovenantofgracewas,bothinitself,andinGod'sintention,theprincipalpartoftheSinaitransaction:nevertheless,thecovenantofworkswasthemostconspicuouspartofit,andlaymostopentotheviewofthepeople.

AccordingtothisaccountoftheSinaitransaction,thetencommands,theredelivered,mustcomeunderatwofoldnotionorconsideration;namely,asthelawofChrist,andasthelawofworks:andthisisnotstrange,ifitisconsidered,thattheyweretwicewrittenontablesofstone,bytheLordhimself,thefirsttablestheworkofGod,(Exo32:16),whichwerebrokeninpieces,(verse19),calledthetablesofthecovenant,(Deut9:11,15)thesecondtables,theworkofMoses,thetypicalMediator,(Exo34:1),depositedatfirst[itwouldseem]inthetabernaclementioned,(33:7),afterward,attherearingofthetabernaclewithallitsfurniture,laidupinthearkwithinthetabernacle,(25:16);andwhetherornot,somesuchthingisintimated,bythedoubleaccentuationofthedecalogue,letthelearneddetermine;buttotheocularinspectionitisevident,thattheprefacetothetencommands,(Exo20:2,Deut5:6),standsintheoriginal,bothasapartofasentencejoinedtothefirstcommands,andalsoasanentiresentence,separatedfromit,andshutupbyitself.

Uponthewhole,onemaycomparewiththisthefirstpromulgationofthecovenantofgrace,bythemessengerofthecovenantinparadise,(Gen3:15),andtheflamingswordplacedtherebythesamehand,"turningeverywaytokeepthewayofthetreeoflife."

[Back][5]Here,thereisalargeadditioninthenintheditionofthisbook,London,1699.Itwelldeservesaplace,andisasfollows:"Idonotsay,Godmadethecovenantofworkswiththem,thattheymightobtainlifeandsalvationthereby;no,thelawwasbecomeweakthroughtheflesh,astoanysuchpurpose,(Rom8:3).Butherepeated,orgaveaneweditionofthelaw,andthat,asacovenantofworks,fortheirhumblingandconviction;andsodohisministerspreachthelawtounconvertedsinnersstill,thattheywho'desiretobeunderthelawmayhearwhatthelawsays,'(Gal4:21).Andastowhatyousayoftheirnotagreeingtothiscovenant,Ipraytakenotice,thatthecovenantofworkswasmadewithAdam,notforhimselfonly,butashewasapublicpersonrepresentingallhisposterity,andsothatcovenantwasmadewiththewholenatureofmaninhim,asappearsbyAdam'ssinandcursecominguponall,(Rom5:12,Gal3:10).Henceallmenarebornunderthatcovenant,whethertheyagreetoitorno;though,indeed,thereisbynaturesuchapronenessinalltodesiretobeunderthatcovenant,andtoworkforlife,thatifnaturalmen'sconsentwereasked,theywouldreadily[thoughignorantly]takeuponthemtodoallthattheLordrequireth;fordoyounotremember,"&c.

[Back][6]Thattheconditionalpromise,(Lev18:5),[towhichagreesExodus

19:8,]andthedreadfulthreatening,(Deut27:26),werebothgiventotheIsraelites,aswellasthetencommands,isbeyondquestion;andthataccordingtotheapostle,(Rom10:5,Gal3:10),theyweretheformofthecovenantofworks,isasevidentastherepeatingofthewords,andexpoundingthemso,canmakeit.How,then,onecanrefusethecovenantofworkstohavebeengiventotheIsraelites,Icannotsee.MarktheWestminsterConfessionupontheheadofthecovenantofworks;"Thefirstcovenantmadewithmanwasacovenantofworks,whereinlifewaspromisedtoAdam,andinhimtohisposterity,uponconditionofperfectandpersonalobedience."Andthisaccountofthebeingandnatureofthatcovenantisthereprovedfromtheseverytextsamongothers,Romans10:5,Galatians3:10,chap.7,art.2.

[Back][7]"Butthecovenantofthelaw[addshe]cameafter,astheapostleobserveth,(Gen3:17).Theyhadagreaterbenefitthantheirfathers;forthoughthelawcouldnotgivethemlife,yetitwasaschoolmasterunto,i.e.,tobringthemunto,Christ."(Gal3:21-24).AinsworthonDeuteronomy5:3.

[Back][8]ThetransactionatSinaiorHoreb[fortheyarebutonemountain]wasamixeddispensation;therewasthepromiseorcovenantofgrace,andalsothelaw;theoneacovenanttobebelieved,theotheracovenanttobedone,andthustheapostlestates,thedifferencebetwixtthesetwo,(Gal3:12),"Andthelawisnotoffaith,butthemanthatDOETHthemshallliveinthem."Astotheformer,viz:thecovenanttobebelieved,itwasgiventotheirfathersaswellastothem.Ofthelatter,viz:thecovenanttobedone,Mosesspeaksexpressly,(Deut4:12,13),"TheLordspakeuntoyououtofthemidstofthefire,andhedeclareduntoyouhiscovenant,whichhecommandedyoutoPERFORM[orDO]eventencommandments."And(5:3),hetellsthepeoplenolessexpressly,that"theLordmadenotTHISCOVENANTwiththeirfathers."

[Back][9]Thatis,hadwornthemout,inthesamemeasureanddegreeasthelightofnaturewasdarkened;butneithertheonenortheotherwaseverfullydone.(Rom2:14,15).

[Back][10]WhereinIdifferfromthislearnedauthorastothispoint,andforwhatreasons,maybeseenearlier[footnote#4].

[Back][11]Butnotasitisaruleoflife,whichistheothermemberofthatdistinction.

[Back][12]BothintheheartofAdamhimself,andofhisdescendantsinthefirstagesoftheworld.

[Back][13]Bothwithhimandthem.

[Back][14]Thedoctrineofthefall,withwhatsoeverotherdoctrinewasnecessarytosalvation,washandeddownfromAdam,thefatherscommunicatingthesametotheirchildrenandchildren'schildren.Therewerebutelevenpatriarchsbeforetheflood;1.Adam,2.Seth,3.Enos,4.Cainan,5.Mahalaleel,6.Jared,7.Enoch,8,Methuselah,9.Lamech,10.Noah,11.Shem.Adamhavinglived930years,(Gen5:5),wasknowntoLamech,Noah'sfather,withwhomhelived66years,andmuchlongerwiththerestofthefathersbeforehim;sothatLamech,andthosebeforehim,mighthavethedoctrinefromAdam'sownmouth.MethuselahlivedwithAdam243years,andwithShem98yearsbeforethedeluge.SeeGenesis5.AndwhatShem,who,afterthedeluge,lived502years,(Gen11:10,11),hadlearnedfromMethuselah,hehadoccasiontoteachArphaxad,Salah,Eber,Peleg,Reu,Serug,Nahor,Terah,Abraham,Isaac,(Gen21:5,),andJacob,towhose51styearhe[viz:Shem]reached.Genesis11:10,and21:5,and25:26,compared.[Vid.Bail.Op.Hist.Chron.p.2,3.]Thusonemayperceive,howthenatureofthelawandcovenantofworksgiventoAdam,mightbefarbetterknowntothem,thantotheIsraelitesaftertheirlongbondageinEgypt.

[Back][15]Thatis,andbesidesallthis,Godspaketothepatriarchsimmediatelyandbyangels.ButneitherofthesedowefindduringthetimeofthebondageinEgypt,untiltheangeloftheLordappearedtoMosesinthebush,andorderedhimtogoandbringthepeopleoutofEgypt,(Exo3).

[Back][16]TheremainingimpressionsofthelawontheheartsoftheIsraelites.

[Back][17]Byfaith;believing,embracing,andappropriatingittothemselves,(Heb11:13,Jer3:4).

[Back][18]Inasmuchastheremainingimpressionsofthelawontheirheartsweresoweak,thattheywerenotsufficientforthepurpose.

[Back][19]Byfaithproposingitastheironlydefence,andopposingittothedemandsofthelaworcovenantofworks,astheironlyplea.

[Back][20]Howfartheycameshortof,andcouldnotreachuntotheobedience

theyoweduntoGod,accordingtotheperfectionoftheholylaw.

[Back][21]Norbeforethefallneither,properlyspeaking;buttheexpressionisagreeabletoScripturestyle,(Isa5:4),"WhereforewhenIlookeditshouldbringforthgrapes,broughtitforthwildgrapes?"

[Back][22](Rom8:3),"ForwhatthelawcouldnotDO,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh;GodsendinghisownSon,"&c.

[Back][23]Itwasnotsetupbyitselfasanentireruleofrighteousness,towhichalonetheyweretolookwhodesiredrighteousnessandsalvation,asitwasinthecaseofuprightAdam,"Fornoman,sincethefall,canattaintorighteousnessandlifebythemorallaw,"Lar.Cat.quest.94.Butitwasaddedtothecovenantofgrace,thatbylookingatitmenmightseewhatkindofrighteousnessitisbywhichtheycanbejustifiedinthesightofGod;andthatbymeansthereof,findingthemselvesdestituteofthatrighteousness,theymightbemovedtoembracethecovenantofgrace,inwhichthatrighteousnessisheldforthtobereceivedbyfaith.

[Back][24]Thiswastheendofthework,namely,ofmakingthecovenantofworkswithAdam,butnotoftherepeatingofitatSinai;itwasalsotheendordesignoftheworker,namelyofGod,whomadethatcovenantwithAdam,tohavehisduefromman,andhegotitfromtheManChristJesus.

[Back][25]Thatis,theperfectobedienceofthelaw;asitissaid,(Eccl7:29),"Godmademanupright."

TheMarrowofModernDivinitybyEdwardFisher[Contents][Previous:Thelaw,asthecovenantofworks,addedtothepromise.][Next:ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensation.]

ChapterII,SectionII,4ThepromiseandcovenantwithAbraham,renewedwiththeIsraelites.

Ant.And,sir,didthelawproducethiseffectinthem?

Evan.Yea,indeed,itdid;aswillappear,ifyouconsider,thatalthough,beforethepublishingofthiscovenant,theywereexceedingproudandconfidentoftheirownstrengthtodoallthattheLordwouldhavethemdo;yetwhentheLordcametodealwiththemasmenunderthecovenantofworks,inshowinghimselfaterriblejudgesittingonthethroneofjustice,likeamountainburningwithfire,summoningthemtocomebeforehimbythesoundofatrumpet,[yetnottotouchthemountainwithoutamediator,](Heb12:19,20),theywerenotabletoendurethevoiceofwords,noryettoabidethatwhichwascommanded,insomuch,asMoseshimselfdidfearandquake;andtheydidallofthemsofear,andshake,andshiver,thattheirpeacockfeatherswerenowpulleddown.ThisterribleshowwhereinGodgavehislawonMountSinai,saysLuther,didrepresenttheuseofthelaw:therewasinthepeopleofIsraelthatcameoutofEgyptasingularholiness;theygloriedandsaid,"WearethepeopleofGod;wewilldoallthattheLordcommandeth."Moreover,Mosessanctifiedthem,andbadethemwashtheirgarments,andpurifythemselves,andpreparethemselvesagainstthethirdday:therewasnotoneofthembutwasfullofholiness.Thethirdday,MosesbringeththepeopleoutoftheirtentstothemountaininthesightoftheLord,thattheymighthearhisvoice.Whatfollowedthen?why,whentheybeheldthehorriblesightofthemountainsmokingandburning,theblackcloudsandthelightningsflashingupanddowninthishorribledarkness,andheardthesoundofthetrumpetblowinglong,andwaxinglouderandlouder,theywereafraid,andstandingafaroff,theysaidnottoMosesasbefore,"AllthattheLordcommandethwewilldo;buttalkthouwithus,andwewillhear,butletnotGodtalkwithus,lestwedie."Sothatnowtheysawtheyweresinners,andhadoffendedGod;and,therefore,stoodinneedofamediatortonegotiatepeace,andentreatforreconciliationbetweenGodandthem;andtheLordhighlyapprovedoftheirwords,asyoumaysee,(Deut5:28),whereMoses,repeatingwhattheyhadsaid,addsfurther:"TheLordheardthevoiceofyourword,whenyespaketome,andtheLordsaiduntome,Ihaveheardthevoiceofthewordsofthis

people,whichtheyhavespokenuntothee,theyhavewellsaid,allthattheyhavespoken,"viz:indesiringamediator.Wherefore,Iprayyou,takenotice,thattheywerenotcommendedforsaying,"AllthattheLordcommandethwewilldo.""No,"saysagodlywriter,"theywerenotpraisedforanyotherthing,thanfordesiringamediator";1whereupontheLordpromisedChristuntothem,evenasMosestestifies,saying,"TheLordthyGodshallraiseupuntotheeaprophetlikeuntome,fromamongyou,evenofyourbrethren;untohimshallyouhearken,accordingtoallthatthoudesiredstoftheLordthyGodinHoreb,inthedayoftheassembly,whenthousaidst,LetmehearthevoiceoftheLordmyGodnomore,norseethisgreatfireanymore,thatIdienot:andtheLordsaiduntome,Theyhavewellspoken,Iwillraisethemupaprophetfromamongtheirbrethrenlikeuntothee,andIwillputmywordsinhismouth,andheshallspeakuntothemallthatIcommandhim";andtoassureusthatChristwastheprophetherespokenof,hehimselfsaysuntotheJews,(John5:46),"IfyouhavebelievedMoses,youwouldhavebelievedme;forhewroteofme";andthatthiswasitwhichhewroteofhim,theapostlePeterwitnesses,(Acts3:22);andsodoththemartyrStephen,(Acts7:37).Thusyousee,whentheLordhad,bymeansofthecovenantofworksmadewithAdam,humbledthem,andmadethemsighforChristthepromisedSeed,herenewedthepromisewiththem,yea,andthecovenantofgracemadewithAbraham.2

Ant.Ipray,sir,howdothitappearthattheLordrenewedthatcovenantwiththem?

Evan.Itplainlyappearsinthis,thattheLordgavethembyMosestheLeviticallaws,andordainedthetabernacle,theark,andthemercy-seat,whichwerealltypesofChrist.Moreover,(Lev1:1),"TheLordcalleduntoMosesandspakeuntohimoutofthetabernacle,"3andcommandedhimtowritetheLeviticallaws,andthetabernacleordinances;tellinghimwithal,(Exo34:27),"thatafterthetenorofthesewords,hehadmadeacovenantwithhim,andwithIsrael."4SoMoseswrotethoselaws,(Exo24:4),notintablesofstone,butinanauthenticalbook,5saysAinsworth,calledtheBookoftheCovenant,whichbookMosesreadintheaudienceofthepeople,(Exo24:7),andthepeopleconsenteduntoit.ThenMoseshavingbeforesentyoungmenofthechildrenofIsrael,whowerefirst-born,6andthereforepriestsuntilthetimeoftheLevites,tooffersacrificesofburnt-offeringsandpeace-offeringsuntotheLord,"tookthebloodandsprinkleditonthepeople,andsaid,BeholdthebloodofthecovenantwhichtheLordhathmadewithyouconcerningthesethings";wherebytheywere

taught,thatbyvirtueofblood,thiscovenantbetwixtGodandthemwasconfirmed,andthatChrist,byhisbloodshed,shouldsatisfyfortheirsins;for,indeed,thecovenantofgracewas,beforethecomingofChrist,sealedbyhisbloodintypesandfigures.7

[Contents]

[Previous:Thelaw,asthecovenantofworks,addedtothepromise.]

[Next:ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensation.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Iseenowarrantforrestrainingthesenseofthistexttotheirdesiringamediator.Theuniversalterm,"Allthattheyhavespoken,"includesalsotheirengagingtoreceivethelawatthemouthofthemediator,whichisjoinedwiththeirdesire(verse27):"Gothounear,andhearallthattheLordourGodshallsay;andspeakthouuntousallthattheLordourGodshallspeakuntothee,andwewillhearanddo,"(verse28).AndtheLordsaid,"Theyhavewellsaidallthattheyhavespoken."Butthereisapalpabledifferencebetweenwhattheyspoke,(Exo19:8),andwhattheyspokehere,relativetotheirownpractice.Theformerrunsthus:"AllthattheLordhathspokenwewilldo";thelatterthus:"Andwewillhearanddo";theoriginaltextbearsnomore.Theone,relatestoobedienceonly,theothertofaithalso,"WewillHEAR,"i.e.,believe,(Isa55:3,John9:27).Hencetheobjectoffaith,thatwhichistobebelieved,iscalledareport,properlyahearing,(Isa53:1,Rom10:16).Theformerspeaksmuchblindself-confidence;thelatterasenseofdutyandawillingmind,butwithallasenseofdutyandfearofmismanagement.

[Back][2]MakingapromiseofChristtothem,notonlyas"theseedofthewoman,"butas"theseedofAbraham,"andyetmoreparticularly,as"theseedofIsrael:theLordthyGodwillraiseupuntotheeaprophet,fromthemidstofTHEE,ofTHYBRETHREN,"(Deut18:15).Andhereitistobeobserved,thatthisrenewingofthepromiseandcovenantofgracewiththemwasimmediatelyuponthebackofthegivingofthelawonMountSinai,foratthattimewastheirspeechwhichtheLordcommendedaswellspoken:thisappearsfromExodus20:18,19,comparedwithDeuteronomy5:23-28,anduponthatspeechoftheirswasthatrenewalmade,whichisclearfromDeuteronomy18:17,18.

[Back][3]Fromthemercy-seat,whichwaswithinthetabernacle.ThetabernaclewasaneminenttypeofChrist,(Heb9:11),asthetemplealsowas,(John2:19,21).SothisrepresentedGod'sspeakinginaMediator,inJesusChrist.Herewasachangeagreeabletothepeople'sdesireonMountSinai.Godspeaks,notfromaburningmountainasbefore,butoutofthetabernacle:norwithterriblethunderingsasatSinai,butinastillsmallvoice,intimatedtous,andintimatedbytheextraordinarysmallnessofoneletterintheoriginalwordrenderedcalled,astheHebrewdoctorsdoaccountforthatirregularityofwritinginthatword.

[Back][4]Mosesexceedinglyfearedandquaked,(Heb22:21),whilehestoodamongsttherestoftheIsraelitesatMountSinaiduringthegivingofthelaw,(Exo19:25,20:21).ButhereheisrepresentedasIsrael'sfederalheadinthiscovenant,hebeingthetypicalmediator;whichplainlyintimatedthecovenantofgracetohavebeenmadewithChrist,andwithhiminalltheelect:"IhavemadeacovenantwiththeeandwithIsrael,"saysthetext.Seethefirstnoteonthepreface,intheLargerCatechism,quest.31.

[Back][5]MoseswastwiceontheMountwithGodfortydays.Inthetimeofthesecondfortydayshereceivedtheordertowrite,mentionedExodus34:27,asappearsbycomparingverse27with28.ThiscomprehendedhiswritingsoftheLeviticallaws,butnotofthedecalogueortencommandments;fortheselast,Godhimselfwroteontablesofstone,verse28comparedwithverse1.Thisperemptorydivineorder,Moses,nodoubt,didobey;understandingitofwritinginabook,sincehewasnotcommandedtowriteanotherway.So,inalikecase,beforehewentupintotheMountforthefirstfortydays,hewroteLeviticallawsinabookcalledtheBookoftheCovenant,(Exo24:4,7),"AndMoseswroteallthewordsoftheLord.Andhetookthebookofthecovenantandread."Compareverse18.ThiswritingalsocomprehendedLeviticallaws,butnotthetencommandments.ForallthewordsoftheLordwhichMoseswrote,wereallthewordsoftheLordwhichMosestoldthepeople.Andwhatthesewere,appearsfromhiscommissionreceivedforthateffect:(20:21,22),"Andthepeoplestoodafaroff,andMosesdrewnearuntothethickdarknesswhereGodwas;andtheLordsaiduntoMoses,ThusthoushaltsayuntothechildrenofIsrael,"&c.So"allthewords"werethesewhichfollowtotheendofthe23rdchapter.

[Back][6]Intheoriginaltext,(verse5)theyarecalledemphaticallytheyoungmen[orministers,orservants,(1Sam2:13,15,Esth2:2)]ofthechildrenofIsrael,tosignifythattheywerefirst-born.AndsoOnkelosreadsit,"thefirst-bornofthechildrenofIsrael."

[Back][7]ThebloodofthesacrificerepresentingthepreciousbloodofChrist.

ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensation.


[Contents]

[Previous:ThepromiseandcovenantwithAbraham,renewedwiththeIsraelites.]

[Next:Thenaturalbiastowardsthecovenantofworks.]

ChapterII,SectionII,5

ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensation.

Ant.But,sir,wasthiseverywaythesamecovenantthatwasmadewithAbraham?

Evan.SurelyIdobelieve,thatreverendBullingerspakeverytruly,whenhesaidthatGodgaveuntothesepeoplenootherreligion,innature,substance,andmatteritself,differingfromthelawsoftheirfathers;though,forsomerespects,headdedthereuntomanyceremoniesandcertainordinances;thewhichhedidtokeeptheirmindsinexpectationofthecomingofChristwhomhehadpromiseduntothem;andtoconfirmtheminlookingforhim,lesttheyshouldwaxfaint.AndastheLorddidthusbytheceremonies,asitwere,leadthembythehandtoChrist;sodidhemakethemapromiseofthelandofCanaan,andoutwardprosperityinit,asatypeofheaven,andeternalhappiness;sothattheLorddealtwiththemaswithchildrenintheirinfancyandunderage,leadingthemonbythehelpofearthlythings,toheavenlyandspiritual,becausetheywerebutyoungandtender,1andhadnotthatmeasureandabundanceoftheSpiritwhichhehadbestoweduponhispeoplenowunderthegospel.

Ant.And,sir,doyouthinkthattheseIsraelitesatthistimedidseeChristandsalvationbyhiminthesetypesandshadows?

Evan.Yes,thereisnodoubtbutMosesandtherestofthebelieversamongtheJewsdidseeChristinthem,"For,"saysTindal,"thoughallthesacrificesandceremonieshadastar-lightofChrist,yetsomeofthemhadthelightofthebroad

day,alittlebeforethesun-rising";anddidexpresshim,withthecircumstancesandvirtueofhisdeath,asplainly,asifhispassionhadbeenacteduponascaffold:"Insomuch,"sayshe,"thatIamfullypersuaded,andcannotbutbelieve,thatGodhadshowedMosesthesecretsofChrist,andtheverymannerofhisdeathaforehand";and,therefore,nodoubtbutthattheyofferedtheirsacrificesbyfaithintheMessiah,astheapostletestifiesofAbel,(Heb11:4).Isay,thereisnoquestionbuteveryspiritualbelievingJew,whenhebroughthissacrificetobeoffered,and,accordingtotheLord'scommand,laidhishandsuponitwhilstitwasyetalive,(Lev1:4),did,fromhisheart,acknowledgethathehimselfhaddeservedtodie;butbythemercyofGodhewassaved,2andhisdesertlaiduponthebeast;3andasthatbeastwastodie,andbeofferedinsacrificeforhim,sodidhebelievethattheMessiahshouldcomeanddieforhim,uponwhomheputhishands,thatis,laidallhisiniquitiesbythehandoffaith.4Sothat,asBezaonJob1says,"Thesacrificesweretothemholymysteries,inwhich,asincertainglasses,theydidbothseethemselvestotheirowncondemnationbeforeGod,5andalsobeheldthemercyofGodinthepromisedMessiah,intimetobeexhibited":"Andtherefore,"saysCalvin,Institut.p.239,"thesacrificesandsatisfactoryofferingswerecalledAshemoth,whichwordproperlysignifiessinitself,toshowthatJesusChristwastocomeandperformaperfectexpiation,bygivinghisownsoultobeanasham,thatis,asatisfactoryoblation."

Wherefore,youmayassureyourself,thatasChristwasalwayssetbeforethefathersintheOldTestament,towhomtheymightdirecttheirfaith,andasGodneverputtheminhopeofanygraceormercy,norevershowedhimselfgooduntothemwithoutChrist:6evensothegodlyintheOldTestamentknewChristbywhomtheydidenjoythesepromisesofGod,andwerejoinedtohim.7And,indeed,thepromiseofsalvationneverstoodfirmtillitcametoChrist.8Andtherewastheircomfortinalltheirtroublesanddistresses,accordingasitissaidofMoses,(Heb11:26,27),"Heenduredasseeinghimwhoisinvisible,9esteemingthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresofEgypt,forhehadrespecttotherecompenseofreward."

Andso,asIgnatiussays,theprophetswereChrist'sservants,who,foreseeinghiminspirit,bothwaitedforhimastheirmaster,andlookedforhimastheirLordandSaviour,saying,"Heshallcomeandsaveus."

AndsosaysCalvin,Institut.p.207,"Sooftastheprophetsspeakofthe

blessednessofthatfaithful,theperfectimagethattheyhavepaintedthereofwassuchasmightravishmen'smindsoutoftheearth,andofnecessityraisethemuptotheconsiderationofthefelicityofthelifetocome";sothatwemayassuredlyconclude,withLuther,thatallthefathers,prophets,andholykings,wererighteous,andsavedbyfaithinChristtocome;andso,indeed,asCalvinsays,Institut.p.198,"werepartakersofallonesalvationwithus."

Ant.But,sir,theScripturesseemtoholdforthasthoughtheyweresavedoneway,andweanotherway;foryouknowtheprophetJeremiahmakesmentionofatwofoldcovenant;thereforeitissomewhatstrangetome,thattheyshouldbepartakersofonewayofsalvationwithus.

Evan.Indeed,itistrue,theLorddidbequeathuntothefathers,righteousness,life,andeternalsalvation,inandthroughChristtheMediator,beingnotyetcomeintheflesh,butpromised:anduntousintheNewTestamenthegivesandbequeathsthemtousinandthroughChrist,beingalreadycome,andhavingactuallypurchasedthemforus;andthecovenantofgracewas,beforethecomingofChrist,sealedbyhisbloodintypesandfigures;andathisdeathinhisflesh,10itwassealedandratifiedbyhisveryblood,actually,andinverydeedshedforoursins.Andtheoldcovenant,inrespectoftheoutwardformandmannerofsealing,wastemporaryandchangeable;andthereforethetypesceased,andonlythesubstanceremainsfirm;butthesealsofthenewareunchangeable,beingcommemorative,andshallshowtheLord'sdeathuntilhiscomingagain.Andtheircovenantdidfirstandchieflypromiseearthlyblessings,11andinandundertheseitdidsignifyandpromiseallspiritualblessingsandsalvation;butourcovenantpromises,Christandhisblessingsinthefirstplace,andafterthemearthlyblessings.

These,andsomeothercircumstantialdifferencesinregardtoadministration,therewerebetwixttheirwayofsalvation,orcovenantofgrace,andours;whichmovedtheauthortotheHebrews,(Heb8:8),tocalltheirsold,andoursnew;but,inregardtosubstance,theywerealloneandtheverysame;12forinallcovenantsthisisacertainrule,"Ifthesubjectmatter,thefruitandtheconditions,bethesame,thenisthecovenantthesame":butinthesecovenantsJesusChrististhesubjectmatterofboth,salvationthefruitofboth,andfaiththeconditionofboth:13therefore,Isay,thoughtheybecalledtwo,yettheyarebutone;thewhichisconfirmedbytwofaithfulwitnesses:theoneistheapostlePeter,whosays,(Acts15:11),"Webelieve,thatthroughthegraceofourLordJesusChrist,weshallbesavedevenasthey";meaningthefathersintheOldTestament,asis

evidentintheversenextbefore.TheotheristheapostlePaul,whosays,(Gal3:6,7),"AbrahambelievedGod,anditwasaccountedtohimforrighteousness,knowye,therefore,thattheywhichareoffaith,thesamearethechildrenofAbraham":bywhichtestimony,saysLuther,ontheGalatians,p.116,"wemayseethatthefaithofourfathersintheOldTestament,andoursintheNew,isalloneinsubstance."

Ant.ButcouldtheythatlivedsolongbeforeChrist,apprehendhisrighteousnessbyfaithfortheirjustificationandsalvation?

Evan.Yea,indeed;forasMr.Forbes,onJustification,p.90,trulysays,itisaseasyforfaithtoapprehendrighteousnesstocome,asitistoapprehendrighteousnessthatispast:wherefore,asChrist'sbirth,obedience,anddeath,wereintheOldTestamentaseffectualtosavesinners,astheyarenow;soallthefaithfulforefathers,fromthebeginning,didpartakeofthesamegracewithus,bybelievinginthesameJesusChrist,andsowerejustifiedbyhisrighteousness,andsavedeternallybyfaithinhim.ItwasbyvirtueofthedeathofChrist,thatEnochwastranslatedthatheshouldnotseedeath;andEliaswastakenupintoheavenbyvirtueofChrist'sresurrectionandascension.Sothatfromtheworld'sbeginningtotheendthereof,thesalvationofsinnersisonlybyJesusChrist;asitiswritten,"JesusChrist,thesameyesterday,andtoday,andforever,"(Heb13:8).

Ant.Why,then,sir,itseemsthatthosewhoweresavedamongsttheJews,werenotsavedbytheworksofthelaw?

Evan.No,indeed;theywereneitherjustifiednorsaved,eitherbytheworksofthemorallaw,ortheceremoniallaw.For,asyouheardbefore,themorallawbeingdelivereduntothemwithgreatterror,andundermostdreadfulpenalties,theydidfindinthemselvesanimpossibilityofkeepingit;andsoweredriventoseekhelpofaMediator,evenJesusChrist,ofwhomMoseswastothematypicalmediator:14sothatthemorallawdiddrivethemtotheceremoniallaw,whichwastheirgospel,andtheirChristinafigure;forthattheceremoniesdidprefigureChrist,directuntohim,andrequirefaithinhim,isathingacknowledgedandconfessedbyallmen.

Nom.But,sir,Isuppose,thoughbelieversamongtheJewswerenotjustifiedandsavedbytheworksofthelaw,yetwasitaruleoftheirobedience?

Evan.Itisverytrue,indeed:thelawofthetencommandmentswasarulefortheirobedience;15yetnotasitcamefromMountSinai;16butratherasitcamefromMountZion;notasitwasthelaworcovenantofworks,butasitwasthelawofChrist.Thewhichwillappear,ifyouconsider,thataftertheLordhadrenewedwiththemthecovenantofgrace,asyouheardbefore,(Exodus24atthebeginning)theLordsaiduntoMoses,(verse12),"Comeuptomeintothemount,andbethere,andIwillgivetheetablesofstone,andalawthatthoumayestteachthem";andaftertheLordhadthuswrittenthemthesecondtimewithhisownfinger,hedeliveredthemtoMoses,commandinghimtoprovideanarktoputtheminto;whichwasnotonlyforthesafekeepingofthem,(Deut9:10,10:5);butalsotocovertheformofthecovenantofworksthatwasformerlyuponthem,thatbelieversmightnotperceiveit;forthearkwasanotabletypeofChrist;andthereforetheputtingofthemthereindidshowthattheywereperfectlyfulfilledinhim,Christbeing"theendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth,"(Rom10:4).Thewhichwasyetmoreclearlymanifest,inthatthebookofthelawwasplacedbetweenthecherubim,anduponthemercy-seat,toassurebelieversthatthelawnowcametothemfromthemercy-seat;17fortheretheLordpromisedtomeetMoses,andtocommunewithhimofallthingswhichhewouldgivehimincommandmenttothem,(Exo25:22).

Ant.But,sir,wastheformquitetakenaway,soasthetencommandmentswerenomorethecovenantofworks?

Evan.Ohno!youarenotsotounderstandit.Fortheformofthecovenantofworks,18aswellasthematter,[onGod'spart,]19cameimmediatelyfromGodhimself,andsoconsequentlyitiseternal,likehimself;whenceitisthatourSavioursays,(Matt5:18),"Tillheavenandearthpass,onejotoronetittleshallinnowayspassfromthelaw,tillallbefulfilled."Sothateithermanhimself,orsomeotherforhim,mustperformorfulfilltheconditionofthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,orelseheremainsstillunderitinadamnablecondition:butnowChristhathfulfilleditforallbelievers;andtherefore,Isaid,theformofthecovenantofworkswascoveredortakenaway,astouchingthebelievingJews;butyetitwasneithertakenawayinitself,noryetastouchingtheunbelievingJews.

Nom.Wasthelawthenstillofusetothem,asitwasthecovenantofworks?

Evan.Yea,indeed.

Ant.Iprayyou,sir,showofwhatuseitwastothem.

Evan.IrememberLuther[ontheGalatians,p.171]says,"Therebetwosortsofunrighteouspersonsorunbelievers:theonetobejustified,andtheothernottobejustified:evensowasthereamongtheJews."Now,tothemthatweretobejustified,asyouhaveheard,thelawwasstillofusetobringthemtoChrist:astheapostlesays,(Gal3:24),"ThelawwasourschoolmasteruntilChrist,20thatwemightbemaderighteousbyfaith";thatistosay,themorallaw21didteachandshowthemwhattheyshoulddo,andsowhattheydidnot;andthismadethemgototheceremoniallaw;22andbythattheyweretaughtthatChristhaddoneitforthem;23thewhichtheybelieving,24weremaderighteousbyfaithinhim.Andtothesecondsortitwasofuse,toshowthemwhatwasgood,andwhatwasevil;andtobeasabridletothem,torestrainthemfromevil,andasamotivetomovethemtogood,forfearofpunishment,25orhopeofrewardinthislife;which,thoughitwasbutaforcedandconstrainedobedience,yetwasitnecessaryforthepubliccommonwealth,thequietthereofbeingtherebythebettermaintained.andthoughtherebytheycouldneitherescapedeath,noryetobtaineternallife,forwantofperfectobedience,yetthemoreobediencetheyyieldedthereunto,themoretheywerefreedfromtemporalcalamities,andpossessedwithtemporalblessings,accordingastheLordpromisedandthreatened,(Deut28).

Ant.But,sir,inthatplacetheLordseemethtospeaktohisownpeople,andyettospeakaccordingtothetenorofthecovenantofworks,whichhasmademethinkthatbelieversintheOldTestamentwerepartlyunderthecovenantofworks.

Evan.DoyounotrememberhowItoldyoubefore,thattheLorddidmanifestsomuchlovetothebodyofthatnation,thatthewholeposterityofAbraham26werebroughtunderastate-covenantornationalchurch;sothatforthebelievers'sakesheenfoldedunbelieversinthecompact;whereupontheLordwaspleasedtocallthemallbythenameofhispeople,aswellunbelieversasbelievers,andtobecalledtheirGod?AndthoughtheLorddidtherespeakaccordingtothetenorofthecovenantofworks,yetIseenoreasonwhyhemightnotdirectandintendhisspeechtobelieversalso,andyettheyremainonlyunderthecovenantofgrace.

Ant.Why,sir,yousaidthattheLorddidspeaktothemoutofthetabernacle,andfromthemercy-seat;andthat,doubtless,wasaccordingtothetenorofthe

covenantofgrace,andnotaccordingtothetenorofthecovenantofworks.

Evan.Iprayyoutakenotice,thataftertheLordhadpronouncedallthoseblessingsandcurses,(Deut28inthebeginningofthe29thchapter),itissaid,"Thesearethewordsofthecovenant,whichtheLordcommandedMosestomakewiththechildrenofIsraelinthelandofMoab,besidethecovenantwhichhemadewiththeminHoreb."Wherebyitdothappeartome,thatthiswasnotthecovenantofworkswhichwasdeliveredtothemonMountSinai;27fortheformofthatcovenantwaseternalblessingsandcurses,28buttheformofthiscovenantwastemporalblessingsandcurses.29Sothatthisratherseemstobethepedagogyofthelaw,thanthecovenantofworks;foratthattimethesepeopleseemedtobecarriedbytemporalpromisesintothewayofobedience,anddeterredbytemporalthreateningsfromthewaysofdisobedience,Goddealingwiththemasintheirinfancyandunderage,andsoleadsthemon,andalluresthem,andfearsthem,bysuchrespectsasthese,becausetheyhadbutasmallmeasureoftheSpirit.

Nom.But,sir,wasnotthematterofthatcovenantandthisallone?

Evan.Yea,indeed;thetencommandmentswerethematterofbothcovenants,onlytheydifferedintheforms.

Ant.Then,sir,itseemsthatthepromisesandthreateningscontainedintheOldTestamentwerebuttemporaryandterrestrial,onlyconcerningthegoodandevilthingsofthislife.

Evan.Thiswearetoknow,thatlikeastheLord,byhisprophets,gavethepeopleintheOldTestamentmanyexhortationstobeobedienttohiscommandments,andmanydehortationsfromdisobediencethereunto;evensodidhebackthemwithmanypromisesandthreatenings,concerningthingstemporal,astheseandthelikeScripturesdowitness:(Isa1:10),"HearthewordoftheLord,yerulersofSodom;giveearuntothelawofourGod,yepeopleofGomorrah":(verse19,20),"Ifyebewillingandobedient,yeshalleatthegoodthingsoftheland;butifyerefuseandrebel,yeshallbedevouredwiththesword,forthemouthoftheLordhathspokenit."And(Jer7:3,9,20),"Amendyourwaysandyourdoings,andIwillcauseyoutodwellinthisplace.Willyesteal,murder,andcommitadultery,andswearfalselybymyname?Therefore,thussaiththeLordGod,beholdmineangerandmyfuryshallbepouredoutuponthisplace."AndsurelytherebetworeasonswhytheLorddidso:first,

because,asallmenarebornunderthecovenantofworks,theyarenaturallypronetoconceivethatthefavourofGod,andallgoodthings,dodependandfollowupontheirobediencetothelaw,30andthatthewrathofGod,andallevilthings,dodependuponandfollowtheirdisobediencetoit,31andthatman'schiefhappinessistobehadandfoundinterrestrialparadise,eveninthegoodthingsofthislife.SothepeopleoftheOldTestamentbeingnearesttoAdam'scovenantandparadise,weremostpronetosuchconceits.Andsecondly,becausethecovenantofgraceandcelestialparadisewerebutlittlementionedintheOldTestament,they,forthemostpart,32hadbutaglimmeringknowledgeofthem,andsocouldnotyieldobediencefreelyassons.33ThereforetheLordsawitmeettomovethemtoyieldobediencetohislawsbytheirownmotives,34andasservantsorchildrenunderage.35

Ant.Andwerebothbelieversandunbelievers,thatis,suchaswereunderthecovenantofgrace,andsuchaswereunderthecovenantofworks,equallyandalikesubject,aswelltohavethecalamitiesofthislifeinflicteduponthemfortheirdisobedience,astheblessingsofthislifeconferreduponthemfortheirobedience?

Evan.Surelythewordsofthepreacherdotakeplacehere,whenhesays,(Eccl9:2),"Allthingscomealiketoall;thereisoneeventtotherighteousandtothewicked."WerenotMosesandAaron,fortheirdisobedience,hinderedfromenteringintothelandofCanaan,aswellasothers?(Num20:12).AndwasnotJosiah,ofhisdisobediencetoGod'scommand,slaininthevalleyofMegiddo?(2Chron35:21,22).Thereforeassureyourself,thatwhenbelieversintheOldTestamentdidtransgressGod'scommandments,God'stemporalwrath36wentoutagainstthem,andwasmanifestintemporalcalamitiesthatbefellthemaswellasothers,(Num16:46).Onlyherewasthedifference,thebelievers'temporalcalamitieshadnoeternalcalamitiesincludedinthem,norfollowingofthem;37andtheunbelievers'temporalblessingshadnoeternalblessingsincludedinthem,andtheirtemporalcalamitieshadeternalcalamitiesincludedinthem,andfollowingofthem.38

Ant.Then,sir,itseemsthatallobediencethatanyoftheJewsdidyieldtoGod'scommandments,wasforfearoftemporalpunishment,andinhopeoftemporalreward?

Evan.SurelytheScripturesseemtoholdforth,thattherewerethreeseveralsorts

ofpeopleamongsttheJews,whoendeavouredtokeepthelawofGod,andtheydidallofthemdifferintheirends.

Thefirstofthemweretruebelievers,who,accordingtothemeasuresoftheirfaith,didbelievetheresurrectionoftheirbodiesafterdeath,andeternallifeinglory,andthatitwastobeobtained,notbytheworksofthelaw,butbyfaithintheMessiahorpromisedseed;andanswerablyastheybelievedthis,answerablytheyyieldedobediencetothelawfreely,withoutfearofpunishmentorhopeofreward:but,alas!thespiritoffaithwasveryweakinmostofthem,andthespiritofbondageverystrong,and,therefore,theystoodinneedtobeinducedandconstrainedtoobedience,byfearofpunishmentandhopeofreward.39

ThesecondsortofthemweretheSadduceesandtheirsect,andthesedidnotbelievethattherewasanyresurrection,(Matt22:23),noranylifebutthelifeofthisworld;andyettheyendeavouredtokeepthelaw,thatGodmightblessthemhere,andthatitmightgowellwiththeminthispresentlife.

Thethirdsort,andindeedthegreatestnumberoftheminthefutureagesafterMoses,weretheScribesandPharisees,andtheirsects;andtheyheldandmaintained,thattherewasaresurrectiontobelookedfor,andaneternallifeafterdeath,and,therefore,theyendeavouredtokeepthelaw,notonlytoobtaintemporalhappiness,buteternalalso.ForthoughithadpleasedtheLordtomakeknownuntohispeople,bytheministryofMoses,thatthelawwasgiven,nottoretainmenintheconfidenceoftheirownworks,buttodrivethemoutofthemselves,andtoleadthemtoChristthepromisedseed;yetafterthattime,thepriestsandtheLevites,whoweretheexpoundersofthelaw,andtowhomtheScribesandPhariseessucceeded,didsoconceiveandteachofGod'sintentioningivingthelaw,asthoughithadbeen,thatthey,bytheirobediencetoit,shouldobtainrighteousnessandeternallife;andthisopinionwassoconfidentlymaintained,andsogenerallyembracedamongstthem,thatintheirbookMechilta,theysayandaffirm,thatthereisnoothercovenantthanthelaw;andso,inverydeed,theyconceivedthattherewasnootherwaytoeternallifethanthecovenantofworks.

Ant.Surely,then,itseemstheydidnotunderstandandconsiderthatthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,doesnotonlybindtheoutwardman,butalsotheinwardman,eventhesoulandspirit;andrequiresallholythoughts,motions,anddispositionsoftheheartandsoul?

Evan.O,no;theyneithertaughtitnorunderstooditsospiritually;neithercouldtheybepersuadedthatthelawrequiressomuchatman'shands.Fortheyfirstlaidthisdownforacertaintruth,thatGodgavethelawformantobejustifiedandsavedbyhisobediencetoit;andthat,therefore,theremustneedsbeapowerinmantodoallthatitrequires,orelseGodwouldneverhaverequiredit;and,therefore,whereastheyshouldhavefirstconsideredwhatastraightrulethelawofGodis,andthenhavebroughtman'sheart,andhavelaidittoit,they,contrariwise,firstconsideredwhatacrookedruleman'sheartis,andthensoughttomakethelawlikeit:andsoindeedtheyexpoundedthelawliterally,teachingandholding,thattherighteousnesswhichthelawrequiredwasbutanexternalrighteousness,consistingintheoutwardobservationofthelaw,asyoumayseebythetestimonyofourSaviour,(Matt5);sothat,accordingtotheirexposition,itwaspossibleforamantofulfilthelawperfectly,andsotobejustifiedandsavedbyhisobediencetoit.

Ant.But,sir,doyouthinktheScribesandPharisees,andtheirsect,didyieldperfectobediencetothelaw,accordingtotheirownexposition?

Evan.No,indeed;Ithinkveryfewofthem,ifanyatall.

Ant.Why,whathopescouldtheythenhavetobejustifiedandsaved,whentheytransgressedanyofthecommandments?

Evan.PeterMartyrtellsus,thatwhentheychancedtotransgressanyofthetencommandments,40theyhadtheirsacrificestomakesatisfaction[astheyconceived];fortheylookedupontheirsacrificeswithouttheirsignifications,andsohadafalsefaithinthem,thinkingthatthebareworkwasasacrificeacceptableuntoGod;inaword,theyconceivedthatthebloodofbullsandgoatswouldtakeawaysin,andsowhattheywantedoffulfillingthemorallaw,theythoughttomakeupintheceremoniallaw.AndthustheyseparatedChristfromtheirsacrifices,thinkingtheyhaddischargedtheirdutyverywell,whentheyhadsacrificedandofferedtheirofferings;notconsideringthattheimperfectionofthetypicallaw,which,astheapostlesays,madenothingperfect,shouldhaveledthemtofindperfectioninChrist,(Heb7:19);buttheygenerallyrestedintheworkdoneintheceremoniallaw,evenastheyhaddoneinthemorallaw,thoughtheythemselveswereunabletodotheone,41andtheotherwasasinsufficienttohelpthem.Andthus"Israel,whichfollowedthelawofrighteousness,didnotattaintothelawofrighteousness,becausetheysoughtitnotbyfaith,"but,asitwere,bytheworksofthelaw.Fortheybeingignorantoftherighteousnessof

God,andgoingabouttoestablishtheirownrighteousness,didnotsubmitthemselvestotherighteousnessofGod,(Rom9:31,10:3).

Ant.Then,sir,itseemstherewerebutveryfewofthem42thathadaclearsightandknowledgeofChrist?

Evan.Itisverytrueindeed;forgenerallytherewassuchaveilofignoranceovertheirhearts,orsuchaveilofblindnessovertheirminds,thatitmadetheirspiritualeye-sightsoweakanddim,thattheywerenomoreabletoseeChrist,theSunofrighteousness,totheendofthelaw,43(Mal4:2),thantheweakeyeofmanisabletobeholdthebrightsunwhenitshinethinitsfullstrength.Andthereforeweread,(Exo34:30),thatwhenMoses'sfacedidshine,byreasonoftheLord'stalkingwithhim,andtellinghimofthegloriousrichesofhisfreegraceinJesusChrist,andgivinguntohimthetencommandments,writtenintablesofstone,asthecovenantofworks;44todrivethepeopleoutofconfidenceinthemselves,andtheirownlegalrighteousness,untoJesusChristandhisrighteousness,thepeoplewerenotabletobeholdhisface;thatistosay,45byreasonoftheweaknessanddimnessoftheirspiritualeye-sight,theywerenotabletoseeandunderstandthespiritualsenseofthelaw:namely,thattheLord'sendorintentingivingthemthelawasacovenantofworks,andastheapostlecallsit,"theministrationofcondemnationanddeath,"(2Cor3:7,9),wastodrivethemoutofthemselvestoChrist,andthatthen46itwastobeabolishedtothem,asitwasthecovenantofworks,(verse13),andthereforeMosesputthecloudyveilofshadowingceremoniesoverhisface,(Exo34:35),thattheymightbethebetterabletobeholdit:thatistosay,thattheymightbethebetterabletoseethroughthem,andunderstand,that"Christistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth,"(Rom9:4).ForMoses'face,saysgodlyTindal,isthelawrightlyunderstood.Andyet,alas!byreasonthatthepriestsandLevitesinformertimes,andtheScribesandPhariseesinaftertimes,"weretheblindleadersoftheblind,"(Matt15:14),thegeneralityofthemweresoaddictedtotheletterofthelaw,[andthatbothmoral47andceremonial,]thattheyuseditnotasapedagogytoChrist,butterminatedtheireyeintheletterandshadow,anddidnotseethroughthemtothespiritualsubstance,whichisJesusChrist,(2Cor3:13),especiallyinthefutureagesafterMoses:foratthetimeofChrist'scomingintheflesh,Irememberbuttwo,namely,SimeonandAnna,thatdesiredhim,orlookedforhimasaspiritualSaviourtosavethemfromsinandwrath.ForthoughallofthemhadintheirmouthstheMessiah,saysCalvin,andtheblessedstateofthekingdomofDavid;yettheydreamedthatthisMessiahshouldbe

somegreatmonarchthatshouldcomeinoutwardpompandpower,andsaveanddeliverthemfromthatbondagewhichtheywereinundertheRomans,ofwhichbondagetheyweresensibleandweary;butasfortheirspiritualbondageunderthelaw,sin,andwrath,theywerenotatallsensible;andallbecausetheirblindguideshadturnedthewholelawintoacovenantofworks,tobedoneforjustificationandsalvation:48yea,andsuchacovenantastheywereabletokeepandfulfil,ifnotbythedoingofthemorallaw,yetbytheirofferingsacrificesintheceremoniallaw.Andforthiscause,ourSaviour,inhissermonuponthemount,tookoccasiontoexpoundthemorallawtrulyandspiritually,removingthatfalseliteralglosswhichtheScribesandPhariseeshadputuponit,thatmenmightseehowimpossibleitisforanymeremantofulfilit,andsoconsequentlytohavejustificationandsalvationbyit.AndatthedeathofChrist,theveilofthetemplewasrentintwainfromthetoptothebottom,toshow,saysTindal,"thattheshadowsofMoses'lawshouldnowvanishawayattheflourishinglightofthegospel,"(Matt27:51).AndafterthedeathofChrist,hisapostlesdid,bothbytheirpreachingandwriting,labourtomakemenunderstand,thatallthesacrificesandceremonieswerebuttypesofChrist;andthereforehebeingnowcome,theywereofnofurtheruse:witnessthatdivineandspiritualepistlewrittentotheHebrews.Yet,notwithstanding,wemaysayoftheJewsatthisday,astheapostledidinhistime,"evenuntilthisdayremaineththesameveiluntakenawayinthereadingofMoses."TheLordinmercyremoveitinhisduetime.49

[Contents]

[Previous:ThepromiseandcovenantwithAbraham,renewedwiththeIsraelites.]

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thechurchwasinherminorityunderthelaw,(Gal4:1-3).

[Back][2]Fromthedeathhehaddeservedbyhissin.

[Back][3]Typically.

[Back][4]"Themysticalsignificationofthesacrifices,andespeciallythisrite,somethinktheapostlemeansbythedoctrineof'layingonofhands,'(Heb6:2),whichtypifiedevangelicalfaith."HenryonLeviticus1:4.Itisevidentthattheofferer,bylayinghishandontheheadofthesacrifice,didlegallyunitewithit;laidhissin,ortransferredhisguiltuponit,inatypicalorceremonialway.,(Lev16:21);thesubstanceandtruthofwhichceremonialactionplainlyappearstobefaith,orbelievingonJesusChrist,whichisthesoul'sassenting,foritsownpart,to,andacquiescinginthegloriousdeviceof,"theLord'slayingonhimtheiniquitiesofusall,"(Isa53:6).

[Back][5]Thatis,theysawthemselves,asinthemselvescondemnedbytheholylaw.

[Back][6]Thatis,asanabsoluteGodoutofChrist,butalwaysasaGodinChrist.

[Back][7]ToChrist,byfaith.

[Back][8]Itstood,atfirst,onman'sownobedience:whichgroundquicklyfailed:then,itcametoChrist,whereitstoodfirm,(Gen3:15).It[namely,"theseedofthewoman"]"shallbruisethyhead,"viz:theserpent'shead.

[Back][9]"Faithpresentingtohisviewatalltimesthegreatangelofthecovenant,GodtheSon,theRedeemerofhimandIsrael."Suppl.Poole'sAnnot.ontheText.

[Back][10]"Christbeingputtodeathintheflesh,"(1Peter3:18).

[Back][11]Chiefly;insofaras,inthatdispensationofthecovenantofgrace,thepromisesofearthlyblessingswerechieflyinsistedon;andthepromisesofspiritualblessingsandsalvationmoresparingly.

[Back][12]"Therearenot,therefore,twocovenantsofgrace,differinginsubstance;butoneandthesameundervariousdispensations."Westm.Confess.chap.7,art.6.Andtheircovenantofgrace,confirmedbythesprinklingofblood,(Exo24,Heb9:19,20)[thewhichcovenanttheybrake,bytheirunbelieffrustratingthemannerinwhichitwasadministeredtothem,]wasgiventothemwhentheLordhadledthemoutofEgypt,andatSinaitoo,aswellasthetencommandmentsdeliveredtothemasthecovenantofworks.ThisisevidentfromExodus20:1-17,comparedwithDeuteronomy5:2-22,andExodus20:20,21,

comparedwithchapter24:3-8.

[Back][13]Notinastrictandpropersense,asthat,upontheperformanceofwhichtherightandtitletothebenefitsofthecovenantarefoundedandpleaded;asperfectobediencewastheconditionofthecovenantofworks.Christ'sfulfillingofthelaw,byhisobedienceanddeath,istheonlyconditionofthecovenantofgrace,inthatsense.Butinalargeandimpropersense,asthatwherebyoneacceptsandembracesthecovenantandtheproperconditionthereof,andissavinglyinterestedinJesusChrist,theheadofthecovenant."ThegraceofGodismanifestedinthesecondcovenant,inthathefreelyprovidethandofferethtosinnersaMediator,andlifeandsalvationbyhim;andrequiringfaithastheconditiontointeresttheminhim,"&c.Lar.Cat.quest.32.

[Back][14]Thatisatype,hebeingtothematypicalMediator.

[Back][15]TheobedienceofthebelievingJews.

[Back][16]Thatis,inthesenseofourauthor,notasthecovenantofworks,butofthetwofoldnotionorconsiderationunderwhichthetencommandmentsweredeliveredfromMountSinai.

[Back][17]FromanatonedGodinChrist,bindingthemtoobediencewiththestrongestties,arisingfromtheircreationandredemptionjointly;butnotwiththebondofthecurse,bindingthemovertoeternaldeathincaseoftransgression,asthelaworcovenantofworksdoeswiththemwhoareunderit,(Gal3:10).Themercy-seatwasthecoveroftheark,andboththeoneandtheothertypeofChrist.Withintheark,underthecoverofit,werethetablesofthelawlaidup.Thuswasthethroneofgrace,whichcouldnothavestoodonmeremercy,firmlyestablishedinJesusChrist;accordingtoPsalm89:14,"Justiceandjudgmentarethehabitation[marg.'establishment']ofthythrone."Thewordproperlysignifiesabase,supporter,stay,orfoundation,onwhichathingstandsfirm,(Ezra2:68,3:3,Psa104:5).Thesenseis,OGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,(Psa89:19),justicesatisfied,andjudgmentfullyexecutedinthepersonoftheMediator,arethefoundationandbasewhichthythroneofgracestandsupon.

[Back][18]Namely,thepromissoryandpenalsanctionofeternallifeanddeath,inwhichGod'struthwasengaged.

[Back][19]Man'spartwashisconsentingtothetermssetbeforehimbyhisCreator.

[Back][20]Thatis,tobringusuntoChrist,aswereaditwiththesupplement.

[Back][21]Asthecovenantofworks;sotheauthorusesthattermhere,asitisused,Larg.Cat.quest.93,abovecited.

[Back][22]Brokenunderthesenseofguilt,thecurseofthelaw,andtheirutterinabilitytohelpthemselvesbydoingorsuffering.

[Back][23]Christ'ssatisfyingthelawforsinnersbyhisobedienceanddeath,beingthegreatlessontaughtbytheceremoniallaw,whichwasthegospelwritteninplaincharacters,tothosewhoseeyeswereopened.

[Back][24]AppropriatingandapplyingtothemselvesbyfaithChrist'ssatisfactionheldforthandexhibitedtotheminthesedivineordinances.

[Back][25]Bothintimeandeternity.

[Back][26]Whichwereofthatnation,accordingtoGenesis21:12,"InIsaacshallthyseedbecalled."Andchapter28:13,"IamtheLordGodofAbrahamthyfather,andtheGodofIsaac;thelandwhereonthouliest,totheewillIgiveit,andtothyseed."

[Back][27]TheauthordoesnotmakethecovenantatHorebdistinctfromthatatSinai;forhetakesHorebandSinaiforoneandthesamemountain,accordingtotheholyScriptures,(Exodus19:20,comparedwithDeuteronomy5:2),andtherefore,becausethetextspeaksofthiscovenantinthelandofMoabasanothercovenantbesidethatinHoreb,heinfersthatitwasnotthesame;notthecovenantofworksdeliveredonMountSinai,otherwisecalledHoreb.Andhowbeittherearebuttwocovenantscontainingtheonlytwowaystohappiness,theauthorcannot,onthataccount,bejustlyblamedfordistinguishingthiscovenantfromthemboth,unlesstemporalblessingsdomakemenhappy;thewhichblessings,withcursesofthesamekind,hetakestobetheformofthiscovenant.

[Back][28](Deut27:26),"Cursedbehethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthislawtodothem."CompareGalatians3:10,"Forasmanyasareoftheworksofthelawareunderthecurse";foritiswritten,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."

[Back][29]SeeDeuteronomy28throughout.(29:9),"Keep,therefore,thewords

ofthiscovenant,anddothem,thatyemayprosperinallthatyedo."Andhereendsagreatsectionofthelaw.

[Back][30]NotasavinginterestintheLordJesusChristbyfaith.

[Back][31]Notconsideringthegreatsinofunbelief;andthatthewrathofGod,duetothemfordisobedience,maybeavertedbytheirfleeingtoChristforrefuge.

[Back][32]ForthemoreeminentsaintsintheOldTestamenttimesaretobeexcepted,suchasDavidandothers.

[Back][33]Havingbutasmallmeasureofknowledgeofthecelestialparadise,theeternalinheritance,andofthecovenantofgrace,[thedivinedispositioncontainingtheirrighttoit,]theycouldnotyieldobediencefreely,inthemeasurethatsonsdo,whoarecomeofage,andknowwelltheirownprivileges;butonlyaslittlechildren,who,insomemeasure,yieldobediencefreely,namely,inproportiontotheknowledgeofthesethings,but[thatmeasurebeingverysmall]mustbedrawnalsotoobediencebymotivesofalowerkind.Andthistheapostleplainlyteaches,(Gal4:1-5).CompareWestm.Confess.chap.20,art.1,"ThelibertyofChristiansisfurtherenlarged,infullercommunicationsofthefreeSpiritofGod,thanbelieversunderthelawdidordinarilypartakeof."

[Back][34]Promisesandthreateningsconcerningthingstemporal.

[Back][35]Byfearofpunishmentandhopeofreward.

[Back][36]Thatis,God'sfatherlyanger,wherebytemporaljudgmentsfallonhisownpeople.

[Back][37]Byvirtueofthecovenantofgracewhichtheywereunder.

[Back][38]Byvirtueofthecovenantofworkswhichtheywereunder.

[Back][39]Theauthordoesnotsay,ofbelieversundertheOldTestament,simply,andwithoutanyqualification,thatthey"yieldobediencetothelaw,withoutfearofpunishmentorhopeofreward,"asifhemindedtoassert,thattheywerenotatallmovedtotheirobediencebythese;thescopeofthesewordsistoteachjustthecontrary.Butongoodgroundsheaffirmsthat"answerabletotheirfaith,theirobediencewasyieldedfreely,withoutfearofpunishmentor

hopeofreward."Andthus,thefreenessoftheirobediencealwaysbearingproportiontothemeasureoftheirfaith,thegreatermeasureoffaithanyOldTestamentsainthadattainedunto,hisobediencewasthelessinfluencedbyfearofpunishmentorhopeofreward,andthesmallerhismeasureoffaithwas,hisobediencewasthemoreinfluencedbythese;accordingly,suchashadnosavingfaithatall,weremovedtoobedienceonlybyfearofpunishmentorhopeofreward;andthemeanestsaint'sfaith,beingonceperfectedbythebeatificvisioninheaven,theseceasedaltogethertobemotivesofobediencetohim,thoughheceasesnottoobeyfromthestrongestandmostpowerfulmotives.AndthustheapostleJohnteachesconcerninglovewhichflowsfromfaith,(1John4:18),"Perfectlovecastethoutfear,becausefearhathtorment;hethatfeareth,isnotmadeperfectinlove."Themorethereisoftheone,thereisstilllessoftheother.Inthemeantime,accordingtoourauthor,themeasureoffaithinthemostpartofbelieversundertheOldTestamentwasverysmall,[andthestrongestfaithwasimperfect,]andtheservileandchildishdisposition,whichmovestoobediencefromfearofpunishmentandhopeofreward,wasverystronginthem,(Gal4:1-5);and,therefore,astheystoodinneedofsuchinducementandconstraint,therecouldnotfailtobeagreatmixtureoftheinfluenceoffearofpunishmentandhopeofrewardintheirobedience.

[Back][40]Thatis,accordingtotheirownexposition.

[Back][41]Todoanyworkofthemorallawaright.

[Back][42]Namely,oftheJewsingeneral.

[Back][43]Thatis,havinginhimselfafullnessofrighteousness,answeringthelawtotheutmostextentofitsdemands;asthesunhasafullnessoflight.

[Back][44]Therefore,theyarecalledbytheapostle,the"ministrationofdeath,writtenandengravenonstones,"(2Cor3:7).Now,itisevident,thetencommandmentsarenottheministrationofdeath,butastheyarethecovenantofworks.And,assuch,theyweregiventoMosestobelaidupintheark,tosignifythefulfillingofthembyJesusChristalone,andtheremovingofthatcovenant-formfromthem,astobelievers;andsotheyservedtodrivesinnersoutofthemselvestoChrist.

[Back][45]Thatis,thisisthemysteryofthattypicalevent.

[Back][46]WhentheyshouldbedriveoutofthemselvestoJesusChristbyit.

[Back][47]Asthecovenantofworks.

[Back][48]Andsotheyquitepervertedthegreatendofthegivingofthelawtothem.

[Back][49]ThehistoryoftheveilonMoses'face,isfamousintheOldTestament,andthemysteryofitintheNew.Theformer,asIgatheritfromthewordsoftheinspiredpenman,(Exo34),standsthusbriefly.TherewasashininggloryonthefaceofMosesintheMount;buthehimselfknewitnotwhileGodspakewithhimthere,(verse29),andthatbyreasonoftheexcellingdivineglory,(2Cor3:10);Gr.evenasthelightofacandleisdarkenedbeforetheshiningsun:butwhen"Moses,beingcomeforthfromtheexcellingglory,wascomingdownfromtheMount,withthetablesinhishand,hisfaceshonesoastosendforthrayslikehorns,"(Exo34:29,30),sothathecouldnotbutbeconsciousofit."AaronandallthepeopleperceivingMosesreturningtothem,wenttomeethim;butseeinganastonishinggloryinhiscountenance,whichtheywerenotabletolookat,theywereafraid,andretired,"(verse30,31).ButMosescalledtothemtoreturn,andgoesintothetabernacle;whereuponthemultitudenotdaringtoreturnforallthis,Aaronandtheprincesalonereturntohim,beingnowinthetabernacle,(verse31),themiddlepartofwhich,Ithink,istobereadthus,"AndAaronandalltheprincesreturneduntohiminthetestimony,"i.e.,inthetabernacleofthetestimony,asitiscalled,(38:21,Rev15:5).FromoutofthetabernacleMosesspeakstothem,ordering[itwouldseem]thepeopletobegatheredtogetheruntothatplace,(verse31,32).Thepeoplebeingconvenedatthetabernacle,hepreachedtothemallthathehadreceivedoftheLordontheMount,(verse32).Butinthemeantime,noneofthemsawhisface,forasmuchasthetabernacle,withinwhichhewas,servedinsteadofaveiltoit.Havingdonespeaking,heputsaveiloverhisface,andcomesouttothem,(verse33).Marg.Heb."AndMosesceasedfromspeakingwiththem,andputaveilonhisface."Compareverse34,"ButwhenMoseswentinbeforetheLordtospeakwiththem,hetooktheveiloffuntilhecameout."

Themysteryofthistypicaleventtheapostletreatsof,(2Cor3).TheshininggloryofMoses'facedidnotprefigurenorsignifythegloryofChrist;for"thegloryoftheLordChrist,"(verse18),isevidentlyopposedtothegloryofMoses'countenance,(verse7),andtheopen[oruncovered]faceoftheformer,(verse18),[asVetablusseemstomerightlytounderstandit,]totheveiledfaceofthelatter,(verse13).Thegloryoftheoneisbeheldasinaglass,(verse18),thesightofthefaceitselfbeingreservedforheaven;butthegloryofthefaceofthe

otherwasnottobebeheldatall,beingveiled.ButthatglorysignifiedthegloryofthelawgiventotheIsraelites,asthecovenantofworks,thegloryoftheministrationofdeath,(verse7),agreeabletowhattheauthortellsusfromTindal,namely,thatMoses'faceisthelawrightlyunderstood.ThisMosaicglory,whileitwasmostfresh,wasdarkenedbytheexcellinggloryoftheSonofGod,theLordJesusChrist,(verse18),comparedwithExodus34:29,howbeit,thediscoveryofittosinnersmakestheirheartstotremble,theyarenotabletobearit.ThatgloriousformofthelawmustbehidinChristthetruetabernacle,andfromthenceonlymustthelawcometothem,orelsetheyarenotabletoreceiveit;thoughbeforethatdiscoveryismadetothem,theyarereadytoembracethelawunderthatform,asthepeopleweretoreceiveMoseswiththetablesinhishands,tilltheyfoundthemselvesunabletobeartheshininggloryofhisface.TheveilwhichMosesputonhisface,keepingtheIsraelitesfrombeholdingthegloryofit,signifiesthattheirmindswereblinded,(verse14),notperceivingthegloryofthelawgiventhemasacovenantofworks.Andhenceitwas"thatthechildrenofIsraelfastenednottheireyes,(Luke4:20,Acts3:4),on[Christ]theendofthatwhichisabolished,"(2Cor3,13),Gr.forhadtheyseenthatglorytopurpose,theywouldhavefastenedtheireyesonhim,asamalefactoratthestakewouldfixhiseyesonthefaceofonebringingaremission.AndthatistheveilthatisuponMoses'face,andtheirhearts,untothisday,(verse14,15),whichnevertheless,intheLord'sappointedtime,shallbetakenaway,(verse16).

Thenaturalbiastowardsthecovenantofworks.


[Contents][Previous:ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensaiton][Next:TheAntinomianfaithrejected]


Thenaturalbiastowardsthecovenantofworks.

Ant.Well,sir,IhadthoughtthatGod'scovenantwiththeJewshadbeenamixedcovenant,andthattheyhadbeenpartlyunderthecovenantofworks;butnowIperceivetherewaslittledifferencebetwixttheircovenantofgraceandours.

Evan.TrulytheoppositionbetweentheJews'covenantofgraceandourswaschieflyoftheirownmaking.TheyshouldhavebeendrivetoChristbythelaw:buttheyexpectedlifeinobediencetoit,andthiswastheirgreaterrorandmistake.

Ant.Andsurely,sir,itisnogreatmarvel,thoughtheyinthispointdidsomucherrandmistake,whohadthecovenantofgracemadeknowntothemsodarkly;whenmanyamongstus,whohaveitmoreclearlymanifested,dothelike.

Evan.And,truly,itisnomarvel,thoughallmennaturallydoso:formannaturallydothapprehendGodtobethegreatMasterofheaven,andhimselftobehisservant;andthatthereforehemustdohisworkbeforehecanhavehiswages;andthemoreworkhedoth,thebetterwagesheshallhave.Andhenceitwas,thatwhenAristotlecametospeakofblessedness,andtopitchuponthenextmeanstothatend,hesaid,"Itwasoperationandworking";withwhomalsoagreesPythagoras,whenhesays,"Itisman'sfelicitytobelikeuntoGod,[ashow?]bybecomingrighteousandholy."Andletusnotmarvelthatthesemendidsoerr,whoneverheardofChrist,norofthecovenantofgrace,whenthosetowhomitwasmadeknownbytheapostlesofChristdidthelike;witnessthosetowhomtheapostlePaulwrotehisepistles,andespeciallytheGalatians:foralthoughhehadbyhispreaching,whenhewaspresentwiththem,madeknownuntothemthecovenantofgrace;yetafterhisdeparture,throughtheseducementoffalseteaches,theyweresoonturnedtothecovenantofworks,andsoughtto

bejustified,eitherinwholeorinpartbyit;asyoumayseeifyouseriouslyconsiderthatepistle.Nay,whatsaysLuther?Itis,sayshe,thegeneralopinionofmen'sreasonthroughoutthewholeworld,thatrighteousnessisgottenbytheworksofthelaw;andthereasonis,becausethecovenantwasengenderedinthemindsofmenintheverycreation,1sothatmannaturallycanjudgenootherwiseofthelawthanasofacovenantofworks,whichwasgiventomakerighteous,andtogivelifeandsalvation.Thisperniciousopinionofthelaw,thatitjustifiethandmakethrighteousbeforeGod,saysLutheragain,"issodeeplyrootedinman'sreason,andallmankindsowrappedinit,thattheycanhardlygetout;yea,Imyself,sayshe,havenowpreachedthegospelnearlytwentyyears,andhavebeenexercisedinthesamedaily,byreadingandwriting,sothatImaywellseemtoberidofthiswickedopinion;yet,notwithstanding,Inowandthenfeelthisoldfilthcleavetomyheart,wherebyitcomethtopassthatIwouldwillinglyhavesotodowithGod,thatIwouldbringsomethingwithmyself,becauseofwhichheshouldgivemehisgrace."Nayitistobefeared,that,asyousaid,manyamongstus[whohavemoremeansoflightordinarily,thaneverLuther,oranybeforehimhad,2yetnotwithstanding]doeitherwholly,orinpart,expectjustificationandacceptationbytheworksofthelaw.

Ant.Sir,Iamverilypersuaded,thattherebeverymanyinthecityofLondonthatarecarriedwithablindpreposterouszealaftertheirowngoodworksandwell-doings,secretlyseekingtobecomeholy,just,andrighteous,beforeGod,bytheirdiligentkeeping,andcarefulwalkinginallGod'scommandments;3andyetnomancanpersuadethemthattheydoso:andtruly,sir,Iamverilypersuadedthatthisourneighbourandfriend,Nomista,isoneofthem.

Evan.Alas!therearethousandsintheworldthatmakeaChristoftheirworks;andhereistheirundoing,&c.Theylookforrighteousnessandacceptationmoreinthepreceptthaninthepromise,inthelawthaninthegospel,inworkingthaninbelieving;andsomiscarry.Manypoorignorantsoulsamongstus,whenwebidthemobeyanddoduties,theycanthinkofnothingbutworkingthemselvestolife;whentheyaretroubled,theymustlickthemselveswhole,whenwounded,theymustruntothesalveofduties,andstreamofperformances,andneglectChrist.Nay,itistobefearedthattherebediverswhoinwordsareabletodistinguishbetweenthelawandgospel,andintheirjudgmentsholdandmaintain,thatmanisjustifiedbyfaithwithouttheworksofthelaw;andyetineffectandpractice,thatistosay,inheartandconscience,dootherwise.4Andthereissometouchofthisinusall;otherwiseweshouldnotbesoupanddowninourcomfortsandbelievingaswearestill,andcastdownwitheveryweakness

asweare.5Butwhatsayyou,neighbourNomista,areyouguiltyofthesethings,thinkyou?

Nom.Truly,sir,Imustneedsconfess,IbegintobesomewhatjealousofmyselfthatIamso;andbecauseIdesireyourjudgmenttouchingmycondition,Iwouldentreatyoutogivemeleavetorelateituntoyou.

Evan.Withgreatgoodwill.

Nom.Sir,Ihavingbeenbornandbroughtupinacountrywheretherewasverylittlepreaching,theLordknowethIlivedagreatwhileinignoranceandblindness;andyet,becauseIdidoftenrepeattheLord'sprayer,theapostles'creed,andthetencommandments,andinthatIcamesometimestodivineservice,astheycallit,andatEasterreceivedthecommunion,Ithoughtmyconditiontobegood.Butatlast,bymeansofhearingazealousandgodlyministerinthiscity,notlongaftermycominghither,Iwasconvincedthatmypresentconditionwasnotgood,andthereforeIwenttothesameminister,andtoldhimwhatIthoughtofmyself;sohetoldmethatImustfrequentthehearingofsermons,andkeeptheSabbathverystrictly,andleaveoffswearingbymyfaithandtroth,andsuchlikeoaths,andbewareoflying,andallidlewordsandcommunication;yea,andsaidhe,youmustgetgoodbookstoreadon,asMr.DoddontheCommandments,Mr.Bolton'sDirectionsforComfortableWalkingwithGod,Mr.Brinsley'sTrueWatch,andsuchlike;andmanysimilarexhortationsanddirectionshegaveme,thewhichIlikedverywell,andthereforeendeavouredmyselftofollowthem.SoIfelltothehearingofthemostgodly,zealous,andpowerfulpreachersthatwereinthecity,andwrotetheirsermonsafterthem;andwhenGodgavemeafamily,Iprayedwiththem,andinstructedthem,andrepeatedsermonstothem,andspenttheLord'sdayinpublicandprivateexercises,andleftoffmyswearing,andlying,andidletalking;and,accordingtoexhortation,infewwords,Ididsoreformmyselfandmylife,thatwhereasbeforeIhadbeenonlycarefultoperformthedutiesofthesecondtableofthelaw,andthattotheendImightgainfavourandrespectfromcivil,honestmen,andtoavoidthepenaltiesofman'slaw,ortemporalpunishment,nowIwasalsocarefultoperformthedutiesrequiredinthefirsttableofthelaw,andthattogainfavourandrespectfromreligious,honestmen,andtoavoidthepenaltyofGod'slaw,eveneternaltormentsinhell.Now,whenprofessorsofreligionobservedthischangeinme,theycametomyhouse,andgaveuntometherighthandoffellowship,andcountedmeoneofthatnumber:andthenIinvitedgodlyministerstomytable,andmademuchofthem;and

then,withthatsameMicahmentionedinthebookofJudges,IwaspersuadedtheLordwouldbemercifuluntome,becauseIhadgottenaLevitetobemypriest,(Judg17:13).Inaword,Ididnowyieldsuchanoutwardobedienceandconformitytobothtablesofthelaw,thatallgodlyministersandreligious,honestmenwhoknewme,didthinkverywellofme,countingmetobeaveryhonestman,andagoodChristian;andindeedIthoughtsoofmyself,especiallybecauseIhadtheirapprobation.AndthusIwentonbravelyagreatwhile,evenuntilIreadinMr.Bolton'sworks,thattheoutwardrighteousnessoftheScribesandPhariseeswasfamousinthosetimes;for,besidestheirforbearingandprotestingagainstgrosssins,asmurder,theft,adultery,idolatry,andthelike,theywerefrequentandconstantinprayer,fasting,andalms-deed,sothat,withoutquestion,manyofthemwerepersuadedthattheirdoingwouldpurchaseheavenandhappiness.WhereuponIconcluded,thatIhadasyetdonenomorethanthey;andwithalIconsidered,thatourSavioursays,"ExceptyourrighteousnessexceedtherighteousnessoftheScribesandPharisees,yecannotenterintothekingdomofGod,"(Matt5:20);yea,andIalsoconsideredthattheapostlesays,"HeisnotaJewthatisoneoutwardly;buthethatisoneinwardly,whosepraiseisnotofmen,butofGod,"(Rom2:28,29).ThendidIconcludethatIwasnotyetatrueChristian;for,saidIinmyheart,Ihavecontentedmyselfwiththepraiseofmen,andsohavelostallmylabourandpainsinperformingduties;fortheyhavebeennobetterthanoutsideperformances,and,therefore,theymustallfalldowninamoment.IhavenotservedGodwithallmyheart;and,therefore,IseeImusteithergofurther,orelseIshallneverbehappy.WhereuponIsetaboutthekeepingofthelawingoodearnest,andlabouredtoperformduties,notonlyoutwardly,butalsoinwardlyfrommyheart;Iheard,andread,andprayed,andlaboured,tobringmyheart,andforcedmysoultoeveryduty;IcalledupontheLordingoodearnest,andtoldhim,thatwhatsoeverhewouldhavemetodo,Iwoulddoitwithallmyheart,ifhewouldbutsavemysoul.AndthenIalsotooknoticeoftheinwardcorruptionsofmyheart,thewhichIhadnotformerlydone,andwascarefultogovernmythoughts,tomoderatemypassions,andtosuppressthemotionsandrisingsoflust,tobanishprideandspeculativewantonness,andallvainandsinfuldesiresofmyheart;andthenIthoughtmyselfnotonlyanoutsideChristina,butalsoaninsideChristian,andthereforeatrueChristianindeed.AndsoIwentoncomfortablyagoodwhile,tillIconsideredthatthelawofGodrequirespassiveobedienceaswellasactive:andthereforeImustbeasuffereraswellasadoer,orelseIcouldnotbeaChristianindeed;whereuponIbegantobetroubledatmyimpatienceunderGod'scorrectinghand,andatthoseinwardmurmuringsanddiscontentswhichIfoundinmyspiritintimeofanyoutwardcalamitythatbefellme;andthenIlaboured

tobridlemypassions,andtosubmitmyselfquietlytothewillofGodineverycondition;andthendidIalso,asitwere,begintotakepenanceuponmyself,byabstinence,fasting,andafflictingmysoul;andmadepitifullamentationsinmyprayers,whichweresometimesalsoaccompaniedwithtears,thewhichIwaspersuadedtheLorddidtakenoticeof,andwouldrewardmeforit;andthenIwaspersuadedthatIdidkeepthelaw,inyieldingobediencebothactivelyandpassively.AndthenwasIconfidentIwasatrueChristian,untilIconsidered,thatthoseJews,ofwhomtheLordcomplains,(Isa58),didasmuchasI;andthatcausedmetofearthatallwasnotrightwithmeasyet.WhereuponIwenttoanotherminister,andtoldhimthatthoughIhaddonethusandthus,andsufferedthusandthus;yetwasIpersuadedthatIwasinnobetterconditionthanthoseJews.Oyes!saidhe;youareinabetterconditionthanthey:fortheywerehypocrites,andservednotGodwithalltheirheartsasyoudo.ThenIwenthomecontentedly,andsowentoninmywontedcourseofdoingandsuffering,andthoughtallwaswellwithme,untilIbethoughtmyself,thatbeforethetimeofmyconversion,Ihadbeenatransgressorfromthewomb;yea,inthewomb,inthatIwasguiltyofAdam'stransgression:sothatIconsideredthatalthoughIkeptevenwithGodforthetimepresentandtocome,yetthatwouldnotfreemefromtheguiltinessofthatwhichwasdonebefore;whereuponIwasmuchtroubledanddisquietedinmymind.ThenIwenttoathirdministerofGod'sholyword,andtoldhowthecasestoodwithme,andwhatIthoughtofmystateandcondition.Hecheeredmeup,biddingmebeofgoodcomfort:forhowevermyobediencesincemyconversionwouldnotsatisfyformyformersins;yet,inasmuchas,atmyconversion,Ihadconfessed,lamented,deplored,bewailed,andforsakenthem,God,accordingtohisrichmercyandgraciouspromise,hadmercifullypardonedandforgiventhem.ThenIreturnedhometomyhouseagain,andwenttoGodbyearnestprayerandsupplication,andbesoughthimtogivemeassuranceofthepardonandforgivenessofmyguiltinessofAdam'ssin,andallmyactualtransgressionsbeforemyconversion;andasIhadendeavouredmyselftobeagoodservantbefore,soIwouldstillcontinueindoingmydutymostexactly;andso,beingassuredthattheLordhadgrantedthismyrequest,Ifelltomybusinessaccordingtomypromise;Iheard,Iread,Iprayed,Ifasted,Imourned,Isighed,andgroaned;andwatchedovermyheart,mytongue,andways,inallmydoings,actions,anddealings,bothwithGodandman.Butafterawhile,Igrowingbetteracquaintedwiththespiritualnessofthelaw,andtheinwardcorruptionsofmyownheart,IperceivedthatIhaddeceivedmyself,inthinkingthatIhadkeptthelawperfectly;for,dowhatIcould,Ifoundmanyimperfectionsinmyobedience;forIhadbeen,andwasstillsubjecttosleepiness,drowsiness,andheaviness,inprayersandhearing,andsoinother

duties;Ifailedinthemannerofperformanceofthem,andintheendwhyIperformedthem,seekingmyselfineverythingIdid:andmyconsciencetoldmeIfailedinmydutytoGodinthis,inmydutytomyneighbourinthat.AndthenIwasmuchtroubledagain:forIconsideredthatthelawofGodrequires,andisnotsatisfiedwithout,anexactandperfectobedience.AndthenIwenttothesameministeragain,andtoldhimhowIhadpurposed,promised,striven,andendeavoured,asmuchaspossiblyIcould,tokeepthelawofGodperfectly;andyetbywoefulexperienceIhadfound,thatIhad,anddidstilltransgressinmanyways;andthereforeIfearedhellanddamnation."Oh!but,"saidhe,"donotfear;forthebestofChristianshavetheirfailings,andnomankeepeththelawofGodperfectly;andthereforegoon,anddoasyouhavedone,instrivingtokeepthelawperfectly;andinwhatyoucannotdo,Godwillacceptthewillforthedeed;andwhereinyoucomeshort,Christwillhelpyouout."Andthissatisfiedandcontentedmeverymuch.SoIreturnedhomeagain,andfelltoprayer,andtoldtheLordthatnowIsawIcouldnotyieldperfectobediencetohislaw,andyetIwouldnotdespair,becauseIdidbelievethatwhatIcouldnotdoChristhaddoneforme:andthenIdidcertainlyconclude,thatIwasnowaChristianindeed,thoughIwasnotsobefore:andsohaveIbeenpersuadedeversince.Andthus,sir,youseeIhavedeclareduntoyou,bothhowithathbeenwithmeformerly,andhowitiswithmeforthepresent;whereforeIwouldentreatyoutotellmeplainlyandtrulywhatyouthinkofmycondition.6

Evan.Why,trulyImusttellyou,itappearstomebythisrelation,thatyouhavegoneasfarinthewayofthecovenantofworksastheapostlePauldidbeforehisconversion;butyet,foraughtIsee,youhavenotgonetherightwaytothetruthofthegospel;andthereforeIquestionwhetheryoubeasyettrulycometoChrist.

Neoph.Goodsir,givemeleavetospeakafewwords.Bythehearingofyourdiscourseconcerningthecovenantofworks,andthecovenantofgrace,IwasmovedtofearthatIwasoutoftherightway;butnowhavingheardmyneighbourNomistamakesuchanexcellentrelation,andyetyoutoquestionwhetherhetrulybecometoChristorno,makesmeconcludeabsolutely,thatIamfarfromChrist.Surely,ifhe,uponwhomtheLordhathbestowedsuchexcellentgiftsandgraces,andwhohathlivedsuchagodlylifeasIamsurehehathdone,benotright,thenwoebeuntome!

Evan.Truly,foraughtIknow,youmaybeinChristbeforehim.

Nom.But,Iprayyou,sir,consider,thatthoughIamnowthoroughlyconvinced,thattilloflateIwentoninthewayofthecovenantofworks;yetseeingthatIatlastcametoseemyneedofChrist,andhaveverilybelievedthatinwhatIcomeshortoffulfillingthelawhewillhelpmeout,methinksIshouldbetrulycometoChrist.

Evan.Verily,IdoconceivethatthisgivesyounosurerevidenceofyourbeingtrulycometoChrist,thansomeofyourstrictPapistshave.ForitisthedoctrineoftheChurchofRome,thatifamanexerciseallhispower,anddohisbesttofulfilthelaw,thenGod,forChrist'ssake,willpardonallhisinfirmities,andsavehissoul.AndthereforeyoushallseemanyofyourPapistsverystrictandzealousintheperformanceofduties,morningandevening,somanyAveMariasandsomanyPaterNosters;yea,andmanyofthemdogreatdeedsofcharity,andgreatworksofhospitality;andalluponsuchgrounds,andtosuchendsasthese.ThePapists,saysCalvin,cannotabidethissaying,"Byfaithalone";fortheythinkthattheirownworksareinpartacauseoftheirsalvation;andsotheymakeahotch-potchandmingle-mangle,thatisneitherfishnorflesh,asmensay.

Nom.Butstay,sir,Ipray;youaremistakeninme;forthoughIholdthatGoddothacceptofmydoingmybesttofulfilthelaw,yetIdonotholdwiththePapists,thatmydoingsaremeritorious;forIbelievethatGodacceptsnotwhatIdo,eitherfortheworkorworker'ssake,butonlyforChrist'ssake.

Evan.YetdoyoubutstillgohandinhandwiththePapists;forthoughtheydoholdthattheirworksaremeritorious,yettheysayitisbythemeritofChristthattheybecomemeritorious;or,assomeofthemoderatesortofthemsay,"Ourworks,sprinkledwiththebloodofChrist,becomemeritorious."Butthisyouaretoknow,thatasthejusticeofGodrequiresaperfectobedience,sodoesitrequirethatthisperfectobediencebeapersonalone,viz:itmustbetheobedienceofonepersononly;theobedienceoftwomustnotbeputtogether,tomakeupaperfectobedience;7sothat,ifyoudesiretobejustifiedbeforeGod,youmusteitherbringtohimaperfectrighteousnessofyourown,andwhollyrenounceChrist;orelseyoumustbringtheperfectrighteousnessofChrist,andwhollyrenounceyourown.

Ant.Butbelieveme,sir,IwouldadvisehimtobringChrist'sandwhollyrenouncehisown,as,IthanktheLord,Ihavedone.

Evan.Yousayverywell;for,indeed,thecovenantofgraceterminatesitselfonly

onChristandhisrighteousness;Godwillhavenonetohaveahandinthejustificationandsalvationofasinner,butChristonly.Andtosayasthethingis,neighbourNomista,ChristJesuswilleitherbeawholeSaviour,ornoSaviour;hewilleithersaveyoualone,ornotsaveyouatall.(Acts4:12),"Foramongmenthereisgivennoothernameunderheaven,wherebywemustbesaved,"saystheapostlePeter;andJesusChristhimselfsays,(John14:6),"Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife;andnomancomethtotheFatherbutbyme."Sothat,asLuthertrulysays,"besidesthiswayChrist,thereisnowaybutwandering,noveritybuthypocrisy,nolifebuteternaldeath."Andverily,says,anothergodlywriter,"wecanneithercometoGodtheFather,bereconcileduntohim,norhaveanythingtodowithhim,byanyotherwayormeans,butonlybyJesusChrist;forweshallnotanywherefindthefavourofGod,trueinnocency,righteousness,satisfactionforsin,help,comfort,life,orsalvation,anywherebutonlyinJesusChrist;heisthesumandcentreofalldivineandevangelicaltruths:andthereforeasthereisnoknowledgeorwisdomsoexcellent,necessary,orheavenly,astheknowledgeofChrist,astheapostleplainlygivesustounderstand,(1Cor2:2),thathe'determinedtoknownothingamongstthem,butonlyJesusChristandhimcrucified';sothereisnothingtobepreacheduntomen,asanobjectoftheirfaith,ornecessaryelementoftheirsalvation,whichdothnotinsomewayorother,eithermeetinChrist,orreferuntohim."8

[Contents][Previous:ThecovenantofgraceundertheMosaicdispensaiton][Next:TheAntinomianfaithrejected]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thisisnottobeunderstoodstrictlyoftheverymomentofman'screation,inwhichthenaturallawwasimpressedonhisheart,butwithsomelatitude,thecovenantofworksbeingmadewithmannewlycreated;andsodivinescallitthecovenantofnature.SeeDickson'sTherap.Sacr.,book1,chap.5,p.116.

[Back][2]Thisisnottoinsinuate,thatLutherhadarrivedbuttoasmallmeasureoftheknowledgeofthedoctrineofjustificationandacceptationofasinnerbeforeGod,incomparisonwiththoseoflatertimes;Imakenoquestionbutheunderstoodthatdoctrineaswellasanymanhasdonesince;anddoubtnotbutourauthorwasofthesamemindanenthim:butitistoshow,thatthatgreatmanofGod,andotherswhowentbeforehim,foundtheirwayoutofthemidnight

darknessofPoperyinthatpoint,withlessmeansoflightbyfarthanmennowhave,whonotwithstandingcannotholdofffromit.

[Back][3]BywhichmeanstheyputtheirownworksintheroomofChrist,"whoofGodismadeuntousrighteousnessandsanctification,"(1Cor1:30).AccordingtotheScriptureplanofjustificationandsanctification,asinnerisjustifiedbyhisblood,(Rom5:9),sanctifiedinChristJesus,(1Cor1:2),throughsanctificationoftheSpirit,(2Thess2:13),sanctifiedbyfaith,(Acts26:18).

[Back][4]Itisindeedthepracticeofeveryunregenerateman,whateverbehisknowledgeorprofessedprinciples;forthecontrarypracticeisthepracticeofthesaints,andofthemonly,(Matt5:3),"Blessedarethepoorinspirit."(Phil3:3),"Wearethecircumcision,whichworshipGodinthespirit,andrejoiceinChristJesus,andhavenoconfidenceintheflesh."

[Back][5]Fortheseflowfromourbuildingsomuchonsomethinginourselves,whichisalwaysveryvariable;andsolittleonthe"gracethatisinChristJesus,"(2Tim2:1),whichisanimmovablefoundation.

[Back][6]Itisnotnecessary,forsavingthisaccountofNomista'scasefromtheodiouschargeofforgery,thattheparticularsthereinmentionedshouldhavebeenrealfacts;morethan[nottospeakofScriptureparables]itisnecessarytosavethewholebookfromthesameimputation,thatthespeechesthereincontainedshouldhavepassed,atacertaintime,inarealconferenceoffourmen,calledEvangelista,Nomista,Antinomista,andNeophytus;yetImakenoquestionbutitisgroundedonmattersoffact,fallingoutbysomecasuist'sinadvertency,excessofcharityto,orshiftingconversewith,theafflicted,astotheirsoulexercise,orbymeansofcorruptprinciples.Andastheformerareincidenttogoodmenofsoundprinciplesatanytime,whichcallsministersonsuchoccasionstotakeheedtotheframeoftheirownspirits,andtobemuchintheexerciseofdependenceontheLord,lesttheydohurttosoulsinsteadofdoingthemgood;sothelatterisatnotimetobethoughtstrange,sincetherewerefound,evenintheprimitiveapostolicalchurches,somewhowerereputedgodly,zealousgospelministers,especiallybysuchashadlittlesavourofChristontheirownsouls,whonevertheless,intheirzealforthelaw,pervertedthegospelofChrist,(Gal1:6,7,4:17).WhetherNomistawasofopinionthatthecovenantofworkswasstillinforceornot,ourLordJesusChristtaughtthatitwas,(Luke10:25-28);andsodoestheapostle,(Gal3:10);andunbelieverswillfinditsototheireverlastingruin.For,"ourLordJesus,whonowofferstobeMediatorforthem

whobelieveonhim,shall,atthelastday,comearmedwithflamingfire,tojudge,condemn,anddestroyallthemwhohavenotbelievedGod,havenotreceivedtheofferofgracemadeinthegospel,norobeyedthedoctrinethereof,butremainintheirnaturalstate,underthelaworcovenantofworks."PracticalUseofSavingKnowledge,tit.ForconvincingamanofJudgmentbytheLaw,part2.

[Back][7]Forinthatcasetheobediencebothoftheoneandoftheotherisimperfect,andsoisnotconformtothelaw;thereforeitcaninnowisebeacceptedforrighteousness;butaccordingtojusticeproceedinguponit,thesoulthathathitmustdie,becauseasinfulsoul,(Eze18:4).

[Back][8](Eph4:20,21),"ButyehavenotsolearnedChrist;ifsobethatyehaveheardhim,andhavebeentaughtbyhim,asthetruthisinJesus."

TheAntinomianfaithrejected.


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TheAntinomianfaithrejected.

Ant.O,sir,youpleasemewondrouswellinthusattributingalltoChrist:andsurely,thoughoflateyouhavenotbeensoevangelicalinyourteachingassomeothersinthiscity,whichhascausedmetoleaveoffhearingyoutohearthem,yetIhaveformerlyperceived,andnowalsoperceive,thatyouhavemoreknowledgeofthedoctrineoffreegracethanmanyotherministersinthiscityhave;andtotellyouthetruth,sir,itwasbyyourmeansthatIwasfirstbroughttorenouncemineownrighteousness,andcleaveonlytotherighteousnessofJesusChrist.1Andthusitwas:afterthatIhadbeenagoodwhilealegalprofessor,justlikemyfriendNomista,andheardnonebutyourlegalpreachers,whobuiltmeupinworksanddoings,astheydidhim,andastheirmanneris;atlast,afamiliaracquaintanceofmine,whohadsomeknowledgeofthedoctrineoffreegrace,didcommendyouforanexcellentpreacher;andatlastprevailedwithmetogowithhimandhearyou;andyourtextthatday,Iwellremember,wasTitus3:5,"Notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedus";whenceyouobserved,andplainlyproved,thatman'sownrighteousnesshadnohandinhisjustificationandsalvation;whereuponyoudehortedusfromputtinganyconfidenceinourownworksanddoings,andexhortedusbyfaithtolayholdupontherighteousnessofJesusChristonly;atthehearingwhereofitpleasedtheLordsotoworkuponme,thatIplainlyperceivedthattherewasnoneedatallofmyworksanddoings,noranythingelse,butonlytobelieveinJesusChrist.2Andindeedmyheartassentedtoitimmediately,sothatIwenthomewithabundanceofpeaceandjoyinbelieving,andgavethankstotheLordforthathehadsetmysoulatlibertyfromsuchasorebondageasIhadbeenunder.AndItoldallmyacquaintancewhataslavishlifeIhadlivedin,beingunderthelaw;forifIdidcommitanysin,Iwaspresentlytroubledanddisquietedinmyconscience,andcouldhavenopeacetillIhadmadehumbleconfessionthereofuntoGod,cravedpardonand

forgiveness,andpromisedamendment.ButnowItoldthem,thatwhatsoeversinsIcommitted,Iwasnowhittroubledatthem,norindeedamIatthisday;forIdoverilybelievethatGod,forChrist'ssake,hasfreelyandfullypardonedallmysins,bothpast,present,andtocome;sothatIamconfident,thatwhatsoeversinorsinsIcommit,theyshallneverbelaidtomycharge,beingverywellassured,thatIamsoperfectlyclothedwiththerobeofChrist'srighteousness,thatGodcanseenosininmeatall.AndthereforenowIcanrejoiceevermoreinChrist,astheapostleexhortsme,andlivemerrily,thoughIbeneversovileorsinfulacreature;andindeedIpitythemthatareinthesameslavishconditionIwasin;andwouldhavethemtobelieveasIhavedone,thatsotheymayrejoicewithmeinChrist.3Andthus,sir,youseeIhavedeclareduntoyoumycondition;andthereforeIentreatyoutotellmewhatyouthinkofme.

Evan.Thereisinthiscity,atthisday,muchtalkaboutAntinomians;andthoughIhopetherebebutfewthatdojustlydeservethattitle,yet,Ipray,givemeleavetotellyou,thatIfearImaysayuntoyouinthiscase,asitwasoncesaiduntoPeterinanothercase,"surelythouartoneofthem,forthyspeechbetrayeththee,"(Matt26:73).Andtherefore,totellyoutruly,ImakesomequestionwhetheryouhavetrulybelievedinChrist,forallyourconfidence;andindeed,Iamtherathermovedtoquestionit,bycallingtomind,that,asIhaveheard,"yourconversationisnotsuchasbecomeththegospelofChrist,"(Phil1:27).

Ant.Why,sir,doyouthinkitispossibleforamantohavesuchpeaceandjoyinChristasIhavehad,andIthanktheLordhavestill,andnottohavetrulybelievedinChrist?

Evan.Yes,indeed,Ithinkitispossible;fordoesnotourSaviourtellus,thatthosehearers,towhomheresemblesthe"stonyground,immediatelyreceivedthewordwithjoy,andyethadnorootinthemselves,"(Mark4:16,17),andsoindeedwerenottruebelievers?anddoesnottheapostlegiveustounderstand,thatasthereisaformofgodlinesswithoutthepowerofgodliness,(2Tim3:5),sothereisaformoffaith,withoutthepoweroffaith?andthereforehepraysthatGodwouldgrantuntotheThessalonians"theworkoffaithwithpower,"(2Thess1:11).Andasthesameapostlegivesustounderstand,"thereisafaiththatisnotfeigned,"(1Tim1:5),so,doubtless,thereisafaiththatisfeigned.AndsurelywhenourSavioursays,(Mark4:26-28),"thekingdomofGodisasifamanshouldcastseedintotheground,andshouldsleep,andrisenightandday,andtheseedshouldspringupandgrow,heknowethnothow,firsttheblade,thentheear,afterthatthefullcornintheear";hegivethustounderstand,thattruefaith

isproducedbythesecretpowerofGod,bylittleandlittle;sothatsometimesatruebelieverhimselfneitherknowsthetimewhen,northemannerhow,itwaswrought.Sothatwemayperceive,thattruefaithisnotordinarilybegun,increased,andfinished,allinamoment,asitseemsyourswas,butgrowsbydegrees,accordingtothatoftheapostle,(Rom1:17),"TherighteousnessofGodisrevealedfromfaithtofaith,"thatis,fromonedegreeoffaithtoanother;fromaweakfaithtoastrongfaith,andfromfaithbeginningtofaithincreasingtowardsperfection;orfromfaithofadherencetofaithofevidence;butsowasnotyours.Andagain,truefaith,accordingtothemeasureofit,producesholinessoflife;butitseemsyoursdoesnotso;andtherefore,thoughyouhavehad,andhavestillmuchpeaceandjoy,yetthatisnoinfalliblesignthatyourfaithistrue;foramanmayhavegreatraptures,yea,hemayhavegreatjoy,asifhewereliftedupintothethirdheaven,andhaveagreatandstrongpersuasionthathisstateisgood,andyetbebutahypocriteforallthat.Andtherefore,Ibeseechyou,inthewordsoftheapostle,"examineyourself,whetheryoubeinthefaith,proveyourownself:knowyounotyourownself,howthatJesusChristisinyou,exceptyoubeareprobate?"(2Cor13:5)."AndifChristisinyou,thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin,butthespiritislifebecauseofrighteousness,"4(Rom8:10).

Ant.But,sir,ifmyfriendNomistawentwronginseekingtobejustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,then,methinksIshouldhavegonerightinseekingtobejustifiedbyfaith;andyetyouspeakasifwehadbothgonewrong.

Evan.IrememberLuthersays,thatinhistime,iftheytaughtinasermon,thatsalvationconsistednotinourworksorlife,butinthegiftofGod,somementookoccasionthencetobeslowtogoodworks,andtoliveadishonestlife.Andiftheypreachedofagodlyandhonestlife,othersdidbyandbyattempttobuildladderstoheaven.5Andmoreover,hesays,thatintheyear1525,thereweresomefantasticalspiritsthatstirreduptherusticalpeopletosedition,saying,Thatthefreedomofthegospelgivethlibertytoallmenfromallmanneroflaws;andtherewereothersthatdidattributetheforceofjustificationtothelaw.Now,sayshe,boththesesortsoffendagainstthelaw;theoneontherighthand,whowouldbejustifiedbythelaw,andtheotheronthelefthand,whowouldbecleandeliveredfromthelaw.Now,Isuppose,thissayingofLuther'smaybefitlyappliedtoyoutwo;foritappearstome,friendAntinomista,thatyouhaveoffendedonthelefthand,innotwalkingaccordingtothematterofthelaw;anditisevidenttome,neighbourNomista,thatyouhaveoffendedontherighthand,inseekingtobejustifiedbyyourobediencetoit.6

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Whatthisis,inthesenseofthespeaker,hehimselfimmediatelyexplainsatlarge.Inaword,inhissense,itistobeanAntinomianindeed.ThesumofhiscomplimentmadetoEvangelista,ortheauthor,whichyouplease,lieshere;namely,thathehadleftoffhearinghim,becausehedidnotpreachthegospel,sopurelyassomeothersintheplace;yetinhisopinion,heunderstooditbetterthanmanyothers;and[tocarrythecomplimenttothehighestpitch]itwasbyhismeansheturneddownrightAntinomian.Onewouldthink,thatwhateverwasthemeasureoftheauthor'sprideorhumility,self-denialorself-seeking,hehadasmuchcommonsenseaswouldrenderthisaddressnotverytakingwithhim,oratleastwouldteachhim,thatthepublishingofitwasnoneofthemostpropermeansforcommendingofhimself.Sothatthepublishingofitmayratherbeimputedtotheauthor'sself-denialthantothewantthereof;thoughIpresumetheconsideringreaderwillneitherimputeittotheonenortotheother.

[Back][2]Thepreachertaught,accordingtohistext,Thatman'sownrighteousnesshadnohandinhisjustificationandsalvation;hedehorted,fromputtingconfidenceingoodworks;andexhorted,byfaithtolayholdonChrist'srighteousnessonly.Andthishearerthenceinferred,thattherewasnoneedatallofgoodworks;asifoneshouldconclude,thatbecauseitistheeyeonlythatseeth,thereforethereisnoneedatallofhandorfoot.SotheapostlePaul'sdoctrinewasmisconstrued;(Rom3:8),"Someaffirmthatwesay,Letusdoevilthatgoodmaycome."Yea,intheapostles'days,thedoctrineoffreegracewasactuallythusabusedtoAntinomianism,bysome"turningthegraceofGodintolasciviousness,"(Jude4).Theapostlewasawareofthedangeronthatside,throughthecorruptionoftheheartsofmen;(Gal5:13),"Brethren,yehavebeencalleduntoliberty;onlyusenotlibertyforanoccasiontotheflesh."AndministersofChrist,[whohimselfwasaccounted"afriendtopublicansandsinners,"&c.,(Matt11:19),]followersofPaul'sdoctrine,which,intheeyesofcarnalmen,hadashowandsemblanceoffavouringsinfulliberty,oughttosettheapostles'exampleinthismatterbeforetheminaspecialmanner;withfearandtrembling,keepingajealouseyeonthedangerfromthatpart;especiallyinthisday,whereintheLord'sindignationisvisiblygoingoutinspiritualstrokes,foradespisedgospel;knowingthatthegospelofChrististosome"thesavourof

deathuntodeath,"(2Cor2:16),andthat"therearewhowresttheScriptures[themselves]untotheirowndestruction,"(2Peter2:17).

[Back][3]HoweasyisthepassagefromlegalismtoAntinomianism!Hadthispoorman,underhistroubleanddisquietofconscience,fledtoJesusChristforthepurgingofhisconsciencefromguiltbyhisblood,andthesanctifyingofhisnaturebyhisSpirit;andnotputhisownconfessionsofsins,prayersforpardon,andpromisesofamendment,intheroomofChrist'satoningblood;andhisblindandfaithlessresolutionstoamend,intheroomofthesanctifyingspiritofChrist;hehadescapedthissnareofthedevil(Heb9:14,Rom7:4-6).

[Back][4]Thisdoctrineofourauthorisfarfromcherishingofpresumption,oropeningofagaptolicentiousness.

[Back][5]Thatis,toscaleandgetintoitbytheirowngoodworks.

[Back][6]Theoffencesofthesemenheretaxed,werebothagainstthelaw[orcovenant]ofworks;fortheymustneedshavebeenagainstthatlawwhichtheywereunder,andnotanother;andbothofthemwereasyetunderthelaw,orcovenantofworks,asbeingbothunbelievers,thewhichwastoldtoAntinomista,asitwastoNomista;whereforeitismanifest,thatbythematterofthelawhere,isnotmeantthelawofChrist,butthematterofthelawofworks,thatis,thetencommandments,astheystandinthecovenantofworks,whichAntinomistahadnoregardtoinhisconversation,thoughtheyhadalltheauthorityandbindingforceuponhimfoundinthecovenant.Andasheoffendedagainstthematterofit,sodidNomistaagainsttheform,inseekingtobejustifiedbyhisobedience;forthecovenantofworksneverboundasinnertoseektobejustifiedbyhisobediencetoit;but,onthecontrary,alwayscondemnedthataspresumption,stakingdowntheguiltyunderthecurse,withoutremedy,tillsatisfactionbemadebyanotherhand.

Theeviloflegalism.


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Theeviloflegalism.

Nom.But,sir,ifseekingjustificationbytheworksofthelawbeanerror,yetitseems,that,byLuther'sownconfession,itisbutanerrorontherighthand.

Evan.ButyetItellyou,itissuchanerror,that,bytheapostlePaul'sownconfession,sofarforthasanymanisguiltyofit,hemakeshisserviceshissaviours,andrejectsthegraceofGod,andmakesthedeathofChristofnoneeffect,andpervertstheLord'sintention,bothingivingthelawandingivingthegospel;andkeepshimselfunderthecurseofthelaw,andmakeshimselfthesonofabond-woman,aservant,yea,andaslave,andhindershimselfinthecourseofwell-doing,(Gal5:4,3:19,1:7,3:10,4:25,5:7,2:11);andinshort,hegoesaboutanimpossiblething,andsolosesallhislabour.

Nom.Whythen,sir,itwouldseemthatallmyseekingtopleaseGodbymygoodworks,allmystrictwalkingaccordingtothelaw,andallmyhonestcourseoflife,hasratherdonemehurtthangood?

Evan.Theapostlesays,that"withoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,"(Heb11:6);thatis,saysCalvin,[Institut.p.370,]"Whatsoeveramanthinketh,purposeth,ordoeth,beforehebereconciledtoGodbyfaithinChrist,itisaccursed,andnotonlyofnovaluetorighteousness,butofcertaindeservingtodamnation."Sothat,saysLuther,onGalatians,p.63."WhosoevergoethabouttopleaseGodwithworksgoingbeforefaith,goethabouttopleaseGodwithsin;whichisnothingelsebuttoheapsinuponsin,tomockGod,andtoprovokehimtowrath.Nay,[saysthesameLuther,ontheGalatians,p.23,]ifthoubewithoutChrist,thywisdomisdoublefoolishness,thyrighteousnessisdoublesinandiniquity."And,therefore,thoughyouhavewalkedverystrictlyaccordingtothelaw,andledanhonestlife,yetifyouhaverestedandputconfidencetherein,and

socomeshortofChrist,thenhathitindeedratherdoneyouhurtthangood.For,saysagodlywriter,avirtuouslife,accordingtothelightofnature,turnethamanfurtherofffromGod,ifheaddnottheretotheeffectualworkingofhisSpirit.And,saysLuther,"theywhichhaverespectonlytoanhonestlife,itwerebetterforthemtobeadulterersandadulteresses,andtowallowinthemire."1AndsurelyforthiscauseitisthatourSaviourtellsthestrictScribesandPharisees,whosoughtjustificationbyworks,andrejectedChrist,that"publicansandharlotsshouldenterintothekingdomofGodbeforethem,"(Matt21:31).AndforthiscauseitwasthatIsaid,ForaughtIknow,myneighbourNeophytusmightbeinChristbeforeyou.

Nom.Buthowcanthatbe,when,asyouknow,hehathconfessedthatheisignorantandfullofcorruption,andcomesfarshortofmeingiftsandgraces?

Evan.Because,asthePhariseehadmoretodobeforehecouldcomeatChristthanthepublicanhad,soIconceiveyouhavemoretodothanhehath.

Nom.Why,sir,Iprayyou,whathaveItodo,orwhatwouldyouadvisemetodo?fortrulyIwouldbecontentedtoberuledbyyou.

Evan.Why,thatwhichyouhavetodo,beforeyoucancometoChrist,istoundoallthateveryouhavedonealready;thatistosay,whereasyouhaveendeavouredtotraveltowardheavenbythewayofthecovenantofworks,andsohavegoneawrongway;youmustgoquitebackagainallthewayyouhavegone,beforeyoucantreadonestepintherightway.AndwhereasyouhaveattemptedtobuilduptheruinsofoldAdam,andthatuponyourself,andso,likeafoolishbuilder,tobuildatotteringhouseuponthesands,youmustthrowdownandutterlydemolishallthatbuilding,andnotleaveastoneuponastone,beforeyoucanbegintobuildanew.Andwhereasyouhaveconceivedthatthereissomesufficiencyinyourself,tohelptojustifyandsaveyourself,youmustconclude,thatinthatcasethereisnotonlyinyouaninsufficiency,butalsoanon-sufficiency:2yeaandthatsufficiencythatseemedtobeinyou,tobeyourloss.Inplainterms,youmustdenyyourself,asourSavioursays,(Matt16:24),thatis,"youmustutterlyrenounceallthateveryouare,andallthateveryouhavedone";allyourknowledgeandgifts;allyourhearing,reading,praying,fasting,weeping,andmourning;allyourwanderinginthewayofworks,andstrictwalking,mustfalltothegroundinamoment:briefly,whatsoeveryouhavecountedgaintoyouinthecaseofjustification,youmustnow,withtheapostlePaul,(Phil3:7-9),"countlossforChrist,"andjudgeittobe"dung,thatyoumay

winChrist,andbefoundinhim,nothavingyourownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,therighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith."

[Contents][Previous:TheAntinomianfaithrejected.][Next:Christ'sfulfillingofthelawintheroomoftheelect]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thiscomparisonisnotstatedbetwixtthesetwo,considered,simply,astotheirdifferentmanneroflife;butinpointofpliablenesstoreceiveconviction,whereinthelatterhaththeadvantageoftheformer;whichtheScriptureoftenerthanoncetakesnoticeof,(Matt21:31),quotedinthefollowingsentence,"Iwouldthouwertcoldorhot,"(Rev3:15).ThepassageistobefoundinhisSermonupontheHymnofZacharias,page50.

[Back][2]Thatis,youarenotonlyunabletodoenough,butalso,thatyouarenotabletodoanything."Notthatwearesufficientofourselvestothinkanythingasofourselves,"(2Cor3:5).

Christ'sfulfillingofthelawintheroomoftheelect.


[Contents][Previous:Theeviloflegalism.][Next:Believersdeadtothelawasthecovenantofworks.]

ChapterII,SectionIII

OFTHEPERFORMANCEOFTHEPROMISE.

Neo.But,sir,whatwouldyouadvisemetodo?

Evan.Why,man,whatailethyou?

Neo.Why,sir,asyouhavebeenpleasedtohearthosetwodeclaretheirconditionuntoyou,soIbeseechyoutogivemeleavetodothesame;andthenyouwillperceivehowitiswithme.Sir,notlongsince,itpleasedtheLordtovisitmewithagreatfitofsickness;so,that,indeed,bothinmineownjudgment,andinthejudgmentofallthatcametovisitme,Iwassickuntodeath.WhereuponIbegantoconsiderwhithermysoulwastogoafteritsdepartureoutofmybody;andIthoughtwithmyself,thattherewerebuttwoplaces,heavenandhell;andthereforeitmustneedsgotooneofthem.Thenmywickedandsinfullife,which,indeed,Ihadlived,cameintomymind,whichcausedmetoconclude,thathellwastheplaceprovidedforit;thewhichcausedmetobeveryfearful,andtobeverysorrythatIhadsolived;andIdesiredoftheLordtoletmelivealittlelonger,andIwouldnotfailtoreformmylife,andamendmyways;andtheLordwaspleasedtograntmemydesire.Sincewhichtime,though,indeed,itistrueIhavenotlivedsowickedlyasformerlyIhaddone,yetalas!IhavecomefarshortofthatgodlyandreligiouslifewhichIseeothermenlive,andespeciallymyneighbourNomista;andyetyouseemtoconceivethatheisnotinagoodcondition,andthereforesurelyImustneedsbeinamiserablecondition.Alas!sir,whatdoyouthinkwillbecomeofme?

SectionI,

Christ'sfulfillingofthelawintheroomoftheelect.

Evan.IdonowperceivethatitistimeformetoshowhowGod,inthefullnessoftime,performedthatwhichhepurposedbeforealltime,andpromisedintime,concerningthehelpanddeliveringoffallenmankind.Andtouchingthispoint,TheScripturetestifies,thatGod"did,inthefullnessoftime,sendforthhisSon,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,"&c.,(Gal.4:4).Thatistosay,lookhowmankindbynatureareunderthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;sowasChrist,asman'ssurety,contentedtobe;sothatnow,accordingtothateternalandmutualagreementthatwasbetwixtGodtheFatherandhim,heputhimselfintheroomandplaceofallthefaithful,1(Isa53:6),"AndtheLordhathlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall."

Thencamethelawasitisthecovenantofworks,andsaid;"Ifindhimasinner,2yea,suchanoneashathtakenuponhimthesinsofallmen,3thereforelethimdieuponthecross."ThensaidChrist,"Sacrificeandofferingthouwouldstnot,butabodyhastthoupreparedme;inburnt-offeringsandsacrificesforsinthouhastnopleasure.ThensaidI,Lo,Icometodothywill,OLord!"(Heb10:5-7).Andsothelawproceedinginfullscopeagainsthim,setuponhim,andkilledhim;and,bythismeans,wasthejusticeofGodfullysatisfied,hiswrathappeased,andalltruebelieversacquittedfromalltheirsins,bothpast,present,andtocome.4Sothatthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,hathnotanythingtosaytoanytruebeliever,5forindeedtheyaredeadtoit,anditisdeadtothem.

Nom.But,sir,howcouldthesufferingsofChrist,whichinrespectoftimewerebutfinite,makefullsatisfactiontothejusticeofGod,whichisinfinite?

Evan.ThoughthesufferingsofChrist,inrespectoftime,werebutfinite,yetinrespectofthepersonthatsuffered,hissufferingscametobeofinfinitevalue;forChristwasGodandmaninoneperson,andthereforehissufferingswereasufficientandfullransomforman'ssoul,beingofmorevaluethanthedeathanddestructionofallcreatures.

Nom.But,sir,youknowthatthecovenantofworksrequiresman'sownobedienceorpunishment,whenitsays,"Hethatdoeththesethingsshallliveinthem";and"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem":howthen,couldbelieversbeacquittedfromtheirsinsbythedeathofChrist?

Evan.Foranswer,Iprayyouconsider,thatthoughthecovenantofworksrequiresman'sownobedienceorpunishment,yetitnowheredisallowsor

excludesthatwhichisdoneorsufferedbyanotherinhisbehalf;neitherisitrepugnanttothejusticeofGod:forsotherebeasatisfactionperformedbyman,throughasufficientpunishmentforthedisobedienceofman,thelawissatisfied,andthejusticeofGodpermitteththattheoffendingpartybereceivedintofavour;andGodacknowledgeshim,aftersuchsatisfactionmade,asajustman,andnotransgressorofthelaw;andthoughthesatisfactionbemadebyasurety,yetwhenitisdone,theprincipalis,bythelaw,acquitted.Butyet,forthefurtherproofandconfirmationofthispoint,wearetoconsider,thatasJesusChrist,thesecondAdam,enteredintothesamecovenantthatthefirstAdamdid,sobyhimwasdonewhatsoeverthefirstAdamhadundone.Sothecasestandsthus,thataswhatsoeverthefirstAdamdid,orbefellhim,wasreckonedasdonebyallmankind,andtohavebefallenthem,evenso,whatsoeverChristdid,orbefellhim,istobereckonedastohavebeendonebyallbelievers,andtohavebefallenthem.SothatassincomethfromAdamalonetoallmankind,asheinwhomallhavesinned;sofromJesusChristalonecomethrighteousnessuntoallthatareinhim,asheinwhomtheyallhavesatisfiedthejusticeofGod;forasbeinginAdam,andonewithhim,alldid,inhimandwithhim,transgressthecommandmentofGod;evenso,inrespectoffaith,wherebybelieversareingraftedintoChrist,andspirituallymadeonewithhim,theydidall,inhimandwithhim,satisfythejusticeofGodinhisdeathandsufferings.6AndwhosoeverreckonsthusreckonsaccordingtoScripture;forinRomans5:12,allaresaidtohavesinnedinAdam'ssin;inwhomallhavesinned,saysthetext,namely,inAdam,asinapublicperson:allmen'sactswereincludedinhis,becausetheirpersonswereincludedinhis.Solikewiseinthesamechapteritissaid,"thatdeathpasseduponallmen";namelyforthis,thatAdam'ssinwasreckonedfortheirs.Evenso,(Rom6:10),theapostle,speakingofChrist,says,"Inthathedied,hedieduntosin;butinthatheliveth,helivethuntoGod":solikewise,saysheinthenextverse,"Reckonyeyourselvestobedeaduntosin,butaliveuntoGodthroughJesusChristourLord."Andso,astouchingtheresurrectionofChrist,theapostleargues,(1Cor15:20),thatallbelieversmustandshallarise,because"Christisrisen,andisbecomethefirstfruitsofthemthatsleep."Christ,asthefirstfruits,arises,andthatinthenameandsteadofallbelievers;andsotheyriseinhimandwithhim;forChristdidnotriseasaprivateperson,buthearoseasapublicheadofthechurch;sothatinhisarisingallbelieversdidvirtuallyarise.AndasChristathisresurrectionwasjustified,andacquittedfromallthesinsofallbelievers,byGodhisFather,ashavingnowfullysatisfiedforthem,evensowerethey.7AndthusyouseetheobedienceofChristbeingimputeduntobelieversbyGodfortheirrighteousness,itputsthemintothesame

estateandcase,touchingrighteousnessuntolifebeforeGod,8whereintheyshouldhavebeen,iftheyhadperfectlyperformedtheperfectobedienceofthecovenantofworks,"Dothisandthoushaltlive."9

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thatis,allthosewhohave,orshallbelieve,oralltheelect,whichisoneandthesameinreality,andinthejudgmentofourauthor,expresslydeclaredinthefirstsentenceofhispreface.

[Back][2]Byimputationandlaw-reckoning;nootherwise,asasinnerbelievinginhimisrighteousbeforeGod.[ThusIsaacAmbrose,speakingofjustification,says,"Thisrighteousnessmakesasinnersinless";i.e.,astoguilt.]Thismustbeownedtobethemeaningofthisexpression,unlessonewillshutone'seyestotheimmediatelyforegoingandfollowingwords,Ifindhimasinner,saidthelaw;suchanoneashathtakensinuponhim.TheyarethewordsofLuther,andhewasnotthefirstwhospokeso."Hemadehimwhowasrighteoustobemadeasinner,thathemightmakesinnersrighteous,"saysChrysostom,on2Cor.5.Hom.11.cit.OwenonJustification,p.39.FamousProtestantdivineshavealsousedtheexpressionafterhim."Whenourdivines,"saysRutherford,"say,Christtookourplace,andwehavehiscondition,Christwasmadeus,andmadethesinner;itistrue,onlyinalegalsense.He[Christ]wasdebitorfactus,asinner;adebtorbyimputation,adebtorbylaw,byplace,byoffice."TrialandTriumphofFaith,p.245,257.Charnockarguesthepointthus:"Howcouldhedie,ifhewerenotareputedsinner?Hadhenotfirsthadarelationtooursin,hecouldnotinjusticehaveundergoneourpunishment.Hemust,intheorderofjustice,besupposedasinnerreally,orbyimputation.Really,hewasnot;byimputationthenhewas,"vol.2.p.547.Serm.on1Cor.5:7."Thoughpersonallyhewasnosinner,yetbyimputationhewas,"saystheContin.ofPoole'sAnnot.on2Cor.5:21."WhatIllyricuswrote,"saysRivet,"thatChristmightmosttrulybecalledasinner,Bellarminecallsblasphemyandcursedimpudence.NowBellarminehimselfcontends,thatChristmightattributeoursinstohimself,thereforehemightalsotrulycallhimselfasinner,whileinhimselfinnocent,hedidrepresentourperson.Whatblasphemy,whatimpietyishere?"Comment.onPsalm21:1.TheScripturephrasetothispurposeismoreforcible;(2Cor5:21),"Forhehath

madehimtobesinforus,whoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim."Forasitismoretosaywearemaderighteousness,thantosaywearemaderighteous,sincetheformerplainlyimportsaperfectionofrighteousness,ifImaybeallowedthephrase,righteousnessnotbeingproperlycapableofdegrees;soitismoretosay,Christwasmadesinfortheelectworld,thantosayhewasmadeasinner,sincethefirstofthesedothaccordinglypointattheuniversalityandcompletetaleoftheelect'ssins,fromthefirsttothelastofthemlaidonourspotlessRedeemer.CompareLeviticus16:21,22,"AndAaronshallconfessoverhim[viz:thescape-goat,whichtheapostlehathaneyetohere]alltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressions,andalltheirsins,puttingthemupontheheadofthegoat.Andthegoatshallbearuponhimalltheiriniquities,"(Isa53:6)."AndtheLord[marg.]hathmadetheiniquityofusalltomeeton[Heb.in]him."Thesetwotextsgivethejustnotionofthetrueimportofthatphrase,"Hewasmadesinforus."

[Back][3]OurLordJesusChristdiednotfor,nortookuponhimthesinsof,allandeveryindividualman,buthediedfor,andtookuponhimthesinsof,alltheelect,(John10:15,15:13,Acts20:28,Eph5:25,Titus2:14),andnootherdoctrineisheretaughtbyourauthortouchingtheextentofthedeathofChrist.Intheprecedingparagraph,wherewastheproperplaceforgivinghisjudgmentonthathead,hepurposelydeclaresit.Hehadbeforetaught,thatJesusChristdidfrometernitybecomeman'ssuretyinthecovenantthatpassedbetwixthimandtheFather.Asuretyputshimselfintheplaceofthoseforwhomhebecomesasurety,topaytheirdebt,(Gen44:32,33,Prov22:26,27).Andourauthortellsus,thatnow,whentheprefixedtimeofChrist'sfulfillingtheeternalcovenant,payingthedebthehadtakenonhim,andpurchasingman'sredemptionbyhissufferings,wascome,hedid,accordingtothetenorofthatcovenant,whichstatedtheextentofhissuretyship,puthimselfintheroomandplacehesaysnot,ofallmen,butofallthefaithful,orelectofGod;JesusChristthusstandingintheirroomandplace,actuallytotakeontheburden."TheLordlaidonhimtheiniquitiesofusall";thewhichScripturetextcanbearnoothersenseintheconnectionofithere,thatwhatisthegenuinesenseofit,asitstandsintheholyScripture,namely,thattheFatherlaidonChristtheiniquitiesofallthespiritualIsraelofGod,ofallnations,ranks,andconditions;fornoiniquitiescouldbelaidonhimbuttheirsinwhoseroomandplaceheputhimselftoreceivetheburden,accordingtotheeternalandmutualagreement.TheseiniquitiesbeingthuslaidontheMediator,thelawcameandsaid,Ifindhimsuchanoneashathtakenonhimthesinsofallmen.Thisisbutanincidentexpressionontheheadofthe

extentofChrist'sdeath,anditisascripturalonetoo.(1Tim2:6),"Whogavehimselfaransomforall,"i.e.,forallsortsofmen,notforallofeverysort.(Heb2:9),"Thathe,bythegraceofGod,shouldtastedeathforeveryman,"i.e.,foreverymanofthosewhomtheapostleistheretreatingof,namely,sonsbroughtortobebroughtuntoglory,(verse10);thosewhoaresanctified,Christ'sbrethren,(verse11);giventohim,(verse13);andthesenseofthephrase,asusedherebytheauthor,canbenoother;forthesins,whichthelawfoundthathehadtakenonhim,couldbenootherbutthesinsthattheLordhadlaidonhim;andthesinstheLordhadlaidonhimwerethesinsofallthefaithfulorelect,accordingtotheauthor;wherefore,intheauthor'ssense,thesinsofallmenwhichthelawfoundinChristwerethesinsofalltheelect,accordingtothegenuinesenseoftheScripturephraseologyonthathead.Andanincidentexpression,inwordswhichtheHolyGhostteacheth,anddeterminedinitsconnectiontotheorthodoxscripturalmeaning,canneverimportanyprejudicetohissentimentuponthatpointpurposelydeclaredbeforeinitsproperplace.Itistrue,theauthor,whenspeakingofthoseinwhoseroomChristputhimself,usethnotthewordalone;andintheholyScriptureitisnotusedneitheronthatsubject.Anditmaybeobserved,thattheSpiritofGodintheword,dothnotopenthedoctrineofelectionandreprobation,butuponman'srejectingorembracingthegospeloffer;thewhichdifferenteventsarethenseasonablyaccountedfor,fromthedepthsoftheeternalcounselofGod.SeeLuke10:17-22,Matthew22:1-14,Romans9throughout;Ephesians1:3-5.Toeverythingthereisaseason.Theauthorhithertohathbeendealingwiththeparties,tobringthemtoChrist;andparticularlyhere,heisspeakingfortheinstructionanddirectionofaconvincedtremblingsinner,namely,Neophytus;and,therefore,likeawiseandtendermaninsuchacase,heusethamannerofspeaking,whichbeingwarrantedbytheword,wasfittedtoexcitetheawakeningoftheordinaryscruplesinthatcase,namely,"ItmaybeIamnotelected,itmaybeChristdiednotforme";andwhichpointedatthedutyofall,andtheencouragementthatallhavetocometoChrist.Andallthis,afterhehadinhisveryfirstwordstothereader,sufficientlyprovidedforhisusingsuchamannerofexpression,withoutprejudicetothetruth.further,thelawadds,"Thereforelethimdieuponthecross."Wherefore?Fortheirsins,ofthelayingofwhichuponhimthereisnomentionmade?orforthesinsofthoseinwhoseroomheisexpresslysaidtohaveputhimself,accodingtotheeternalagreemtnbetwixttheFatherandhim?ThensaidChrist,"Lo!Icom";viz:actuallytopaythedebtforwhichIhavebecomesuretyintheeternalcompact;thewhich,whoseitwas,acccordingtoourauthor,isalreadysufficientlydeclared.Thelawthensetuponhim,andkilledhim;forwhom,accordingtoourauthor?Forthese,surely,inwhoseroomand

placeheputhimself,andsostood.Ifoneconsidershisaccountoftheeffectofallthis,onedoesnotfindittobe,asArminianssay,"tathChrist,bythemeritofhisdetah,hathsofarforthreconciledGodtheFathertoallmankind,thattheFather,byreasonoftheSon'smerit,bothcouldandwould,anddidenterandestablishanewandgraciouscovenantwithsinfulman,liabletocondmenation."[ExaminationofTilenus,p.164,art.2,sect2.]"andobtainedforallandeverymanarestorationintoasttateofgraceandsalvation;sothatnonewillbecondemened,norareliabletocondmenationfororiginalsin,butallarefreefromtheguiltofthatsin."[Teste.Turret.loc.14.ques.14.th.5.]Neitherdoeshetellus,thatChristdiedto"rendersinremissibletoallpersons,andthemsavalbe,"astheContinuatorofPoole'sAnnotationsonHebrews,chapter2:9,says,withotherUniversalists.Bythismeans,saysourauthor,"wasthejusticeofGodfullysatisfied,hiswrathappeased,andalltruebelieversacquitted."CompareWestm.Confess.chap.8.art.4,5."Thisoffice[viz:ofasurety]theLordJesusdidmostwillinglyundertake,whichthathemightdischarge,hewasmadeunderthelaw,anddidperfectlyfulfilit,enduredmostgrievoustorments,&c.TheLordJesus,byhisperfectobedience,andsactificeofhimselfhathfullysatisfiedthejusticeofhisFather;andpurchased,notonlyreconciliation,butaneverlastinginheritanceinthekingdomofheaven,forallthosewhomtheFatherhathgivenuntohim.Christ,byhisobedienceanddeth,didfullydischargethedebtofallthosethatarethusjustified,"Chap.11,art.3.Whereforetheauthordoesnothereteachanuniversalredemptionoratonement.Ofthismoreafterward.

[Back][4]Pardonistheremovingoftheguiltofsin.Guiltistwofold:1.Theguiltofeternalwrath,bywhichthesinnerisboundovertotheeternalrevengingwrathofGod;andthis,byorthodoxdivines,iscalledtheguiltofsinbywayofeminency.2.Theguiltoffatherlyanger,wherebythesinnerisboundovertoGod'sfatherlyangerandchastisementsforsin.Accordingly,thereisatwo-foldpardon:theoneistheremovaloftheguiltofeternalwrath,andiscalledlegalpardon;theothertheremovaloftheguiltoffatherlyanger,andiscalledgospelpardon.Astothelatter,thebelieverisdailytosueouthispardon,sinceheisdailycontractingnewguiltofthatkind;andthistheauthorplainlyteachesafterwardsinitsproperplace.Astotheformer,ofwhichonlyhespeakshere,allthesinsofabeliever,past,present,andtocome,arepardonedtogether,andatonce,inthefirstinstanceofhisbelieving;thatistosay,theguiltofeternalwrathforsinthenpastandpresentisactuallyandformallydoneaway;theobligationtothatwrathwhichhewaslyingunderforthesesinsisdissolved,andtheguiltofeternalwrathforsinsthentocomeiseffectuallypreventedfromthatmomentforever,sothathecannevercomeunderthatkindofguiltanymore;andthis

pardon,asitrelatestothesesins,isbutapardonimproperlysocalled,beingratheranotimputingofthem,thanaformalremission,forasmuchasaformalremissionbeingadissolutionofguiltactuallycontracted,agreesonlytosinsalreadycommitted.Thereforeourauthorhereusesthewordacquitted,whichisofamoreextensivesignification.Allpardonofsinisanacquittance,butallacquittanceofsinisnotaformalpardonofit:"Forattheresurrection,believersbeingraisedupinglory,shallbeopenlyacknowledgedandacquittedinthedayofjudgment."Short.Cat.Buttheywillnotthenbeformallypardoned.Now,thisisthedoctrineoftheholyScriptures,(Rom4:48),"EvenasDavidalsodescribeththeblessednessofthemanuntowhomGodimputethrighteousnesswithoutworks,saying,Blessedaretheywhoseiniquitiesareforgiven,andwhosesinsarecovered.BlessedisthemantowhomtheLordWILLNOTIMPUTEsin."(7:1),"ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus."Thatis,notonlytheyshallneverbeactuallydamned,i.e.,senttohell,asthatphraseisordinarilytaken,forthatistheprivilegeofalltheelect,evenbeforetheybelieve,whileyettheyareundercondemnationaccordingtotheScripture;butthereisnobindingoverofthemthatareinChristtoeternalwrath,noguilttothatkindtothem.CompareJohn3:18,"Hethatbelievethonhimisnotcondemned;buthethatbelievethnotiscondemnedalready.""Theone[viz:justification]dothequallyfreeallbelieversfromtherevengingwrathofGod,andthatperfectlyinthislife,thattheyneverfallintocondemnation."Larg.Cat.quest.77."Albeitsinremain,andcontinuallyabideintheseourmortalbodies,yetitisnotimputeduntous,butisremittedandcoveredwithChrist'sjustice,"[i.e.,righteousness].OldConfess.art.25.Q."Whatthenisouronlyjoyinlifeanddeath?A.Thatalloursins,bypast,present,andtocome,areburied;andChristonlyismadeourwisdom,justification,sanctification,andredemption."(1Cor1:30)Craig'sCat.quest.43."ThelibertywhichChristhathpurchasedforbelievers,underthegospelconsistsintheirfreedomfromtheguiltofsin,thecondemningwrathofGod,thecurseofthemorallaw."Westm.Confess.chap.20,art.1.See11,art.5;chap.17,art3."They[theArminians]doutterlydeny,thatnosinsofthefaithful,howgreatandgrievoussoevertheybe,areimputeduntothem,orthatalltheirsinspresentandfutureareforgiventhem."Exam.ofTilen.p.226,art.5.sect.5.

[Back][5]"Whatthingssoeveritsaith,itsaithtothemwhoareunderit,"(Rom3:19).Butbelieversarenotunderit,norunderthelawofthecovenantofworks,(6:14),thereforeitsaithnothingtothem.Assuch,itsaidalltoChristintheirroomandplace;and,withouttheMediator'sdishonour,itcannotrepeatitsdemandsonthemwhichitmadeuponhimastheirsurety.Meanwhilethelaw,as

aruleoflifetobelievers,saithtothemall,inthenameandauthorityofGod,theCreatorandRedeemer,(Matt5:48),"Beyethereforeperfect,evenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect."Howbeit,theyareunderacovenant,underwhich,thoughnolessisrequired,yetlessisaccepted,forthesakeofChristtheircovenanthead.

[Back][6]Namely,inthesenseofthelaw;forinthelaw-reckoning,astothepaymentofadebt,andfulfillingofacovenant,oranythelikepurposes,thesuretyandtheoriginaldebtor,thefederalheadortherepresentative,andtherepresented,arebutoneperson.AndthustheScripturedeterminingAdamtobethefigure[ortype]ofChrist,(Rom5:14),teachesupontheonehand,thatallmankindsinnedinAdam,(verse12),anddiedinhim,(1Cor15:22);andontheotherhand,thatbelieverswerecrucifiedwithChrist,(Gal2:20),andraisedupinhim.(Eph2:6)"Thecovenant[ofworks]beingmadewithAdamasapublicpersonallmankindsinnedinhim."Lar.Cat.Quest.22."ThecovenantofgracewasmadewithChristasthesecondAdam,"Quest.31."Hesatisfieddivinejustice,thewhichhedidasapublicperson,theheadofhisChurch,"Quest.52."thattherighteousnessofthelaw,"saystheapostle,"mightbefulfilledinus,"(Rom8:4);sobelieverssatisfiedinhim,astheysinnedinAdam."Thethreateningofdeath,(Gen2:17),isfulfilledintheelectsothattheydie,andyettheirlivesarespared:theydie,andyettheylive,fortheyarereckonedinlawtohavediedwhenChristtheirsuretydiedforthem."FergusononGalatians2:20."Althoughthou,"saysBeza,"hastsatisfiedforthepainofthysinsinthepersonofJesusChrist,"Beza'sConfess.point4,art.12."WhatchallengesSatanorconsciencecanmakeagainstthebelieverhearananswer;Iwascondemned,Iwasjudged,Iwascrucifiedforsin,whenmysuretyChristwascondemned,judged,andcrucifiedformysins.Ihavepaidall,becausemysuretyhaspaidall,"Rutherford'sTrialandTriumphofFaith,serm.19,p.258."AsinChrist,wesatisfied,solikewiseinAdamwesinned,"Flint.Exam.p.144.Thisdoctrine,andthedoctrineoftheformalimputationofChrist'srighteousnesstobelieversstandandfalltogether.ForifbelieversbereckonedinlawtohavesatisfiedinChrist,thenhisrighteousness,whichistheresultofhissatisfaction,mustneedsbeaccountedtheirs,butiftherebenosuchlaw-reckoning,Christ'srighteousnesscannotbeimputedtothemotherwisethanastotheeffectsofit,forthejudgmentofGodisalwaysaccordingtotruth,(Rom2:2).ThistheNeonomiansareawareof,anddenyboth,reckoningthemAntinomianprinciplesastheydomanyotherProtestantdoctrines.HearMr.Gibbons:"They[viz:theAntinomians]aredangerouslymistakeninthinkingthatabelieverisrighteousinthesightofGod,withtheself-sameactiveandpassiverighteousnesswherewithChristwas

righteous,asthoughbelieverssufferedinChrist,andobeyedinChrist."Morn.Exer.Method.sec.19,p.423.Ontheotherhand,theWestminsterdivinesteachbothassoundandorthodoxprinciples,affirmingChrist'srighteousness,obedience,andsatisfaction,themselvestobeimputedtobelievers,orreckonedtheirrighteousness,obedience,andsatisfaction."JustificationisanactofGod'sfreegrace,whereinhepardonethalloursins,andacceptethusasrighteousinhissight,onlyfortherighteousnessofChristimputedtous."Short.Cat."OnlyfortheperfectobedienceandfullsatisfactionofChristbyGodimputedtothem,"Large.Cat.quest.70."ByimputingtheobedienceandsatisfactionofChristuntothem,"Westm.Confess.chap.11,art1.

[Back][7]Virtuallyjustified,notactually,inhisjustification,evenasinhisresurrectiontheydidvirtuallyarise.Thatthisistheauthor'smeaningisevidentfromhisownwords,whenspeakingofNeophytus,hesaysexpressly,"HewasjustifiedmeritoriouslyinthedeathandresurrectionofChrist,butyethewasnotjustifiedactually,tillhedidactuallybelieveinChrist."

[Back][8]Socalledtodistinguishitfrominherentrighteousness,whichisrighteousnessfromlife.

[Back][9]Thisisaweightypoint,theplainandnativeresultofwhatissaid,namely,thatsinceJesusChristhathfullyaccomplishedwhatwastohavebeendonebymanhimselfforlifeaccordingtothecovenantofworks,andthatthesameisimputedtobelievers;therefore,believersareinthesamestate,astorighteousnessuntolife,thattheywouldhavebeeninifmanhimselfhadstoodthewholetimeappointedforhistrial.Andhereisthetruegroundinthelawoftheinfallibleperseveranceofthesaints;theirtimeoftrialforlifeisoverintheirHeadthesecondAdamtheprizeiswon!HencethejustbyfaithareentitledtothesamebenefitwhichAdambyhisperfectobediencewouldhavebeenentitledto.CompareRomans10:5,"Themanwhichdoeththesethingsshalllive,"withHabakkuk2:4,"Thejustbyhisfaithshalllive";thewhichisthetruereadingaccordingtotheoriginal.Andhere,forclearingofthefollowingpurposeofthebeliever'sfreedomfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,letitbeconsidered,thatifAdamhadstoodtillthetimeofhistrialhadbeenexpired,thecovenantofworkswouldindeedfromthattimehaveremainedhiseverlastingsecurityforeternallife,likeacontractheldfulfilledbytheoneparty;but,asinthesamecase,itcouldhavenolongerremainedtobetheruleofhisobedience,namely,inthestateofconfirmation.Thereasonisobvious,viz:thatthesubjectingofhimstilltothecovenantofworks,astheruleofhisobedience,

wouldhavebeenareducinghimtothestateoftrialhewasinbefore,andthesettinghimanewtoworkforwhatwasalreadyhisown,invirtueofhis[supposed]fulfillingofthatcovenant.Neverthelessitisabsolutelyimpossiblebutthecreature,inanystatewhatsoever,mustbeboundtoandoweobedienceuntotheCreator;andbeingstillboundtoobedience,ofnecessityhebehovedtohavehadaruleofthatobedience;astowhichrule,sincethecovenantofworkscouldnotbeit,whatremainsbutthattheruleofobedienceinthestateofconfirmation,wouldhavebeenthelawofnature,suitedtoman'sstateofimmutability,improperlysocalled,andsodivestedoftheformofthecovenantofworks,namely,itspromiseofeternallife,andthreateningofeternaldeath,asitis,andwillbeinheaven,forever?Theapplicationiseasy,makingalways,astotheruleofbelievers'obedience,suitablereservesfortheimperfectionoftheirstate,inrespectofinherentrighteousness;thewhichimperfection,asitleavesroomforpromisesoffatherlysmiles,andthreateningsoffatherlychastisements,soitmakesthemnecessary;butthesealsoshallbedoneawayinheavenwhentheirrealestateshallbeperfect,astheirrelativestateisnow.

Believersdeadtothelawasthecovenantofworks.


[Contents][Previous:Christ'sfulfillingofthelawintheroomoftheelect.][Next:ThewarranttobelieveinChrist.]

ChapterII,SectionIII,2

Believersdeadtothelawasthecovenantofworks.

Nom.But,sir,areallbelieversdeadtothelaw,andthelawdeadtothem,sayyou?

Evan.Believeit,asthelawisthecovenantofworks,alltruebelieversaredeaduntoit,anditisdeaduntothem;1for,theybeingincorporatedintoChrist,whatthelaworcovenantofworksdidtohim,itdidthesametothem;sothatwhenChristhangedonthecross,allbelievers,afterasort,hangedtherewithhim.AndthereforetheapostlePaulhavingsaid,(Gal2:19),"Ithroughthelawamdeadtothelaw,"addsinthenextverse,"IamcrucifiedwithChrist";whichwordstheapostlebringsasanargumenttoprovethathewasdeadtothelaw,forthelawhadcrucifiedhimwithChrist.Uponwhichtext,LutherontheGalatians,[p.81,]says,"Ilikewiseamcrucifiedanddeadtothelaw,forasmuchasIamcrucifiedanddeadwithChrist."Andagain,"IbelievinginChrist,amalsocrucifiedwithChrist."Inlikemanner,theapostlesaystothebelievingRomans,"Soye,mybrethren,aredeadalsotothelawbythebodyofChrist,"(Rom7:4).Now,bythebodyofChrist,ismeantthepassionofChristuponthecross,or,whichisallone,thesufferingsofChristinhishumannature.And,therefore,certainlywemayconcludewithgodlyTindalonthetext,thatallsucharedeadconcerningthelaw,asarebyfaithcrucifiedwithChrist.

Nom.But,Iprayyou,sir,howdoyouprovethatthelawisdeadtoabeliever?

Evan.Why,asIconceive,theapostleaffirmsit,(Rom7:1-6).

Nom.Surelysir,youdomistake;forIrememberthewordsofthefirstverseare,"howthatthelawhathdominionoveramanaslongasheliveth";andthewordsofthesixthverseare,"butnowwearedeliveredfromthelaw,thatbeingdead

whereinwewereheld,"&c.

Evan.Iknowrightwell,thatinourlasttranslationthewordsaresorendered;butthelearnedTindalrendersitthus:"Rememberyenot,brethren,thatthelawhathdominionoveramanaslongasitendureth?"AndBishopHallparaphrasesuponitthus,"Knowyenot,brethren,thattheMosaicallawhathdominionoveramanthatissubjectuntoit,solongasthesaidlawisinforce?"SolikewiseOrigen,Ambrose,andErasmus,doallagree,that,bythesewords,while"he"or"it"liveth,wearetounderstand,aslongasthelawremaineth.AndPeterMartyrisofopinion,thatthesewords,while"he"or"it"liveth,aredifferentlyreferred,eithertothelaw,ortotheman;for,sayshe,"themanissaidtobedead,"(verse4),"andthelawissaidtobedead,"(verse6).Evensobecausetheword"he"or"it"mentionedverse1,signifiedbothsexesintheGreek,Chrysostomthinks,thatthedeathbothofthelawandthemanisinsinuated.AndTheophylact,Erasmus,Bucer,andCalvin,doallunderstandthesixthverse,ofthelawbeingdead.AndasthedeathofabelievertothelawwasaccomplishedbythedeathofChrist,evensoalsowasthelaw'sdeathtohim;asMr.Fox,inhissermonofChristcrucified,testifies,saying,"Herehaveweupononecrosstwocrucifixes,twoofthemostexcellentpotentatesthateverwere,theSonofGodandthelawofGod,wrestlingtogetheraboutman'ssalvationbothcastdownandbothslainupononecross;howbeit,notafteralikesort.First,theSonofGodwascastdown,andtookthefall,notforanyweaknessinhimself,butwascontenttotakeitforourvictory.Bythisfall,thelawofGod,incastinghimdownwascaughtinhisowntrap,andsowasfastnailedhandandfoottothecross,accordingaswereadinPaul'swords,"(Col2:14).AndsoLutherontheGalatians,[p.184,]speakingtothesamepoint,says,"Thiswasawonderfulcombat,wherethelaw,beingacreature,givethsuchanassaulttohisCreator,inpractisinghiswholetyrannyupontheSonofGod.Now,therefore,becausethelawdidsohorriblyandcursedlysinagainsthisGod,itisaccusedandarraigned,and,asathiefandcursedmurdereroftheSonofGod,losesallitsright,anddeservestobecondemned.Thelaw,therefore,isbound,dead,andcrucifiedtome.Itisnotonlyovercome,condemned,andslainuntoChrist,butalsotome,believinginhimuntowhomhehathfreelygivenhisvictory."2Nowthen,althoughaccordingtotheapostle'sintimation,(Rom7atthebeginning,)thecovenantofworks,andmanbynature,bemutuallyengagedtoeachother,solongastheybothlive;yetif,whenthewifebedeadthehusbandbefree,thenmuchmorewhenheisdeadalso.

Nom.But,sir,whatarewetounderstandbythisdoubledeath,orwhereindoes

thisfreedomfromthelawconsist?

Evan.Deathisnothingelsebutadissolution,oruntyingofacompound,oraseparationbetweenmatterandform;and,therefore,whenthesoulandbodyofmanareseparated,wesayheisdead;sothatbythisdoubledeath,wearetounderstandnothingelse,butthatthebargainorcovenant,whichwasmadebetweenGodandmanatfirst,isdissolvedoruntied;orthatthematterandformofthecovenantofworksisseparatedtoabeliever.Sothatthelawofthetencommandmentsneitherpromiseseternallifenorthreatenseternaldeathtoabeliever,uponconditionofhisobedienceordisobediencetoit:3andsoshallyouobtainforgivenessforeternallife,orfeareternaldeathuponanysuchterms.4No;wemayassureourselves,that"whatsoeverthelawsaith,"onanysuchterms,it"saithtothemwhoareunderthelaw,"(Rom3:19);butbelievers"arenotunderthelaw,butundergrace,"(Rom6:14),andsohaveescapedeternaldeath,andobtainedeternallife,onlybyfaithinJesusChrist;5"forbyhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichtheycouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses,"(Acts13:39)"ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife,"(John3:16).

Andthisisthatcovenantofgrace,which,asItoldyou,wasmadewiththefathersbywayofpromise,andsobutdarkly;butnowthefullnessoftimebeingcome,itwasmorefullyopenedandpromulgated.

Ant.Well,sir,youhavemadeitevidentandplain,thatChristhathdeliveredallbelieversfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;andthatthereforetheyhavenothingatalltodowithit.

Evan.No,indeed;noneofChrist'saretohaveanythingtodowiththecovenantofworks,butChristonly.Foralthoughinthemakingofthecovenantofworksatfirst,Godwasoneparty,andmananother,yet,inmakingitthesecondtime,Godwasonbothsides:God,simplyconsideredinhisessence,wasthepartyopposedtoman;andGod,thesecondperson,havingtakenuponhimtobeincarnate,andtoworkman'sredemption,wasonman'sside,andtakespartwithman,thathemayreconcilehimtoGod,bybearingman'ssins,andsatisfyingGod'sjusticeforthem.AndChristpaidGod6tillhesaidhehadenough;hewasfullysatisfied,fullycontented,(Matt3:17),"ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased."Yea,GodtheFatherwaswellpleased,andfullysatisfiedfromalleternity,byvirtueofthatcovenantthatwasmadebetwixtthem.And

thereuponallChrist'speopleweregiventohimintheirelection.(Eph1:4)"Thinetheywere,"7saysChrist,"andthougavestthemme,"(John17:6).

Andagain,sayshe,"TheFatherloveththeSon,andhathgivenallthingsintohishands,"(John3:35);thatis,hehathentrustedhimwiththeeconomicandactualadministrationofthatpowerintheChurch,whichoriginallybelongeduntohimself.AndhenceitisthatChristalsosays,"TheFatherjudgethnoman,buthathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon,"(John5:22)Sothatallthecovenantthatbelieversaretohaveregardto,forlifeandsalvation,isthefreeandgraciouscovenantthatisbetwixtChrist[orGodinChrist]andthem.8Andinthiscovenantthereisnotanyconditionorlawtobeperformedonman'spart,byhimself;9no,thereisnomoreforhimtodo,butonlytoknowandbelievethatChristhathdoneallforhim.10WhereforemydearNeophytus,toturnmyspeechparticularlytoyou,[becauseIseeyouareinheaviness,]Ibeseechyoutobepersuadedthathereyouaretoworknothing,hereyouaretodonothing,hereyouaretorendernothinguntoGod,butonlytoreceivethetreasure,whichisJesusChrist,andapprehendhiminyourheartbyfaith,althoughyoubeneversogreatasinner;11andsoshallyouobtainforgivenessofsins,righteousness,andeternalhappiness;notasanagentbutasapatient,notbydoing,butbyreceiving.12Nothingherecomesbetwixtbutfaithonly,apprehendingChristinthepromise.13this,then,isperfectrighteousness,tohearnothing,toknownothing,todonothingofthelawofworks;butonlytoknowandbelievethatJesusChristisnowgonetotheFather,andsittethathisrighthand,notasajudge,butismadeuntoyouofGod,wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption.14Wherefore,asPaulandSilassaidtothejailer,sosayIuntoyou,"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved";thatis,beverilypersuadedinyourheartthatJesusChristisyours,andthatyoushallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim;thatwhatsoeverChristdidfortheredemptionofmankind,hediditforyou.15

[Contents][Previous:Christ'sfulfillingofthelawintheroomoftheelect.][Next:ThewarranttobelieveinChrist.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1](Rom7:4),"Wherefore,mybrethren,yealsoarebecomedeadtothelaw."(Gal2:19),"Ithroughthelawamdeadtothelaw."Andthis,accordingtothenatureofcorrelates,concludesthelaw,asitisthatcovenantofworks,tobedeadalsotobelievers.(Col2:14),"Nailingittohiscross."

[Back][2]ThisiscitedfromLutherontheEpistletotheGalatians,accordingtotheEnglishtranslation,andistobefoundthere,fol.184,p.1,2,fol.185.p.1,fol.82,p.1.HisownwordsfromtheLatinoriginal,afterhehadlecturedthatepistleasecondtime,asIfindtheminmycopy,printedatFrankfort,1563,areheresubjoined."Hocprofectomirabileduellumest,ubi,lex,creaturacumCreatoresiccongreditur,etprateromnejus,omnemtyrannidemsuaminFilioDeiexercet.quaminnobisfiliisiraeexercuit,"Luth.Comment.inGalatians4:5,p.598."Ideolex,tanquamlatroetsacrilegushomicidaFiliiDei,amittitjus,etmereturdamnari,"Ibid.p.600."Ergolexestmihisurda,ligata,mortuaetcrucifixa,"Ibid.cap.2:20,p.280."Conscientiaapprehendenshocapostoliverbum,Christusalegenosredemitsanctaquadamsuperbiainsultatlegi,dicensnuncinposterumnonsolumChristovictaetstrangulataes,sedetiammihicredentiineum,cuidonavithancvictoriam,"page600.ThatgreatmanofGod,athirdElias,andasecondPaul,[ifImayventuretheexpression,]thoughhewasnoinspiredteacher,wasenduedwithagreatmeasureofthespiritofthemboth,beingraisedupofGodfortheextraordinaryworkoftheReformationofreligionfromPopery,whilealltheworldwonderedaftertheBeast.Thelivelysavourhehadofthetruthsofthegospelinhisownsoul,andthefervourofhisspiritindeliveringthem,didindeedcarryhimasfarfromthemodernpolitenessofexpression,astheadmirationandaffectationofthislastarelikelytocarryusofffromtheformer.Whathedesignedbyallthistriumphoffaithissummedupinafewwords,immediatelyfollowingtheselastcited:"This,thelaw,[viz:asitisthecovenantofworks,]isgoneforeverastous,providingweabideinChrist."Thishechosetoexpressinsuchfigurativeterms,thatthatgreatgospeltruthmightbethemoreimpressedonhisownheart,andtheheartsofhisscholars,beingpromptedtheretobyhisexperienceofthenecessity,andwithalofthedifficultyofapplyingitbyfaithtohisowncase,inhisfrequentdeepsoulexercisesandconflictsofconscience."Therefore,"sayshe,"feelingthyterrorsandthreatenings,Olaw!Idipmyconscienceoverheadandears,intothewounds,blood,death,resurrection,andvictoryofChrist;besideshimIwillseeandhearnothingatall.Thisfaithisourvictory,wherebyweovercometheterrorsofthelaw,sin,death,andallevils,butnotwithoutagreatconflict,"Ibid.p.597.Andspeakingonthesamesubjectelsewhere,hehastheseremarkablewords,"Itiseasytospeakthesethings,buthappyhethatcouldknowthemarightintheconflictofconscience."Comment.onGalatians2:19,p.259.Now,toturnoutwardthewrongsideofthepictureofhisdiscourse,tomakeitfalse,horrid,profane,andblasphemous,ishard.Atthisrate,manyScripturetextsmustsuffer,nottospeakofapprovedhumanwriters.IinstanceonlythatofElias,(1Kings18:27),"He[Baal]isagod;eitherheistalking,orheispursuing,

orheisonajourney,orperadventurehesleepeth,andmustbeawaked."YetIcomparenotLuther'scommentarytotheinspiredwriting;onlywheretheholyScripturegoesbefore,onewouldthinkhemightbeallowedtofollow.Hereisanirony,arhetoricalfigure,andthereisaprosopopeia,orfeigningofaperson,anotherrhetoricalfigure;andthelearnedandholymantellsuswithal,thatPauluseditbeforehimonthesamesubject,representingthelaw"asamostpotentpersonage,whocondemnedandkilledChrist,whomhe[havingovercomedeath]didinthelikemannerconquer,condemn,andkill";forwhichhecitesEphesians2and4,epistlestotheRomans,Corinthians,Colossians,p.599.Now,albeitthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,notbeingapersonindeed,butamostholylawofGod,wasincapableofrealarraignment,sin,theft,ormurder:yetonebeingallowedtospeakfigurativelyofit,assuchapersonbeforementioned;andfindingtheSpiritofGodtoteachthatitwascrucified,JesusChrist"nailingittohiscross,"(Col2:14);whatimpietywhatblasphemyisthereinassigningcrimestoitforwhichitwascrucifiedcrimesofthesamenaturewithitscrucifixion,thatis,notreallyandliterallyso,butfigurativelyonly?Andthecrucifyingofaperson,asitpresupposethhisarraignment,accusation,andcondemnation,soitimplieshisbindinganddeath;allwhichthedecencyoftheparablerequires.Andthesamedecencyrequiringtherhetoricalfeigningofcrimesasthecausesofthatcrucifixion,theycouldbenootherbutthesethatareassigned;forasmuchasJesusChristishereconsidered,notasasinnerbyimputation,butasabsolutelywithoutguilt,thoughinthemeantimethesinsofalltheelectwerereallyimputedtohim,thewhichinrealityjustifiedtheholylaw'sprocedureagainsthim.Moreover,uponthecrucifixion,itmayberememberedhowtheapostleprovesChristtohavebeen"madeacurseforus";for,sayshe,itiswritten,"Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree,"(Gal3:13);thewhichifanyshouldapplytothelaw,asthecovenantofworks,inafigurativemanner,asitscrucifixionmustbeunderstood,itcouldimportnomorebyreasonofthenatureofthething,thananutterabolitionofitwithrespecttobelievers,whichisagreatgospeltruth.AndhereonemaycalltomindtheScripturephrases,(Rom7:5),"Themotionsofsinswhichwerebythelaw";(8:2),"Thelawofsinanddeath":"Thecovenantofworks,calledthelawofsinanddeath,"Confess.p.382,fig.3;"Thestrengthofsinisthelaw,"(1Cor15:56).

Afterall,formypart,IwouldneitherusesomeoftheseexpressionsofLuther's,nordareIsomuchasinmyheartcondemntheminhim:thereasonisone;becauseofthewantofthatmeasureoftheinfluencesofgracewhichIconceivehehadwhenheutteredthesewords.AndthesameIwouldsayoftheseveralexpressionsofthegreatRutherford,andofmanyeminentministers,intheirday

signallycountenancedofGodintheiradministrations,HearLutherhimself,inhisprefacetothatbook,page[mihi]10,"Theseourthoughts,"sayshe,"onthisepistledocomeforth,notsomuchagainstthose,[viz:thechurch'senemies,]asforthesakeofourown,[viz:herfriends,]whowilleitherthankmeformydiligence,orwillpardonmyweaknessandrashness."Itisapitythejustexpectationofone,whosenamewillbeinhonourinthechurchofChrist,whilethememoryoftheReformationfromPoperyiskeptup,shouldbefrustrated.

[Back][3]ThelawofthetencommandmentsgiventoAdam,asthecovenantofworks,promisedeternallife,uponconditionofobedience,andthreatenedeternaldeathincaseofdisobedience;andthiswasitthatmadeitthecovenantofworks.Now,thiscovenantframeofthelawofthetencommandmentsbeingdissolvedastobelievers,itcannomorepromisenorthreatenthematanyrate.TheScriptureindeedtestifies,that"godlinesshaththepromise,notonlyofthelifethatnowis,butalsoofthatwhichistocome,"(1Tim4:8),therebeinganinfallibleconnectionbetweengodlinessandthegloriouslifeinheavenestablishedbypromiseinthecovenantofgrace;butinthemeantime,itistheobedienceandsatisfactionofChristapprehendedbyfaith,andnotourgodliness,thatistheconditionuponwhichthatlifeispromised,anduponwhicharealChristianinadyinghourwillventuretopleadforashareinthatlife.Itislikewisecertainthatnotonlyareunbelievers,invirtueofthecovenantofworkswhichtheyremainunder,liabletoeternaldeathasthejustrewardofsin,butthereisbythatcovenantatwofoldconnectionestablished,theonebetwixtastateofunbelief,unregeneracy,impenitency,andunholiness,andeternaldeath;theother,betwixtactsofdisobedienceandeternaldeath.Theformerisabsolutelyindissoluble,andcannotbuteternallyremain;sothatwhosoeverareinthatstateofsin,whiletheyareinittheymustneedsbeinastateofdeath,boundovertothewrathofGodbyvirtueofthethreateningofthelaw;butthenitisimpossiblethatbelieversinChristcanbeinthatstateofsin.Sotheseandthelikesentences,"Hethatbelievethnotshallbedamned,"(Mark16:16)."Exceptyerepentyeshallalllikewiseperish,"(Luke13:3)."Ifyeliveafterthefleshyeshalldie,"(Rom8:13);doindeedbindoverunbelieverstoeternaldeath;buttheydonootherwiseconcernbelieversthanastheysetbeforethemacertainconnectionoftwoevents,neitherofwhichcaneverbefoundintheircase;andyettheseriousconsiderationofthemisofgreatandmanifoldusetobelievers,asaseriousviewofeverypartofthecovenantofworksis,particularlytomovethemtogrowupmoreandmoreintoChrist,andtomaketheircallingandelectionsure.Astothelatterconnection,viz:betwixtactsofdisobedienceandeternaldeath,itisdissoluble,andinthecaseofthebeliever,

actuallydissolved;sothatnonehavewarranttosaytoabeliever,Ifthousin,thoushaltdieeternally;forasmuchasthethreateningofeternaldeath,astothebeliever,beingalreadysatisfiedinthesatisfactionofChrist,byfaithapprehendedandimputedofGodtohim,itcannotberenewedonhim,morethanonedebtcanbetwicecharged,namely,fordoublepayment.

[Back][4]Butonthehaving,orwantingofasavinginterestinChrist.

[Back][5]Thisisafullproofofthewholematter.Forhowcanthelawofthetencommandmentspromiseeternallife,orthreateneternaldeath,uponconditionofobedienceordisobedience,tothosewhohavealreadyescapedeternaldeath,andobtainedeternallifebyfaithinChrist?ThewordswhichtheHolyGhostteaches,aresofarfromrestrainingthenotionofeternallifetoglorification,andofeternaldeathtothemiseryofthedamnedinhell,thattheydeclarethesouluponitsunionwithChristtobeasreallypossessedofeternallifeasthesaintsinheavenare;andwithoutthatstateofunion,tobeasreallyunderdeath,andthewrathofGod,asthedamnedinhellare,thoughnotinthatmeasure.[Theterm"eternaldeath"isnot,asfarasIremember,usedinScripture.]Andthisagreeabletothenatureofthings;forasthereisnomediumbetwixtlifeanddeathinasubjectcapableofeither,soitisevident,thelifecommunicatedtothesoul,initsunionwithChrist,thequickeningHead,canneverbeextinguishedfortheagesofeternity,(John14:19);andthesinner'sdeathundertheguiltandpowerofsin,isinitsownnatureeternal,andcanneverendbutbyaworkofAlmightypower,whichraiseththedead,andcalleththingsthatarenot,tobeasiftheywere.(1Thess1:10),"Jesuswhichdeliveredusfromthewrathtocome."(1John3:14),"Weknowthatwehavepassedfromdeathuntolife."(John3:36),"HethatbelievethontheSonhatheverlastinglife;andhethatbelievethnotontheSon,shallnotseelife,butthewrathofGodabidethonhim."(5:24),"Hethatbelieveth,hatheverlastinglife,andshallnotcomeintocondemnation,butispassedfromdeathuntolife."(6:47),"Hethatbelievethonmehatheverlastinglife."(verse54),"Whosoeatethmyflesh,anddrinkethmyblood,hatheternallife."(1John5:12,13),"HethathaththeSonhathlife;andhethathathnottheSonofGodhathnotlife.ThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyouthatbelieveonthenameoftheSonofGod,thatyemayknowthatyehaveeternallife."SeeRomans8:1;John3:16-18,and17:3.

[Back][6]Allthedemandsofthecovenantofworksontheelectworld.

[Back][7]Thathe,takingontheirnature,mightanswerthedemandsofthe

covenantofworksforthem,(Eph1:4),"Accordingashehaschosenusinhim."WearesaidtobechoseninChrist,notthatChrististhecauseofelection,butthatelectinglove,flowingimmediatelyfromGodtoalltheobjectsofit,theFatherdid,inoneandthesamedecreeofelection,choosetheheadandthemembersofthehappybody;yetChristtheheadfirst,[inorderofnature,]thenallthosewhomakeuphisbody,whoweretherebygiventohim,toberedeemedandsaved,byhisobedienceanddeath;thewhich,beingbyhimaccepted,he,asElect-MediatorandHeadofelect-men,hadfullpowerandfurniturefortheworkmadeovertohim.Andthusmayweconceivethesecondcovenanttohavebeenconcluded,agreeablytotheScriptureaccountofthatmystery.This,theauthorsays,wasdonethereupon,notupontheFather'sbeingwellpleasedandfullysatisfied,byvirtueofthecovenantmade;thewhichistheeffectofthecovenant,whereasthisisoneofthetransactionsorpartsofthecovenant,asallthefollowingwordsbroughttoillustrateitdoplainlycarryit;butuponGodtheSonbeingontheothersideinmakingofthesecondcovenant,thewhichistheprincipalpurposeinthisparagraph,theexplicationwhereofwasinterruptedbytheaddingofasentenceconcerningtheexecutionandeffectofthegloriouscontrivance.Inmakingofthesecondcovenant,thesecondpersonoftheeverblessedTrinity,consideredsimplyassuch,isoneoftheparties.Thereupon,inthedecreeofelection,designing,asissaid,bothheadandmembers,heischosenMediatorandHeadoftheelection,tobetheirincarnateRedeemer;thewhichheadshipaccepted,he,asMediatorandHeadoftheelection,tookuponhimtobeincarnate,andintheirnaturetosatisfythedemandsofthecovenantofworksforthem,(Isa42:1,Eph1:4,Psa40:6),Westm.Confess.Chap.8,art.1;"ItpleasedGodinhiseternalpurpose,tochooseandordaintheLordJesus,hisonlybegottenSon,tobetheMediatorbetweenGodandmantheHeadandSaviourofhischurchuntowhomhedid,fromalleternity,giveapeopletobehisseed,andtobebyhimintimeredeemed,"&c.Chap3,art.5;"ThoseofmankindthatarepredestinateduntolifeGodhathchoseninChristuntoeverlastingglory,outofhismerefreegraceandlove."

[Back][8]Thatis,thecovenantofgraceonly,notthecovenantofworks.

[Back][9]Namely,forlifeandsalvation;thesamebeingalreadyperformedbyJesusChrist;he,havinginthesecondcovenantundertakentosatisfyallthedemandsofthecovenantofworks,diddoallthatwastobedoneorwroughtforourlifeandsalvation.Andifithadnotbeenso,lifeandsalvationhadremainedeternallywithoutourreach;forhowisitpossibleweshouldperform,do,orwork,untilwegetlifeandsalvation?whatconditionorlawarewefitfor

performingof,whilewearedead,andnotsavedfrom,butlyingundersin,thewrathandcurseofGod?Seethefollowingnote.

[Back][10]Namely,allthatwastobedoneforlifeandsalvation.Andneitherrepentance,norsincere[imperfect]obedience,nay,noryetbelievingitself,isofthatsort:thoughalloftheseareindispensablynecessaryinsubjectscapableofthem.Thisexpressionbearsakindofimitation,usualinconversation,andusedbyourblessedSaviouronthissubject.(John6:28,29),"Thensaidtheyuntohim,Whatshallwedo,thatwemightWORKtheworksofGod?Jesusansweredandsaiduntothem,ThisisTHEWORKofGod,thatyebelieve."Thedesignofitplainlyis,toconfrontthehumourthatisnaturallyinallmen,fordoingandworkingforlifeandsalvation,whenoncetheybegintolaythesethingstoheart;thereisnomore,saystheauthor,forhimtodo,butonlytoknowandbelievethatChristhathDONEallforhim;andthereforetheexpressionisnottobestrainedbesidesitsscope.However,thisistruefaith,accordingtotheScripture,whetherallsavingfaithbesuchaknowledgeandbelievingornot;andthatknowledgeandbelievingarecapableofdegreesofcertainty,andmaybemixedwithdoubting,withoutoverturningtherealityofthem.(Isa53:11),"ByhisknowledgeshallmyrighteousServantjustifymany."(John17:3),"Thisiseternallife,thattheymightknowtheetheonlytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomthouhastsent."(Gal2:20),"IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme."(Rom10:9),"Ifthoushaltbelieveinthineheart,thatGodhathraisedhimfromthedead,thoushaltbesaved."TobelievethatGodhathraisedhimfromthedeadistobelievethathehasperfectedthework,anddoneallthatwastobedoneforlifeandsalvationtosinners:butisthisenoughtoconstitutesavingfaith?Surelyitisnot;fordevilsmaybelievethat:therefore,itmustbebelievedwithparticularapplicationtooneself,intimatedinthephrase,"believinginthineheart";andthisiswhatdevilsandreprobatesneverreachunto;howbeittheselastmaypretendtoknowandbelieve,thatChristisraisedfromthedeadforthem,andsohathdoneallforthem,evenastheyalsomaypretendtoreceiveandrestonhimaloneforsalvation.Butinallthis,onewhotrulybelievesmayyethavegroundtosaywithtears,"Lord,Ibelieve!helpthoumineunbelief,"(Mark9:24).

Nevertheless,underthiscovenantthereismuchtodo;alawtobeperformedandobeyed,thoughnotforlifeandsalvationbutfromlifeandsalvationreceived;eventhelawofthetencommandmentsinthefullextentthereof,astheauthordothatlargeexpresslyteach,initsproperplace,inthisandthesecondpart.

Thisisthegoodoldway,[accordingtotheScriptures,(Acts16:30,31,Matt11:28,29,Titus2:11,12),]ifthefamousMr.JohnDavidsonunderstoodtheProtestantdoctrine,"Q.Thenthesalvationofman,"sayshe,"issofullywroughtandperfectlyaccomplishedbyChristinhisownperson,thatnothingislefttobedoneorwroughtbyusinourpersons,tobeanycauseoftheleastpartthereof?A.Thatismostcertain."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCatechism,Edin.edit.1708,p.15."SoweareperfectlysavedbytheworkswhichChristdidforusinhisownperson,andnowaysbythegoodworkswhichheworksinus,withandafterfaith.[Marg.HereisthemainpointandgroundofourdisagreementwiththePapists.]Rests,then,anythingforustodoafterthatweareperfectlyjustifiedinGod'ssightbyfaithinChrist?Disciple.Yes,verymuch;albeitnowaystomeritsalvation;butonlytowitness,bytheeffectsofthankfulness,thatweAREtrulySAVED."Ibid.p.46,48,49.

[Back][11]Seethetwoforegoingnotes.Andhearanotherpassagefromthesamebookwhencethisistaken,namely,theEnglishtranslationofLuther'sCommentaryontheEpistletotheGalatians,fol.75:"Goodworksoughttobedone;theexampleofChrististobefollowedWell,allthesethingswillIgladlydo.Whatthenfolloweth?Thoushaltthenbesaved,andobtaineverlastinglife.Nay,notso.Igrant,indeed,thatIoughttodogoodworks,patientlytosuffertroublesandafflictions,andtoshedmybloodalso,ifneedbe,forChrist'scause;butyetamInotjustified,neitherdoIOBTAINSALVATIONTHEREBY."

[Back][12]ThisisthestyleofthesameLuther,whousethtodistinguishbetwixtactiveandpassiverighteousness,i.e.,therighteousnessofthelaw,andtherighteousnessoffaith;agreeablytoRomans4:5:"Buttohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonhimthatjustifieththeungodly,hisfaithiscountedforrighteousness."

[Back][13]Thepassageatmorelengthisthis:"Themarriageismadeupwithoutallpompandsolemnity:thatistosay,nothingatallcomesbetween;nolawnorworkishererequired.HereisnothingelsebuttheFatherpromising,andIreceiving;butthesethingswithoutexperienceandpractice,cannotbeunderstood."Luther,ubisup.,fol.194.

[Back][14]ThesewordsalsoareLuther's,inhisargumentontheEpistletotheGalatians,p.24oftheLatincopy,andfol.7ofthetranslation;butwhatourauthorreads,"Nothingofthelawofworks,"is,inLuther'sownwords,"Nothingofthelaw,orofworks";thesenseisthesame.Whatconcernstheassurancein

thenatureoffaith,whichthesewordsseemtobear,wewillmeetwithanon.

[Back][15]Inthisdefinitionofsavingfaith,thereisthegeneralnatureorkindofit,viz:arealpersuasion,agreeingtoallsortsoffaith,divineandhuman,"Beverilypersuaded";themorespecialnatureofit,anappropriatingpersuasion,orspecialapplicationtooneself,agreeingtoaconvincedsinner'sfaithorbeliefofthelaw'scurse,(Gal3:10),aswellastoit."Beverilypersuadedinyourhearts";thus,(Rom10:9),"IfthoushaltbelieveinthineheartthatGod,&c.thoushaltbesaved":and,finally,themostspecialnatureofit,wherebyitisdistinguishedfromallother,namely,anappropriatingpersuasionofChristbeingyours,&c.Andasone'sbelievinginone'sheart,orappropriatingpersuasionofthedreadfultidingsofthelaw,importsnotonlyanassenttothemastrue,butahorrorofthemasevil;sobelievingintheheart,oranappropriatingpersuasionofthegladtidingsofthegospel,bearsnotonlyanassenttothemastrue,butarelishofthemasgood.

Thepartsofthisappropriatingpersuasion,accordingtoourauthor,are,1."ThatJesusChristisyours,"viz:bythedeedofgiftandgrantmadetomankindlost,or[whichisthesamethinginotherwords]bytheauthenticgospeloffer,intheLord'sownword;thewhichofferisthefoundationoffaith,andthegroundandwarrantoftheministerialoffer,withoutwhichitcouldavailnothing.Thatthisisthemeaning,appearsfromtheanswertothequestionimmediatelyfollowing,touchingthewarranttobelieve.Bythisofferordeedofgiftandgrant,Christisoursbeforewebelieve;notthatwehaveasavinginterestinhim,orareinastateofgrace,butthatwehaveacommoninterestinhim,andthecommonsalvation,whichfallenangelshavenot,(Jude3);sothatitislawfulandwarrantableforus,notforthem,totakepossessionofChristandhissalvation.Evenaswhenonepresentsapieceofgoldtoapoormansaying,"Takeit,itisyours";theoffermakesthepiecereallyhisinthesenseandtotheeffectbeforedeclared;nevertheless,whilethepoormandoesnotacceptorreceiveit;whetherapprehendingtheoffertoogreattobereal,orthathehasnolikingofthenecessaryconsequentsoftheaccepting;itisnothisinpossession,norhathhethebenefitofit;but,onthecontrary,muststarveforitall,andthatsomuchthemoremiserably,thathehathslightedtheofferandrefusedthegift.Sothisactoffaithisnothingelsebutto"believeGod,"(1John5:10);"tobelievetheSon,"(John3:36);"tobelievethereport"concerningChrist,(Isa53:1);or"tobelievethegospel,"(Mark1:15);notasdevilsbelievethesame,knowingChristtobeJesus,aSaviour,butnottheirSaviour,butwithanappropriatingpersuasion,orspecialapplicationbelievinghimtobeourSaviour.Nowwhatthisgospelreport,

record,ortestimonyofGod,tobebelievedbyall,is,theinspiredpenmanexpresslydeclares,"Thisistherecord,thatGodhathgiventouseternallife;andthislifeisinhisSon,"(1John5:11).Thegivingherementioned,isnotgivinginpossessioningreaterorlessermeasure,butgivingbywayofgrant,whereupononemaytakepossession.Andthepartytowhom,isnottheelectiononly,butmankindlost.Forthisrecordisthegospel,thefoundationoffaith,andwarranttoall,tobelieveintheSonofGod,andlayholdoneternallifeinhim;butthatGodhathgiveneternallifetotheelect,canbenosuchfoundationnorwarrant:forthatagiftismadetocertainselectmen,canneverbeafoundationorwarrantforallmentoacceptandtakeit.Thegreatsinofunbeliefliesinnotbelievingthisrecordortestimony,andsomakingGodaliar:"HethatbelievethnotGod,hathmadehimaliar,becausehebelievethnottherecordthatGodgaveofhisSon.Andthisistherecord,"&c.(1John5:10,11).Ontheotherhand,"Hethathathreceivedhistestimony,hathsettohissealthatGodistrue,"(John3:33).Butthegreatsinofunbelieflies,notinnotbelievingthatGodhathgiveneternallifetotheelect;forthemostdesperateunbelievers,suchasJudasandSpira,believethat,andthebeliefofitaddstotheiranguishandtormentofspirit;yettheydonotsettotheirsealthatGodistrue;but,onthecontrary,theymakeGodaliar,innotbelievingthattolostmankind,andtothemselvesinparticular,Godhathgiveneternallifeinthewayofgrant,soasthey,aswellasothers,arewarrantedandwelcometotakepossessionofit,sofleeinginthefaceofGod'srecordandtestimonyinthegospel,(Isa9:6,John3:16,Acts4:12,Prov8:4,Rev22:17).Inbelievingofthis,notinbelievingoftheformer,liesthedifficulty,intheagoniesofconscience;thewhich,nevertheless,tillonedoingreaterorlessermeasuresurmount,onecanneverbelieveonChrist,receiveandrestuponhimforsalvation.Thetruthis,thereceivingofChristdothnecessarilypresupposethisgivingofhim,Theremay,indeed,beagivingwherethereisnoreceiving,foragiftmayberefused;andtheremaybeatakingwherethereisnogiving,thewhichisapresumptuousactionwithoutwarrant;buttherecanbenoplaceforreceivingofChristwherethereisnotagivingofhimbefore."Inthematteroffaith,[saysRollock,Lect.10on2Thessp.126,]therearetwothings:firstthereisagiver,andnextthereisareceiver.Godgives,andthesoulreceives."TheScriptureisexpresstothispurpose:"Amancanreceivenothing,exceptitbegivenhimfromheaven,"(John3:27).

2."Andthatyoushallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim";namely,alifeofholiness,aswellasofhappiness,salvationfromsinaswellasfromwrath,notinheavenonly,butbegunhereandcompletedhereafter.Thatthisistheauthor'snotionoflifeandsalvationagreeablytotheScripture,wehavehadsufficientevidence

already,andwillfindmoreinourprogress.Whereforethispersuasionoffaithisinconsistentwithanunwillingnesstopartwithsin,abentorpurposeofhearttocontinueinsin,evenasreceivingandrestingonChristforsalvationis.Onefindsitexpressedalmostinsomanywords:(Acts15:11),"WebelievethatthroughthegraceoftheLordJesusChristweshallbesaved."Itisfitlyplacedaftertheformer,foritcannotgobeforeit,butfollowsuponit.TheformerisabelievingofGod,orbelievingtheSon:thisisabelievingontheSon,andsoisthesamewithreceivingofChrist,asthatreceivingisexplained;(John1:12),"Butasmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname."Itdothalsoevidentlybearthesoul'srestingonChristforsalvation;foritisnotpossibletoconceiveasoulrestingonChristforsalvation,withoutapersuasionthatitshallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim;namely,apersuasionwhichisofthesamemeasureanddegreeastherestingis.Andthusitappears,thattherecanbenosavingfaithwithoutthispersuasioningreaterorlessermeasure.Butwithal,itistoberemembered,astowhatconcernsthehabit,actings,exercise,strength,weakness,andintermittingoftheexerciseofsavingfaith,thesameistobesaidofthispersuasioninallpoints.

3."ThatwhatsoeverChristdidfortheredemptionofmankind,hediditforyou.""IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme,"(Gal2:20).Thiscomesinthelastplace;andIthinknonewillquestion,butwhosoeverbelievesinthemannerbeforeexplained,mayandoughttobelievethis,inthisorder.Anditisbelieved,ifnotexplicitly,yetvirtually,byallwhoreceiveandrestonChristforsalvation.

Fromwhatissaid,itappearsthatthisdefinitionoffaithisthesame,forsubstanceandmatter,thoughindifferentwords,withthatoftheShorterCatechism,whichdefinesit,by"receivingandrestinguponChristaloneforsalvation,asheisofferedtousinthegospel."Inwhich,thoughtheoffertousismentionedlast,yetitisevidentitistobebelievedfirst.

Object.Buttheauthor'sdefinitionmakesassurancetobeoftheessenceoffaith?

Answ.Beitso;however,heusesnotthewordassuranceorassuredinhisdefinition;norwillanythingcontainedinitamounttotheideanowcommonlyaffixedtothatword,ortowhatisnowinourdayscommonlyunderstoodbyassurance.And,(1.)Hedothnothereteachthatassuranceoffaithwherebybelieversarecertainlyassuredthattheyareinthestateofgrace,thewhichis

foundedupontheevidenceofgrace,ofwhichkindofassurancetheWestminsterConfessionexpresslytreats,chap.18,art.1-3;butanassurancewhichisinfaith,inthedirectactsthereof,foundeduponthewordallenarly,(Mark16:15,16,John3:16);andthisisnothingelsebutafiducialappropriatingpersuasion.(2.)Hedothnotdeterminethisassuranceorpersuasiontobefull,ortoexcludedoubting:hesaysnot,befullypersuaded,but,beverilypersuaded,whichspeaksonlytherealityofthepersuasion,anddothnotatallconcernthedegreeofit.Anditismanifest,fromhisdistinguishingbetweenfaithofadherence,andfaithofevidence,[p.99,]that,accordingtohim,savingfaithmaybewithoutevidence.Andsoonemayhavethisassuranceorpersuasion,andyetnotknowassuredlythathehathit,butneedmarkstodiscoveritby;forthoughamancannotbutbeconsciousofanactofhisownsoulastothesubstanceoftheact,yethemaybeinthedarkastothespecificalnatureofit,thanwhichnothingismoreordinaryamongseriousChristians.Andthus,asarealsaintisconsciousofhisownheart'smovinginaffectiontowardsGod,yetsometimesdothnotassuredlyknowittobethetrueloveofGodinhim,butfearsittobeanhypocriticalflashofaffection;sohemaybeconsciousofhispersuasion,andyetdoubtifitisthetruepersuasionoffaith,andnotthatofthehypocrite.

Thisnotionofassurance,orpersuasioninfaith,issoagreeabletothenatureofthethingcalledbelieving,andtothestyleoftheholyScripture,thatsometimeswheretheoriginaltextreadsfaithorbelieving,weread,assurance,accordingtothegenuinesenseoftheoriginalphrase;(Acts17:31),"Whereofhehathgivenassurance";orig."faith,"asisnotedinthemarginofourBibles.(Deut28:66),"Thoushalthavenoneassuranceofthylife";orig."Thoushaltnotbelieveinthylife."Thisobservationshows,thattobelieve,inthestyleoftheholyScripture,aswellasinthecommonusageofmankindinallothermatters,istobeassuredorpersuaded,namely,accordingtothemeasureofone'sbelieving.

Andthedoctrineofassurance,oranappropriatingpersuasioninsavingfaith,asitisthedoctrineoftheholyScripture,(Rom10:9,Acts15:11,Gal2:20),soitisaProtestantdoctrine,taughtbyProtestantdivinesagainstthePapists,andsealedwiththebloodofmartyrsinPopishflames;itisthedoctrineofReformedchurchesabroad,andthedoctrineoftheChurchofScotland.

Thenatureofthisworkwillnotallowmultiplyingoftestimoniesonalltheseheads.Uponthefirst,itshallsufficetoadducethetestimonyofEssenius,inhisCompendiumTheologia,thesystemofdivinitytaughtthestudentsintheCollegeofEdinburgh,byProfessorCampbell."Thereis,therefore,"sayshe,"in

savingfaith,aspecialapplicationofgospelbenefits.ThisisprovedagainstthePapists,(1.)Fromtheprofessionofbelievers,(Gal2:20),'IlivebythatfaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme.'(Psa23:1),'TheLordismyshepherd,Ishallnotwant;incotesofbuddinggrasshemakesmetoliedown,&c.ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillnotfearevil;forthouartwithme,'&c.AndJob19:25;Philippians1:21-23;Romans8:33-39,10:9,10;2Corinthians5:1-6,with2Corinthians4:13,&c."Essen.Comp.Theol.chap.2,sect.12.Andspeakingofthemethodoffaith,hesays,itis"4.Thataccordingtothepromisesofthegospel,outofthatspiritualdesire,theHolySpiritalsobearingwitnessinus,weacknowledgeChristtobeourSaviour,andsoreceiveandapplyhim,everyonetoourselves,apprehendinghimagain,whofirstapprehendedus,(2Cor4:13,Rom8:16,John1:12,2Tim1:12,Gal2:20,Phil3:12).Thewhichistheformalactofsavingfaith.5.Furthermore,thatweacknowledgeourselvestobeincommunionwithChrist,partakersofallandeveryoneofhisbenefits.Thewhichisthelatteractofsavingfaith,yetalsoaproperandelicitactofit.6.Thatweobservealltheseactsabovementioned,andthesincerityoftheminus;andTHENCEgather,thatwearetruebelievers,broughtintothestateofgrace,"&c.Ibid.sect.21.Observeherethetwokindsofassurancebeforedistinguished.

PeterBrulie,burntatTournay,anno1545,whenhewassentforoutofprisontobeexamined,thefriarsinterrogatinghimbeforethemagistrate,heanswered,"Howitisfaiththatbringethuntoussalvation;thatis,whenwetrustuntoGod'spromises,andbelievesteadfastly,thatforChristhisson'ssakeoursinsareforgivenus."Sleid.Comment.inEnglishbook16,fol.217.

Mr.PatrickHamilton,burntatSt.Andrewsabouttheyear1527."Faith,"sayshe,"isasureness;faithisasureconfidenceofthingswhicharehopedfor,andacertaintyofthingswhicharenotseen.ThefaithofChrististobelieveinhim,thatis,tobelieveinhisword,andtobelievethathewillhelptheeinallthyneed,anddelivertheefromallevil."Mr.Patrick'sArticles,Knox'sHistory,4to.p.9.

Forthedoctrineofforeignchurchesonthispoint,IshallinstanceonlyinthatoftheChurchofHolland,andtheReformedChurchofFrance;"Q.Whatisasincerefaith?A.ItisasureknowledgeofGodandhispromisesrevealedtousinthegospel,andaheartyconfidencethatallmysinsareforgivenmeforChrist'ssake."DutchBriefCompend.ofChristianReligion,Vra.19,boundupwiththeDutchBible.

"Minister.Sincewehavethefoundationuponwhichthefaithisgrounded,canwerightlyfromthenceconcludewhatthetruefaithis?Child.Yea;namely,acertainandsteadyknowledgeoftheloveofGodtowardsus,accordingas,byhisgospel,hedeclareshimselftobeourFatherandSaviour,bythemeansofJesusChrist."CatechismoftheReformedChurchofFrance,boundupwiththeFrenchBible,Dimanche18.Toobviateacommonprejudice,wherebythisistakenforaneasyeffortoffancyandimagination,itwillnotbeamisstosubjointhequestionimmediatelyfollowingthere.

"M.Canwehaveitofourselves,orcomethitfromGod?C.TheScriptureteachethusthatitisasingulargiftoftheHolySpirit,andexperiencealsoshowethit."Ibid.

FollowsthedoctrineoftheChurchofScotlandonthishead.

"RegenerationiswroughtbythepoweroftheHolyGhost,workingintheheartsoftheelectofGodanassuredfaithinthepromiseofGod,revealedtousinhisword;bywhichfaithweapprehendChristJesus,withthegracesandbenefitspromisedinhim."OldConfess.art.3.

"Thisourfaith,andtheassuranceofthesame,proceedsnotfromfleshandblood,thatistosay,fromnonaturalpowerswithinus,butistheinspirationoftheHolyGhost."Ibid.art.12.

Forthebetterunderstandingofthis,takethewordsofthateminentservantofChrist,Mr.JohnDavidson,ministerofSalt-Preston,aliasPreston-Pans[ofwhomseethefulfillingoftheScripture,p.361,]inhisCatechism,p.20,asfollows:"Andcertainitis,thatboththeenlighteningofthemindtoacknowledgethetruthofthepromiseofsalvationtousinChrist,andthesealingupofthecertaintythereofinourheartsandminds,[ofthewhichtwoparts,asitwere,faithconsists,]aretheworksandeffectsoftheSpiritofGod,andneitherofnaturenorart."

TheOldConfessionabovementionedis,"TheConfessionofFaith,professedandbelievedbytheProtestantswithintherealmofScotland,publishedbytheminParliament,andbytheestatesthereofratifiedandapproved,aswholesomeandsounddoctrine,groundedupontheinfallibletruthofGod,"Knox'sHist.lib.3.p.263.ItwasratifiedatEdinburgh,July17,1560,Ibid.p.279.AndthisistheConfessionofourFaith,mentionedandsworntointhenationalcovenant,

framedabouttwentyyearsafterit.

Inthesamenationalcovenant,withrelationtothisparticularheadofdoctrine,wehavethesewordsfollowing,viz:"WedetestandrefusetheusurpedauthorityofthatRomanantichristhisgeneralanddoubtsomefaith."HoweverthegeneralanddoubtsomefaithofthePapistsmaybeclouded,onemay,withoutmuchado,drawthesetwoplainconclusionsfromthesewords:"1.ThatsincethePopishfaithabjuredisadoubtsomefaith,theProtestantfaith,sworntobemaintained,isanassuredfaith,asweheardbeforefromtheOldConfession,towhichthecovenantrefers.2.ThatsincethePopishfaithisageneralone,theProtestantfaithmustneedsbeanappropriatingpersuasion,orafaithofspecialapplication,which,weheardalreadyfromEssenius,thePapistsdodeny.AsforabeliefandpersuasionofthemercyofGodinChrist,andofChrist'sabilityandwillingnesstosaveallthatcomeuntohim,asitisaltogethergeneral,andhathnothingofappropriationorspecialapplicationinit,soIdoubtifthePapistswillrefuseit.Sure,theCouncilofTrent,whichfixedandestablishedtheabominationsofPopery,affirmsthatnotpiousmanoughttodoubtofthemercyofGod,ofthemeritofChrist,norofthevirtueandefficacyofthesacraments."Concil.Trid.cap.9.Ihopenonewillthinkthecouncilallowsimpiousmentodoubtofthese;butwithaltheytellus,"Itisnottobeaffirmed,thatnomanisabsolvedfromsinandjustified,buthewhoassuredlybelieves,thathehimselfisabsolvedandjustified."Heretheyoverturntheassuranceandappropriation,orspecialapplicationofsavingfaithmaintainedbytheProtestants;andtheythundertheiranathemasagainstthosewhoholdtheseinoppositiontotheirgeneralanddoubtsomefaith."Ifanyshallsay,thatjustifyingfaithisnothingelsebutaconfidenceofthemercyofGodpardoningsinsforChrist'ssake,orthatconfidenceisitalonebywhichtheyarejustified,lethimbeaccursed."Ibid.cap.13,can.12."Ifanyshallsay,thatamanisabsolvedfromsin,andjustifiedbythat,thatheassuredlybelieveshimselftobeabsolvedandjustified,lethimbeaccursed."Ibid.can.14.

Moreover,inthenationalcovenant,asitwasrenewedintheyears1638and1639,mentionismadeofpubliccatechisms,inwhichthetruereligionisexpressedintheConfessionofFaith[there]abovewritten,[i.e.,thenationalcovenant,otherwisecalledtheConfessionofFaith,]andformerLargeConfession,[viz:theOldConfession,]issaidtobesetdown.Thedoctrineonthishead,containedinthesecatechisms,isheresubjoined.

"M.Whichisthefirstpoint?C.ToputourwholeconfidenceinGod.M.How

maythatbe?C.Whenwehaveassuredknowledgethatheisalmighty,andperfectlygood.M.Andisthatsufficient?C.No.M.Whatisthenfurtherrequired?C.Thateveryoneofusbefullyassuredinhisconscience,thatheisbelovedofGod,andthathewillbebothhisFatherandSaviour."Calvin'sCat.usedbytheKirkofScotland,andapprovedbytheFirstBookofDiscipline,quest.8-12.ThisisthecatechismoftheReformedChurchofFrance,mentionedbefore."M.Sincewehavethefoundationwhereuponourfaithisbuilded,wemaywellgatherhereofwhatistherightfaith?C.Yea,verily;thatistosay,itisasurepersuasionandsteadfastknowledgeofGod'stenderlovetowardsus,accordingashehathplainlyutteredinhisgospel,thathewillbebothaFatherandaSaviouruntous,throughthemeansofJesusChrist."Ibid.quest.111.

"M.Bywhatmeansmayweattainuntohimthere?C.Byfaith,whichGod'sSpiritworkethinourhearts,assuringusofGod'spromisesmadetousinhisholyGospel."ThemannertoexaminechildrenbeforetheybeadmittedtothesupperoftheLord,quest.16.ThisiscalledtheLittleCatechism,Assembly1592,sess.10."Q.Whatistruefaith?A.Itisnotonlyaknowledge,bywhichIdosteadfastlyassenttoallthingswhichGodhathrevealeduntousinhisword;butalsoanassuredaffiance,kindledinmyheartbytheHolyGhost,bywhichIrestuponGod,makingsureaccount,thatforgivenessofsins,everlastingrighteousness,andlife,arebestowed,notonlyuponothers,butalsouponme,andthatfreelybythemercyofGod,forthemeritanddesertofChristalone."ThePalatineCatechism,printedbypublicauthority,fortheuseofScotland.ThisfamousCatechismisusedinmostoftheReformedChurchesandschools;particularlyintheReformedChurchesoftheNetherlands,andisboundupwiththeDutchBible."AsfortheChurchofScotland,thePalatineCatechism,"saysMr.Wodrow,inthededicationtohisHistory,"wasadoptedbyus,tillwehadthehappinesstojoinwiththevenerableAssemblyatWestminster.ThenindeeditgaveplacetotheLargerandShorterCatechismsintheChurch:neverthelessitcontinuedtobetaughtingrammarschools."

"Q.WhatthingisfaithinChrist?A.AsurepersuasionthatheistheonlySaviouroftheworld,butOURSinspecial,whobelieveinhim."Craig'sCatechism,approvedbytheGeneralAssembly,1592.

Tothesemaybeaddedthethreefollowingtestimonies."Q.Whatisfaith?A.WhenIampersuadedthatGodlovesmeandallhissaints,andfreelygivethusChrist,withallhisbenefits,"SummulaCatechismi,stillannexedtotheRudimentsoftheLatintongue,andtaughtingrammarschoolstothisday,

[1726,]sincetheReformation.

"Whatisthyfaith?MysurebeliefthatGodbothmayandwillsavemeinthebloodofJesusChrist,becauseheisalmighty,andhaspromisedsotodo,"Mr.JamesMelvil'sCatechism,inhisPropineofaPastortohisPeople,p.44,publishedintheyear1598.

"Q.Whatisthisfaith,thatistheonlyinstrumentofthisstraitconjunctionbetweenChristcrucifiedandus?A.Itisthesurepersuasionoftheheart,thatChristbyhisdeathandresurrectionhathtakenawayoursins,and,clothinguswithhisownrighteousness,hasthoroughlyrestoredustothefavourofGod."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCatechism,p.46.

Inthesamenationalcovenant,asitwasrenewed,1638and1639,isexpressedanagreementandresolutiontolabourtorecoverthepurityofthegospelasitwasestablishedandprofessedbeforethe[there]foresaidnovations;thewhich,inthetimeofPrelacy,thencastout,hadbeencorruptedbyasetofmeninScotlandaddictedtothefactionofLaud,ArchbishopofCanterbury.Intheyear1640,Mr.RobertBaily,thenministerofKilwinning,afterwardsoneoftheCommissionersfromScotlandtotheWestminsterAssembly,wroteagainstthatfaction,provingthemguiltyofPopery,Arminianism,&c.:andontheheadofPopery,thusrepresentstheirdoctrineconcerningthenatureoffaith,viz:"Thatfaithisonlyabareassent,andrequiresnoapplication,nopersonalconfidence;andthatthatpersonalapplicationismerepresumption,andthefictionofacrazybrain."Hist.MotuuminRegnoScotia,p.517.

Thus,asabovedeclared,stoodthedoctrineoftheChurchofScotland,inthispoint,inherconfessions,andinpubliccatechisms,confirmedbytherenewingofthenationalcovenant,when,intheyear1643,itwasanewconfirmedbythefirstarticleoftheSolemnLeagueandCovenant,bindingto[nottheReformation,but]thepreservationoftheReformedReligionintheChurchofScotland,indoctrine,&c.,andthatbeforetheWestminsterConfession,LargerandShorterCatechisms,wereinbeing.

WhentheWestminsterConfessionwasreceived,anno1647,andtheLargerandShorterCatechisms,anno1648,theGeneralAssemblydid,intheirthreeacts,respectivelyapprovingthem,expresslydeclarethemtobeinnothingcontrarytothereceiveddoctrineofthisKirk.Andputthecasetheywerecontrarytheretoinanypoint,theycouldnotinthatpointbereckonedthejudgmentoftheChurchof

Scotland,sincetheywerereceivedbyher,asinnothingcontrarytopreviousstandardsofdoctrine,towhichshestandsboundbythecovenantsaforesaid.Butthetruthis,thedoctrineisthesameinthemall.

"Thisfaithisdifferentindegrees,weakorstrong;growinginmanytotheattainmentofafullassurance."Westm.Confess,chap.14,art.3.Now,howfaithcangrowinanytoafullassurance,iftherebenoassuranceinthenatureofit,Icannotcomprehend.

"Faithjustifiesasinneronlyasitisaninstrument,bywhichhereceivethandappliethChristandhisrighteousness."Larg.Cat.Q.73."ByfaiththeyreceiveandapplyuntothemselvesChristcrucified,andallthebenefitsofhisdeath."Ibid.Q.170.

"Q.WhendowebyfaithreceiveandapplytoourselvesthebodyofChristcrucified?A.Whilewearepersuaded,thatthedeathandcrucifixionofChristdonolessbelongtous,thanifweourselveshadbeencrucifiedforourownsins;nowthispersuasionisthatoftruefaith."Sum.Catech.

"FaithinJesusChristisasavinggrace,wherebywereceiveandrestuponhimaloneforsalvation,asheisofferedtousinthegospel."Short.Cat.

Now,toperceivetheentireharmonybetwixtthisandtheolddefinitionsoffaith,comparewithit,astothereceivingthereinmentioned,thedefinitionabovecitedfromtheOldConfession,art.3.viz:"AnassuredfaithinthepromisebywhichtheyapprehendChrist,"&c.Mr.JohnDavidsonjoinsthemthus:"Q.Whatisfaith?A.Itisanheartyassurance,thatoursinsarefreelyforgivenusinChrist.Orafterthismanner:ItistheheartyreceivingofChristofferedinthepreachingofthewordandsacraments,bytheworkingoftheHolySpirit,fortheremissionofsins,wherebyhebecomesonewithus,andweonewithhim,heourhead,andwehismembers."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCatechism,p.24.AstotherestingmentionedintheWestminsterdefinition,comparethedefinitionabovecitedfromthePalatineCatechism,viz:"AsureconfidencewherebyIrestinGod,assuredlyconcluding,thattomeisgivenforgiveness,"&c.,quest.21.SeealsoLargerCatechism,quest.last."Webyfaithareemboldenedtopleadwithhimthathewould,andquietlytorelyuponhimthathewill,fulfilourrequest;andtotestifythisourdesireandassurance,wesay,Amen."Inwhichwords,itismanifest,thatquietlytorelyuponhimthathewill,&c.[thesamewithrestingonhimfor,&c.]isassuranceinthesenseoftheWestminsterdivines.

ThewarranttobelieveinChrist.


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ThewarranttobelieveinChrist.

Neo.But,sir,hathsuchaoneasIanywarranttobelieveinChrist?

Evan.Ibeseechyouconsider,thatGodtheFather,asheisinhisSonJesusChrist,movedwithnothingbutwithhisfreelovetomankindlost,hathmadeadeedofgiftandgrantuntothemall,thatwhosoeverofthemallshallbelieveinthishisSon,shallnotperish,buthaveeternallife.1Andhenceitwas,thatJesusChristhimselfsaiduntohisdisciples,(Mark16:15),"Goandpreachthegospeltoeverycreatureunderheaven":2thatis,Goandtelleverymanwithoutexception,thathereisgoodnewsforhim;Christisdeadforhim;andifhewilltakehim,andacceptofhisrighteousness,heshallhavehim.3Therefore,saysagodlywriter,"ForasmuchastheholyScripturespeakethtoallingeneral,noneofusoughttodistrusthimself,butbelievethatitdothbelongparticularlytohimself."4Andtotheend,thatthispoint,whereinliesandconsiststhewholemysteryofourholyfaith,maybeunderstoodthebetter,letusputthecase,thatsomegoodandholykingshouldcauseaproclamationtobemadethroughhiswholekingdom,bythesoundofatrumpet,thatallrebelsandbanishedmenshallsafelyreturnhometotheirhouses:becausethat,atthesuitanddesertofsomedearfriendoftheirs,ithaspleasedthekingtopardonthem;certainly,noneoftheserebelsoughttodoubt,butthatheshallobtaintruepardonforhisrebellion;andsoreturnhome,andliveundertheshadowofthatgraciousking.Evenso,ourgoodKing,theLordofheavenandearth,has,fortheobedienceanddesertofourgoodbrotherJesusChrist,pardonedalloursins,5andmadeaproclamationthroughoutthewholeworld,6thateveryoneofusmaysafelyreturntoGodinJesusChrist:whereforeIbeseechyoumakenodoubtofit,but

"drawnearwithatrueheartinfullassuranceoffaith,"(Heb10:22).7

Neo.Oh,but,sir,inthissimilitudethecaseisnotalike.Forwhentheearthlykingsendsforthsuchaproclamation,itmaybethoughtthatheindeedintendstopardonall;butitcannotbethoughtthattheKingofheavendoesso:fordonottheScripturessay,that"somemenareordainedbeforetocondemnation"?(Jude4)AnddoesnotChristhimselfsay,that"manyarecalled,butfewarechosen"?(Matt22:14)and,therefore,itmaybe,Iamoneofthemthatareordainedtocondemnation;and,therefore,thoughIbecalled,Ishallneverbechosen,andsoshallnotbesaved.

Evan.Ibeseechyoutoconsider,thatalthoughsomemenbeordainedtocondemnation,yetsolongastheLordhasconcealedtheirnames,andnotsetamarkofreprobationuponanymaninparticular,butoffersthepardongenerallytoall,withouthavinganyrespecteithertoelectionorreprobation,surelyitisgreatfollyinanymantosay,ItmaybeIamnotelected,andthereforeshallnothavebenefitbyit;andthereforeIwillnotacceptofit,norcomein:8foritshouldrathermoveeverymantogivediligence"tomakehiscallingandelectionsure,"(2Peter1:10),bybelievingit,forfearwecomeshortofit,9accordingtothatoftheapostle,"letus,therefore,fear,lestapromisebeingleftusofenteringintohisrest,anyofusshouldseemtocomeshortofit,"(Heb4:1).Wherefore,Ibeseechyou,donotyousay,ItmaybeIamnotelected,andthereforeIwillnotbelieveinChrist;butrathersay,IdobelieveinChrist,andthereforeIamsureIamelected.10AndcheckyourownheartformeddlingwithGod'ssecrets,andpryingintohishiddencounsel,andgonomorebeyondyourbounds,asyouhavedone,inthispoint:forelectionandreprobationisasecret;andtheScripturetellsus,"thatsecretthingsbelonguntoGod,butthosethingsthatarerevealedbelonguntous,"(Deut29:29).NowthisisGod'srevealedwill,for,indeed,itishisexpresscommand,"ThatyoushouldbelieveonthenameofhisSon,"(1John3:23);anditishispromise,"thatifyoubelieve,youshallnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife,"(John3:16).Wherefore,youhavingsogoodawarrantasGod'scommand,andsogreatanencouragementashispromise,doyourduty;11andbythedoingthereofyoumayputit12outofquestion,andbesurethatyouarealsooneofGod'select.Say,then,Ibeseechyou,withafirmfaith,TherighteousnessofJesusChristbelongstoallthatbelieve,butIbelieve,13andthereforeitbelongstome.Yea,saywithPaul,"IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGodwholovedme,andgavehimselfforme,"(Gal2:20)."Hesawinme[saysLutheronthetext]nothingbutwickedness,goingastray,andfleeingfromhim.

YetthisgoodLordhadmercyonme,andofhismeremercyhelovedme,yea,solovedme,thathegavehimselfforme.Whoisthisme?EvenI,wretchedanddamnablesinner,wassodearlybelovedoftheSonofGodthathegavehimselfforme."

Oh!printthisword"me"inyourheart,andapplyittoyourownself,notdoubtingbutthatyouareoneofthosetowhomthis"me"belongs.14

Neo.ButmaysuchavileandsinfulwretchasIambepersuadedthatGodcommandsmetobelieve,andthathehathmadeapromisetome?15

Evan.Whydoyoumakeaquestion,wherethereisnonetobemade?"Go,"saysChrist,"andpreachthegospeltoeverycreatureunderheaven,"thatis,Gotelleverymanwithoutexception,whatsoeverhissinsbe,whatsoeverhisrebellionsbe,goandtellhimthesegladtidings,thatifhewillcomein,Iwillacceptofhim,hissinsshallbeforgivenhim,andheshallbesaved;ifhewillcomeinandtakeme,andreceiveme,Iwillbehislovinghusband,andheshallbemineowndearspouse.Letme,therefore,sayuntoyou,inthewordsoftheapostle,"Now,then,IasanambassadorforChrist,asthoughGoddidbeseechyoubyme,Iprayyou,inChrist'sstead,beyereconcileduntoGod;forhehathmadehimtobesinforyou,whoknewnosin,thatyemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim,"(2Cor5:20,21).

Neo.Butdoyousay,sir,thatifIbelieveIshallbeespouseduntoChrist?

Evan.Yea,indeed,shallyou:forfaithcoupleththesoulwithChrist,evenasthespousewithherhusband;bywhichmeansChristandthesoularemadeone:foras,incorporalmarriage,manandwifearemadeoneflesh,evensointhisspiritualandmysticalmarriage,Christandhisspousearemadeonespirit.Andthismarriage,ofallothers,ismostperfect,andabsolutelyaccomplishedbetweenthem;forthemarriagebetweenmanandwifeisbutaslenderfigureofthisunion;wherefore,Ibeseechyoutobelieveit,andthenyoushallbesuretoenjoyit.16

Neo.But,sir,ifDavidsaid,"Seemethittoyoualightthingtobeanearthlyking'sson-in-law,seeingthatIamapoormanandlightlyesteemed"?(1Sam18:23);thensurelyIhavemuchmorecausetosay,SeemethitalightthingtobeaheavenlyKing'sdaughter-in-law,seeingthatIamsuchapoorsinfulwretch?Surely,sir,Icannotbepersuadedtobelieveit.

Evan.Alas!man,howmuchareyoumistaken!foryoulookuponGod,anduponyourself,withtheeyeofreason;andsoasstandinginrelationtoeachother,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofworks:whereas,youbeingnowinthecaseofjustificationandreconciliation,youaretolookbothuponGodanduponyourselfwiththeeyeoffaith;andsostandinginrelationtoeachother,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace.For,saystheapostle,"GodwasinChrist,reconcilingtheworlduntohimself,notimputingtheirsinsuntothem,"(2Cor5:19);asifhehadsaid,BecauseasGodstandsinrelationtoman,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofworks,andsooutofChrist,hecouldnot,withoutprejudicetohisjustice,bereconcileduntothem,norhaveanythingtodowiththem,otherwisethaninwrathandindignation;thereforetotheintentthatJusticeandMercymightmeettogether,andRighteousnessandPeacemightembraceeachother,andsoGodstandinrelationtoman,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace;heputhimselfintohisSonJesusChrist,andshroudedhimselfthere,thatsohemightspeakpeacetohispeople,(Psa85:8-10).Sweetly,saysLuther,"BecausethenatureofGodwasotherwisehigherthanthatweareabletoattainuntoit,thereforehathhehumbledhimselfforus,andtakenournatureuponhim,andsoputhimselfintoChrist.Herehelookethforus,herehewillreceiveus;andhethatseekethhimhereshallfindhim."17"This,"saysGodtheFather,"ismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased,"(Matt3:17);whereuponthesameLuthersaysinanotherplace,"WemustnotthinkandpersuadeourselvesthatthisvoicecamefromheavenforChrist'sownsake,butforoursakes,evenasChristhimselfsays,(John12:30),'Thisvoicecamenotbecauseofme,butforyoursakes.'Thetruthis,Christhadnoneedthatitshouldbesaiduntohim,'ThisismybelovedSon,'heknewthatfromalleternity,andthatheshouldstillsoremain,thoughthesewordshadnotbeenspokenfromheaven;therefore,bythesewords,GodtheFather,inChristhisSon,cheerstheheartsofpoorsinners,andgreatlydelightsthemwithsingularcomfortandheavenlysweetness,assuringthem,thatwhosoeverismarrieduntoChrist,andsoinhimbyfaith,heisasacceptabletoGodtheFatherasChristhimself;18accordingtothatoftheapostle,'Hehathmadeusacceptableinhisbeloved,'(Eph1:6).Wherefore,ifyouwouldbeacceptabletoGod,andbemadehisdearchild,thenbyfaithcleaveuntohisbelovedSonChrist,andhangabouthisneck,yea,andcreepintohisbosom;andsoshalltheloveandfavourofGodbeasdeeplyinsinuatedintoyouasitisintoChristhimself;andsoshallGodtheFather,togetherwithhisbelovedSon,whollypossessyou,andbepossessedofyou;andsoGod,andChrist,andyou,shallbecomeoneentirething,accordingtoChrist'sprayer,'thattheymaybeoneinus,asthouandIareone,'(John

17:21)."19Andbythismeansyoumayhavesufficientgroundandwarranttosay,[inthematterofreconciliationwithGodatanytime,whensoeveryouaredisputingwithyourself,howGodistobefound,thatjustifiesandsavessinners,]IknownootherGod,neitherwillIknowanyotherGod,besidesthisGod,thatcamedownfromheaven,andclothedhimselfwithmyflesh,20unto"whomallpowerisgiven,bothinheavenandinearth,"whoismyjudge;"fortheFatherjudgethnoman,buthathcommittedalljudgmenttotheSon,"(John5:22).SothatChristmaydowithmewhatsoeverheliketh,anddetermineofmeaccordingtohisownmind;andIamsurehehathsaid,"hecamenottojudgetheworldbuttosavetheworld,"(John12:47).AndthereforeIdobelievethathewillsaveme.21

Neo.Indeed,sir,ifIweresoholyandsorighteousassomemenare,andhadsuchpowerovermysinsandcorruptionsassomemenhave,thenIcouldeasilybelieveit;but,alas!Iamsosinfulandsounworthyawretch,thatIdarenotpresumetobelievethatChristwillacceptofme,soastojustifyandsaveme.

Evan.Alas!man,inthussaying,youseemtocontradictandgainsayboththeapostlePaul,andourLordJesusChristhimself;andthatagainstyourownsoul:forwhereastheapostlePaulsays,"thatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners,"(1Tim1:15),anddothjustifytheungodly,(Rom4:5),why,youseemtohold,anddoineffectsay,thatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavetherighteous,andtojustifythegodly.AndwhereasourSavioursays,thewholeneednotaphysician,butthesick;andthathecamenottocalltherighteousbutsinnerstorepentance,(Matt9:12);why,youseemtohold,anddoineffectsay,thatthesickneednotaphysician,butthewhole:andthathecame,nottocallsinners,buttherighteoustorepentance.Andindeed,insosaying,youseemtoconceive,thatChrist'sspousemustbepurified,washed,andcleansedfromallherfilthiness,andadornedwitharichrobeofrighteousness,beforehewillacceptofher;whereashehimselfsaiduntoher,(Eze16:4-8),"Asforthynativity,inthedaythatthouwastborn,thynavelwasnotcut,neitherwastthouwashedwithwatertosupplethee;thouwastnotswaddledatall,norsaltedatall.Noeyepitiedtheetodoanyofthesethingsuntothee;butwhenIpassedbythee,andlookeduponthee,beholdthytimewasatimeoflove.AndIspreadmyskirtoverthee,andcoveredthynakedness;yea,andIswareuntothee,andenteredintocovenantwiththee,andthoubecamestmine."(Hosea2:19),"AndIwillmarrytheeuntomeforever;yea,Iwillmarrytheeuntomeinrighteousness,andinjudgment,andinmercy,andcompassion."

Wherefore,Ibeseechyou,revokethisyourerroneousopinion,andcontradictthewordoftruthnolonger;butconcludeforacertainty,thatitisnottherighteousandgodlyman,butthesinfulandungodlyman,22thatChristcametocall,justify,andsave:sothatifyouwerearighteousandgodlyman,youwereneithercapableofcalling,justifying,orsavingbyChrist;butbeingasinfulandungodlyman,IwillbeboldtosayuntoyouasthepeoplesaiduntoblindBartimeus,(Mark10:49),"Beofgoodcomfort;arise,hecalleththee,"andwilljustifyandsavethee.23Gothenuntohim,Ibeseechyou;andifhecomeandmeetthee,[ashismanneris,]thendonotyouunadvisedlysay,withPeter,"Departfromme,forIamasinfulman,OLord!"(Luke5:8);butsay,inplainterms,Ocomeuntome;forIamasinfulman,OLord!Yea,goonfurther,andsay,asLutherbidsyou,MostgraciousJesusandsweetChrist,Iamamiserable,poorsinner,and,therefore,dojudgemyselfunworthyofthygrace;butyetI,havinglearnedfromthywordthatthysalvationbelongsuntosuchaone,thereforedoIcomeuntothee,toclaimthatrightwhich,throughthygraciouspromise,belongsuntome.Assureyourself,man,thatJesusChristrequiresnoportionwithhisspouse;no,verily,herequiresnothingwithherbutmerepoverty:"therichhesendsemptyaway,"(Luke1:53);butthepoorarebyhimenriched.And,indeed,saysLuther,"themoremiserable,sinful,anddistressedamandothfeelhimself,andjudgehimselftobe,themorewillingisChristtoreceivehimandrelievehim."Sothat,sayshe,injudgingthyselfunworthy,thoudosttherebybecometrulyworthy;andso,indeed,hastgottenagreateroccasionofcomingtohim.Wherefore,then,inthewordsoftheapostle,Idoexhortandbeseechyouto"comeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace,thatyoumayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed,"(Heb4:16).

Neo.But,truly,sir,myheart,asitwere,trembleswithinme,tothinkofcomingtoChrist,aftersuchaboldmanner;andsurely,sir,ifIshouldsocomeuntohim,itwouldarguemuchprideandpresumptioninme.

Evan.Indeed,ifyoushouldbeencouragedtocomeuntoChristandtospeakthusuntohim,becauseofanygodliness,righteousness,orworthiness,thatyouconceivetobeinyou;that,Iconfess,wereproudpresumptioninyou.ButtocometoChrist,bybelievingthathewillacceptofyou,justify,andsaveyoufreelybyhisgrace,accordingtohisgraciouspromise,thisisneitherpridenorpresumption:24forChristhavingtenderedandofferedittoyoufreely,believeit,itistruehumilityofhearttotakewhatChristoffersyou.

Nom.But,byyourfavour,sir,Iprayyougivemeleavetospeakawordbythe

way.Iknowmyneighbour,Neophytus,itmaybe,betterthanyoudo;yetIdonotintendtochargehimwithanysin,otherwisethanbywayofsupposition:asthus,supposehehasbeenguiltyofthecommittingofgrossandgrievoussins,willChristacceptofhim,andjustifyandsavehimforallthat?

Evan.Yes,indeed;forthereisnolimitationofGod'sgraceinJesusChrist,exceptthesinagainsttheHolyGhost.25Christ"standsatthedoorandknocks,"(Rev3:20).AndifanymurderingManasseh,oranypersecutingandblasphemingSaul,(1Tim1:13),oranyadulterousMaryMagdalene,"willopenuntohim,hewillcomein,"andbringcomfortwithhim,"andwillsupwithhim.""Seekfromtheoneendoftheheavenstotheother,"saysHooker;"turnalltheBibleover,andseeifthewordsofChristbenottrue,'Himthatcomethuntome,Iwillinnowayscastout,'"(John6:37).

Nom.Why,then,sir,itseemsyouhold,thatthevilestsinnerintheworldoughtnottobediscouragedfromcominguntoChrist,andbelievinginhim,byreasonofhissins.

Evan.Surely,if"Christcameintotheworldtoseek,andcall,andsavesinners,andtojustifytheungodly,"asyouhaveheard;andifthemoresinful,miserable,anddistressedamanjudgehimselftobe,themorewillingChrististoreceivehimandrelievehim;thenIseenoreasonwhythevilestsinnershouldbediscouragedfrombelievingonthenameofJesusChristbyreasonofhissins.Nay,letmesaymore;thegreateranyman'ssinsare,eitherinnumberornature,themorehasteheshouldmaketocomeuntoChrist,andtosaywithDavid,"Forthyname'ssake,OLord,pardonmineiniquity,foritisgreat!"(Psa25:11).

Ant.Surely,sir,ifmyfriendNeophytusdidrightlyconsiderthesethings,andwereassuredlypersuadedofthetruthofthem,methinksheshouldnotbesobackwardfromcomingtoChrist,bybelievingonhisname,asheis;forifthegreatnessofhissinshouldbesofarfromhinderinghiscomingtoChrist,thattheyshouldfurtherhiscoming,thenIknownotwhatshouldhinderhim.

Evan.Youspeakverytrulyindeed.AndthereforeIbeseechyou,neighbourNeophytus,considerseriouslyofit;andneitherletyourownaccusingconscience,norSatantheaccuserofthebrethren,hinderyouanylongerfromChrist.Forwhatthoughtheyshouldaccuseyouofpride,infidelity,covetousness,lust,anger,envy,andhypocrisy?yea,whatthoughtheyshouldaccuseyouofwhoredom,theft,drunkenness,andsuchlike?yea,dowhatthey

can,theycanmakenoworseamanofyouthanasinner,orchiefofsinners,oranungodlyperson;andso,consequently,suchanoneChristcametojustifyandsave;sothatinverydeed,ifyoudorightlyconsiderofit,theydoyoumoregoodthanhurtbytheiraccusations.26Andtherefore,Ibeseechyou,inallsuchcasesorconflicts,takethecounselofLuther,who,ontheGalatians,[p.20,]says,"Whenthyconscienceisthoroughlyafraidwiththeremembranceofthysinspast,andthedevilassaileththeewithgreatviolence,goingabouttooverwhelmtheewithheaps,floods,andwholeseasofsins,toterrifythee,andtodrawtheefromChrist;thenarmthyselfwithsuchsentencesasthese:ChristtheSonofGodwasgiven,notfortheholy,righteous,worthy,andsuchaswerehisfriends;butforthewickedsinners,fortheunworthy,andforhisenemies.Wherefore,ifthedevilsay,Thouartasinner,andthereforemustbedamned;thenanswerthou,andsay,BecausethousayestIamasinner,thereforewillIberighteousandsaved.Andifhereply,Nay,sinnersmustbedamned;thenanswerthou,andsay,No,forIfleetoChrist,whohathgivenhimselfformysins;and,therefore,Satan,inthatthousayestIamasinner,thougivestmearmourandweaponsagainstthyself,thatwiththineownswordImaycutthythroat,andtreadtheeundermyfeet."27AndthusyouseeitisthecounselofLuther,thatyoursinsshouldratherdriveyoutoChristthankeepyoufromhim.

Nom.But,sir,supposehehathnotasyettrulyrepentedforhismanyandgreatsins,hathheanywarranttocomeuntoChrist,bybelieving,tillhehasdoneso?

Evan.Itellyoutruly,thatwhatsoeveramanis,orwhatsoeverhehathdoneornotdone,hehathwarrantenoughtocomeuntoChristbybelieving,ifhecan;28forChristmakesageneralproclamation,saying,"Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters;andhethathathnomoney,come,buyandeat;yea,come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoney,andwithoutprice."This,yousee,isthecondition,"buywineandmilk,"thatis,graceandsalvation,"withoutmoney,"thatis,withoutanysufficiencyofyourown;29only"inclineyourearandhear,andyoursoulsshalllive";yea,livebyhearingthat"Christwillmakeaneverlastingcovenantwithyou,eventhesuremerciesofDavid."

[Contents]

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Mr.Culverwell'swords,herecited,standthusatlarge:"Themattertobebelieveduntosalvationisthis,thatGodtheFather,movedbynothingbuthisfreelovetomankindlost,hathmadeadeedofgiftandgrantofhissonChristJesusuntomankind,thatwhosoeverofallmankindshallreceivehisgiftbyatrueandlivelyfaith,heshallnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife."Dr.Gouge,inhisprefacetothistreatiseofthatauthor,hastheseremarkablewordsconcerninghim,"Neveranytooksuchpainstosogoodpurpose,inandaboutthefoundationoffaith,ashehathdone."

Thisdeedofgiftandgrant,orauthenticgospel-offer[ofwhichseetheprecedingnote]isexpressedinsomanywords,(John3:16),"ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatWHOSOEVERbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife."Wherethegospelcomes,thisgrantispublished,andtheministerialoffermadeandthereisnoexceptionofanyofallmankindinthegrant.Iftherewas,noministerialofferofChristcouldbewarrantablymadetothepartyexcepted,morethantothefallenangels;andwithoutquestion,thepublishingandproclaimingofheaven'sgrantuntoany,bywayofministerialoffer,pre-supposeththegrant,inthefirstplace,tobemadetothem:otherwise,itwouldbeofnomorevaluethanacrier'sofferingoftheking'spardontoonewhoisnotcomprehendedinit.ThisisthegoodoldwayofdiscoveringtosinnerstheirwarranttobelieveinChrist;anditdothindeedbearthesufficiencyofthesacrificeofChristforall,andthatChristcrucifiedistheordinanceofGodforsalvationuntoallmankind,intheuse-makingofwhichonlytheycanbesaved;butnotanuniversalatonementorredemption."Whatisthyfaith?MysurebeliefthatGodbothmayandwillsaveme,&c.Tellmethepromisewhereonthouleanestassuredly?'Whosoever[saysGod]willbelieveinthedeathofmySonJesus,shallnotperish,butgeteternallife.'"Mr.JamesMelvil'sCat.ubisup."HefreelyOFFERETHuntoSINNERSlifeandsalvationbyJesusChrist,requiringofthemfaithinhim,thattheymaybesaved."Mark16:15,16;John3:16;Westm.Confess.chap.7.art.3."ThevisibleChurchhaththeprivilegeofenjoyingOFFERSofgracebyChristtoallthemembersofitintheministryofthegospel,testifyingthatWHOSOEVERbelievesinhimshallbesaved."LargerCatechism,quest.63."Thisgeneraloffer,insubstance,isequivalenttoaspecialoffermadetoeveryoneinparticular,asappearsbytheapostlemakinguseofit,(Acts16:31).Thereasonofwhichofferisgiven,(John3:16)."Pract.UseofSav.Knowledge;Conf.p.380.TheSynodofDortmaybe

heardwithoutprejudiceonthishead."Itisthepromiseofthegospel[saythey,]thatwhosoeverbelievethinChristcrucifiedshouldnotperish,buthavelifeeverlasting;whichpromise,togetherwiththeinjunctionofrepentanceandfaith,oughtpromiscuously,andwithoutdistinction,tobedeclared,andpublishedtoallmenandpeople,towhomGodinhisgoodpleasuresendsthegospel,"chap.2,art.5.Butforasmuchasmany,beingcalledbythegospel,donotrepentnorbelieveinChrist,butperishintheirinfidelity,thiscomesnottopassforwantof,orbyanyinsufficiencyof,thesacrificeofChristoffereduponthecross,butbytheirowndefault,art.6.

[Back][2]Thatis,fromthisdeedofgiftandgrantitwasthattheministerialofferwasappointedtobemadeinthemostextensiveterms.

[Back][3]Thatthereadermayhaveamoreclearviewofthispassage,whichistakenfromDr.Preston'sTreatiseofFaith,Ishalltranscribethewholeparagraphinwhichitisfound.Thateminentdivine,speakingofthatrighteousnessbywhichalonewecanbesaved,andhavingshownthatitiscommunicatedbygift,says,"Butwhenyouhearthisrighteousnessisgiven,thenextquestionwillbe,towhomisitgiven?Ifitbeonlygiventosome,whatcomfortisthistome?But[whichisthegroundofallcomfort,]itisgiventoeveryman,thereisnotamanexcepted;forwhichwehavethesurewordofGod,whichwillnotfail.Whenyouhavethecharterofakingwellconfirmed,youreckonitamatterofgreatmoment:whatisitthenwhenyouhavethecharterofGodhimself?whichyoushallevidentlyseeinthosetwoplaces,(Mark16:15),'Goandpreachthegospeltoeverycreatureunderheaven';Whatisthat?Goandtelleveryman,withoutexceptionthathereisgoodnewsforhim;Christisdeadforhim:andifhewilltakehim,andacceptofhisrighteousness,heshallhaveit;restraintisnot;butgotelleverymanunderheaven.Theothertextis,(Rev22:17),'Whosoeverwill,lethimcome,andtakeofthewateroflifefreely.'Thereisaquicunquevult,whosoeverwillcome[noneexcepted]mayhavelife,anditshallcosthimnothing.ManyotherplacesofScripturetherebetoprovethegeneralityoftheoffer;andhavingasurewordforit,considerit,"p.7,8.Thewords"underheaven"aretakenfromColossians1:23.Thescopehereisthesamewiththatofourauthor,nottodetermineconcerningtheextentofChrist'sdeath,buttodiscoverthewarrantsinnershavetobelieveinChrist,namely,thattheofferofChristisgeneral,thedeedofgiftorgrantistoeveryman.ThisnecessarilysupposethChristcrucifiedtobetheordinanceofGodforsalvation,towhichlostmankindisallowedaccess,andnotfallenangels,forwhomthereisnoneprovided:evenasthecityofrefugewastheordinanceofGodforthesafetyof

theman-slayer,whohadkilledanypersonunawares,(Num35:16);andthebrazenserpentforthecureofthosebittenbyaserpent,(21:8).Thereforehesaysnot,"TelleverymanChristdiedforhim";but,Telleveryman"Christisdeadforhim";thatis,forhimtocometo,andbelieveon;aSaviourisprovidedforhim;thereisacrucifiedChristforhim,theordinanceofheavenforsalvationforlostman,intheuse-makingofwhichhemaybesaved;evenasonehadsaidofold,Telleverymanthathathslainanypersonunawares,thatthecityofrefugeispreparedforhim,namely,tofleeto,thathemaybesafe;andeveryonebittenbyaserpent,thatthebrazenserpentissetuponapoleforhim,namely,tolookunto,thathemaybehealed.BoththesewereeminenttypesofChrist;anduponthelatter,theScriptureisfullandclearinthisverypoint.(Num21:8),"AndtheLordsaiduntoMoses,maketheeafieryserpent,andsetituponapole;anditshallcometopass,thatEVERYONEthatisbitten,whenhelookethuponit,shalllive."(John3:14-16),"AndasMoseslifteduptheserpentinthewilderness,evensomustthesonofmanbeliftedup;thatWHOSOEVERbelievethonhimshouldnotperishbuthaveeternallife.""ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatWHOSOEVER,"&c.

Thus,what[accordingtoDr.Prestonandourauthor]istobetoldeveryman,isnomorethanwhatministersofthegospelhaveincommissionfromtheirgreatMaster,(Matt22:4),"Tellthemwhicharebidden,Behold,Ihavepreparedmydinner:myoxenandmyfatlingsarekilled,andallthingsareready,comeuntothemarriage."ThereisacrucifiedSaviour,withallsavingbenefits,forthemtocometo,feedupon,andpartakeoffreely.SeealsoLuke2:30,31;Proverbs9:2-4;Isaiah25:6.

Toconfirmthistobethetrueanddesignedsenseofthephraseinquestion,comparethefollowingthreepassages,ofthesametreatise,givingtheimportofthesametext,(Mark16),"Christhathprovidedarighteousnessandsalvation,thatis,hisworkthathehathdonealready.Now,ifyewillbelieve,andtakehimuponthesetermsthatheisoffered,youshallbesaved.This,Isay,belongstoallmen.Thisyouhaveexpressedinthegospelinmanyplaces:'Ifyoubelieveyoushallbesaved':asitis,(Mark16),'Goandpreachthegospeltoeverycreatureunderheaven;hethatwillbelieveshallbesaved.'"PrestononFaith,p.32."YoumustfirsthaveChristhimself,beforeyoucanpartakeofthosebenefitsbyhim:andthatItaketobethemeaningofthatinMark16,'Gopreachthegospeltoeverycreatureunderheaven;hethatbelievethandisbaptized,shallbesaved';thatis,hethatwillbelieve,thatJesusChristiscomeintheflesh,andthatheisofferedtomankindforaSaviour,andwillbebaptized;thatwillgiveuphimself

tohim,thatwilltakehismarkuponhim,shallbesaved."Ibid.p.46."Goandpreachthegospeltoeverycreature;goandtelleverymanunderheaven,thatChristisofferedtohim,heisfreelygiventohimbyGodtheFather;andthereisnothingrequiredofyoubutthatyoumarryhim,nothingbuttoacceptofhim."Ibid.p.75.

Thus,itappears,thatuniversalatonement,orredemption,isnottaughthere,neitherbyourauthor.Butthatthecandidreadermaybesatisfiedastohissentimentstouchingthequestion,"forwhomChristdied"?lethimweighthesetwothings:

1.Ourauthorputsaman'sbeingpersuadedthatChristdiedforhiminparticular,inthedefinitionofsavingfaith,andthatasthelastandhigheststepofit.ButArminians,andotherUniversalists,mightaswellputthereaman'sbeingpersuadedthathewascreated,orispreservedbyJesusChrist;sinceinbeingpersuadedthatChristdiedforhim,heappliesnomoretohimselfthanwhat,accordingtotheirprinciples,iscommontoallmankind,asinthecaseofcreationandpreservation.HearGrotiusuponthishead:"Some,"sayshe,"havehereinterpretedfaithtobepersuasion,wherebyamanbelievesthatJesusdiedforhiminparticular,andtopurchasesalvationallmannerofwaysforhim,or[whatwiththemisthesamething]thatheiselected;when,onthecontrary,Paulinmanyplacesteaches,'thatChristdiedforallmen';andsuchafaithastheytalkof,hasnotinitanythingtrueorprofitable."GrotiusapudPol.Synop.Thosewhomthislearnedadversaryheretaxes,areProtestantanti-Arminiandivines.Thoseweretheywhodefinedfaithbysuchapersuasion,andnottheUniversalists.Onthecontrary,hearguesagainstthatdefinitionoffaithfromthedoctrineofuniversalatonementorredemption.Herejectsthatdefinitionofit,asinhisopinionhavingnothinginittrue,namely,accordingtotheprinciplesofthosewhogaveit,viz:thatChristdied,notforallandeverymaninparticular,butfortheelectonly,andashavingnothinginitprofitable;thatbeing,accordingtohisprinciples,thecommonprivilegeofallmankind.

2.Heteachesplainlythroughoutthebook,thattheyweretheelect,thechosen,orbelievers,whomChristrepresented,andobeyed,andsufferedfor.Seeamongothers,pages22,23,54,86.Ishallrepeatonlytwopassages;theone,page81:"AccordingtothateternalandmutualagreementthatwasbetwixtGodtheFatherandhim,heputhimselfintheroomandplaceofallthefaithful."Theotherinthefirstsentenceofhisownpreface,viz:"JesusChrist,thesecondAdam,did,asacommonperson,enterintocovenantwithGodhisFatherforall

theelect,[thatistosay,allthosethathaveorshallbelieveonhisname,]andforthemkeptit."Whatcanbemoreplainthanthat,inthejudgmentofourauthor,theyweretheelectwhomJesusChrist,thesecondAdam,enteredintocovenantwithGodfor;thatitwasintheelect'sroomheputhimselfwhenhecameactuallytoobeyandsuffer,andthatitwasfortheelecthekeptthatcovenant,bydoingandsufferingwhatwasrequiredofhimasourRedeemer?Asforthedescription,orcharacterhegivesoftheelect,viz:thatbytheelectheunderstandsallthathaveorshallbelieveinit,hefollowsourLordhimself,(John17:20),"NeitherprayIforthesealone,butforthemalsowhichshallbelieveonme";andsodoing,heisaccompaniedwithorthodoxdivines."ThusdidthesinofallGod'select,oralltruebelievers,[forofsuch,andonlysuch,hethere,viz:(Isa53:6),speaks,]meettogetherupontheheadoftheircommonsurety,theLordChrist,"Brinsley'sMesites,p.64."TheFatheriswellsatisfiedwiththeundertakingsoftheSon,whoenteredRedeemerandSuretytopaytheransomofbelievers,"Pract.UseofSavingKnowl.tit.4."Theinvisiblechurchisthewholenumberoftheelectthathavebeen,are,orshallbegatheredintoone,underChristthehead,"Larg.Cat.quest.64."Christ'schurch,whereinstandethonlyremissionofsins,purchasedbyChrist'sbloodtoallthemthatbelieve,"TheConfess.ofFaithusedinGeneva,approvedbytheChurchofScotland,sect.4.sect.ult.ButArminiansneitherwillnorcan,inconsistencywiththeirprinciplestouchingelectionandthefallingawayofbelievers,admitthatdescriptionorcharacteroftheelect,elsetheyarewidelymistakenbyoneoftheirown,whotellsusthat,"Upontheconsiderationofhis[viz:Christ's]blood,asshed,he[viz:God]decreed,thatallthosewhoshouldbelieveinthatRedeemer,andpersevereinthatfaith,should,throughmercyandgrace,byhimbemadepartakersofsalvation,"Exam.ofTilen.p.131."Broughtuntofaith,andperseveretherein;thisbeingtheconditionrequiredineveryonethatistobeelecteduntoeternallife,"Ibid.p.139.BeholdtheArminianelection:"TheydoutterlydenythatGoddiddestine,byanabsolutedecree,togiveChristaMediatoronlytotheelect,andtogivefaithtothemalone,"Ibid.p.149.AsforUniversalists,notArminians,"Theycontend,thatthedecreeofthedeathofChristdidgobeforethedecreeofelection,andthatGod,insendingofChrist,hadnorespectuntosome,morethanothers,butdestinedChristforaSaviourtoallmenalike."ThisaccountoftheirprinciplesisgivenusbyTurretine,loc.14,q.14,th.6.Ileaveittotheimpartialreadertojudgeoftheevidentcontrarietybetwixtthisandourauthor'swordsaboverepeated.

[Back][4]Namely,thedeedofgiftandgrant,ortheofferofChristintheword,ofwhichourauthorisallalongspeaking.Andiftherebeanymantowhomit

dothnotbelongparticularly,thatmanhathnowarranttobelieveonJesusChrist:andwhosoeverpretendstobelieveonhim,withoutbelievingthatthegrantorofferbelongstohimselfparticularly,doesbutactpresumptuously,asseeingnowarranthehastobelieveonChrist,whateverothersmayhave.

[Back][5]Sofarashehathmadethedeedofgiftandgrant,orauthenticgospel-offerofthepardonofalloursins,asofallothersavingbenefitsinChrist.Suchathing,amongmen,iscalledtheking'spardon,though,inthemeantime,nonehavethebenefitofitbutsuchascomeinuponitsbeingproclaimed,andacceptofit;andwhymaynotitbecalledtheKingofheaven'spardon?TheholyScripturewarrantsthismannerofexpression."Andthisistherecord,thatGodhathgiventouseternallife,"(1John5:11);inwhichlife,withoutquestion,thepardonofalloursinsisincluded:"Throughthismanispreacheduntoyoutheforgivenessofsins,"(Acts13:38).Thepreachingofthegospelistheproclaimingofpardontocondemnedsinners.Butpardonofsincannotbepreachedorproclaimed,unless,inthefirstplace,itbegranted,evenastheking'spardonmustbe,beforeonecanproclaimittotherebels.

Thatthisisallthatismeantbypardonhere,andnotaformalpersonalpardon,isevidentfromthewholestrainoftheauthor'sdiscourseuponit.Intheproposalofthesimile,whereofthispassageistheapplication,hetellsus,thatafterithathpleasedtheking[thus]topardontherebels,theyoughtnottodoubtbuttheyshallobtainpardon;andinthefollowingparagraphhebringsinNeophytusobjecting,thatinsuchacaseanearthlykingdothindeedintendtopardonall,buttheKingofheavendothnotso;thewhichEvangelistainhisanswergrants.Sothat,forallthisgeneralpardon,theformalpersonalpardonremainstobeobtainedbythesinner,namely,byhisacceptingofthepardonoffered.Andintheforesaidanswer,heexpoundsthepardoninquestion,oftheLord'sofferingpardongenerallytoall.This,onewouldthink,maywellbeadmittedasthefruitofChrist'sobedienceanddesert,withoutsupposinganuniversalatonementorredemption.Andtorestrainittoanysetofmenwhatsoeverunderheaven,istorestraintheauthenticgospel-offer:ofwhichbefore.

[Back][6](Col1:23):"Thegospelwhichyehaveheard,andwhichwaspreachedtoeverycreaturewhichisunderheaven."

[Back][7]Makenodoubtofthepardonoffered,oroftheproclamation,bearing,thateveryoneofusmaysafelyreturntoGodinChrist;butthereupondrawneartohiminfullassuranceoffaith.Thattherecanbenosavingfaith,noacceptance

withGod,wherethereisanydoubting,iswhatcanhardlyenterintotheheadofanysoberChristian,ifheisnotunderagrievoustemptation,inhisownsoul'scase,norisitintheleastinsinuatedhere.Nevertheless,thedoubtingmixedwithfaithissin,anddishonourethGod,andbelievershavegroundtobehumbledforit,andashamedofit,beforetheLord;andthereforethefullassuranceoffaithisduty.ThePapistsindeedcontendearnestlyfordoubting,andtheyknowveryverywell,whereforetheysodo;fordoubtingbeingremoved,andtheassuranceoffaithinthepromiseofthegospelbroughtintoitsroom,theirmarketismarred,theirgainbyindulgences,masses,pilgrimages,&c.,isgone,andthefireofpurgatoryextinguished.But,asProtestantdivinesproveagainstthem,theholyScripturecondemnsit,(Matt14:31),"Othouoflittlefaith!whereforedidstthoudoubt?"(Luke12:29),"Neitherbeyeofdoubtfulmind."(1Tim2:8),"Liftingupholyhands,withoutwrathanddoubting."

[Back][8]Hadtheauthoroncedreamtofanuniversalpardon,otherwisethanthatGodoffersthepardongenerallytoall,allthishadbeenneedless;itwouldhavefurnishedhimwithashortanswer,viz:ThatGodhathpardonedallalready.

[Back][9]Bybelievingtheofferedpardon,withparticularapplicationtohimself;withoutwhichonecanneveracceptofit,butwillundoubtedlycomeshortofit.

[Back][10]LikethatmanmentionedMark9:24,whoatoncedidandsaid.

[Back][11]BelieveonthenameofChrist.

[Back][12]Namely,yourbelieving.

[Back][13]Thisiswhatiscommonlycalledthereflexactoffaith,whichpresupposes,andhereincludesthedirectact,namely,aman'sdoingofhisduty,inobediencetothecommandtobelieveonChrist;byreflectingonwhich,hemayputitoutofquestionthatheisabeliever,oneofGod'select,andoneofthoseforwhomChristdied.ThispassageistakenoutofDr.Preston'sTreatiseofFaith,p.8.

[Back][14]"Thismannerofapplying,"saysLuther,"istheverytrueforceandpoweroffaith."

[Back][15]Hehadtoldhim,thatforhiswarranttobelieveonChrist,hehadGod'scommand,(1John3:23).Andforhisencouragement,God'spromise,

(John3:16).Thereuponthisquestionismoved;theparticularapplicationtooneselfbeingamatterofnosmalldifficultyintheexperienceofmanywholaysalvationtoheart.

[Back][16]Believethewordofpromise,theofferofthespiritualmarriage,whichisChrist'sdeclaredconsenttobeyours.Believethatitismadetoyouinparticular,andthatitshallbemadeouttoyou;thewhichis,toembracetheoffer,toreceiveChrist,astheevangelistteaches,(John1:12);[whichwasadvertedtobefore;]soshallyoubeindeedmarriedorespousedtoChrist.ThustheholyScriptureproposesthismatter,(Isa55:3),"Hearandyoursoulshalllive,andIwillmakeaneverlastingcovenantwithyou";topersuadeusoftherealityofthecovenantbetwixtGodandthebelieverofhisword,"theFatherhathmadeafourfoldgift,"&c.,Pract.UseofSav.Knowl.tit.;WarranttoBeliever,fig.7;compareIsaiah53:1;Hebrews4:1,2.

[Back][17]AneminenttypeofthisgloriousmysterywasthattabernaclesooftenmentionedintheOldTestamentunderthenameofthetabernacleofthecongregation,orratherthetabernacleofmeeting,astheoriginalwordbears;andtheLordhimselfseemstogivethereasonofthename,(Exo30:36),"Inthetabernacleofthecongregation,whereIwillmeetwiththee";or,"inthetabernacleofmeeting,whereIwillbemetwithbythee."(33:7),"Anditcametopass,thateveryonewhichsoughttheLord,wentoutuntothetabernacleofthecongregation,"ormeeting.

[Back][18]Theacceptation,love,andthefavourofGodheretreatedof,donotrefertotherealstateofbelievers,buttotherelativestate,totheirjustification,reconciliation,andadoption:andsotheyhavenorespecttoanyqualitiesinherentinthem,goodorevil,tobeincreasedbytheone,ordiminishedbytheother;buttheyproceedpurelyupontherighteousnessofChrist,whichistheirsinvirtueoftheirunionwithhim,andisimputedtothem;thewhichrighteousnessistheself-samerighteousnesswherewithChrist,asMediatorandSuretyforelectsinners,pleasedtheFather.Andtherefore,saysone,whomnobodysuspectsofAntinomianism,"WeareasperfectlyrighteousasChristtheRighteous,"citing1John3:7:"Hethatdothrighteousnessisrighteous,evenasheisrighteous,"IsaacAmbrose'sMedia,chap.1,sect.2,p.4.ThisItaketobethetruemeaningofthepassagesofourauthorandIsaacAmbrose,expressedintermsstrongerthanIwoulddesiretouse.ThereisadangerinexpressingconcerningGodevenwhatistrue.

[Back][19]Theoriginalwordhererendered"one,"indeedsignifies"onething."Anditisevidentfromthetext,thatbelieversareunitedtoGodaswellastoChrist."Faithisthatgracebywhichweareunitedto,andmadeonewith,GodandChrist,"saystheauthoroftheSupplementtoPoole'sAnnot.ontheplace.See1John4:16;2Corinthians4:16,comparedwithEphesians3:17.AndwhosoeverownsJesusChristtobeonewiththeFather,mustneedsgrantthis,orelsedenybelieverstobeunitedtoChrist.ThisderogatesnothingfromtheprerogativeofourLordJesus,whoisonewiththeFather;forheisonewithhim,astheHolyGhostalsois,bytheadorablesubstantialunion;butbelieversaresoonlybymysticalunion.NeitherdoesitentrenchuponGod'ssupremacy,morethantheirconfessedunionwithChristdoes;who,notwithstandingofbelievers'unionwithhim,remainstobe,withtheFatherandHolySpirit,theonlysupreme,andmosthighGod.

"Whosoever,therefore,cleavethtoChristthroughfaith,heabidethinthefavourofGod,healsoshallbemadebelovedandacceptableasChristis,andshallhavefellowshipwiththeFatherandtheSon."Luther'sChosenSermons,SermonoftheAppearingofChrist,p.23."HereIwillabideinthearmsofChrist,cleavinginseparablyabouthisneck,andcreepingintohisbosom,whatsoeverthelawshallsay,andmyheartshallfeel,"Ibid.SermonoftheLostSheep,p.81."Seeing,therefore,thatChrist,thebelovedSon,beinginsogreatfavourwithGodinallthingsthathedoes,isthine;withoutdoubt,thouartinthesamefavourandloveofGodthatChristhimselfisin."Andagain,"thefavourandloveofGodareinsinuatedtotheeasdeeplyastoChrist,thatnowGod,togetherwithhisbelovedSon,doeswhollypossessthee,andthouhasthimagainwholly;thatsoGod,Christ,andthou,dobecomeasonecertainthing,thattheymaybeoneinus,asthouandIareone,John17."Ibid.SermonoftheAppearingofChrist,p.25.

[Back][20]Luther,fromwhomthisistaken,intheplacequotedbyourauthor,confirmsitthus;"ForhethatisasearcherofGod'smajesty,shallbeoverwhelmedofhisglory.Iknow[addshe]byexperience,whatIsay.Butthesevainspirits,whichsodealwithGod,thattheyexcludetheMediator,donotbelieveme."AndonPsalm130,hehastheseremarkablewords,"Egosepe,etlibenterhocinculco,utextraChristum,oculosetauresclaudatis,etdicatisnullumvosscireDeumnisiquifuitingremioMaria,etsuxituberaejus":thatis,"OftenandwillinglydoIinculcatethis,thatyoushouldshutyoureyesandyourears,andsay,youknownoGodoutofChrist,nonebuthimthatwasinthelapofMary,andsuckledherbreasts."Hemeansnoneoutofhim.BurroughsonHosea

3:5,p.729.

[Back][21]Thisistheconclusionofthat,whichone,"byfaithcleavinguntoChrist,andhangingabouthisneck,"hasbythatmeanswarranttosay,accordingtoourauthor.Whetherornotthereissufficientwarrantforit,accordingtotheScripture,letthereaderjudge:whatshadowofthedoctrineofuniversalatonement,oruniversalpardon,isinit,Iseenot.

[Back][22]Thatis,suchasarereallyso,andnot,intheirownopinion,onlyrespectively.

[Back][23]Asthepeople,observingChrist'scalltoBartimeus,bidhimbeofgoodcomfort,[orbeconfident]andarise;intimating,thatuponhisgoingsountoChrist,hewouldcurehim;soone,observingthegospelcall,maywithallboldnessbidasinnercomplywithitconfidently;assuringhimthatthereuponChristwilljustifyandsavehim.

[Back][24]Itistobelievetheofferofthegospel,withparticularapplication;toembraceit,andthereintoreceiveChrist.AndnomancaneverreceiveandrestonChristforsalvation,withoutbelieving,ingreater,orlessermeasure,thatChristwillacceptofhimtojustificationandsalvation.Removethatgospeltruth,thatChristwillacceptofhim,andhisfaithhasnogroundlefttostandupon.

[Back][25]IdoubtifthesinagainsttheHolyGhostcanjustlybesaidtobealimitationofGod'sgraceinJesusChrist.Forintheoriginalauthenticgospel-offer,inwhichistheproperplaceforsuchalimitation[iftherewasany]thatgraceissolaidopentoallmenwithoutexception,thatnomanisexcluded;butthereisfreeaccesstoitforeverymaninthewayofbelieving,(John3:15,16,Rev22:17);andthisofferissometimesintimatedtothesereprobates,whofallintothatsin,elsetheyshouldnotbecapableofit.Itistrue,thatsinisabarinthewayoftheguilty,soastheycanneverpartakeofthegraceofGodinChrist;foritshallneverbeforgiven,(Matt12:31,Mark3:29);andanyfurtherministerialapplicationoftheoffertothemseemstoceasetobelawfulorwarranted,(1John5:16).Butallthisarisesfromtheirownwillful,obstinate,despiteful,andmaliciousrejectingoftheoffer:andfightingagainsttheHolyGhost,whoseofficeitistoapplythegraceofChrist;andnotfromanylimitation,orexclusiveclauseintheoffer,forstillitremainstrue,"Whosoevershallbelieve,shallnotperish."

[Back][26]Whichmayputyouinmind,thatyouareoneofthatsortwhich"ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosave,"(1Tim1:15);andinpleadingformercy,mayfurnishyouwithsuchanargumentasDavidused,(Psa25:11),andthewomanofCanaan,(Matt15:27),"yetthedogseatofthecrumbs,"&c.

[Back][27]Headds,intheplacequoted,theseweightywords,"Isaynotthisfornought;forIhaveoften-timesprovedbyexperience,andIdailyfindwhatanhardmatteritistobelieve[especiallyintheconflictofconscience]thatChristwasgiven,notfortheholy,righteous,worthy,andsuchaswerehisfriends;butforwickedsinners,fortheunworthy,andforhisenemies."

[Back][28]Itisnotinvainadded,"ifhecan";forthereis,inthismatter,agreatdifferencebetwixtwhatasinnermaydo,inpointofwarrant,andwhathewillorcando,inpointoftheevent."Ifwesaytoaman,thephysicianisreadytohealyou;beforeyouwillbehealed,youmusthaveasenseofyoursickness:thissenseisnotrequiredbythephysician[forthephysicianisreadytohealhim];butifhebenotsick,andhaveasenseofit,hewillnotcometothephysician."PrestononFaith,p.12.Imakenoquestion,butbeforeasinnerwillcometoChristbybelieving,hemustbeanawakened,convinced,sensiblesinner;prickedinhisheartwithasenseofhissinandmisery;madetogroanunderhisburdentodespairofrelieffromthelaw,himself,oranyothercreature,andtodesireandthirstafterChristandhisrighteousness;andthisourauthorteachesafterwardsonthissubject.Thesethingsalsoarerequiredofthesinnerinpointofduty.And,therefore,thelawmustbepreachedbyallthosewhowouldpreachChristaright.Butthatthese,oranyotherthingsinthesinner,arerequiredtowarranthim,thathemaycometoChristbybelieving,iswhatIconceivetheScriptureteachesnot;butthegeneralofferofthegospel,ofwhichbefore,warrantseverymanthathemaycome.Andinpractice,itwillbefound,thatrequiringofsuchandsuchqualificationsinsinnerstowarrantthemtobelieveinChrist,isnogreathelptothemintheirwaytowardhim;forasmuchasitengagestheminadoubtfuldisputation,astothebeing,kind,measure,anddegreeoftheirqualificationsforcomingtoChrist;thetimespentinwhichmightbebetterimprovedintheirgoingforwardtoChristforall,bybelieving.AndsincenomancaneverbelieveinChrist,withoutknowingthathehasawarrantforbelievinginhim,otherwisehecanbutactpresumptuously:totellsinners,thatnonemaycometoChrist,orhavewarranttobelieve,butsuchashaveatruerepentance,mustneeds,inaspecialmanner,entangledistressedconsciences,soastheydarenotbelieve,untiltheyknowtheirrepentancetobetruerepentance.Thismustinevitablybetheissueinthatcase;unlesstheydoeitherrejectthatprinciple,orelseventureto

believewithoutseeingtheirwarrant.For,howbeittheyhearofChristandhissalvationofferedinthegospel,thesewillbetothemasforbiddenfruit,whichtheyarenotallowedtotouch,tilloncetheyarepersuaded,thattheyhavetruerepentance.Andbeforetheycanattaintothis,itmustbemadeouttotheirconsciences,thattheirrepentanceisnotlegalbutevangelical,havingsuchcharactersasdistinguishitfromtherepentanceoftheNinevites,Judas,andmanyreprobates.Sothat,onewouldthinkthesuggestingofthisprincipleisbutabadofficedonetoasoulbroughtto"theplaceofthebreakingforthofchildren."Letnomansay,that,arguingatthisrate,onemustknowalsothetruthofhisfaith,beforehecancometoChrist;forfaithisnotaqualificationforcomingtoChrist,butthecomingitself,whichwillhaveitssavingeffectsonthesinner,whetherheknowsthetruthofitornot.

[Back][29]Takethemfreely,andpossessthem;whicheveryoneseestobenopropercondition.

Evangelicalrepentanceaconsequentoffaith.


[Contents][Previous:ThewarranttobelieveinChrist.][Next:ThespiritualmarriagewithJesusChrist.]


Evangelicalrepentanceaconsequentoffaith.

Nom.Butyet,sir,youseethatChristrequiresathirsting,beforeamancomeuntohim,thewhich,Iconceive,cannotbewithouttruerepentance.

Evan.InthelastchapteroftheRevelation,verse17,Christmakesthesamegeneralproclamation,saying,"Lethimthatisathirstcome";andasiftheHolyGhosthadsolongsinceansweredthesameobjectionthatyoursis,itfollowsinthenextwords,"Andwhosoeverwill,lethimtakeofthewateroflifefreely,"evenwithoutthirsting,ifhewill;for"himthatcomethuntome,Iwillinnowisecastout,"1(John6:37).Butbecauseitseemsyouconceiveheoughttorepentbeforehebelieve,Ipraytellmewhatyoudoconceiverepentancetobe,orwhereindoesitconsist?

Nom.Why,Iconceivethatrepentanceconsistsinaman'shumblinghimselfbeforeGod,andsorrowingandgrievingforoffendinghimbyhissins,andinturningfromthemalltotheLord.

Evan.Andwouldyouhaveamantodoallthistruly2beforehecometoChristbybelieving?

Nom.Yea,indeed,Ithinkitisverymeetheshould.

Evan.Why,then,Itellyoutruly,youwouldhavehimtodothatwhichisimpossible.3

For,firstofallgodlyhumiliation,intruepenitents,proceedsfromtheloveofGodtheirgoodFather,andsofromthehatredofthatsinwhichhasdispleasedhim;andthiscannotbewithoutfaith.4

Secondly.SorrowandgrieffordispleasingGodbysin,necessarilyarguetheloveofGod;anditisimpossibleweshouldeverloveGod,tillbyfaithweknowourselveslovedofGod.5

Thirdly.NomancanturntoGod,excepthebefirstturnedofGod:andafterheisturned,herepents;soEphraimsays,"AfterIwasconverted,Irepented,"6(Jer31:19).Thetruthis,arepentantsinnerfirstbelievesthatGodwilldothatwhichhepromiseth,namely,pardonhissin,andtakeawayhisiniquity;thenherestsinthehopeofit;andfromthat,andforit,heleavessin,andwillforsakehisoldcourse,7becauseitisdispleasingtoGod;andwilldothatwhichispleasingandacceptabletohim.8Sothat,firstofall,God'sfavourisapprehended,andremissionofsinsbelieved;9thenuponthatcomethalterationoflifeandconversation.10

Nom.But,sir,asIconceive,theScriptureholdsforth,thattheLordhasappointedrepentancetogobeforefaith;for,isitnotsaid,(Mark1:15),"Repentandbelievethegospel"?

Evan.Totheintentthatyoumayhaveatrueandsatisfactoryanswertothisyourobjection,Iwouldprayyoutoconsidertwothings:

First.Thattheword"repent"intheoriginal,signifiesachangeofourmindsfromfalseways,totheright,andofourheartsfromeviltogood:11andasthatsoninthegospelsaid,"Hewouldnotgo"workinhisfather'svineyard:yetafterwardssaysthetext,"herepentedandwent,"(Matt21:29):thatis,hechangedhismindandwent.

Secondly.Thatinthosedays,whenJohntheBaptistandourSaviourpreached,theirhearersweremostofthemerroneousintheirmindsandjudgments;fortheybeingleavenedwiththedoctrineofthePhariseesandSadducees,ofwhichourSaviourbadehisdisciplestakeheedandbeware,(Matt16:6,12),themostofthemwereofopinion,thattheMessiahwhomtheylookedforshouldbesomegreatandmightymonarch,whoshoulddeliverthemfromtheirtemporalbondage,asIshowedbefore.AndmanyofthemwereoftheopinionofthePharisees,whoheld,thatasanoutwardconformitytotheletterofthelawwassufficienttogainfavourandestimationfrommen,soitwassufficientfortheirjustificationandacceptationbeforeGod,andso,consequently,tobringthemtoheavenandeternalhappiness;and,therefore,fortheseends,theywereverydiligentinfastingandprayer,(Luke18:12-14),andverycarefultopaytithesof

mint,anise,andcummin,andyetdidomittheweightiermattersofthelaw,asjudgment,mercy,faith,andtheloveofGod,(Matt23:23,Luke11:42).Andso,asourSaviourtoldthem,(Matt23:25),"theymadecleantheoutsideofthecup,andoftheplatter,butwithintheywerefullofextortionandexcess."

AnddiversofthemwereoftheopinionoftheSadducees,(Acts23:8),whoheld"thattherewasnoresurrection,neitherangel,norspirit";andsohadalltheirhopesandcomfortinthethingsofthislife,notbelievinganyother.

NowourSaviour,preachingtothesepeople,said,"Thetimeisfulfilled,andthekingdomofGodisathand:repentyeandbelievethegospel."Asifhehadsaid,ThetimesetbytheprophetsforthemanifestationoftheMessiahisfullycome;andhiskingdom,whichisaspiritualandheavenlykingdom,isathand;thereforechangeyourmindsfromfalsewaystoright,andyourheartsfromeviltogood;12anddonotanylongerimagine,thattheMessiahyoulookfor,shallbeonethatshallsaveanddeliveryoufromyourtemporalenemies;butfromyourspiritual,thatis,fromyoursins,andfromthewrathofGod,andfrometernaldamnation;andthereforeputyourconfidencenolongerinyourownrighteousness,thoughyouwalkneversoexactlyaccordingtotheletterofthelaw;butbelievethegladtidingsthatarenowbroughttoyou,namely,thattheMessiahshallsaveyoufromsin,wrath,thedevil,andhell,andbringyoutoeternallifeandglory.Neitherletanyofyouanylongerimagine,thatthereistobenoresurrectionofthedead,andsohaveyourhopesonlyinthislife:butbelievethesegladtidings,thatarenowbroughtuntoyou,concerningtheMessiah;andheshallraiseyouupatthelastday,andgiveyouaneternallife.Now,withsubmissiontobetterjudgments,Idoconceive,thatiftherebeinthebookofGodanyrepentanceexhortedunto,beforefaithinChrist;orifanyrepentancego,eitherinorderofnatureortime,beforefaithinChrist,itisonlysuchalikerepentanceasthis.13

Nom.But,sir,doyouthinkthatthereissuchalikerepentance,thatgoesbeforefaithinChrist,inmennow-a-days?

Evan.Yea,indeed,Ithinkthereis.As,forexample,whenaprofanesensualman[wholivesasthough,withtheSadducees,hedidnotbelieveanyresurrectionofthedead,neitherhellnorheaven]isconvincedinhisconscience,thatifhegooninmakingagodofhisbelly,andinmindingonlyearthlythings,hisendshallbedamnation;sometimessuchamanthereuponchangeshismind,andofaprofaneman,becomesastrictPharisee,or[assomecallhim]alegalprofessor;butbeing

convinced,thatallhisownrighteousnesswillavailhimnothing,inthecaseofjustification,andthatitisonlytherighteousnessofJesusChristthatisavailableinthatcase,thenhechangeshismind,and,withtheapostle,"desirestobefoundinChrist,nothavinghisownrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,eventherighteousnesswhichisofGodthroughfaith,"(Phil3:9).NowIconceive,thatamanthatdoesthis,changeshismindfromfalsewaystotherightway,andhisheartfromeviltogood;andso,consequently,dothtrulyrepent.14

Nom.But,sir,donotyouhold,thatalthoughrepentance,accordingtomydefinition,goesnotbeforefaithinChrist,yetitfollowsafter?

Evan.Yes,indeed;Ihold,thatalthoughitgonotbeforeasanantecedentoffaith,yetitfollowsasaconsequent.ForwhenamanbelievestheloveofGodtohiminChrist,thenhelovesGodbecausehelovedhimfirst;andthatloveconstrainshimtohumblehimselfattheLord'sfootstool,andtoacknowledgehimselftobelessthantheleastofallhismercies;yea,andthenwillhe"rememberhisownevilwaysanddoings,thatwerenotgood,andwillloathehimselfinhisownsightforhisiniquities,andforhisabominations,"(Eze36:31);yea,andthenwillhealsocleansehimselffromallfilthinessoffleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthefearofGod,havingrespectuntoallGod'scommandments,(2Cor7:1,Psa119:6).

Nom.Well,sir,Iamanswered.

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thatgospel-offer,(Isa55:1),isthemostsolemnonetobefoundinalltheOldTestament;andthatrecorded,(Rev22:17),isthepartingoffermadetosinnersbyJesusChrist,attheclosingofthecanonoftheScripture,andmanifestlylookstotheformer;inthewhichIcanseenogroundtothink,thatthethirstingthereinmentioneddoesanywayrestricttheoffer;orthatthethirstythereinvited,areconvinced,sensiblesinners,whoarethirstingafterChristandhisrighteousness;thewhichwouldleavewithoutthecompassofthissolemninvitation,notonlythefargreaterpartofmankind,butevenofthevisiblechurch.Thecontextseemsdecisiveinthispoint;forthethirstingonesinvited,

aresuchasare"spendingmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andtheirlabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot,"(verse1,2);butconvinced,sensiblesinnerswhoarethirstingafterChristandhisrighteousness,arenotspendingtheirlabourandmoneyatthatrate;but,onthecontrary,forthatwhichisbreadandsatisfieth,namely,forChrist.Wherefore,thethirstingtherementioned,mustbemoreextensive,comprehending,yea,andprincipallyaimingatthatthirstafterhappinessandsatisfaction,which,beingnatural,iscommontoallmankind.Menpainedwiththisthirstorhungerarenaturallyrunning,forquenchingthereof,totheemptycreation,andtheirfulsomelusts;so"spendingmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andtheirlabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot,"theirhungrysoulsfindnofood,butwhatismeagreandlean,badandunwholesome,andcannotsatisfytheirappetite.CompareLuke15:16.InthiswretchedcaseAdamleftallmankind,andChristfindsthem.Whereuponthegospelproclamationisissuedforth,invitingthemtocomeawayfromthebrokencisterns,filthypuddles,tothewatersoflife,eventoJesusChrist,wheretheymayhavebread,fatness,whatisgood,andwillsatisfythattheirpainfulthirst,(John4:14,6:35).

[Back][2]Thatis,insuchamannerasitshallbetrueevangelicalrepentance,agracioushumiliation,sorrowandturning,acceptableinthesightofGod.Thisquestion[groundedonNomista'spretendingthatNeophytushadnowarranttobelieve,unlesshehadtrulyrepented]supposesthatthereisakindofrepentance,humiliation,sorrowforsin,andturningfromit,whichgoesbeforefaith,butthattheyarenot"afteragodlysort,"astheapostle'sphraseis,(2Cor7:11).

[Back][3]Ithinkitnothingstrangetofindtheauthorsoveryperemptoryinthispoint,whichisofgreaterweightthanmanyareawareof.TruerepentanceisaturninguntoGod,acomingbacktohimagain;areturningevenuntotheLord,accordingtoanusualOldTestamentphrase,found,(Hosea14:1),andrightlysotranslated,(Isa19:22).ButnomancancomeuntoGod"butbyChrist";(Heb7:25),"HeisablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodBYHIM."(John14:6),"NomancomethuntotheFatherbutBYME."WemusttakeChristinourwaytotheFather,elseitisimpossiblethatweguiltycreaturescanreachuntohim.andnomancancomeuntoChrist,butbybelievinginhim,(John6:35),thereforeitisimpossiblethatamancantrulyrepentbeforehebelieveinChrist."HimhathGodexaltedwithhisrighthand,tobeaPrince[orleader]andaSaviour,fortogiverepentancetoIsrael,andforgivenessofsins,"(Acts5:31).Onewouldthinkthistobeasufficientintimation,thatsinnersnotonlymay,butoughttogotohimfortruerepentance;andnotstandofffromhimuntiltheygetittobringalongwiththem;especiallysincerepentance,aswellasremissionof

sin,isapartofthatsalvation,whichheasaSaviourisexaltedtogive,andconsequently,whichsinnersaretoreceiveandrestuponhimfor;andlikewisethatitisthatbywhichhe,asaleader,dothleadbacksinnersevenuntoGod,fromwhomtheywereledawayinthefirstAdam,theheadoftheapostasy.AndifoneinquiresanentthewayofhisgivingrepentancetoIsrael,theprophetZechariahshoweditbeforetobebyfaith,(Zech12:10),"Andtheyshalllookuponmewhomtheyhavepierced,andtheyshallmourn."

[Back][4]ThistheScriptureteacheth,determininginthegeneral,thatwithoutfaithonecandonothingacceptableinthesightofGod,(John15:5),"Withoutme,"i.e.separatefromme,"yecandonothing."(Heb11:6),"Withoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim":andparticularlywithrespecttothiscase,(Luke7:37-47),"Andbeholdawomaninthecity,whichwasasinner,whensheknewthatJesussatatmeat,stoodathisfeetbehindhimweeping,andbegantowashhisfeetwithtears,anddidwipethemwiththehairsofherhead,andkissedhisfeet.Andheturnedtothewoman,andsaiduntoSimon:Hersinswhicharemany,areforgiven,forshelovedmuch;buttowhomlittleisforgiven,thesamelovethlittle."Itisanargumentgatheredoftheeffectsfollowing,wherebyanythingisprovedbysignsensuring.Calvin.Inst.lib.3.cap.4.sect37.

[Back][5]Thereisaknowledgeinfaith,asourdivinesteachagainstthePapists,andtheScripturemakethmanifest.(Isa53:11),"ByhisknowledgeshallmyrighteousServantjustifymany."(Heb11:3),"ThroughfaithweunderstandthattheworldswereframedbythewordofGod."Now,savingfaithbeingapersuasionthatweshallhavelifeandsalvationbyChrist,orareceivingandrestingonhimforsalvation,includesinitaknowledgeofourbeingbelovedforGod:theformercannotbewithoutthelatter.Inthemeantime,suchasthestrengthorweaknessofthatpersuasionis,thesteadinessorunsteadinessofthatreceivingandresting,justsoisthisknowledge,clearorunclear,freeof,oraccompaniedwithdoubtings.Theyarestillofthesamemeasureanddegree.Sothatthisisnomoreineffect,butthatfaithinChrististhespringoftruelovetoGod;thewhich,howitisattainedbyaguiltysoul,menwillthebetterknow,iftheyconsiderwellwhatitis.ThetrueloveofGodisnotalovetohimonlyforhisbenefits,andforourownsake,butalovetohimforhimself,forhisownsake;alikingof,andacomplacencyin,hisgloriousattributesandperfections,hisinfinite,eternalandunchangeablebeing,wisdom,power,holiness,justice,goodness,andtruth.IfaconvincedsinnerisvoidofanytheleastmeasureofpersuasionoflifeandsalvationbyChrist,andoftheloveofthisGodtohim;butapprehends,ashecannotmisstodointhiscase,thathehateshimashisenemy,

andwillprovesoatlast;thiscannotfailoffillinghiswholesoulwithslavishfearofGod;andhowthenshallthisloveofGodspringupinone'sheart,insuchacase?forslavishfearandtruelovearesooppositetheonetotheother,that,accordingtothemeasureinwhichtheoneprevails,theothercannothaveaccess.(2Tim1:7),"Godhathnotgivenusthespiritoffear,butofpower,oflove,andofasoundmind."(1John4:18),"Thereisnofearinlove,butperfectlovecastethoutfear;becausefearhathtorment."Butwhenoncelifeandsalvation,andremissionofsin,iswithapplicationbelievedbytheconvincedsinner,andtherebytheloveofGodtowardshimisknown;then,accordingtothemeasureofthatfaithandknowledge,slavishfearofGodisexpelled,andtheheartiskindlydrawntolovehim,notonlyforhisbenefits,butforhimself,havingacomplacencyinhisgloriousperfections."Welovehim,becausehefirstlovedus,"(1John4:19).TheloveofGodtousistheinducementofourlovetohim:butloveutterlyunknowntothepartybelovedcanneverbeaninducementtohimtoloveagain.Now,inconsequencehereof,thesinner'sbandsareloosed,andhisheart,whichbeforewasstillhardasastone,thoughbrokeninpiecesbylegalterrors,isbrokeninanothermanner,softened,andkindlymeltedinsorrowfordispleasingthisgraciousGod.

[Back][6]God'sturningofasinnerfirstbringshimtoChrist,(John6:44,45),"Nomancancomeuntome,excepttheFatherwhichhathsentmedrawhim."AndthenhecomestoGodbyChrist,(John14:26),"NomancomethuntotheFatherbutbyme."

[Back][7]Inarightmanner,inthemannerimmediatelyaftermentioned.

[Back][8]FaithcomethofthewordofGod;hopecomethoffaith;andcharityspringethofthemboth.Faithbelievesthatword;hopetrustethafterthatwhichispromisedbytheword;andcharitydothgooduntoherneighbour.Mr.PatrickHamilton'sArticlesinKnox'sHist.p.11.

[Back][9]Notasthattheyarepardonedalready;butthatonemustsoapprehendthefavourofGod,astobelievethatGodwillpardonhissin,astheauthorspeaksexpresslyinthepremisesfromwhencethisconclusionisdrawn;orthatGoddothpardonhissininthepresenttime.Seenote,chap.3,sect.6.Now,remissionofsinisapartofthatsalvationwhichfaithreceivesandrestsonChristfor.Asforthephrasetheauthorusestoexpressthis,itismostagreeabletotheScripturephrase,"Remissionofsinspreached,"(Luke24:47,Acts13:38).

[Back][10]Namely,suchanalterationasispleasingandacceptableinthesightofGod,thewhichhehasdescribedintheprecedingsentence.Otherwise,hehasalreadytaughtus,thattherearenotablealterationsoflifeandconversationwhichdonotproceedfromfaith;andthereforearenotacceptedofGod.Andoftheseweshallhearmoreanon.

Itwillnotbeamissheretoobservehowourauthor,inhisaccountoftherelationbetwixtfaithandrepentance,treadsintheancientpaths,accordingtohismanner.

"Itoughttobeoutofquestion,"saysCalvin,"thatrepentancedothnotonlyimmediatelyfollowfaith,butalsospringoutofit.Asforthemthatthinkthatrepentancedothrathergobeforefaith,thanfloworspringforthofit,asafruitoutofatree,theyneverknewtheforcethereof,andaremovedwithtooweakanargument,tothinkso.ChristandJohn,[saythey]intheirpreachings,firstexhortthepeopletorepentance,&c.Amancannotearnestlyapplyhimselftorepentance,unlessheknowhimselftobeofGod:butnomanistrulypersuadedthatheisofGod,buthethathathfirstreceivedhisgrace.NomanshalleverreverentlyfearGod,buthethattrusteththatGodismercifultohim:nomanwillwillinglypreparehimselftothekeepingofthelaw,buthethatispersuadedthathisservicespleasehim."Instit.b.3.chap.3.sec.1,2.

"HowsoonthatevertheSpiritoftheLordJesus,whichGod'selectchildrenreceivebytruefaith,takespossessionintheheartofanyman,sosoondothheregenerateandrenewthesameman.Sothathebeginstohatethatwhichbeforeheloved,andbeginstolovethatwhichbeforehehated;andfromthencecomesthatcontinualbattlewhichisbetwixtthefleshandthespirit."OldConfess.art.13.

"BeinginChrist,wemustbenewcreaturessothatwemusthateandfleethatwhichbeforewelovedandembraced,andwemustloveandfollowthatwhichbeforewehatedandabhorred.Allwhichisimpossibletothemthathavenofaith,andhavebutadeadfaith."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCat.p.29.

"Quest.WhenIshallaskyouthen,Whatiscravedofus,afterthatwearejoinedtoChristbyfaith,andmadetrulyrighteousinhim?yeshallanswer.A.Wemustrepentandbecomenewpersons,thatwemayshowforththevirtuesofhimthathathcalledus."Ibid.p.35.

"Whatisthyrepentance?Theeffectofthisfaith,workingasorrowformysinsby-past,andpurposetoamendintimetocome."Mr.JamesMelvil'sCat.inhisPropine,&c.p.44.

"Repentanceuntolifeisasavinggrace,wherebyasinneroutofatruesenseofhissin,andapprehensionofthemercyofGodinChrist,dothwithgriefandhatredofsin,turnfromituntoGod."ShorterCat.

"M.Thisisthenthysaying,ThatuntothetimethatGodhathreceivedustomercy,andregeneratedusbyhisSpirit,wecandonothingbutsin;evenasaneviltreecanbringforthnofruitbutthatwhichisevil,(Matt7:17).C.Evensoitis."Calvin'sCat.quest.117."Hedothreceiveusintohisfavour,ofhisbountifulmercy,throughthemeritsofourSaviourChrist,accountinghisrighteousnesstobeours,andforhissakeimputethnotourfaultsuntous."Ibid.quest.118.

"Quest.Whatisthefirstfruitofthisunion?[namelyofunionwithChristbyfaith].A.Aremissionofoursins,andimputationofjustice.Q.Whichisthenextfruitofourunionwithhim?A.OursanctificationandregenerationtotheimageofGod."Craig'sCat.q.24,25."Q.Whatissanctification?A.SanctificationisaworkofGod'sgrace,wherebytheyarerenewedintheirwholeman,aftertheimageofGod,havingtheseedsofrepentanceuntolife,andofallothersavinggraces,putintotheirhearts."LargerCat.quest.75.

"WewouldbewareofMr.Baxter'sorderofsettingrepentanceandworksofnewobediencebeforejustification,whichisindeedanewcovenantofworks."Rutherford'sInfluencesoftheLifeofGrace,p.346.

[Back][11]ThisistakenwordforwordoutoftheEnglishAnnotationsofMatthew3:2;whicharecitedforitbyourauthorunderthenameoftheLastAnnotations,becausetheywereprintedintheyear1645,aboutwhichtimethisbookalsowasfirstpublished.Howtheauthorappliesit,willappearanon.

[Back][12]Thewordrenderedrepent,is,"Tochangeone'smind,andtolayasidefalseopinions,whichtheyhaddrunkin,whetherfromthePharisees,concerningtherighteousnessofworks,traditions,worship,&c.;orfromtheSadducees,concerningtheresurrection,"&c.LucusBrugensis,apudPol.Synop.Crit.inMatthew3:2.

[Back][13]ThatthereadermayfurtherseehowlittleweightthereisintheobjectionraisedfromMark1:15,Isubjointhewordsoftwolearned

commentatorsonthetext."Repentye,turnfromthewickednessofyourwaysandbelieve.Thereisarepentancethatmustgobeforefaith,thatis,theapplicativeofthepromiseofpardoningmercytothesoul;thoughtrueevangelicalrepentance,whichisasorrowforsin,flowingfromthesenseoftheloveofGodinChrist,bethefruitandeffectoffaith."Contin.ofPoole'sAnnot.ontheplace."Faithorbelieving,inorderoftheworkofgrace,isbeforerepentance,thatbeingthefirstandmothergraceofallothers;yetishereandinotherplaces,namedthelatter:first,becausethoughfaithbefirstwrought,yetrepentanceisfirstseenandevidenced,"&c.Lightfoot'sHarmony,part3.p.164.4to.

[Back][14]Thatis,hisrepentanceistrueinitskind,thoughnotsaving.Thereisachangeofhismindandheart,inthat,uponaconviction,heturnsfromprofanitytostrictnessoflife,anduponfartherconviction,fromaconceitofhisownrighteousnesstoadesireaftertherighteousnessofChrist:nevertheless,allthisisbutselfish,andcannotpleaseGodwhilethemanisvoidoffaith,(Heb11:6).

ThespiritualmarriagewithJesusChrist.


[Contents][Previous:Evangelicalrepentanceaconsequentoffaith.][Next:Justificationbeforefaith,refuted.]


ThespiritualmarriagewithJesusChrist.

Neo.Andtruly,siryouhavesodeclaredandsetforthChrist'sdispositiontowardspoorsinners,andsoansweredallmydoubtsandobjections,thatIamnowverilypersuadedthatChristiswillingtoentertainme;andsurelyIamwillingtocomeuntohim,andreceivehim;but,alas!Iwantpower.

Evan.Buttellmetruly,areyouresolvedtoputforthallyourpowertobelieve,andsototakeChrist?1

Neo.Truly,sir,methinksmyresolutionismuchliketheresolutionofthefourlepers,whosatatthegateofSamaria;forastheysaid,"Ifweenterintothecity,thefamineisinthecity,andweshalldiethere;andifwesitstillhere,wediealso;now,therefore,letusfalluntothehostoftheSyrians;iftheysaveus,weshalllive,andiftheykillus,weshallbutdie,"(2Kings7:4);evensosayIinmineheart,IfIgobacktothecovenantofworkstoseekjustificationthereby,Ishalldiethere;andifIsitstillandseekitnoway,Ishalldiealso;now,therefore,thoughIbesomewhatfearful,yetamIresolvedtogountoChrist;andifIperish,Iperish.2

Evan.Why,nowItellyouthematchismade;Christisyours,3andyouarehis,"thisdayissalvationcometoyourhouse,"[yoursoulImean:]for,whatthoughyouhavenotthatpowertocomesofasttoChrist,andlaysuchfirmholdonhim,asyoudesire;yetcomingwithsucharesolutiontotakeChrist,asyoudo,youneednotcareforpowertodoit,inasmuchasChristwillenableyoutodoit;4forisitnotsaid,(John1:12),"Butasmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname?"5Otherefore,Ibeseechyou,standnolongerdisputing;butbeperemptoryandresoluteinyourfaith,andincastingyourselfuponGodinChristformercy;and

lettheissuebewhatitwill.Yetletmetellyou,toyourcomfort,thatsucharesolutionshallnevergotohell.Nay,Iwillsaymore;ifanysoulhaveroominheaven,suchasoulshall;forGodcannotfindinhishearttodamnsuchaone.Imight,then,withasmuchtrueconfidencesayuntoyou,asJohnCarelesssaidtoJohnBradford,inalettertohim,"Hearken,Oheavens,andthouOearth,giveear,andbearmewitness,atthegreatday,thatIdoherefaithfullyandtrulydeclaretheLord'smessageuntohisdearservantandsingularlybelovedJohnBradford,saying,'JohnBradford,thoumansospeciallybelovedofGod,Idopronounceandtestifyuntothee,inthewordandnameoftheLordJehovah,thatallthysinswhatsoevertheybe,thoughneversomany,grievous,orgreat,befullyandfreelypardoned,released,andforgiventhee,bythemercyofGodinJesusChrist,theonlyLordandsweetSaviour,inwhomthoudostundoubtedlybelieve;astrulyastheLordliveth,hewillnothavetheediethedeath;buthathverilypurposed,determined,anddecreed,thatthoushaltlivewithhimforever.'"

Neo.O,sir,ifIhaveasgoodwarranttoapplythissayingtomyselfasMr.Bradfordhadtohimself,thenIamahappyman!

Evan.ItellyoufromChrist,andunderthehandoftheSpirit,thatyourpersonisaccepted,yoursinsaredoneaway,andyoushallbesaved;andifanangelfromheavenshouldtellyouotherwise,lethimbeaccursed.Therefore,youmay[withoutdoubt]concludethatyouareahappyman;forbymeansofthisyourmatchingwithChrist,youarebecomeonewithhim,andoneinhim,you"dwellinhim,andheinyou,"(1John4:13).Heis"yourwellbeloved,andyouarehis,"(Cant2:16).SothatthemarriageunionbetwixtChristandyouismorethanabarenotionorapprehensionofyourmind;foritisaspecial,spiritual,andrealunion:itisanunionbetwixtthenatureofChrist,Godandman,andyou;6itisaknittingandclosing,notonlyofyourapprehensionwithaSaviour,butalsoofyoursoulwithaSaviour.Whenceitmustneedsfollowthatyoucannotbecondemned,exceptChristbecondemnedwithyou;neithercanChristbesaved,exceptyoubesavedwithhim.7Andasbymeansofcorporealmarriageallthingsbecomecommonbetwixtmanandwife;evenso,bymeansofthisspiritualmarriage,allthingsbecomecommonbetwixtChristandyou;forwhenChristhathmarriedhisspouseuntohimself,hepassethoverallhisestateuntoher;sothatwhatsoeverChristisorhath,youmayboldlychallengeasyourown."Heismadeuntoyou,ofGod,wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption,"(1Cor1:30).Andsurely,byvirtueofthisnearunionitis,thatasChristiscalled"theLordourrighteousness,"(Jer33:6),evensoisthechurchcalled,"theLordourrighteousness,"(verse16).Itellyou,youmay,byvirtueof

thisunion,boldlytakeuponyourself,asyourown,Christ'swatching,abstinence,travails,prayers,persecutions,andslanders;yea,histears,hissweat,hisblood,andallthateverhedidandsufferedinthespaceofthreeandthirtyyears,withhispassion,death,burial,resurrection,andascension;fortheyareallyours.AndasChristpassesoverallhisestateuntohisspouse,sodoesherequirethatsheshouldpassoveralluntohim.Wherefore,youbeingnowmarrieduntoChrist,youmustgiveallthatyouhaveofyourownuntohim;andtrulyyouhavenothingofyourownbutsin,and,therefore,youmustgivehimthat.Ibeseechyou,then,sayuntoChristwithboldconfidence,Igiveuntothee,mydearhusband,myunbelief,mymistrust,mypride,myarrogancy,myambition,mywrath,andanger,myenvy,mycovetousness,myevilthoughts,affections,anddesires;Imakeonebundleoftheseandallmyotheroffences,andgivethemuntothee.8AndthuswasChristmade"sinforus,thatknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim,"9(2Cor5:21)."Nowthen,"saysLuther,"letuscomparethesethingstogether,andweshallfindinestimabletreasure.Christisfullofgrace,life,andsavinghealth;andthesoulisfreight-fullofallsin,death,anddamnation;butletfaithcomebetwixtthesetwo,anditshallcometopass,thatChristshallbeladenwithsin,death,andhell;anduntothesoulshallbeimputedgrace,life,andsalvation.Whothenisabletovaluetheroyaltyofthismarriageaccordingly?Whoisabletocomprehendthegloriousrichesofhisgrace,wherethisrichandrighteoushusband,Christ,dothtakeuntowifethispoorandwickedharlot,redeemingherfromalldevils,andgarnishingherwithallhisownjewels?Sothatyou,throughtheassurednessofyourfaithinChrist,yourhusband,aredeliveredfromallsins,madesafefromdeath,guardedfromhell,andendowedwiththeeverlastingrighteousness,life,andsavinghealthofthisyourhusbandChrist."And,therefore,youarenowunderthecovenantofgrace,andfreedfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;for[asMr.Balltrulysays]atoneandthesametime,amancannotbeunderthecovenantofworksandthecovenantofgrace.

Neo.Sir,Idonotwellknowhowtoconceiveofthisfreedomfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;andthereforeIprayyoumakeitasplaintomeasyoucan.

Evan.Forthetrueandclearunderstandingofthispoint,youaretoconsider,thatwhenJesusChrist,thesecondAdam,had,inthebehalfofhischosen,perfectlyfulfilledthelawasitisthecovenantofworks;10divinejusticedeliveredthatbondintoChrist,whoutterlycancelledthathand-writing,(Col2:14);sothatnoneofhischosenweretohaveanymoretodowithit,noritwiththem.And

now,you,byyourbelievinginChrist,havingmanifestedthatyouareone,whowaschoseninhim"beforethefoundationoftheworld,"(Eph1:4),hisfulfillingofthatcovenant,andcancellingthathand-writing,isimputeduntoyou;andsoyouareacquittedandabsolvedfromallyourtransgressionsagainstthatcovenant,eitherpast,presentortocome;11andsoyouarejustified,astheapostlesays,"freelybyhisgrace,throughtheredemptionthatisinJesusChrist,"(Rom3:24).

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Hisconvictionofhislostandundonestatewasbeforerepresentedinitsproperplace.AftermuchdisputingwhethersuchavileandsinfulwretchashehadanywarranttocometoChrist,heappears,inhisimmediatelyforegoingspeech,tobesofarenlightenedintheknowledgeofChrist,thatheisverilypersuadedthatChristiswillingtoentertainhim;andtohavehisheartandwillsoovercomebydivinegrace,thatheiswillingtocomeuntoChrist:yet,afterall,he,throughweaknessofjudgment,apprehendshimselftowantpowertobelieve;whereasitisbytheseverymeansthatasoulispersuaded,andenabledtoo,tobelieveinJesusChrist.

Hereupontheauthor,wavingthedisputeanenthispowertobelieve,wiselyaskshim,Ifheisresolvedtoputforththepowerhehas?forasmuchasitwasevidentfromtheaccountgivenofthepresentconditionofhissoulthatithadfelt"adayofpower,"(Psa110:3),andthathewas"drawnoftheFather,and,therefore,couldcometoChrist,"(John6:44).For"effectualcallingistheworkofGod'sSpirit,whereby,convincingusofoursinandmisery,enlighteningourmindsintheknowledgeofChrist,andrenewingourwills,hedothpersuadeandenableustoembraceJesusChrist."ShorterCatechism."Savinglyenlighteningtheirminds,renewingandpowerfullydeterminingtheirwills,soastheyareherebymadewillingandable."Larg.Cat.quest.67.

[Back][2]Seetheforegoingnote.Thisistheconcludingpointinthismatter;themanbeingdrawnbyefficaciousgrace,thoughheisnotwithoutdoubtsandfearsastotheevent,yetisnomoreindoubt,whethertoembracetheofferornot.Andtheinwardmotionofhisheartbreakingthroughtheremainingdoubtsandfears,

afteralongstruggle,untoJesusChrist,inthefreepromise,beinginitselfindiscernible,buttoGodandone'sownsoul,itisagreeablyenoughtoone'swayinthatcase:discoveredinthatexpressionofaconqueredsoul,NowamIresolvedtogountoChrist,nowamIdeterminedtobelieve;thewhichcannotbutpresenttohimwhodealswiththeexercisedperson,thewholesoulgoingoutuntoJesusChrist.Hencethematchmayjustlythereuponbedeclaredtobemade,asourauthordoesinthewordsimmediatelyfollowing.ThusJob,inhisdistress,expressethhisfaith,(Job13:15),"Thoughheslayme,yetwillItrustinhim."Compare(Acts11:33),"ThatwithpurposeofhearttheywouldcleaveuntotheLord."

[Back][3]Inpossession.

[Back][4]Thatis,youneednot,holdingbackyourhand,standdisputingwithyourselfhowyouwillgetpower;butwiththepowergiven,stretchforththewitheredhand,andChristwillstrengthenit,andenableyoutotakeafirmhold.(John12:32),"AndI,ifIbeliftedupfromtheearth,willdrawallmenuntome."(Isa40:29),"Hegivethpowertothefaint;andtothemthathavenomightheincreasethstrength."

[Back][5]Thepowerherementioned,seemsrathertodenoterightorprivilege[astheoriginalwordisrenderedinthemarginofourBibles]thanstrengthorability.

[Back][6]Thatis,anunionwiththewholeChrist,God-Man;(1Cor6:17),"HethatisjoinedtotheLord,isonespirit."(Eph5:38),"Forwearemembersofhisbody,ofhisflesh,andofhisbones."

[Back][7]JesusChristandthebeliever,beingonepersonintheeyeofthelaw,thereisnoseparatingoftheminlaw,inpointoflifeanddeath.(John14:19),"BecauseIlive,yeshalllivealso."Ihaveadventuredthisoncetoaddonesyllabletothetextoftheauthor;andsotoread"condemned"for"damned."Thewordsareofthesamesignification;only,thelatterhasanideaofhorroraffixedtoit,whichtheformerhasnot;andwhichperhapsithadnoteither,inthedaysofourforefathers,whengodlyTindalusedtheexpression,asourauthorinformsus.AndItakethisliberty,theratherthatalikeexpressionofJohnCareless,inalettertoWilliamTyms,seemstometorunmoresmooth,bymeansofthesameaddition,thoughIdoubtifthewordstoodsointheoriginalcopy."Christ,"sayshe,"ismadeuntousholiness,righteousness,andjustification;hehathclothedus

inallhismeritsandtakentohimselfalloursinsothat,ifanyshouldbenowcondemnedforthesame,itmustneedsbeJesusChrist,whohathtakenthemuponhim."TheSufferer'sMirror,p.66.AndintheOldConfessionofFaith,art.9,accordingtotheancientcopies,itissaid,"Theclean,innocentLambofGodwasdamnedinthepresenceofanearthlyjudge,thatweshouldbeabsolvedbeforethetribunalseatofourGod."ButinthecopystandinginKnox'sHistory,reprintedatEdinburgh,anno1644,itisread"condemned."

[Back][8]Thisgiftwouldindeedbeaveryunsuitablereturn,forallthebenefitsreceivedfromChristbyvirtueofthespiritualmarriage,ifhedidnotdealwithusinthewayoffreegrace;likeuntoaphysicianwhodesiresnothingofapoormanfullofsores,butthathewillemployhiminthecureofthem.Butthisgift,suchasitis,asitisallwehaveofourowntogive,sooneneedsmakenoquestionbutitwillbeveryacceptable,(Psa55:22),"CastthyburdenupontheLord,andheshallsustainthee";notonlythyburdenofduty,suffering,andsuccess,butofsintoo,wherewiththouartheavyladen,(Matt11:28).Weareallowed,notonlytogivehimourburden,buttocastituponhim.Heknowsverywellthatalltheseevilsmentioned,andmanymore,areintheheartofthebest:yetdothhesay,(Prov23:26),"Myson,givemethineheart";notwithstandingofthewretchedstuffheknowstobeinit.InthelanguageoftheHolyGhost,thesethings,blackastheyare,areagiftbydivineappointmenttobegiven,(Lev16:21):speakingofthescape-goat,aneminenttypeofChrist,hesays,"AndAaronshallconfessoverhimalltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressions,andalltheirsins:andheshallgivethemupontheheadofthegoat."Thustheoriginalexpresseswhatweread,"puttingthem,"&c.

Now,theendforwhichthesinneristogivethesetoChrististwofold:(1.)Forremovingoftheguiltofthem.(2.)Forthemortifyingofthem.Andthoughthisisnotaneasywayofmortification,sincethewayofbelievingisnoteasy,butmoredifficultthanallthePopishausterities,forasmuchastheselastaremoreagreeabletonature,yetindeeditistheshortwaytomortification,becauseitistheonlyway;withoutwhich,thepracticeofallotherdirectionswillbebutassomanyciphers,withoutafigurestandingattheirhead,signifyingnothing,fortrueChristianmortification.(Acts15:9),"Purifyingtheirheartsbyfaith."(Rom6:6),"Knowingthis,thatouroldmaniscrucifiedwithhim."And(8:13),"IfyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive."(Gal5:24),"AndtheythatareChrist's,havecrucifiedtheflesh,withtheaffectionsandlusts;namely,nailingthemtothecrossofChristbyfaith."

[Back][9]Thus,namely,bythegivingofoursinstohim,notbybelievers,butbyhisFather,assaysthetext,"He[notwe]madehimtobesinforus."Nevertheless,theLord'slayingouriniquitiesuponChristisgoodwarrantforeverybelievertogivehissinsinparticularuponhim;thelatterbeingacordialfallinginwith,apracticalapprobation,andtakingthebenefitoftheformer.

[Back][10]Namely,bydoingperfectlywhatitdemandedtobedone,byvirtueofitscommandingpower,andsufferingcompletelywhatitdemandedtobeborne,byvirtueofitscondemningpower.

[Back][11]AlthoughbelieversinthefirstmomentoftheirunionwithChristbyfaith,aredeliveredfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,andthereforetheiraftersinsneitherare,norcanbe,formallytransgressionsofthatcovenant;yettheyareinterpretativelyso,givingaplainproofofwhattheywouldhavedoneagainstthatcovenant,hadtheybeenunderitstill.Andforasmuchastheycouldneverhavebeenfreedfromit,hadnotthegloriousMediatorwroughttheirdeliverance,byfulfillingitintheirroomandstead;alltheirsinswhatsoever,fromtheirbirthtotheirdeath,afteraswellasbeforetheirunionwithChrist,werechargeduponhim,astransgressionsagainstthatcovenant;andsuchasarepardonedtothemintheirjustification.Evenashewhoredeemsaslavemustpayinproportiontotheservicewhichitissupposedhewouldhavedonehismasterduringlife;andtheslaveisloosedfromallobligationtotheseseveralpiecesofserviceuntothatmaster,upontheransompaid,incompensationofallandeveryoneofthem.Andthusourauthorsays,thatabeliever,inhisjustification,isacquittedfromallhistransgressionsagainstthecovenantofworks,notonlypastandpresent,buttocome.Sothatheleavesnogroundtoquestion,butChristsatisfiedforallthesinsofbelieverswhatsoever,whetherintheirstateofregeneracyorunregeneracy.Nordoeshemaketheleastinsinuation,thatthesinsofbelievers,aftertheirunionwithChrist,arenotproperlytransgressionsofthatlawwhichwas[yea,andtounbelieversstillis]inthecovenantofworks:but,onthecontrary,expresslyteaches,thatitistheverysamelawofthetencommandswhichisthelawofChrist,andwhichthebelievertransgresseth,thatwasandisinthecovenantofworks.AndalthoughtherevengingwrathofGodandeternaldeatharenotthreatenedagainstthesinsofbelieversaftertheirunionwithChrist;andthatforthisonereason,Thatthatwrathandthatdeath[theeternitywhereofrosenotfromthenatureofthething,buttheinfirmityofthesufferer,andthereforecouldhavenoplaceintheSonofGod]werenotonlythreatenedbefore,butexecutedtooupontheirsuretyJesusChrist,towhomtheyareunited:itismanifest,thattherewasgreatneedofChrist'sbeingmadeacurseforthese

sinsofbelievers,aswellasforthoseprecedingtheirunionwithhim.

Justificationbeforefaith,refuted.


[Contents]

[Previous:ThespiritualmarriagewithJesusChrist.]

[Next:Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.]


Justificationbeforefaith,refuted.

Ant.Iprayyou,sir,givemeleavetospeakawordbytheway;wasnothejustifiedbeforethistime?

Evan.IfhedidnotbelieveinChristbeforethistime,asIconceivehedidnot,thencertainlyhewasnotjustifiedbeforethistime.

Ant.But,sir,youknow,astheapostlesays,"ItisGodthatjustifieth;andGodiseternal;and,asyouhaveshown,Christmaybesaidtohavefulfilledthecovenantofworksfromalleternity,andifhebeChrist'snow,thenwasheChrist'sfromalleternity."Andtherefore,asIconceive,hewasjustifiedfromalleternity.

Evan.Indeed,Godisfromalleternity,andinrespectofGod'sacceptingofChrist'sundertakingtofulfilthecovenantofworks,hefulfilleditfromalleternity:andinrespectofGod'selectingofhim,hewasChrist'sfromalleternity.Andthereforeitistrue,inrespectofGod'sdecree,hewasjustifiedfromalleternity;1andhewasjustifiedmeritoriouslyinthedeathandresurrectionofChrist;2butyethewasnotjustifiedactually,tillhedidactuallybelieveinChrist;for,saystheapostle,(Acts13:39),"Byhimallthatbelievearejustified."3Sothatintheactofjustifying,faithandChristmusthaveamutualrelation,andmustalwaysconcurandmeettogether;faithastheactionwhichapprehendeth,andChristtheobjectwhichisapprehended;forneitherdothChristjustifywithoutfaith,neitherdothfaith,exceptitbeinChrist.

Ant.Truly,sir,youhaveindifferentlywellsatisfiedmeinthispoint;andsurelyIlikeitmarvellouslywell,thatyouconcludenofaithjustifies,butthatwhoseobjectisChrist.

Evan.Theverytruthis,thoughamanbelievethatGodismercifulandtruetohispromise,andthathehashiselectnumberfromthebeginning,andthathehimselfisoneofthatnumber,yetifthisfaithdonoteyeChrist,ifitbenotinGodasheisinChrist,itwillnotservetheturn:forGodcannotbecomfortablythoughtuponoutofChristourMediator;"forifwefindnotGodinChrist,"saysCalvin,Instit.p.155,"salvationcannotbeknown."Wherefore,Neophytus,Iwillsayuntoyou,asMr.Bradfordsaiduntoagentlewomaninyourcase,"Thus,then,ifyouwouldbequiet,andcertaininconscience,thenletyourfaithburstforththroughallthings,notonlythatyouhavewithinyou,butalsowhatsoeverisinheaven,earth,andhell;andneverrestuntilitcometoChristcrucified,andtheeternalsweetmercyandgoodnessofGodinChrist."

[Contents]

[Previous:ThespiritualmarriagewithJesusChrist.]

[Next:Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]"Thesentenceofjustificationwas,asitwere,conceivedinthemindofGodbythedecreeofjustifying,(Gal3:8),'TheScriptureforeseeingthatGodwouldjustifytheheathenthroughfaith.'"Ames.Med.cap.37,sec.9,"InwhichsensegraceissaidtobegivenusinChristbeforetheworldbegan."(2Tim1:9)Turret.loc.16.q.9.th.11."SinswerepardonedfrometernityinthemindofGod."Rutherford'sExer.Apolog.110:1,cap.2.sec.21.p.53.ThesameRutherfordadds,"ItisonethingforamantobejustifiedinChrist,andthatfrometernity:andanotherforamantobejustifiedinChristintime,accordingtothegospel-covenant.Faithisnotsomuchastheinstrumentofeternalandimmanentjustificationandremissionofsins."Ibid.p.55.

[Back][2]"Justificationmaybeconsideredastotheexecutionofitintime;andthatagain,eitherastothepurchaseofit,whichwasmadebythedeathofChrist

onthecross,concerningwhichitissaid,(Rom5:9,10),'ThatwearejustifiedandreconciledtoGodbythebloodofChrist;andthatChristreconciledallthingsuntoGodbythebloodofthecross,'(Col1:20).Andelsewhere,Christissaidtobe'raisedagainforourjustification,'(Rom4:25).Because,asinhimdying,wedied,soinhimraisedagainandjustified,wearejustified;thatis,wehaveacertainandundoubtedpledgeandfoundationofourjustification.Orastotheapplicationofit,"&c.Turret.ubisup."ThesentenceofjustificationwaspronouncedinChristourhead,risenfromthedead,"(2Cor5:19).Ames,ubisup."Wewerevirtuallyjustified,especiallywhenChristhavingfinishedthepurchaseofoursalvation,wasjustified,andweinhimasourhead,"(1Tim3:16,2Cor5:19).Essen.Comp.cap.15,sec.25.

[Back][3]"Actualjustificationisdoneintime,andfollowsfaith."Turret.loc.16.q.9.th.3."Justificationisdoneformallywhenanelectman,effectuallycalled,andsoapprehendedofChrist,apprehendsChristagain,"(Rom8:30).Essen.ubisupra."Thesentenceofjustificationispronouncedvirtuallyfromthatfirstrelationwhicharisethfromfaith,"(Rom8:1).Ames.ubisupra.

Uponthewhole,itisevidentourauthorkeepsthepathtroddenbyorthodoxdivinesonthesubject;andthough,inordertoanswertheobjectionsofhisadversary,heusestheschoolterms,ofbeingjustifiedinrespectofGod'sdecree,meritoriously,andactually,agreeablytothepracticeofothersounddivines;yetotherwisehebeginsandendshisdecisionofthiscontroversy,byassertinginplainandsimpleterms,withoutanydistinctionatall,"Thatamanisnotjustifiedbeforehebelieves,orwithoutfaith."Sohisansweramountsjusttothis,"ThatGoddid,fromalleternity,decreetojustifyalltheelect;andChristdid,inthefullnessoftime,diefortheirsins,andriseagainfortheirjustificationnevertheless,theyarenotjustified,untiltheHolySpiritdothinduetimeactuallyapplyChristuntothem."Westm.Confess.cap.11.art.4.

Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.


[Contents][Previous:Justificationbeforefaith,refuted.][Next:ThenatureofthelawofChrist.]


Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.

Neo.But,sir,Iamnotsatisfiedconcerningthepointyoutouchedbefore;andtherefore,Iprayyou,proceedtoshowmehowfarforthIamdeliveredfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks.

Evan.Truly,asitisthecovenantofworks,youarewhollyandaltogetherdeliveredandsetfreefromit;youaredeadtoit,anditisdeadtoyou;andifitbedeadtoyou,thenitcandoyouneithergoodnorhurt;andifyoubedeadtoit,youcanexpectneithergoodnorhurtfromit.1Consider,man,Iprayyou,that,asIsaidbefore,youarenowunderanothercovenant,viz:thecovenantofgrace;andyoucannotbeundertwocovenantsatonce,neitherwhollynorpartly;and,therefore,as,beforeyoubelieved,youwerewhollyunderthecovenantofworks,asAdamleftbothyouandallhisposterityafterhisfall;sonow,sinceyouhavebelieved,youarewhollyunderthecovenantofgrace.Assureyourselfthen,thatnominister,orpreacherofGod'swordhasanywarranttosayuntoyouhereafter,"Eitherdothisandthisdutycontainedinthelaw,andavoidthisandthissinforbiddeninthelaw,andGodwilljustifytheeandsavethysoul:ordoitnot,andhewillcondemntheeanddamnthee."2No,no,youarenowsetfreebothfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.3SothatIwillsayuntoyou,astheapostlesaysuntothebelievingHebrews,(Heb12:18,22,24),"YearenotcometoMountSinaithatmightbetouched,andthatburnedwithfire;noruntoblackness,anddarkness,andtempest;butyearecomeuntoMountZion,thecityofthelivingGod:andtoJesus,theMediatorofthenewcovenant."Sothat[tospeakwithholyreverence]Godcannot,byvirtueofthecovenantofworks,eitherrequireofyouanyobedience,orpunishyouforanydisobedience;no,hecannot,byvirtueofthatcovenant,somuchasthreaten

you,orgiveyouanangryword,orshowyouanangrylook;forindeedhecanseenosininyou,asatransgressionofthatcovenant;for,saystheapostle,"Wherethereisnolaw,thereisnotransgression,"(Rom4:15).4Andtherefore,thoughhereafteryoudothroughfrailtytransgressanyofallthetencommandments,5yetdoyounottherebytransgressthecovenantofworks:thereisnosuchcovenantnowbetwixtGodandyou.6

Andtherefore,thoughhereafteryoushallhearsuchavoiceasthis,"Ifthouwiltbesaved,keepthecommandments";or"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem";nay,thoughyouhearthevoiceofthunderandafearfulnoise;nay,thoughyouseeblacknessanddarkness,andfeelagreattempest;thatistosay,thoughyouhearusthatarepreachers,accordingtoourcommission,(Isa58:1),"liftupourvoicelikeatrumpet,"inthreateninghellanddamnationtosinnersandtransgressorsofthelaw;thoughthesebethewordsofGod,yetareyounottothinkthattheyarespokentoyou.7No,no;theapostleassuresyouthatthereisnocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus,(Rom8:1).Believeit,Godneverthreatenseternaldeath,afterhehasgiventoamaneternallife.8Nay,thetruthis,GodneverspeakstoabelieveroutofChrist;andinChristhespeaksnotawordinthetermsofthecovenantofworks.9Andifthelaw,ofitself,shouldpresumetocomeintoyourconscience,andsay,"Hereinandhereinthouhasttransgressed,andbrokenme,andthereforethouowestsomuchandsomuchtodivinejustice,whichmustbesatisfied,orelseIwilltakeholdonthee";thenansweryouandsay,"Olaw!beitknownuntothee,thatIamnowmarrieduntoChrist,andsoIamundercovert;andthereforeifthouchargemewithanydebt,thoumustenterthineactionagainstmyhusband,Christ,forthewifeisnotsueableatthelaw,butthehusband.Butthetruthis,Ithroughhimamdeadtothee,Olaw!andthouartdeadtome;andthereforeJusticehathnothingtodowithme,foritjudgethaccordingtothelaw."10Andifityetreply,andsay,"Aye,butgoodworksmustbedoneandthecommandmentsmustbekept,ifthouwiltobtainsalvation";11thenansweryou,andsay,"Iamalreadysavedbeforethoucamest;12andthereforeIhavenoneedofthypresence,13forinChristIhaveallthingsatonce:neitherneedIanythingmorethatisnecessary14tosalvation.Heismyrighteousness,mytreasure,andwork;15Iconfess,Olaw!thatIamneithergodlynorrighteous,16butyetthisIamsureof,thatheisgodlyandrighteousforme.17Andtotellthetruth,Olaw!Iamnowwithhiminthebridechamber,whereitmakethnomatterwhatIam,18orwhatIhavedone;butwhatChrist,

mysweethusband,is,hasdone,anddoesforme:19andthereforeleaveoff,law,todisputewithme,forbyfaith'Iapprehendhimwhohathapprehendedme,'andputmeintohisbosom.WhereforeIwillbeboldtobidMoseswithhistables,andalllawyerswiththeirbooks,andallmenwiththeirworks,holdtheirpeaceandgiveplace:20sothatIsayuntothee,Olaw!begone."Andifitwillnotbegone,thenthrustitoutbyforce,saysLuther.21

Andifsinoffertotakeholdofyou,asDavidsaidhisdidonhim,(Psa40:12);thensayyouuntoit,"Thystrength,Osin,isthelaw,(1Cor15:66),andthelawisdeadtome,Sothat,Osin,thystrengthisgone;andthereforebesurethoushaltneverbeabletoprevailagainstme,nordomeanyhurtatall."22

AndifSatantakeyoubythethroat,andbyviolencedrawyoubeforeGod'sjudgment-seat,thencalltoyourhusband,Christ,andsay,"Lord,Isufferviolence,makeanswerforme,andhelpme."Andbyhishelpyoushallbeenabledtopleadforyourself,afterthismanner:OGodtheFather!IamthySonChrist's;thougavestmeuntohim,andthouhastgivenuntohim"allpower,bothinheavenandinearth,andhastcommittedalljudgmenttohim";andthereforeIwillstandtohisjudgment,whosays,"hecamenottojudgetheworld,buttosaveit";andthereforehewillsaveme,accordingtohisoffice.Andifthejury23should24bringintheirverdictthattheyhavefoundyouguilty,thenspeaktotheJudge,andsay,Incaseanymustbecondemnedformytransgressions,itmustneedsbeChrist,andnotI;foralbeitIhavecommittedthem,yethehathundertakenandboundhimselftoanswerforthem,andthatbytheconsentandgood-willofGodhisFather:andindeedhehathfullysatisfiedforthem.

Andifdeathcreepuponyou,andattempttodevouryou;thensay,"Thysting,Odeath!issin;andChristmyhusbandhasfullyvanquishedsin,andsodeprivedtheeofthysting;andthereforedoInotfearanyhurtthatthou,Odeath!canstdountome."Andthusyoumaytriumphwiththeapostle,saying,"ThanksbeuntoGod,whohathgivenmethevictory,throughourLordJesusChrist,"(1Cor15:56,57).

AndthushaveIalsodeclareduntoyouhowChrist,inthefullnessoftime,performedthatwhichGodbeforealltimepurposed,andintimepromised,touchingthehelpinganddeliveringoffallenmankind.

AndsohaveIalsodonewiththe"LawofFaith."

[Contents][Previous:Justificationbeforefaith,refuted.][Next:ThenatureofthelawofChrist.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Concerningthedeliverancefromthelaw,which,accordingtotheScripture,istheprivilegeofbelieverspurchaseduntothembyJesusChrist,therearetwoopinionsequallycontrarytothewordofGod,andtooneanother.TheoneoftheLegalist,Thatbelieversareunderthelaw,evenasitisthecovenantofworks;theotheroftheAntinomian,Thatbelieversarenotatallunderthelaw,no,notasitisaruleoflife.Betwixttheseextremes,bothofthemdestructiveoftrueholinessandgospel-obedience,ourauthor,withotherorthodoxdivines,holdsthemiddlepath;asserting[andintheproperplaceproving]thatbelieversareunderthelaw,asaruleoflife,butfreefromitasitisthecovenantofworks.Tobedeliveredfromthelawasitisthecovenantofworks,isnomorebuttobedeliveredfromthecovenantofworks.Andtheasserting,thatbelieversaredeliveredfromthelawasitisthecovenantofworks,dothnecessarilyimport,thattheyareunderthelaw,insomeotherrespectstheretocontra-distinguished.Andforasmuchastheauthorteaches,thatbelieversareunderthelaw,asitisthelawofChrist,andaruleoflifetothem,itisreasonabletoconcludethattobeit.Hemustneeds,undertheterm,"thecovenantofworks,"understandandcomprehendthelawofthetencommandments;becausenoman,understandingwhatthecovenantofworksis,canspeakofit,buthemust,underthatterm,understandandcomprehendthetencommandments,evenasnonecanspeakofaman,withknowledgeofasenseofthatword,butunderthattermmustunderstandandcomprehendanorganicbody,aswellasasoul.Butitismanifest,thatthelawofthetencommandments,withouttheformofthecovenantofworksuponit,isnotthethingheunderstandsbythatterm,"thecovenantofworks."Neitheristheformofthecovenantofworks[whichisnomorethecovenantitself,thanthesoulwithoutthebodyistheman]essentialtothetencommandments,sothattheycannotbewithoutit.Ifitbesaid,thattheauthor,bythecovenantofworks,understandsthemorallaw,asitisdefined,[Larg.Cat.q.92,]itisgranted;butthenitamountstonomore,butthat,bythecovenantofworks,heunderstandsthecovenantofworks;forbythemorallawthere,isunderstoodthecovenantofworks,ashasbeenalreadyevinced.

Thedoctrineofbelievers'freedomfromthecovenantofworks,orfromthelawasthatcovenant,isofthegreatestimportance,andisexpresslytaught.[Larg.Cat.q.97.]"theythatareregenerate,andbelieveinChrist,bedeliveredfromthe

morallaw,asacovenantofworks,"(Rom6:14,7:4,6,Gal4:4,5)West.confess.chap.19,art.6."Truebelieversbenotunderthelawasacovenantofworks."TotheseIsubjoinonetestimony,fromthePrac.UseofSavingKnowledge,tit."ForStrengtheningtheMan'sFaith,"&c.Romans7,fig.3,"Albeittheapostlehimself[broughtinhereforexample'scause]andallothertruebelieversinChrist,bebynatureunderthelawofsinanddeath,orunderthecovenantofworks;[calledthelawofsinanddeath,becauseitbindethsinanddeathuponus,tillChristsetusfree;]yetthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesus,orthecovenantofgrace,[socalledbecauseitdothenableandquickenamantoaspirituallifethroughChrist,]dothsettheapostle,andalltruebelievers,freefromthecovenantofworks,orthelawofsinanddeath."Seemore,ibid.fig.4.Asalsotit."ForconvincingamanofJudgmentbytheLaw,"par.2,andlast.Andtit."EvidencesoftrueFaith."Andtit."FortheFirst,"&c.fig.4.

Now,deliveringfromacovenantbeingthedissolutionofarelationwhichadmitsnotofdegrees,believersbeingdeliveredfromthecovenantofworks,mustbewhollyandaltogethersetfreefromit.

Thisappearsalsofromthebelievers'beingdeadtoit,anditdeadtohim,ofwhichbeforeatlarge.

Thereisatwofolddeathcompetenttoabelieverwithrespecttothelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;andsotothelawassuch,withrespecttothebeliever.(1.)Thebelieverisdeadtoitreally,andinpointofduty,whilehecarrieshimselfasonewhoisdeadtoit.AndthisItaketobecomprehendedinthatsayingoftheapostle,(Gal2:19),"Ithroughthelawamdeadtothelaw."InthebestofthechildrenofGodhere,therearesuchremainsofthelegaldispositionandinclinationofhearttothewayofthecovenantofworks,thatastheyareneverquitefreeofitintheirbestduties,soatsometimestheirservicessmellsorankofit,asiftheywerealivetothelaw,andstilldeadtoChrist.AndsometimestheLordfortheircorrection,trial,andexerciseoffaith,sufferstheghostofthedeadhusband,thelaw,asacovenantofworks,tocomeinupontheirsoulsandmakedemandsonthem,command,threaten,andaffrightthem,asiftheywerealivetoit,andittothem.Anditisoneofthehardestpiecesofpracticalreligion,tobedeadtothelawinsuchcases.Thisdeathtoitadmitsofdegrees,isnotalikeinallbelievers,andisperfectinnonetillthedeathofthebody.Butofthiskindofdeathtothelaw,thequestionproceedsnothere.(2.)Thebelieverisdeadtoitrelatively,andinpointofprivilege;therelationbetwixthimanditisdissolved,evenastherelationbetweenahusbandandwifeisdissolvedbydeath;(Rom

7:4),"Wherefore,mybrethrenyealsoarebecomedeadtothelaw,bythebodyofChrist,thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother."Thiscanadmitofnodegrees,butitisperfectinallbelievers;sothattheyarewhollyandaltogethersetfreefromit,inpointofprivilege,uponwhichthequestionhereproceeds,andinthisrespecttheycanexpectneithergoodnorhurtfromit.

[Back][2]"Believersbenotunderthelaw,asacovenantofworks,tobetherebyjustifiedorcondemned."Westm.Confess.chap.19.art.6.

[Back][3]Fromthegeneralconclusionalreadylaiddownandproved,namely,Thatbelieversarewhollyandaltogethersetfreefromthecovenantofworks,orfromthelawasitisthatcovenant,thisnecessarilyfollows.Buttoconsiderparticulars,forfurtherclearingofthisweightypoint,(1.)Thatthecovenantofworkshathnopowertojustifyasinner,inregardtohisutterinabilitytopaythepenalty,andtofulfiltheconditionofit,isclearfromtheapostle'stestimony,(Rom8:3),"Whatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSon,"&c.(2.)Thatthebelieverisnotunderthecondemningpowerofit,appearsfromGalatians3:13,"Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus."(Rom8:1),"Thereis,therefore,nownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus."(verse33,34),"ItisGodthatjustifieth;whoishethatcondemneth?"(3.)Astoitscommandingpower,believersarenotunderitneither;for,

1.Itscommandingandcondemningpower,incaseoftransgression,areinseparable;forbythesentenceofthatcovenant,everybreakerofitscommandsisboundovertodeath;(Gal3:10),"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelaw,todothem.""Andwhatsoeveritsaith,itsaithtothemthatareunderit,"(Rom3:19),Therefore,ifbelieversareunderitscommandingpower,theymustneedsbeunderitscondemningpower,yea,andactuallyboundovertodeath;forasmuchastheyare,withoutquestion,breakersofitscommands,iftheybeindeedunderitscommandingpower.

2.If,astoanysetofmen,thejustifyingandcondemningpowerberemovedfromthatlawwhichGodgavetoAdamasacovenantofworks,andtoallmankindinhim,thenthecovenantformofthatlawisdoneawayastothem;sothatthereisnotacovenantofworksinbeinguntothem,tohaveacommandingpoweroverthem;butsuchisthecaseofbelievers,thatlawcanneitherjustifythem,norcondemnthem;therefore,thereisnocovenantofworksinbeingbetwixtGodandthem,tohaveacommandingpoweroverthem;ourLordJesus

"blottedoutthehand-writing,tookitoutoftheway,nailingittohiscross,"(Col2:14).

3.Believersaredeadtothelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,and"marriedtoanother,"(Rom7:4).Thereforetheyaresetfreefromthecommandingpowerofthefirsthusband,thecovenantofworks.

4.Theyarenotunderit;(Rom6:14),"Yearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace":howthencanithaveacommandingpoweroverthem?

5.Theconsiderationofthenatureofthecommandsofthecovenantofworksmaysufficientlyclearthispoint.Itscommandsbindtoperfectobedience,underthepainofthecurse,which,oneveryslip,isbounduponthetransgressor;(Gal3:10),"Cursediseveryonewhocontinuethnotinallthings,"&c.ButChristhathredeemedbelieversfromthecurse,(verse13),andthelawtheyareunderspeaksinsofterterms,(Psa89:31,32),"Iftheybreakmystatutes,thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionwiththerod,"&c.Moreover,itcommandsobedienceuponthegroundofthestrengthtoperform,giventomankindinAdam,whichisnowgone,andaffordsnonewstrength;forthereisnopromiseofstrengthfordutybelongingtothecovenantofworks:andtostatebelieversunderthecovenantofworks,toreceivecommandsfortheirduty,andunderthecovenantofgrace,forthepromiseofstrengthtoperform,looksveryunliketothebeautifulorderofthedispensationofgrace,heldforthtousintheword;(Rom6:14),"Yearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."

Lastly.OurLordJesusputhimselfunderthecommandingpowerofthecovenantofworks,andgaveitperfectobedience,todeliverhispeoplefromunderit;(Gal4:4,5),"Godsentforthhisson,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw."Thattheythenshouldputtheirnecksunderthatyokeagain,cannotbutbehighlydishonouring"tothiscrucifiedChrist,whodisarmedthelawofitsthunders,defacedtheobligationofitasacovenant,and,asitwere,grindedthestonesuponwhichitwaswroughttopowder."Charnock,vol.2.q.531.

[Back][4]Andthereforesincethereisnocovenantofworks[orlawofworks,asitiscalled,(Rom3:27),]betwixtGodandthebeliever,itismanifesttherecanbenotransgressingofit,intheircase.Godrequiresobedienceofbelievers,andnotonlythreatensthem,givesthemangrywordsandlooks,butbringsheavyjudgmentsonthemfortheirdisobedience;butthepromiseofstrength,and

penaltyoffatherlywrathonly,annexedtothecommandsrequiringobedienceofthem,andtheangerofGodagainstthem,purgedofthecurse,doevidentlydiscover,thatnoneofthesecometothem,inthechannelofthecovenantofworks.

[Back][5]Andthoughallthesinsofbelieversarenotsinsofdailyinfirmity,yettheyareallsinsoffrailty;(Gal5:17),"Forthefleshlustethagainstthespirit,andthespiritagainsttheflesh,sothatyecannotdothethingsthatyewould";(Rom7:19),"TheevilwhichIwouldnot,thatIdo."Seechapter5:15,17,and6:12.

[Back][6]Thusfarofthebeliever'scompletedeliverancefromthecovenantofworks,orfromthelaw,namely,asitisthecovenantofworks.Followsthepracticalusetobemadeofitbythebeliever.And,1.Inhearingoftheword.

[Back][7]ThoughtheyareGod'sownsayings,foundinhiswrittenword,andspokenbyhisservants,ashavingcommissionfromhimforthateffect;yet,forasmuchastheyarethelanguageofthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,theyaredirectedonlytothosewhoareunderthatcovenant,(Rom3:19),andnottobelievers,whoarenotunderit.

[Back][8]Andtobelievershehathgiveneternallifealready,accordingtotheScripture.

[Back][9]Follows,II.Theuseofit,inconflictsofconsciencewiththelawinitsdemands,sininitsguilt,Sataninhisaccusations,deathinitsterrors.

[Back][10]Hebeginswiththeconflictwiththelaw;for,astheapostleteaches,"thestingofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinisthelaw,"(1Cor15:56).Whilethelawretainsitspoweroveraman,deathhasitssting,andsinitsstrengthagainsthim;butifonceheisdeadtothelaw,whollyandaltogethersetfreefromit,asitisthecovenantofworks;thensinhathlostitsstrength,deathitssting,andSatanhispleaagainsthim.Thattheauthorstillspeaksofthelawasitisthecovenantofworks,fromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofwhichbelieversaredelivered,andnootherwise,cannotreasonablybequestioned,sinceheisstillpursuingthepracticaluseofthedoctrineanentitassuch;andhavingbeforespokenofitasactingbycommissionfromGodhetreatsofithere,asacting,asitwere,ofitsownpropermotion,andnotbyanysuchcommission.Tothosewhoareunderthelaw,thelawspeaksitsdemandsandterrors,assentfromGod:buttobelievers,whoarenotunderit,itcannotsospeak,butofitself.(Rom

8:15),"Foryehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear."

Now,intheconflictthebelieverhaswiththelaworcovenantofworks,theauthorputstwocases;inwhichtheconscienceneedstobesoundlydirected,asincasesoftheutmostweight.

Thefirstcaseisthis,Thelawattemptingtoexerciseitscondemningpoweroverhim,accusinghimoftransgression,demandsofhimsatisfactiontothejusticeofGodforhissin,andthreatenstohalehimtoexecution.Inthiscase,theauthordarenotadvisetheafflictedtosay,withtheservantintheparable,(Matt18:26),"Havepatiencewithme,andIwillpaytheeall";butheteacheshimtodevolvehisburdenwhollyuponhissurety:hebidshimplead,thatsince"heismarriedtoChrist,"whateveractionthelawmaypretendtobecompetenttoit,forthesatisfactionofjustice,upontheaccountofhissin,itmustliebetwixtthelawandChrist,thehusband;butthat,inverydeed,thereremainsnoplaceforsuchaction,forasmuchas,throughJesusChrist'ssufferingandsatisfyingtothefull,heissetfreefromthelaw,andowesnothingtojusticenortothelawuponthatscore.Ifanymanwillventuretodealinothertermswiththelawinthiscase,hisexperiencewillatlengthsufficientlydiscoverhismistake.Nowitismanifestthatthisrelatestothecaseofjustification.

[Back][11]Hereisthesecondcase,namely,thelawattemptingtoexerciseitscommandingpoweroverthebeliever,requireshimtodogoodworks,andtokeepthecommandments,ifhewillobtainsalvation.Thiscomesinnativelyinthesecondplace.Theauthorcouldnot,reasonably,restsatisfiedwiththebeliever'sbeingdeliveredfromthecurseofthecovenantofworks,fromthedebtowingtodivinejustice,accordingtoitspenalsanction;ifhehad,hewouldhavelefttheafflictedstillinthelurch,inthepointofjustification,andofinheritingeternallife:hewouldhaveproposedChristtohimonlyasahalfsaviour,andleftasmuchofthelaw'spleabehindwithoutanansweraswouldhaveconcludedhimincapableofbeingjustifiedbeforeGod,andmadeanheirofeternallife;forthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,beingbroken,hasatwofolddemandonthesinner,eachofwhichmustbeanswered,beforehecanbejustified.Theoneisademandofsatisfactionforsin,arisingfrom,andaccordingtoitspenalsanction:thisdemandwasmadeintheprecedingcase,andsolidlyanswered.Butthereremainsyetanother,namely,thedemandofperfectobedience,arisingfrom,andaccordingtothesettledconditionofthatcovenant;andtheafflictedmusthavewherewithtoansweritalso;otherwiseheshallstillsinkinthedeepmire,wherethereisnostanding.Forasnojudgecanabsolveaman,merelyon

hishavingpaidthepenaltyofabrokencontract,towhichhewasobliged,byandattourthefulfillingofthecondition,sonomancanbejustifiedbeforeGod,norhavearighttolife,tillthisdemandofthelawbealsosatisfiedinhiscase.Then,andnottillthen,isthelaw'smouthstoppedinpointofhisjustification.ThusAdam,beforehisfall,wasfreefromthecurse;yetneitherwas,norcouldbejustifiedandentitledtolife,untilhehadrunthecourseofhisobedience,prescribedhimbythelawasacovenantofworks.Accordingly,wearetaughtthat"Godjustifiessinners,notonlybyimputingthesatisfaction,butalsotheobedienceofChristuntothem"Westm.Confess.chap.11.art.1.Andthat"justificationisanactofGod'sfreegrace,whereinhenotonlypardonethalloursins,butacceptethusasrighteousinhissight."Short.Cat.

Herethenistheseconddemandofthelaw,namely,thedemandofperfectobedience,respectingthecaseofjustification,nolessthanthedemandofsatisfactionforsin.AnditisproposedinsuchtermsastheScriptureusestoexpresstheself-samething.(Luke10:28),"Thisdo,andthoushaltlive."(Matt19:17),"Ifthouwiltenterintolife,keepthecommandments."InbothwhichpassagesourLordproposeththisdemandofthecovenantofworks,fortheconvictionoftheproudlegalistswithwhomhetherehadtodo.Andthetruthis,thatthetermsinwhichthisdemandstandshereconceived,aresoveryagreeabletothestyleandlanguageofthecovenantofworksexpressedinthesetexts,andelsewhere,thatthelaw,withoutrecedingintheleastfromtheproprietyofexpression,mighthaveaddressedinnocentAdam,intheverysameterms;changingonlythewordsalvationintolife,becausehewasnotyetmiserable;andsosayingtohim,Goodworksmustbedone,andthecommandmentsmustbekept,ifthouwiltobtainlife.Whatimproprietytherecouldhavebeeninthissaying,whileasyettherewasnocovenantknownintheworld,butthecovenantofworks,Iseenot.EveninnocentAdamwasnot,byhisworks,toobtainlife,inthewayofpropermerit;butinvirtueofcompactonly.

Now,thisbeingthecase,onemayplainlyperceive,thatinthetrueanswertoit,therecanbenoplaceforbringinginanyholiness,righteousness,goodworks,andkeepingofthecommandments,butChrist'sonly;fornothingelsecansatisfythisdemandofthelaw.Andifabelievershouldacknowledgethenecessityofhisownholinessandgoodworks,inthispoint,andsosetaboutthem,inordertoanswerthisdemand;thenheshouldgrosslyandabominablyperverttheendforwhichtheLordrequiresthemofhim;puttinghisownholinessandobedienceintheroomofChrist'simputedobedience;andsoshouldfixhimselfinthemireoutofwhichhecouldneverescape,untilhegaveoverthatwayandbetookhimself

againtowhatChristalonehasdoneforsatisfyingthisdemandofthelaw.Butthattheexcludingofourholiness,good-works,andkeepingofthecommandments,fromanypartinthismatter,militatesnothingagainsttheabsolutenecessityofholinessinitsproperplace,[withoutwhich,inmen'sownpersons,nomanshallseetheLord,]isapointtooclearamongsoundProtestantdivines,tobehereinsistedupon.

AndhenceourauthorcouldnotinstructNeophytustosay,inthisconflictwiththelaworcovenantofworks,"Itismysincereresolution,inthestrengthofgrace,tofollowpeacewithallmen,andholiness."NeitherwouldanysoundProtestantdivinehaveputsuchananswerintothemouthoftheafflictedinthiscase;knowingthatourevangelicalholinessandgoodworks[supposewecouldattainuntothembeforejustification]wouldberejectedbythelaw,asfilthyrags;forasmuchasthelawacknowledgesnoholiness,nogoodworks,nokeepingofthecommandments,butwhatiseverywayperfect,andwillneverbesatisfiedwithsincereresolutions,todo,inthestrengthofgracetobegiven;butrequiresdoinginperfection,inthestrengthofgracegivenalready,(Gal3:10).ThereforeourauthorsendstheafflicteduntoJesusChrist,thesuretyforallthatisdemandedofhimbythelaworcovenantofworks:andteacheshiminthiscase,topleadChrist'sworks,andkeepingofthecommands;andthisistheonlysafeway,whichalltrueChristianswillfindthemselvesobligedtotakeatthelongrun,inthisconflict.

Thedifficultyraisedonthisheadisowingtothatanti-scripturalprinciple,"Thatbelieversareunderthecommandingpowerofthecovenantofworks";whichisoverthrownbefore.

Thecaseitself,andtheanswertoitatlarge,istakenfromLuther'sSermonoftheLostSheep,pp.77,78,andSermonupontheHymnofZacharias,p.50.

[Back][12]Saved,namely,really,thoughnotperfectly;evenasadrowningmanissavedwhenhisheadisgotabovethewater,andhe,leaningonhisdeliverer,ismakingtowardstheshore;inthiscase,thebelieverhasnomoreneedofthelaw,orcovenantofworks,thansuchamanhasofone,who,tosavehim,wouldlayaweightuponhim,thatwouldmakehimsinkagainbeneaththestream.Observethemannerofspeakingandreasoningusedonthishead.(Titus3:5),"Notbyworksofrighteousness,whichwehaveDONE,butaccordingtohismercy,heSAVEDus,bythewashingofREGENERATION,andRENEWINGoftheHolyGhost."(Eph2:8-10),"ForbygraceAREYESAVED,throughfaith,notof

WORKS,lestanymanshouldboast.Forwearehisworkmanship,createdinChristJesus,UNTOgoodworks."Here(1.)Itisundeniable,especiallyaccordingtotheoriginalwords,thattheapostleassertsbelieverstobesavedalready.(2.)Denyingthatwearesavedbyworkswhichwehavedone,heplainlyenoughintimates,thatwearesavedbytheworkswhichChristhasdone.(3.)Hearguesagainstsalvationbyourworks,uponthisveryground,thatourgoodworksarethefruitfollowingourbeingsaved,andtheendforwhichwearesaved.Thusheatonceoverthrowsthedoctrineofsalvationbyourgoodworks,andestablishesthenecessityofthem,asofbreathingsandotheractionsoflifetoamansavedfromdeath.(4.)Heshows,thatinherentholinessisanessentialpartofsalvation,withoutwhichitcannomoreconsist,thanamanwithoutareasonablesoul;for,accordingtotheapostle,"Wearesavedbyourbeingregenerated,renewed,createdinChristJesus,untogoodworks."Andsoisourjustificationalso,withalltheprivilegesdependingthereupon.Inoneword,thesalvationbestowedonbelievers,comprehendsbothholinessandhappiness.ThustheapostlePeterdisprovesthatprinciple,(Acts15:1),"ExceptyebecircumcisedafterthemannerofMoses,yecannotbeSAVED,"fromhisownobservationofthecontrary,namely,thatGodpurifiedtheheartsoftheGentilesbyfaith,(verse9),addingforthepartoftheJews,whowerecircumcised,(verse11),"Webelieve,thatthroughthegraceoftheLordJesusChristweshallbesaved,evenasthey";thatis,evenastheyweresaved,namely,byfaithwithouttheworksofthelaw.AndtheapostlePaul,encounteringthesameerror,carriesonthedisputeintheseterms,thatamanisnotjustifiedbyworks,(Gal2and3).Fromwhenceonemayconclude,thatjustificationdoesnofurtherdifferfromsalvation,intheScripturesense,thananessentialpartfromthewhole.

ThisisthedoctrineofholyLuther,andofourauthorafterhim,uponthishead,hereandelsewhere.Andthedisuseofthismannerofspeaking,andthesettingofsalvationsofarfromjustification,asheavenisfromearth,arenotwithoutdanger,asleavingroomforworks,toobtainsalvationby.

"Theythatbelieve,havealreadyeverlastinglife,andthereforeundoubtedlyarejustifiedandholy,withoutalltheirownlabour."Luther'sChos.Sermons,Serm.10,page[mihi]113."HowhasGod,then,remediedthymisery?Hehasforgivenallmysins,andfreedmefromtherewardthereof,andmademerighteous,holy,andhappy,toliveforever,andthatofhisfreegracealone,bythemeritsofJesusChrist,andworkingoftheHolyGhost."Mr.JamesMelvil'sCat.PropineofaPastor,p.44."Now,beingmadetrulyandreallypartakersofChrist,andhisrighteousness,byfaithonly,andsojustified,saved,andcountedtrulyrighteous,

wearetoseewhatGodcravethofusinourownpart,towitnessourthankfulness."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCat.p.27.SeePalat.Cat.q.86."Goddeliverethhiselectoutofit[viz:theestateofsinandmisery]andbringeththemintoanestateofsalvationbythesecondcovenant."Larg.Cat.q.30.Andsurelyonecannotbeinastateofsalvationwhoisnotreallysaved;morethanonecanbeinastateofhealthandliberty,whoisnotreallysavedfromsicknessandslavery."ThosewhomGodhathpredestinateduntolife,andthoseonlyheispleased,inhisappointedandacceptedtime,effectuallytocall,byhiswordandSpirit,outofthatstateofsinanddeathinwhichtheyarebynature,tograceandsalvationeffectuallydrawingthemtoJesusChrist."Westm.Confess.chap.10,art.1.Whenceonemayeasilyperceive,thatasinnerdrawntoJesusChrist,issaved;thoughnotyetcarriedtoheaven.

[Back][13]AgoodreasonwhyasoulunitedtoJesusChrist,andalreadysavedbyhimreally,thoughnotperfectly,hathnoneedofthepresenceofherfirsthusband,thelaw,orcovenantofworks:namely,becauseshehathinChrist,herheadandpresenthusband,allthingsnecessarytosaveherperfectly,thatis,tomakehercompletelyholyandhappy.Ifitwerenotso,believersmightyetdespairofattainingtoit:sinceChristsharethhisofficeofSaviourwithnone;neitheristheirsalvationinanyother,whetherinwholeorinpart,(Acts4:12).Butsurelybelievershaveallthatisnecessarytocompletetheirsalvation,inJesusChrist:forasmuchashe"ofGodismadeuntouswisdom,andrighteousness,andsanctification,andredemption";inthecompassofwhich,thereissufficientprovisionforallthewantsofallhispeople.Itisthegreatgroundoftheircomfort,that"itpleasedtheFather,thatinhimshouldallfullnessdwell,"(Col1:19).Anditbecomesthem,withtheirwholehearts,toapproveofthedesignandendofthatgloriousandhappyconstitution,namely,that"hethatglorieth,gloryintheLord,"(1Cor1:31).Itistrue,thatfullnessissofarfrombeingactuallyconveyed,inthemeasureofeverypart,intothepersonsofbelieversatonce,thatthestreamofconveyancewillrunthroughalltheagesofeternity,inheaven,aswellasonearth.Nevertheless,wholeChrist,withallhisfullness,isgiventothematonce,andthereforetheyhaveallnecessaryforthematonce,inhimastheirHead.(1Cor3:21),"Allthingsareyours."(Phil4:28),"Ihaveall,andabound."(2Cor6:10),"Ashavingnothing,yetpossessingallthings."(Col2:10),"andyearecompleteinhim,whichistheHead."

[Back][14]Butarenotpersonalholiness,andgodliness,goodworks,andperseveranceinholyobedience,jostledoutatthisrateasunnecessary?No,bynomeans.ForChrististheonlyfountainofholiness,andthecauseofgood

works,inthosewhoareunitedtohim;sothat,whereunionwithChristis,thereispersonalholinessinfallibly;theretheydogoodworks,ifcapableofthem,andperseveretherein;andwhereitisnot,allpretencestothesethingsareutterlyvain.Thereforeareministersdirectedtoprosecutesuchdoctrines,andmakechoiceofsuchuses,especially,"asmaymostdrawsoulstoChrist,thefountainoflight,holiness,andcomfort."Directory,tit."OfthePreachingoftheWord.""Aswewillinglyspoilourselvesofallhonourandgloryofourowncreationandredemption,sodowealsoofourregenerationandsanctification;forofourselveswearenotsufficienttothinkonegoodthought;buthewhohasbeguntheworkinus,isonlyhethatcontinuesusinthesame,tothepraiseandthegloryofhisundeservedgrace.Sothatthecauseofgoodworks,weconfesstobe,notourfreewill,buttheSpiritoftheLordJesus,who,dwellinginourheartsbytruefaith,bringethforthsuchworks,asGodhaspreparedforustowalkin.Forthiswemostboldlyaffirm,thatblasphemyitistosay,thatChristabidethintheheartsofsuch,asinwhomthereisnospiritofsanctification."OldConfess.art.12,13."M.Whatistheeffectofthyfaith?C.ThatJesusChristhisSoncamedownintothisworld,andaccomplishedallthings,whichwerenecessaryforoursalvation."TheMannertoExamineChildren,&c.,quest.3."Whetherwelooktoourjustificationorsanctification,theyarewhollywroughtandperfectedbyChrist,inwhomwearecomplete,howbeitafteradiversesort."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCat.p.34.Thetruthis,personalholiness,godliness,andperseverance,arepartsofthesalvationalreadybestowedonthebeliever,andgoodworksbegun,thenecessaryfruitthereof.Seetheprecedingnote.Andhehath,inChristhishead,whatinfalliblysecurestheconservationofhispersonalholinessandgodliness:hisbringingforthofgoodworksstill,andperseveranceinholyobedience,andthebringingofthewholetoperfectioninanotherlife,andsocompletingthebegunsalvation.Ifmenwill,withoutwarrantfromtheword,restrainthetermsalvationtohappinessinheaven,thenallthese,accordingtothedoctrineheretaught,arenecessarytosalvation,aswhatofnecessitymustgobeforeit,insubjectscapable;since,inasalvationcarriedonbydegrees,whatisbytheunalterableorderofthecovenantfirstconferredonaman,mustnecessarilygobeforethatwhich,bythesameunalterableorder,isconferredonhiminthelastplace.ButinthesenseofLutherandourauthor,allthesearecomprehendedinthesalvationitself.Forjustifyingofwhich,onemayobserve,thatwhenthesalvationiscompleted,theyareperfected;andthesaintsingloryworkperfectlygoodworks,withoutinterruption,throughoutalleternity;fortheywerethegreatendGoddesignedtobringaboutbythemeansofsalvation.TotheScripturetextsadducedintheprecedingnote,add(2Tim2:10),"Iendureallthings,fortheelect'ssake,thattheyalsomayobtainthesalvation,

whichisinChristJesus,witheternalglory."Hereisaspiritualsalvation,plainlydistinguishedfrometernalglory.Compare(1Peter1:8,9),"Believing,yerejoice.Receivingtheendofyourfaith,eventhesalvationofyoursouls."Thisreceivingofsalvation,inthepresenttime,isbuttheaccomplishmentofthatpromise,inpart;(Acts16:31),"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved";which,Imakenoquestion,bearsagreatdealofsalvation,communicatedonthissidedeath,aswellasbeyondit;(Matt1:21),"Heshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins."Thus,salvationcomprehendspersonalholinessandgodliness.AndtheScriptureholdsoutgoodworks,asthingsthataccompanysalvation,(Heb6:9),andasthefruitofit,(Luke1:71-75),"Thatweshouldbesavedfromourenemiesbeingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,wemightservehimwithoutfear,inholinessandrighteousnessbeforehim,allthedaysofourlife."Foritisaneverlastingsalvation,(Isa45:17),importingaperseveranceinholyobediencetotheend.

[Back][15]Myrighteousness,uponwhichIamjustified,mytreasure,outofwhichallmydebttothelaw,orcovenantofworks,ispaid,andmywork,whencemyrighteousnessarises,andwhichIcan,withsafetyandcomfort,opposetothelaw-demandofwork."ThelawofGodweconfessandacknowledgemostjust,mostequal,mostholy,mostperfect,commandingthesethings,whichbeingwroughtinperfection,wereabletogivelife,andabletobringmantoeternalfelicity.Butournatureissocorrupt,soweak,andsoimperfect,thatweareneverabletofulfiltheworksofthelawinperfectionandthereforeitbehovesustoapprehendChristJesus,withhisjustice,i.e.,hisrighteousnessandsatisfaction,whoistheendandaccomplishmentofthelaw."OldConfess.art.15.

[Back][16]Namely,intheeyeofthelaw,whichacknolwedgethnogodlinessnorrighteousness,butwhatiseverywayperfect;(Rom4:5),"BelievethonhimthatjustifieththeUNGODLY."Andtopleadanyothersortofgodlinessorrighteousness,intheconflictofconsciencewiththelaw,isvain.(Gal3:10)

[Back][17]Thatis,Christhathperfectpurityofnatureandlife,whichisallthatthelawcandemandinpointofconformityandobediencetoitscommandments;hewasbornholy,andhelivedholyinperfection.Now,boththeseareimputedtobelievers,notinpointofsanctification,butofjustification;forwithouttheimputationofthemboth,nofleshcouldbejustifiedbeforeGod,becausethelawdemandsofeverymanpurityofnature,aswellaspurityoflife,andbothoftheminperfection;andsincewehaveneithertheonenortheotherinourselves,

wemusthavebothbyimputation,elsewemustremainunderthecondemnationofthelaw.So,thePalatineCatechism."Q.HowartthourighteousbeforeGod?A.Theperfectsatisfaction,righteousness,andholinessofChristisimputedandgivenuntome,asifIhadneithercommittedanysin,neitherwerethereanyblotorcorruptioncleavinguntome.Q.60.TheuseIfSatanyetlaytomycharge,AlthoughinChristJesusthouhastsatisfiedthepunishmentwhichthysinsdeserved,andhastputonhisrighteousnessbyfaith,yetthoucanstnotdeny,butthatthynatureiscorrupt,sothatthouartpronetoallill,andthouhastinthee,theseedofallvices.Againstthistemptationthisanswerissufficient,ThatbythegoodnessofGod,notonlyperfectrighteousness,buteventheholinessofChristalso,isimputedandgivenuntome,"&c.Ibid."thesatisfaction,righteousness,andholinessofChristaloneismyrighteousness,inthesightofGod."Ibid.quest.61.

[Back][18]Namely,tothelaworcovenantofworks,whichhasnopoweroverme,whoamnowmarriedtoanother.

[Back][19]Lutherexpressesitthus,"WhatIam,orwhatIoughttodo,andwhatnottodo;butwhatChristhimselfis,oughttodo,anddoth."

[Back][20]Moseswithhistables,here,isnomore,inthesenseofLutherandourauthor,butthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;thewhich,whosointheconflictofconsciencewithit,cantreatatthisrate,heisstronginfaith,andhappyishe.ConsidertheScripturephrase,(John5:45),"Thereisonethataccusethyou,evenMoses,inwhomyeTRUST."Compare(Rom2:17),"Behold,thouartcalledaJew,andRESTESTintheLAW."ByMoseshere,isnotmeantthepersonofMoses,butMoses'law,whichthecarnalJewstrustedtobesavedandjustifiedby;thatisplainly,bythelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks.Andinourauthor'sjudgment,thelawwasgivenonMountSinaiasthecovenantofworks.Andheshows,thatalthoughLuther,andCalvintoo,dothusexemptabelieverfromthelaw,inthecaseofjustification,andasitisthecovenantofworks,yetdotheynotsooutofthecaseofjustification,andasitisthelawofChrist.P.184-186.Andso,atonce,clearsthemandhimselffromthatodiouschargewhichsomemightfindintheirheartstofixuponthemfromsuchexpressions.

[Back][21]Luther'swordsare,"Thenitistimetosendit[thelaw]away,andifitwillnotgiveplace,"&c.Seetheprecedingnote.

[Back][22]Hereistheusetobemadeofthesameformerdoctrine,intheconflictofconsciencewithsin.Guilt,eventheguiltofrevengingwrathisthehandlebywhich,inthisconflict,sinofferstotakeholdofthebeliever,asitdidofDavid,(Psa40:12).Who,inthatPsalm,speaksasatypeofChrist,onwhomtheguiltoftheelect'ssinwaslaid."Now,inrespectofthatguilt,thestrengthofsinisthelaw,orcovenantofworks,withitscursingandcondemningpower,fromwhich,sincebelieversaredelivered,thatstrengthofsinisgoneastothem;theyarefreefromtheguiltofsin,thecondemningwrathofGod."Westm.Confess.chap.20.art.1."TherevengingwrathofGod,andthatperfectlyinthislife."Larg.Cat.quest.77.Whenceitnecessarilyfollows,thatsin,inthisattack,canneverprevailnorreallyhurttheminthispoint,sincethereneitheris,norcanbe,anysuchguiltremaininguponthem.Howsinmayotherwiseprevailagainstabeliever,andwhathurtitmaydohiminotherrespects,theauthorexpresslyteacheshereandelsewhere.Inthemannerofexpression,hefollowsfamousdivines,whosenamesareinhonourinthechurchofChrist."Godsaithuntome,Iwillforgivetheethysin,neithershallthysinshurtthee."Luther,Chos.Serm.p.40."ForasmuchasJesusChristhath,byoneinfiniteobedience,madesatisfactiontotheinfinitemajestyofGod,itfolloweth,thatmyiniquitiescannomorefraynortroubleme,myaccountsbeingassuredlyrazedbythepreciousbloodofChrist."Beza,Confess.point4.art.10."EvenastheviperthatwasuponPaul'shand,thoughthenatureofitwastokillpresently,yetwhenGodhadcharmedit,youseeithurthimnot;soitiswithsin,thoughitbeinus,andthoughithanguponus,yetthevenomofitistakenaway,ithurtsusnot,itcondemnsusnot."Dr.PrestononFaith,p.51.HearthelanguageoftheSpiritofGod,(Luke10:19);"Andnothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou.""Nothingshallhurttheirsouls,astothefavourofGod,andtheireternalhappiness,"saystheauthoroftheSupplementtoPoole'sAnnot.ontheText.

[Back][23]Thetencommandments.

[Back][24]Byyourownconscience.

ThenatureofthelawofChrist.


[Contents]

[Previous:Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.]

[Next:Thelawofthetencommandmentsaruleoflifetobelievers.]

CHAPTERIII-OFTHELAWOFCHRIST.

Section1-ThenatureofthelawofChrist.

Nom.Thensir,Iprayyou,proceedtospeakofthelawofChrist;andfirst,letushearwhatthelawofChristis.

Evan.ThelawofChrist,inregardofsubstanceandmatter,isallonewiththelawofworks,orcovenantofworks.WhichmatterisscatteredthroughthewholeBible,andsummedupinthedecalogue,ortencommandments,commonlycalledthemorallaw,containingsuchthingsasareagreeablytothemindandwillofGod,thatis,pietytowardsGod,charitytowardsourneighbour,andsobrietytowardsourselves.AndthereforewasitgivenofGodtobeatrueandeternalruleofrighteousness,forallmen,ofallnations,andatalltimes.Sothatevangelicalgracedirectsamantonootherobediencethanthatwhereofthelawofthetencommandmentsistobetherule.1

Nom.Butyet,sir,Iconceive,thatthough[asyousay]thelawofChrist,inregardofsubstanceandmatter,beallonewiththelawofworks,yettheirformsdodiffer.

Evan.True,indeed;for[asyouhaveheard]thelawofworksspeaksonthiswise,"Dothisandthoushaltlive;andifthoudoitnot,thenthoushaltdiethedeath":butthelawofChristspeakethonthiswise,(Eze16:6),"AndwhenIpassedbythee,andsawtheepollutedinthineownblood,Isaiduntothee,whenthouwastinthyblood,live."(John11:26),"Andwhosoeverlivethandbelievethinme,shallneverdie."2(Eph5:1,2),"BeyethereforefollowersofGod,asdear

children:andwalkinlove,asChristhathlovedus."And"ifyeloveme,keepmycommandments,"(John14:15).And"iftheybreakmystatutes,andkeepnotmycommandments,thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionswitharod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes;neverthelessmyloving-kindnesswillInotutterlytakeawayfromhim,norsuffermyfaithfulnesstofail,"(Psa89:31-33).Thus,yousee,thatboththeselawsagreeinsaying,"Dothis."Buthereisthedifference;theonesaith,"Dothisandlive";andtheothersaith,"Live,anddothis";theonesaith,Dothisforlife;theothersaith,Dothisfromlife:theonesaith,"Ifthoudoitnot,Iwillchastisetheewiththerod."3TheoneistobedeliveredbyGodasheisCreatoroutofChrist,onlytosuchasareoutofChrist;theotheristobedeliveredbyGod,asheisaRedeemerinChrist,onlytosuchasareinChrist.4Wherefore,neighbourNeophytus,seeingthatyouarenowinChrist,bewarethatyoureceivenotthetencommandmentsatthehandsofGodoutofChrist,noryetatthehandsofMoses,butonlyatthehandsofChrist;andsoshallyoubesuretoreceivethemasthelawofChrist.5

Nom.But,sir,maynotGodoutofChristdeliverthetencommandments,asthelawofChrist?

Evan.Ono!forGodoutofChriststandsinrelationtoman,accordingtothetenorofthelawasitisthecovenantofworks;and,therefore,canspeaktomanuponnoothertermsthanthetermsofthatcovenant.6

[Contents]

[Previous:Believersfreedfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks.]

[Next:Thelawofthetencommandmentsaruleoflifetobelievers.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Theauthorhereteaches,thatthematterofthelawofworksandofthelawofChrist,isone,namely,thetencommandments,commonlycalledthemorallaw.AndthatthislawofthetencommandmentswasgivenofGod,andsoofdivineauthority,tobearuleofrighteousnessformentowalkby;atrueruleagreeableinallthingstothedivinenatureandwill;aneternalrule,indispensable,evertocontinue,withoutinterruptionforanyonemoment;and

thatforallmen,good,bad,saintsandsinners,ofallnations,JewsandGentiles,andatalltimes,inallages,fromthemomentofman'screation,beforethefall,andafterthefall;beforethecovenantofworks,underthecovenantofworks,andunderthecovenantofgrace,initsseveralperiods.Thusheassertsthisgreattruth,intermsusedbyorthodoxdivines,butwithagreatervarietyofexpressionthanisgenerallyuseduponthishead,thewhichservestoinculcateitinthemore.Andspeakingofthetencommandments,hedeclaresinthesewords."ThatneitherhathChristdeliveredbelieversanyotherwisefromthem,thanastheyarethecovenantofworks.Thescopeofthispartofthebook,istoshowthatbelieversoughttoreceivethemasthelawofChrist,whomwebelievetobewiththeFather,andtheHolyGhost,theeternalJehovah,theSupreme,themostHighGod;andconsequentlyasalawhavingacommandingpower,andbindingforce,uponthebeliever,fromtheauthorityofGod,andnotasasimplepassiverule,likeaworkman'srule,thathathnoauthorityoverhim,tocommandandbindhimtofollowitsdirection.Nay,ourauthorownsthetencommandmentstobealawtobelievers,aswellasothers,againandagaincommanding,requiring,forbidding,reproving,condemningsin,towhichbelieversmustyieldobedience,andfencedwithapenalty,whichtransgressingbelieversaretofear,asbeingunderthelawtoChrist."Thesethingsaresomanifest,thatitisquitebeyondmyreachtoconceivehow,fromtheauthor'sdoctrineonthishead,andespeciallyfromthepassagewearenowupon,itcanbeinferredthatheteaches,thatthebelieverisnotunderthelawasaruleoflife;orcanbeaffirmedthathedoesnotacknowledgethelaw'scommandingpower,andbindingforceuponthebeliever,butmakesitasimplepassiveruletohim;unlessthemeaningbe,thattheauthorteaches,"Thatthebelieverisnotunderthecovenantofworksasaruleoflife"?or,"thatthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,isnotaruleoflifetothebeliever;andthathedoesnotacknowledgethecommandingpower,andbindingforceofthecovenantofworksuponthebeliever;northatobedienceiscommandedhimuponthepainofthecurse,andbounduponhimwiththecordsofthethreateningofeternaldeathinhell."For,otherwise,itisevidentthatheteachesthelawofthetencommandmentstobearuleoflifetoabeliever,andtohaveacommandingandbindingpoweroverhim.Now,ifthesebeerrors,theauthorisundoubtedlyguilty;andifhissentimentsontheseheadswereproposedinthoseterms,asthethingitselfdothrequire,nowrongwouldbedonehimtherein.Butthatthesearegospel-truths,appearsfromwhatisalreadysaid:andthecontrarydoctrinesdoallissueoutofthewombofthatdangerousposition,"Thatthebelieverisnotsetfreebothfromthecommandingandcondemningpowerofthecovenantofworks,"ofwhichbefore.

[Back][2]Thesetextsareadducedtoshow,thattheytowhomthelawofthetencommandmentsisgiven,asthelawofChrist,arethosewhohavealreadyreceivedlife,evenlifethatshallneverend;andthatofGod'sfreegift,beforetheywerecapableofdoinggoodworks;whothereforeneednottoworkforlife,butfromlife."Theprefacetothetencommandmentsteachesus,thatbecauseGodistheLORD,andourGOD,andREDEEMER,thereforeweareboundtokeepallhiscommandments."(Luke1:74),"Thatwebeingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,mightservehimwithoutfear."(1Peter1:15),"Ashethathathcalledyouisholy,sobeyeholy;becauseitiswritten,BeyeholyforIamholy.Forasmuchasyeknow,thatyewerenotredeemedwithcorruptiblethingsbutwiththepreciousbloodofChrist."Short.Cat.withtheScripturesatlarge.

[Back][3]OfthispenaltyofthelawofChrist,theauthortreatsafterwards.

[Back][4]Todirectthebelieverhowtoreceivethelawofthetencommandmentswithapplicationtohimself,heassignsthisdifferencebetwixtthelawofworksandthelawofChrist.theone,namely,thelawofworks,isthelawofthetencommandments,butsupposedtobedeliveredbyGodasheisCreatoroutofChrist;andsostandinginrelationtoman,onlyasCreator,notasRedeemer;theother,namely,thelawofChrist,isthesamelawofthetencommandments,butsupposedtobedeliveredbyGod,asheisnotonlyCreatorbutRedeemerinChrist.AndalthoughthenotionofCreatordothnotimplythatofRedeemer,yetthelatterimpliestheformer;asheisRedeemer,heissovereignLordCreator,elseweareyetinoursins,fornoneofinferiourdignitycouldremoveouroffenceorguilt;butthewordoftruthsecuresthisfoundationofbelievers'safetyandcomfort;(Isa44:6,24),"ThussaiththeLord,theKingofIsrael,andhisRedeemer,theLordofhosts,IamtheFirst,andIamtheLast,andbesidesmethereisnoGod.ThussaiththeLord,thyRedeemer,andHethatformedtheefromthewomb,IamtheLordthatmakethallthings,thatstretchethforththeheavensalone,thatspreadethabroadtheearthbymyself."(54:5),"ThyMakeristhineHusband."

Now,thelawofthetencommandmentsisgiven,theformerway,onlytounbelievers,orsuchasareoutofChrist,thelatterwaytobelievers,orsuchasareinChrist.Andtoprovewhetherthisbeavaindistinctionornot,oneneedsbuttoconsulttheconscience,whenthoroughlyawakened,whetheritisallacasetoit,toreceivethelawofthetencommandmentsinthethundersfromMountSinai,orinthestillsmallvoice,outofthetabernacle,thatis,fromanabsolute

God,orfromaGodinChrist.

Itistrue,unbelieversarenotunderthelaw,asitisthelawofChrist;andthatistheirmisery,evenasitisthemiseryoftheslaves,thatthecommandsofthemasterofthefamily,thoughthematterofthembetheverysametothem,andtothechildren,yettheyarenotfatherlycommandstothem,astheyaretothechildren,butpurelymasterly.Andtheyarenotherebyfreedfromanyduty,withinthecompassoftheperfectlawofthetencommandments;forthesecommandsarethematterofthelawofworks,aswellasofthelawofChrist.NeitheraretheytherebyexemptedfromChrist'sauthorityandjurisdiction,sincethelawofworksishislaw,asheiswiththeFatherandtheHolyGhost,theSovereignLordCreator:yea,andevenasMediator,herulesinthemidstofhisenemies,andoverthem,witharodofiron.

[Back][5]ThereceivingofthetencommandmentsatthehandsofChrist,ishereopposed,(1.)TothereceivingofthematthehandsofGodoutofChrist.(2.)TothereceivingofthematthehandsofMoses,namely,asourLawgiver.ThefirstisareceivingofthemimmediatelyfromGod,withoutaMediator;andsoreceivingofthemasthelawofworks.ThesecondisareceivingofthemfromChrist,thetrueMediator,yetimmediatelybytheinterventionofatypicalone,andsoisareceivingofthemasalawofMoses,thetypicalMediator,whodeliveredthemfromthearkortabernacle.Tothisitis,andnottothedeliveringofthemfromMountSinai,thattheauthordothherelook,asisevidentfromhisownwords.Theformermannerofreceivingthemisnotagreeabletothestateofrealbelievers,sincetheyneverwere,noraregiveninthatmannertobelieversinChrist,butonlytounbelievers,whetherundertheOldorNewTestament.ThelatterisnotagreeabletothestateofNewTestamentbelievers,sincethetrueMediatoriscome,andissealedoftheFather,asthegreatProphet,towhomMosesmustgiveplace,(Matt17:5,Acts3:22).SeeTurret.loc.11.q.24,th.15.However,thenotreceivingofMosesasthelawgiveroftheChristianchurch,carriesnoprejudicetothehonourofthatfaithfulservant;nortothereceivingofhiswritings,asthewordofGod,theybeingofdivineinspiration,yea,andthefundamentaldivinerevelation.

[Back][6]Thisplainlyconcludes,thattoreceivethelawofthetencommandmentsfromGod,asCreatoroutofChrist,istoreceivethemasthelaw[orcovenant]ofworks;unlessmenwillfancy,thatafterGodhathmadetwocovenants,theoneofworks,theotherofgrace,hewillyetdealwiththemneitherinthewayoftheone,noroftheother.

Thelawofthetencommandmentsaruleoflifetobelievers.


[Contents][Previous:ThenatureofthelawofChrist.][Next:Antinomianobjectionsanswered.]

ChapterIII,Section2

Thelawofthetencommandmentsaruleoflifetobelievers.

Nom.But,sir,whymaynotbelieversamongsttheGentilesreceivethetencommandmentsasaruleoflife,atthehandsofMoses,aswellasthebelieversamongsttheJewsdid?

Evan.Foranswerhereunto,Iprayyouconsiderthat,thetencommandmentsbeingthesubstanceofthelawofnature1engravenintheheartofmanininnocency,andtheexpressidea,orrepresentationofGod'sownimage,evenabeamofhisownholiness,weretohavebeenaruleoflifebothtoAdamandhisposterity,thoughtheyneverhadbeenthecovenantofworks;2butbeingbecomethecovenantofwords,theyweretohavebeenaruleoflifetothem,asacovenantofworks.3Andthen,beingasitwereraisedoutofman'sheartbyhisfall,theyweremadeknowntoAdam,andtherestofthebelievingfathers,byvisionsandrevelations,andsowerearuleoflifetohim;4yetnotasthecovenantofworks,astheywerebeforehisfall,andsocontinueduntilthetimeofMoses.AndastheyweredeliveredbyMosesuntothebelievingJewsfromtheark,andsoasfromChrist,theywerearuleoflifetothem,untilthetimeofChrist'scomingintheflesh.AndsinceChrist'scomingintheflesh,theyhavebeenandaretobe,aruleoflifebothtobelievingJewsandbelievingGentiles,untotheendoftheworld;notastheyaredeliveredbyMoses,butastheyaredeliveredbyChrist:forwhenChristtheSoncomesandspeakshimself,thenMosestheservantmustkeepsilence;accordingasMoseshimselfforetold,(Acts3:22),saying,"AprophetshalltheLordyourGodraiseupuntoyouofyourbrethren,likeuntome;himshallyehearinallthingswhichheshallsayuntoyou."And,therefore,whenthedisciplesseemedtodesiretohearMosesandElias5speakonthemountainTabor,theywerepresentlytakenaway;andavoicecameoutofthecloud,saying,"ThisismybelovedSoninwhomIamwellpleased;hearyehim,"(Matt17:4,5).AsiftheLordhadsaid,Youarenotnowto

heareitherMosesorElias,butmy"well-belovedSon";and,therefore,Isayuntoyou,HEARHIM.6Andisitnotsaid,(Heb1:2),"ThatintheselastdaysGodhathspokentousbyhisSon"?anddothnottheapostlesay,"LetthewordofChristdwellinyourichly;andwhatsoeveryoudo,inwordordeed,doallinthenameofourLordJesusChrist."Thewifemustbesubjectuntothehusband,asuntoChrist;7thechildmustyieldobediencetohisparents,asuntoChrist;andthebelievingservantmustdohismaster'sbusiness,asChrist'sbusiness;forsaystheapostle,"YeservetheLordChrist,"(Col3:16-24).Yea,sayshetotheGalatians,"Bearyeoneanother'sburdens,andsofulfilthelawofChrist,"(Gal6:2).

Ant.Sir,Ilikeitverywell,thatyousay,ChristshouldbeaChristian'steacher,andnotMoses;butyetIquestionwhetherthetencommandmentsmaybecalledthelawofChrist;forwherecanyoufindthemrepeated,eitherbyourSaviour,orhisapostles,inthewholeNewTestament?

Evan.ThoughwefindnotthattheyarerepeatedinsuchamethodastheyaresetdowninExodusandDeuteronomy,yetsolongaswefindthatChristandhisapostlesdidrequireandcommandthesethings,thatarethereincommanded,andreprovedandcondemnthosethingsthatarethereinforbidden,andthatbothbytheirlivesanddoctrines,itissufficienttoprovethemtobethelawofChrist.8

Ant.Ithink,indeed,theyhavedoneso,touchingsomeofthecommandments,butnottouchingall.

Evan.Becauseyousayso,Ientreatyoutoconsider,

1st,WhetherthetrueknowledgeofGodrequired,(John3:19);andthewantofitcondemned,(2Thess1:8);andthetrueloveofGodrequired,(Matt22:37);andthewantofitreproved,(John5:42);andthetruefearofGodrequired,(1Peter2:17,Heb12:28);andthewantofitcondemned,(Rom3:18);andthetruetrustinginGodrequired,andthetrustinginthecreatureforbidden,(2Cor1:9,1Tim6:17);benotthesubstanceofthefirstcommandment.

Andconsider,2dly,Whetherthe"hearingandreadingofGod'sword,"commanded,(John5:39,Rev1:3);and"prayer,"required,(Rom12:12,1Thess5:17);and"singingofpsalms,"required,(Col3:16,James5:13);andwhether"idolatry,"forbidden,(1Cor10:14,1John5:21);benotthesubstanceofthesecondcommandment.

Andconsider,3dly,Whether"worshippingofGodinvain,"condemned,(Matt15:9);and"usingvainrepetitionsinprayer,"forbidden,(Matt6:7);and"hearingofthewordonly,andnotdoing,"forbidden,(James1:22);whether"worhsippingGodinspiritandtruth,"commanded,(John4:24);and"prayingwiththespiritandwithunderstandingalso";and"singingwiththespirit"and"withunderstandingalso,"commended,(1Cor14:15);and"takingheedwhatwehear,"(Mark4:24);benotthesubstanceofthethirdcommandment.

Consider,4thly,WhetherChrist'srisingfromthedeadthefirstdayoftheweek,(Mark16:2,9);thedisciplesassembling,andChrist'sappearinguntothem,twoseveralfirstdaysoftheweek,(John20:19,26);andthedisciplescomingtogetherandbreakingbread,andpreachingafterwardsonthatday,(Acts20:7,1Cor16:2);andJohn'sbeingintheSpiritontheLord'sday,(Rev1:10);Isay,considerwhetherthesethingsdonotprove,thatthefirstdayoftheweekistobekeptastheChristianSabbath.

Consider,5thly,Whethertheapostle'ssaying,"Children,obeyyourparentsintheLord,forthisisright:honourthyfatherandthymother,whichisthefirstcommandmentwithpromise,"(Eph6:1,2),andalltheseotherexhortations,givenbyhimandtheapostlePeter,bothtoinferioursandsuperiours,todotheirdutytoeachother,(Eph5:22,25,6:4,5,9,Col3:18-22,Titus3:1,1Peter3:1,2:18);Isay,considerwhetheralltheseplacesdonotprovethatthedutiesofthefifthcommandmentarerequiredintheNewTestament.

Hereyouseearefiveofthetencommandments;andasfortheotherfive,theapostlereckonsthemupaltogether,saying,"Thoushaltnotcommitadultery,Thoushaltnotkill,Thoushaltnotsteal,Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitness,Thoushaltnotcovet,"(Rom13:9).Now,judgeyouwhetherthetencommandmentsbenotrepeatedintheNewTestament;andsoconsequentlywhethertheybenotthelawofChrist,andwhetherabelieverbenotunderthelawtoChrist,or"inthelawthroughChrist,"astheapostle'sphraseis,(1Cor9:21).

[Contents][Previous:ThenatureofthelawofChrist.][Next:Antinomianobjectionsanswered.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Callingthetencommandmentsbutthesubstanceofthelawofnature,heplainlyintimates,thattheywerenotthewholeofthatlaw,butthatthelawof

naturehadapenalsanction.Comparehisspeakingofthesametencommands,stillasthesubstanceofthelawofworks,andofthelawofChrist.Indeed,heisnotofopinion,thatapenalsanctionisinseparablefromthelawofnature.Thatwouldputtheglorifiedsaints,andconfirmedangelsinheaven,[tosaynothingmore,]underapenalsanctiontoo;forwithoutquestion,theyare,andwillremainforever,underthelawofnature.Thetruthis,thelawofnatureissuitedbothtothenatureofGod,andtothenatureofthecreature;andthereisnoplaceforapenalsanction,wherethereisnopossibilityoftransgression.

[Back][2]Thetencommandsbeingthesubstanceofthelawofnature,arepresentationofGod'simage,andabeamofhisholiness,behovedforeverunalterablytobearuleoflifetomankind,inallpossiblestates,conditions,andcircumstances;nothingbuttheutterdestructionofhumannature,anditsceasingtobe,coulddivestthemofthatoffice,sinceGodisunchanginginhisimageandholiness.Hence,theirbeingaruleoflifetoAdamandhisposterity,hadnodependenceontheirbecomingthecovenantofworks;buttheywouldhavebeenthatrule,thoughthereneverhadbeenanysuchcovenant:yea,whatevercovenantwasintroduced,whetherofworksorofgrace,whateverformmightbeputuponthem,theybehovedstilltoremaintheruleoflife;nocovenant,noformwhatsoever,couldeverprejudicethistheirroyaldignity.Now,whetherthisstateofthematter,ortheirbeingthecovenantofworks,whichwasmerelyaccessorytothem,andmightneverhavebeenatall,isthefirmerfoundation,tobuildtheirbeingaruleoflifeupon,isnohardquestiontodetermine.

[Back][3]Andwouldhavebeensoalwaystothemall,tilltheyhadperfectlyfulfilledthatcovenant,hadtheynotbeendivestedofthatform,untobelievers,throughJesusChristtheirsurety.Tothemtheyremaintobearuleoflife,butnotundertheformofthecovenantofworks;buttounbelieverstheyare,andstillwillbe,aruleoflifeunderthatform.

[Back][4]Andtothem.Onewillnotthinkstrangetohear,thatthetencommandswere,asitwere,razedoutofman'sheartbythefall,ifoneconsidersthespiritualityandvastextentofthem,andthattheywere,intheirperfectionengravenontheheartofman,inhiscreation,anddothwithaltakenoticeoftheruinbroughtonmanbythefall.Herebyheindeedlosttheveryknowledgeofthelawofnature,ifthetencommandsaretobereckoned,ascertainlytheyare,thesubstanceandmatterofthatlaw;althoughhelostitnottotally,butsomeremainsthereofwereleftwithhim.Concerningthesetheapostlespeaks,(Rom1:19,20,2:14,15).Andourauthorteachesexpressly,thatthelawispartlyknownby

nature,thatis,initscorruptstate.Andherehesays,notsimply,thatthetencommandmentswererazed,thoughinanothercasehespeaksafterthatmanner,whereyetitisevidenthemeansnotarazingquite;buthesays,"Theywere,asitwere,razed."Butwhataretheseremainsofthemincomparisonwiththatbodyofnaturallaws,fairlywritten,anddeeplyengraven,ontheheartofinnocentAdam?Iftheywerenot,asitwere,razed,whatneedisthereofwritinganewcopyofthemintheheartsoftheelect,accordingtothepromiseofthenewcovenant?"Iwillputmylawsintotheirhearts,andintheirmindswillIwritethem,"(Heb10:16,8:10,Jer31:33).WhatneedwasthereofwritingtheminthebookoftheLord,theBible,inwhichtheyweremadeknownagaintous,astheyweretoAdamandthebelievingfathers,theauthorspeaksof,byvisionsandrevelations?thelatterbeingasnecessarytothemastheformeristous,forthatend,sincethesesuppliedtothemthewantoftheScriptures.Asforthose,whoneitherhadthesevisionsandrevelationsgiventothemselves,northedoctrinetherebytaughtcommunicatedtothembyothers,itismanifesttheycouldhavenomoreknowledgeofthoselaws,thanwastobefoundamongtheruinsofmankindinthefall.

[Back][5]Theformer,thegiverofthelaw,thelattertherestorerofit.

[Back][6]"WhichwordsestablishChristastheonlydoctorandteacherofhischurch;theonlyonewhomhehadbetrustedtodeliverhistruthsandwilltohispeople;theonlyonetowhomChristiansaretohearken,"Sup.toPoole'sAnnot.onMatthew17:5.

[Back][7]"Wives,submityourselvesuntoyourhusbandsasuntotheLord,"(Eph5:22).

[Back][8]WhetherornotthisbesufficienttoprovethemtobethelawofChrist,havingadivine,authoritative,bindingpoweronmen'sconsciences,notwithstandingofthetermdoctrineshereusedbytheauthor,onemayjudgefromthesetexts:(Matt7:28,29),"Thepeoplewereastonishedathisdoctrine,forhetaughtthemasonehavingauthority,andnotasthescribes."(John7:16),"Mydoctrineisnotmine,butHisthatsentme."(Heb1:1-3),"God,whoatsundrytimes,andindiversmanners,spakeintimepastuntothefathers,bytheprophets,hathintheselastdaysspokenuntousbyhisSon,whomhehathappointedheirofallthings,bywhomalsohemadetheworlds;whobeingthebrightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson,"&c.(Matt27:18-20),"Allpowerisgivenuntomeinheavenandearth:goye,therefore,andteach

allnations,toobserveallthingswhatsoeverIhavecommandedyou."Theoriginalword,intheOldTestament,renderedlaw,dothproperlysignifyadoctrine,Hence,(Matt15:9),"Teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen,"i.e.,thelawsandcommandsofmen,forthelawsandcommandsofGod.Compareverses4-6.

Antinomianobjectionsanswered.


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[Next:Thenecessityofmarksandsignsofgrace.]

ChapterIII,Section3


Ant.Butyet,sir,asIremember,bothLutherandCalvindospeakasthoughabelieverweresoquitefreedfromthelawbyChrist,asthatheneednotmakeanyconscienceatallofyieldingobediencetoit.

Evan.IknowrightwellthatLutherontheGalatians,p.59,says,"Theconsciencehathnothingtodowiththelaworworks";andthatCalvin,inhisInstit.p.403,says,"Theconscienceofthefaithful,whentheaffianceoftheirjustificationbeforeGodistobesought,mustraiseandadvancethemselvesabovethelaw,andforgetthewholerighteousnessofthelaw,andlayasideallthinkinguponworks."Now,forthetrueunderstandingofthesetwoworthyservantsofChrist,twothingsaretobeconsideredandconcluded.First,Thatwhentheyspeakthusofthelaw,itisevidenttheymeanonlyinthecaseofjustification.Secondly,Thatwhentheconsciencehathtodowiththelawinthecaseofjustification,ithathtodowithitonlyasitisthecovenantofworks;forasthelawisthelawofChrist,itneitherjustifiesnorcondemns.1Andso,ifyouunderstanditofthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,accordingtotheirmeaning,thenitismosttruewhattheysay;forwhyshouldamanletthelawcomeintohisconscience?Thatis,whyshouldamanmakeanyconscienceofdoingthelaw,tobejustifiedthereby,consideringitasathingimpossible?Nay,whatneedhathamantomakeconscienceofdoingthelawtobejustifiedthereby,whenheknowsheisalreadyjustifiedanotherway?Nay,whatneedhathamantomakeconscienceofdoingthatlaw,whichisdeadtohim,andhetoit?Hathawomananyneedtomakeconscienceofdoingherdutytoherhusbandwhenheisdead,nay,whensheherselfisdeadalso?or,hathadebtoranyneedto

makeanyconscienceofpayingthatdebtwhichisalreadyfullydischargedbyhissurety?Willanymanbeafraidofthatobligationwhichismadevoid,thesealtornoff,thewritingdefaced,nay,notonlycancelledandcrossed,buttorninpieces?2Iremembertheapostlesays,(Heb10:1,2),ThatifthesacrificeswhichwereofferedintheOldTestament"couldhavemadethecomersthereuntoperfect,andhavepurgedtheworshippers,thenshouldtheyhavehadnomoreconscienceofsin";thatis,theirconsciencewouldnothaveaccusedthemofbeingguiltyofsins.Now,the"bloodofChrist"hath"purgedtheconscience"ofabelieverfromallhissins,(9:14),astheyaretransgressionsagainstthecovenantofworks;and,therefore,whatneedshisconsciencebetroubledaboutthatcovenant?Butnow,Iprayyou,observeandtakenotice,thatalthoughLutherandCalvindothusexemptabelieverfromthelaw,inthecaseofjustification,andasitisthelaworcovenantofworks,yettheydonotso,outofthecaseofjustification,andasitisthelawofChrist.

ForthussaithLuther,ontheGalatians,p.182,"Outofthematterofjustification,weought,withPaul,(Rom7:12,14),tothinkreverentlyofthelaw,tocommendithighlytocallitholy,righteous,just,good,spiritual,anddivine.Yea,outofthecaseofjustification,weoughttomakeaGodofit."3Andinanotherplace,sayshe,ontheGalatians,p.5,"Thereisacivilrighteousness,andaceremonialrighteousness;yea,andbesidesthese,thereisanotherrighteousness,whichistherighteousnessofthelaw,orofthetencommandments,whichMosesteacheth;thisalsoweteachafterthedoctrineoffaith."Andinanotherplace,hehavingshowedthatbelievers,throughChrist,arefarabovethelaw,adds,"Howbeit,IwillnotdenybutMosesshowethtothemtheirduties,inwhichrespecttheyaretobeadmonishedandurged;whereforesuchdoctrinesandadmonitionsoughttobeamongChristians,asitiscertaintherewasamongtheapostles,wherebyeverymanmaybeadmonishedofhisestateandoffice."

AndCalvin,havingsaid,asItoldyoubefore,"ThatChristians,inthecaseofjustification,mustraiseandadvancethemselvesabovethelaw,"adds,"Neithercananymantherebygatherthatthelawissuperfluoustothefaithful,whom,notwithstanding,itdothnotceasetoteach,exhort,andprickforwardtogoodness,althoughbeforeGod'sjudgment-seatithathnoplaceintheirconscience."

Ant.But,sir,ifIforgetnot,Musculussays,"Thatthelawisutterlyabrogated."

Evan.Indeed,Musculus,speakingofthetencommandments,says,Iftheybe

weak,iftheybetheletter,iftheydoworktransgression,anger,curse,anddeath:andifChrist,bythelawoftheSpiritoflife,deliveredthemthatbelievedinhimfromthelawoftheletter,whichwasweaktojustify,andstrongtocondemn,andfromthecurse,beingmadeacurseforus,surely,theybeabrogated.Now,thisismostcertain,thatthetencommandmentsdonowayworktransgression,anger,curse,anddeath,butonlyastheyarethecovenantofworks.4NeitherhathChristdeliveredbelieversanyotherwisefromthem,thanastheyarethecovenantofworks.Andthereforewemayassuredlyconclude,thattheyarenootherwiseabrogated,thanastheyarethecovenantofworks.5NeitherdidMusculusintendanyotherwise;for,sayshe,inthewordsfollowing,itmustnotbeunderstood,thatthepointsofthesubstanceofMoses'covenantareutterlybroughttonothing;6Godforbid.ForaChristianmanisnotatlibertytodothosethingsthatareungodlyandwicked;andifthedoingofthosethingsthelawforbids,donotdispleaseChrist;iftheybenomuchdifferent,7yeacontrary;iftheybenotrepugnanttotherighteousnesswhichwereceivedofhim;letitbelawfulforaChristianmantodothem;orelsenot.8ButaChristianmandoingagainstthosethingswhicharecommandedinthedecalogue,dothsinmoreoutrageouslythanhethatshouldsodo,beingunderthelaw;9sofaroffishefrombeingfreefromthosethingsthatbetherecommanded.

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[Next:Thenecessityofmarksandsignsofgrace.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thatis,thelawofthetencommandments,commonlycalledthemorallaw,asitisthelawofChrist,neitherjustifiesnorcondemnsmen'spersonsinthesightofGod.Howcanitdoeithertheoneortheotherassuch,sincetobeunderit,asitisthelawofChrist,isthepeculiarprivilegeofbelievers,alreadyjustifiedbygrace,andsetbeyondthereachofcondemnation;accordingtothatoftheapostle,(Rom8:1),"Thereis,therefore,nownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus"?ButtosaythatthismakesthelawofChristdespicable,istoforgetthesovereignauthorityofGodinhim,hismatchlessloveindyingforsinners,theendearingrelationswhereinhestandstohispeople,andupontheonehand,theenjoymentofactualcommunionandfellowshipwith

God,andthemanyprecioustokensofhislove,tobeconferredonthem,inthewayofclosewalkingwithGod;andupontheotherhand,thewantofthatcommunionandfellowship,andthemanyfearfultokensofhisangeragainstthemfortheirsins.[Seesec.11.]AllthesebelongtothelawofChrist,andwillneverbedespicableintheeyesofanygracioussoul;thoughIdoubtifeverhellanddamnationweremoredespisedintheeyesofothers,thantheyareatthisday,whereinbelieversandunbelieversaresetsomuchonalevelwithrespecttotheseawfulthings.

Astothepointofcondemnation,itisevidentfromScripture,thatnolawcancondemnthose"whoareinChristJesus,"(Rom8:1,33,34).Andthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,condemnsallthosewhoarenotinChrist,butunderthelaw.(Gal3:10,Rom3:19)Andparticularly,itcondemnseveryunbeliever,whosecondemnationwillbefearfullyaggravatedbyhisrejectionofthegospeloffer;thewhichrejectedofferwillbeawitnessagainsthiminthejudgment;inrespectwhereofourLordsays,(John12:48),"ThewordthatIhavespoken,thesameshalljudgehiminthelastday."Compare(15:22),"IfIhadnotcomeandspokenuntothem,theyhadnothadsin;butnowtheyhavenocloakfortheirsin."Thereforethelaw,whichunbelieversstillremainunder,asacovenantofworks,willcondemnthemwithadoublecondemnation.(John3:18),"Hethatbelievethnotiscondemnedalready,becausehehathnotbelievedinthenameoftheonlybegottenSonofGod.Andhenceitappearsthatthereisaslittleneedof,asthereiswarrantfor,acondemninggospel.TheholyScripturestatesitasthedifferencebetwixtthelawandthegospel,thattheformeristheministrationofcondemnationanddeath,thelatter,theministrationofrighteousnessandlife."(2Cor3:6-9)Compare(John12:47),"Ifanymanhearmywords,andbelievenot,Ijudgehimnot,forIcamenottojudgetheworld,buttosavetheworld."

Astothepointofjustification;nomanis,norcanbejustifiedbythelaw.Itistrue,theNeonomiansorBaxterians,towindinarighteousnessofourownintothecaseofjustification,doturnthegospelintoalaw,properlysocalled;anddotellus,thatthegospeljustifiethasalaw,androundlyownwhatisthenecessaryconsequentofthatdoctrine,namely,thatfaithjustifieth,asitisourevangelicalrighteousness,orourkeepingthegospellaw,whichrunsthus:Hethatbelievethshallnotperish.[Gibbon'sSer.Morn.Ex.Meth.p.418-421.]ButtheholyScriptureteaches,thatwearejustifiedbygrace,andbynolawnordeed,[orworkofalaw,properlysocalled,]callitthelawofChrist,orthegospellaw,orwhatlawonepleaseth;andtherebyfaithitself,consideredasadeedorworkofalaw,isexcludedfromthejustificationofasinner,andhathplacetherein,onlyas

aninstrument.(Gal3:11),"ThatnomanisjustifiedbyalawinthesightofGod,itisevident."(5:4),"Whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbyalaw,yearefallenfromgrace."(Rom3:28),"Thereforeweconcludethatamanisjustifiedbyfaith,withoutdeedsofalaw."(Gal2:16),"Knowingthatamanisnotjustifiedbyworksofalaw."Iread,alaw,deeds,works,simply;becausesotheoriginalwords,usedinthesetexts,doundeniablysignify.

TothisagreesWestm.Confess.chap.11,art.1,"ThesewhomGodeffectuallycalleth,healsofreelyjustifieth,notforanythingwroughtinthem,ordonebythem,butforChrist'ssakealone;notbyimputingfaithitself,theactofbelieving,oranyotherevangelicalobedience,tothem,astheirrighteousness;but,"&c.Larg.Cat.quest.73."FaithjustifiesasinnerinthesightofGod,notasifthegraceoffaith,oranyactthereof,wereimputedtohimforhisjustification;butonlyasitisaninstrumentbywhichhereceivethandappliethChristandhisrighteousness."West.Confess.chap.19,art.6."Althoughtruebelieversbenotunderthelaw,asacovenantofworks,tobetherebyjustifiedorcondemned,yetitisofgreatusetothem,aswellastoothers,inthat,asaruleoflife,informingthemofthewillofGodandtheirduty,itdirectsandbindsthemtowalkaccordingly."Fromthislastpassageoftheconfession,twoimportantpointsplainlyofferthemselves.(1.)Thatthelawisaruleoflifetobelievers,directingandbindingthemtoduty,thoughtheyareneitherjustifiednorcondemnedbyit.(2.)Thatneitherjustifyingnorcondemningbelonguntothelaw,asaruleoflifesimply,butasacovenantofworks.Andthesearetheverypointsheretaughtbyourauthor.

[Back][2](Col2:14),"Blottingoutthehand-writing,nailingittohiscross."

[Back][3]Thatis,raiseouresteemofittothehighestpitch,andgiveitillimitableobedience.

[Back][4]AccordingtotheholyScripture,itiscertain,thatthelawofthetencommandmentshasanirritatingeffect,wherebytheyincreasesin;andacondemningandkillingeffect,sothattheyworkcurse,death,andwrath,calledanger[itwouldseem]inthelanguageofourforefathers,whenMusculus'commonplaceswereEnglished.Anditisnolesscertain,thatJesusChristhathdeliveredbelieversfromthelawasithaththeseeffects,(Rom14:15),"Foriftheywhichareofthelawbeheirs,faithismadevoid,andthepromisemadeofnoneeffect,becausethelawworkethwrath."(7:5,6),"Forwhenwewereintheflesh,themotionsofsinswhichwerebythelaw,didworkinourmembers,to

bringforthfruituntodeath.Butnowwearedeliveredfromthelawthatweshouldserveinnewnessofspirit,"&c.(8:2),"Forthelawofthespiritoflife,inChristJesus,hasmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath."(Gal3:13),"Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus."Ifthenthetencommandmentshavetheseeffects,notonlyastheyarethecovenantofworks,butastheyarethelawofChrist,oraruleoflife,thenbelieversarealtogetherdeliveredfromthem,whichisabsurdandabominabledoctrine.Thereforeitevidentlyfollows,thatthetencommandmentshavetheseeffects,onlyastheyarethecovenantofworks.Thetruthis,untoagracioussoul,thestrongestpossibletemptationtoAntinomianism,orcastingoffthetencommandmentsforgoodandall,wouldbetolabourtopersuadehim,thattheyhavetheseeffects,notonlyastheyarethecovenantofworks,butastheyarethelawofChrist;sothat,takethemwhatwayhewill,heshallfindtheyhavenotonlyacursing,condemning,andkillingpower,butalsoanirritatingeffect,increasingsininhim.Nevertheless,aChristianman'sdoingagainstthem[whichisthereverendMusculus'phrase,ascitedbytheauthorinthefollowing,]maybeatransgression,foramanmaytransgressthelaw,thoughthemotionsofhissinsbenotbythelaw.Andhowsuchaman'ssinningismoreoutrageousthananungodlyman'swillconvincinglyappear,ifonemeasurestheoutrageousnessofsinning,bytheobligationstodutylyingonthesinner,andnotbyhispersonalhazard,whichisameasuremorebecomingaslavethanason.

[Back][5]Thusourauthorhasproved,thatthelawofthetencommandmentsisaruleoflifetobelievers;andhathvindicatedLutherandCalvinfromtheoppositeAntinomianerror,ashedoesMusculusalso,inthefollowingwords:andthatfromtheirexpressdeclarations,intheirownwords.Andhereistheconclusionofthewholematter.ToshowthejudgmentofotherorthodoxProtestantdivines,onthishead,againsttheAntinomians,itwillnotbeamisstoadduceapassageoutofasystemofdivinity,commonlyputintothehandsofstudentsnotverymanyyearsago,Iamsure."Itisonething[saysTurretine,disputingagainsttheAntinomians]tobeunderthelawasacovenant;anotherthing,tobeunderthelawasaruleoflife.Intheformersense,Paulsays,'Thatwearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace,'(Rom6:14),astoitscovenantrelation,curse,andrigour;butinthelattersensewealwaysremainbounduntoit,thoughforadifferentend;forinthefirstcovenantmanwastodothis,totheendthathemightlive;butintheother,heisboundtoperformthesamething,notthathemaylive,butbecausehelives."Turret.loc.11.quest.24,thes.7.Viewagain,Westm.Confess.chap.19,art.6.Hereuntoagreethourauthor'sconclusion,viz:Thatbelieversarenootherwise,notanyotherwisedelivered

fromthelawofthetencommandments,butastheyarethecovenantofworks.Now,howcanthosewhoopposeAntinomianism,onthishead,contradicttheauthorthereuponbutbyasserting,"Thatbelieversarenotdeliveredfromthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,butthattheyarestillunderthepowerofthecovenantofworks"?ThewhichareprinciplesasoppositetothereceiveddoctrineoforthodoxProtestantdivinesandtotheConfessionofFaith,astheyaretothedoctrineofourauthor.

[Back][6]Thatis,thattheparticularpreceptsofthelawofthetencommandments,calledbyMusculusthesubstanceofthelaw-covenant,aredisannulled,andnomoretoberegarded.

[Back][7]Thatis,veryunsuitable.

[Back][8]Thatis,oriftheybe,ascertainlytheyare,displeasingtoChrist:mostunsuitable,contrary,andrepugnanttotherighteousnesswhichthebelieverhathreceivedfromChrist,thentheyarebynomeanstobedone.

[Back][9]ThesearethewordsofMusculusstill,adducedbytheauthortoshow,thatthatfamousdivinewasnoAntinomian;andiftheywillnotservetoclearhim,buthemuststillbeonthatside,IapprehendorthodoxProtestantswillbesorryfortheirlossofthatgreatman.Butthoughitbeobserved,thathespeaksofdoingagainstthethingscommandedinthelaw,butnotagainstthelawitself,thereisnohazard:foritisevident,thatbythelaw,Musculusunderstandsthecovenantofworks,or,inhisstyle,Moses'covenant;andsincehewasnotoftheopinionthatbelieversareunderthecovenantofworks,no,norunderthecommandingpowerofthatcovenant,hecouldnotsaythattheysinnedagainstit.However,hestilllooksonthetencommandments,thesubstanceofthatcovenant,tobealsothelawofChrist,bindingtheChristianmantoobedience.Fromhissaying,ThataChristiandoingagainstthesethings,sinsmoreoutrageouslythanonewhoisunderthelaw;itdoes,indeed,follow,thataChristian'ssinismoredispleasingtoGod,anddeservesaheaviercurseinitself,thoughinthemeantime,thelawofChristhasnocurseannexeduntothetransgressionsofit.For,sin'sdeservingofacurse,arisesnotfromthethreatening,butfromitscontrarietytotheprecept,andconsequently,totheholynatureofGod;sinceitismanifestthatsindoesnotthereforedeserveacurse,becauseacurseisthreatened;butacurseisthreatened,becausesindeservesit.Andthesinsofbelieversdointhemselvesdeserveaheaviercursethanthesinsofothers.YetthelawofChristhasnotacurseannexedtothetransgressionsof

it;becausetheheavycurse,deservedbythesinsofbelievers,wasalreadylaidonChrist,towhomtheyareunited,andhebareitforthem,andboreitawayfromthem;sothattheycannotbethreatenedwithitoveragain,aftertheirunionwithhim.

Thenecessityofmarksandsignsofgrace.


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ChapterIII,Secion4

Thenecessityofmarksandsignsofgrace.

Wherefore,friendAntinomista,ifeitheryou,oranymanelse,shall,underapretenceofyourbeinginChrist,exemptyourselvesfrombeingunderthelawofthetencommands,astheyarethelawofChrist,Itellyoutruly,itisashrewdsignyouarenotyetinChrist;forifyouwere,thenChristwereinyou;andIfChristwereinyou,thenwouldhegovernyou,andyouwouldbesubjectuntohim.IamsuretheprophetIsaiahtellus,thatthesameLord,whoisourSaviour,"isalsoourKingandLawgiver,"(Isa33:22);and,truly,hewillnotbeJesusaSaviourtoanybutonlytothoseuntowhomheisChristaLord;fortheverytruthis,wheresoeverheisJesusaSaviour,heisalsoChristaLord;and,therefore,Ibeseechyou,examineyourselfwhetherhebesotoyouorno.

Ant.Whythen,sir,itseemsthatyoustanduponmarksandsigns?

Evan.Yea,indeed,Istandsomuchuponmarksandsigns,thatIsayuntoyouinthewordsoftheapostleJohn,(1John3:10),"InthisthechildrenofGodaremanifest,andthechildrenofthedevil;whosoeverdoesnotrighteousness,isnotofGod."ForsaysLuther,"Hethatistrulybaptized,isbecomeanewman,andhasanewnature,andisendowedwithnewdispositions;andloveth,liveth,speaketh,anddoesfarotherwisethanhewaswont,orcouldbefore."ForsaysgodlyTindal,"Godworkethwithhisword,andinhisword:andbringethfaithintotheheartsofhiselect,andlooseththeheartfromsin,andknittethittoGod,andgivethamanpowertodothatwhichwasbeforeimpossibleforhimtodo,andturnethhimintoanewnature."1And,therefore,saysLutherinanotherplace,"Hereinworksaretobeextolledandcommended,inthattheyarefruitsandsignsoffaith;and,therefore,hethathathnoregardhowheleadethhislife,thathemaystopthemouthsofallblamersandaccusers,andclearhimselfbeforeall,andtestifythehehaslived,spoken,anddonewell,isnotyeta

Christian."Howthen,saysTindalagain,"dareanymanthinkthatGod'sfavourisonhim,andGod'sSpiritwithinhim,whenhefeelsnottheworkingofhisSpirit,norhimselfdisposedtoanygoodthing?"2

Evan.Indeed,ImustneedsconfesswithMr.BoltonandMr.Dyke,thatinthesetimesofChristianity,areprobatemaymakeagloriousprofessionofthegospel,andperformallthedutiesandexercisesofreligion,andthat,inoutwardappearance,withasgreatspiritandzealasatruebeliever;yea,hemaybemadepartakerofsomemeasureofinwardillumination,andhaveashadowoftrueregeneration;therebeingnograceeffectuallywroughtinthefaithful,aresemblancewhereofmaynotbefoundintheunregenerate.Andtherefore,Isay,ifanymanpitchuponthesign,withoutthethingsignifiedbythesign,3thatis,ifhepitchuponhisgraces[orgiftsrather]andduties,andconcludeassurancefromthem,astheyareinhim,andcomefromhim,withouthavingreferencetoJesusChrist,astherootandfountainofthem;thenaretheydeceitfulmarksandsigns:4butifhelookuponthemwithreferencetoJesusChrist,thenaretheynotdeceitful,buttrueevidencesanddemonstrationsoffaithinChrist.Andthisamandoes,whenhelooksuponhisoutwardactionsasflowingfromtheinwardactionsofhismind,andupontheinwardactionsofhismindasflowingfromthehabitsofgracewithinhim,anduponthehabitsofgracewithinhimasflowingfromhisjustification,anduponhisjustificationasflowingfromhisfaith,anduponhisfaithasgivenbyandembracingJesusChrist:thus,Isay,ifherestsnottillhecomestoChrist,hismarksandsignsarenotdeceitful,buttrue.5

Ant.But,sir,ifanunbelievermayhavearesemblanceofeverygracethatiswroughtinabeliever,thenitmustbeahardmattertofindoutthedifference:andthereforeIconceiveitisbestforamannottotroublehimselfatallaboutmarksandsigns.

Evan.Givemeleavetodealplainlywithyou,intellingyou,thatalthoughwecannotsay,everyonethathathaformofgodlinesshathalsothepowerofgodliness,yetwemaytrulysay,thathewhohathnottheformofgodliness,hathnotthepowerofgodliness;forthoughallbenotgoldthatglitters,yetallgolddothglitter.Andtherefore,Itellyoutruly,ifyouhavenoregardtomakethelawofChristyourrule,byendeavouringtodowhatisrequiredinthetencommandments,andtoavoidwhatisthereforbidden,itisaveryevilsign:and,therefore,Iprayyouconsiderofit.

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thatis,makeshimanewman.

[Back][2]Namely,habitually.

[Back][3]Namely,Christintheheart.

[Back][4]BecausealltruegraceandacceptabledutyflowfromJesusChrist,dwellinginone'sheartbyhisSpirit;andwhatsoevercomesnotthatway,isbutashowandsemblanceofthesethings,(Rom8:9),"IfanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofhis."(John15:5),"Withoutmeyecandonothing,"(1:16),"Andofhisfullnesshaveweallreceived,andgraceforgrace."(Gal2:20),"Ilive,yetnotI,butChristlivethinme.""Thecauseofgoodworksweconfesstobe,notourfree-will,buttheSpiritoftheLordJesus,who,dwellinginourhearts,bytruefaith,bringethforthsuchworksasGodhaspreparedforustowalkin."OldConfess.art.13"SogoodworksfollowaseffectsofChristinuspossessedbyfaith."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCat.p.30.

[Back][5]Hereisachain,servingtoleadachildofGoduntoassurance,thatheisinthestateofgrace;whereindutiesandgraces,beingrunupuntotheirtruespring,dososhineaftertrialofthem,asonemayconcludeassurancefromthem,astheauthorphrasesit.Andhereitistobeobserved,thatthesewords,"outwardactionsactionsofthemindhabitsofgracejustificationfaithembracingofChrist,"are,intheprogressofthetrial,tobetakenintheirgeneralnotion,agreeingbothtowhatistrue,andwhatisfalse,ineachparticular;asfaithfeignedandunfeigned,justificationrealandimaginary,gracecommonandsaving,&c.Forthespecialnatureoftheseisstillsupposedtobeundeterminedtothepersonundertrial,untilhecometotheendoftrial.Thisisevidentfromthenatureofthething:andfromtheauthor'swordstoo,inthesentenceimmediatelypreceding,wherehesays,"Ifhepitchuponhisgraces,orgiftsrather";thewhichcorrectionhemakes,becausetheformerwordisordinarilyrestrictedtosavinggrace,thelatternotso.Andhenceitappearsthattheauthorwasfarfromimaginingthatamanmusthavetheassurancehespeaksof,beforehecanconcludeitfromhisgracesorduties.

Thelinksofthischainarefive.Thefirst,Outwardactions,orworksmateriallygood,flowingfromtheinwardactionsofthemind:otherwisetheyarebutpiecesofgrossdissimulation,aswastherespectandhonourputuponChristbytheHerodiansandothers,whentheyaskedhim,ifitwaslawfultogivetributeuntoCaesar.(Matt22:16-18)Thesecond,Theseactionsofthemind,flowingfromthehabitsofgrace,withintheman;otherwisetheyarebutfairflowers,which,"becausetheyhavenoroot,witheraway,"(Matt13:6);liketheIsraelites,theirseeking,returning,inquiringafter,andrememberingGod,whenheslewthem,(Psa78:34-37).Thethird,Thosehabitsofgracewithintheman,flowingfromhisjustification;otherwisetheyarebutthehabitsofcommongrace,orofmeremoralvirtues,tobefoundinhypocriticalprofessors,andsoberheathens.Thefourth,Theman'sjustificationflowingfromhisfaith;otherwiseitisbutastheimaginaryjustificationofPharisees,Papistsandlegalists,whoaretheywhichjustifythemselves.(Luke16:15)Thefifth,HisfaithgivenbyChrist,andembracingChrist:otherwiseitisbutfeignedfaith,whichneverknitsthesoultoChrist,butleavesthemaninthecaseofthefruitlessbranch,whichistobe"takenaway,"(John15:2).

Thischainisnotofourauthor'sframing,butisaScripturalone.(1Tim1:5),"Now(1.)theendofthecommandmentischarity,(2.)outofapureheart,(3.)andofagoodconscience,(4.)andoffaith,(5.)unfeigned.""Whereintheapostleteacheth,thattheobedienceofthelawmustflowfromlove,andlovefromapureheart,andapureheartfromagoodconscience,andagoodconsciencefromfaithunfeigned;thushemakeththeonlyrightchannelofgoodworks."PracticalUseofSavingKnowledge;tit."Thethirdthingrequisitetoevidencetruefaith,is,thatobediencetothelawrunintherightchannel,thatisthroughfaithinChrist."

Ifoneexamineshimselfbythisinfalliblerule,hecannotsafelytakehisobedienceforamarkorevidenceofhisbeinginthestateofgrace,untilherunitupuntohisfaith,embracingChrist.Butthenfindingthathisfaithmadehimagoodconscience,andhisgoodconscienceapureheart,andhispureheartproducedlove,fromwhencehisobediencefollowed;inthatcase,hisobedienceisatruemarkoftheunfeignednessofhisfaith;fromwhencehemayassuredlyconclude,thatheisinthestateofgrace.Ourauthor'smethodbeingacopyofthis,theobjectionsagainstitmustaffectboth.

Letussupposetwomentoputthemselvesonatrialoftheirstate,accordingtothismethod,andtopitchuponsomeexternaldutiesoftheirs,orsomegraces

whichtheyseemtodiscerninthemselves,astothesubstancethereof;though,asyet,theyknownotthespecificnatureofthesame,namely,whethertheybetrueorfalse.

Theonefinds,thathiseternaldutiesproceedednotfromtheinwardactionsofhismind;oriftheydid,thatyettheseactionsofhisminddidnotproceedfromhabitsofgraceinhim;oriftheydidproceedfromthese,yettheseflowednotfromhisjustification,or,whichisthesame,followednotuponthepurgingofhisconscience;oriftheydid,thatyethisjustification,orgoodconscience,suchastheyare,proceedednotfromhisfaith;oriftheydidproceedfromit,thatyetthatfaithofhisdidnotembraceChrist,andconsequentlywasnotofthespecialoperationofGod,orgivenhimbyChristinhim,byhisSpirit.Inall,oranyofthesecases,itisplainthattheexternalduties,orthe[socalled]graces,whichhepitchedupon,canbenotruemarksfromwhichhemayconcludehimselftobeinastateofgrace.

Theotherfindsthathisexternaldutiesdidindeedflowfromtheinwardactionsofhismind,andthesefromhabitsofgraceinhim,andtheseagainfromhisjustificationorgoodconscience,andthatfromhisfaith,andthathisfaithembracedChrist.Heretwothingsareobservable:(1.)Thatneitherthedutiesnorgracespitchedupon,couldbesuremarkstohim,beforehecametothelastpoint;inregardoftheflawthatpossiblymightstillbefoundintheimmediateormediatespringsofthem.Andthereforethelooking,mentionedbytheauthor,isindeedaprogressiveknowledgeanddiscovery,butstillunclearanduncertain,tillonecomestotheend,andthewholeevidenceisputtogether;evenasitisinsearchingoutsomeabstrusepoint,byobservationofthedependenceandconnectionthingshaveonewithanother.Whereforeourauthordoesbynomeanssuppose,thatImustknowcertainlythatIaminChristandjustified,andthatmyfaithisgivenmebyChrist,beforethesedutiesorgracescanbetruemarksorevidencestome.(2.)ThatthemanperceivinghisembracingofChrist,astothesubstanceoftheaction,isassuredofthesavingnatureofit,[namely,thatitisafaithunitinghimtoChrist,andgivenhimbyChristinhim]bythetrainofeffectsheseestohavefollowedit,accordingtotheestablishedorderinthecovenantofgrace:(1Tim1:5).FromwhicheffectsofhisfaithembracingChrist,thatwhichmighthavedeceivedhim,wasallalonggraduallyremovedintheprogress.Thusheisindeedsentbacktothefruitsofhisfaith,fortruemarksandevidencesofit;butheissentbacktothem,asstandingclearnowinhisregress,thoughtheywerenotsoinhisprogress.Andatthisrateheisnotlefttoruninacircle,buthasacomfortableendofhisself-examination,beingassured

byhisdutiesandgraces,thefruitsofhisfaith,thathisfaithisunfeigned,andhimselfinthestateofgrace.



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ChapterIII,Section5


Ant.But,sir,youknowtheLordhathpromisedtowritehislawinabeliever'sheart,andtogivehimhisSpirittoleadhimintoalltruth:andthereforehehathnoneedofthelaw,writtenwithpaperandink,tobearuleoflifetohim;neitherhathheanyneedtoendeavourtobeobedientthereunto,asyousay.

Evan.Indeed,saysLuther,thematterwouldevensofarasyousay,ifwewereperfectlyandaltogethertheinwardandspiritualmen,whichcannotbeinanywisebeforethelastdayattherisingagainofthedead:1solongaswebeclothedwiththismortalflesh,wedobutbeginandproceedonwardsinourcoursetowardsperfection,whichwillbeconsummatedinthelifetocome:andforthiscausetheapostle,(Rom8)dothcallthisthe"firstfruitsoftheSpirit,"whichwedoenjoyinthislife,thetruthandfullnessofwhichweshallreceiveinthelifetocome.Andtherefore,saysheinanotherplace,itisnecessarysotopreachtothemthathavereceivedthedoctrineoffaith,thattheymightbestirreduptogooningoodlife,whichtheyhaveembraced;andthattheysuffernotthemselvestobeovercomebytheassaultsoftheragingflesh;forwewillnotsopresumeofthedoctrineoffaith,asif,thatbeinghad,everymanmightdowhathelisted:no,wemustearnestlyendeavourourselves,thatwemaybewithoutblame;andwhenwecannotattainthereunto,wemustfleetoprayer,andsaybeforeGodandman,"Forgiveusourtrespasses."And,saysCalvin,Instit.p.162,oneproperuseandendofthelaw,concerningthefaithful,2inwhoseheartslivethandreigneththeSpiritofGod,isthis:namely,althoughtheyhavethelawwrittenandengravenintheirheartsbythefingerofGod,yetisthe3lawtothemaverygoodmeans,wherebytheymaydaily,betterandmoreassuredly,learnwhatisthewilloftheLord:andletnoneofusexempthimselffromthisneed,fornomanhathhithertoattainedtosogreatwisdom,butthathehathneedtobedailyinstructedbythelaw.AndhereinChristdifferethfromus,thattheFatherhathpouredout

uponhimtheinfiniteabundanceofhisSpirit:butwhatsoeverwedoreceive,itissobymeasure,thatwehaveneedoneofanother.

Nowmindit,Iprayyou,ifbelievershavetheSpiritbutinmeasure,andknowbutinpart,thenhavetheythe"lawwrittenintheirhearts"butinmeasureandinpart,4(1Cor13:9);andiftheyhavethelawwrittenintheirheartsbutinmeasureandinpart,thenhavetheynotaperfectrulewithinthem;andiftheyhavenotaperfectrulewithinthem,thentheyhaveneedtohavearulewithoutthem.Andtherefore,doubtless,thestrongestbelieverofusall,hadneedtohearkentotheadviceofTindal,whosays,"SeekthewordofGodinallthings,andwithoutthewordofGoddonothing."Andsaysanothergodlyandevangelicalwriter,"Mybrethren,letusdoourwholeendeavourtodothewillofGodasitbecomethgoodchildren,andbewarethatwesinnot,asnearaswecan."

Ant.Well,sir,Icannottellwhattosay,but,methinks,whenamanisperfectlyjustifiedbyfaith,itisaveryneedlessthingforhimtoendeavourtokeepthelaw,andtodogoodworks.5

Evan.IrememberLuthersays,thatinhistimethereweresomethatdidreasonafterthelikemanner:"Iffaith,saythey,doaccomplishallthings,andiffaithbeonlyandalonesufficientuntorighteousness,towhatendarewecommandedtodogooddeeds?wemaygoplaythen,andworknoworkingatall."Towhomhemakesananswer,saying,"Notso,yeungodly!notso."Andtherewereothersthatsaid,"Ifthelawdonotjustify,thenitisinvain,andofnoneeffect.""Yetitisnotthereforetrue,sayshe;forlikeasthisconsequenceisnothingworth,moneydothnotjustifyormakeamanrighteous,thereforeitisunprofitable;theeyesdonotjustify,thereforetheymustbepluckedout;thehandsmakenotamanrighteous,thereforetheymustbecutoff;soisthisnaughtalso,thelawdothnotjustify,thereforeitisunprofitable.Wedonotthereforedestroyandcondemnthelaw,becausewesayitdothnotjustify;butwesaywithPaul,(1Tim1:8),'thelawisgood,ifamandorightlyuseit.'Andthatthisisafaithfulsaying,thatthey'whichhavebelievedinGodmightbecarefultomaintaingoodworks;thesethingsaregoodandprofitableuntomen,'"(Titus3:8).

[Contents][Previous:Thenecessityofmarksandsignsofgrace.][Next:Holinessandgoodworksattainedtoonlybyfaith.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Wewouldhavenoneedforthelawwrittenwithoutus,if,aswearespiritualinpart,inrespectofsanctificationbeguninus,wewereperfectlyandaltogetherspiritual,bothinbodyandsoul.Butthatisnottobeexpectedtilltheresurrection;whenthatwhichisnow"sownanaturalbody,israisedaspiritualbody,"(1Cor15:44);beingre-unitedtothespiritorsoul"madeperfectatdeath";(Heb12:23);thewhichdoththereforenomore,fromthemomentofdeath,needthelawwrittenwithoutit.

[Back][2]Thatis,respectingbelievers.

[Back][3]Written.

[Back][4]Theyhavenotthelawwrittencompletelyandperfectlyintheirhearts.

[Back][5]ThisAntinomianprinciple,Thatitisneedlessforaman,perfectlyjustifiedbyfaith,toendeavourtokeepthelaw,anddogoodworks,isaglaringevidencethatlegalityissoengrainedinman'scorruptnature,thatuntilamantrulycometoChrist,byfaith,thelegaldispositionwillstillbereigninginhim;lethimturnhimselfintowhatshape,orbeofwhatprincipleshewillinreligion;thoughherunintoAntinomianismhewillcarryalongwithhimhislegalspirit,whichwillalwaysbeaslavishandunholyspirit.Heisconstrained,astheauthorobserves,todoallthathedoesforfearofpunishment,andhopeofreward;andifitisoncefixedinhismindthattheseareceasedinhiscase,hestandsstilllikeaclockwhentheweightsthatmadehergoareremoved,orlikeaslavewhenheisinnohazardofthewhip;thanwhichtherecannotbeagreaterevidenceofloathsomelegality.

Holinessandgoodworksattainedtoonlybyfaith.


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[Next:Slavishfearandservilehopenotthespringsoftrueobedience.]

ChapterIII,Section6

Holinessandgoodworksattainedtoonlybyfaith.

Neo.Truly,sir,formineownpart,IdomuchmarvelthatthismyfriendAntinomistashouldbesoconfidentofhisfaithinChrist,andyetsolittleregardholinessoflife,andkeepingofChrist'scommandments,asitseemshedoes.ForIgivetheLordthanks,Idonow,insomesmallmeasure,believethatIam,byChrist,freelyandfullyjustifiedandacquittedfromallmysins,andthereforehavenoneedeithertoeschewevilordogood,forfearofpunishmentorhopeofreward;andyet,methinks,IfindmyheartmorewillinganddesiroustodowhattheLordcommands,andtoavoidwhatheforbids,thaneveritwasbeforeIdidthusbelieve.1Surely,sir,IdoperceivethatfaithinChristisnohindrancetoholinessoflife,asIoncethoughtitwas.

Evan.NeighbourNeophytus,ifourfriendAntinomistadocontenthimselfwithameregospelknowledge,inanotionaryway,andhaverunouttofetchinnotionsfromChrist,andyetisnotfetchedinbythepowerofChrist,letuspityhim,andprayforhim.Andinthemeantime,Iprayyou,knowthattruefaithinChrist2issofarfrombeingahindrancefromholinessoflifeandgoodworks,thatitistheonlyfurtherance;foronlybyfaithinChrist,amanisenabledtoexerciseallChristiangracesaright,andtoperformallChristiandutiesaright,whichbeforehecouldnot.As,forexample,beforeamanbelieveGod'slovetohiminChrist,thoughhemayhaveakindoflovetoGod,asheishisCreatorandPreserver,andgiveshimmanygoodthingsforthispresentlife,yetifGoddobutopenhiseyes,toseewhatconditionhissoulisin,thatis,ifhedobutlethimseethatrelationthatisbetwixtGodandhim,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofworks,thenheconceivesofhimasanangryJudge,armedwithjusticeagainst

him,andmustbepacifiedbytheworksofthelaw,whereuntohefindshisnatureoppositeandcontrary;andthereforehehatesbothGodandhislaw,anddothsecretlywishanddesiretherewereneitherGodnorlaw.AndthoughGodshouldnowgiveuntohimeversomanytemporalblessings,yetcouldhenotlovehim;forwhatmalefactorcouldlovethatjudgeorhislaw,fromwhomheexpectedthesentenceofcondemnation,thoughheshouldfeasthimathistablewitheversomanydainties?"ButafterthatthekindnessandloveofGodhisSaviourhathappeared,notbyworksofrighteousnessthathehathdone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedhim,"(Titus3:4,5);thatis,whenasbytheeyeoffaith,heseeshimselftostandinrelationtoGod,accordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace,3thenheconceivesofGodasamostmercifulandlovingFathertohiminChrist,thathathfreelypardonedandforgivenhimallhissins,andquitereleasedhimfromthecovenantofworks;4andbythismeans"theloveofGodisshedabroadinhisheart,throughtheHolyGhostwhichisgiventohim,"andthen"helovesGodbecausehefirstlovedhim,"(Rom5:5,1John4:19).ForasamanseethandfeelethbyfaiththeloveandfavourofGodtowardshiminChristhisSon,sodothheloveagainbothGodandhislaw;andindeeditisimpossibleforanymantoloveGod,tillbyfaithheknowhimselfbelovedofGod.

Secondly,Thoughaman,beforehebelieveGod'slovetohiminChrist,mayhaveagreatmeasureoflegalhumiliation,compunction,sorrow,andgrief,andbebroughtdown,asitwere,totheverygateofhell,andfeeltheveryflashingofhell-fireinhisconscienceforhissins,yetitisnotbecausehehaththerebyoffendedGod,butratherbecausehehaththerebyoffendedhimself,thatis,becausehehaththerebybroughthimselfintothedangerofeternaldeathandcondemnation.5ButwhenoncehebelievestheloveofGodtohiminChristinpardoninghisiniquity,andpassingbyhistransgressions,6thenhesorrowsandgrievesfortheoffenceofGodbysin;reasoningthuswithhimself:Andisitsoindeed?HaththeLordgivenhisownSontodeathformewhohavebeensuchavilesinfulwretch?AndhathChristborneallthysins?andwashewoundedforthytransgressions?Ohthen,theworkingofhisbowels,thestirringofhisaffections,themeltingandrelentingofhisrepentingheart!"Thenheremembershisownevilways,andhisdoingsthatwerenotgood,andloatheshimselfinhisowneyesforallhisabominations";andlookinguponChrist,"whomhehathpierced,hemournsbitterlyforhim,asonemournethforhisonlyson,"(Eze36:31,Zech12:10).Thus,whenfaithhasbathedaman'sheartinthebloodofChrist,itissomollifiedthatitquicklydissolvesintotearsofgodlysorrow;sothatifChristdobutturnandlookuponhim,Ohthen,withPeter,hegoesoutand

weepsbitterly!Andthisistruegospel-mourning;andthisisrightevangelicalrepenting.7

Thirdly,Though,beforeamandotrulybelieveinChrist,hemaysoreformhislifeandamendhisways,thatas"touchingtherighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,"hemaybe,withtheapostle,blameless,(Phil3:6);yet,beingunderthecovenantofworks,alltheobediencethatheyieldstothelaw,allhisleavingoffofsin,andperformanceofduties,allhisavoidingwhatthelawforbids,andallhisdoingwhatthelawcommands,isbegottenbythelawofworks,ofHagarthebond-woman,bytheforceofself-love;andso,indeed,theyarethefruitandworksofabond-servant,thatismovedandconstrainedtodoallthathedoth,forfearofpunishmentandhopeofreward.8"For,"saysLuther,ontheGalatians,p.218,"thelawgivenonMountSinai,whichtheArabianscallAgar,begettethnonebutservants."Andsoindeedallthatsuchamandothisbuthypocrisy;forhepretendstheservingofGod,whereas,indeed,heintendstheservingofhimself.Andhowcanhedootherwise?forwhilsthewantsfaith,hewantsallthings:heisanemptyvine,andthereforemustneedsbringforthfruituntohimself:(Hosea10:1).Tillamanbeservedhimself,hewillnotservetheLordChrist.9Nay,whilehewantsfaith,hewantstheloveofChrist,andthereforehelivesnottoChrist,buttohimself,becauseheloveshimself.Andhence,surely,wemayconceiveitisthatDr.Prestonsays,"Allthatamandoeth,notoutoflove,isoutofhypocrisy.Wheresoeverloveisnot,thereisnothingbuthypocrisyinsuchaman'sheart."

Butwhenaman,throughthe"hearingoffaith,receivestheSpiritofChrist,"(Gal3:2),thatSpirit,accordingtothemeasureoffaith,writesthelivelylawofloveinhisheart,[asTindalsweetlysays,]wherebyheisenabledtoworkfreelyandofhisownaccord,withouttheco-actionorcompulsionofthelaw.10ForthatlovewherewithChrist,orGodinChrist,hathlovedhim,andwhichbyfaithisapprehendedofhim,willconstrainhimtodoso;accordingtothatoftheapostle,(2Cor5:14),"TheloveofChristconstrainethus."Thatis,itwillmakehimdoso,whetherhewillorno;hecannotchoose,butdoit.11Itellyoutruly,answerablyastheloveofChristisshedabroadintheheartofanyman,itissuchastrongimpulsion,thatitcarrieshimontoserveandpleasetheLordinallthings,accordingtothesayingofanevangelicalman:12"Thewillandaffectionofabeliever,accordingtothemeasureoffaithandthespiritreceived,sweetlyquickensandbends,tochoose,affect,anddelightinwhateverisgoodandacceptabletoGod,oragoodman;theSpiritfreelyandcheerfullymovingand

inclininghimtokeepthelaw,withoutfearofhellorhopeofheaven."ForaChristianman,sayssweetTindal,workethonlybecauseitisthewillofhisFather;forafterthatheisovercomewithloveandkindness,heseekstodothewillofGod,whichisindeedaChristianman'snature;andwhathedoth,hedothitfreelyaftertheexampleofChrist.Asanaturalson,askhimwhyhedoessuchathing.Why,sayshe,itisthewillofmyFather,andIdoitthatImaypleasehim;for,indeed,lovedesirethnowages,itiswagesenoughtoitself,ithathsweetnessenoughinitself,itdesiresnoaddition,itpaysitsownwages.Andthereforeitisthetruechild-likeobedience,beingbegottenbyfaith,ofSarahthefree-woman,bytheforceofGod'slove.Andsoitisindeedtheonlytrueandsincereobedience:for,saysDr.Preston,"Todoathinginlove,istodoitinsincerity;and,indeed,thereisnootherdefinitionofsincerity;thatisthebestwaytoknowitby."

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]ItisnotthescopeordesignofNeophytushere,toshowwhereintheessenceoffaithconsists,ortogiveadefinitiontoit.Butsupposeitwasso,hisdefinitionfallsconsiderablyshortofsomegivenbyfamousorthodoxProtestantdivines,yea,andchurchestoo.Seethenoteonthedefinitionoffaith.IrepeathereMr.JohnDavidson'sdefinitiononly,viz:"FaithisanheartyassurancethatoursinsarefreelyforgivenusinChrist."Fromwhenceonemayclearlysee,thatsometimea-day,itwasreckonednoabsurditythatone'sjustificationwasmadetheobjectofone'sbelief.FortheunderstandingofwhichancientProtestantdoctrine,grownalmostquiteoutofkenwithunlearnedreaders,IshalladduceapassageoutofWendeline'sChrist.Theol.lib.1.cap.24,p.542,543.HeproposesthePopishobjectionthus,"Justifyingfaithmustgobeforejustification;butthefaithofspecialmercydothnotgobeforejustification;ifitdid,itwerefalse;foratthatrate,amanshouldbelievethathissinsareforgiven,whichasyetarenotforgiven,sincetheyarenotforgivenbutbyjustification;thereforethefaithofspecialmercyisnotjustifyingfaith."Inanswertowhich,hedeniesthesecondofthesepropositions,withtheproofsthereof,andconcludesinthese

words:"Justifyingfaith,therefore,hathforthespecialobjectofit,forgivenessofsins,future,present,andpast."Heexplainsitthus,"Bythefaithofspecialmercy,asitgoethbeforejustification,amandothnotbelievethathissinsareforgivenhimalready,beforetheactofbelieving";this,bytheby,istheAntinomianfaith,justifyingonlydeclaratively.Followsthetruedoctrineoffaith:"Butthatheshallhaveforgivenessofsins;intheveryactofjustification,hebelieveshissinsareforgivenhim,andsoreceivesforgiveness;afterjustification,hebelievesthepastapplication,"viz:forgiveness,thatis,thathissinsarenowalreadyforgivenhim.

ButthedesignofNeophytusis,tomakeaprofessionofhisfaith,and,byanargumentdrawnfromChristianexperience,torefutetheAntinomianpretendedfaith,wherebyasinner,atfirstbrush,believeshissinstobealreadyforgivenhim,beforetheactofbelieving,andthereafterhathnoregardtoholinessoflife;aplainevidencethatthatpersuasionisnotofGod.Andinoppositiontoit,isthisprofessionmade,whichconsistsofthreeparts:

(1.)Heprofessesthathebelieveshimselftobejustifiedandacquittedfromallhissins;andthisisthebeliefofthepastapplication,afterjustification,whichweheardbeforefromWendeline.ForwehavealreadyfoundNeophytusbroughtuntofaithinChrist,andthematchbetwixtChristandhimdeclaredtobemade,thoughhisfaithwasaccompaniedwithfears.AndnowhefindshisfaithgrownupinsomesmallmeasureuntotheheightwhichAntinomistapretendedhisfaithtobeat,namely,untobelievinghimselftobealreadyjustified;butwithalheintimates,thathisfaithhadnotcometothispitchallofasudden,asAntinomista'shaddone;butthatitwassometimeafterhebelieved,erehedidthusbelieve.Andnow,indeed,hisbelievingthus,onlyinsomesmallmeasure,washissin,andarguedtheweaknessofhisfaith:butsuchaman'sbelieving,inanymeasure,greatorsmall,thathewasjustifiedandacquittedfromallhissins,mustbecommendedandapproved,unlesswewillbringbackthePopishdoctrineofdoubting.

(2.)Heprofesses,Thattherefore,namely,sincehewasjustified,andbelievedhimselftobeso,hehadnoneedtoeschewevil,ordogoodforfearofpunishmentorhopeofreward;thewhichAntinomistapretendingtolikewise,hadcastoffallcareofkeepingthelaw,ordoinggoodworks,havingnootherprincipleofobediencewithinhim.Thisdoesnotatalllooktopunishmentsandrewards,improperlysocalled,thatis,fatherlychastisementsandfavours,ofwhichtheauthorafterwardstreatsexpressly;butitisplainlymeantofrewards

andpunishmentstakeninapropersense,asflowingfromthejusticeofGod,remunerativeandvindictive,andproceedinguponourworks,goodandevil;andparticularlyitismeantofheavenandhell.Thisisthesenseinwhichthatphraseiscommonlyusedbydivines;andthatitissotobetakenhere,isevidentfromitsbeinginferredfromhisjustification,whichindeedleavesnoplaceforfearofpunishmentandhopeofrewardinthelattersense:butnotsointheformersense.Andthus,itappears,Nomistaunderstoodit,asshallappearafterwards.

(3.)Heprofesses,Thathewassofarfrombeingthelessinclinedtoduty,thathebelievedhimselftobefullyjustified,andthatthefearofpunishmentandhopeofrewardwereceasedinhiscase;that,onthecontrary,hefound,ashisfaithgrew,hislovetoandreadinessforholinessoflife,grew:hewasmorewilling,andmoredesiroustodotheLord'scommandmentsthanhehadbeenbeforehisfaithwasadvancedtothatpitch.Andherein,Iconceive,theexperienceofthesaintswillnotcontradicthim.ThushegivesaplaintestimonyagainsttheAntinomianfaith.

[Back][2]Namely,thefaithofspecialmercy,orafaithofparticularapplication,withoutwhich,ingreaterorlessermeasure,itisnotsavingfaith.

[Back][3]HissoulrestingonChrist,whomhehathreceivedforsalvation.

[Back][4]ThusheconceivesofGodaccordingtothemeasureofhisfaith,orofhissoul'srestingonChrist,whichadmitsofvariousdegrees.

[Back][5]Aman'sbelievingGod'slovetohim,iswovenintotheverynatureofsavingfaith,ashathbeenalreadyshown.Wherefore,whatsoeverhumiliation,compunction,sorrow,andgriefforsin,gobeforeit,theymustneedsbebutlegal,beingbeforefaith,"withoutwhichitisimpossibletopleaseGod,"(Heb11:6).

[Back][6]Thebeliefofwhich,insomemeasure,isincludedinthenatureoffaith.Seenoteonthedefinitionoffaith.

[Back][7]Thisisthespringingupofthe"seedsofrepentanceputintotheheartinsanctification,"Larg.Cat.q.75;aworkofsanctifyinggrace,acceptabletoGod;thecursebeingtakenoffthesinner,andhispersonacceptedintheBeloved,andliketothemourningandrepentingofthatwoman,(Luke7:47),"Who,havingmuchforgivenher,lovedmuch."Betwixtwhichrepentanceandpardonofsin,thereisaninseparableconnection,sothatitisofsuchnecessityto

allsinners,thatnonemayexpectpardonwithoutit.Westm.Confess.chap.15.art.3.

[Back][8]Thiscanhavenoreferenceatalltothemotivesofabeliever'sobedience,unlessbelievers,aswellasunbelievers,aretobereckonedtobeunderthecovenantofworks;foritismanifest,thattheauthorspeakshereofsuchonlyasareunderthatcovenant.But,onthecontrary,ifamanisunderthecovenantofworkscalledthelaw,inthestyleoftheHolyGhost,heisnotabeliever,butanunbeliever,(Rom6:14),"Sinshallnothavedominionoveryou;foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."Thisreasoningproceedsuponthisprinciple,viz:Thosewhoareunderthecovenantofworks,andtheyonly,areunderthedominionorreigningpowerofsin.Andifmen,beingunderthecovenantofworks,areunderthedominionofsin,itisevidentthattheyarenotbelievers,butbond-servants,thattheloveofGoddwellethnotinthem,butcorruptself-lovereignsinthem;and,therefore,untothegoodtheydo,theyareconstrained,byfearofpunishmentandhopeofreward,agreeabletothethreateningandpromiseofthebrokencovenantofworkstheyareunder;thattheirobedience,conformtotheirstateandcondition,isbutservile;nobetterthanitisheredescribedtobe,havingonlytheletter,butnotthespiritoftrueobedience,thewhich,beforeanymancanattainunto,hemustbesetfreefromthecovenantofworks,astheapostleteaches;(Rom7:6),"Butnow,wearedeliveredfromthelaw,thatbeingdeadwhereinwewereheldthatweshouldserveinnewnessofspirit,andnotintheoldnessoftheletter":andfinally,thatasistheconditionandtheobedienceofthoseunderthecovenantofworks,soshalltheirendbe,(Gal4:30),"Castoutthebond-womanandherson:forthesonofthebond-womanshallnotbeheirwiththesonofthefree-woman."

[Back][9]Thatis,tilltheemptyvinebefilledwiththeSpiritfromJesusChrist,itwillneverbringforthfruituntohim.Tillamandoonceeatbyfaithhewillneverworkaright.Theconsciencemustbepurgedfromdeadworks,elseoneisnotincase"toservethelivingGod,"(Heb9:14).Thecovenantofworkssaystothesinner,whoisyetwithoutstrength,"Work,andthenyeshallbefilled";butthecovenantofgracesaystohim,"Befilled,andthenthoumustwork."Anduntiltheyokeofthecovenantofworksbetakenoffaman'sjaws,andmeatbelaiduntohim,hewillnevertakeonandbeartheyokeofChrist'sacceptably.

[Back][10]Thewordsco-actionandcompulsionsignifyoneandthesamething,viz:forcing;sothattoworkwithouttheco-actionorcompulsionofthelaw,istoworkwithoutbeingforcetheretobythelaw.

Onewouldthinkitsoveryplainandobvious,thatthewayhowthelawforcethmentowork,isbytheterrorofthedreadfulpunishmentwhichitthreatensincaseofnotworking,thatitdoesbutdarkenthemattertosay,Theco-actionorcompulsionofthelawconsistsinitscommandingandbindingpowerorforce;thewhichmustneedsbemeantofthecommandingandbindingpowerofthecovenantofworks,orofthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks.Foritcannotbemeant[asthesewordsseemtobear]ofthatpowerwhichthelawofthetencommandments,asaruleoflife,hathovermen,tobindthemtoobedience,underwhich,Ithink,theimpartialreaderisbythistimeconvincedthattheauthordeniesnotbelieversstilltobe;fortocallthatco-actionorcompulsion,iscontrarytothecommonunderstandingandusageofthesewordsinsociety.Atthisrate,onemustsay,Thattheglorifiedsaintsandangels[toascendnohigher]being,ascreaturesofGod,underthecommandingandbindingpoweroftheeternalruleofrighteousness,arecompelledandforcedtotheirobediencetoo;andthatwhenwepray,"Thywillbedoneonearth,asitisinheaven,"wepraytobeenabledtoobeythewillofGod,astheangelsdoinheaven,byco-actionandcompulsionintheheightthereof;forsurelytheangelshavethesenseofthecommandingandbindingpoweroftheeternalruleofrighteousnessupontheminadegreefarbeyondwhatanybelieveronearthhas.Whereforethatexpositionoftheco-actionorcompulsionofthelaw,andsoputtingbelieversunderthelaw'sco-actionorcompulsion,amountjusttowhatwemetwithbefore,namely,Thatbelieversareunderthecommandingpower[atleast]ofthecovenantofworks,havingobediencebounduponthemwiththecordsofhell,orunderthepainofthecurse.Accordingly,thecompulsionofthelawismoreplainlydescribedtobeitsbindingpowerandmoralforce,whichitderivesfromtheawfulauthorityofthesovereignLawgiver,commandingobediencetohislaw,andthreateningdisobediencewithwrath,orwithdeath,orhell.Andsoourauthorisblamedfornotsubjectingbelieverstothiscompulsionofthelaw.

Intheprecedingparagraphhehadshown,thattheobedienceofunbelieverstothelawofthetencommandmentsisproducedbytheinfluenceofthelaw[orcovenant]ofworksuponthem,forcingorconstrainingthemtheretobythefearofthepunishmentwhichitthreatens.Thus,theyworkbytheco-actionorcompulsionofthelaw,orcovenantofworks,beingdestituteoftheloveofGod.Hereheaffirms,thatwhenonceamanisbroughtuntoChrist,hehavingthesanctifyingSpiritofChristdwellinginhim,andbeingendowedwithfaiththatpurifiestheheart,andwithlovethatisstrongasdeath,isenabledtoworkfreely,andofhisownaccord,withoutthatco-actionorcompulsion.

ThisisthedoctrineoftheholyScripture.(Psa51:12),"Upholdmewiththyfreespirit."Compare(Gal5:18),"ButifyebeledbytheSpirit,yearenotunderthelaw."So(Psa110:3),"Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower."Compare(1Peter5:2),"Notbyconstraintbutwillingly."Andbelieversaredeclaredtobe"notunderthelaw,"(Rom6:14)."Tobemadefreefromthelawofdeath.Nottohavereceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear,butthespiritofadoption,"(8:2,15).Howthencantheystillbeundertheco-activeandcompulsivepowerofthelaw,frighteningandforcingthemtoobediencebyitsthreateningsoftheseconddeath,oreternalwrath?

Anditisevidentthatthisisthereceiveddoctrineoforthodoxdivines,whichmightbeattestedbyacloudofwitnesses,ifthenatureofthisworkdidpermit."Nottobeunderthelaw,"saysLuther,"istodogoodthings,andabstainfromwickedthings,notthroughcompulsionofthelaw,butbyfreelove,andwithpleasure."Chos.Ser.20,p.232.

"Thesecondpart[viz:ofChristianliberty]is,"saysCalvin,"thatconsciencesobeythelaw,notascompelledbythenecessityofthelaw,butbeingfreefromtheyokeofthelawitself,oftheirownaccordtheyobeythewillofGod."Instit.book3,chap.19,sec.4.

"Wewoulddistinguishbetwixtthelaw,consideredasalawandasacovenant.Alawdothnecessarilyimplynomorethan,(1.)Todirect.(2.)Tocommand,enforcingthatobediencebyauthority.Acovenantdothfurthernecessarilyimplypromisesmadeuponsomecondition,orthreateningsadded,ifsuchaconditionbenotperformed.Thefirsttwoareessentialtothelaw,thelasttwotobelievers,aremadevoidthroughChrist;inwhichsenseitissaid,thatbyhimwearefreedfromthelawasacovenant;sothatbelievers'livesdependnotonthepromisesannexedtothelaw,noraretheyindangerbythethreateningsadjoinedtoit."DurhamontheCommands,p.4.

"Whatanewcreaturedoth,inobservanceofthelaw,isfromnaturalfreedom,choice,andjudgment,andnotbytheforceofanythreateningsannexedtoit."Charnock,vol.2,p.59.

SeeWestminsterConfession,chap.20,art.1,ofwhichafterwards.

Andthusisthattext,(1Tim1:9),"Thelawisnotmadeforarighteousman,generallyunderstoodbydivines,critics,andcommentators,thelaw,threatening,

compelling,condemning,isnotmadeforarighteousman,becauseheispushedforwardtodutyofhisownaccord,andisnomoreledbythespiritofbondage,andfearofpunishment."Turret.loc.2,q.24,th.8."Bythelawistobeunderstoodthemorallaw,asitisarmedinstingsandterrors,torestrainrebellioussinners.Bytherighteousmanismeantoneinwhomaprincipleofdivinegraceisplanted,andwho,fromtheknowledgeandloveofGod,choosesthethingsthatarepleasingtohim.Asthelawhasannexedsomanyseverethreateningstothetransgressorsofit,itisevidentthatitisdirectedtothewicked,whowillonlybecompelledbyfearfromanoutrageousbreakingofit."ContinuationofPoole'sAnnotationsontheText."Thelawisnotforhim,asamastertocommandhim,toconstrainhimasabondman."LodovicdeDieu."Thelawdothnotcompel,presson,fright,lieheavyupon,andpunisharighteousman."Strigelius."Itliesnotonhimasaheavyburden,compellingamanagainsthiswill,violentlypressinghimon,andpushinghimforwards;itdothnotdrawhimtoobedience;butleadshim,beingwilling."Scultetus."Forofhisownaccordhedothright."Castalio,apudPol.Synop.inLoc.

[Back][11]"Itisametonymyfromtheeffect,thatis,lovemakesmetodoitinthatmanner,asamanthatiscompelled;thatisthemeaningofit.Soithasthesameeffectthatcompulsionhath,thoughtherebenothingmoredifferentfromcompulsionthanlove."Dr.Preston,ibid.p.29.

[Back][12]Ifoneconsidersthatthedriftandscopeofthiswholediscourse,istodiscoverthenaughtinessofAntinomista'sfaith,observedbyNeophytus,onemayperceive,thatbytheauthor'squotingTowne,theAntinomian,uponthathead,hegivesnomoregroundtosuspecthimselfofAntinomianism,thoughhecallshimanevangelicalmanthanaProtestantgivesinpointofPopery,byquotingCardinalBellarmineagainstaPapist,thoughwithalhecallhimaCatholic.AndtheepithetgiventoTowne,issofarfrombeingahighcommendation,that,really,itisnoneatall;for,thoughboththeseepithets,thelatteraswellastheformer,areinthemselveshonourable,yetinthesecases,amanspeakinginthelanguageofhisadversary,theyarenothingso.EvangelistacouldnotbutrememberthatAntinomistahadtoldhimroundly,"Thathehadnotbeensoevangelicalassomeothersinthecity,whichcausedhimtoleavehearingofhim,tohearthem,"viz:thoseevangelicalmen;andwhymightnothegivehimasoundnotefromoneofthoseevangelicalmen,evenunderthatcharacter,soacceptabletohim,withoutrankinghimselfwiththem?

Slavishfearandservilehopenotthespringsoftrueobedience.


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ChapterIII,Section7

Slavishfearandservilehopenotthespringsoftrueobedience.

Nom.Butstay,sir,Iprayyou,wouldyounothavebelieverstoeschewevilanddogood,forfearofhell,orforhopeofheaven?

Evan.No,indeed,Iwouldnothaveanybelievertodoeithertheoneortheother;forsofarforthastheydoso,theirobedienceisbutslavish.1Andthereforethough,whentheywerefirstawakenedandconvincedoftheirmisery,andsetfootforwardtogooninthewayoflife,they,withtheprodigal,wouldbehiredservants;yetwhen,bytheeyeoffaith,theyseethemercyandindulgenceoftheirheavenlyFatherinChrist,runningtomeetthemandembracethem;Iwouldhavethem,withhim,totalknomoreofbeinghiredservants,(Luke16).Iwouldhavethemsotowrestleagainstdoubting,andsotoexercisetheirfaithastobelieve,thattheyarebyChrist"deliveredfromthehandsoftheirenemies,"boththelaw,sin,wrath,death,thedevil,andhell,"thattheymayservetheLordwithoutfear,inholinessandrighteousnessallthedaysoftheirlives,"(Luke1:74,75).IwouldhavethemsotobelieveGod'slovetotheminChrist,asthattherebytheymaybeconstrainedtoobedience.2

Nom.But,sir,youknowthatourSavioursays,"Fearhimthatisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell,"(Matt10:28).Andtheapostlesays,"WeshallreceiveoftheLordtherewardoftheinheritance,"(Col3:24).Andisitnotsaid,that"Moseshadrespectuntotherecompenseofreward"?(Heb11:26).

Evan.SurelytheintentofourblessedSaviour,inthatfirstScripture,istoteachallbelievers,thatwhenGodcommandsonething,andmananother,theyshould

obeyGod,andnotman,ratherthantoexhortthemtoeschewevilforfearofhell.3AndforthoseotherScripturesbyyoualleged,ifyoumeanreward,andthemeanstoobtainthatreward,intheScripturesense,thenitisanothermatter;butIhadthoughtyouhadmeantinourcommonsense,andnotinScripturesense.

Nom.Why,sir,Iprayyou,whatdifferenceistherebetwixtreward,andthemeanstoobtainthereward,inourcommonsense,andintheScripturesense?

Evan.Why,reward,inourcommonsense,isthatwhichisconceivedtocomefromGod,ortobegivenbyGod;whichisafancyingofheavenundercarnalnotions,beholdingitasaplacewherethereisfreedomfromallmisery,andfullnessofallpleasuresandhappiness,andtobeobtainedbyourownworksanddoings.4ButrewardintheScripturesense,isnotsomuchthatwhichcomesfromGod,orisgivenbyGod,asthatwhichliesinGod,eventhefullfruitionofGodhimselfinChrist."Iam,"saysGodtoAbraham,"thyshield,andthyexceedinggreatreward,"(Gen15:1),and"WhomhaveIinheavenbutthee?"saysDavid;"andthereisnoneonearththatIdesirebesidesthee,"(Psa73:25);and"IshallbesatisfiedwhenIawakewiththylikeness,"5(Psa17:15).Andthemeanstoobtainthisrewardis,notbydoing,butbybelieving;evenby"drawingnearwithatrueheart,inthefullassuranceoffaith,"(Heb10:22);andsoindeeditisgivenfreely.6AndthereforeyouarenottoconceiveofthatrewardwhichtheScripturespeaksof,asifitwerethewagesofaservant,butasitistheinheritanceofsons.7AndwhentheScriptureseemethtoinducebelieverstoobedience,bypromisingthisreward,youaretoconceivethattheLordspeakstobelieversasafatherdoestohisyoungson,DothisorthatandthenIwilllovethee;whereasweknow,thatthefatherloveththesonfirst,andsodoesGod;andthereforethisisthevoiceofbelievers,"Welovehim,becausehefirstlovedus,"(1John4:19).TheLorddothpaythem,oratleastgivesthemasureearnestoftheirwages,beforehebidthemwork;8andthereforethecontestofabeliever[accordingtothemeasureofhisfaith]isnot,whatwillGodgiveme?but,whatshallIgiveGod?"WhatshallIrenderuntotheLordforallhisgoodness?Forthyloving-kindnessisbeforemineeyes,andIhavewalkedinthytruth,"(Psa116:12,26:3).

Nom.Then,sir,itseemsthatholinessoflife,andgoodworks,arenotthecauseofeternalhappiness,butonlythewaythither?

Evan.DoyounotrememberthatourLordJesushimselfsays,"Iamtheway,the

truth,andthelife"?(John14:6);anddothnottheapostlesaytothebelievingColossians,"AsyehavereceivedJesusChristtheLord,sowalkinhim"?(Col2:6);thatis,asyehavereceivedhimbyfaith,sogooninyourfaith,andbyhispowerwalkinhiscommandments.Sothatgoodworks,asIconceive,mayratherbecalledabeliever'swalkinginthewayofeternalhappiness,thanthewayitself;but,however,thiswemayassuredlyconclude,thatthesumandsubstancebothoftheway,andwalkingintheway,consistsinthereceivingofJesusChristbyfaith,andinyieldingobediencetohislaw,accordingtothemeasureofthatreceiving.9

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Asforwhatconcernsthehopeofheaven,theauthorpurposelyexplainsthatmatter,thathewouldnothaveanybelievertoeschewevilordogoodforfearofhell;themeaningthereofplainlyisthis,youbeingabelieverinChrist,oughtnottoeschewevilanddogood,forfearyoubecondemned,andcastintohell.Sofarasabelieverdothso,theauthorjustlyreckonshisobedienceaccordinglyslavish.Thisisthecommonunderstandingandsenseofsuchaphrase,aswhenwesay,Theslaveworksforfearofthewhip.Somemenabstainfromstealing,robbing,andthelike,forfearofthegallows;theyeschewevil,notfromloveofvirtue,butforfearofpunishment,astheheathenpoetsaysofhispretendertovirtue,

Oderuntpeccarebonivirtutisamore,

Tunihiladmittesinteformidinepoenae.

Horat.Epist.16.

WhichmaybethusEnglished:

Hatredofvice,ingeneroussouls,

Fromloveofvirtueflows,

Whilenothingviciousmindscontrols

Butservilefearofblows.

Thisisquiteanotherthingthantosay,thatabelieverindoinggood,oreschewingevil,oughtnottoregardthreatenings,norbeinfluencedbythethreateningofdeath.Forthoughbelieversoughtnevertofearthattheyshallbecondemnedandcastintohell,yettheybothmayandoughtawfullytoregardthethreateningsoftheholylaw:andhowtheyoughttoregardthem,onemaylearnfromtheWestm.Confess.chap.19,art.6,inthesewords,"Thethreateningsofit[viz:thelaw]servetoshowwhateventheirsinsdeserve;andwhatafflictionsinthislifetheymayexpectforthem,althoughfreedfromthecursethereofthreatenedinthelaw."Thustheyaretoregardthem,notasdenunciationsoftheirdoom,incaseofsinning,butasalooking-glasswhereintobeholdthefearfuldemeritoftheirsin;theunspeakableloveofGodinfreeingthemfrombearingit,hisfatherlydispleasureagainsthisownfortheirsin,andthetokensofhisangertobeexpectedbytheminthatcase.Sowilltheybeinfluencedtoeschewevilanddogood,beingtherebyfilledwithhatredandhorrorofsin,thankfulnesstoGod,andfearofthedispleasureandfrownsoftheirFather,thoughnotwithafearthathewillcondemnthem,anddestroytheminhell;thisglassrepresentsnosuchthing.

Suchafearinabelieverisgroundless.For(1.)Heisnotunderthethreateningofhell,orliabletothecurse.Ifhewere,hebehovedthatmomenthesinnethtofallunderthecurse.Forsincethecurseisthesentenceofthelaw,passingonthesinner,accordingtothethreatening,adjudging,andbindinghimovertothepunishmentthreatened;ifthelawsaytoaman,beforehesinneth,"Inthedaythoueatestthereof,thoushaltsurelydie,"itsaysuntohim,inthemomenthesinneth,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthelaw,todothem."Andforasmuchasbelieverssinineverythingtheydo,theirverybelievingandrepentingbeingalwaysattendedwithsinfulimperfections,itisnotpossible,atthisrate,thattheycanbeonemomentfromunderthecurse;butitmustbecontinuallywreathedabouttheirnecks.Todistinguishinthiscase,betwixtgrosssinsandlessersins,isvain;foraseverysin,eventheleast,deservesGod'swrathandcurse,[Short.Cat.,]so,againstwhomsoeverthecursetakesplace,[andbyvirtueofGod'struth,ittakesplaceagainstallthosewhoarethreatenedwithhelloreternaldeath]theyarecursedforallsins,smalleror

greater:"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthings":thoughstillthereisadifferencemadebetwixtgreaterandlessersins,inrespectofthedegreeofpunishment,yetthereisnoneinrespectofthekind.Butnowbelieversaresetfreefromthecurse.(Gal3:13),"Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus."(2.)BytheredemptionofChristalreadyappliedtothebeliever,andbytheoathofGod,heisperfectlysecuredfromthereturnofthecurseuponhim,(Gal3:13),[seebefore,]comparedwith(Isa53,54:9),"ForthisisasthewatersofNoahuntome:for,asIhaveswornthatthewatersofNoahshouldnomoregoovertheearth,sohaveIswornthatIwouldnotbewrothwiththee,norrebukethee."Thereforeheisperfectlysecuredfrombeingmadeliableanymoretohelloreternaldeath.Foraman,beingunderthecurse,is"somadeliabletothepainsofhellforever."Short.Cat.(3.)Heisjustifiedbyfaith,andsoadjudgedtoliveeternallyinheaven.Thisisunalterable,"forthegiftsandcallingofGodarewithoutrepentance,"(Rom11:29).Andamancanneverstandadjudgedtoeternallife,andtoeternaldeath,atoneandthesametime.(4.)Onegreatdifferencebetwixtbelieversandunbelieverslieshere,thatthelatterareboundovertohellandwrath,theformerarenot:(John3:18),"Hethatbelievethisnotcondemned:buthethatbelievethnot,iscondemnedalready";notthatheisinhellalready,butboundovertoit.Now,abelieverisstillabeliever,fromthefirstmomentofhisbelieving;andthereforeitremainstrueconcerninghim,fromthatmomentforever,thatheisnotcondemnedorboundovertohellandwrath.Heisexpresslysecuredagainstitforalltimetocome,fromthatmoment.(John5:24),"Heshallnotcomeintocondemnation."Andtheapostlecutsoffallevasionbydistinctionsofcondemnationhere,whilehetellsusinexpressterms,"ThereisnocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus,"(Rom8:1).(5.)Thebeliever'sunionwithChristisneverdissolved.(Hosea2:19),"Iwillbetroththeeuntomeforever":andbeinginChristheissetbeyondthereachofcondemnation,(Rom8:1).Yea,andbeinginChrist,heisperfectlyrighteousforever;forheisneveragainstrippedofthewhiteraimentofChrist'simputedrighteousness;whiletheunionremains,itcannotbelost:buttobeperfectlyrighteous,andyetliabletocondemnationbeforeajustJudge,areinconsistent.

NeitherissuchafearinabelieveracceptabletoGod;for,(1.)ItisnotfromtheSpiritofGod,butfromone'sownspirit,oraworse;(Rom8:15),"Yehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear";namely,tofeardeathorhell.(Heb2:15),"Whothroughfearofdeathwerealltheirlife-timesubjecttobondage."(2.)ItwasthedesignofthesendingofChrist,thatbelieversinhimmightserveGodwithoutthatfear,(Luke1:74).That"We,beingdeliveredoutofthehands

ofourenemies,mightservehimwithoutfear."Compare(1Cor15:26),"Thelastenemythatshallbedestroyedisdeath."AndforthisverycauseJesusChristcame,"Thatthroughdeathhemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatisthedevil;anddeliverthem,who,throughfearofdeath,werealltheirlife-time,"namely,beforetheirdeliverancebyChrist,"subjecttobondage,"(Heb2:14,15).

(3.)Thoughitisindeedconsistentwith,yetitiscontrarytofaith;(Matt8:26),"Whyareyefearful,Oyeoflittlefaith!"Andtolovetoo;(1John4:18),"Perfectlovecastethoutfear,becausefearhathtorment."(2Tim1:7),"Godhathnotgivenusthespiritoffear,butofpower,oflove,andofasoundmind."

(4.)Asitisnotagreeabletothecharacterofafather,whoisnotarevengingjudgetohisownfamily,tothreatentokillhischildren,thoughhethreatentochastisethem:sosuchafearisnomoreagreeabletothespiritofadoption,norbecomingthestateofsonshiptoGod,thanforachildtofearthathisfather,beingsuchaone,willkillhim.Andtherefore,"thespiritofbondagetofear"isopposedto"thespiritofadoption,wherebywecry,Abba,Father,"(Rom8:15).

"AdoptionisanactofthefreegraceofGod,wherebyallthosethatarejustifiedarereceivedintothenumberofhischildren,havehisnameputuponthem,theSpiritofhisSongiventothem,[receivethespiritofadoption,Westm.Confess.chap.12,]areunderhisfatherlycareanddispensation,admittedtoallthelibertiesandprivilegesofthesonsofGod,madeheirsofallthepromises,andfellow-heirswithChristinglory."Larg.Cat.q.74.

"TheLIBERTYwhichChristhaspurchasedforbelieversunderthegospel,consistsintheirfreedomfromtheguiltofsin,thecondemningwrathofGod,thecurseofthemorallaw,asalsointheirfreeaccesstoGod,andtheiryieldingobedienceuntohim,notoutofslavishfear,butachild-likeloveandwillingmind.Allwhichwerecommonalsotobelieversunderthelaw."Westm.Confess.chap.20,art.1.Bytheguiltofsinhere,mustneedsbeunderstoodobligationtoeternalwrath.

"TheendofChristianlibertyis,thatbeingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,wemight'servetheLordwithoutfear.'"Ibid.art.3.

"Theone[viz:justification]dothequallyfreeallbelieversfromtherevengingwrathofGod,andthatperfectlyinthislife,thattheyneverfallinto

condemnation."Larg.Cat.q.77.

"Thoughasoulbejustifiedandfreedfromtheguiltofeternalpunishment,andsothespiritisnomoretobeafraidanddisquietedforeternalwrathandhell."Rutherford'sTrialandTriumph,&c.Ser.19,p.261.

"Thebelieverhathnoconscienceofsins;thatis,heinconscienceisnottofeareverlastingcondemnation,thatismosttrue."Ibid.p.266.

[Back][2]Andnomarvelonewouldhavethemdoso,sincethatiswhatallthechildrenofGodwithonemouthdodailyprayfor,saying"Thywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven."

[Back][3]Thereisagreatdifferencebetwixtabeliever'seschewingevilforfearofhell,andhiseschewingitfromthefearofGod,"asabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell."Theformerrespectstheeventastohiseternalstate,thelatternot.Tothispurposethevariationofthephraseinthetextisobservable,"fearnotthemthatKILLthebody":thisnotestheevent,astotemporaldeathbythehandsofmen,whichourLordwouldhavehispeopletolaytheiraccountwith;butwithrespecttoeternaldeath,hesaysnot,fearhimwhichdestroys,but,"whichisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell."Moreover,theformerisaslavishfearofGodasarevengingjudge;thebelievereschewingsinforfearhebedamned:thelatterisareverentialfearofGodasofaFatherwithwhomisawfuldominionandpower.Theformercarriesinitadoubtfulnessanduncertaintyastotheevent,plainlycontrarytotheremedyprescribedinthissamecase:(Prov29:25),"Thefearofmanbringethasnare;butwhosoputtethhistrustintheLordshallbesafe."Thelatterisconsistentwiththemostfullassuranceofone'sbeingputbeyondallhazardofhell,(Heb12:28,29),"Whereforewereceivingakingdomwhichcannotbemoved,letushavegrace,wherebywemayserveGodacceptably,withreverenceandgodlyfear.ForourGodisaconsumingfire."Abeliever,byfixinghiseyesonGod,asabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell,maybesofilledwiththereverentialfearofGod,hisdreadfulpowerandwrathagainstsin,astobefencedagainsttheslavishfearofthemostcrueltyrants,temptinghimtosin;thoughinthemeantimehemostfirmlybelievesthatheispastthatgulf,canneverfallintoit,norbeboundoveruntoit.For,sohehathalivelyrepresentationofthejustdeservingofsin,evenofthatsininparticularuntowhichheistempted;andsomusttrembleatthethoughtofit,asanevilgreaterthandeath.Andasachild,whenheseethhisfatherlashinghisslaves,cannotbuttremble,andfeartooffendhim,soabeliever'sturninghiseyesonthe

miseriesofthedamned,mustraiseinhimanawfulapprehensionoftheseverityofhisFatheragainstsin,eveninhisown;andcausehimtosayinhisheart,"Myfleshtremblethforfearofthee;andIamafraidofthyjudgments,"(Psa119:120).Thusalsohehathaviewofthefrightfuldanger,hehasescaped;thelookingbacktowhichmustmakeone'sheartshiver,andconceiveahorrorofsin;asinthecaseofapardonedcriminal,lookingbacktoadreadfulprecipicefromwhichhewastohavebeenthrownheadlong,hadnotapardonseasonablypreventedhisruin;(Eph2:3),"Wewerebynaturethechildrenofwrath,evenasothers."

[Back][4]Thus,toeschewevilanddogoodforhopeofheaven,istodosoinhopeofobtainingheavenbyourownworks.Andcertainly"thathopeshallbecutoff,andbeaspider'sweb,"(Job8:14);forasinnershallneverobtainheavenbutinthewayoffreegrace:"Butifitbeofworks,thenitisnomoregrace,"(Rom11:6).ButthatabelievermaybeanimatedtoobediencebyeyingtherewardalreadyobtainedforhimbytheworksofChrist,ourauthornowheredenies.SoindeedtheapostleexhortsbelieverstoruntheirChristianrace,"lookinguntoJesus,who,forthejoythatwassetbeforehim,"[tobeobtainedbyhisownworks,inthewayofmostpropermerits]"enduredthecross,"(Heb12:1,2).

"Papists,"saysDr.Preston,"tellofescapingdamnation,andofgettingintoheaven.ButScripturegivesothermotives[viz:togoodworks]:ThouartinChrist,andChrististhine;considerwhathehathdoneforthee,whatthouhastbyhim,whatthouhadstbeenwithouthim,andthusstirupthyselftodoforhimwhatherequireth."Abridg.ofhisWorks,p.394.

[Back][5]"Man'schiefendistoglorifyGodandtoenjoyhimforever."Short.Cat."BelieversshallbemadeperfectlyblessedinfullenjoyingofGodtoalleternity."Ibid.

[Back][6](Rom4:16),"Thereforeitisoffaith,thatitmightbebygrace;totheendthepromise[viz:oftheinheritance(verse13,14),]mightbesuretoalltheseed."Otherwiseitisnotgivenfreely;for"tohimthatworkethistherewardnotreckonedofgrace,butofdebt,"(verse4).

[Back][7]Theapostle'sdecisioninthiscaseseemstobeprettyclear:(Rom6:23),"forthewagesofsinisdeath;butthegiftofGodiseternallife":hewillnothaveustolookuponitasthewagesofaservanttoo.Thejoiningtogetherof

boththesenotionsoftherewardwas,itseems,thedoctrineofthePharisees;(Mark10:17),"GoodMaster,whatshallIdo,thatImayinheriteternallife?"AndhowunacceptableitwastoourblessedSaviour,maybelearnedfromhisanswertothatquestion."ThePapistsconfessthatlifeismeritedbyChrist,andismadeoursbytherightofinheritance:sofarwegowiththem.Yea,touchingworks,theyholdmanythingswithus;(1.)Thatnoworksofthemselvescanmeritlifeeverlasting.(2.)Thatworksdonebeforeconversion,canmeritnothingatGod'shand.(3.)ThatthereisnomeritatGod'shand,withouthismercy,noexactmeritasoftenthereisamongstmen.Thepointwhereaboutwedissentis,thatwiththemeritofChristandfreepromise,theywillhavethemeritofworksjoined,asdonebythemwhoareadoptedchildren."BayneonEphesians2:8).

[Back][8]Namely,inthewayofthecovenantofgrace.

[Back][9]Ourauthor,rememberingNomista'sbiastowardsgoodworks,asseparatedfromChrist,putshiminmind,thatChrististheway;andthatthesoul'smotionheaven-wardisinChrist;thatis,amanbeingonceunitedtoChristbyfaith,movethheaven-ward,makingprogressinbelieving,andbyinfluencesderivedfromJesusChrist,walkinginhisholycommandments.TheScriptureacknowledgesnootherholinessoflife,orgoodworks;andconcerningthenecessityofthesetheauthormovesnodebate.Butastotheproprietyofexpression,sincegoodworksarethekeepingofthecommandments,inthewayofwhichwearetogo,heconceivestheymay,withgreaterpropriety,becalledthewalkingintheway,thanthewayitself.ItiscertainthattheScripturespeaksof"walkinginChrist,"(Col2:6),"walkinginhiscommandments,"(2Chron17:4),and"walkingingoodworks,"(Eph2:10);andthatasthesetermssignifybutoneandthesamething,sotheyareallmetaphorical.Butonewouldthinkthecallingofgoodworksthewaytobewalkedin,isfurtherremovedfromtheproprietyofexpression,thanthecallingthemthewalkingintheway.Buttheauthorwaivingthis,asamatterofphraseology,ormannerofspeakingonly,tellsus,thatassuredlythesumandsubstance,bothofthewaytoeternalhappiness,andofthewalkinginthewaytoit,consistsinthereceivingJesusChristbyfaith,andinyieldingobediencetohislaw,accordingtothemeasureofthatreceiving.HereiniscomprehendedChristandholiness,faithandobedience;whichareinseparable.Andnonarroweristhecompassofthewayandwalkingmentioned,(Isa35:8,9),"Itshallbecalledthewayofholinesstheredeemedshallwalkthere.""Thewayofholiness,ortheholyway,[accordingtoanusualHebraism,]asitisgenerallyunderstoodbyinterpreters,isthewayleadingtoheaven,saysPiscator;namely,Christ,faith,andthedoctrineofaholylife."FereriusapudPol.

Synop.inloc.Andnowthatourauthor,thoughheconceivesgoodworksarenotsoproperlycalledtheway,asthewalking,yetdoesnotsay,thatinnosensetheymaybecalledtheway,butdoesexpresslyassertthemtobethesoul'swalkinginthewayofeternalhappiness;hecannotjustlybechargedhere[morethananywhereelseinhisbook]withteaching,thatholinessisnotnecessarytosalvation,unlessonewill,inthefirstplace,saythatthoughthewayitselftoeternalhappinessisnecessarytosalvation,yetthewalkinginthewayisnotnecessarytoit;whichwouldbeAntinomianwithawitness.

Theefficacyoffaithforholinessofheartandlife.


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ChapterIII,Section8

Theefficacyoffaithforholinessofheartandlife.

Neo.Sir,Iampersuaded,thatthroughmyneighbourNomista'saskingyouthesequestions,youhavebeeninterruptedinyourdiscourse,inshowinghowfaithenablesamantoexercisehisChristiangraces,andperformhisChristinadutiesaright:andthereforeIprayyougoon.

Evan.WhatshouldIsaymore?forthetimewouldfailmetotell,howthat,accordingtothemeasureofanyman'sfaith,ishistruepeaceofconscience;for,saystheapostle,"beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod,"(Rom5:1).Yea,saystheprophetIsaiah,"Thouwiltkeephiminperfectpeace,whosemindisstayedonthee,becausehetrustethinthee,"(Isa26:3).Herethereisasureandtruegroundedpeace:"Thereforeitisoffaith,"saystheapostle,"thatitmightbebygrace,andthatthepromisemightbesuretoalltheseed,"(Rom4:16).Andanswerabletoaman'sbelievingthatheis"justifiedfreelybyGod'sgrace,throughthatredemptionthatisinJesusChrist,"1(Rom4:3,24),ishistruehumilityofspirit.Sothat,althoughhebeendowedwithexcellentgiftsandgraces,andthoughheperformneversomanyduties,hedenieshimselfinall;hedoesnotmakethemasladdersforhimtoascendupintoheavenby,buthedesiresto"befoundinChrist,nothavinghisownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,"(Phil3:9).Hedoesnotthinkhimselftobeonestepnearertoheaven,forallhisworksandperformances.Andifhehearanymanpraisehimforhisgiftsandgraces,hewillnotconceivethathehasobtainedthesamebyhisownindustryandpains-taking,assomemenhaveproudlythought;neitherwillhespeakitout,assomehavedone,saying;ThesegiftsandgraceshavecostmesomethingIhavetakenmuchpainstoobtain

them;buthesays,"BythegraceofGodIamwhatIam;andnotI,butthegraceofGodthatwaswithme,"(1Cor15:10).Andifhebeholdanignorantman,orawickedliver,hewillnotcallhim"Carnalwretch!"or,"Profanefellow!"norsay,"Standbythyself,comenotnearme,forIamholierthanthou,"(Isa65:5),assomehavesaid;buthepitiessuchaman,andpraysforhim;andinhishearthesaysconcerninghimself,"Whomakeththeetodiffer?andwhathastthouthatthouhastnotreceived"?(1Cor4:7).

AndthusImightgoon,andshowyouhow,accordingtoanyman'sfaith,ishistruejoyinGod,andhistruethankfulnesstoGod,andhispatienceinalltroublesandafflictions,andhiscontentednessinanycondition,andhiswillingnesstosuffer,andhischeerfulnessinsuffering,andhiscontentednesstopartwithanyearthlything.Yea,accordingtoanyman'sfaith,ishisabilitytoprayaright,(Rom10:14),toreceivethesacramentwithprofitandcomfort:andtodoanydutyeithertoGodormanafterarightmanner,andtoarightend,(Heb4:2).Yea,accordingtothemeasureofanyman'sfaith,inhislovetoChrist,andsotomanforChrist'ssake;andso,consequently,hisreadinessandwillingnesstoforgiveaninjury;yea,toforgiveanenemy,andtodogoodtothemthathatehim;andthemorefaithanymanhas,thelesslovehehastotheworldorthethingsthatareintheworld.Toconclude,thegreateranyman'sfaithis,themorefitheistodie,andthemorewillingheistodie.

Neo.Well,sir,nowIdoperceivethatfaithisamostexcellentgrace,andhappyisthatmanwhohasagreatmeasureofit.

Evan.Thetruthis,faithisthechiefgracethatChristiansaretobeexhortedtogetandexercise;andtherefore,whenthepeopleaskedourLordChrist,"WhattheyshoulddotoworktheworksofGod,"heansweredandsaid,"ThisistheworkofGod,thatyebelieveonhimwhomhehathsent,"(John6:29);speakingasiftherewerenootherdutyatallrequired,butonlybelieving;for,indeed,tosayasthethingis,believingincludesallotherdutiesinit,andtheyspringallfromit;andthereforesaysone,"Preachfaith,andpreachall.""WhilstIbidmanbelieve,"sayslearnedRollock,"Ibidhimdoallgoodthings";for,saysDr.Preston,"Truthofbeliefwillbringforthtruthofholiness;ifamanbelieve,worksofsanctificationwillfollow;forfaithdrawsafteritinherentrighteousnessandsanctification.Wherefore"sayshe,"ifamanwillgoaboutthisgreatwork,tochangehislife,togetvictoryoveranysin,thatitmaynothavedominionoverhim,tohavehisconsciencepurgedfromdeadworksandtobemadepartakerofthedivinenature,lethimnotgoaboutitasamoralman";thatis,lethimnot

considerwhatcommandmentsthereare,whattherectitudeiswhichthelawrequires,andhowtobringhishearttoit;but"lethimgoaboutitasaChristian,thatis,lethimbelievethepromiseofpardon,inthebloodofChrist;andtheverybelievingthepromisewillbeabletocleansehisheartfromdeadworks."2

Neo.ButIprayyou,sir,whencehasfaithitspowerandvirtuetodoallthis?

Evan.EvenfromourLordJesusChrist;forfaithdothingraftaman,whoisbynatureawildolivebranch,intoChristasintothenaturalolive;andfetchessapfromtheroot,Christ,andtherebymakesthetreebringforthfruitinitskind;yea,faithfetchethasupernaturalefficacyfromthedeathandlifeofChrist;byvirtuewhereofitmetamorphoses3theheartofabeliever,andcreatesandinfusesintohimnewprinciplesofaction.4Sothat,whatatreasureofallgracesChristhathstoredupinhim,faithdraineth,anddraweththemouttotheuseofabeliever;beingasaconduit-cock,thatwaterethalltheherbsofthegarden.Yea,faithdoesapplythebloodofChristtoabeliever'sheart;andthebloodofChristhasinit,notonlyapowertowashfromtheguiltofsin,buttocleanseandpurgelikewisefromthepowerandstainofsin,andtherefore,saysgodlyHooker,"Ifyouwouldhavegrace,youmustfirstofallgetfaith,andthatwillbringalltherest,letfaithgotoChrist,andthereismeekness,patience,humility,andwisdom,andfaithwillfetchallthemtothesoul;therefore,[sayshe,]youmustnotlookforsanctificationtillyoucometoChristinvocation."

Nom.Truly,sir,IdonowplainlyseethatIhavebeendeceived,andhavegoneawrongwaytowork;forIverilythoughtthatholinessoflifemustgobeforefaith,andsobethegroundofit,andproduceandbringitforth;whereasIdonowplainlysee,thatfaithmustgobefore,andsoproduceandbringforthholinessoflife.

Evan.Irememberaman,whowasmuchenlightenedintheknowledgeofthegospel,5whosays,"Theremaybemanythatthink,thatasamanchoosestoserveaprince,somenchoosetoserveGod.Solikewisetheythinkthatasthosewhodobestservice,doobtainmostfavouroftheirlord;andasthosethathavelostit,themoretheyhumblethemselves,thesoonertheyrecoverit;evensotheythinkthecasestandsbetweenGodandthem;whereas,sayshe,itisnotso,butcleancontrary,forhehimselfsays,'Yehavenotchosenme,butIhavechosenyou,'(John15:16).Andnotforthatwerepentandhumbleourselves,anddogoodworks,hegivesushisgrace;butwerepentandhumbleourselves,dogoodworks,andbecomeholy,becausehegivesushisgrace."Thegoodthiefonthe

crosswasnotilluminated,becausehedidconfessChrist;buthedidconfessChrist,becausehewasilluminated.For,saysLuther,onGalatians,p.124,"Thetreemustfirstbe,andthenthefruit;fortheapplesmakenotthetree,butthetreemakestheapples.Sofaithfirstmakeththeperson,whichafterwardsbringsforthworks.Thereforetodothelawwithoutfaith,istomaketheapplesofwoodandearthwithoutthetree,whichisnottomakeapples,butmerefantasies."Wherefore,neighbourNomista,letmeentreatyou,thatwhereasbeforeyouhavereformedyourlifethatyoumightbelieve,why,nowbelievethatyoumayreformyourlife:anddonotanylongerworktogetaninterestinChrist,butbelieveyourinterestinChrist,thatsoyoumaywork.6Andthenyouwillnotmakethechangeofyourlifethegroundofyourfaith,asyouhavedone,andasMr.Culverwellsays,manydo,whobeingasked,Whatcausedthemtobelieve?answer,"Becausetheyhavetrulyrepented,andchangedtheircourseoflife."7

Ant.Sir,whatthinkyouofapreacherthat,inmyhearing,said,hedurstnotexhortnorpersuadesinnerstobelievetheirsinswerepardoned,beforehesawtheirlivesreformed,forfeartheyshouldtakemorelibertytosin?

Evan..Why,whatshouldIsaybutthatIthinkthatpreacherwasignorantofthemysteryoffaith?8Forit,9isofthenatureofsovereignwaters,whichsowashoffthecorruptionoftheulcer,thattheycooltheheat,andstaythespreadingoftheinfection,andsobydegreeshealthesame.Neitherdidheknowthatitisofthenatureofcordials,whichsocomforttheheartandeaseit,thattheyalsoexpelthenoxioushumours,andstrengthennatureagainstthem.10

Ant.AndIamacquaintedwithaprofessor,though,Godknows,11averyweakone,thatsays,Ifheshouldbelievebeforehislifebereformed,thenhemightbelieve,andyetwalkoninhissins:Iprayyou,sir,whatwouldyousaytosuchaman?

Evan.Why,IcouldsaywithDr.Preston,lethim,ifhecan,believetruly,anddothis;butitisimpossible:lethimbelieve,andtheotherwillfollow;truthofbeliefwillbringforthtruthofholiness:forwho,ifheponderitwell,canfearafleshlylicentiousness,wherethebelievingsoulisunitedandmarriedtoChrist?12Thelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks,andChrist,aresetinopposition,astwohusbandstoonewifesuccessively,(Rom7:4);whilstthelawwasaliveintheconscience,allthefruitsweredeadly,(verse5);butChrist,takingthesamespousetohimself,thelawbeingdead,byhisquickeningSpiritdothmakeherfruitfultoGod,(verse6);andsoraisesupseedtotheformerhusband:for

materiallythesearetheworksofthelaw,thoughproducedbytheSpiritofChristinthegospel.13

Ant.Andyet,sir,Iamverilypersuaded,thattherebemany,bothpreachersandprofessors,inthiscity,oftheverysameopinion,thatthesetwoareof.

Evan.Thetruthis,manypreachersstanduponthepraiseofsomemoralvirtue,anddoinveighagainstsomeviceofthetimes,morethanuponpressingmentobelieve.But,saysalearnedwriter,"Itwillbeourcondemnation,ifwelovedarkness,ratherthanlight,anddesirestilltobegropinginthetwilightofmorality,thepreceptsofmoralmen,thantowalkinthetruelightofdivinity,whichisthedoctrineofJesusChrist;andIpitythepreposterouscareandunhappytravailofmanywell-affected,whostudythepracticeofthisandthatvirtue,neglectingthiscardinalandradicalvirtue;asifamanshouldwaterallthetree,andnottheroot.Fainwouldtheyshineinpatience,meekness,andzeal,andyetarenotcarefultoestablishandrootthemselvesinfaith,whichshouldmaintainalltherest;andthereforealltheirlabourhasbeeninvainandtonopurpose."

Nom.Indeed,sir,thiswhichyouhavenowsaid,Ihavefoundtruebymyownexperience;forIhave14labouredandendeavouredtogetvictoryoversuchcorruptionsastoovercomemydullness,andtoperformdutieswithcheerfulness,andallinvain.

Evan.Andnomarvel;fortopray,tomeditate,tokeepaSabbathcheerfully,tohaveyourconversationinheaven,isasimpossibleforyouyourselftodo,asforirontoswim,orforstonestoascendupwards;butyetnothingisimpossibletofaith;itcannaturalizethesethingsuntoyou;itcanmakeamoleoftheearthasoulofheaven.Wherefore,thoughyouhavetriedallmoralconclusionsofpurposing,promising,resolving,vowing,fasting,watching,andself-revenge;yetgetyoutoChrist,andwiththefingeroffaithtouchbutthehemofhisgarment;andyoushallfeelvirtuecomefromhim,forthecuringofallyourdiseases.WhereforeIbeseechyou,comeoutofyourselfuntoJesusChrist,andapprehendhimbyfaith,as,blessedbeGod,youseeyourneighbourNeophytushasdone;andthenshallyoufindthelikeloathingofsin,andlovetothelawofChrist,ashenowdoes;yea,thenshallyoufindyourcorruptionsdyinganddecayingdaily,moreandmore,asIamconfidentheshall.

Neo.Aye,but,sir,shallInothavepowerquitetoovercomeallmycorruptions,

andtoyieldperfectobediencetothelawofChrist,as,theLordknows,Imuchdesire?

Evan.Ifyoucouldbelieveperfectly,thenshoulditbeevenaccordingtoyourdesire;accordingtothatofLuther,ontheGalatians,p.173,"IfwecouldperfectlyapprehendChrist,thenshouldwebefreefromsin":butalas!whilstwearehere,weknowbutinpart,andsobelievebutinpart,andsoreceiveChristbutinpart,(1Cor13:9),andso,consequently,areholybutinpart;witnessJamestheJust,includinghimself,whenhesays,"Inmanythingswesinall,"(James3:2).Johnthefaithfulandlovingdisciple,whenhesays,"Ifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus,"(1John1:8).Yea,andwitnessLuther,whenhesaysontheGalatians,p.144,"AChristianmanhathabody,inwhosemembersasPaulsays,'sindwellethandwarreth,'(Rom7:15).Andalthoughhefallnotintooutwardandgrosssins,asmurder,adultery,theft,andsuchlike,yetishenotfreefromimpatienceandmurmuringagainstGod;yea,[sayshe]Ifeelinmyselfcovetousness,lust,anger,pride,andarrogancy,alsothefearofdeath,heaviness,hatred,murmuringsimpatience."Sothatyoumustnotlooktobequitewithoutsin,whilstyouremaininthislife;yetthisIdarepromiseyou,thatasyougrowfromfaithtofaith,soshallyougrowfromstrengthtostrengthinallothergraces."Wherefore,"saysHooker,"strengthenthisgraceoffaith,andstrengthenall;nourishthis,andnourishall."Sothatifyoucanattaintoagreatmeasureoffaith,youshallbesuretoattaintoagreatmeasureofholiness;accordingtothesayingofDr.Preston,"Hethathaththestrongestfaith,hethatbelievethinthegreatestdegreethepromiseofpardonandremissionofsins,Idareboldlysay,hehaththeholiestheart,andtheholiestlife.Andtherefore,Ibeseechyoulabourtogrowstronginthefaithofthegospel,"(Phil1:27).

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Andnotforanythingwroughtinhimself,ordonebyhimself.

[Back][2]Thesumthereofis,thatnoconsiderations,noendeavourswhatsoever,willtrulysanctifyaman,withoutfaith.Howbeit,suchconsiderationsandendeavoursarenecessarytopromoteandadvancethesanctificationofthesoulbyfaith.

[Back][3]Thatis,transformsorchanges.(Rom12:2),"Beyetransformedbytherenewingofyourmind."

[Back][4]Namely,instrumentally.Itcannotbedeniedthatourauthorplacesfaithbeforethenewprinciplesofactionsinthispassage,andbeforethehabitsofgrace,andyetitwillnotfollow,that,inhisopinion,therecanbenograciouschangeinthesoulbeforefaith.Whathedoesindeedteach,inthismatter,iswarrantedbytheplaintestimonyoftheapostle,(Eph1:13),"Afterthatyebelieved,yeweresealedwiththatholySpiritofpromise."Andwhatthissealis,atleastastothechiefpartofit,maybelearnedfromJohn1:16,"Andofhisfullnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace."Forassealingistheimpressionoftheimageofthesealonthewax,sothatittherebyreceivesuponitpointforpointontheseal,sobelieversbeingsealedwiththeSpiritofChrist,receivegraceforgraceinChrist,wherebytheyaremadelikehim,andbearhisimage.Andasitiswarrantedbythewords,soitisagreeabletotheoldProtestantdoctrine,thatweareregeneratebyfaith;whichisthetitleofthe3dchap.ofthe3dbookofCalvin'sInstit.andistaughtintheOldConfess.art.3,inthesewords:"RegenerationiswroughtbythepoweroftheHolyGhost,workingintheheartsoftheelectofGodanassuredfaith";andart.13,inthesewords:"SosoonastheSpiritoftheLordJesus[whichGod'selectchildrenreceivebytruefaith]takespossessionintheheartofanyman,sosoondoesheregenerateandrenewthesameman."

Nevertheless,Iamnotofthemind,that,eitherintruth,orinthejudgmentofourreformers,orofourauthor,thefirstactoffaithisanactofanunregenerate,thatistosay,adeadsoul.Buttounderstandthismatteraright,Iconceiveonemustdistinguishbetwixtregenerationtakenstrictly,andtakenlargely;andbetwixtnewpowersandnewhabitsorprinciplesofaction.Regeneration,strictlysocalled,isthequickeningofthedeadsoul,bytheSpiritofChristpassivelyreceived,andgoesbeforefaith,accordingtoJohn1:12,13,"Butasmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname;whichwerebornnotofblood,butofGod."ThisiscalledbyAmesius,thefirstregeneration,Medul.lib.1,cap.29,sect.6;seecap.26,sect.19.Anditbelongsto,oristhesamewitheffectualcalling;inthe

descriptionofwhich,intheShorterCatechism,onefindsarenewingmentioned,wherebysinnersareenabledtoembraceJesusChrist;and,saystheLargerCatechismonthesamesubject,"They,althoughinthemselvesdeadinsin,areherebymadeabletoanswerhiscall."Regeneration,largelytaken,presupposingtheformer,isthesamewithsanctification,wroughtinthesoulbytheSpiritofChrist,activelyreceivedbyfaith,andsofollowsfaith.(Acts26:18),"Amongthemwhicharesanctifiedbyfaith,thatisinMe":thesubjectsofwhich"aretheredeemed,called,andjustified."Essen.Com.cap.16,sect.3.Andaccordingly,inthedescriptionthereofintheShorterCatechism,mentionismadeofasecondrenewing,namely,"WherebywearerenewedinthewholemanaftertheimageofGod,andareenabledmoreandmoretodieuntosin,andliveuntorighteousness."AndthusIconceiveregenerationtobetakenintheabovepassagesoftheOldConfession.Thewhichisconfirmedbythefollowingtestimonies:"BeinginChrist,wemustbenewcreatures,notinsubstance,butinqualitiesanddispositionofourminds,andchangeoftheactionsofourlives,allwhichisimpossibletothemthathavenofaith."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCatechism,page29."SogoodworksfollowaseffectsofChristinus,possessedbyfaith,whobeginnethtoworkinusregenerationandarenewingofthewholepartsandpowersofthesoulandbody.Whichbegunsanctificationandholinessheneverceasestoaccomplish."Ibid.p.30."Theeffect[viz:ofjustification]inherentinus,asinasubject,isthatnewqualitywhichiscalledinherentrighteousnessorregeneration."GroundsofChristianReligion,bytherenownedBezaandFaius,1586,chap.29,sect.11."Thatnewquality,thencalledinherentrighteousnessandregeneration,testifiedbygoodworks,isanecessaryeffectoftruefaith."Ibid.chap.31,sect.13.

Nowinregenerationtakenintheformersense,newpowersareputintothesoul,wherebythesinner,whowasdeadinsin,isabletodiscernChristinhisglory,andtoembracehimbyfaith.Butitisinregenerationtakeninthelattersense,thatnewhabitsofgrace,orimmediateprinciplesofactionsaregiven;namely,uponthesoul'sunitingwithChristbyfaith.SoEssenius,havingdefinedregenerationtobe,theputtingofspirituallifeinamanspirituallydead,[comparechap.14,sect.11,]afterwardssays,"Asbyregenerationnewpowerswereputintotheman,sobysanctificationaregivennewspiritualhabits."TheologicalVirtues,ibid.cap.16,sect.5.AndastheScripturesareexpress,inthatmenare"sanctifiedbyfaith,"(Acts26:18),soistheLargerCatechisminthatitisinsanctificationtheyare"renewedinthewholeman,havingtheseedsofrepentanceuntolife,andofallothersavinggraces,putintotheirhearts,"quest.75.

[Back][5]Thisman,BernardineOchine,aninfamousapostate,wasatfirstamonk;butasourauthorsays,beingmuchenlightenedintheknowledgeofthegospel,henotonlymadeprofessionoftheProtestantReligion,but,togetherwiththerenownedPeterMartyr,wasesteemedamostfamouspreacherofthegospel,throughoutItaly.Beingindangerontheaccountofreligion,heleftItalybyMartyr'sadvice;andbeingmuchassistedbytheDuchessofFerrarainhisescape,hewentfirsttoGeneva,andthentoZurich,andwasadmittedaministerinthatcity.Butdiscoveringhimselfthere,[asSimonMagusdid,afterhehadjoinedhimselftothechurchofSamaria]hewasbanished;andisjustlyreckonedamongtheforerunnersoftheexecrableSocinus.SeeHoornbeck,appar.ad.contr.Soc.page47.Henceonemayplainlyseehowtherearesermonsofhiswhichmightsafelyandtogoodpurposebequoted.Andasforthecharactergivenhimbytheauthorhere,ifoneisinhazardofreckoningitanapplause,onemustrememberthatisnogreaterthanwhattheapostlegivestotheguiltyofthesinagainsttheHolyGhost,(Heb6:6),"Thosewhowereonceenlightened,andhavetastedoftheheavenlygift,"&c.,whichImakenoquestionbutourauthorhadhiseyeupon,ingivingthismanthischaracterverypertinently.

[Back][6]Thatis,bybelieving,getasavinginterestinChrist;whereas,before,youhavesetyourself,asitwere,toworkit.SeethenoteontheDefinitionofFaith.

[Back][7]"Which[addshe]ifitproceednotfromfaith,isnotsomuchasasoundproofoffaith,muchlesscanitbeanycausetodrawthemtobelieve.""TheonlyfirmgroundofsavingfaithisGod'struth,revealedinhisword;asisplainlytaught,"(Rom10:17).Ibidp.20,21.

[Back][8]Thiscensure,asitnativelyfollowsupontheoverthrowingofthatdoctrine,viz:"Thatholinessoflifemustgobeforefaith,andsobethegroundofit,andproduceandbringitforth";soitisfoundedonthesetwoancientProtestantprinciples:(1.)Thatthebeliefoftheremissionofsiniscomprehendedinsaving,justifyingfaith.(2.)Thattruerepentance,andacceptablereformationoflife,donecessarilyflowfrom,butgonotbeforesavingfaith.Henceitnecessarilyfollows,thatremissionofsinmustbebelieved,beforetherecanbeanyacceptablereformationoflife;andthatthepreacher'sfearwasgroundless,reformationoflifebeingsocausedbythefaithofremissionofsin,thatitisinseparablefromit:asourauthorteachesinthefollowingpassages.Calvin'scensureinthiscaseisfullyassevere:"Asforthem[sayshe]thatthinkthatrepentancedoesrathergobeforefaith,thanfloworspringforthofit,asafruit

outofatree,theyneverknewtheforcethereof."Instit.book3.chap.3.sect.1."Yetwhenwereferthebeginningofrepentancetofaith,wedonotdreamacertainmeanspaceoftime,whereinitbringsitout:butwemeantoshow,thatamancannotearnestlyapplyhimselftorepentance,unlessheknowhimselftobeofGod."Ibid.sect.2.

[Back][9]Namely,faith.

[Back][10]Evenso,faithnotonlyjustifiesasinner,butsanctifieshiminheartandlife.

[Back][11]Ithinkthisexpressionmightverywellhavebeensparedhere.

[Back][12]"Q.Doesnotthisdoctrine[viz:ofjustificationbyfaithwithoutworks]makemensecureandprofane?A.No,foritcannotbe,buttheywhoareingraftedintoChristbyfaith,shouldbringforthfruitsofthankfulness."Palat.Cat.q.64.

[Back][13]Asawomanmarriedtoasecondhusband,afterthedeathofthefirst,doesthesameworkforsubsistenceinthefamily,thatwasrequiredofherbythefirsthusband;yetdoesitnotto,norasunderthedeadhusband,butthelivingone;sothegoodworksofbelieversarematerially,andbutmaterially,theworksofthelaw,asacovenant,thefirsthusband,nowdeadtothebeliever.Inthissenseonlythelawisheretreatedof:andtomakethegoodworksofbelieversformallytheworksofthelawasacovenantandhusband,istocontradicttheapostle,(Rom7:4-6),to"makethemdeadlyfruits,dishonourabletoChrist,thesecondhusband,andunacceptabletoGod."

[Back][14]Afterthatmanner.

Useofmeansforstrengtheningoffaith.


[Contents]

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[Next:Thedistinctionofthelawofworks,andlawofChrist,appliedtosixparadoxes.]

ChapterIII,Section9

Useofmeansforstrengtheningoffaith.

Neo.Osir,Idesireitwithallmyheart;andtherefore,Iprayyou,tellme,whatyouwouldhavemetodo,thatImaygrowmorestrong.

Evan.Why,surely,thebestadviceandcounselthatIcangiveyou,istoexercisethatfaithwhichyouhave,andwrestleagainstdoubting,andbeearnestwithGodinprayerfortheincreaseofit."Forasmuch,"saysLuther,"asthisgiftisinthehandsofGodonly,whobestowethwhen,andonwhom,hepleaseth,thoumustresortuntohimbyprayer,andsaywiththeapostles,'Lord,increaseourfaith,'"(Luke17:5).andyoumustalsobediligentinhearingthewordpreached;foras"faithcomethbyhearing,"(Rom10:17),soisitalsoincreasedbyhearing.Andyoumustalsoreadtheword,andmeditateuponthefreeandgraciouspromisesofGod;forthepromiseistheimmortalseed,wherebytheSpiritofChristbegetsandincreasesfaithintheheartsofallhis.Andlastly,youmustfrequentthesacramentoftheLord'ssupper,andreceiveitasoftenasconvenientlyyoucan.

Ant.Butbyyourfavour,sir,iffaithbethegiftofGod,andhegiveitwhen,andtowhomhepleases,thenIconceivethataman'susingsuchmeanswillnotprocureanygreatermeasureofitthanGodispleasedtogive.

Evan.Iconfessitisnotthemeansthatwilleitherbegetorincreasefaith;butitistheSpiritofGodintheuseofmeansthatdothit:sothatasthemeanswillnotdoitwithouttheSpirit,neitherwilltheSpiritdoitwithoutthemeans,wherethemeansmaybehad.Wherefore,Iprayyou,donotyouhinderhimfromusingthe

means.

Neo.Sir,formyownpart,lethimsaywhathewill,Iamresolved,bytheassistanceofGod,tobecarefulanddiligentintheuseofthesemeanswhichyouhavenowprescribed;thatso,bytheincreasingofmyfaith,ImaybethebetterenabledtobesubjecttothewilloftheLord,andsowalkasthatImaypleasehim.

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[Next:Thedistinctionofthelawofworks,andlawofChrist,appliedtosixparadoxes.]

Thedistinctionofthelawofworks,andlawofChrist,appliedtosixparadoxes.


[Contents][Previous:Useofmeansforstrengtheningoffaith.][Next:Theuseofthatdistinctioninpractice.]

ChapterIII,Section10

Thedistinctionofthelawofworks,andlawofChrist,appliedtosixparadoxes.

Butforasmuchasheretoforehehathendeavouredtopersuademetobelievediverspoints,whichthenIcouldnotseetobetrue,andthereforecouldnotassentuntothem,methinksIdonowbegintoseesomeshowoftruthinthem;therefore,sir,ifyoupleasetogivemeleave,Iwilltellyouwhatpointstheyare,totheintentImayhaveyourjudgmentanddirectiontherein.

Evan.Doso,Iprayyou.

Neo.1.Why,firstofall,hehathendeavouredtopersuademethatabelieverisnotunderthelaw,butisaltogetherdeliveredfromit.

2.Thatabelieverdoesnotcommitsin.

3.ThattheLordcanseenosininabeliever.

4.ThattheLordisnotangrywithabelieverforhissins.

5.ThattheLorddothnotchastiseabelieverforhissins.

6.Lastly,Thatabelieverhathnocauseneithertoconfesshissins,nortocravepardonatthehandsofGodforthem,neitheryettofast,normourn,norhumblehimselfbeforetheLordforthem.

Evan.Thesepointswhichyouhavenowmentionedhavecausedmanyneedlessandfruitlessdisputes;andthatbecausemenhaveeithernotunderstoodwhattheyhavesaid,orelsenotdeclaredwhereoftheyhaveaffirmed;forinonesensetheymayallofthembetrulyaffirmed,andinanothersensetheymayallofthembetrulydenied;whereofifwewouldclearlyunderstandthetruth,wemust

distinguishbetwixtthelawasitisthelawofworks,andasitisthelawofChrist.1

Now,asitisthelawofworks,itmaybetrulysaid,thatabelieverisnotunderthelaw,butisdeliveredfromit,2accordingtothatoftheapostle,(Rom6:14),"Yearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace";and(Rom7:6),"Butnowwearedeliveredfromthelaw."Andifbelieversbenotunderthelaw,butaredeliveredfromthelaw,asitisalawofworks,then,thoughtheysin,yetdotheynottransgressthelawofworks;for"wherenolawis,thereisnotransgression,"(Rom4:15).Andtherefore,saystheapostleJohn,"Whosoeverabidethinhimsinnethnot,"(1John3:6);thatis,asIconceive,whosoeverabidethinChristbyfaith,sinnethnotagainstthelawofworks.3Andifabelieversinnotagainstthelawofworks,thencanGodseenosininabeliever,asatransgressionofthatlaw;4andthereforeitissaid,(Num23:21),"HehathnotbeheldiniquityinJacob,neitherhathheseenperversenessinIsrael";andagainitissaid,(Jer50:20),"AtthattimetheiniquityofIsraelshallbesoughtfor,andthereshallbenone;andthesinsofJudah,andtheyshallnotbefound":andinCanticles4:7,Christsaysconcerninghisspouse,"Beholdthouartallfair,mylove,andthereisnospotinthee."AndifGodcanseenosininabeliever,thenassuredlyheisneitherangrynordothchastiseabelieverforhissins,asatransgressionofthatlaw;5andhenceitis,thattheLordsaysconcerninghisownpeoplethatwerebelievers,(Isa27:4),"Angerisnotinme":andagain,(Isa54:9),theLordspeakingcomfortablytohasspousetheChurch,says,"AsIhaveswornthatthewatersofNoahshallnomoregoovertheearth,sohaveIswornthatIwillnomorebewrothwiththee,norrebukethee."Now,iftheLordbenotangrywithabeliever,neitherdothchastisehimforhissins,astheyareanytransgressionofthelawofworks,thenhathabelieverneitherneedtoconfesshissinsuntoGod,nortocravepardonforthem,noryettofast,normourn,norhumblehimselfforthem,asconceivingthemtobeanytransgressionofthelaw,asitisthelawofworks.6Thusyousee,thatifyouconsiderthelawinthissense,thenallthesepointsfollow:accordingasyousayourfriendAntinomistahathendeavouredtopersuadeyou.

Butifyouconsiderthelaw,asitisthelawofChrist,thentheydonotso,butquitecontrary.ForasthelawisthelawofChrist,itmaybetrulysaid,thatabelieverisunderthelaw,andnotdeliveredfromit;accordingtothatoftheapostle,(1Cor9:21),"BeingnotwithoutlawtoGod,butunderthelawtoChrist,"andaccordingtothatofthesameapostle,(Rom3:31),"Dowethenmakevoidthelawthroughfaith?Godforbid!yea,[byfaith]weestablishthe

law."Andifabelieverbeunderthelaw,andnotdeliveredfromit,asitisthelawofChrist,thenifhesin,hedoththerebytransgressthelawofChrist;andhenceIconceiveitisthattheapostleJohnsays,bothconcerninghimselfandotherbelievers,(1John1:8),"Ifwesaywehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus";andsosaystheapostleJames,chapter3:2,"Inmanythingsweoffendall."AndifabelievertransgressthelawofChrist,thendoubtlessheseethit:foritissaid,(Prov5:21),"thatthewaysofmanarebeforetheeyesoftheLord,andheponderethallhisgoings";andinHebrews4:13,itissaid,"allthingsarenakedandopenuntotheeyesofhimwithwhomwehavetodo."AndiftheLordseesthesinsthatabelievercommitsagainstthelaw,asitisthelawofChrist,thendoubtlessheisangrywithhim;foritissaid,(Psa106:40),thatbecausethepeople"wentawhoringaftertheirowninventions,thereforewasthewrathoftheLordkindledagainsthispeople,insomuchthatheabhorredhisowninheritance";andinDeuteronomy1:37,Mosessaysconcerninghimself,"TheLordwasangrywithme."AndiftheLordbeangrywithabelieverforhistransgressingthelawofChrist,thenassuredly,ifneedbe,hewillchastisehimforit:foritissaid,(Psa89:30-32),concerningtheseedandchildrenofJesusChrist,"Iftheyforsakemylaw,andwalknotinmyjudgments,thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionswiththerod,andtheiriniquitieswithstripes."Andin1Corinthians11:30,itissaidconcerningbelievers,"Forthiscause,"namely,theirunworthyreceivingofthesacrament,"manyareweakandsicklyamongyou,andmanysleep."AndiftheLordbeangrywithbelievers,anddochastisethemfortheirsins,astheyareatransgressionofthelawofChrist,thenhathabelievercausetoconfesshissinsuntotheLord,andtocravepardonforthem,yeaandtofast,andmourn,andhumblehimselfforthem,asconceivingthemtobeatransgressionofthelawofChrist.7

[Contents][Previous:Useofmeansforstrengtheningoffaith.][Next:Theuseofthatdistinctioninpractice.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]TheAntinomiansenseofallthesepositionsis,nodoubt,erroneousanddetestable,andisopposedanddisprovedbyourauthor.Thepositionsthemselvesareparadoxesbearingapreciousgospeltruth,whichhemaintainsagainstthelegalist;butIdoubtitistoomuchtocallthemallAntinomianparadoxes.Buttocallthemsimply,andbythelump,Antinomianerrors,isshocking:onemightasgoodsay,itisaPopishorLutheranerror,"thatthebread

inthesacramentisChrist'sbody";andthatitisaSocinian,Arminian,orBaxterianerror,"Thatasinnerisjustifiedbyfaith";forthefirstfouroftheparadoxesareasdirectlyscripturalastheseare;thoughtheAntinomiansenseoftheformerisanti-scriptural,asisthePopish,Lutheran,Socinian,Arminian,andBaxteriansenseofthelatter,respectively.Atthisrate,onemightsubverttheveryfoundationsofChristianity,asmighteasilybeinstructed,ifthereweresufficientcausetoexemplifyithere.HowfewdoctrinesoftheBiblearetherethathavenotbeenwrestedtoanerroneoussensebysomecorruptmenorother!yetwillnottheircorruptglosseswarrantthecondemningofthescripturalpositionsthemselvesaserroneous.

ThefirstfouroftheseparadoxesarefoundinthefollowingtextsofScripture,viz:

1st.(Rom6:14),"Yearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."(7:6),"Nowwearedeliveredfromthelaw."

2d.(1John3:6),"Whosoeverabidethinhimsinnethnot."(verse9),"WhosoeverisbornofGod,dothnotcommitsin,andhecannotsin."

3d.(Num23:21),"HehathnotbeheldiniquityinJacob,neitherhathheseenperversenessinIsrael."(Cant4:7),"Thouartallfair,mylove,thereisnospotinthee."

4th.(Isa54:9),"SohaveIsworn,thatIwouldnotbewrothwiththeenorrebukethee."

Thecasestandingthus,theseparadoxesmustneedsbesensedonewayorother,agreeabletotheanalogyoffaith,andsodefendedbyallwhoownthedivineauthorityoftheholyScripture.Andasanorthodoxdivinewouldnotcondemnthetwopropositionsabovementioned,broughtinforillustrationofthismatter,butclearthesamebygivingasoundsenseofthem,andrejectingtheunsoundsense,asthatitistruethatthebreadisChrist'sbodysacramentally;false,thatitissobytransubstantiation,orconsubstantiation:thatitistrue,sinners,arejustifiedbyfaithasaninstrument,apprehendingandapplyingChrist'srighteousness;false,thattheyarejustifiedbyitasawork,fulfillingthepretendednewpropergospellaw:soourauthorgivesasafeandsoundsenseofthesescripturalparadoxes,andrejectstheunsoundsenseputuponthembyAntinomians;andthishedoes,byapplyingtothemthedistinctionofthelaw,as

itisthelawofworks,i.e.,thecovenantofworks,andasitisthelawofChrist,i.e.,aruleoflife,inthehandofaMediator,tobelievers.Now,ifthisdistinctionbenotadmittedhere,neitherinthesenorequivalentterms,butthelawofChrist,andlawofworks,mustbereckonedoneandthesamething;thenbelieversinChrist,whomnonebutAntinomianswilldenytobeunderthelaw,asitisthelawofChrist,oraruleoflife,areevidentlystakeddownunderthecovenantworksstill;forasmuchas,inthesenseoftheholyScripture,aswellasinthesenseofourauthor,thelawofworksisthecovenantofworks.AndsinceitisplainfromtheholyScripture,andfromtheWestminsterConfession,thatbelieversarenotunderthelawasacovenantofworks;awaywhich,bythisdistinction,ourauthorhadblockedup,is,byrejectingofit,andconfoundingthelawofworksandlawofChrist,openedforAntinomianstocastoffthelawforgoodandall.

Thetwolastoftheseparadoxesareconsequentlyscriptural,asnecessarilyfollowingupontheformer,beingunderstoodinthesamesenseastheyare,andasourauthorexplainsthem.

[Back][2]"Truebelieversbenotunderthelawasacovenantofworks."Westm.Confess.chap.19,sect.6."Thelawofworks,"saysourauthor,"isasmuchastosay,thecovenantofworks."

[Back][3]"Astheworldisaltogethersetuponsin,andcandonothingbutsin,sotheythatarebornofGodsinnot;notthattheirsinsofthemselvesarenotdeadly,butbecausetheirpersonsaresolivelyinChrist,thatthedeadlinessofsincannotprevailagainstthem."Mr.JohnDavidson'sCat.p.32.Whathemeansbythedeadlinessofsin,appearsfromthesewordsalittleafter:"Howbeitthecondemnationofsinberemovedfromthefaithfulaltogether,"&c.Thepenaltywhichthelawofworksthreatens,saysourauthortoNeophytus,is"condemnationandeternaldeath;andthisyouhavenocauseatalltofear."

[Back][4]Mr.JamesMelviltothesamepurposeexpressesitthus:

ButGodintohisdaughterdearseesnaneiniquitie,

NorinhischosenIsraelwillspyenormitie:

Notlookinginhirbowk,whilkiswithfrenticklesreplete

ButeverintoChristherface,whilkpleasandisandsweet.

MorningVision,dedicatedtoJamesVI.p.85.

[Back][5]Suchangerisrevengingwrath,andsuchchastisementisproperpunishmentinflictedforsatisfyingoffendedjustice;inwhichsenseitissaid,(Isa53:5),"Thechastisementofourpeacewasuponhim,"namely,onJesusChrist;andthereforeitcannotbeonbelieversthemselves.

[Back][6]OurauthordoesnotindeedhererefutetheAntinomianerror,thatthebelieveroughtnottomournforhissins;hedoesthateffectuallyinthenextparagraph.Buthereherefutesthelegalist,whowillneedshavethebelieverstilltobeunderthelaw,asitisthecovenantofworks;andthereforetoconfessandmourn,&c.forhissins,asstillcommittedagainstthecovenantofworks.Butitisevidentasthelight,thatbelieversarenotunderthecovenantofworks,or,inotherterms,underthelaw,asthatcovenant;andthatprinciplebeingoncefixed,thewholechainofconsequences,whichourauthorhasheremade,doesnecessarilyfollowthereupon.Itisstrangethatnothingcanbeallowedinbelieverstobemourningforsin,unlesstheymournforitasunbelievers,aspersonsunderthecovenantofworks,whodoubtlessareunderthecurseandcondemnationfortheirsin,(Gal3:10).But"asourobediencenowisnottheperformance,sooursinningisnottheviolationoftheconditionoftheoldcovenant.Believers'sinsnow,thoughtransgressionsofthelaw,arenotcountedviolationsoftheconditionsofthecovenantofworks,underwhichtheyarenot."BrownonJustification,chap.15.p.224."Ifsenseofsinbetakenfortheunbelievingfeelingof,andjudgingmyselfcastoutofhissight,andcondemned;whereasyetIaminChrist,and'itisGodthatjustifiesme;whoishethatshallcondemn?'(Rom8:33,34);weshallagreewithAntinomians.Thisisindeedthehastysenseofunbelief.(Psa31:22,John2:4).Henceletthemberebuked,whosaynotthatChristinhisgospelhathtakenawaythissenseofsin."RutherfordontheCovenant,p.222.

[Back][7]ThusourauthorhathsolidlyrefutedinthisparagraphtheAntinomiansenseofallthesixpositionsabovementioned.

Theuseofthatdistinctioninpractice.


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Theuseofthatdistinctioninpractice.

Andnow,mylovingneighbourNeophytus,Iprayyou,considerseriouslyofthesethings,andlearntodistinguisharightbetwixtthelaw,asitisthelawofworks,andasitisthelawofChrist,andthatineffectandpractice;Imean,inheartandconscience.

Neo.Sir,itistheunfeigneddesireofmyheartsotodo;andtherefore,Iprayyou,givemesomedirectiontherein.1

Evan.SurelythebestdirectionIcangiveyouis,tolabourtrulytoknow,andfirmlytobelieve,thatyouarenotnowunderthelaw,asitisthelawofworks;andthatyouarenowunderthelawas,itisthelawofChrist;andthatthereforeyoumustneitherhopeforwhatthelawofworkspromises,incaseofyourmostexactobedience;norfearwhatitthreatens,incaseofyourmostimperfectanddefectiveobedience:andyetyoumaybothhopeforwhatthelawofChristpromises,incaseofyourobedience,andaretofearwhatitthreatens,incaseofyourdisobedience.

Neo.But,sir,whatarethesepromisesandthreatenings?and,first,Iprayyou,tellmewhatitisthatthelawofworkspromises.

Evan.Thelawofworks,or,whichisallone,asIhavetoldyou,thecovenantofworks,promisesjustificationandeternallifetoallthatyieldperfectobediencethereunto:andthisyouarenottohopefor,becauseofyourobedience.Andindeed,tosayasthethingis,you,beingdeadtothelawofworks,canyieldno

obedienceatalluntoit;forhowcanadeadwifeyieldanyobediencetoherhusband?Andifyoucanyieldnoobedienceatalluntoit,whathopecanyouhaveofanyrewardforyourobedience?Nay,letmetellyoumore,JesusChrist,theSonofGod,hathpurchasedbothjustificationandeternallifebyhisperfectobediencetothelawofworks,andhathfreelygivenittoyou,asitiswritten,(Acts13:39),"Byhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichyecouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses":and"Verily,verily,"saysourSaviour,"hethatbelievethinmehatheverlastinglife."(John6:47)

Neo.AndIprayyou,sir,whatdoesthelawofworksthreaten,incaseofaman'sdisobedienceuntoit?

Evan.Why,thepenaltywhichthelawofworks,inthatcase,threatens,iscondemnationanddeatheternal:andthisyouhavenocauseatalltofear,incaseofyourmostdefectiveobedience;fornomanhathanycausetofearthepenaltyofthatlawwhichhelivesnotunder.SurelyamanthatlivesunderthelawsofEngland,hasnocausetofearthepenaltiesofthelawsofSpainorFrance:evensoyou,thatnowliveunderthelawofChrist,havenocausetofearthepenaltiesofthelawofworks.2Nay,thelawofworksisdeadtoyou;andthereforeyouhavenomorecausetofearthethreatsthereof,thanalivingwifehastofearthethreatsofherdeadhusband,3nay,thanadeadwifehastofearthethreatsofadeadhusband.Nay,letmesayyetmore,JesusChrist,byhiscondemnationanddeathuponthecross,hasdeliveredyouandsetyoufreefromcondemnationandeternaldeath;asitiswritten,(Rom8:1),"ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus."And,saysChristhimself,(John11:26),"Whosoeverliveth,andbelievethinme,shallneverdie."

Andthusyouseeyourfreedomandlibertyfromthelawasitisthelawofworks.Andthatyoumaybethebetterenabledto"standfastinthisliberty,wherewithChristhasmadeyoufree";bewareofconceivingthattheLordnowstandsinanyrelationtoyou,orwillanywaydealwithyouasamanunderthatlaw.SothatiftheLordshallbepleasedhereaftertobestowuponyouagreatmeasureoffaith,wherebyyoushallbeenabledtoyieldanexactandperfectobediencetothemindandwillofGod;4thenbewareofconceivingthattheLordlooksuponitsobediencetothelawofworks,orwillinanymeasurerewardyouforit,accordingtothepromisesofthatlaw.Andifincase,atanytimehereafter,yoube,byreasonofweaknessofyourfaith,andstrengthoftemptation,drawnaside,andprevailedwithtoswervefromthemindandwilloftheLord,thenbewareofconceivingthattheLordseesitasanytransgressionofthelawofworks.Forif

youcannottransgressthatlaw,thenitisimpossibletheLordshouldseethatwhichisnot;andiftheLordcanseenosininyou,asatransgressionofthelawofworks,thenitisimpossiblethatheshouldeitherbeangrywithyou,orcorrectyouforanysin,asitisatransgressionofthatlaw.No,tospeakwithholyreverence,asIsaidbefore,theLordcannot,byvirtueofthecovenantofworks,eitherrequireanyobedienceofyou,orgiveyouanangrylook,oranyangryword;muchlessthreatenandafflictyouforanydisobediencetothatcovenant.And,therefore,whensoeveryourconscienceshalltellyou,thatyouhavebrokenanyofthetencommandments,donotconceivethattheLordlooksuponyouasanangryJudge,armedwithjusticeagainstyou;muchlessdoyoufearthathewillexecutehisjusticeuponyou,accordingtothepenaltyofthatcovenant,inunjustifyingofyou,ordeprivingyouofyourheavenlyinheritance,andgivingyouyourportioninhell-fire.No,assureyourselfthatyourGodinChristwillneverunsonyou,norunspouseyou:no,noryet,astouchingyourjustificationandeternalsalvation,willheloveyoueverawhittheless,thoughyoucommiteversomanyorgreatsins;forthisisacertaintruth,thatasnogoodeitherinyou,ordonebyyou,didmovehimtojustifyyou,andgiveyoueternallife,sonoevilinyou,ordonebyyou,canmovehimtotakeitawayfromyou,beingoncegiven.5And,therefore,believeitwhilstyoulive,thatastheLordfirstlovedyoufreely,sowillhehereafter"healyourbackslidings,andstillloveyoufreely,"(Hosea14:4).Yea,"hewillloveyouuntotheend,"(John12:1).AndalthoughtheLorddoesexpressthefruitsofhisangertowardsyou,inchastisingandafflictingofyou,yetdonotimaginethatyourafflictionsarepenal,proceedingfromhatred,andvindictivejustice;andsoaspaymentandsatisfactionforsins;andsoasthebeginningofeternaltormentsinhell;foryoubeing,asyouhaveheard,freedfromthelawofworks,andsoconsequentlyfromsinningagainstit,mustneedslikewisebefreedfromallwrath,anger,miseries,calamities,afflictions,yea,andfromdeathitself,as6fruitsandeffectsofanytransgressionagainstthatcovenant.

AndthereforeyouarenevertoconfessyoursinsuntotheLord,asthoughyouconceivedthemtohavebeencommittedagainstthelawofworks:andsomakingyouliabletoGod'severlastingwrath,andhell-fire;neithermustyoucravepardonandforgivenessforthem,thatthereuponyoumayescapethatpenalty;neitherdoyoueitherfast,orweep,ormourn,orhumbleyourself,fromanybeliefthatyoushalltherebysatisfythejusticeofGod,andappeasehiswrath,eitherinwholeorinpart,andsoescapehiseverlastingvengeance.Forifyoubenotunderthelawofworks,andiftheLordseenotsininyouasatransgressionofthatlaw,andbeneitherangrywithyou,norafflictyouforany

sin,asitisatransgressionofthatlaw,thenconsequentlyyouhavenoneedeithertoconfessyoursins,orcravepardonforthem,orfast,orweep,ormourn,orhumbleyourselfforyoursins,asconceivingthemtobeanytransgressionofthelawofworks.

Neo.Well,sir,youhavefullysatisfiedmeinthispoint;andtherefore,Iprayyou,proceedtoshowwhatisthatrewardwhichthelawofChristpromises,whichyousaidImighthopefor,incaseofmyobediencethereunto.

Evan.Why,therewardwhichIconceivethelawofChristpromisestobelievers,andwhichtheymayhopefor,answerablytotheirobediencetoit,7isacomfortablebeingintheenjoymentofsweetcommunionwithGodandChrist,eveninthetimeofthislife,andafreedomfromafflictions,bothspiritualandcorporeal,sofarforthastheyarefruitsandeffectsofsin,asitisanytransgressionofthelawofChrist.8Foryouknow,thatsolongasachilddoesyieldobediencetohisfather'scommands,anddoesnothingthatisdispleasingtohim,ifhelovehischild,hewillcarryhimselflovinglyandkindlytowardshim,andsufferhimtobefamiliarwithhim,andwillnotwhipnorscourgehimforhisdisobedience.Evenso,ifyouunfeignedlydesireandendeavourtobeobedientuntothewillandmindofyourFatherinChrist;indoingthatwhichhecommands,andinavoidingthatwhichheforbids,bothinyourgeneralandparticularcalling;andtotheendthatyoumaypleasehim;then,answerablyasyoudoso,yourFatherwillsmileuponyou,whenyoushalldrawneartohiminprayer,oranyotherofhisownordinances;andmanifesthissweetpresenceandlovingfavourtowardsyou;andexemptyoufromalloutwardcalamitiesexceptincaseoftrialofyourfaithandpatience,orthelike;asitwaswritten,(2Chron15:2),"TheLordiswithyou,whileyearewithhim;andifyeseekhim,hewillbefoundofyou."AndsotheapostleJamessays,(James4:8),"DrawnightoGod,andhewilldrawnightoyou."And"Oh,"saystheLord,"thatmypeoplehadhearkeneduntome,andIsraelhadwalkedinmyways!heshouldhavefedthemwiththefinestofthewheat,andwithhoneyoutoftherockshouldIhavesatisfiedthee,"(Psa81:13,16).Andthismaysufficetohaveshownyouwhatyoumayhopefor,answerablytoyourobediencetothelawofChrist.

Neo.Then,sir,Iprayyou,proceedtoshowwhatisthepenaltywhichthelawofChristthreatens,andwhichIamtofear,ifItransgressthatlaw.

Evan.ThepenaltywhichthelawofChristthreatenstoyou,ifyoutransgressthelawofChrist,andwhichyouaretofear,isthewantofnearandsweet

communionwithGodinChrist,eveninthetimeofthislife,andaliablenesstoalltemporalafflictions,asfruitsandeffectsofthetransgressingofthatlaw.9

Wherefore,whensoeveryoushallhereaftertransgressanyofthetencommandments,youaretoknowthatyouhavetherebytransgressedthelawofChrist,andthattheLordseesitandisangrywithit,withafatherlyanger;and,ifneedbe,willchastiseyou,(1Peter1:6),eitherwithtemporalorspiritualafflictions,orboth.AndthisourheavenlyFatherwilldoinlovetoyou;eithertobringyoursinstoremembrance,ashedidthesinsofJoseph'sbrethren,(Gen42:21),andasthewidowofZarephathconfessethconcerningherself,(1Kings17:18),orelse"topurgeortakeawayyoursins,"accordingtothatwhichtheLordsays,(Isa27:9),"BythisthereforeshalltheiniquityofJacobbepurged,andthisisallthefruit,eventhetakingawayofsin.""Forindeed,"saysMr.Culverwell,"afflictions,throughGod'sblessing,aremadespecialmeanstopurgeoutthatsinfulcorruptionwhichisstillinthenatureofbelievers;andthereforearethey,inScripture,mostaptlycomparedtomedicines,forsotheyareindeedtoallGod'schildren,mostsovereignmedicinestocurealltheirspiritualdiseases."Andindeedwehaveallofourgreatneedthereof;forasLuther,ontheGalatians,p.66,trulysays,"Wearenotyetperfectlyrighteous;forwhilstweremaininthislife,sindwellsstillintheflesh,andthisremnantofsinGodpurgeth.""Wherefore,"saysthesameLutherinanotherplace,10"WhenGodhathremittedsins,andreceivedamanintothebosomofgrace,thendothhelayonhimallkindofafflictions,anddothscourandrenewhimfromdaytoday."Andtothesamepurpose,Tindaltrulysays,"Ifwelookontheflesh,andintothelaw,thereisnomansoperfectthatisnotfoundasinner;nornomansopure,thathathnotneedtobepurged.AndthusdoththeLordchastisebelieverstohealtheirnatures,bypurgingoutthecorruptionthatremainstherein."

Andtherefore,whensoeveryoushallhereafterfeeltheLord'schasteninghanduponyou,letitmoveyoutotaketheprophetJeremiah'scounsel,thatis,to"searchandtryyourways,andturnuntotheLord,"(Lam3:40),andconfessyoursinsuntohim,saying,withtheprodigal,(Luke15:21),"Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheaven,andinthysight,andamnomoreworthytobecalledthyson";andbegpardonandforgivenessathishands,asyouaretaughtinthefifthpetitionoftheLord'sprayer,(Matt6:12).YetdonotyoucravepardonandforgivenessatthehandsoftheLord,asamalefactordothatthehandsofajudge,thatfearethcondemnationanddeath,asthoughyouhadsinnedagainstthelawofworks,andthereforefearedhellanddamnation;butdoyoubegpardonandforgivenessasachilddothatthehandsofhislovingfather;asfeelingthefruits

ofhisfatherlyanger,inhischastisinghanduponyou;andasfearingthecontinuanceandaugmentationofthesame,ifyoursinbenotbothpardonedandsubdued:11andthereforedoyoualsobeseechyourlovingFathertosubdueyouriniquities,accordingtohispromise,(Micah7:19).AndifyoufindnotthattheLordhathheardyourprayers,byyourfeelingyouriniquitiessubdued,12thenjoinwithyourprayers,fastingandweeping,ifyoucan;thatsoyoumaybethemoreseriouslyhumbledbeforetheLord,andmoreferventinprayer.Andthis,Ihope,maybesufficienttohaveshowedyouwhatisthepenaltywhichthelawofChristthreatens.

Neo.O,but,sir,Ishouldthinkmyselfahappyman,ifIcouldbesoobedienttothelawofChrist,thathemighthavenoneedtoinflictthispenaltyuponme.

Evan.Yousayverywell;butyet,whilstyoucarrythisbodyofsinaboutyou,dothebestyoucan,therewillbeneedthattheLordshould,nowandthen,giveyousomefatherlycorrections:butyet,thisletmetellyou,themoreperfectyourobedienceis,thefewerlashesyoushallhave;"fortheLorddothnotafflictwillingly,norgrievethechildrenofmen,"(Lam3:33).Andtherefore,accordingtomyformerexhortation,andyourresolution,becarefultoexerciseyourfaith,anduseallmeanstoincreaseit;thatsoitmaybecomeeffectual13workingbylove.(1Thess1:3,Gal5:6)For,accordingtothemeasureofyourfaith,willbeyourtruelovetoChristandtohiscommandments;andaccordingtoyourlovetothem,willbeyourdelightinthem,andyouraptnessandreadinesstodothem.AndhenceitisthatChristhimselfsays,(John14:15),"Ifyeloveme,keepmycommandments":and"thisistheloveofGod,"saysthatlovingdisciple,"thatwekeephiscommandments,andhiscommandmentsarenotgrievous,"(1John5:3).Nay,thetruthis,ifyouhavethisloveinyourhearts,itwillbegrievousuntoyou,thatyoucannotkeepthemasyouwould.Oh,ifthislovedoaboundinyourheart,itwillcauseyoutosaywithgodlyJoseph,incaseyoubetemptedashewas,"HowcanIdothisgreatwickedness,andsosinagainstGod?"HowcanIdothatwhichIknowwilldispleasesograciousaFather,andsomercifulaSaviour?No,Iwillnotdoit;no,Icannotdoit:no,youwillrathersaywiththePsalmist,"Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod!yea,thylawiswithinmyheart,"(Psa40:8).

Nay,letmetellyoumore,ifthisloveofGodinChristbetruly,andinanygoodmeasure,rootedinyourheart;then,thoughthechastisinghandoftheLordbenotuponyou,nay,thoughtheLorddonowayexpressanyangertowardsyou,yetifyoubutconsidertheLord'swaystowardsyou,andyourwaystowardshim,

youwillmournwithagospel-mourning,reasoningwithyourselfafterthismanner:WasIunderthelawofworksbynature,andso,foreverytransgressionagainstanyofthetencommandments,madeliabletoeverlastingdamnation?andamInow,throughthefreemercyandloveofGodinChrist,broughtunderthelawofChrist,andsosubjecttonootherpenaltyformytransgressions,butfatherlyandlovingchastisements,whichtendtothepurgingoutofthatsinfulcorruptionthatisinme?OhwhatalovingFatheristhis!OhwhatagraciousSaviouristhis!OhwhatawretchedmanamI,totransgressthelawsofsuchagoodGod,ashehathbeentome!Ohthedueconsiderationofthiswilleven,asitwere,meltyourheart,andcauseyoureyestodropwiththetearsofgodlysorrow!yea,thedueconsiderationofthesethingswillcauseyouto"loatheyourselfinyourownsightforyourtransgressions",(Eze36:31),yea,notonlytoloatheyourselfforthem,butalsotoleavethem,sayingwithEphraim,"WhathaveItodoanymorewithidols?"(Hosea14:8)andto"castthemawayasmenstruouscloth,sayinguntothem,Getyehence,"(Isa30:22).Andtrulyyouwilldesirenothingmore,thanthatyoumightsolive,asthatyoumightneversinagainsttheLordanymore.Andthisisthat"goodnessofGodwhich,"astheapostlesays,"leadethtorepentance";yea,thisisthatgoodnessofGodwhichwillleadyoutoafreeobedience.SothatifyoudobutapplythegoodnessofGodinChristtoyoursoul,inanygoodmeasure,thenwillyouanswerablyyieldobediencetothelawofChrist,notonlywithouthavingrespecteithertowhatthelawofworkseitherpromisethorthreateneth;butalsowithouthavingrespecttowhatthelawofChristeitherpromisethorthreateneth;youwilldothatwhichtheLordcommandeth,onlybecausehecommandethit,andtotheendthatyoumaypleasehim;andyouwillforbearwhenheforbids,onlybecauseheforbidsittotheendthatyoumaynotdispleasehim.14AndthisobedienceislikeuntothatwhichourSaviourexhortshisdisciplesunto,(Matt10:8),saying,"Freelyyehavereceived,freelygive."Andthisisto"servetheLordwithoutfear"ofanypenalty,whicheitherthelawofworksorthelawofChristthreateneth,"inholinessandrighteousnessallthedaysofyourlife,"accordingtothatsayingofZacharias,15(Luke1:74,75).Andthisisto"passthetimeofyoursojourninghere,infear"ofoffendingtheLord,bysinningagainsthim:astheapostlePeterexhorts,(1Peter1:17).Yea,andthisisto"serveGodacceptably,withreverenceandgodlyfear":astheauthortotheHebrewsexhorts,(Heb12:28).Andthus,mydearfriend,Neophytus,Ihaveendeavoured,accordingtoyourdesire,togiveyoumyjudgmentanddirectioninthesepoints.

Neo.Andtruly,sir,youhavedoneitveryeffectually;theLordenablemetopractiseaccordingtoyourdirection!

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]Namely,nowtoimprovethesepointsofdoctrineinmypractice.Thereliesthegreatdifficulty:andaccordingasunbelieforfaithhastheascendant,sowillthesoulinpracticecarryitself;confessing,beggingpardon,fasting,mourning,andhumblingitselfeitherasacondemnedmalefactor,orasanoffendingchild.

[Back][2]"Thelaw,asitcondemnethandcurseth,istothebelieveramerepassiveandanakedstander-by,andhasnoactivity,norcanitactinthatpoweruponanyinChrist;asthelawofSpainismerelypassiveincondemningafree-bornmandwellinginScotland."Rutherford'sSpirit.Antichrist,p.87."ThelawbeingfullysatisfiedbyChrist,itneithercondemneth,norcanitcondemn,toeternalsufferings,forthatisremovedfromthelawtoallthatareinChrist."Ibid.

[Back][3]For,accordingtotheScripture,thebelieverisdeadtothelaw,andthelawisdeadtothebeliever;namely,asitisthelawofthecovenantofworks.

[Back][4]Exactandperfect,comparatively,notabsolutely.

[Back][5]TheauthorspeaksexpresslyoftheloveofGod,touchingbelievers'justification,andeternalsalvation,which,accordingtotheScripture,hereckonstobegiventhemalready.Andheasserts,Thatasnogoodinthem,ordonebythem,didmovehimtolovethem,soastojustifythem,andgivethemeternallife,sonoevilinthemordonebythem,shalllessenthatlove,astotheirjustificationandeternalsalvation;thatis,ashimselfexplainsit,movehimtotakeeternallife[whichincludesjustification]awayfromthem,beingoncegiven.Thisismostfirmtruth;howbeit,themoreandthegreaterthesinsofabelieverare,hemaylayhisaccountwiththemoreandthegreatereffectsofGod'sfatherlyindignationagainsthim;andthecorruptionofhumannaturemakestheaddingofsuchaclauseinsuchacaseverynecessary.Whatour

authorhereadvances,isevidentfromtheholyScripture,(Psa89:30-34),"Ifhischildrenforsakemylaw,andwalknotinmyjudgments,iftheybreakmystatutes,andkeepnotmycommandments,thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionwiththerod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes:nevertheless,myloving-kindnesswillInotutterlytakefromhim;norsuffermyfaithfulnesstofail;mycovenantwillInotbreak;noralterthethingthatisgoneoutofmylips."Andtodenyit,isineffecttoaffirmthatGodlovesbelievers,astouchingtheirjustificationandeternalsalvation,fortheirholiness;contrarytoTitus3:5,"Notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercy,hesavedus."(Rom6:23),"Thewagesofsinisdeath,butthegiftofGodiseternallife,throughJesusChristourLord";andthatthatloveofhistothemchangethaccordingtothevariationsoftheirframeandwalk;contrarytoRomans11:29,"ThegiftsandcallingofGodarewithoutrepentance."Butwhilethedoctrineoftheperseveranceofthesaintsstands,viz:Thattruebelieverscanneitherfallawaytotally,norfinally,neitherfromrelativegrace,norfrominherentgrace,ourauthor'sdoctrineonthispointmuststandalso;andthesinsofbelievers,howgreatormanysoevertheybe,canneverbeofthatkindwhichisinconsistentwithastateofgrace,norofanotherthanthatofinfirmities.Andhowlowsoevergraceisbroughtinthesoulofabelieveratanytime,throughtheprevalenceoftemptation,yetcanheneveraltogetherlosehisinherentholiness,norcanheatanytime"liveaftertheflesh."For,accordingtotheScripture,thatisnotthespotofGod'schildren;buthewhosolives,neitheris,noreverwas,oneofthem.(Rom6:2,14),"Howshallwethataredeadtosin,liveanylongertherein?Sinshallnothavedominionoveryou,foryearenotunderthelawbutundergrace."(8:1),"ThemwhichareinChristJesus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit."Seeverse4;(1John3:9),"WhosoeverisbornofGoddothnotcommitsin;forhisseedremainethinhim,andhecannotsin,becauseheisbornofGod."

"Godforesawwhatinfirmitiesthouwouldsthave,beforehegaveChristthiscommission;andChristforesawthembeforehisacceptanceofthecharge.IftheirpresciencecouldnotstopGodinhisgift,norcoolChristinhisacceptance,whyshoulditnow?Whiletheydocontinue,theloveofGodtotheeisnothinderedbythem."Charnock,vol.2,p.749.

"Observeatwofolddistinction:1st.BetweenGod'sloveinitself,andthemanifestationofittous.Thatisperpetualandone,withoutchange,increase,orlessening:butthemanifestationofhisloveisvariable,accordingtoourmoreorlesscarefulexerciseofpiety.2d.BetweenGod'slovetoourpersons,andGod's

lovetoourqualitiesandactions.AdistinctionwhichGodwellknowshowtomake.Parents,Iamsure,arewellskilledinputtingthisdifferencebetweenthevicesandpersonsoftheirchildren;thosetheyhate,thesetheylove.ThecaseisalikebetweenGodandtheelect;hislovetotheirpersonsisfromeverlastingthesame.Nordoththeirsinfulnesslessenit,northeirsanctityincreaseit;becauseGodinlovingtheirpersons,neverconsideredthemotherwisethanasmostperfectlyholyandunblamableinChrist,"Pemble'sWorks,p.23.

[Back][6]Theyare.

[Back][7]Thoughnotfortheirobedience,butforChrist'sobedience.

[Back][8]Ireadthelastwordofthissentence,Christ,notworks,judgingitplain,thatthelatterisapresserror.SeethelastclauseofNeophytus'speechabove,andthereasonhereimmediatelyfollowing.

[Back][9]Anawfulpenalty,ifrightlyunderstood,ascomprehendingallmannerofstrokesandafflictionsontheoutwardandinnerman,calledbyourauthor"temporalandspiritualafflictionsontheoutwardman";nottospeakofthereproach,disgraceandcontempt,successlesslabourandtoil,poverty,misery,want,andthelike,whichthebelieverisliabletoforhisdisobedience,aswellasothers.Hissinslayhimopentothewholetrainofmaladies,pains,torments,sores,diseases,andplagues,incidenttosinfulflesh;bywhichhemaybecomeaburdentohimselfandothers.Andthesemaybeinflictedonhim,notonlybythehandofGod,butbythehandofthedevil;asappearsinthecaseofJob.Yea,andtheLordmay,invirtueofthispenaltyannexedtohislaw,pursuethecontroversywiththeoffendingbeliever,eventodeath;sothathisnaturallifemaygointhecauseofhistransgression,(1Cor11:30,32).TothismaybeaddedthemarksofGod'sindignationagainsthissin,setuponhisrelations;witnessthedisorders,mischiefs,andstrokesonDavid'sfamily,forhissininthematterofUriah,morebitterthandeath,(2Sam12:10-14,chapter13,14).Intheinnerman,byvirtueofthesamepenalty,heisliableforhistransgression,tobedeprivedofthecomfort,sense,exercise,andsomemeasureofhisgraces;ofhissenseofGod'slove,hispeace,joy,actualcommunionwithGod,andaccesstohiminduties;tobebroughtunderdesertion,hidingofGod'sface,withdrawingthelightoftheLord'scountenance:andlefttowalkindarkness,togomourningwithoutthesun,andtocryandshoutwhiletheLordshuttethouthisprayer;tobethrownintoagoniesofconscience,piercedwiththearrowsoftheAlmightyinhisspirit,compassedaboutanddistractedwiththeterrorsofGod,seizedwiththefearful

apprehensionsofGod'srevengingwrathagainsthim,andtherebybroughtuntothebrinkofabsolutedespair.Besidesallthis,heisliabletothebuffettingsofSatan,andhorridtemptations;and,forthepunishmentofonesin,tobesufferedtofallintoanother.Andallthesemay,invirtueofthepenaltyannexedtothelawinthehandofChrist,meetinthecaseoftheoffendingbeliever,togetherandatonce.Thus,howbeitGodnowherethreatenstocastbelieversinChristintohell,yetheboththreatensandoftenexecutesthecastingofahellintothem,fortheirprovocations.

OnlytherevengingwrathandcurseofGodarenopartofthepenaltytobelieversinChrist,accordingtothetruthandourauthor.Butwhetherornotthispenalty,asitiswithoutthese,leavesthemostholyandawfullawofthegreatGod,andourSaviourJesusChrist,mostbaseanddespicable,thesober-mindedreaderwilleasilyjudgeforhimself.

"Theone,viz:justificationdothequallyfreeallbelieversfromtherevengingwrathofGod,andthatperfectlyinthislife."LargerCat.q.77."Theycanneverfallfromthestateofjustification,yettheymay,bytheirsins,fallunderGod'sfatherlydispleasure,andnothavethelightofhiscountenancerestoreduntothem,untiltheyhumblethemselves,confesstheirsins,begpardon,andrenewtheirfaithandrepentance."Westm.Confess.chap.11,art.5."Theymayfallintogrievoussins,andforatimecontinuetherein,wherebytheyincurGod'sdispleasure,andgrievehisholySpirit,cometobedeprivedofsomemeasureoftheirgracesandcomforts,havetheirheartshardened,andtheirconscienceswounded;hurtandscandalizeothers,andbringtemporaljudgmentsuponthemselves."Ibid.chap.17.art.3."Thethreateningsofitservetoshowwhateventheirsinsdeserve;andwhatafflictions,inthislife,theymayexpectforthem,althoughfreedfromthecursethereofthreatenedinthelaw."Ibid.chap.19.art.6.

[Back][10]Chos.Sermons,Serm.oftheKingdomofGod,page120.

[Back][11](Matt6:9,12),"Afterthismannerthereforeprayye:OurFatherwhichartinheaven;forgiveusourdebts,asweforgiveourdebtors."

[Back][12]ThesubduingofsinisthemarkofGod'shearingprayerforthepardonofit;ifonefeelsnothisiniquitysubdued,hecannotfindthatGodhathheardhisprayersforpardon.

[Back][13]Totheproducingofholyobedience,accordingtothemeasureanddegreeofit.

[Back][14]Theauthordothherenootherwiseexhortthebelievertoyieldfreeobedience,withoutrespecttowhateitherthelawofworks,orthelawofChrist,promisesorthreatens,thanheexhortshimtoperfectionofobedience,which,inthebeginningofthisanswer,hetoldhimnottobeattainableinthislife.Andthetruthis,neithertheonenortheotheristhedesignofthesewords.Buthehadexhortedhimbefore,touseallmeanstoincreasehisfaith;andforhisencouragement,hetellshimhere,thatifhebyfaithappliedthegoodnessofGodinChristtohisownsoul,inanygoodmeasure,thenhewould,answerably,yieldobedience,withoutrespecttowhateitherthelawofworks,orthelawofChristpromisesorthreatens,andonlybecauseGodcommandsorforbids.Thefreenessofobedienceisofverydifferentdegrees;andbelievers'obedienceisneverabsolutelyfree,tillitbeabsolutelyperfectinheaven;butthefreenessoftheirobediencewillalwaysbearproportiontothemeasureoftheirfaith,whichisneverperfectinthislife;thus,themorefaith,themorefreenessofobedience,andthelessfaith,thelessofthatfreeness.

[Back][15]"Thebelieverobeyswithanangel-likeobedience;thentheSpiritseemstoexhaustallthecommandingawesomenessofthelaw,andsuppliesthelaw'simperiouspower,withthestrengthandpoweroflove."Rutherford'sSpirit.Antichrist,p.318."ThemoreoftheSpirit,becausetheSpiritisessentiallyfree,(Psa51:12,2Cor3:17),themorefreeness;andthemorefreeness,themorerenewedwillintheobedience;andthemorerenewedwill,thelessconstraint,becausefreenessexhaustethconstraint."Ibid.

"WhenChrist'sbloodisseenbyfaithtoquietjustice,thentheconsciencebecomesquietalso,andwillnotsufferthehearttoentertaintheloveofsin,butsetsthemanonworktofearGodforhismercy,andobeyallhiscommandments,outoflovetoGod,forhisfreegiftofjustification,bygracebestoweduponhim;for'thisistheendofthelaw'indeed,wherebyitobtainethofamanmoreobediencethananyotherway."Pract.UseofSav.Knowledge,tit.TheThirdThingRequisite,&c.fig.7.

Promisesandthreateningsarenot,bythisdoctrine,annexedtotheholylawinvain,evenwithrespecttobelievers;forthelawofGodis,inhisinfinitewisdom,suitedtothestateofthecreature,towhomitisgiven:andtherefore,howbeitthebeliever'seternalhappinessisunalterablysecuredfromthemomentofhisunion

withChristbyfaith;yet,sincesindwellsinhimstillwhileinthisworld,thepromisesoffatherlysmiles,andthreateningsoffatherlychastisements,arestillnecessary.Butitisevidentthatthisnecessityisentirelyfoundedonthebeliever'simperfection;asincaseofachildunderage.And,therefore,althoughhisbeinginfluencedtoobediencebythepromisesandthreateningsofthelawofChrist,isnotindeedslavish,yetitisplainlychildish,notagreeingtothestateofaperfectman,ofonecomeuntothemeasureofthestatureofthefullnessofChrist.And,inthestateofperfection,heshallyieldsuchfreeobedienceastheangelsdoinheaven,withoutbeingmovedtheretobyanypromisesorthreateningsatall:andthenearerhecomesinhisprogresstothatstateofperfection,themorewillhisobediencebeofthatnature.Sobythedoctrinehereadvanced,theauthordothnomoredisownthenecessityofpromisestoinfluenceandencouragethebeliever'sobedience,norsaythatheoughtnottohaveregardtopromisesandthreatenings,thanoneistobereckonedtosay,thatalamemanhasnoneedof,andshouldnothaveregarduntothecrutchesprovidedforhim:whenheonlysays,Thatthestrongerhislimbsgrow,hewillhavelessneedofthem,andwillleanthelessonthem.

ThatdistinctionameanbetwixtlegalismandAntinomianism.


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ThatdistinctionameanbetwixtlegalismandAntinomianism.

Nom.Sir,inthisyouranswertohisquestion,youhavealsoansweredme,andgivenmefullsatisfactionindiverspoints,aboutwhichmyfriendAntinomistaandIhavehadmanyawranglingfit.ForIusedtoaffirmwithtoothandnail,[asmenusetosay,]thatbelieversareunderthelaw,andnotdeliveredfromit;andthattheydosin,andthatGodseesit,andisangrywiththem,anddothafflictthemforit,andthat,therefore,theyoughttohumblethemselves,andmournfortheirsins,andconfessthem,andcravepardonforthem;andyettrulyImustconfess,IdidnotunderstandwhatIsaid,norwhereofIaffirmed;andthereasonwas,becauseIdidnotknowthedifferencebetwixtthelaw,asitisthelawofworks,andasitisthelawofChrist.

Ant.Andbelieveme,sir,Iusedtoaffirm,asearnestlyashe,thatbelieversaredeliveredfromthelaw,and,therefore,donotsin;and,therefore,Godcanseenosininthem;and,therefore,isneitherangrywiththem,nordoesafflictthemforsin;and,therefore,theyhavenoneedeithertohumblethemselves,ormourn,orconfesstheirsins,orbegpardonforthem;thewhichIbelievingtobetrue,couldnotconceivehowthecontrarycouldbetruealso.ButnowIplainlyseethatbymeansofyourdistinguishingbetwixtthelaw,asitisthelawofworks,andasitisthelawofChrist,thereisatruthinboth.And,therefore,friendNomista,whensoevereitheryou,oranymanelse,shallhereafteraffirm,thatbelieversareunderthelawanddosin;andGodseesit,andisangrywiththem,anddoeschastisethemforit;andthattheyoughttohumblethemselves,mourn,weep,andconfesstheirsins,andbegpardonforthem:ifyoumeanonly,astheyareunderthelawofChrist,Iwillagreewithyou,andnevercontradictyouagain.

Nom.Andtruly,friendAntinomista,ifeitheryou,oranymanelse,shallhereafteraffirm,thatbelieversaredeliveredfromthelaw,anddonotsin,and

Godseesnosininthem,norisangrywiththem,norafflictsthemfortheirsins,andthattheyhavenoneedeithertohumblethemselves,mourn,confess,orcravepardonfortheirsins;ifyoumeanitonlyastheyarenotunderthelawofworks,Iwillagreewithyou,andnevercontradictyouagain.

Evan.Irejoicetohearyouspeakthesewordseachtoother:andtruly,nowIaminhopethatyoutwowillcomebackfrombothyourextremes,andmeetmyneighbourNeophytusinthegoldenmean;having,astheapostlesays,"thesamelove,beingofoneaccord,andofonemind."

Nom.Sir,formyownpart,IthanktheLordIdonowplainlysee,thatIhaveerredexceedingly,inseekingtobejustified,"asitwere,bytheworksofthelaw."1AndyetcouldIneverbepersuadedtoitbeforethisday;andindeedshouldnothavebeenpersuadedtoitnow,hadnotyousoplainlyandfullyhandledthisthreefoldlaw.Andtruly,sir,Idonowunfeignedlydesiretorenouncemyself,andallthateverIhavedone,andbyfaithtoadhereonlytoJesusChrist;fornowIseethatheisallinall.Oh,thattheLordwouldenablemesotodo!AndIbeseechyou,sir,prayforme.

Ant.Andtruly,sir,Imustneedsconfess,thatIhaveerredasmuchontheotherhand;forIhavebeensofarfromseekingtobejustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,thatIhaveneitherregardedlawnorworks.ButnowIseemineerror;Ipurpose,Godwilling,toreformit.

Evan.TheLordgrantthatyoumay.

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Footnotes:

[Back][1]ThisScripturalphraseishereaptlyused,tointimatehowmendeceivethemselves,thinkingtheyarefarfromseekingtobejustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,becausetheyareconvincedtheycannotdogoodworksintheperfectionwhichthelawrequires:meanwhile,sinceGodismerciful,andChristhathdied,theylookforthepardonoftheirsins,andacceptancewithGod,upontheaccountoftheirownworks,thoughattendedwithsomeimperfections:thatis,"asitwere,bytheworksofthelaw,"(Rom9:32).

Howtoattaintoassurance.


[Contents]

[Previous:ThatdistinctionameanbetwixtlegalismandAntinomianism.]

[Next:Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.]


Howtoattaintoassurance.

Buthowdoyou,neighbourNeophytus;formethinksyoulookveryheavily.

Neo.Truly,sir,IwasthinkingofthatplaceofScripture,wheretheapostleexhortsus"toexamineourselveswhetherwebeinthefaithorno,"(2Cor13:5);wherebyitseemstome,thatamanmaythinkheisinthefaith,whenheisnot.Therefore,sir,IwouldgladlyhearhowImaybesurethatIaminthefaith.

Evan.Iwouldnothaveyoutomakeanyquestionofit,sinceyouhavegroundedyourfaithuponsuchafirmfoundationaswillneverfailyou;forthepromiseofGodinChristisofatriedtruth,andneveryetfailedanyman,noreverwill.1ThereforeIwouldhaveyoutoclosewithChristinthepromise,withoutmakinganyquestionwhetheryouareinthefaithorno;forthereisanassurancewhichrisesfromtheexerciseoffaithbyadirectact,andthatis,whenaman,byfaith,directlylaysholduponChrist,andconcludesassurancefromthence.2

Neo.Sir,IknowthatthefoundationwhereonIamtogroundmyfaithremainssure;andIthinkIhavealreadybuiltthereon;butyet,becauseIconceiveamanmaythinkhehasdonesowhenhehasnot,therefore,wouldIfainknowhowImaybeassuredthatIhavesodone?3

Evan.Well,nowIunderstandyouwhatyoumean;itseemsyoudonotwantagroundforyourbelieving,butforyourbelievingthatyouhavebelieved.4

Neo.Yea,indeed,thatisthethingIwant.

Evan.Why,thenextwaytofindoutandknowthisistolookbackandreflectuponyourownheart,andconsiderwhatactionshavepassedthroughthere;forindeedthisisthebenefitthatareasonablesoulhas,thatitisabletoreturnuponitself,toseewhatithasdone;whichthesoulofabeastcannotdo.Consider,then,Iprayyou,thatyouhavebeenconvincedinyourspiritthatyouareasinfulman,and,therefore,havefearedtheLord'swrathandeternaldamnationinhell;andyouhavebeenconvincedthatthereisnohelpforyouatallinyourself,byanythingthatyoucando;andyouhearditplainlyproved,thatJesusChristaloneisanall-sufficienthelp;andthefreeandfullpromiseofGodinChristhasbeenmadesoplainandcleartoyou,thatyouhadnothingtoobjectwhyChristdidnotbelongtoyouinparticular;5andyouhaveperceivedawillingnessinChristtoreceiveyou,andtoembraceyouashisbelovedspouse;andyouhavethereuponconsentedandresolvedtotakeChrist,andtogiveyourselfuntohim,whatsoeverbetidesyou;andIampersuadedyouhavethereuponfeltasecretpersuasioninyourheart,thatGodinChristdothbearalovetoyou;andanswerablyyourhearthathbeeninflamedtowardshiminloveagain,manifestingitselfinanunfeigneddesiretobeobedientandsubjecttohiswillinallthings,andnevertodispleasehiminanything.Nowtellme,Iprayyou,andtruly,whetheryouhavenotfoundthesethingsinyou,asIhavesaid?

Neo.Yea,indeed,IhopeIhaveinsomemeasure.

Evan.ThenItellyoutruly,youhaveasuregroundtolayyourbelievingthatyouhavebelievedupon;and,astheapostleJohnsays,"Herebyyoumayknowthatyouareofthetruth,andmayassureyourheartthereofbeforeGod,"(1John3:19).

Neo.Surely,sir,thisIcantrulysay,thatheretofore,whenIhavethoughtuponmysins,IhaveconceivedofGodandChrist,asofawrathfuljudgethatwouldcondemnallunrighteousmentoeternaldeath:and,therefore,whenIhavethoughtuponthedayofjudgment,andhelltorments,Ihaveeventrembledforfear,andhave,asitwere,evenhatedGod.AndthoughIhavelabouredtobecomerighteous,thatImightescapehiswrath,yetallthatIdid,Ididitunwillingly.ButsinceIhaveheardyoumakeitsoplain,thatasinnerthatseesandfeelshissinsistoconceiveofGod,asofamerciful,loving,andforgivingFatherinChrist,thathathcommittedalljudgmenttohisSon,whocamenottocondemnmenbuttosavethem;methinksIdonotnowfearhiswrath,butdoratherapprehendhislovetowardsme;whereuponmyheartisinflamedtowardshimwithsuchlove,that,methinks,IwouldwillinglydoorsufferanythingthatI

knewwouldpleasehim;andwouldratherchoosetosufferanymiserythanIwoulddoanythingthatIknewweredispleasingtohim.

Evan.WereadintheseventhchapterofLuke'sgospel,thatwhenthatsinfulyetbelievingwomandidmanifestherfaithinChristbyherlovetohim,in"washinghisfeetwithhertears,andwipingthemwiththehairsofherhead,"(verse38),hesaiduntoSimonthePharisee,(verse47),"Isayuntothee,hersins,whicharemany,areforgivenher,forshelovedmuch";evensoImaysayuntoyou,Nomista,inthesamewordsconcerningourneighbourNeophytus.Andtoyouyourself,Neophytus,Isay,asChristsaiduntothewoman,(verse48-50),"Thysinsareforgiventhee,thyfaithhathsavedthee,goinpeace."

Ant.ButIprayyou,sir,istothishisreflectinguponhimselftofindoutagroundtolayhisbelievingthathehathbelievedupon,aturningbackfromthecovenantofgracetothecovenantofworks,andfromChristtohimself?

Evan.Indeed,ifheshouldlookuponthesethingsinhimself,andthereonconclude,thatbecausehehasdonethis,Godhadacceptedofhim,andjustifiedhim,andwillsavehim,andsomakethemthegroundofhisbelieving;thisweretoturnbackfromthecovenantofgracetothecovenantofworks,andfromChristtohimself.Butifhelookuponthesethingsinhimself,andthereuponconclude,thatbecausethesethingsareinhisheart,Christdwellstherebyfaith,andthereforeheisacceptedofGod,andjustified,andshallcertainlybesaved,andsomakethemanevidenceofhisbelieving,orthegroundofhisbelievingthathehasbelieved;thisisneithertoturnbackfromthecovenantofgracetothecovenantofworks,norfromChristtohimself.Sothatthesethingsinhisheartbeingthedaughtersoffaith,andtheoffspringofChrist,thoughtheycannotatfirstproduce,orbringforththeirmother,yetmaytheyintimeofneednourishher.

[Contents]

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[Next:Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]ThisanswerproceedsupontakingNeophytustospeak,notofthegracebutofthedoctrineoffaith;namely,thefoundationoffaith,orgroundofbelieving;asifhehaddesiredtoknowwhetherthefoundationofhisfaithwasthetruefoundationoffaith,ornot.Thisisplainfromthetwofollowingparagraphs.Anduponthesuppositionthathehadgroundedhisfaithonthepromiseofthegospel,thetriedfoundationoffaith,theauthortellshim,hewouldnothavehimmakeaquestionofthat,havinghandledthatquestionalreadyatgreatlength,andansweredallhisandNomista'sobjectionsonthehead,whereNeophytusdeclaredhimselfsatisfied.Andthereisnoinconsistencybetwixttheauthor'sadviceinthiscasegiventoNeophytus,andtheadvicegiveninthetextlastciteduntotheCorinthians,unreasonablyandpeevishlydemandingaproofofChristspeakingintheapostle.Whether,withseveraljudiciouscriticsandcommentators,weunderstandthattextconcerningthedoctrineoffaith,asiftheapostleputthemtotrywhethertheyretainedthetruedoctrineornot;or,whichisthecommon,and,Ithink,thetrueunderstandingofit,concerningthegraceoffaith;Iseenothingheredeterminingourauthor'sopinion,astothesenseofit;butwhetherheseemsheretobeagainstself-examination,especiallyafterhehadurgedthatdutyonAntinomista,andansweredhisobjectionsagainstit,letthecandidreaderjudge.

[Back][2]SeethenoteontheDefinitionofFaith.

"TheassuranceofChrist'srighteousnessisadirectactoffaith,apprehendingimputedrighteousness:theevidenceofourjustificationwenowspeakof,isthereflexlight,notbywhichwearejustified,butbywhichweknowthatwearejustified."Rutherford'sChristDyingandDrawing,p.111."WehadneveraquestionwithAntinomianstouchingthefirstassuranceofjustification,suchasispropertothelightoffaith.Hemighthavesparedallhisargumentstoprove,thatwearefirstassuredofourjustificationbyfaith,notbygoodworks,forwegranttheargumentsofonesortofassurance,whichispropertofaith;andtheyprovenothingagainstanothersortofassurance,bysignsandeffects,whichisalsodivine."Ibid.p.110.

[Back][3]Agoodreasonwhythisassurance,inorbythedirectactoffaith,istobetriedbymarksandsigns.Thereiscertainlyapersuasionthat"comethnotofhimthatcalledus";whichobligesmentoexaminetheirpersuasion,whetheritbeoftherightsortornot.

[Back][4]Thisiscalledassurancebyareflexact.

[Back][5]Invirtueofthedeedofgiftandgrant.Seethenoteonthedefinitionoffaith,fig.1.

Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.


[Contents][Previous:Howtoattaintoassurance.][Next:Howtorecoverlostevidences.]

ChapterIII,Section,14

Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.

Nom.But,Iprayyou,sir,aretherenototherthingsbesidesthese,thathesayshefindsinhimself,thatamanmaylookuponasevidencesofhisbelieving,or,asyoucallthem,asgroundstobelievethathehasbelieved?

Evan.Yea,indeed,therearediversothereffectsoffaith,whichifamanhaveinhimtruly,hemaylookuponthemasevidencesthathehathtrulybelieved;andIwillnamethreeofthemuntoyou:

Whereofthefirstis,whenamantrulylovesthewordofGod,andmakesarightuseofit;andthisamandoes,First,whenhehungersandthirstsaftertheword,asafterthefoodofhissoul,desiringitatalltimes,evenashedoeshis"appointed1food,"(Job23:12).Secondly,whenhedesiresanddelightstoexercisehimselfthereindayandnight,thatis,constantly,(Psa1:2).Thirdly,whenhereceivesthewordofGodasthewordofGod,andnotasthewordofman,(1Thess2:13);settinghisheart,inthetimeofhearingorreadingit,asinGod'spresence:andbeingaffectedwithit,asiftheLordhimselfshouldspeakuntohimbeingmostaffectedwiththatministry,orthatportionofGod'sword,whichshowshimhissins,andsearchesouthismostsecretcorruptions;denyinghisownreasonandaffections:yea,andhisprofitsandpleasures,inanythingwhentheLordshallrequireitofhim.Fourthly,Thisamandoes,whenhemakesthewordofGodtobehischiefcomfortinthetimeofhisafflictions;findingit,atthattime,tobethemainstayandsolaceofhisheart,(Psa119:49,50).

Thesecondevidenceis,whenamantrulylovesthechildrenofGod,(1John5:1);thatis,allgodlyandreligiouspersons,aboveallothersortsofmen;andthatis,whenhelovesthemnotforcarnalrespects,butforthegracesofGodwhichheseesinthem,(2John1:2,3John1).Andwhenhedelightsintheir

societyandcompany,andmakesthemhisonlycompanions,(Psa119:63),andwhenhiswell-doing[tohispower]extendsitselftothem,(Psa16:3).Inbeingpitifulandtender-heartedtowardsthem,andingladlyreceivingofthem,andcommunicatingtotheirnecessitieswithareadymind,(Phile7,1John3:17).AndwhenhehasnotthegloriousfaithofChristin"respectofpersons,"(James2:1,2),butcanmakehimselfequaltothemofthelowersort,(Rom12;16);andwhenhelovesthematalltimes,evenwhentheyareinadversity,aspoverty,disgrace,sickness,orotherwiseinmisery.

Thethirdevidenceis,whenamancantrulylovehisenemies,(Matt6:14).Andthathedoes,whenhecanprayheartilyforthem,andforgivethemtheirparticulartrespassesagainsthim;beingmoregrievedforthattheyhavesinnedagainstGodthanforthattheyhavewrongedhim;andwhenhecanforbearthem,andyetcouldberevengedofthem,eitherbybringingshameandmiseryuponthem,(1Peter3:9,Rom12:14);andwhenhestrivestoovercometheirevilwithgoodness,beingwillingtohelpthem,andrelievethemintheirmisery,anddothemanygoodinsoulorbody;and,lastly,whenhecanfreelyandwillinglyacknowledgehisenemy'sjustpraise,evenasifhewerehisdearestfriend.

[Contents][Previous:Howtoattaintoassurance.][Next:Howtorecoverlostevidences.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]SotheMarginreadsit.

Howtorecoverlostevidences.


[Contents][Previous:Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.][Next:MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.]


Howtorecoverlostevidences.

Neo.But,sir,Iprayyou,letmeaskyouonequestionmoretouchingthispoint;andthatis,supposethathereafterIshouldseenooutwardevidences,andquestionwhetherIhadeveranytrueinwardevidences,andsowhethereverIdidtrulybelieveorno,whatmustIdothen?

Evan.Indeeditispossibleyoumaycometosuchacondition;andthereforeyoudowelltoprovidebeforehandforit.Nowthen,ifeveritshallpleasetheLordtogiveyouovertosuchacondition,first,letmewarnyoutotakeheedofforcingandconstrainingyourselftoyieldobediencetoGod'scommandments,totheendyoumaysogetanevidenceoffaithagain,oragroundtolayyourbelieving,thatyouhavebelieved,upon;andsoforciblytohastenyourassurancebeforethetime:1foralthoughthisbenottoturnquitebacktothecovenantofworks,[forthatyoushallneverdo,]yetitistoturnasidetowardsthatcovenant,asAbrahamdid,who,afterthathehadlongwaitedforthepromisedseed,thoughhewasbeforejustifiedbybelievingthefreepromise,yet,forthemorespeedysatisfyingofhisfaith,heturnedasidetogointoHagar,whowas,asyouhaveheard,atypeofthecovenantofworks.Sothatyousee,thisisnottherightway;buttherightwayforyou,inthiscase,togetyourassuranceagain,is,whenallotherthingsfail,tolooktoChrist;thatis,gotothewordandpromise,andleaveoffandceaseawhiletoreasonaboutthetruthofyourfaith;andsetyourheartonworktobelieve,asifyouhadneveryetdoneit;sayinginyourheart,Well,Satan,supposemyfaithhasnotbeentruehitherto,yetnowwillIbegintoendeavouraftertruefaith;andtherefore,OLord,hereIcastmyselfuponthymercyafresh,forintheethefatherlessfindmercy,(Hosea14:3).Thus,Isay,holdtotheword;gonotaway,butkeepyouhere,andyoushallbringforthfruitwithpatience,2(Luke8:15).

[Contents][Previous:Marksandevidencesoftruefaith.][Next:MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thisforcingone'sselftoyieldobedience,whichtheauthorwarnsChristiansagainst,whentheyhavelostsightoftheirevidences,andwouldfainrecoverthem,isbypressingtoyieldobedience,withoutbelieving,tilloncebytheirobediencetheyhaverecoveredtheevidenceoftheirhavingfaith.ToadviseaChristiantobewareoftakingthiscourse,inthiscase,isnottofavourlaxness,buttoguardhimagainstbeginninghisworkatthewrongend,andsolabouringinvain;forobeying,indeed,muststillspringfrombelieving,since"withoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasegod,"(Heb11:6).And"whatsoeverisnotoffaith,issin,"(Rom14:23).Thefollowingadvicesetsthematterinfulllight.

[Back][2]Namely,obedience,wherebyyoushallrecoveryourevidence.

MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.


[Contents][Previous:Howtorecoverlostevidences.][Next:NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.]


MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.

Neo.Well,sir,youhavefullysatisfiedmeconcerningthatpoint:butasIremember,itfollowsinthesameverse,"Knowyenotyourownselves,howthatChristisinyou,exceptyebereprobates"?(2Cor13:5).Wherefore,IdesiretohearhowamanmayknowthatJesusChristisinhim.

Evan.Why,ifChristbeinaman,helivesinhim:assaystheapostle,"IlivenotbutChristlivethinme."

Neo.Buthow,then,shallamanknow,thatChristlivesinhim?

Evan.Why,inwhatmansoeverChristlivesaccordingtothemeasureofhisfaith,heexecuteshisthreefoldofficeinhim,viz:hisprophetical,priestly,andkinglyoffice.

Neo.IdesiretohearmoreofthisthreefoldofficeofChrist;andtherefore,Iprayyou,sir,tellme,first,howamanmayknowthatChristexecuteshispropheticalofficeinhim?

Evan.Why,sofarforthasanymanhearsandknowsthattherewasacovenantmadebetwixtGodandallmankindinAdam;andthatitwasanequalcovenant,andthatGod'sjusticemustneedsenter,1uponthebreachofit;andthatallmankind,forthatcause,wereliabletoeternaldeathanddamnation;sothatifGodhadcondemnedallmankind,yethaditbutbeenthesentenceofanequalandjustjudge,seekingrathertheexecutionofhisjustice,thanman'sruinanddestruction;andthereupontakesithome,andappliesitparticularlytohimself,(Job5:27),andsoisconvincedthatheisamiserable,lost,andhelplessman;Isay,sofarforthasamandoesthis,Christexecuteshispropheticalofficeinhim,

inteachinghim,andrevealinguntohimthecovenantofworks.And,sofarforthasanymanhearsandknowsthatGodmadeacovenantwithAbraham,andallhisbelievingseedinJesusChrist,offeringhimfreelytoalltowhomthesoundofthegospelcomes,andgivinghimfreelytoallthatreceivehimbyfaith;andsojustifiesthem,andsavesthemeternally;andthereuponhashisheartopenedtoreceivethistruth,notasamantakesanobjectoratheologicalpointintohishead,wherebyheisonlymadeabletodiscourse:butasanhabitualandpracticalpoint,receivingitintohis"heartbythefaithofthegospel,"(Phil1:27),andapplyingittohimself,andlayinghiseternalstateuponit;andsosettingtohisseal,thatGodistrue:Isay,sofarforthasamandoesthis,Christexecuteshispropheticalofficeinhim,inteachinghimandrevealingtohimthecovenantofgrace.Andsofarforthasanymanhearsandknows,that"thisisthewillofGod,evenhissanctification,"(1Thess4:3),andthereuponconcludes,thatitishisdutytoendeavourafterit;Isay,sofarforthasamandoesthis,Christexecuteshispropheticalofficeinhim,inteachingandrevealinghislawtohim.AndthisIhopeissufficientforanswertoyourfirstquestion.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,inthesecondplace,tellme,howamanmayknowthatChristexecuteshispriestlyofficeinhim?

Evan.Why,sofarforthasanymanhearsandknowsthatChristhasgivenhimself,asthatonlyabsoluteandperfectsacrificeforthesinsofbelievers,(Heb9:26),andjoinedthemuntohimselfbyfaith,andhimselfuntothembyhisSpirit,andsomadethemonewithhim;andisnow"enteredintoheavenitself,toappearinthepresenceofGodforthem,"(Heb9:24);andhereuponisemboldenedtogoimmediatelyto2Godinprayer,astoafather,andmeethiminChrist,andpresenthimwithChristhimself,aswithasacrificewithoutspotorblemish;Isay,sofarforthasanymandoesthis,Christexecuteshispriestlyofficeinhim.

Neo.Butsir,wouldyouhaveabelievertogoimmediatelyuntoGod?HowthendoesChristmakeintercessionforusatGod'srighthand,astheapostlesayshedoes?(Rom8:34)

Evan.Itistrueindeed,Christ,asapublicperson,representingallbelievers,appearsbeforeGodhisFather;andwillethaccordingtobothhisnatures,anddesiresasheisaman,thatGodwould,forhissatisfaction'ssake,grantuntothemwhatsoever"theyaskaccordingtohiswill."ButyetyoumustgoimmediatelytoGodinprayerforallthat.3

YoumustnotpitchyourprayersuponChrist,andterminatethemthere,asifheweretotakethem,andpresentthemtohisFather;buttheverypresentingplaceofyourprayersmustbeGodhimselfinChrist.Neithermustyouconceive,asthoughChristtheSonweremorewillingtograntyourrequestthanGodtheFather,forwhatsoeverChristwilleth,thesamealsotheFather,beingwellpleasedwithhim,willeth.InChrist,therefore,Isay,andnowhereelse,mustyouexpecttohaveyourpetitionsgranted;andasinChristandnoplaceelse,soforChrist'ssake,andnothingelse.AndthereforeIbeseechyoutobewareyouforgetnotChristwhenyougountotheFathertobeganythingyoudesire,eitherforyourselforothers;especiallywhenyoudesiretohaveanypardonforsin,youarenottothink,thatwhenyoujoinwithyourprayers,fasting,weeping,andafflictingofyourself,thatforsodoingyoushallprevailwithGodtohearyou,andgrantyourpetitions;no,no,youmustmeetGodinChrist,andpresenthimwithhissufferings;youreye,yourmind,andallyourconfidence,mustbetherein;andinthatbeasconfidentaspossibleyoucan;yea,expostulatethematter,asitwere,withGodtheFather,andsay,"Lo;hereisthepersonthathaswelldeservedit;hereisthepersonthatwillsanddesiresit;inwhomthouhastsaidthouartwellpleased;yea,hereisthepersonthathaspaidthedebt,anddischargedthebondforallmysins;and,therefore,OLord!nowitstandswiththyjusticetoforgiveme."Andthus,ifyoudo,why,thenyoumaybeassuredthatChristexecuteshispriestlyofficeinyou.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,inthethirdplace,showmehowamanmayknowthatChristexecuteshiskinglyofficeinhim?

Evan.Why,sofarforthasanymanhearsandknows"thatallpowerisgivenuntoChrist,bothinheavenandonearth,"(Matt28:18);bothtovanquishandtoovercomeallthelustsandcorruptionsofbelievers,andtowritehislawintheirhearts;andhereupontakesoccasionstogountoChristforthedoingofbothinhim;Isay,sofarforthashedoesthis,whyChristexecuteshiskinglyofficeinhim.

Neo.Whythen,sir,itseemsthattheplacewhereChristexecuteshiskinglyoffice,isintheheartsofbelievers?

Evan.Itistrueindeed;forChrist'skingdomisnottemporalorsecularoverthenaturallivesorcivilnegotiationsofmen;buthiskingdomisspiritualandheavenly,overthesoulsofmen,toaweandover-rulethehearts,tocaptivatetheaffections,tobringintoobediencethethoughts,andtosubdueandpulldown

strongholds.ForwhenourfatherAdamtransgressed,heandwe,allofus,forsookGod,andchosethedevilforourlordandking;sothateverymother'schildofusis,bynature,underthegovernmentofSatan;andherulesoverus,tillChristcomeintoourhearts,anddispossesshim;accordingtothesayingofChristhimself,(Luke11:21,22),"Whenastrongmanarmedkeepethhispalace,hisgoodsareinpeace":thatis,saysCalvin,Satanholdsthemthatareinsubjectiontohiminsuchbondsandquietpossession,thatherulesoverthemwithoutresistance;butwhenChristcomestodwellinanyman'sheartbyfaith;accordingtothemeasureoffaith,hedispossesseshim,andseatshimselfintheheart,androotsout,andpullsdownallthatwithstandshisgovernmentthere;and,asavaliantcaptain,hestandsuponhisguard,andenablesthesoultogathertogetherallitsforcesandpowers,toresistandwithstandallitsandhisenemies,andsosetitselfingoodearnestagainstthem,whentheyatanytimeoffertoreturnagain;andhedothespeciallyenablethesoultoresist,andsetitselfagainsttheprincipalenemy,eventhatwhichdoesmostopposeChristinhisgovernment;sothatwhatsoeverlustorcorruptionisinabeliever'sheartorsoulasmostpredominant,Christenableshimtotakethatintohismind,andtohavemostrevengefulthoughtsagainstit,andtomakecomplaintstohimagainstit,andtodesirepowerandstrengthfromhimagainstit,andallbecauseitmostwithstandsthegovernmentofChrist,andistherankesttraitortoChrist;sothatheusesallthemeanshecantobringitbeforethejudgment-seatofChrist,andtherehecallsforjusticeagainstit,saying,"OLordJesusChrist,hereisarebelandatraitor,thatdoeswithstandthygovernmentinme,wherefore,Ipraythee,comeandexecutethykinglyofficeinme,andsubdueit;yea,vanquishandovercomeit."WhereuponChristgivesthesameanswerthathegavetothecenturion,"Gothyway,andasthouhastbelieved,sobeitdoneuntothee,"4(Matt8:13).

AndasChristdoththussuppressallothergovernorsbuthimselfinthehartofabeliever,sodothherazeoutanddefaceallotherlaws,andwriteshisownthere,accordingtohispromise,(Jer31:33),andmakesthempliableandwillingtodoandsufferhiswill;andthatbecauseitishiswill.SothatthemindandwillofChrist,laiddowninhisword,andmanifestedinhisworks,isnotonlytheruleofabeliever'sobedience,butalsothereasonofit,asIonceheardagodlyministersayinthepulpit;sothathedoesnotonlydothatwhichisChrist'swill,buthedoesitbecauseitishiswill.

Ohthatman,whichhaththelawofChristwritteninhisheart!accordingtothemeasureofit,hereads,hehears,heprays,hereceivesthesacrament,hekeeps

theLord'sdayholy,heexhorts,heinstructs,heconfers,anddoesallthedutiesthatbelongtohiminhisgeneralcalling,becauseheknowsitisthemindandwillofChristheshoulddoso!yea,hepatientlysuffers,andwillinglyundergoesafflictionsforthecauseofChrist,becauseheknowsitisthewillofChrist;yea,suchamandoesnotonlyyieldobedience,andperformthedutiesofthefirsttableofthelaw,byvirtueofChrist'scommand,butofthesecondalso.Ohthathusband,parent,master,ormagistrate,thathasthelawofChristwritteninhisheart!hedoeshisdutytohiswife,child,servant,orsubject,willinglyanduprightly,becauseChristrequiresitandcommandsit.Andsothatwife,child,servant,orsubject,thathasthelawofChristwritteninhisorherheart,theydotheirdutiestohusband,parent,master,orgovernor,freelyandcheerfully,becausetheirLordChristcommandsit.Now,then,ifyoufindthesethingsinyourheart,youmayconcludethatChristrulesandreignsthere,asLordandKing.

[Contents][Previous:Howtorecoverlostevidences.][Next:NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Demandingsatisfaction.

[Back][2]Thatis,evenunto.

[Back][3]Butyouyourselfwerenottocomenearuntohim,nay,wemust"comeuntoGodbyChrist,"(Heb7:25).

[Back][4]Namely,believedthepromiseofsanctification,(Eze36:27,Micah7:19),whichbeliefbringsalwaysalongwithittheuseofthemeans,thatareofdivineinstitution,forthatend.

NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.


[Contents][Previous:MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.][Next:HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.]

ChapterIV,OFTHEHEART'SHAPPINESS,ORSOUL'SREST.

Section1,NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.

Neo.Sir,bepleasedtogivemeleavetotellyousomepartofmymind,andthenIwillceasetotroubleyouanymoreatthistime.Thetruthis,Ihave,eversinceIcouldremember,feltakindofrestlessdiscontentednessinmyspirit,andformanyyearstogether,Ifedmyselfwithhopesoffindingrestandcontentinpersonsandthingsherebelow,scarcethinkingofthestateandconditionofmysoul,orofanyconditionbeyondthislife,until,asItoldyoubefore,theLordwaspleasedtovisitmewithafitofsickness;andthenIbegantobethinkmyselfofdeath,judgment,hell,andheaven,andtotakecareandseekrestformysoul,aswellasformybody;but,alas!Icouldneverfindrestforitbeforethisday;because,,indeed,Isoughtitnotbyfaith,but,asitwere,bytheworksofthelaw;or,inplainterms,becauseIsoughtitnotinChristbutinmyself.Butnow,IblessGod,IseethatChristisallinall;andtherefore,bythegraceofGod,Iamresolvednolongertoseekrestandcontent,neitherinanyearthlything,norinmineownrighteousness,butonlyinthefreeloveandfavourofGod,asheisinhisSonJesusChrist;and,Godwilling,thereshallbemysoul'srest.AndIbeseechyou,sir,prayforme,thatitmaybeso;andIhavedone.

Evan.Thispoint,concerningtheheart'shappiness,orsoul'srest,isapointveryneedfulforustoknow;andindeed,itisapointthatIhaveformerlythoughtupon;andtherefore,thoughmyoccasionsdonowbegintocallmeawayfromyou,yet,nevertheless,sinceyouhavebeguntospeakofit,Ishall,ifyouplease,proceedon,ifyoushall,oranyofyou,giveoccasion,andastheLordshallenableme.

Ant.Withaverygoodwill,sir;forindeeditisapointthatImuchdesiretohearof.

Evan.First,then,Iwouldentreatyoutoconsiderwithme,thatwhenGodatfirstgavemananelementishbody,1hedidalsoinfuseintohimanimmortalsoulofaspiritualsubstance;andthoughhegavehissoulalocalbeinginhisbody,yethegaveitaspiritualwell-beinginhimself;sothatthesoulwasinthebodybylocationandatrestinGodbyunionandcommunication;andthisbeingofthesoulinGodatfirstwasman'struebeing,andhistruehappiness.NowmanfallingfromGod,Godinhisjusticeleftman,sothattheactualunionandcommunionthatthesoulofmanhadwithGodatfirstisbrokenoff;Godandman'ssoulareparted;anditisinarestlesscondition.Howbeit,theLordhavingseatedinman'ssoulacertaincharacterofhimself,thesoulistherebymadetore-aspiretowardsthatsummumbonum,thatchiefgood,evenGodhimself,andcanfindrestnowhere,tillitcometohim.2

Nom.Butstay,sir,Iprayyou;howcanitbesaidthatman'ssouldothre-aspiretowardsGodtheCreator,whenitisevidentthateveryman'ssoulnaturallyisbenttowardsthecreature,toseekarestthere?

Evan.ForanswerhereuntoIprayyouconsider,thatnaturallyman'sunderstandingisdarkandblind;andthereforeisignorantwhathisownsouldoesdesireandstronglyaspireunto.Itknoweth,indeed,thatthereisawantinthesoul;buttillitbeenlightened,itknowethnotwhatitiswhichthesoulwanteth.For,indeed,thecasestandethwiththesoulaswithachildnewborn,whichchild,bynaturalinstinct,dothgapeandcryfornutriment;yea,forsuchnutrimentasmayagreewithitstendercondition;andifthenurse,throughnegligenceorignorance,eithergiveitnomeatatall,orelsesuchasitisnotcapableofreceiving,thechildrefusesit,andstillcries,instrengthofdesire,afterthebreast;yetdoesnotthechild,inthisestate,knowbyanyintellectualpowerandunderstandingwhatitselfdesires.Evensoman'spoorsouldothcrytoGodasforitspropernourishment;3buthisunderstanding,likeablind,ignorantnurse,notknowingwhatitcriesfor,offerstotheheartacreatureinsteadofaCreator;thus,byreasonoftheblindnessoftheunderstanding,togetherwiththecorruptionofthewill,anddisorderoftheaffections,man'ssouliskeptbyviolence4fromitspropercentre,evenGodhimself.

[Contents][Previous:MarksandsignsofunionwithChrist.][Next:HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thatisanelementarybody,madeup,asitwere,ofthefourelements,astheyarecalled,namely,fire,air,earth,andwater.

[Back][2]Thesoulofmanhasanaturaldesireofhappiness:nothingcanmakeithappybutwhatiscommensurabletoitsdesires,orcapableofaffordingitafullsatisfaction.Nothinglessthananinfinitegoodissuch:andGodhimselfonlyisaninfinitegood,intheenjoymentofwhichthesoulcanrest,asfullysatisfied,desiringnomore.Now,sincebyreasonofthevastcapacityofthesoul,nothingbutGodhimselfcanindeedsatisfythisitsdesireofhappiness,thewhichissowovenintotheverynatureofthesoul,thatnothingbutthedestructionoftheverybeingofthesoulcanremoveit;itisevident,thatitisimpossiblethesoulofmancaneverfindtruerest,untilitreturntoGod,andtakeupitsrestwithhim;butmuststillbeinquestof,ordesiringitschiefgoodandhappiness,whereinitmayrest,andthisinrealityisGodhimselfonly;thoughthepracticalunderstandingbeingblinded,knowsnotthat,andtheperversewillandaffectionscarryawaythesoulfromhim,seekingthedesiredgoodandhappinessinotherthings.Thisiswhattheauthorcallsthesoul'sre-aspiringtowardsthechiefgood,evenGodhimself;anditissoconsistentwiththetotaldepravationofman'snature,thatitwillremainforeverinthedamnedinhell;achiefpartofwhosemiserywilllieinthatthisdesireshalleverberampantinthem,butneverintheleastsatisfied;theyshallneverbefreedfromthisscorchingthirstthere,noryetgetadropofwatertocoolthetongue.

[Back][3]Man'spoorsoul,beforeitisenlightened,naturallycriestoGod,asthe"youngravenscrytohim,"(Job38:41),notknowingtowhom:anditcriesforhimasitspropernourishment,asthenewborninfantforthebreast,notknowingforwhat.Onlyitfeelsawant,desiressupplyproperforfillingitup,andcannevergetkindlyresttillitbesuppliedaccordingly,thatis,tillitcometotheenjoymentofGod:thenitrests,astheinfantsettothefullbreast.(Isa66:11),"Thatyemaysuck,andbesatisfiedwiththebreastsofherconsolations."

[Back][4]Namely,violencedonetoitsnaturalmakeandconstitution[ifImaysoexpressit]bytheblindness,corruption,anddisorder,thathaveseizeditsfaculties.

HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.


[Contents][Previous:NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.][Next:GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.]

ChapterIV,Section2

HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.

Oh,howmanysoulsarethereintheworldthatarehindered,ifnotquitekept,fromrestinGod,byreasonthattheirblindunderstandingpresentsuntotheirsensualappetitesvarietiesofsensualobjects!

Istherenotmanyaluxuriousperson'ssoulhindered,ifnotquitekept,fromtruerestinGod,bythatbeautywhichnaturehathplacedinfemininefaces,1especiallywhenSatansecretlysuggestsintosuchfeminineheartsadesireofanartificialdressing,fromtheheadtothefoot;yea,andsometimespaintingtheface,liketheirmotherJezebel?

Andistherenotmanyavoluptuousepicure'ssoulhindered,ifnotquitekept,fromrestinGod,bybeholdingthecolour,andtastingthesweetnessofdaintydelicatedishes,hiswineredinthecupandhisbeerofambercolourintheglass?IntheScripturewereadofa"certainmanthatfareddeliciouslyeveryday,"asiftherehadbeennomorethanonesoilldisposed;butinourtimes,therearecertainhundreds,bothofmenandwomen,thatdonotonlyfaredeliciously,butvoluptuously,twiceeveryday,ifnotmore.

Andistherenotmanyaproudperson'ssoulhindered,ifnotquitekept,fromrestinGod,bytheharmonioussoundofpopularpraisewhich,likealoadstone,drawsthevain-glorioushearttohuntsomuchthemoreeagerly,toaugmenttheechoofsuchvainwindyreputation?

Andistherenotmanyacovetousperson'ssoulhindered,ifnotquitekept,fromrestinGod,bythecryofgreatabundance,thewordsofwealth,andthegloryofgain?

Andistherenotmanyamusicalmindhindered,ifnotquitekept,fromsweetcomfortinGod,bytheharmonyofartificialconcorduponmusicalinstruments?

Andhowmanyperfumedfoolsarethereintheworld,who,bysmellingtheirsweetapparel,andtheirsweetnosegays,arekeptfromsoulsweetnessinChrist?AndthusdoesSatan,likeacunningfisher,baithishookwithasensualobject,tocatchmenwith:andhavinggottenitintotheirjaws,hedrawsthemupanddowninsensualcontentments,tillhehassodrownedthemtherein,thatthepeaceandrestoftheirsoulsinGodisalmostforgotten.Andhenceitisthatthegreatestpartofman'slife,andinmanytheirwholelife,isspentinseekingsatisfactiontothesensualappetite.

Nom.Indeed,sir,thiswhichyouhavesaid,wemayseetrulyverifiedinmanymen,whospendtheirdaysaboutthesevanities,andwillaffordnotimeforreligiousexercises;no,notupontheLord'sday,bytheirgoodwill.

Evan.Yousaythetruth;andyetletmetellyouwithal,thatamanbythepowerofnaturalconscience,maybeforcedtoconfessthathishopesofhappinessareinGodalone,andnotinthesethings;yea,andtoforsakeprofitsandpleasures,andallsensualobjects,asunabletogivehissoulanytruecontentment,andfalltotheperformanceofreligiousexercises,andyetrestthere,andnevercometoGodforrest.Andifweconsiderit,eitherintherudemultitudeofsensuallivers,orinthemoreseeminglyreligious,weshallperceivethatthereligiousexercisesofmendostronglydeceive,andstrangelydeludemanymenoftheirheart'shappinessinGod.

Forthefirstsort,2thoughtheybesuchasmaketheirbellytheirbestgod,anddonosacrificebuttoBacchus,Apollo,orVenus;3thoughtheirconsciencedoaccusethemthatthesethingsarenaught,yetinthattheyhavethenameofChristiansputuponthemintheirbaptism,andforasmuchastheydooftenrepeattheLord'sprayer,theapostles'creed,andthetencommandments,andinthat,itmaybe,theyhavelatelyaccustomedthemselvestogotochurch,toheardivineservice,andapreachingnowandthen,andinthattheyhavediverstimesreceivedthesacrament;theywillnotbepersuadedbutthatGodiswellpleasedwiththem;andamanmayaswellpersuadethemthattheyarenotmenandwomen,asthattheyarenotinagoodcondition.

Andforthesecondsort,4thatordinarilyhavemorehumanwisdomandhumanlearningthantheformersort,andseemtobemoreholyanddevoutthanthe

formersortofsensualignorantpeople;yethowmanyarethereofthissort,thatneverpassfurtherthantheoutwardcourtofbodilyperformances:feedingandfeastingthemselves,asmeninadream;supposingthemselvestohaveallthings,andyetindeedhavenothingbutonlyabladder-full,orratherabrain-full,ofwindandworldlyconceptions?

AretherenotsomewhogivethemselvestomorespecialsearchingandseekingoutforknowledgeinScripturelearnednessandclerk-likeskill,inthisart,andthatlanguage,tilltheycometobeabletorepeatallthehistoricalplacesintheBible;yea,andallthosetextsofScripturethattheyconceivedomakeforsomeprivateopinionoftheirsconcerningceremonies,church-government,orothersuchcircumstantialpointsofreligion,touchingwhichpointstheyareveryabletoreasonanddispute,andtoputforthsuchcuriousquestionsasarenoteasilyanswered?

Arenotsomeofthesemen5calledsect-makers,andbegettersordevisersofnewopinionsinreligion;especiallyinthematterofworshippingGod,astheyusetocallit,whereintheyfindabeginning,buthardlyanend?Forthisreligiousknowledgeissovariable,throughthemultiplicityofcuriouswitsandcontentiousspirits,thatthelifeofmanmayseemtooshorttotakeafullviewofthisvariety;forthoughallsectssaytheywillbeguidedbythewordoftruth,andallseemtobringScripture,which,indeed,isbutone,asGodisbutone;yet,byreasonoftheirseveralconstructionsandinterpretationsofScripture,andconceitsoftheirownhumanwisdom,theyaremany.

Andaretherenotothersofthissortofmenthatarereadytoembraceanynewwayofworship,especiallyifitcomeunderthecloakofScripturelearning,andhaveashowoftruth,foundedupontheletterofthebible,andseemtobemorezealousanddevoutthantheformerway?especiallyiftheteacherofthatnewwaycanbutframeasadanddemurecountenance,andwithagraceliftuphisheadandhiseyestowardsheaven,withsomestronggroan,indeclaringofhisnewlyconceivedopinion;andthathefrequentlyusethisphraseofthegloryofGod!Oh,then,thesemenare,by-and-by,ofanotheropinion!supposingtothemselvesthatGodhasmadeknownsomefurthertruthtothem;forbyreasonoftheblindnessoftheirunderstanding,theyarenotabletoreachanysupernaturaltruth,althoughtheydo,byliterallearning,andclerk-likecunning,diveeversodeepintotheScriptures;andthereforetheyarereadytoentertainanyformofreligiousexercises,asshallbesuggesteduntothem.

Andaretherenotathirdsort,muchliketothesemen,thatareexcessiveandmutableintheperformanceofreligiousexercises?SurelySt.PaulperceivedthatthiswastheveryGodofsomemeninhistime,andthereforehewillethTimothytoinstructothers,that"bodilyexerciseprofitethlittle,"or,assomereadit,"nothingatall";anddothopposethereunto"godliness,"asbeinganotherthingthan"bodilyexercise,"andsaysthatit"isprofitable,"&c.

Anddonotyouthinkthattherearesomemenatthisdaythatknownoneothergoodthanbodilyexercise,andcanhardlydistinguishbetwixtitandgodliness?Nowthesebodilyexercisesaremutableandvariable,accordingtotheirconceitsandopinions;forallsectshavetheirseveralservices,astheycallthemyetallbodily,andforthemostpart,onlybodily;thewhichtheyperformtoestablisharesttotheirsouls,becausetheywantrestinGod.Andhenceitisthattheirpeaceandrestareupanddown,accordingtotheirworkingbetterorworse.Somanychaptersmustberead,andsomanysermonsmustbeheard,andsomanytimestheymustprayinoneday,andsomanydaysintheweek,orintheyear,theymustfast,&c.,orelsetheirsoulscanhavenorest.Butmistakemenot,Ipray,inimaginingthatIspeakagainstthedoingofthesethings,forIdothemallmyself,butagainstrestinginthedoingofthem,thewhichIdesirenottodo.

Andthusyouseethatmen'sblindunderstandingdothnotonlypresentuntothesensualappetitesensualobjects,butalsototherationalappetiterationalobjects;sothatman'spoorsoulisnotonlykeptfromrestinGodbymeansofsensuality,butalsobymeansofformality.IfSatancannotkeepusfromrestinGodbyfeedingoursenseswithourmotherEve'sapple,thenheattemptstodoitbyblindingoureyes,andsohinderingusfromseeingthepathsofthegospel.IfhecannotkeepusinEgyptbytheflesh-potsofsensuality,thenwillhemakeuswanderinthewildernessofreligiousandrationalformality:sothatifhecannothinderusmoregrossly,thenheattemptstodoitmoreclosely.

Nom.Butsir,Iampersuadedthattherebemanymenthataresoreligiouslyexercised,anddoperformsuchdutiesasyouhavementioned,andyetrestnotinthembutinGod.

Evan.QuestionlesstherebesomeChristiansthatlookuponsuchexercisesasmeansordainedofGodbothtobegetandincreasefaith,andallothergracesofhisSpirit,intheheartsofhispeople;andtherefore,totheintentthattheirfaith,andlove,andothergraces,mayincrease,theyarecarefultowaituponGod,intakingallconvenientopportunitiestoexercisethemselvestherein,andyethave

theirsoul'srestinGod,andnotinsuchexercises.

But,alas!Ifearthenumberofsuchmenisveryfew,incomparisonofthemthatdootherwise.Fordonotthemostpartofmenthataresoreligiouslyexercised,ratherconceive,thatastheyhaveoffendedanddispleasedGodbytheirformerdisobedience,sotheymustpacifyandappeasehimbytheirfutureobedience?Andthereforetheyarecarefultoexercisethemselvesinthiswayofduty,andthatwayofworship,andalltothatend;yea,andtheyconceivingthattheyhavecorruptedanddefiled,andpollutedthemselves,bytheirfallingintosin,theymustalsopurge,cleanse,andpurifythemselves,byrisingoutofsin,andwalkinginnewobedience:6andsoallthegoodtheydo,andalltheeviltheyeschew,istopacifyGod,andappeasetheirownconsciences.Andiftheyseekresttotheirsoulsthisway,why,itisthewayofthecovenantofworks,wheretheyshallneverbeabletoreachGod;nay,itisthewaytocometoGodoutofChrist,wheretheyshallneverbeabletocomenearhim,hebeinga"consumingfire."

Nom.But,sir,Iprayyou,wouldyounothaveoursensestobeanylongerexercisedaboutanyoftheirobjects?wouldyouhaveusnolongertotakecomfortinthegoodthingsofthislife?

Evan.Iprayyou,donotmistakeme;IdonotspeakasthoughIwouldhaveyoustoicallytorefusethelawfuluseofanyoftheLord'sgoodcreatures,whichheshallbepleasedtoaffordyou,neitherdoIprohibityoufromallcomforttherein;butthisisitwhichIdodesire,namely,thatyouwouldendeavourtoattaintosuchapeace,rest,andcontentinGod,asheisinChrist,thattheviolentcryofyourheartmayberestrained,andthatyourappetitesmaynotbesoforcible,norsounrulyastheyarenaturally,butthattheunrulinessthereofmaybebroughtintoaverycomelydecorumandorder:sothatyoursensualappetitesmay,withmuchmoreeasinessandcontentedness,bedeniedtheobjectsoftheirdesires,yea,andcontented[ifoccasionbe]withthatwhichismostrepugnanttothem,aswithhunger,cold,nakedness,yea,andwithdeathitself.Forsuchisthewonderfulworkingoftheheart'squietandrestinGod,thatalthoughaman'ssensesbestillexercisedinandupontheirproperobjects,yetmayitbetrulysaid,thatsuchaman'slifeisnotsensual.Forindeedhishearttakethlittlecontentmentinanysuchexercises,itbeingforthemostpartexercisedinamoretranscendentcommunionwithGod,asheisinChrist.SothatindeedthemanthathasthispeaceandrestinGodmaybetrulysaidto"usethisworldasthoughheuseditnot,"inthathereceivesnocordialcontentmentfromanysensualexercise

whatsoever,andthatbecausehisheartiswithdrawnfromthem.Whichwithdrawingoftheheartisnotunaptlypointedat,inthespeechofthespouse,(Cant5:2),"Isleep,"saysshe,"butmyheartwaketh."Evensomayitbesaid,thatsuchamanissleeping,looking,hearing,tasting,smelling,eating,drinking,feasting,&c.,buthisheartiswithdrawnfromthecreature,andrejoicinginGodhisSaviour,andhissoulismagnifyinghisLord;sothatinthemidstofallsensualdelights,hisheartsecretlysays,Aye,butmyhappinessisnothere.

Nom.But,sir,Iprayyou,whydoyoucallrationalandreligiousexercisesawilderness?

Evan.Fortworeasons;first,BecausethatasthechildrenofIsrael,whentheyweregotoutofEgypt,didyetwandermanyyearsinthewilderness,beforetheycameintothelandofCanaan;evensodomanymenwanderlonginrationalandreligiousexercises,aftertheyhaveleftasensuallife,beforetheycometorestinGod,whereofthelandofCanaanwasatype.7Secondly,Because,asinawildernessmenoftenlosethemselves,andcanfindnowayout,butsupposing,afterlongtravel,thattheyarenearertheplacewhithertheywouldgo,areintruth,fartheroff;evensofarethitwithmany,yea,withallsuchaswalkinthewayofreason;8theylosethemselvesinthewoodsandbushesoftheirworksanddoings;sothatthelongertheytravel,thefarthertheyarefromGod,andtruerestinhim.

Nom.But,sir,youknowthattheLordhathendoweduswithreasonablesouls;wouldyounotthenhaveustomakeuseofourreason?

Evan.Iprayyou,donotmistakeme:Idonotcontemnnordespisetheuseofreason;onlyIwouldnothaveyoutoestablishitto9thechiefgood;butIwouldhaveyoutokeepitunder;sothat,ifwithHagar,itattempttobearrule,andlorditoveryourfaith,thenwouldIhaveyou,inthewisdomofGod,likeSarah,tocastitoutfromhavingdominion.Infewwords,Iwouldhaveyoumorestrongindesirethancuriousinspeculation,andtolongmoretofeelcommunionwithGodthantobeabletodisputeofthegenusorspeciesofanyquestion,eitherhumanordivine;andpresshardtoknowGodbypowerfulexperience.Andthoughyourknowledgebegreat,andyourobediencesurpassingmany,yetwouldIhaveyoutobetrulynullified,annihilated,andmadenothingandbecomefoolsinallfleshlywisdom;andgloryinnothing,butonlyintheLord.10AndIwouldhaveyou,withtheeyeoffaith,sweetlytobeholdallthingsextractedoutofonething;andinonetoseeall.11Inaword,Iwouldhaveinyouamostprofoundsilence,

contemningallcuriousquestionsanddiscourses;andtopondermuchinyourheart,butpratelittlewithyourtongue."Beswifttohear,"but"slowtospeak,"and"slowtowrath,"astheapostleJamesadvisesyou,(James1:19);andbythismeanswillyourreasonbesubdued,andbecomeonewithyourfaith,forthenisreasononewithfaith,whenitissubjugateduntofaith;andthenwillreasonkeepitstruelistsandlimits,andyouwillbecometentimesmorereasonablethanyouwerebefore.SothatIhopeyounowseethattheheart'sfarewellfromthesensualandrationallifeisnottobeconsideredabsolutely,butrespectively;itdoesnotconsistinagoingoutofeither,butinarightuseofboth.

[Contents][Previous:NorestforthesoultillitcometoGod.][Next:GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]Thatis,women'sfaces.

[Back][2]Namely,sensuallivers,whoyetperformreligiousexercises.

[Back][3]Thatis,giveupthemselvestodrunkenness,music,andlasciviousness.

[Back][4]Namely,themoreseeminglyreligious.

[Back][5]Namely,ofthosespokenofintheparagraphimmediatelypreceding,whomhebeginstodistributehereintothreeclassesorsorts;allbelongingtothesecondsort,viz:themoreseeminglyreligious.

[Back][6]Neglectingtowash,byfaith,inthebloodofChrist,the"Fountainopenedforsin,andforuncleanness,"(Zech13:1)."ThebloodofJesusChrist,hisSon,cleansethusfromallsin,"(1John1:17)."HowmuchmoreshallthebloodofChristpurgeyourconsciencefromdeadworks?"(Heb9:14)."Purifyingtheirheartsbyfaith,"(Acts15:9).

[Back][7]Suchawandererourauthorhimselfhadbeenforadozenofyears.SeehisPreface,andcomparethatheavyword,(Eccl10:15),"Thelabourofthefoolishwearietheveryoneofthem,becauseheknowethnothowtogotothecity."

[Back][8]Namely,ofreason,asthejudgeandruleinreligion.TheholyScriptureistherule,andtheSpiritofGodthereinspeakingisthejudge;itisthebusinessofourreasontodiscernwhattheyteach,andtosubmittheretowithoutreserve.

[Back][9]Thatis,for,ortobe.

[Back][10](2Cor12:11),"ThoughIbenothing."(1Cor3:18),"Lethimbecomeafool,thathemaybewise."(1:31),"Hethatglorieth,lethimgloryintheLord."

[Back][11]AccordingtothatsayingofourLord,(Matt19:17),"Thereisnonegoodbutone,thatisGod."

GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.


[Contents][Previous:HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.][Next:Conclusion.]

ChapterIV,Section3

GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.

Nom.Then,sir,itseemstome,thatGodinChrist,apprehendedbyfaith,istheonlytruerestforman'ssoul.

Evan.Thereisthetruerestindeed;thereistherestwhichDavidinviteshissoulunto,whenhesays,"Returnuntothyrest,Omysoul!fortheLordhathdealtbountifullywiththee,"(Psa116:7)."Forwewhichhavebelieved,"saystheauthortotheHebrews,"haveenteredintohisrest,"1(Heb4:3).And"Comeuntome,"saysChrist,"allyethatlabour,andareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest,"2(Matt11:28).Andtruly,myneighboursandfriends,believeit,weshallneverfindaheart'shappiness,andtruesoul'srest,untilwefindithere.Forhowsoeveramanmaythink,ifhehadthisman'swit,andthatman'swealth,thisman'shonourandthatman'spleasure,thiswife,orthathusband,suchchildren,andsuchservants,hisheartwouldbesatisfied,andhissoulwouldbecontented;yetwhichofushathnot,byourownexperience,foundthecontrary?For,notlongafterthatwehaveobtainedthethingwedidsomuchdesire,andwhereinwepromisedourselvessomuchhappiness,rest,andcontent,wehavefoundnothingbutvanityandemptinessinit.Letamanbutdealplainlywithhisownheart,andheshallfind,that,notwithstandinghehathmanythings,yetthereiseveronethingwanting:forindeedman'ssoulcannotbesatisfiedwithanycreature,no,notwithaworldofcreatures.Andthereasonis,becausethedesiresofman'ssoulareinfinite,accordingtothatinfinitegoodnesswhichitoncelostinlosingGod.Yea,andman'ssoulisaspirit;andthereforecannotcommunicatewithanycorporalthing;sothatallcreatures,notbeingthatinfiniteandspiritualfullnesswhichourheartshavelost,andtowardsthewhichtheydostillre-aspire;theycannotgiveitfullcontentment.

Nay,letmesaymore;howsoeveramanmay,inthemidstofhissensualfullness,

beconvincedinhisconsciencethatheisatenmitywithGod,andthereforeindangerofhiswrathandeternaldamnation;andbethereuponmovedtoreformhislifeandamendhisways,andendeavourtoseekpeaceandresttohissoul;yetthisbeinginthewayofworks,itisimpossiblethatheshouldfindit;forhisconsciencewilleverbeaccusinghim,thatthisgooddutyheoughttohavedone,andhasnotdoneit;andthisevilheoughttohaveforborne,andyethehasdoneit;andintheperformanceofthisdutyhewasremiss,andinthatdutyverydefective;andmanysuchwayswillhissoulbedisquieted.

Butwhenamanoncecomestobelieve,thatallhissinsbothpast,present,andtocome,arefreelyandfullypardoned,3andGodinChristgraciouslyreconcileduntohim,theLorddoththereuponsorevealhisfatherlyfaceuntohiminChrist,andsomakeknownthatincredibleunionbetwixthimandthebelievingsoul,thathisheartbecomesquietlycontentedinGod,whoistheproperelementofitsbeing;forhereupontherecomesintothesoulsuchpeace,flowingfromtheGodofpeace,thatitfillstheemptinessofhissoulwithtruefullness,inthefullnessofGod,sothatnowtheheartceasestomolesttheunderstandingandreason,inseekingeithervarietyofobjects,oraugmentationofdegrees,inanycomprehensiblething;andthatbecausetherestlesslongingofthemindwhichdidbeforecauseunquietnessanddisorder,bothinthevarietyofmentalprojects,andalsointhesensualandbeastlyexercisesofthecorporalandexternalmembers,issatisfiedandtrulyquieted.Forwhenaman'sheartisatpeaceinGod,andisbecometrulyfullinthatpeaceandjoypassingunderstanding,thenthedevilhathnotthathopetoprevailagainsthissoulashehadbefore;heknowsrightwellthatitisinvaintobaithishookwithprofits,pleasures,honour,oranyothersuchlikeseeminggood,tocatchsuchasoulthatisthusatquietinGod;forhehathallfullnessinGod,andwhatcanbeaddedtofullnessbutitrunnethover?Indeed,emptyhearts,likeemptyhogsheads,arefittoreceiveanymatterwhichshallbeputintothem;buttheheartofthebelieverbeingfilledwithjoyandpeaceinbelieving,dothabhorallsuchbaseallurements;forthatithathnoroominitselftoreceiveanysuchseemingcontentments.Sothat,tospeakasthetruthis,thereisnothingthatdothtrulyandunfeignedlyrootwickednessoutoftheheartofman,butonlythetruetranquilityofthemind,ortherestofthesoulinGod.And,tosayasthethingis,thisissuchapeace,andsucharesttothecreatureintheCreator,that,accordingtothemeasureofitsestablishmentbyfaith,nocreatedcomprehensiblethingcaneitheraddtoit,ordetractfromit;theincreaseofakingdomcannotaugmentit,thegreatestlossesandcrossesinworldlythingscannotdiminishit;abeliever'sgoodworksdoallflowfromit,andoughtnottoreturntoit;4neitheroughthumanfrailtiestomolestit.5

However,thisismostcertain,neithersinnorSatan,lawnorconscience,hellnorgrave,canquiteextinguishit;foritistheLordalonethatgivesandmaintainsit."WhomhaveIinheavenbutthee?"saysDavid,"andthereisnoneuponearththatIdesirebesidesthee."(Psa73:25)ItisthepleasantfaceofGodinChristthatputsgladnessintohisheart,(Psa4:7).Andwhenthatfaceishid,thenheistroubled,(Psa30:7).But,tospeakmoreplainly,thoughthepeaceandjoyoftruebelieversmaybeextenuatedordiminished,yetdoththetestimonyoftheirbeinginnature6remainsostrong,thattheycouldskilltosay,yea,evenwhentheyhavefeltGodtobewithdrawinghimselffromthem,"MyGod!myGod!whyhastthouforsakenme?"(Psa22:1);yea,andinthenightofGod'sabsencetoremainconfident,thatthoughsorrowbeovernight,yetjoywillcomeinthemorning,(Psa30:5);nay,thoughtheLordshouldseemtokillthemwithunkindness,"yettheywillputtheirtrustinhim,"(Job13:15);knowingthatforallthis"theirRedeemerliveth,"(Job19:25);sostrongis"thejoyoftheirLord,"(Neh8:10).Thesearethepeoplethatarekeptinperfectpeace,becausetheirmindsarestayedintheLord,(Isa26:3).

Wherefore,mydearfriendsandlovingneighbours,Ibeseechyoutotakeheedofdeeminganyestatehappy,untilyoucometofindthistruepeaceandresttoyoursoulsinGod.Oh,beware,lestanyofyoudocontentyourselveswithapeaceratherofspeculationthanofpower!Oh,benotsatisfiedwithsuchapeaceasconsistseitherintheactofoblivionorneglectofexamination!noryetinanybrain-sicksuppositionofknowledge,theologicalordivine;andsoframerationalconclusions,toprotracttimeandstillthecriesofanaccusingconscience.Butletyourheartstaketheirlastfarewelloffalsefelicities,wherewiththeyhavebeen,allofthem,moreorless,detainedandkeptfromtheirtruerest.Oh,bestronginresolution!andbidthemallfarewell;forwhathaveyoursoulstodoanylongeramongthesegross,thick,andbodilythingsherebelow,thatyoushouldsetyourloveuponthem,orseehappinessinthem?yoursoulsareofahigherandpurernature;andthereforetheirwell-beingmustbesoughtinsomethingthatishigherandpurerthanthey,eveninGodhimself.

Trueitis,thatweareallofus,indeed,toouncleantotouchGodinimmediateunity;butyetthereisapurecounterpartofournatures,7andthatpurehumanityisimmediatelyknittothepurestDeity;andbythatimmediateunionyoumaycometoamediateunion;fortheDeityandthathumanitybeingunited,makeoneSaviour,head,andhusbandofsouls.Andsoyoubeingmarriedtohim,thatis,Godinhim,youcomealsotobeonewithGod:heonebyapersonalunion,andyouonebyamystical.Clearupthenyoureye,andfixitonhim,asonthe

fairestofmen,theperfectionofaspiritualbeauty,thetreasureheavenlyjoy,thetrueobjectofmostferventlove.Letyourspiritslook,andlong,andseekafterthisLord:letyoursoulscleavetohim,letthemhangabouthim,andneverleavehim,tillhebebroughtintothechambersofyoursouls;yea,tellhimresolutely,youwillnotleavehim,tillyouhearhisvoiceinyoursouls,saying,"Mywell-belovedismine,andIamhis";yea,andtellhim,youare"sickoflove."Letyoursoulsgo,asitwere,outofyourbodiesandoutoftheworld,byheavenlycontemplations;andtreadingupontheearthwiththebottomofyourfeet,stretchyoursoulsup,tolookovertheworld,intothatupperworld,wherehertreasureis,8andwhereherbeloveddwelleth.

Andwhenanyofyoursoulsshallthusforgetherownpeople,herfather'shouse,ChristherKingshallsodesireherbeauty,(Psa45:10,11),andbesomuchinlovewithher,that,likealoadstone,thisloveofhisshalldrawthesoulinpuredesiretohimagain;andthen,"asthehartpantethaftertheriversofwaters,sowillyoursoulpantafterGod,"(Psa42:1).

Andthen,accordingtothemeasureofyourfaith,yoursoulsshallcometohavearealrestinGod,andbefilledwithjoyunspeakableandglorious.

Wherefore,Ibeseechyou,setyourmouthstothisfountainChrist,andsoshallyoursoulsbefilledwiththewateroflife,withtheoilofgladness,andwiththenewwineofthekingdomofGod;fromhimyoushallhaveweightyjoys,sweetembracements,andravishingconsolations.Andhowcanitbeotherwise,whenyoursoulsshallreallycommunicatewithGod,andbyfaithhaveatruetaste,andbythespirithaveasureearnestofallheavenlypreferments;having,asitwere,onefootinheaven,whilstyouliveuponearth?Ohthen,whataneucharisticallove9willarisefromyourthankfulhearts,extendingitselffirsttowardsGod,andthentowardsmanforGod'ssake!andthen,accordingtothemeasureofyourfaith,willbeyourwillingobediencetoGod,andalsotomanforGod'ssake;forobediencebeingthekindlyfruitoflove,alovingsoulbringethforththisfruitaskindlyasagoodtreebringethforthherfruit;forthesoul,havingtastedChristinaheavenlycommunion,soloveshim,thattopleasehimisapleasureanddelighttoherself:andthemoreChristJesuscomesintothesoulbyhisSpirit,themorespiritualhemakesher;andturnsherwillintohiswill,makingherofoneheart,mind,andwill,withhim.

Sothat,foraconclusion,thisIsay,thatiftheeverlastingloveofGodinJesusChristbetrulymadeknowntoyoursouls,accordingtothemeasurethereof,you

shallhavenoneedtoframeandforceyourselvestoloveanddogoodworks,foryoursoulswilleverstandbound10toloveGod,andtokeephiscommandments,anditwillbeyourmeatanddrinktodohiswill.AndtrulythisloveofGodwillcutdownself-loveandloveoftheworld,forthesweetnessofChrist'sSpiritwillturnthesweetnessofthefleshintobitterness,andthesweetnessoftheworldintocontempt.AndifyoucanbeholdChristwithopenface,youshallseeandfeelthingsunutterable,andbechangedfrombeautytobeauty,fromglorytoglory,bytheSpiritofthisLord,andsobehappyinthislife,inyourunionwithhappiness,andhappyhereafterinthefullfruitionofhappiness:11whithertheLordJesusChristbringusallinhisduetime.Amen.

[Contents][Previous:HowthesouliskeptfromrestinGod.][Next:Conclusion.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]"Doenterintorest,"orthatrest,viz:"hisrest."Hemeans,thatweevennowenterintothatrestbyfaith.Compareverse10.

[Back][2]ThisisoneofthemostsolemngospeloffferstobefoundinalltheNewTestament;andourauthorseemsheretopointatwhatIconceivetobethetrueandgenuinesenseofit.Thewords"labourandheavyladen,"donotrestricttheinvitationandoffertosuchasaresensibleoftheirsins,andlongingtoberidofthem,thoughindeednonebutsuchwillreallyaccept;buttheydenotetherestlessnessofthesinfulsoulofman;aqualification[ifitissocalled]tobefoundinallthatareoutofChrist,whethertheyhave,orhavenot,anynotablelawworkontheirconsciences.

Isaynotable,todistinguishitfromthatwhichiscommontoallmen,eventoheathens,(Rom11:15).OurfatherAdamledhiswholefamilyawayoutoftheirrestinGod;andsoleftthemwithaconsciencefullofguilt,andaheartfullofunsatisfieddesires.Hencehischildrensoonfindthemselveslikethehorse-leech,having"twodaughters,crying,Give,give";namely,arestlessconscience,andarestlessheart;andtoeachofthesethepoorsoulmustneedssay,asNaomisaidtoRuth,"Mydaughter,shallInotseekrestforthee?"sotheblindedsoulfallsalabouringforresttothem.Anditlaboursinthebarrenregionofthefierylawforaresttotheconscience,andintheemptycreation,foraresttotheheart:but,afterall,theconscienceisstillheavyladenwithguilt,whetherithasanylively

feelingthereof,ornot;andtheheartisstillunderaloadofunsatisfieddesires;soneithertheonenortheothercanfindrestindeed.Thisisthenaturalcaseofallmen.Andtosoulsthuslabouring,andladen,JesusChristherecalls,thattheymay"cometohim,andhewillgivethemrest";namely,arestfortheirconsciences,underthecovertofhisblood;andaresttotheirhearts,intheenjoymentofGodthroughhim.

ThisismostagreeabletotheScripturephraseology,(Eccl10:15),"Thelabourofthefoolishwearietheveryoneofthem,becauseheknowsnothowtogotothecity."(Hab2:13),"Thepeopleshalllabourintheveryfire,andthepeopleshallwearythemselvesforveryvanity."(Isa55:2),"Whereforedoyespendyourlabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot?"Theprophetlamentsoverapeoplemoreinsensiblethantheoxortheass,saying,"Ah,sinfulnation!apeopleladenwithiniquity,"(Isa1:3,4).Andtheapostlespeaksof"sillywomenladenwithsins,ledawaywithdiverslusts,everlearning,andneverabletocometotheknowledgeofthetruth,"(2Tim3:6,7).

[Back][3]Namely,inrespectoftheguiltofeternalwrath.

[Back][4]Namely,tobeanypartofthefountainofit,forthetimetocome:astheriversreturnuntothesea,whencetheycame,makingapartofthestorefortheirownfreshsupply;nay,itistheLordalonethatgivesandmaintainsit,asourauthorafterwardsexpressesit.

[Back][5]Fortheseweareneverfreefrominthislife.Andtruerepentance,andgospelmourningforsin,aresoconsistentwithit,thattheyflowfromit,accordingtothemeasurethereof.(Psa65:3),"Iniquitiesprevailagainstme;asforourtransgression,thoushaltpurgethemaway."(Zech12:10),"Theyshalllookuponme,whomtheyhavepierced,andtheyshallmourn."

[Back][6]Thatis,theevidence,thatthey[viz:thepeaceandjoyofbelievers]arestillinbeing[inrerumnatura]andnotquiteextinct.

[Back][7]Namely,thepureandspotlesshumannatureofChrist.

[Back][8]Yoursoul's.

[Back][9]Aloveofthanksgiving,bearingthankfulnessinitsnature.

[Back][10]Orconstrainedbytheforceofthatlove.

[Back][11]Thatis,ofGodhimselfinChrist.

Conclusion.


[Contents][Previous:GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.][Next:PartII.Dedication.]

Conclusion.

"Andnow,brethren,IcommendyoutoGodandtothewordofhisgrace,whichisabletobuildyouup,andtogiveyouaninheritanceamongallthemwhicharesanctified,"(Acts20:32).

Neo.Well,sir,atthistimeIwillsaynomore,butthatitwasahappyhourwhereinIcametoyou,andahappyconferencethatwehavehadtogether.Surely,sir,IneverknewChristbeforethisday.Oh,whatcausehaveItothanktheLordformycominghither,andmytwofriendsasameansofit!and,sir,forthepainsthatyouhavetakenwithme,IpraytheLordtorequiteyou;andsobeseechingyoutopraytheLordtoincreasemyfaith,andtohelpmyunbelief,Ihumblytakemyleaveofyou,praying,"theGodofloveandpeacetobewithyou."

Nom.Andtruly,sir,IdobelievethatIhavecausetospeakasmuchinthatcaseashehas;forthoughIhaveoutstripthiminknowledge,anditmaybealsoinstrictwalking,yetdoInowsee,thatmyactionswereneitherfromarightprinciple,nortoarightend;and,therefore,haveIbeeninnobetteraconditionthanhe.andtruly,sir,Imustneedsconfess,IneverheardsomuchofChristandthecovenantofgrace,asIhavedonethisday.1TheLordmakeitprofitabletome;andIbeseechyou,sir,prayforme.

Ant.Andtruly,sir,IamnowfullyconvincedthatIhavegoneoutoftherightway,inthatIhavenothadregardtothelaw,andtheworksthereof,asIshould;but,Godwilling,Ishallhereafter[iftheLordprolongmydays]bemorecarefulhowIleadmylife,seeingthetencommandmentsarethelawofChrist;andIbeseechyou,sir,remembermeinyourprayers.Andso,withmanythankstoyouforyourpains,Itakemyleaveofyou,beseechingthe"graceofourLordJesusChristtobewithyourspirit."Amen.

Evan."Now,theveryGodofpeacethatbroughtagainfromthedeadourLordJesus,thatgreatShepherdofthesheep,throughthebloodoftheeverlastingcovenant,makeyouperfectineverygoodwork,todohiswill,workinginyouthatwhichiswell-pleasinginhissight,throughJesusChrist;towhombegloryforeverandever.Amen."(Heb13:20,21)(John8:36),"IftheSonmakeyoufree,youshallbefreeindeed."(Gal5:1,13),"StandfastthereforeinthelibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree.Onlyusenotyourlibertyforanoccasiontotheflesh,butbyloveserveoneanother."(6:16),"Andasmanyaswalkaccordingtothisrule,peacebeuponthem,andmercy,andupontheIsraelofGod."(Matt11:25),"Ithankthee,OFather,Lordofheavenandearth,becausethouhasthidthesethingsfromthewiseandprudent,andhastrevealedthemtobabes."(1Cor15:10),"Ilabouredmoreabundantlythantheyall,yetnotI,butthegraceofGodthatwaswithme."(Psa36:11),"Letnotthefootofpridecomeagainstme."

[Contents][Previous:GodinChristtheonlytruerestforthesoul.][Next:PartII.Dedication.]

Footnotes:

[Back][1]ThisisherefitlyputintothemouthofNomista,theprevailingoflegalprinciplesandpracticesamongprofessorsbeingmuchowingtolegalpreaching;thesuccesswhereofisnottobewonderedat,sinceitisrowingwiththestreamofnature.

TheMarrowofModernDivinity-PartSecond[Contents][Previous:PartI.Conclusion.][Next:TheAuthortotheReader.]

THEMARROWOFMODERNDIVINITY.PARTSECOND.

"Weknowthatthelawisgood,ifamanuseitlawfully,"(1Tim1:8).

TOTHERIGHTHON.JOHNWARNER,LORDMAYOROFTHEMOSTRENOWNEDCITYOFLONDON.

E.F.wishethamostplentifulincreaseofspiritualwisdom,andallnecessarygracesforthedischargeofhisduty,tothegloryofGod,andthegoodofhispeople.

RIGHTHONOURABLE,

TherodofGod'sjudgmentshathbeennowlonguponus,whichwebyourmanifoldsinshaveprocured,accordingasitissaidconcerningJerusalem,(Jer4:18),"Thywayandthydoingshaveprocuredthesethingsuntothee."Andhaveweanyjustgroundtohope,thattillthecausebetakenaway,theeffectwillcease?CanweexpectthattheLordwillturnawayhisjudgments,tillweturnawayfromoursins?Andcanweturnawayfromoursinsbeforeweknowthem?Andcanwecometoknowoursinsanyotherwisethanbythelaw?Dothnotoneapostlesay,that"sinisthetransgressionofthelaw"?(1John3:4).Anddothnotanotherapostlethereforesay,that"bythelawistheknowledgeofsin"?(Rom3:20).Surely,then,atreatise,whereinisshownwhatisrequired,andwhatisforbidden,ineverycommandmentofthelaw,andsoconsequentlywhatissin,mustneedsbeforthiscause,andatthistime,veryseasonable.Butyet,alas!thatalthoughtherebeeversomanytreatiseswritten,oreversomanysermonspreacheduponthissubject,yetdotheyeitherremainwillfullyignorantoftheirsins,orelse,thoughtheyknowthem,theywillnotforegothem,butratherchoosewillfullytowallowoninthemireofiniquity,sosweetanddeararetheirsinsuntothem.Butwhat,then,musttheybesufferedtogoonwithoutrestraint?No;Godforbid.SuchpersonsasthelawandloveofGodwillnotconstrain,suchmusttheexecutionofjusticerestrain;uponsuchmustthepenaltyofthelawoftheland,beinggroundeduponGod'slaws,bebythecivilmagistrateinflicted.Andforthiscauseitisthatthekingisrequired,"Whenhesittethuponthethroneofhiskingdom,towritehimacopyofthelawofGodinabook,"

(Deut17:18).Andforthiscauseitisthatthecivilmagistrateiscalled"thekeeperofbothtables";forsaysLuther,onGalatians,p.151,"Godhathordainedmagistrates,andothersuperiors,andappointedlaws,bounds,andallcivilordinances,thatiftheycandonomore,yetatleasttheymaybindthedevil'shands,thatheragenotinhisbondslavesafterhisownlusts."Andhenceitisthattheapostle,speakingofthecivilmagistrate,says,"Ifthoudothatwhichisevil,beafraid,forhebearethnottheswordinvain,"(Rom13:4).Wherefore,RightHonourable,Godhavingcalledyoutowieldtheswordofauthorityinthemostfamouscityofthiskingdom,I,apoorinhabitantthereof,theauthoroftheensuingDialogue,have,throughtheadviceandpersuasionofsomegodlyministers,andthroughtheconsiderationofthesuitablenessofthesubjectwithourplace,beenmovedtotaketheboldnesstoofferthisworktoyourworthynameandpatronage;notthatIdoconceiveyourHonourisignorantofyourduty,noryetthatIseeyoutoneglectyourduty,foryourChristianintegrityinyourplace,andyourzealousforwardnesstoreformthingsamiss,bypunishingofevildoers,dothtomewitnessthecontrary;butrathertoencourageyourHonourtocontinueyourgodlycourseinthewaysofwell-doing,andtoadvanceforwardinpathsofpiety,beingmoreswiftinyourmotionnowtowardstheendofyourraceyouryearImean,thatsoyourMaster,Christ,mayhavecausetosayconcerningyou,asheoncedidconcerningthechurchofThyatira,"Iknowthyworks,andcharity,andservice,andfaith,andthypatience,andthyworks;andthelasttobemorethanthefirst,"(Rev2:19).Yea,andthatitalsomaybesaidconcerningyou,"Welldone,thougoodandfaithfulservant,thouhastbeenfaithfuloverafewthings,Iwillmaketheerulerovermanythings,enterthouintothejoyofthyLord,"(Matt25:21).

AndsomosthumblybeggingofyourHonourthatthesemypoorlaboursmaybeaccepted,andthatunderyourHonour'sname,theymaygoforthintotheworld,andprayingtheLordofpower,andtheGodofallgrace,tomultiplyhisSpirituponyourHonour,withalltheblessedfruitsofthesame,Itakemyleave,andrestyourHonour'smosthumbleservanttobecommanded,

E.F.

[Contents][Previous:PartI.Conclusion.][Next:TheAuthortotheReader.]

TheMarrowofModernDivinity-PartSecond[Contents][Previous:Dedication.][Next:Introduction.]

THEAUTHORTOTHEWELL-AFFECTEDREADER.

GOODREADER:

Idoconfesstherearesomanygodlyandlearnedexpositionsuponthetencommandmentsalreadyextant,thatitmayseemneedlesstoaddanymoreuntothatnumber.Nevertheless,Ipraythee,donotthinkitimpossiblebutthatGodmay,bysuchaweakinstrumentasImyselfam,showhispowerindoingsomethingmore,touchingthissubject,thanhathyetbeendone.Idoconfess,Ihavehadgoodhelpsfromthelaboursofothers,andhavemademuchusethereof,especiallyformatter,yethaveInotconfinedmydiscoursewithinthecompassofwhatIhavefoundinotherbooks,buthave,fromthewarrantofthewordofGod,takentheboldnesstoenlargeit,bothastouchingthematterandmanner,andespeciallytouchingtheapplication,whereinIhaveendeavouredtogivebothbelieversandunbelieverstheirdistinctproportion,bydistinguishingbetwixtthetencommandments,astheyarethelawofworks,havingthepromiseofeternallife,andthethreateningofeternaldeathannexedtothem,andsoapplyingthemtotheunbeliever;andastheyarethelawofChrist,havingthepromiseofeternallife,andthethreateningofeternaldeathseparatedfromthem,andsoapplyingthemtothebeliever.Ihavenotdenied,butacknowledged,yea,andproved,thatthelawofthetencommandments,trulyexpounded,istobeaperpetualruleoflifetoallmankind,yea,tobelieversthemselves;forthoughtheSpiritofJesusChristdo,accordingtohispromise,writethislawintheirhearts,astheirinwardrule,yet,inregardthatwhilsttheyliveinthisworld,itisdonebutinpart,theyhaveneedofthetencommandmentstobeuntothemasanoutwardrule:forthoughtheSpirithavebegotteninthemalovetothislaw,andwroughtinthemawillingdispositiontoyieldobediencethereunto,yethavetheyneedofthelawtobeuntothemasaglass,whereintheymayseewhatthewillofGodis,andasaruletodirectthemhowtoactuatetheirloveandwillingness,sothat,asapreciousgodlyministerofJesusChristtrulysays,theSpiritwithin,andthelawwithout,"isalampuntotheirfeet,andalightuntotheirpath,"(Psa119:105).

ButyetIdoconceive,thatexpositorsonthecommandmentsshouldnotonlyendeavourtodriveontheirdesignstothatend,andthereterminatetheirendeavours,asiftherewerenofurtherusetobemadeofthelaw,neitherin

believersnorinunbelievers;buttheyshouldaimatafurtherendanendbeyondthis,especiallyinunbelievers,andthatistodiscovertothemhowfarshorttheycomeofdoingthatwhichthelawrequireth,thatsotheymaynottakeuptheirrestinthemselves,buthastenoutofthemselvestoJesusChrist;andthatbelievers,bybeholdingtheirownimperfections,shouldtakeoccasiontohumblethemselves,andcleavethemorecloseuntohimbyfaith.

Forwhen,bywayofexposition,itisonlydeclaredwhatisrequired,andwhatisforbiddenineverycommandment,withexhortations,motives,andmeanstodothereafter,ithasbeenobservedthatdiversbothprofaneandmerecivilhonestpeople,uponthehearingorreadingofthesame,haveconcludedwiththemselves,thattheymusteitheraltertheircourseoflife,andstriveandendeavourtodomorethantheyhavedone,andbetterthantheyhavedone,orelsetheyshallneverbesaved;andhereupontheyhavetakenupaformofgodliness,inhearing,reading,andpraying,andthelike,andsohavebecomeformalprofessors,andthereinhaverested,comingfarshortofJesusChrist,yea,andbelieversthemselveshavesometimestakenoccasionthereby,toconceivethattheymustdosomethingtowardstheirownjustificationandsalvation.

WhereforeI,yetnotIbyanypowerofmyown,butbythegraceofGodthatiswithme,haveendeavourednotonlytoshowwhatisrequired,andwhatisforbiddenineverycommandment,butalsothatitisimpossibleforanyman,whetherhebeanunbelieverorabeliever,tokeepanyonecommandmentperfectly,yea,ortodoanyoneactionordutyperfectly,thatsobytheworkingofGod'sSpiritinthereadingofthesame,menmaybemoved;notonlytoturnfrombeingprofane,ormerecivilhonestmen,tobeformalprofessors,butthattheymaybedrivenoutofalltheirownworksandperformancesuntoJesusChrist,andsobecomeChristiansindeed,andthatthosewhoareChristiansindeed,maytherebybemovedtoprizeJesusChristthemore;andiftheLordshallbutbepleasedtoenableeithermyselforanyothermanorwoman,tomakethisuseofthisensuingDialogue,thenshallnotmylabourbeinvain:butmyheart'sdesireandprayertoGodshallbe,thatmanymayreceiveasmuchgoodbythe"Marrow"whichiscontainedinthissecondbone,astheysaytheyhavedonebythatwhichiscontainedinthefirst;thatsoGodmaybeglorifiedandtheirsoulsedified,andthenhaveImyreward.Onlyletmebegofthee,thatforwhatgoodthoureceivestthereby,thouwiltbegatthethroneofgraceforme,thatmyfaithmaybeincreased,andsomyloveinflamedtowardsGod,andtowardsmanforGod'ssake,andthenIamsureIshallkeepthelawmoreperfectlythanIhaveyetdone.Thewhichthatwemayalldo,thegraceofour

LordJesusChristbewithallourspirits.Amen.

ThineintheLordJesusChrist,

September21,1648.E.F.

[Contents][Previous:Dedication.][Next:Introduction.]

TheMarrowofModernDivinity-PartSecond[Contents][Previous:TheAuthortotheReader.][Next:Thesumofthefirstcommandment,&c.]

Introduction,&c.

Evangelista,aMinisteroftheGospel.Nomologista,aPrattleroftheLaw.Neophytus,aYoungChristian.

Neo.Sir,hereisourneighbourNomologista,who,asIsuppose,ismuchmistakenastouchingapointthatheandIhavehadsomeconferenceabout;andbecauseIfoundyousoreadyandwillingtoinformandinstructme,whenIcametoyouwithmyneighboursNomistaandAntinomista,Ihavepresumedtoentreathimtocomealongwithmetoyou:assuringbothmyselfandhim,thatweshallbewelcometoyou,andthatyouwillmakeitappearheisdeceived.

Evan.Youarebothofyouverykindlywelcometome,andasIhavebeenwillingtogiveyouthebestinstruction,whenyouwereformerlywithme,evenso,Godwilling,shallIbenow;wherefore,Iprayyou,letmeunderstandwhatthepointis,whereinyoudoconceiveheismistaken.

Neo.Why,sir,thisisthething:hetellsmeheispersuadedthathegoesveryneartheperfectfulfillingofthelawofGod;butIcannotbepersuadedtoit.

Evan.Whatsayyou,neighbourNomologista,areyousopersuaded?

Nom.I.Yea,indeedsir,Iamsopersuaded;forwhereasyouknowthefirstcommandmentis,"IamtheLordthyGod,thoushalthavenoneotherGodbeforemyface,"IamconfidentIhavetheonlytrueGodformyGod,andnoneother.

II.Andwhereas,thesecondcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnotmaketothyselfanygravenimage,"&c.Itellyoutruly,Idodefyallgravenimages,anddocountitagreatfollyinanyman,eithertomakethem,orworshipthem.

III.Andwhereas,thethirdcommandmentis,"ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordthyGodinvain,"itiswellknownthatIamnoswearer,neithercanIabidetohearothersswearbythenameofGod.

IV.Andwhereas,thefourthcommandmentis,"RememberthatthoukeepholytheSabbath-day,"IamsureIdoveryseldomeitherworkortravelonthatday;butdogotothechurchbothforenoonandafternoon;anddobothread,andhearthewordofGodread,whenIcomehome.

V.Andwhereas,thefifthcommandmentis,"Honourthyfatherandmother,"&c.,IthankGodIwasverycarefultodomydutytomyparentswhenIwasachild.

VI.Andwhereas,thesixthcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnotkill,"IthankGod,Ineveryetmurderedeitherman,womanorchild;andIhopeInevershall.

VII.Andwhereas,theseventhcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnotcommitadultery,"IthankGodIwasnevergiventowomen,Godhashithertokeptmefromcommittingthatsin,andsoIhopehewilldowhilstIlive.

VIII.Andwhereas,theeighthcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnotsteal,"IdonotrememberthateverItooktheworthoftwelvepenceofanyman'sgoodsinallmylife.

IX.Andwhereas,theninthcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbour,"IthankGod,Idoabhorthatsin,andwasneverguiltyofitinallmylife.

X.Andwhereas,thetenthcommandmentis,"Thoushaltnotcovet,"IthankGod,Inevercovetedanythingbutwhatwasmineown,inallmylife.

Evan.Alas!neighbourNomologista,thecommandmentsofGodhavealargerextentthanitseemsyouareawareof;foritseemsyoudoimaginethatthewholemorallawisconfinedwithinthecompassofwhatyouhavenowrepeated;asthoughtherewerenomorerequiredorforbidden,thanwhatisexpressedinthewordsofthetencommandments;asthoughGodrequirednomorebutthebareexternal,oractualperformanceofaduty:andasthoughheforbidnomorethanthebareabstinenceandgrossactingofsin.TheverysameconceitofthelawofGod,theScribesandPhariseeshad;and,thereforeitisnomarvelthoughyouimagineyoukeepallthecommandmentsevenastheydid.

Nom.Well,sir,ifIhavebeendeceived,youmaydowelltoinstructmebetter.

Evan.Ishallendeavourtodoitwithallmyheart,astheLordshallbepleasedto

enableme.AndbecauseIbegintofearthatitisnotyourcasealonetobethusignorantofthelargeextent,andthetruesenseandmeaningofthelawofGod,IalsobegintoblamemyselfforthatIhavenottakenoccasiontoexpoundthecommandmentsinmypublicministry,sinceIcameamongstyou;and,therefore,doInowresolve,bythehelpofGod,veryspeedilytofallaboutthatwork;andIhopeIshallthenmakeitappearuntoyouthatthetencommandmentsarebutanepitomeoranabridgmentofthelawofGod,andthatthefullexpositionthereofistobefoundinthebooksoftheprophetsandapostles,calledtheOldandNewTestament.

Neo.Indeed,sir,Ihavetoldhimthatwemustnotstickuponthebarewordsofanyofthetencommandments,norrestsatisfiedwiththebareliteralsense,butlabourtofindoutthefullexpositionandtruespiritualmeaningofeveryoneofthem,accordingtootherplacesofScripture.

Evan.Ifyoutoldhimso,youtoldhimthatwhichismosttrue;forhethatwouldtrulyunderstandandexpoundthecommandmentsmustdoitaccordingtothesesixrules.

First,Hemustconsiderthateverycommandmenthasbothanegativeandaffirmativepartcontainedinit;thatistosay,whereanyevilisforbidden,thecontrarygoodiscommanded;andwhereanygoodiscommanded,thecontraryevilisforbidden;for,saysUrsinus'Catechism,page329,"Thelawgiverdoesinanaffirmativecommandmentcomprehendthenegative;andcontrariwise,inanegativehecomprehendstheaffirmative."

Secondly,Hemustconsiderthatunderonegoodactioncommanded,oroneevilactionforbidden,allofthesamekindornaturearecomprehended,yea,alloccasionsandmeansleadingthereunto;accordingtothesayingofjudiciousVirel,"TheLordmindingtoforbiddiversevilsofthesamekind,hecomprehendeththemunderthenameofthegreatest."

Thirdly,HemustconsiderthatthelawofGodisspiritual,reachingtotheveryheartorsoul,andallthepowersthereof,foritchargestheunderstandingtoknowthewillofGod;itchargesthememorytoretain,andthewilltochoosethebetter,andtoleavetheworse;itchargestheaffectionstolovethethingsthataretobeloved,andtohatethethingsthataretobehated,andsobindsallthepowersofthesoultoobedience,aswellasthewords,thoughts,andgestures.

Fourthly,Hemustconsider,thatthelawofGodmustnotonlybetheruleofourobedience,butitmustalsobethereasonofit;wemustnotonlydothatwhichistherecommanded,andavoidthatwhichisthereforbidden,butwemustalsodothegood,becausetheLordrequiresit,andavoidtheevil,becausetheLordforbidsit;yea,andwemustdoallthatisdeliveredandprescribedinthelaw,forthelovewebeartoGod,theloveofGodmustbethefountain,theimpulsive,andefficientcauseofallourobediencetothelaw.

Fifthly,Hemustconsider,thatasourobediencetothelawmustarisefromarightfountain,somustitbedirectedtoarightend,andthatis,thatGodalonemaybeglorifiedbyus;forotherwiseitisnottheworshipofGod,buthypocrisy,saysUrsinus'Catechism;sothataccordingtothesayingofanothergodlywriter,thefinalcauseorendofallourobediencemustbe,God'sglory,(1Cor10:13);or,whichisallone,thatwemaypleasehim,forinseekingtopleaseGod,weglorifyhim,andthesetwothingsarealwaysco-incident.

Sixthly,Hemustconsider,thattheLorddoesnotonlytakenoticeofwhatwedoinobediencetothislaw,butalsoafterwhatmannerwedoit;andthereforewemustbecarefultodoallouractionsafterarightmanner,viz:humbly,reverently,willingly,andzealously.

Neo.Ibeseechyou,sir,ifyoucansparesomuchtime,letushavesomebriefexpositionofsome,ifnotallthetencommandmentsbeforewegohence,accordingtotheserules.

Evan.Whatsayyou,neighbourNomologista,doyoudesirethesame?

Nom.Yea,sir,withallmyheart,ifyouplease.

Evan.Well,then,althoughmyoccasionsatthistimemightjustlypleadexcuseforme;yet,seeingthatyoudobothofyoudesireit,Iwillforthepresentdispensewithallmyotherbusiness,andendeavourtoaccomplishyourdesires,accordingastheLordshallbepleasedtoenableme:andtherefore,Iprayyouunderstandandconsider,Thatinthefirstcommandmentthereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords:"Thoushalthavenoneothergodsbeforemyface."Andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords:"ButthoushalthavemeonlyforthyGod";forifwemusthavenoneotherforourGod,itimpliesstrongly,thatwemusthavetheLordforourGod.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,beginwiththeaffirmativepart,andfirsttelluswhatthe

Lordrequirethofusinthiscommandment.

[Contents][Previous:TheAuthortotheReader.][Next:Thesumofthefirstcommandment,&c.]

Thesumofthefirstcommandment,&c.

TheMarrowofModernDivinity-PartSecond

[Contents][Previous:Introduction,&c.][Next:Whereinthefirstandsecondcommandmentsdiffer,&c.]

COMMANDMENTI

Evan.Inthisfirstcommandment,"TheLordrequireththedutyofourheartsorsouls,"(Prov23:26);thatistosay,ofourunderstandings,wills,andaffections,andtheeffectsofthem.

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofourunderstandings?

Evan.ThedutyofourunderstandingsistoknowGod,(2Chron28:9).Nowtheendofknowledgeisbutthefullnessofpersuasion,evenasettledbelief,whichiscalledfaith,sothatthedutyofourunderstandingsis,sotoknowGod,astobelievehimtobeaccordingashehasrevealedhimselftousinhiswordandworks,(Heb11:6).

Neo.AndhowhastheLordrevealedhimselftousinhisword?

Evan.Why,hehasrevealedhimselftobe"mostwise,"(Rom16:27);"mostmighty,"(Deut7:21);"mosttrue,"(Deut32:4);"mostjust,"(Neh9:33);and"mostmerciful,"(Psa145:8).

Neo.Andhowhasherevealedhimselftousinhisworks?

Evan.Hehasrevealedhimselfinhisworkstobe"theCreatorofallthings,"(Exo20:11);and"thePreserverofallthings,"(Psa26:6);and"TheGovernorofallthings,"(Psa135:6);and"theGiverofeverygoodgift,"(James1:17).

Neo.AndhowmustourknowledgeofGod,andourbeliefinhim,beexpressedbytheireffects?

Evan.Wemustexpress,thatweknowandbelieveGodtobeaccordingashehasrevealedhimselfinhiswordandworks,byourrememberingandacknowledginghimwhensoeverthereisoccasionforussotodo.

As,forexample;whenwereadorhearthosejudgmentsthattheLordinhiswordhasthreatenedtobringuponusforoursins,(Deut28:16),wearetoexpressthatwedorememberandacknowledgehimtobemostmighty,true,andjust,byourfearingandtremblingthereat,(Psa119:120,Hab3:16).Andwhenwereadorhearofblessings,thattheLordinhiswordhaspromisedtobestowuponusforourobedience,(Deut28:2),thenwearetoexpress,thatwedorememberandacknowledgehimtobemoretrue,andmerciful,byourobedienceuntohim,andbyourtrustinginhim,andrelyinguponhim,(Gen32:9).Andwhenwebeholdtheexcellentframeofheavenandearth,andthecreaturescontainedtherein,thenwearetoexpress,thatwedorememberandacknowledgetheLordtobetheCreatorandMakerofthemall,byourpraisingandmagnifyinghisname,(Psa106:5,139:14).AndwhentheLorddoesactuallyinflictanyjudgmentuponus,thenwearetoexpressthatwedorememberandacknowledgehimtobetheGovernorofallthings,andmostmighty,wise,andjust,byhumblingourselvesunderhismightyhand,(1Peter5:6).Andbyjudgingourselvesworthytobedestroyed,forouriniquities,(Eze36:31).Andbybearingthepunishmentthereof,(Lev36:41),withwilling,patient,contentedsubmissiontohiswillandpleasure,(Psa39:9).AndwhentheLorddoesactuallybestowanyblessinguponus,thenwearetoexpress,thatwedoremember,andacknowledgehimtobethemostmercifulGiverofeverygoodgift,byourhumbleacknowledgingthatweareunworthyoftheleastofhismercies,(Gen32:10);and"ingivinghimthanksforallthings,"(1Thess5:18).AndthushaveIshoweduntoyouwhatisthedutyofourunderstandings.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,letus,inthenextplace,hearwhatisthedutyofourwills.

Evan.ThedutyofourwillsistochoosetheLordaloneforourportion,(Psa16:5,119:57).

Neo.AndhowmustweexpressthatwehavechosentheLordforourportion?

Evan."Byourlovinghimwithallourhearts,withalloursouls,andwithallourmight,"(Deut5:6).

Neo.AndhowmustweexpressthatwedothuslovetheLord?

Evan.WemustexpressthatwedothuslovetheLordbytheactingofourotheraffections,asbyourdesireofmostnearcommunionwithhim,(Phil1:23),andbyourdelightingmostinhim,(Psa37:4);andbyourrejoicingmostinhim,

(Phil4:4);andbyourfearingmosttooffendhim,(Matt10:28);andbyoursorrowingmostforoffendinghim,(Luke22:62);andbybeingmostzealousagainstsin,andforthegloryofGod,(Rev3:19).AndthushaveIshowedyouwhattheLordrequiresintheaffirmativepartofthiscommandment.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtothenegativepart,andshowuswhattheLordforbidsinthiscommandment.

Evan.Inthisfirstcommandmentisforbidden,"ignoranceofGod,"(Jer4:22);soalsoisunbelief,ordoubtingofthetruthofGod'sword,(Isa7:9).AndsoalsoisthewantoffearingthethreateningsofGod,(Deut28:58),andthefearingthethreateningsofmen,eithermore,orasmuchasthethreateningsofGod,(Isa51:12,13);andsoalsoisthewantoftrustinguntoorrelyinguponthepromisesofGod,(Luke12:29),andthetrustingorrelyinguponourselves,men'spromises,oranyotherthing,eithermore,orasmuchaswedouponGod,(Jer17:5,Luke12:20).AndsoalsoisthewantofacknowledgingthehandofGod,inthetimeofaffliction,(Isa26:11);andacknowledgingthattherodcansmitewithoutthehandofGod,(Job19:11);andsoalsoisthewantofhumblingourselvesbeforetheLord,(Dan5:22);andprideofheart,(Prov16:5).AndsoalsoisimpatienceanddiscontentednessunderthechastisinghandofGod,(Exo17:2);andnotreturninguntohimthatsmitethus,(Isa9:13);andsoalsoisourforgetfulnessofGodinnotacknowledginghismercifulandbountifulhandinreachingforthallgoodthingsuntousinthetimeofprosperity,(Psa78:11,Deut32:18);andsoalsoisoursacrificingtoourownnets,(Hab1:16),inascribingthecominginofourrichestoourowncare,pains,anddiligenceinourcallings,(Deut8:17);andsoalsoisunthankfulnesstotheLordforhismercies,(Rom1:21);andsoalsoisourwantoflovetoGod,(1Cor16:22);andourlovinganycreatureeithermorethanGod,orequalwithGod,(Matt10:37);andsoalsoisourwantofdesiringhispresence,(Job21:14);andourdesiringthepresenceofanycreatureeithermoreorsomuchasGod,(Prov6:25);andsoalsoisourwantofrejoicinginGod,(Deut28:47);andourrejoicingeithermore,orasmuchinanythingasinGod,(Luke10:20);andsoalsoisourwantoffearingtooffendGod,(Jer5:22);andourfearingtooffendanymortalman,eithermoreorasmuchastooffendGod,(Prov29:25);andsoalsoisourwantofsorrowandgriefforoffendingGod,(1Cor5:2);andoursorrowingmore,orasmuch,foranyworldlylossorcross,asforoursinningagainstGod,(1Thess4:15);andsoalsoisourwantofzeal,orourlukewarmnessinthecauseofGodandhistruth,(Rev3:16);andourcorrupt,blind,andindiscreetzeal,(Luke9:55).AndthushaveIshoweduntoyouwhattheLordrequires,andwhatheforbidsinthis

commandment.Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyou,tellmewhetheryouthinkyoukeepitperfectlyorno.

Nom.Sir,beforeItellyouthat,IprayyoutellmehowyouprovethattheLordinthiscommandmentrequiresalltheseduties,andforbidsallthesesins.

Evan.First,IknowthattheLordinthiscommandmentrequiresalltheseduties,becausenomancantrulyhavetheLordforhisGod,excepthehavechosenhimforhisportion;andnomancantrulychoosetheLordforhisportion,beforehetrulyknowhim;andhethatdoestrulyknowGod,doestrulybelievebothhisthreateningsandhispromises;andhethatdoestrulybelievetheLord'sthreatenings,mustneedsfearandtrembleatthem;andhethatdoesbelievetheLord'spromises,mustneedstrulylovehim,forfaithalwaysproducesandbringsforthlove;andwhosoeverdoestrulyloveGod,mustneedsdesirenearcommunionwithhim;yea,andrejoiceincommunionwithhim;yea,andfeartooffendhim;yea,andsorrowforoffendinghim;yea,andbezealousforhisglory.

Secondly,Iknowthatallthesesinsareforbiddeninthiscommandment,becausethatwhatsoeverthemind,will,andaffectionsofamanaresetupon,orcarriedafter,eithermoreorasmuchasafterGod,thatisanothergoduntohim;andtherefore,ifamanstandinfearofanycreature,orfearthelossofanycreature,eithermorethanGod,orequalwithGod,hemakesthatcreaturehisgod:andifhetrustunto,andputconfidenceinanycreature,eithermorethanGod,orequalwithGod,thatcreatureishisgod;andhenceitisthatthecovetousmaniscalledanidolater,(Eph5:5);forthathemakeshisgodhishope,andsaystothefinegold,"Thouartmyconfidence,"(Job31:24).Andifanymanbeproudofanygoodthinghehas,anddonotacknowledgeGodtobethefreegiverandbestowerofthesame,orifhebeimpatientanddiscontentedundertheLord'scorrectinghand,hemakeshimselfagod;andifamansoloveanycreatureasthathedesiresitbeingabsent,ordelightsinitbeingpresent,eithermorethanGod,orequalwithGod,thatcreatureisanothergoduntohim.Andhenceitis,thatvoluptuousmenaresaidtomaketheirbellytheirgod,(Phil3:19).Inaword,whatsoeverthemindofmaniscarriedafter,orhisheartandaffectionssetupon,eithermore,orasmuchasuponGod,thathemakeshisgod.Andthereforewemayundoubtedlyconclude,thatallthesinsbeforementioned,areforbiddeninthiscommandment.

Nom.Thenbelieveme,sir,ImustconfessthatIcomefarshortofkeepingthiscommandmentperfectly.

Evan.Yea,andsowedoallofus,Iamconfident;forhasnoteveryoneofussometimesquestionedinourhearts,whethertherebeaGodorno?andastouchingtheknowledgeofGod,maywenotallthreeofustrulysaywiththeapostle,(1Cor13:9),"Weknowinpart"?AndwhichofushassofearedandtrembledatthethreateningsofGod,andattheshakingofhisrod,asweought?Nay,havewenotfearedthefrowns,threats,andpowerofsomemortalmanmorethanthefrowns,threats,andpowerofGod?ItiswellifithavenotappearedbyourchoosingtoobeymanratherthanGod:andwhichofushassotrustedunto,andrelieduponthepromisesofGodintimeofneed,asheought?nay,havewenotrathertrusteduntoandrelieduponmenandmeans,thanuponGod?Hasitnotbeenmanifestedbyourfearingofpoverty,andwantofoutwardthings,whenfriends,trading,andmeansbegintofailus;thoughGodhassaid,"Iwillnotfailthee,norforsakethee"?(Heb13:5).AndwhichofushassohumbledourselvesunderthechasteningandcorrectinghandofGodasweought:nay,havewenotratherexpressedabundanceofpride,byourimpatienceanddiscontentedness,andwantofsubmittingtothewillofGod;andbyourquarrellingandcontendingwithhisrod?AndwhichofushassoacknowledgedGodinthetimeofprosperity,andbeensothankfuluntohimforhisblessings,asweought?Nay,havewenotratheratsuchtimesforgottenGod,andsacrificedtoourownnets,sayinginourhearts,ifnotalsowithourmouths,"Imaythankmineowndiligence,care,andpains-taking,orelseithadnotbeenwithmeasitis"?AndwhichofushathsomanifestedourlovetoGod,byourdesireofnearcommunionwithhiminhisordinances,andbyourdesiretobedissolvedandtobewithhim,asweought?Nay,havewenotratherexpressedourgreatwantoflovetohim,byourbackwardnesstoprayer,reading,andhearinghisword,andreceivingthesacrament,andbyourlittledelighttherein,andbyourunwillingnesstodie?Nay,havewenotmanifestedourgreaterlovetotheworld,byourgreaterdesiresaftertheprofits,pleasures,andhonoursoftheworld,andbyourgreaterdelightthereinthaninGod?OrwhichofushavesomanifestedourlovetoGod,byoursorrowandgriefforoffendinghim,asweought?Nay,havewenotrathermanifestedourgreaterlovetotheworld,byoursorrowingandgrievingmoreforsomeworldlylossorcross,thanforoffendingGodbyoursins?OrwhichofushavesomanifestedourlovetoGod,bybeingsozealousforhisgloryasweought?Nay,havewenotratherexpressedgreaterlovetoourselves,inbeingmorehotandfieryinourowncausethaninGod'scause?AndthushaveIendeavouredtosatisfyyourdesiresconcerningthefirstcommandment.

Neo.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedtodothelikeconcerningthesecond

commandment,andfirsttellushowthefirstandsecondcommandmentsdiffertheonefromtheother.

[Contents][Previous:Introduction,&c.][Next:Whereinthefirstandsecondcommandmentsdiffer,&c.]


[Contents]

[Previous:Thesumofthefirstcommandment,&c.]

[Next:Whereinthesecondandthirdcommandmentsdiffer,&c.]

COMMANDMENTII.

Evan.Why,asthefirstcommandmentteachesustohavethetrueGodforourGod,andnoneother;sothesecondcommandmentrequireththatweworshipthistrueGodalone,withtrueworship:andinthiscommandmentlikewise,thereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords,"Thoushaltnotmaketothyselfanygravenimage,"&c.Andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords,"Butthoushaltworshipmeonlyandpurely,accordingtomywill,revealedinmyword."

Neo.Iprayyouthen,sir,beginwiththeaffirmativepart,andtelluswhatbethemeansofGod'sworship,prescribedinhisword.

Evan.IfwelookintothewordofGod,weshallfindthattheordinarymeansandpartsofGod'sworship,areinvocationsuponthenameofGod,ministryandhearingofthewordofGod,administrationandreceivingthesacraments,withallhelpsandfurtherancestotherightperformanceofthesame.

Buttodeclarethismoreparticularly,Firstofall,prayerbothpublicandprivateisrequiredinGod'sword,asyoumaysee,(1Tim2:8,Acts2:21,22,Dan6:10).Secondly,Readingtheword,orhearingitread,bothpubliclyandprivately,isrequiredinGod'sword,asyoumaysee,(Rev1:3,Deut5:6).Thirdly,Preaching,andhearingofthewordpreached,isrequiredinthewordofGod,asyoumaysee,(2Kings4:2,1Thess2:13).Fourthly,TheadministrationandreceivingthesacramentisrequiredinthewordofGod,asyoumaysee,(Matt3:6,26:26,1Cor10:16).Fifthly,PraisingofGod,insingingofpsalms,bothpubliclyandprivately,isrequiredinthewordofGod,asyoumaysee,(Col3:16,James5:13).Sixthly,MeditationonthewordofGodisrequiredinthewordofGod,asyoumaysee,(Psa1:2,Acts17:11).Seventhly,ConferenceaboutthewordofGodisrequiredinthewordofGod,asyoumaysee,(Mal3:16).And,Lastly,Forthebetterfittingandstirringusuptotherightperformanceoftheseduties,religiousfasting,bothinpublicandinprivate,isrequiredinthewordofGod,as

youmaysee,(Joel1:14,2:15).AndsoalsoisareligiousvoworfreepromisemadetoGod,toperformsomeoutwardwork,orbodilyexerciseforsomeend,asyoumaysee,(Eccl5:3,4).AndthushaveIshownyouwhatbethemeansofGod'sworshipwhichhehastprescribedinhisword.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,thenproceedtothenegativepart,andtelluswhattheLordforbiddethinthiscommandment.

Evan.Wellthen,Iprayyouunderstand,thatinthiscommandmentisforbidden,neglectingofprayer,asyoumaysee,(Psa14:4).Andsoalsoisabsentingourselvesfromthehearingofthewordpreached,oranyotherordinanceofGod,whentheLordcallsusthereunto,asyoumaysee,(Luke14:18-20).Andsoalsoisourrejectingthesacramentofbaptism,asyoumaysee,(Luke7:30).AndsoalsoisourslightingthesacramentoftheLord'sSupper,asyoumaysee,(2Chron30:10).Andsoalsoistheslightingandomittinganyoftheotherforenamedduties,asyoumaysee,(Psa10:4,John3:31,Isa22:12-14).Andsoalsoisprayingtosaintsandangels,asyoumaysee,(Isa63:16,Rev19:10).Andsoalsoisthemakingofimagesforreligioususes,asyoumaysee,(Lev19:4).AndsoalsoistherepresentingGodbyanimage,asyoumaysee,(Exo32:8,9).AndsoalsoareallcarnalimaginationsofGodinhisworship,asyoumaysee,(Acts17:29).Andsoalsoisallwillworship,ortheworshippingofGodaccordingtoourownfancy,asyoumaysee,(1Sam9:10,13,Col2:23).AndthushaveIshownuntoyoubothwhattheLordrequireth,andwhatheforbiddethinthiscommandment,andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyou,tellmewhetheryoukeepitperfectlyorno.

Nom.Yea,sir,IampersuadedthatIgoverynearit.But,Iprayyou,sir,tellmehowyouprovethatallthesedutiesarerequired,andallthesesinsforbiddeninthiscommandment?

Evan.Fortheproofofthis,Iprayyouconsider,thattheworshippingoffalsegodsisflatlyforbiddeninthenegativepartofthiscommandment,inthesewords,"Thoushaltnotbowdownthyselftothem,norserve,norworshipthem,"(Exo20:5).AndtheworshippingofthetrueGodisimpliedandexpressedinthesewords,(Matt4:10),"ThoushaltworshiptheLordthyGod,andhimonlyshaltthouserve."

Nom.Butsir,howdoyouprovethatthesedutieswhichyouhavenamedarepartsofGod'sworship?

Evan.Foranswerhereunto,Iprayyouconsider,thattoworshipGod,istotenderupthathomageandrespectthatisduefromacreaturetoaCreator;now,inprayerwearesaidtotenderupthishomageuntohim,andtomanifestourprofessionofdependenceuponhimforallthegoodwehave,andacknowledgehimtobetheAuthorofallgood;andindeedprayerissuchagreatpartofGod'sworship,thatsometimes,inScripture,itisputforthewholeworshipofGod."HethatcallsuponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved,"(Rom10:13);thatis,hethatworshipsGodaright:(Jer10:25),"pouroutthywrathupontheheathenthatknowtheenot,andonthefamiliesthatcallnotuponthyname,"thatdonotpray,thatdonotworshipGod.

AndthathearingthewordisapartofGod'sworshipismanifest;becausethatinhearingwedomanifestourdependenceuponGod,forknowinghismind,andthewaytoeternallife,everytimewecometohearthewordofGod,ifweknowwhatwedo,wedothusmuch,weprofessthatwedependupontheLordGodfortheknowingofhismind,andthewayandruletoeternallife;andbesides,hereinwealsocometowaituponGodinthewayofordinance,tohavethatgoodconveyeduntousbywayofanordinance,beyondwhatthethingitselfisabletodo,andthereforethisisworship.AndthatthereceivingthesacramentisapartofGod'sworship,ismanifest,inthatwhenwecometoreceivetheseholysignsandseals,wecometopresentourselvesbeforeGod,andcometoGodforablessing,incommunicatinguntoussomehighergoodthanpossiblythosecreaturesthatwehavetodealwith,areableofthemselvestoconveytous;wecometoGodtohavecommunionwithhim,andthatwemighthavetheblessingofthecovenantofgraceconveyeduntousthroughthesethings:andthereforewhenwecometobeexercisedinthem,wecometoworshipGod.Thelikewemightsayoftherestofthedutiesbeforementioned,butIhopethismaysufficetosatisfyyouthattheyarepartsofGod'sworship.

Nom.But,sir,youknowthatinthiscommandmentthereisnothingexpresslyforbiddenbutthemakingandworshippingofimages,andthereforeIquestionwhetherallthoseothersinsthatyouhavenamedbelikewiseforbidden.

Evan.Butthoumustknow,thatwhentheLordcondemneththechief,orgreatestandmostevidentkindoffalseworship,namely,theworshipofGodat,orbyimages,itismanifestthatheforbidsalsotheotherkindsoffalseworship,seeingthisistheheadandfountainofalltherest;wherefore,whatsoeverworshipsareinstitutedbymenordoanywayhinderGod'strueworship,theyarecontrarytothiscommandment.

Nom.Well,sir,thoughthatthesethingsbeso,yetforallthat,IampersuadedIgoverynearthekeepingofthiscommandment;forIdoconstantlyperformthemostoftheseduties,andamnotguiltyofdoingthecontrary.

Evan.Butthoumustknow,thatfortheworshippingofGodaright,itisnotonlyrequiredthatwedothegoodwhichhecommands,andavoidtheevilwhichheforbids,butalso,thatwedoitinobediencetoGod,toshowthatweacknowledgehimalonetobethetrueGod,whohaswilledthisworshiptobethusdoneuntohim;sothat,asItoldyoubefore,thewordofGodmustnotonlybetheruleofouractions,butalsothereasonofthem:wemustdoallthingswhicharedeliveredandprescribedinthetencommandments,evenforthelovewebeartoGod,andforthedesirewehavetoworshiphim:forexceptwesodothem,wedothemnotaccordingtothesentenceandprescriptofthelaw,neitherdowepleaseGodtherein.WhereforethoughyouhaveprayedandheardthewordofGod,andreceivedthesacrament,anddonealltherestoftheforenamedduties,yea,andthoughyouhavenotdonethecontrary,yetifallthishasbeeneitherbecausethelawsofthekingdomrequireit,orinmereobediencetoanysuperior,ortogainthepraiseandesteemofmen,orifyouhaveanywaymadeyourselfyourhighestend,youhavenotobeyednorworshippedGodtherein;for,saysajudiciouswriter,"Ifanymanshallobservethesethingsinmereobediencetotheking'slaws,ortherebytopleaseholymen,andnotthroughanimmediatereverenceofthatheavenlyMajestywhohascommandedthem,thatman'sobedienceisnon-obedience;hiskeepingtheselawsisnokeepingthem";becausethemainthinghereintendedisneglected,whichisthesettingupGodinhisheart;andthatwhichismostofallabhorredispractised,viz:the"fearofGodtaughtbythepreceptsofmen,"(Isa29:13).AndtothispurposethatworthymanofGodhasthissaying,"Takeheed,sayshe,thatthepraisesofmenbenotthehighestendthatthouaimestat;forifitbe,thouworshippestmen,thoudostmakethepraiseofmentobethygod;forwhatsoeverthoudostliftupinthehighestplace,thatisthygod,whatsoeveritbe;wherefore,ifthouliftestupthepraiseofmen,andmakestthatthyend,thoumakestthatthygod,andsothouartaworshipperofmen,butnotaworshipperofGod."[Mayer'sCatechism.]

Again,sayshe,"Takeheedofmakingselfthyend.Thatis,takeheedofaimingatthineownpeace,andsatisfyingthineownconscienceintheperformanceofduties."Itistrue,sayshe,whenweperformdutiesofGod'sworship,wemaybeencouragedthereuntobytheexpectationsofgoodtoourselves,yetwemustlookhigher,wemustlookatthehonourandpraiseofGod;itisnotenoughtodoitmerelytosatisfyconscience;thymainendmustbe,thatthoumayest,bythe

performanceoftheduty,befittedtohonourthenameofGod,otherwisewedothemnotforGodbutforourselves,whichtheLordcondemns,(Zech7:5,6).Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyou,letmeaskyouonceagain,whetheryouthinkyoukeepthiscommandmentperfectlyorno.

Nom.No,believeme,sir,IdonowbegintofearIdonot.

Evan.Ifyoumakeanyquestionofit,Iwouldentreatyoutoconsiderwithyourself,whetheryouhavenotgonetothechurchontheLord'sdaytohearthewordofGod,andtoreceivethesacrament,anddootherduties,becausethelawsofthekingdomrequireit,orbecauseyourparentsormastershaverequiredit,orbecauseitisacustomtodoso,or,becauseyouconceiveittobeacreditforyoutodoso.AndIprayyoualsotoconsider,whetheryouhavenotabstainedfromworshippingofimages,andothersuchidolatrousandsuperstitiousactionswhichthePapistsuse,merelybecausethelawsofthelandwhereinyoulivedocondemnsuchthings.AndIprayyoualsoconsiderwhetheryouhavenotbeensometimeszealousinprayerinthepresenceandcompanyofothers,togaintheirpraiseandapprobation;haveyounotdesiredthattheyshouldthinkyoutobeamanofgoodgiftsandparts?Andhaveyounotinthatregardendeavouredtoenlargeyourself?Andhaveyounotsometimesperformeddutiesmerelybecauseotherwiseconsciencewouldnotletyoubequiet?Andhaveyounotsometimesfastedandprayed,andhumbledyourself,merelyorchieflyinhopesthattheLordwould,foryoursodoing,preventorremovesomejudgmentfromyou,orgrantyousomegoodthingwhichyoudesire?Now,Ibeseechyou,answermetrulyandplainly,whetheryoudonotthinkyouhavedoneso.

Nom.Yea,believeme,sir,IthinkIhave.

Evan.Thenhaveyouinallthesethingshonouredandworshippedyourparents,yourmasters,yourmagistrates,yourneighbours,yourfriends,andyourself,assomanyfalsegods,insteadofthetrueGod;andthereinhavebeenguiltyofabreachofthesecondcommandment.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtospeakofthethirdcommandment,asyouhavedoneofthefirstandsecond;andfirst,tellushowthesecondandthirdcommandmentsdiffer.

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Whereinthesecondandthirdcommandmentsdiffer,&c.


[Contents]

[Previous:Whereinthefirstandsecondcommandmentsdiffer,&c.]

[Next:Thedifferencebetweenthethirdandfourthcommandments,&c.]

COMMANDMENTIII.

Evan.Why,astheLordinthesecondcommandmentdothrequirethatweworshiphimalonebytruemeans,sodoesheinthethirdcommandmentrequirethatweusethemeansofhisworshipafterarightmanner,thatsotheymaynotbeusedinvain,(Matt15:9).Andinthiscommandmentlikewise,thereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords,"ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordthyGodinvain."Andthatis,thoushaltnotprofaneit,byusingmytitles,attributes,ordinances,works,ignorantly,irreverently,orafteraformal,superstitiousmanner.Andanaffirmativepart,includedinthesewords,"Butthoushaltsanctifymyname,"(Isa8:13);byusingmytitles,attributes,ordinances,works,andreligion,withknowledge,reverence,andafteraspiritualmanner,(John4:24).

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,beginwiththeaffirmativepart,andfirsttelluswhattheLordrequiresinthiscommandment.

Evan.TheLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatwesanctifyhisnameinourhearts,withourtongues,andinourlives,bythinking,conceiving,speaking,writing,andwalking,soasbecomestheexcellencyofhistitles,attributes,ordinances,works,andreligion.

Neo.AndhowarewetosanctifythenameoftheLordinregardtohistitles?

Evan.Bythinking,conceiving,speaking,andwritingholily,reverently,andspirituallyofhistitles,LordandGod,(Deut28:58).Andthiswedowhenwemeditateonthem,andusetheminourspeechesandwritingswithaninwardspiritualfearandtrembling,tothegloryofGodandgoodofmen,(Jer5:22).

Neo.AndhowarewetosanctifythenameoftheLord,inregardofhisattributes?

Evan.Bythinking,conceiving,speaking,andwritingholily,reverently,andspirituallyofhispower,wisdom,justice,mercy,andpatience,(Psa104:1,103:6,8).Andthiswedowhenwethink,speak,andwriteofthemafteracareful,reverent,andspiritualmanner,andapplythemtosuchgoodusesforwhichtheLordhasmadethemknown,(Psa37:30).

Neo.AndinwhichofGod'sordinancesarewetosanctifyhisname?

Evan.Ineveryoneofhisordinances,andespeciallyinthethreegreatordinances,prayer,preaching,andhearingtheword,andadministeringandreceivingthesacraments.

Neo.AndhowarewetosanctifythenameoftheLordinprayer?

Evan.InprayerwearetosanctifythenameoftheLordinourhearts,andwithourtongues,incallinguponhisnameafteraholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner;andthiswedowhenourprayersarethespeechofoursouls,andnotofourmouthsonly;andthatis,wheninprayerweliftupourheartsuntoGod,(Psa25:1);andpourthemoutuntohim,(Psa62:8);andwhenwepraywithspirit,andwithunderstandingalso,(1Cor14:15);andwithhumility,(Gen18:27,32:10,Luke18:13);andwithfervencyofspirit,(James5:16);andoutofasenseofourownwants,(James1:5)andwithaspecialfaithinthepromisesofGod,(Matt21:22).

Neo.AndhowareyouministerstosanctifythenameoftheLordinpreachinghisword?

Evan.WearetosanctifythenameoftheLordinourhearts,andwithourtongues,inpreachingafteraholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner;andthiswedowhenthewordispreached,notonlyoutwardly,bythebody,butalsoinwardlywiththeheartandsoul:whentheheartandsoulpreaches,thenistheministryoftheword,ontheminister'spart,usedafteranholyandspiritualmanner,andthatis,whenwepreachindemonstrationoftheSpirit,(1Cor2:4);andinsincerity,(2Cor2:17);andfaithfullywithoutrespectofpersons,(Deut33:9);andwithjudgmentanddiscretion,(Matt24:49);andwithauthorityandpower,(Matt7:29);andwithzealtoGod'sglory,(John7:18);andwithadesireofthepeople'ssalvation,(2Cor11:2).

Neo.AndhowarewehearerstosanctifythenameoftheLordinhearinghisword?

Evan.Inhearingitafteranholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner;andthisyoudowhenyourheartandsoulhearsthewordofGod;andthatiswhenyousetyourselvesinthepresenceofGod,(Acts10:33);andwhenyoulookupontheministerasGod'smessengerorambassador,(2Cor5:20),andsohearthewordasthewordofGod,andnotasthewordofman,(1Thess2:13);withreverenceandfear,(Isa66:2);andwithareadydesiretolearn,(Acts17:11);andwithattention,(Acts8:6);andwithalacrity,withoutwearisomenessorsleepiness,(Acts20:9).

Neo.AndhowareyouministerstosanctifythenameoftheLordinadministeringthesacraments?

Evan.Byadministeringthemafteranholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner;andthatis,whenweadministerthemwithourheartsorsouls,accordingtoChrist'sinstitution,(Matt26:26);tothefaithfulinprofessionatleast,(1Cor10:16);andwithaheartydesirethatmaybecomeprofitabletothereceivers.

Neo.AndhowarewetosanctifythenameoftheLordinreceivingthesacraments?

Evan.Thiswedowhenwerightlyandseriouslyexamineourselvesaforehand,(1Cor11);andrightlyandseriouslymindandconsiderofthesacramentalunionofthesign,andthethingsignified,anddoinourheartsperformthoseinwardactionswhicharesignifiedbytheoutwardactions.(Acts8:37,38,1Cor10:6)

Neo.AndhowarewetosanctifythenameoftheLordinregardofhisworks?

Evan.Inthinkingandspeakingofthemafterawise,reverent,andspiritualmanner;andthiswedowhenwemeditateandmakemention,inourspeechesandwritings,oftheinwardworksofGod'seternalelectionandreprobation,withwonderfuladmirationoftheunsearchabledepthsthereof,(Rom11:33,34);andwhenwemeditateinourheartsoftheworksofGod'screationandadministration,andmakementionoftheminourwordsandwritings,soasthatweacknowledgethereinhiswisdom,power,andgoodness,(Rom1:19,20,Psa19:1);andacknowledgingtheworkmanshipofGodtherein,dospeakhonourablyofthesame,(Psa139:14,Gen1:31).

Neo.AndhowarewetosanctifythenameoftheLordinregardofhisreligion?

Evan.Byholyprofessionofhistruereligion,andaconversationanswerablethereunto,tothegloryofGod,thegoodofourselvesandothers,(Matt5:16,1Peter2:12).

Neo.And,sir,arewenotalsotosanctifythenameofGodbyswearingthereby?

Evan.Yea,indeed,thatwaswellremembered;wearetosanctifythenameoftheLordinourhearts,andwithourtonguesinswearingthereby,afteraholy,religious,andspiritualmanner;andthiswedowhenthemagistraterequiresanoathofusbytheorderofjustice,thatis,notagainstpietyorcharity,(Gen43:3,1Sam24:21,22);andwhenweswearintruth,(Jer4:2);thatis,whenwearepersuadedinourconsciencethethingweswearistruth,andswearsimplyandplainly,withoutfraudordeceit,(Psa15:4,24:4);andwhenweswearinjudgment,thatis,whenweswearwithdeliberation,wellconsideringboththenatureandgreatnessofanoath,viz:thatGodistherebycalledtowitnessthetruth,andjudgeandpunishusifweswearfalsely,(Gal1:20,2Cor1:23);andwhenweswearinrighteousness,thatis,whenthethingweswearislawfulandjust,andwhenourswearingis,thatGodmaybeglorified,(Josh7:19);ourneighboursatisfied,controversiesended,(Heb6:16);ourowninnocencycleared,(Exo22:11);andourdutydischarged,(1Kings8:31).

Neo.Well,sir,nowIprayyou,proceedtothenegativepart,andtelluswhattheLordforbiddethinthiscommandment.

Evan.AstheLordintheaffirmativepartofthiscommandmentdothrequirethatwesanctifyhisnameinourhearts,withourtongues,andinourlives,bythinking,conceiving,speaking,writing,andwalking,soasbecomestheexcellencyofhistitles,attributes,ordinances,andreligion;sodothheinthenegativepartthereofforbidtheprofanationofhisname,bydoingthecontrary.

Neo.Wellthen,sir,IprayyoufirsttellushowthetitlesofGodareprofanelyabused.

Evan.Theyareprofanelyabuseddiversways;asfirst,bythinkingirreverentlyofthem,orusingtheminourcommontalk,orinourwritings,afterarash,carelessandirreverentmanner,(Psa50:22,Rom1:21);aswheninfoolishadmirationwesay,GoodGod!GoodLord!Lordhavemercyonus,whatathingisthis?andthelike;orwhenbythewayofidlewishesorimprecationswesay,"TheLordbe

myjudge!"(Gen16:5);or,IprayGodImayneverstir,ifsuchathingbenotso,andthelike;orwhenbywayofvainswearing,wemingleourspeeches,andfillupoursentenceswithneedlessoaths,as,Notso,bymyfaith!andthelike,(Matt5:34,James5:12);orwhenbywayofjesting,orafteraformalmannerwesay,Godbethanked,Godspeed,God'snamebepraised,andthelike,(2Sam23:21).

Neo.AndIprayyou,sir,howaretheattributesofGodprofanelyabused?

Evan.TheattributeofGod'spowerisprofanelyabused,eitherbycallingitintoquestion,(2Kings7:2),orbythinking,speaking,orwritingofitcarnally,carelessly,orcontemptuously,(Psa12:4,Exo5:2).AndtheattributeofGod'sprovidenceisabusedeitherbymurmuringthereatinourhearts,(Deut15:9),orbyspeakinggrudginglyagainstitunderthenameoffortuneorchance,insaying,Whatamisfortunewasthis!Whatamischancewasthat!andthelike.(Deut1:27,1Sam6:9)AndtheattributeofGod'sjusticeisprofanelyabused,eitherbythinkingorsaying,thatGodlikessinorwickedsinners,(Psa50:21,Mal3:15).AndtheattributeofGod'smercyisprofanelyabused,eitherinpresumingtosin,uponhopesthatGodwillbemerciful,orbyspeakingbaselyandcontemptuouslythereof,aswhenwesay,speakingofsometriflingthing,ItisnotworthGod-a-mercy.AndtheattributeofGod'spatienceisprofanelyabusedbythinkingorsayinguponoccasionofhisforbearancetopunishforatime,thathewillneithercallustoanaccount,norpunishusforoursins.(Rom2:4)

Neo.Now,sir,IprayyouproceedtoshowhowGod'snameisprofanelyabusedinhisordinances;andfirstofallbeginwithprayer.

Evan.God'snameisprofanelyabusedinprayer,eitherbyprayingignorantly,withoutthetrueknowledgeofGodandhiswill,(Acts17:23,Matt20:22);orwhenwepraywiththemouthonly,andnotwiththedesiresofourheartsagreeingwithourwords,(Hosea3:14,Psa78:36);andwhenwepraydrowsilyandheavilywithoutfervencyofspirit,(Matt26:41);andwhenwepraywithwanderingworldlythoughts,(Rom12:12);andwhenwepraywithanyconceitofourownworthiness,(Luke18:9,11);andwhenwepraywithoutfaithinthepromisesofGod,(James1:6).

Neo.AndhowisGod'snameprofanelyabusedinhearingorreadinghisword?

Evan.God'snameisherebyabused,whenwehearitorreadit,anddonotunderstandit,(Acts8:30);andwhenwehearitonlywiththeoutwardearsofour

bodies,andnotalsowiththeinwardearsofourheartandsoul;andthiswedowhenwereaditorhearitwithourheartsfullofwanderingthoughts,(Eze33:30);andwereadit,orhearitwithdull,drowsy,andsleepyspirits;andwheninhearingofitweratherconceiveittobethewordofamortalmanthatdeliversit;thanthewordofthegreatGodofheavenandearth,(1Thess2:13);andwhenwedonotwithourheartsbelieveeverypartandportionofthatwordwhichwereadorhear,(Heb4:2);andwhenwedonothumblyandheartilysubjectourselvestowhatwereadorhear,(2Kings22:19,Isa62:2).

Neo.AndhowistheLord'snameprofanelyabusedinreceivingthesacramentoftheLord'ssupper?

Evan.Thiswedowhenweeitherthroughwantofknowledgecannotexamineourselves,orthroughourownnegligencedonotexamineourselves,beforeweeatofthatbread,anddrinkofthatcup,(1Cor11:28);andwhenwe,intheactofreceiving,donotmindthespiritualsignificationofthesacrament,butdoeitherterminateourthoughtsintheelementsthemselves,orelsesufferthemtoroveandrunouttosomeotherobject,(Luke22:19);andwhen,afterreceiving,wedonotexamineourselveswhatcommunionwehavehadwithChristinthatordinance,norwhatvirtuewehavefoundflowingoutfromChristintoourownsouls,bymeansofthatordinance,(2Cor13:5).

Neo.AndhowisthenameoftheLordprofanelyabusedintakingofanoath?

Evan.Thiswedo,whenwecalltheLordtobeawitnessofvainandfrivolousthings,byourusualswearinginourcommontalk,(Hosea4:2,Jer23:10);andwhenwecallGodtobeawitnessofourfuriousangerandwickedpurpose,aswhenweswearwewillberevengedonsuchaman,andthelike,(1Sam14:39,25:34);andwhenwecallGodtobeawitnesstoourswearingfalsely,(Lev19:12,Zech5:4);andwhenweswearbythemass,orbyourfaith,ortroth,orbytherood,orbyanythingelsethatisnotGod,(Jer5:7,Matt5:34-37).

Neo.AndhowisthenameofGodprofanelyabusedastouchinghisworks?

Evan.Whenweeithertakenonoticeofhisworksatall,orwhenwethinkandspeakotherwiseofthemthanwehavewarrantfromhiswordtodo;aswhenwedonotspeakoftheinwardworksofGod'selectionandreprobation,andarecalledthereunto,andwhenwemurmurandcavilthereat,(Rom9:20);andwhenweeitherdonotatallmindtheworksofhiscreationandadministration,ordo

nottakeoccasiontherebytoglorifythenameofGod,(Psa19:1,Rom1:21).

Neo.AndhowisthenameofGodprofanelyabusedinrespectofhisreligion?

Evan.Whenourconversationisnotagreeabletoourprofession,(2Tim3:5);andthateitherwheninrespectofGoditisbuthypocrisy,orinrespectofmenwewalkoffensively;forifwelivescandalouslyintheprofessionofreligion,wecausethenameofGodtobeprofanedbythemthatarewithout,(Rom2:24),andbecomestumblingblockstoourweakbrethren,(Rom14:13).

Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyou,tellmewhetheryouthinkyoukeepthiscommandmentperfectlyorno.

Nom.Sir,totellyouthetruth,IhadnotthoughtthatthenameofGodhadsignifiedanymorethanhistitles,LordandGod.

Evan.Aye,butyouaretoknowthatthenameofGodinScripturesignifiesallthosethingsthatareaffirmedofGod,oranythingwhatsoeveritis,wherebytheLordmakeshimselfknowntomen.

Nom.Thenbelieveme,sir,Ihavecomefarshortofkeepingthiscommandmentperfectly,andsodoeseverymanelse,Iampersuaded.

Evan.Iamofyourmind,forwhereisthemanthathathanddothsomeditateonGod'stitles,andusetheminhisspeechesandwritings,withsuchreverence,fearandtrembling,asheought?Orwhatmanishethatcantrulysay,heneverinallhislifethoughtonthem,orusedtheminhiscommontalk,eitherrashly,carelessly,orirreverently?Iamsure,formyownpart,Icannotsayso;for,alas!inthetimeofmineignorance,Iusedmanytimestosay,bywayoffoolishadmiration,GoodLord!GoodGod!Lordhavemercyonme,whatathingsisthis?Yea,andIalsomanytimesusedtosay,IprayGodImayneverstirifsuchathingbenotso!Yea,andIhavediverstimessaid,TheLordbewithyou,andspeedyou!and,TheLord'snamebepraised!afteraformalcursorymanner,mythoughtsbeingexercisedaboutsomethingelseallthewhile.

Andwhereisthemanthathasalwaysthought,conceived,spoken,andwrittensoholily,reverently,andspiritually,oftheLord'spower,wisdom,justice,mercy,andpatience,asheought?Nay,whatmanishethatcantrulysay,heneverinallhislifecalledtheattributeoftheLord'spowerintoquestion,norevermurmuredatanyactorpassageofGod'sprovidence,noreverpresumedtosin,uponhopes

thatGodwouldbemercifuluntohim?IamsureIcannottrulysayso.

Andwherecanwefindthemanthatcantrulysay,hehasalwaysreadandheardthewordofGodafteraholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner?Nay,whereisthemanthathasnotsometimesbothhearditandreaditafteraformal,cursory,andunprofitablemanner?Isthereanymanthatcantrulysayhehasalwaysperfectlyunderstoodwhatsoeverhehasreadandheardandthathasnotsometimesheardmorewiththeoutwardearsofhisbody,thanwiththeinwardearsofhisheartandsoulandthatwasneverdullanddrowsy,ifnotsleepy,inthetimeofhearingandreadingandthathadneveraworldly,norwanderingthoughttocomeinatthattimeandthatneverhadtheleastdoubtingorquestioningthetruthofwhathehadreadorheard?Iamsure,formyownpart,Ihavebeenfaultymanyoftheseways.

Andisitpossibletofindamanthatcantrulysay,hehasalwayscalleduponthenameoftheLordafteraholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner,orhasnotrathermanytimesprayedafteracarnal,unholy,orsinfulmanner?WhereisthemanthathasalwayshadaperfectknowledgeofGodandofhiswillinprayer,andwhosehearthasalwaysgonealongwithhiswordsinprayer,andthatneverwasdrowsynorheavy,neverhadwanderingthoughtsinprayer,andthatneverhadtheleastconceitthatGodwouldgranthimanythingforhisprayer'ssake,andthatneverhadtheleastdoubtingorquestioninhisheart,whetherGodwouldgranthimthethingheaskedinprayer.Iamsure,formyownpart,Icanscarceclearmyselffromanyofthese.

Andcananymantrulysayhehasalwaysreceivedthesacramentafteraholy,reverent,andspiritualmanner?Nay,hasnoteverymanrathercausetoacknowledgethecontrary?Isthereamantobefoundthathasalwaysseriouslyandrightlyexaminedhimselfbeforehand,andthathasalways,rightly,withhisheart,performedallthoseinwardactionsthataresignifiedbytheoutward;orhasnoteverymanandwomanrathercausetoconfess,thateitherforwantofknowledge,orthroughtheirownnegligence,theyhavenotsoexaminedthemselvesastheyought,norsoactuatedtheirfaith,normindedthespiritualsignificationoftheoutwardelements,inthetimeofreceivingthesacramentastheyought,norsoexaminedthemselves,afterreceiving,whatbenefittheyhavegottotheirsoulthereby?IamsureIhavecausetoconfessallthis.

AndwhereshallwefindamanthathasalwayssanctifiedthenameoftheLordinhisheart,andwithhistongue,byswearingafteraholy,religious,andspiritual

manner;orrather,havenotmostmenthathavebeencalledtotakeanoath,profanedthenameoftheLord,eitherbyswearingignorantly,falsely,maliciously,orfromsomebaseandwickedend?AndIthinkitissomewhathardtofindamanthatneverinallhislifedidswear,eitherbyhisfaith,orbyhistroth,bythemass,orbytherood.IamsureIamnottheman;andheisararemanthatcantrulysay,hehasalwayssanctifiedthenameofGodinhisheart,andwithhistongue,byadmiringandacknowledgingthewisdom,power,andgoodnessofGodmanifestedinhisworks,foritistobefearedthatmostmendoeithertakenonoticeatalloftheworksofGod,orelsedothinkandspeakofthemotherwisethanthewordofGodwarrantsthemtodo.IamsureIamoneofthesemost.

AndheisapreciousmanthathasalwayssosanctifiedthenameoftheLord,byaholyandunblamableconversationasheought;for,alas!manyprofessorsofreligion,bytheirfruitlessandoffensivewalking,doeithercausetheenemiesofGodtospeakevilofthewayofGod,orelsedotherebycausetheirweakbrothertostumble:itiswellifIneverdidso:andthushaveIalsoendeavouredtosatisfyyourdesiresconcerningthethirdcommandment.

Neo.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedtospeakofthefourthcommandmentasyouhavedoneoftheotherthree.

[Contents]

[Previous:Whereinthefirstandsecondcommandmentsdiffer,&c.]

[Next:Thedifferencebetweenthethirdandfourthcommandments,&c.]

Thedifferencebetweenthethirdandfourthcommandments,&c.


[Contents][Previous:Whereinthesecondandthirdcommandmentsdiffer,&c.][Next:Thesumofthefifthcommandment.]

COMMANDMENTIV.

Evan.Well,then,Iprayyouconsider,thatastheLordinthethirdcommandmentdothprescribetherightmannerhowhewillbeworshipped,sodothheinthefourthcommandment,setdownthetimewhenhewillbemostsolemnlyworshipped,aftertherightmanner;andinthiscommandmentthereisanaffirmativepart,expressedinthesewords,"RemembertheSabbathdaytokeepitholy,"&c.:thatis,rememberthattheseventhdayineveryweekbesetapartfromworldlythingsandbusiness,andbeconsecratedtoGodbyholyandheavenlyemployments;andanegativepart,expressedalsointhesewords,"Initthoushaltnotdoanywork,"&c.Thatis,thoushaltnotonthatdaydoanysuchthingorworkasdothanywayhindertheefromkeepinganholyrestuntoGod.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,beginwiththeaffirmativepart,andfirsttelluswhattheLordrequiresofusinthiscommandment.

Evan.InthisfourthcommandmenttheLordrequiresthatwefinishallourworksinthespaceofsixdays,(Deut5:13),andthinkontheseventhdaybeforeitcome,andprepareforit,(Luke23:54),andriseearlyonthatdayinthemorning,(Psa92:2,Mark1:35,38,39).Yea,andtheLordrequiresthatwefitourselvesforthepublicexercisesbyprayer,reading,andmeditation,(Eccl5:1,Isa7:10);andthatwejoinwiththeministerandpeoplepubliclyassembled,withassentofmind,andfervencyofaffectioninprayer,(Acts2:42);inhearingthewordreadandpreached,(Acts13:14,15,44);insingingofPsalms,(1Cor14:15,16,Col3:16);inthesacramentofbaptism,(Luke1:58,59);andinthesacramentoftheLord'sSupper,sooftenasitshallbeadministeredinthatcongregationwhereofwearemembers,(1Cor11:26).

Thenafterwards,whenwecomehome,theLordrequiresthatweseriouslymeditateonthatportionofthewordofwhichwehaveheard,(Acts17:11),andrepeatittoourfamilies,(Deut6:7),andconferofitwithothers,iftherebe

occasion,(Luke24:14,17);andthatwecravehisblessingwhenwehavedoneallthis,(John17:17).

Neo.AndisthisallthattheLordrequiresustodoonthatday?

Evan.No;theLordalsorequiresthatwedoworksofmercyonthatday,astovisitthesick,anddothemwhatgoodwecan,(Neh8:12,Mark3:3-5),andrelievethepoorandneedy,andsuchasbeinprison,(Luke13:16),andlabourtoreconcilethosethatbeatvarianceanddiscord,(Matt5:9).

AndtheLorddothpermitustodoworksofinstantnecessityonthatday,astotraveltoplacesofGod'sworship,(2Kings4:23);tohealthediseased,(Hosea6:6,Matt12:7,12);todressfoodforthenecessarypreservationofourtemporallives,(Exo1:1);totendandfeedcattle,(Matt12:11);andsuchlike.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtothenegativepart,andtelluswhattheLordforbiddethinthiscommandment.

Evan.InthiscommandmenttheLordforbiddethidlenessorsleepingmoreontheLord'sdayinthemorning,thanisofnecessity,(Matt20:6);andhealsoforbiddethustolabourinourparticularcallings,(Exo16:28-30);andhealsoforbiddethustotalkaboutourworldlyaffairsandbusinessonthatday,(Amos8:5,Isa58:13);andhealsoforbiddethustotravelanyjourneyaboutourworldlybusinessonthatday,(Matt24:20);orkeepanyfairsormarkestonthatday,(Neh13:16,17);ortolabourinseedtimeandharvestonthatday.Inaword,theLordonthatdayforbiddethallworldlyworksandlabours,exceptworksofmercyandinstantnecessity,whichwerementionedbefore.AndthushaveIalsodeclared,bothwhattheLordrequiresandwhatheforbidsinthefourthcommandment.Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyoutellme,whetheryouthinkyoukeepitperfectlyorno.

Nom.Indeed,sir,Imustconfess,thereismorebothrequiredandforbiddeninthiscommandmentthanIwasawareof;butyetIhopeIgoveryneartheobservinganddoingofall.

Neo.But,sir,isthebareobservinganddoingofthesethingssufficientforkeepingofthiscommandmentperfectly?

Evan.Ohno!thefirstcommandmentmustbeunderstoodinalltherest,thatis,theobediencetothefirstcommandmentmustbethemotiveandfinalcauseof

ourobediencetotherestofthecommandments,otherwiseitisnottheworshipofGod,buthypocrisy,asItouchedbefore;wherefore,neighbourNomologista,thoughyouhavedoneallthedutiestheLordrequiresinthiscommandment,andavoidedallthesinswhichheforbids,yet,ifallthishasbeenfromsuchgrounds,andtosuchends,asItoldyouofintheconclusionofthesecondcommandment,andnotfortheloveyoubeartoGod,andthedesireyouhavetopleasehim,youcomeshortofkeepingthiscommandmentperfectly.

Neo.Sir,whatsoeverhedoes,IamsureIcomefarshortnotonlyinthispoint,butindiversothers;forthoughitistrue,indeed,Iamcarefultofinishallmyworldlybusinessinthespaceofsixdays,yet,alas!IdonotsoseriouslythinkonandpreparefortheseventhdayasIought;neitherdoImanytimesrisesoearlyonthatdayasIought;neitherdoIsothoroughlyfitandpreparemyselfbyprayerandotherexercisesbeforehandasIought;neitherdoIsoheartilyjoinwiththeministerandpeople,whenIcometotheassembly,asIought,butamsubjecttomanywanderingworldlythoughtsandcaresevenatthattime.AndwhenIcomehome,ifIdoeithermeditate,repeat,pray,orconfer,yet,alas!IdononeofthesewithsuchdelightorcomfortasIought;neitherhaveIbeensomindfulnorcarefultovisitthesick,andrelievethepoor,asIought:neithercanIclearmyselffrombeingguiltyofdoingmoreworldlyworksorlaboursonthatday,thantheworksofmercyandinstantnecessity.TheLordbemercifuluntome!Iprayyou,sir,proceedtospeakofthefifthcommandment,asyouhavedoneoftherest.Butfirstofall,Ipray,telluswhatismeantbyfatherandmother.

[Contents][Previous:Whereinthesecondandthirdcommandmentsdiffer,&c.][Next:Thesumofthefifthcommandment.]

Thesumofthefifthcommandment.


[Contents]

[Previous:Thedifferencebetweenthethirdandfourthcommandments,&c.]

[Next:Thesumofthesixthcommandment.]

COMMANDMENTV.

Evan.Byfatherandmotherismeant,notonlynaturalparents,butothersalsothatareoursuperiors,eitherinage,inplace,oringifts,(2Kings5:13,6:21,13:14).

Neo.AndwhydidtheLordusethenameoffatherandmothertosignifyandcomprehendallothersuperiors?

Evan.Becausethegovernmentoffathersisthefirstandmostancientofallothers;andbecausethesocietyoffatherandmotheristhatfromwhomallothersocietiesdocome.

Neo.Andarethedutiesofinferiorstowardstheirsuperiorsonlyhereintended?

Evan.No,butalsoofsuperiorstowardstheirinferiors,andofequalsamongstthemselves;sothatthegeneraldutyrequiredintheaffirmativepartofthisfifthcommandment,"Honourthyfatherandthymother,"&c.,is,thateveryman,woman,andchild,becarefultocarrythemselvesasbecomestheminregardtothatorderGodhathappointedamongstmen,andthatrelationtheyhavetoothers,eitherasinferior,superior,orequal.

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtotheparticularhandlingofthesethings;andfirsttelluswhatisthedutyofchildrentowardstheirparents.

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatchildrendoreverencetheirparents,bythinkingandesteeminghighlyofthem,(Gen31:35);andbylovingthemdearly,(Gen46:29);andbyfearingtheminregardoftheirauthorityoverthem,(Lev19:3).Andthisinwardreverentesteemofthemisto

beexpressedbytheiroutwardreverentbehaviourtowardsthem,(Gen48:12).Andthisoutwardreverentbehaviouristobeexpressedingivingthemreverenttitles,(Gen31:35),andbybowingtheirbodiesbeforethem,(1Kings2:19),andbyembracingtheirinstructions,(Prov1:8),andbysubmittingpatientlytotheircorrections,(Heb12:9),andbytheirsuccouringandrelievingofthemincaseofwantandnecessity,(Gen47:12),andbymakingtheirprayersuntoGodforthem,(1Tim2:12).

Neo.And,sir,whatbethedutiesofparentstowardstheirchildren?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdoesrequire,thatparentsbecarefultobringtheirchildren,withallconvenientspeed,indueorder,tobeadmittedintothevisiblechurchofGodbybaptism,(Luke1:59);andthatthey,accordingtotheirability,doyieldandgiveuntotheirchildrensuchcompetentfood,clothing,andothernecessaries,asarefitforthem,(Matt7:9,12,1Tim5:8).

Andthattheytrainthemupinlearning,instructtheminreligion,andendeavourtosowtheseedsofgodlinessintheirhearts,sosoonastheybeabletospeak,andhavetheuseofreasonandunderstanding,(Deut4:10,6:7,20,21).Andthattheybecarefultocheckandrebukethemwhentheydoamiss,(Prov31:2);andthattheybecarefulseasonablytocorrecttheirfaults,(Prov13:24,19:18);andthattheybecarefulintimetotraintheminsomehonestcalling,(Gen4:2);andthattheybecarefultobestowtheminmarriageinduetime,(Jer29:6,1Cor7:36,38);andthattheybecarefultolayupsomethingforthem,astheirabilitywillsuffer,(Prov19:14,2Cor12:14);andthattheybeearnestwithGodinprayer,forablessingupontheirchildren'ssoulsandbodies,(Gen48:15,16).

Neo.Andwhatbethedutiesofservantstowardstheirmasters?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatservantshaveaninward,high,andreverentesteemoftheirmasters,(Eph6:5-7);yea,andthattheyhaveintheirheartsareverentaweandfearofthem,(1Peter2:18);andthisreverenceandfeartheyaretoexpressbytheiroutwardreverentbehaviourtowardsthem,bothinwordanddeed,asbygivingthemreverenttitles,(2Kings5:23,25),andbyanhumble,submissivecountenanceandcarriage,eitherwhentheirmastersspeaktothem,ortheyspeaktotheirmasters,(Gen24:9,Acts10:7);andbyyieldingofsincere,faithful,willing,painful,andsingle-heartedservicetotheirmastersinalltheygoabout,(Col3:22,Titus2:10);andbyameekandpatientbearingofthosechecks,rebukes,andcorrectionswhichare

giventothem,orlaiduponthembytheirmasters,withoutgrudgingstomach,orsullencountenance,thoughthemasterdoitwithoutjustcause,orexceedinthemeasure,(1Peter2:18,20);andbybeingcarefultomaintaintheirmaster'sgoodname,inkeepingsecretthosehonestintentswhichhewouldnothavedisclosed;and,asmuchasmaybe,tohideandcovertheirmaster'swantsandinfirmities,notblazingthemabroad,(2Sam15:13,2Kings6:11).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofmasterstowardstheirservants?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatmastersbecarefultochooseuntothemselvesreligiousservants,(Psa101:6);andthattheydoinstructtheminreligionandthewaysofgodliness,(Gen18:19);andthattheybecarefultobringthemtothepublicexercises,(Josh24:15);andthattheydodailypraywiththemandforthem,(Jer10:24);andthattheydoyieldandgiveuntothemmeat,drink,andapparelfittingforthem,(Deut24:14,15);andthattheyseetothemthattheyfollowtheworksoftheircallingswithdiligence,(Prov31:27);andthattheybecarefultoinstructthem,andgivethemdirectiontherein,(Exo35:34);andthattheybecarefultogivethemjustreproofandcorrectionfortheirfaults,(Prov29:29,19:29);andthattheylookcarefullyuntothemwhentheyaresick,(Matt8:5,6).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofwivestowardstheirhusbands?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatwivesdocarryintheirheartsaninwardopinionandesteemfortheirhusbands,(Eph5:33);thewhichtheyaretoexpressintheirspeeches,bygivingthemreverenttitlesandterms,(1Peter3:6);andintheircountenanceandbehaviour,bytheirmodesty,shamefacedness,andsobriety,(1Tim2:9);andinbeingwillingtoyieldthemselvestobecommanded,governedanddirectedbytheirhusbandsinallthingshonestandlawful,(Gen31:4,16,17,2Kings4:22);andtheyarealsorequiredtolovetheirhusbands,(Titus2:4),andtoexpresstheirlovebytheirchastityandfaithfulnesstotheirhusbands,bothinbodyandmind,(Titus2:5,1Tim3:11);andbytheirusingthebestmeanstheycantokeeptheirhusbands'bodiesinhealth,(Gen27:9).Theyarealsorequiredtobehelpfultotheminthegovernmentofthefamily,andtobeprovidentfortheirestate,byexercisingthemselvesinsomeprofitableemployment,(Prov31:13,15,19);andtheyarealsorequiredtostiruptheirhusbandstogoodduties,andjoinwiththemintheperformanceofthem,(2Kings4:9,10);andtoprayforthem,(1Tim2:12).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofhusbandstowardstheirwives?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentrequiresthathusbandsbecarefultochoosereligiouswives,(2Cor6:14);andthattheydwellwiththemasmenofknowledge,(1Peter3:7);andthattheycleaveuntothemwithtrueloveandaffectionofheart,(Col3:19);yea,andthattheycontentthemselvesonlywiththeloveoftheirownwives,andkeepthemselvesonlytothembothinmindandbody,(Prov5:19,20);theyarealsotobecarefultomaintaintheirauthorityoverthem,(Eph5:23);andtolivecheerfullyandfamiliarlywiththem,(Prov5:19);andtobecarefultoprovideallthingsneedfulandfittingfortheirmaintenance,(1Tim5:8);andtoteach,instruct,andadmonishthem,astouchingthebestthings,(1Sam1:8);andtopraywiththemandforthem,(1Peter3:7);andtoendeavourtoreformandamendwhattheyseeamissinthem,byseasonableandlovingadmonitionandreproof,(Gen30:2);andwiselyandpatientlytobearwiththeirnaturalinfirmities,(Gal6:2).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofsubjectstowardstheirmagistrates?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatsubjectsdothinkandesteemreverentlyoftheirmagistrates,(2Sam10:16,17);andthattheycarryintheirheartsareverentaweandfearofthem,(Prov24:21);thewhichtheyaretoexpressbytheiroutwardreverentbehaviourtowardsthem,bothinwordanddeed,(2Sam9:6,8);andbyanhumble,ready,andwillingsubmittingofthemselvestotheircommands,eithertodo,ortosuffer,(1Peter2:13);andbyyieldingaloyalandsound-heartedlovetothem,innotshrinkingfromthemwhentheyhaveneed,butdefendingthemwiththeirgoods,bodies,andlives,ifoccasionrequire,(2Sam18:3,21:27);alsotheyarerequiredtomaketheirprayersuntoGodforthem,(1Tim2:12).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofmagistratestowardstheirsubjects?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatmagistratesbecarefultoestablishgoodlawsintheirkingdoms,andgoodordersamongtheirsubjects,(2Kings18:4,Rom12:17);andthattheybecarefultoseethemdulyandimpartiallyexecuted,(Jer38:4,6,Rom13:3,4);andthattheybecarefultoprovideforthepeace,safety,quietness,andoutwardwelfareoftheirsubjects,(Rom13:4,1Tim2:2),andnottooppressthemwithtaxationsandgrievances,(1Kings12:14).

Neo.Andwhatdutiesarepeopletoperformtowardstheirminister?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatthepeoplehavetheirministerinreverentaccountandestimation,(1Cor4:1);andthattheyhumblyandwillinglyyieldthemselvestobetaughtanddirectedintheirspiritualaffairsbyhim,(Heb13:17);andthattheyprayforhim,thattheLordwouldenablehimtodohisduty,(Rom15:30,31);andthattheydotheirbesttodefendhimagainstthewrongsofwickedmen,(Rom16:4);andthattheyyielduntohimdoublehonour,thatis,bothsingularlovefortheirwork'ssake,andsufficientmaintenance,bothinregardofhispersonandcalling,(1Tim5:17,18,Gal4:15).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofaministertowardsthepeople?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatministersdodiligentlyandfaithfullypreachthepurewordofGoduntotheirpeople,bothinseasonandoutofseason,(1Cor9:16,2Kings4:2);andthattheydosotrulyandplainlyexpoundthesame,thatthepeoplemayunderstandit,andthattheypourouttheirsoulstoGodinprayer,forthespiritualgoodofthepeople,(1Thess1:2);andtheygobeforethepeople,asapatternofimitationtothem,inallholinessofconversation,(Phil4:9).

Neo.Andwhatisthedutyofequals?

Evan.Why,theLordinthiscommandmentdothrequire,thatequalsregardthedignityandworthofeachother,andcarrythemselvesmodestlyonetowardsanother,andingivinghonourtoonebeforeanother,(Eph5:21,Rom12:10).Andthushavingshowedyouthedutiesrequiredinthiscommandment,Iprayyou,Nomologista,tellmewhetheryouthinkyouhavekeptitperfectlyorno.

Nom.Sir,thoughIhavenotkeptitperfectly,yetIampersuadedIhavegoneverynearit;forwhenIwasachild,Ilovedandreverencedmyparents,andwasobedientuntothem;andwhenIwasaservant,Ireverencedandfearedmymaster,anddidhimfaithfulservice;andsinceIbecameaman,Ihave,Ihope,carriedmyselfwelltowardsmywife,andtowardsmyservants;yea,anddonemydutybothtomagistratesandministers.

Evan.Aye,butImusttellyou,theLorddothnotonlyrequireyoutodothem,butalsothatyoudotheminobedienceuntohim;thatis,inconsciencetoGod'scommandment,orforhissake,evenbecauseherequiresit.Therefore,althoughyoudidyourdutytoyourparents,whenyouwereachild,andtoyourmaster

whenyouwereaservant,yetifyoudiditeitherforthepraiseofmen,orforfearoftheircorrections,ortoprocureagreaterportion,orgreaterwages,andnotbecausetheLordsays,(Eph6:4),"Children,obeyyourparentsintheLord";andbecausehesaystoservants,"Whatsoeveryoudo,doitheartily,astotheLord,andnotuntomen,"youhavenotinsodoingkeptthiscommandment;andthoughyouhavelovedyourwife,andeverywaycarriedyourselfwelltowardsher,yetifithavebeeneitherbecausesheiscomeofrichparents,orbecausesheisbeautiful,orbecauseshebroughtyouagoodportion,orbecauseshesomewayservesandpleasesyouaftertheflesh,andnotbecausetheLordsays,(Eph5:25),"Husbands,loveyourwives";youhavenotthereinkeptthiscommandment:andthoughyouhavecarriedyourselfeversowelltowardsyourservants,yetifithavebeenthattheymightpraiseyou,ortomakethemfollowyourbusinessmorediligentlyandfaithfully,andnotbecausetheLordsays,"Masters,giveuntoyourservantsthatwhichisjustandequal,"youhavenotthereinkeptthiscommandment:andthoughyouhavedoneyourdutyeversowelltowardsyourmagistrate,yetifithasbeenforfearofhiswrath,andnotforconsciencesake,viz:becausetheLordsays,"Leteverysoulbesubjectuntothehigherpowers,"youhavenotthereinkeptthiscommandment:andthoughyouhavegivenyourministerhisduemaintenance,andinvitedhimoftentoyourtable,andcarriedyourselfeversowelltowardshim,yetifithavebeenthatheorothersmightthinkyouagoodChristian,andakindman,andnotbecausetheLordsays,(Gal6:6),"Lethimthatistaughtintheword,communicateuntohimthatteacheth,inallgoodthings,"youhavenotthereinkeptthiscommandment.

Neo.Well,sir,IcannottellwhatmyneighbourNomologistahathdone,butformineownpart,Iamsure,IhavecomefarshortofdoingmydutyinanyrelationIhavehadtoothers;forwhenIwasachild,IrememberthatIwasmanytimesstubbornanddisobedienttomyparents,andvexedifImightnothavemywill,andslightedtheiradmonitions,andwasimpatientattheircorrections,andsometimesdespisedandcontemnedtheminmyheart,becauseofsomeinfirmity,especiallywhentheygrewold;neitherdidIprayforthem,asitseemsIoughttohavedone;andthetruthis,ifIdidyieldanyobediencetothematall,itwasforfearoftheircorrections,orsomesuchby-respects,andnotforconsciencetowardsGod.AndwhenIwasaservant,Ididnotthinksoreverently,noresteemsohighlyofmymasterandmistressasIshouldhavedone,butwasapttoslightanddespisethem,anddidnotyieldsuchhumble,reverent,andcheerfulobedienceasIshouldhavedone;neitherdidIpatientlyandcontentedlybeartheirchecksandrebukes,buthaddiverstimesrisingsandswellingsinmyheartagainstthem;neitherwasIsocarefultomaintaintheirgoodnameandcreditasI

oughttohavebeen;neitherdidIprayuntotheLordforthemasIoughttohavedone;andtheverytruthis,alltheobedienceandsubjectionwhichIyieldeduntothem,wasforfearoftheirreproofsandcorrections,orforthepraiseofmen,ratherthaninconsciencetotheLord'scommandment.

AndwhenIenteredintothemarriedestate,Iwasnotcarefultochooseareligiouswife;no,Iaimedatbeautymorethanpiety;andIhavenotdweltwithmywifeasamanofknowledge;no,Ihaveexpressedmuchignoranceandfollyinmycarriagetowardsher;neitherhaveIlovedhersoasahusbandoughttolovehiswife,forthoughitbetrueIhavehadmuchfondaffectiontowardsher,yetIhavehadbutlittletrueaffection,asithathbeenevidentinthatIhavebeeneasilyprovokedtoangerandwrathagainsther,andhavenotcarriedmyselfpatientlytowardsher;neitherhaveIbeencarefultomaintainmineauthorityoverher,buthavelostitbymychildishandindiscreetcarriagetowardsher;neitherhaveIlivedsocheerfullyanddelightfullywithherasIoughttohavedone,butveryheavily,discontentedly,anduncomfortablyhaveIcarriedmyselftowardsher;neitherhaveIbeencarefultoinstructandadmonishherasIought;andthoughIhavenowandthenreprovedher,yetforthemostpartithasbeeninapassion,andnotwiththespiritofmeekness,pity,andcompassion;neitherhaveIprayedforhereithersooftenorsoferventlyasIought;andwhatsoeverIhavedone,thathasbeenwelldone,Ihavebeenmovedthereunto,informertimesespecially,ratherbysomethinginher,ordonebyher,thanbythecommandmentofGod.AndsinceIbecameafatherandamaster,IhaveneitherdonemydutytomychildrennorservantsasIought,forIhavenothadsuchcare,nortakensuchpainsfortheireternalgood,asIhavedonefortheirtemporal.Ihavehadmorecare,andtakenmorepainstoprovidefoodandraimentforthem,thanIhavetoadmonish,instruct,teach,andcatechizethem;andifIhavereprovedorcorrectedthem,ithasbeenratherbecausetheyhavesomewayoffendedme,thanbecausetheyhaveoffendedGod;andtruly,Ihaveneitherprayedforthemsooften,norsoferventlyasIought.Inaword,whatsoeverIhavedonebywayofdischargingmydutytothem,Ifearme,ithasbeenratheroutofnaturalaffection,ortoavoidtheblame,andgainthegoodopinionofmen,thanoutofconsciencetotheLord'swillandcommandment.

AndifIhaveatanytimecarriedmyselfwell,ordonemydutyeithertomagistrateorminister,ithasratherbeenforfearorpraiseofmen,thanforconsciencesaketowardsGod;sofarhaveIbeenfromkeepingthiscommandmentperfectly:theLordbemercifuluntome!

Evan.Assureyourself,neighbourNeophytus,thisisnotyourcasealone,butthecaseofeverymanthathasstoodinalltheserelationstoothers,asitseemsyouhavedone,asIamconfidentanymanthattrulyknowshisheartwillconfess,yea,andanywomanthatiswellacquaintedwithherownheart,Iampersuaded,willconfess,thatshehasnothadsuchareverentesteemandopinionofherhusbandassheought,norsowillinglyyieldedherselftobecommanded,governed,anddirectedbyhimassheought,norlovedhimsotrulyassheought;norbeensohelpfultohimanywayassheought,norprayedeithersooftorsoferventlyforhimassheought;andIfearme,mostwomendoallthattheydoratherforfearoftheirhusband'sfrowns,ortogainhisfavour,thanforconsciencetotheLord'swillandcommand.

Andwhereisthemagistratethatissocarefultoestablishinhisdominionssuchgoodandwholesomelawsasheought,ortoseethemexecutedorputinpracticeasheought,orthatissocarefultoupholdandmaintainthetruthofreligionasheought,orthatissocarefultoprovideforthepeace,safety,andwelfareofhispeopleasheought?Orwhereisthemagistratethatdoesnotdowhathedoesforsomeothercause,orsomeotherend,ratherthanbecauseGodcommandsthem,ortotheendhemaypleasehim?

Andwhereistheministerthatdoeshisdutysoinhisplaceasheought?Iamsure,formineownpart,IhaveneithersodiligentlynorfaithfullypreachedthepurewordofGodasIought;norsofullynortrulyexpoundeditandappliedittomyhearersasIought;norsopouredoutmysoultoGodfortheminprayerasIought;neitherhaveIgonebeforethemasapatternofimitationinholinessoflifeandconversation,asIought:theLordbemercifultome!

Neo.Well,sir,nowIentreatyoutoproceedtospeakofthesixthcommandmentasyouhavedoneoftherest.

[Contents]

[Previous:Thedifferencebetweenthethirdandfourthcommandments,&c.]

[Next:Thesumofthesixthcommandment.]

Thesumofthesixthcommandment.


[Contents][Previous:Thesumofthefifthcommandment.][Next:Thesumoftheseventhcommandment.]

COMMANDMENTVI.

Evan.Well,then,Iprayyouconsider,thatinthesixthcommandmentthereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords:"Thoushaltdonomurder."Thatis,thoushaltneitherinheart,tongue,norhand,impeachorhurteitherthelifeofthineownsoulorbody,orthelifeofanyotherman'ssoulorbody;andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords:"Butthoushalteveryway,byallgoodmeans,seektopreservethemboth."

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,speakofthesethingsinorder,andfirsttelluswhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,astendingtothemurderingofourownsouls.

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofthemurderingofourownsouls,inthiscommandmentisforbiddenallsinningagainstGod,(Prov6:2);andsoalsoisthecarelessneglectingandwillfulrejectingofthemeansthatGodhasordainedtosalvation,(Heb2:3).

Neo.Andwhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,astendingtothemurderingofother'ssouls?

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofmurderingthesoulsofothers,inthiscommandmentisforbiddenallgivingoccasionstootherstosinagainstGod,eitherbyprovokingofthem,(1Kings21:25),orbycounsellingofthem,(2Sam16:21),orbyevilexample,(Rom14:15).

Neo.Andwhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,astendingtothemurderingofourownbodies?

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofmurderingourownbodies,inthiscommandmentisforbiddenexcessiveworldlysorrow,(1Cor7:10,Prov17:22);andsoalsoistheneglectofmeat,drink,apparel,recreation,physic,oranysuch

refreshments,(Eccl5:19,6:2);andsoalsoisexcessiveeatinganddrinking,(Prov23:29,30,Hosea7:5);andsoalsoislayingviolenthandsuponourselves,(1Sam3:14,Acts16:28).

Neo.Well,sir,nowIprayyou,telluswhatisforbiddeninthiscommandmentastendingtothemurderingofothers'bodies;and,first,whatisforbiddeninrespectoftheheart?

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofmurderingotherswithourhearts,inthiscommandmentisforbiddenallhasty,rash,andunjustanger,(Matt5:22);andsoalsoismaliceorhatred,(Lev19:18,1John3:15);andsoalsoisenvy,(Psa37:1,Prov24:1);andsoalsoisdesireofrevenge,(Lev19:18).

Neo.Andwhatisforbiddeninrespectofthetongue?

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofmurderingotherswithourtongues,inthiscommandmentareforbiddenallbitterandprovokingterms,(Eph4:31);andsoalsoareallwranglingandcontentiousspeeches,(Prov15:1);andsoalsoiscryingandunseemlyliftingupofthevoice,(Eph4:31);andsoalsoisrailingorscolding,(Prov17:19,1Peter3:19);andsoalsoareallrevilingandthreateningspeeches,(Matt5:22);andsoalsoareallmocking,scoffing,andderidingspeeches,(2Kings2:23,John19:3).

Neo.Andwhatisforbiddeninrespectofthewholebody,andmoreespeciallyofthehand?

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofmurderingotherswithourhands,inrespectoftheotherpartsofthebody,inthiscommandmentisforbiddenalldisdainful,proud,andscornfulcarriage,(Gen4:5,Prov6:17);andsoalsoareallprovokinggestures,asnoddingofthehead,gnashingwiththeteeth,andthelike,(Matt27:39,Acts7:45);andsoalsoisallfrowardandchurlishbehaviour,(1Sam25:17);andsoalsoisbrawlingandquarrelling,(Titus3:2).Andmoreespeciallyinrespectofthehandisforbiddenstrikingandwounding,(Exo21:18,22);andsoalsoisalltakingawayoflife,otherwisethanincaseofpublicjustice,justwar,andnecessarydefence,(Exo21:12,Gen9:6).

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtotheaffirmativepartofthiscommandment,andfirsttelluswhatisrequiredofusinrespectofthelifeofourownsouls.

Evan.Inrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofourownsoulsisrequireda

carefulavoidingofallsortsofsin,(Prov11:19);andsoalsoisacarefuluseofallmeansofgrace,andspirituallifeinoursouls,(1Peter2:2).

Neo.Andwhatisrequiredofusinrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofothers'souls?

Evan.Inrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofthesoulsofothers,isrequired,thataccordingtoourplaceandcalling,andaspresentoccasionisoffered,weteachandinstructotherstoknowGodandhiswill,(Gen18:19,Deut6:7);andsoalsothatwedoourbesttocomfortothersthatareindistressofconscience,(1Thess5:14),andthatweprayforthewelfareandcomfortofothers'souls,(Gen43:29);andthatwegiveothersgoodexamplesbyourChristian-likewalking,(Matt5:16).

Neo.Andwhatisrequiredofusinrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofourownbodies?

Evan.Inrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofourownbodies,isrequiredinthiscommandment,thatwebecarefultoprocureuntoourselvestheuseofwholesomefood,clothing,andlodging,andphysic,whenthereisoccasion,(1Tim5:23,Eccl10:17,2Kings20:7);andalsothatweusehonestandlawfulmirth,rejoicinginanholymanner,(Prov17:22,Eccl3:4).

Neo.Andwhatisrequiredofusinrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofthebodiesofothers?

Evan.Inrespectofthepreservationofthelifeofthebodiesofothers,inthiscommandmentisrequiredakindandlovingdisposition,withtendernessofhearttowardsthem,(Eph4:31,32):andsoalsoisapatientbearingofwrongsandinjuries,(Col3:12,13);andsoalsoisthetakingofallthingsinthebestsense,(1Cor13:5,7);andsoalsoistheavoidingofalloccasionsofstrife,andpartingwithourownrightsometimesforpeacesake,(Gen13:8,9);andsoalsoareallsuchlooksandgesturesofthebodyasdoexpressmeeknessandkindness,(Gen33:10),andsoalsoistherelievingthepoorandneedy,(Job31:16);andsoalsoisthevisitingofthesick,(Matt25:36).Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyoutellme,whetheryouthinkyoukeepthiscommandmentperfectlyorno.

Nom.No,indeed,sir,IdonotthinkIkeepitperfectly,noranymanelse,asyouhaveexpoundedit.

Evan.Assureyourself,neighbourNomologista,thatIhaveexpoundeditaccordingtothemindandwillofGodrevealedinhisword,foryouseeIhaveprovedallbyScripture:Itoldyouatthebeginning,thatthelawisspiritualandbindstheveryheartandsoultoobedience;andthatunderoneviceexpresslyforbidden,allofthesamekind,withalloccasionsandmeansleadingthereunto,arelikewiseforbidden;andaccordingtotheseruleshaveIexpoundedit.Wherefore,Iprayyou,consider,thatsomanysinsasyouhavecommitted,andsomanytimesasyouhavecarelesslyneglected,andwillfullyrejectedthemeansofsalvation,somanywoundsyouhavegivenyourownsoul.

Andsomanytimesasyouhavegivenoccasiontootherstosin,somanywoundsyouhavegiventotheirsouls.

Andsomanyfitsofworldlysorrowasyouhavehad,andsomanytimesasyouhaveneglectedthemoderateuseeitherofmeat,drink,apparel,recreation,orphysic,whenneedhathrequired,somanywoundshaveyougivenyourownbody.

Andsomanytimesasyouhavebeeneitherunadvisedlyangrywithany,orhaveborneanymaliceorhatredtowardsany,orhavesecretlyinyourheartwishedeviluntoany,orborneenvyinyourhearttowardsany,ordesiredtoberevengeduponany,thenhaveyoubeenguiltyofmurderingtheminyourheart.Andifyouhavegivenothersanywranglingandcontentiousspeeches,oranyrevilingandthreateningspeeches,orhavecarriedyourselffrowardlyandchurlishlytowardsothers,andhavenotborneinjuriesandwrongspatiently,andexpressedpityandcompassiontowardsothers,thenhaveyoubeenguiltyofmurderingthemwithyourtongue.Andifyouhavequarrelledwithanyman,orstrickenorwoundedanyman,thenhaveyoumurderedthemwithyourhand,thoughyouhavenottakenawaytheirlives.AndthushaveIendeavouredtosatisfyyourdesiresconcerningthesixthcommandment.

Neo.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedtospeakoftheseventhcommandmentasyouhavedoneoftherest.

[Contents][Previous:Thesumofthefifthcommandment.][Next:Thesumoftheseventhcommandment.]

Thesumoftheseventhcommandment.


[Contents][Previous:Thesumofthesixthcommandment.][Next:Thesumoftheeighthcommandment.]

COMMANDMENTVII.

Evan.Well,then,Iprayyou,considerthatintheseventhcommandmentthereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords,"Thoushaltnotcommitadultery";thatis,thoughshaltnotthink,will,speak,ordoanythingwherebythineownchastityorthechastityofothers,maybehurtorhindered.Andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords,"Butthoushalteveryway,andbyallgoodmeans,preserveandkeepthesame."

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,beginwiththenegativepart,andfirsttelluswhatisthatinwarduncleannessthatisforbiddeninthiscommandment.

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyoftheinwarduncleannessoftheheart,inthiscommandmentareforbiddenallfilthyimaginations,unchastethoughts,andinwarddesiresandmotionsofthehearttouncleanness,(Matt5:28,Col3:5);withallcausesandoccasionsofstirringupandnourishingoftheseintheheart.

Neo.Andwhatarethecausesandoccasionsofstirringupandnourishingthesethingsintheheartwhichwearetoavoid?

Evan.Thatwemaynotstirupandnourishinwarduncleannessinourhearts,isforbiddeninthiscommandmentgluttony,orexcessineatingandpamperingofthebellywithmeats,(Jer5:8);andsoalsoisdrunkenness,orexcessindrinking,(Prov23:30,31,33);andsoalsoisidleness,(2Sam11:12);andsoalsoisthewearingoflascivious,garish,andnewfangledattire,(Prov7:10,1Tim2:9);andsoalsoiskeepingcompanywithlascivious,wanton,andfleshlypersons,(Gen39:10);andsoalsoisimmodest,unchaste,andfilthyspeaking,(Eph4:29);andsoalsoisidleandcuriouslookingofmenonwomen,orwomenonmen,(Gen6:2,39:7);andsoalsoisthebeholdingoflovematters,andlightbehaviourofmenandwomenrepresentedinstageplays,(Eze23:14,Eph5:3,4);andsoalsoisimmoderateandwantondancingofmenandwomentogether,(Job21:11,12,

Mark6:21,22);andsoalsoiswantonkissingandembracing,withallunchastetouchinganddalliance,(Prov7:13).

Neo.Andwhatisthatoutwardactualuncleannesswhichisforbiddeninthiscommandment?

Evan.Theactualuncleannessforbiddeninthiscommandmentisfornication,whichisafleshlydefilementofthebody,committedbetweenmanandwoman,beingbothofthemsingleandunmarriedpersons,(1Cor10:8);andsoalsoisadultery,whichisadefilementofthebody,committedbetweenmanandwoman,beingeitheroneorbothofthemmarriedpersons,oratleastcontracted,(1Cor6:9,18,Hosea13:4).

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtotheaffirmativepart,andtelluswhattheLordrequiresinthiscommandment.

Evan.TheLordinthiscommandmentrequirespurityofheart,(1Thess4:5);andhealsorequiresspeechessavouringofsobrietyandchastity,(Col4:6,Gen4:1);andhealsorequiresthatwekeepoureyesfrombeholdingvanityandlustfulobjects,(Psa119:37,Job31:1);andhealsorequiresthatwebetemperateinourdiet,inoursleep,andinourrecreations,(Luke21:34);andhealsorequiresthatwepossessourvesselsinholinessandhonour,(1Thess4:9);andifwehavenotthegiftofchastity,herequiresthatwetakethebenefitofholymarriage,(1Cor7:29);andthatthemanandwifedointhatestaterenderduebenevolenceeachtowardstheother,(1Cor7:5).ThushaveIalsoendeavouredtosatisfyyourdesiresconcerningtheseventhcommandment;andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyoutellmewhetheryouthinkyoukeepitperfectlyorno.

Nom.Sir,IthanktheLordIamfreefromactualuncleanness,sothatIamneitherfornicatornoradulterer.

Evan.Well,butthoughyoubefreefromtheoutwardact,yetifyouhavehadinyourheartfilthyimaginations,unchastethoughts,orinwarddesires,ormotionsofthehearttouncleanness,youhavenotwithstandingtransgressedthiscommandment;orifyouhavebeenguiltyofgluttony,ordrunkenness,oridleness,ordelighttokeepcompanywithlasciviousandwantonpersons,orhavewithyourtongueutteredanyunchasteorcorruptcommunication,orhavebeenafrequenterofstageplays,orhaveusedimmoderatedancingwithwomen,orhaveusedwantondalliancewithkissingandembracing,thenhaveyou

brokenthiscommandment.

Neo.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedtospeakoftheeighthcommandment,asyouhavedoneoftherest.

[Contents][Previous:Thesumofthesixthcommandment.][Next:Thesumoftheeighthcommandment.]

Thesumoftheeighthcommandment.


[Contents][Previous:Thesumoftheseventhcommandment.][Next:Thesumoftheninthcommandment.]

COMMANDMENTVIII.

Evan.Well,then,Iprayyouconsider,thatintheeighthcommandmentthereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords,"Thoushaltnotsteal";thatis,thoughshaltbynounlawfulwayormeanshurtorhinderthewealthandoutwardestateeitherofthyselforothers:andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords,"Butthoushaltbyallgoodmeanspreserveandfurtherthemboth."

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,beginwiththenegativepart,andfirsttelluswhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,asahurtorhindranceofourownoutwardestate.

Evan.Thatwemaynothurtorhinderourownoutwardestate,inthiscommandmentareforbiddenidleness,sloth,andinordinatewalking,(Prov18:9,2Thess3:11);andsoalsoareunthriftinessandcarelessness,eitherinspendingourgoods,orinorderingouraffairsandbusinesses,(Prov21:17,1Tim5:8);andsoalsoisunadvisedsuretyship,(Prov11:15).

Neo.Andwhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,astendingtothehurtorhindranceofourneighbour'sestate?

Evan.Thatwemaynothurtorhinderourneighbour'soutwardestate,inthiscommandmentisforbiddencovetousnessanddiscontentednesswithourestate,(Heb13:5);andsoalsoisenviousnessattheprosperityofothers,(Prov24:1);andsoalsoareresolutionsorhasteningtoberich,asitwere,whethertheLordaffordedmeansornot,(1Tim6:9,Prov28:20);andsoalsoisborrowingandnotpayingagain,webeingable,(Psa37:21);andsoalsoislendinguponusury,(Exo22:25);andsoalsoisthenotrestoringofthingsborrowed,(Psa37:21);andsoalsoiscrueltyinrequiringallourdebts,withoutcompassionormercy,(Isa58:3);andsoalsoisthepraisingofanycommoditywesell,contrarytoourownknowledge,orthedebasingofanythingwebuy,againstourownconscience,(Isa

5:20,Prov20:14);andsoalsoisthehoardingup,orwithholdingthesellingofcornandothernecessarycommoditieswhenwemaysparethem,andothershaveneedofthem,(Prov11:26);andsoalsoistheretainingofhireling'swages,(James5:4);andsoalsoisuncharitableinclosure,(Isa5:8);andsoalsoisthesellingofanycommoditybyfalseweightsorfalsemeasures,(Lev19:35):andsoalsoistheconcealingofthingsfound,andwithholdingthemfromtherightownerswhentheyareknown;andsoalsoisrobbery,orthelayingofviolentandstronghandsonanypartofthewealththatbelongsuntoanother,(Zech4:3,4);andsoalsoispilferingandsecretcarryingawayofthewealththatbelongstoanother,(Josh7:21);andsoalsoistheconsentingtothetakingawaythegoodsofanother,(Psa90:18);andsoalsoisthereceivingorharbouringofstolengoods,(Prov29:24).

Neo.Well,now,sir,Iprayyouproceedtotheaffirmativepartofthiscommandment,andtelluswhattheLordthereinrequires.

Evan.InthiscommandmentisrequiredcontentednessofmindwiththatpartandportionofwealthandoutwardgoodthingswhichGod,inhisprovidence,hasallotteduntous,(Heb13:5,1Tim6:6-8);andsoalsoinrestingbyfaithuponthepromiseofGod,anddependinguponhisprovidence,withoutdistrustfulcare,(Matt6:20,26);andsoalsoisamoderatedesireofsuchthingsasareconvenientandnecessaryforus,(Matt6:21,Prov30:8);andsoalsoisamoderatecaretoprovidethosethingswhichareneedfulforus,(Gen30:30,1Tim5:8);andsoalsoisanhonestcalling,(Gen4:2);andsoalsoisdiligence,painfulness,andfaithfullabouringtherein,(Gen3:19);andsoalsoisfrugalityorthriftiness,(Prov27:23,24,John6:12);andsoalsoisborrowingforneedandgoodends,whatweareabletorepay,andmakingpaymentwiththanksandcheerfulness,(Exo22:14);andsoalsoislendingfreelywithoutcompoundingforgain,(Deut15:8,Luke6:35);andsoalsoisgiving,orcommunicatingoutwardthingsuntoothers,accordingtoourabilityandtheirnecessity,(Luke11:41);andsoalsoistheusingoftruth,simplicity,andplainnessinbuyingandselling,inhiringandletting,(Lev25:14,Deut25:13-15);andsoalsoistherestoringofthingsfound,(Deut22:2,3);andsoalsoistherestoringofthingscommittedtoourtrust,(Eze18:7).AndthushaveIendeavouredtosatisfyyourdesireconcerningtheeighthcommandment;andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyou,tellmewhetheryouthinkyoukeepitperfectlyornot.

Nom.Icansaythistruly,thatIneverinallmylifetookaway,orconsentedtothetakingaway,ofsomuchasapenny-worthofanyotherman'sgoods.

Evan.Thoughyoudidnot,yetifthereeverhavebeeninyourheartanydiscontentednesswithyourownestate,oranyenviousthoughtstowardsothersinregardoftheirprosperityintheworld,oranyresolutiontoberich,otherwisethanbythemoderateuseoflawfulmeans,orifeveryouborrowedandpaidnotagain,totheutmostofyourability,orifeveryoulentuponusury,orifeveryoudidcruellyrequireanydebtabovetheabilityofyourdebtor,orifeveryoupraisedanythingyouhadtosellabovetheknownworthofit,orifeveryoudidundervalueanythingyouweretobuy,contrarytoyourownthoughtsofit,orifeveryouhoardedupcorninthetimeofdearth,orifeveryouretainedthehireling'swagesinyourhands,tohislossorhindrance,orifeveryoudidsellanycommoditybyfalseweightsormeasures,orifeveryoudidconcealanythingfoundfromtherightowner,whenyouknewhim;thenhaveyoubeenguiltyoftheft,andsohavebeenatransgressorofthiscommandment.

Andthoughyouneverhavedoneanyofthesethings,anditisstrangeifyouhavenot,yetifeveryouwereguiltyofidleness,sloth,oranywayunwarrantablyneglectedyourcalling,orifeveryoudidunthriftilymisspendanyofyourowngoods,oreverwerenegligentandcarelessinorderingyourownaffairsandbusiness,orifeveryousustainedanylossbyyourunadvisedsuretyship,orifeveryouborroweduponusury,exceptincaseofextremenecessity,thenhaveyoubeenguiltyofrobbingyourself,andsohavebeenatransgressorofthiscommandment.

Neo.Now,Iprayyou,sir,proceedtospeakoftheninthcommandment,asyouhavedoneoftherest.

[Contents][Previous:Thesumoftheseventhcommandment.][Next:Thesumoftheninthcommandment.]

Thesumoftheninthcommandment.


[Contents][Previous:Thesumoftheeighthcommandment.][Next:Thesumofthetenthcommandment.]

COMMANDMENTIX.

Evan.Well,thenIprayyouconsider,thatintheninthcommandmentthereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords:"Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbour";thatis,thoushaltnotthinkorspeakanythingcontrarytotruth,orthatmaytendtothehurtorhindranceeitherofthineownorthyneighbour'sgoodname.Andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords:"Butthoushaltbyallgoodmeansseektomaintainthemboth,accordingtotruthandagoodconscience."

Neo.Well,sir,Iprayyou,beginwiththenegativepart;andfirsttelluswhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,inrespectofourowngoodname.

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofbearingfalsewitnessagainstourselves,eitherbyovervaluingorundervaluingourselves,inthiscommandmentisforbiddentoohighaconceitoresteemofourselves,(Luke18:9-11);andsoalsoistoomeanaconceit,inunderweeningthegoodthingsthatareinourselves,(Exo4:10,13);andsoalsoistheprocuringofourselvesanevilname,bywalkingindiscreetlyandoffensively,(Rom2:24);andsoalsoistheunjustaccusingofourselves,whenwe,inawayofproudhumility,say,"Wehavenograce,nowit,nowealth,"&c.(Prov13:7);andsoalsoistheexcusingofourfaultsbywayoflying,(Lev19:11).

Neo.Andwhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment,inrespecttoourneighbour'sgoodname?

Evan.Thatwemaynotbeguiltyofbearingfalsewitnessagainstanyotherman,inthiscommandmentisforbiddencontemningorthinkingbaselyofothers,(2Sam6:16);andsoalsoiswrongfulsuspicion,orevilsurmising,(2Sam10:3);andsoalsoisrash,uncharitable,unjustjudgingandcondemningofothers,(Matt7:1);andsoalsoisfoolishadmiringofothers,(Acts12:22);andsoalsoisthe

unjustrevivingthememoryofourneighbour'scrimes,whichwereintractoftimeforgotten,(Prov17:9);andsoalsoistheforbearingtospeakinthecauseandforthecreditofourneighbours,(Prov31:8,9):andsoalsoareallflatteringspeeches,(Job32:21,22):andsoalsoistale-bearing,backbiting,andslanderousspeeches,(Lev19:16,Prov20:19);andsoalsoislisteningtotale-bearers,(Prov26:20,25:23);andsoalsoisfalselychargingsomeilluponanotherbeforesomemagistrate,orinsomeopencourt,(Amos7:10,Acts25:2).

Neo.Iprayyou,sir,proceedtotheaffirmativepartofthiscommandment,andfirsttelluswhattheLordrequiresofusforthemaintenanceofourowngoodname.

Evan.Forthemaintenanceofourowngoodname,theLordinthiscommandmentrequiresarightjudgmentofourselves,(2Cor13:5);withaloveto,andcareofourowngoodname,(Prov22:1).

Neo.AndwhatdoestheLordinthiscommandmentrequireofusforthemaintenanceofourneighbour'sgoodname?

Evan.Forthemaintenanceofourneighbour'sgoodname,inthiscommandmentisrequiredacharitableopinionandestimationofothers,(1Cor13:7);andsoalsoisadesireof,andrejoicinginthegoodnameofothers,(Rom1:8,Gal1:24);andsoalsoissorrowingandgrievingfortheirinfirmities,(Psa119:136);andsoalsoisthecoveringofothers'infirmitiesinlove,(Prov17:9,1Peter4:8);andsoalsoisthehopingandjudgingthebestofothers,(1Cor13:5-7);andsoistheadmonishingofothersbeforewebewraytheirfaults,(Prov25:9);andsoalsoisspeakingofthetruthfromourheartsimplyandplainly,uponanyjustoccasion,(Psa15:2,Zech7:16);andsoalsoisthegivingofsoundandseasonablereproofsforknownfaults,inloveandwithwisdom,(Lev19:17);andsoalsoisthepraisingandcommendingofthosethatdowell,(Rev2:23);andsoalsoisthedefendingofthegoodnameofothers,ifneedsorequire.AndthushaveIalsoendeavouredtosatisfyyourdesiresconcerningtheninthcommandment:andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyou,tellmewhetheryouthinkyoukeepitperfectlyornot.

Nom.Thetruthis,sir,Ididconceivethatnothingtendedtothebreakingofthiscommandment,butfalselychargingsomeilluponanotherbeforesomemagistrate,orinsomeopencourtofjustice:andthat,thankGod,Iamnotguiltyof.

Evan.Thoughyouhavenotbeenguiltyofthat,yet,ifyouhavecontemnedorthoughttoobaselyofanyperson,orhavehadwrongfulsuspicions,orevilsurmisingsconcerningthem,orhaverashlyandunjustlyjudgedandcondemnedthem,orifyouhavefoolishlyadmiredthem,orunjustlyrevivedthememoryofanyforgottencrime,orhavegiventhemanyflatteringspeeches,orhavebeenatale-bearer,orabackbiter,oraslanderer,oralistenertotale-bearers,youhavebornefalsewitnessagainstyourneighbour,andsohavebeenguiltyofthebreachofthiscommandment.

Orifyouhavenothadacharitableopinionofothers,orhavenotdesiredandrejoicedinthegoodnameofothers,orhavenotsorrowedandgrievedfortheirsinfulinfirmities,orhavenotcoveredtheminlove,orhavenothopedandjudgedthebestofthem,orhavenotadmonishedthembeforeyouhaddiscoveredtheirfaultstoothers,orhavenotgiventootherssoundandseasonablereproof,orhavenotpraisedthemthatdowell,thenhaveyoualsobeenguiltyoffalsewitness-bearingagainstyourneighbour,andsohavetransgressedthiscommandment.Andthoughyouneverhavedoneanyofthesethings,anditisstrangeifyouhavenot,yetifyouhavehadtoohighaconceitofyourself,orhaveafteraproudhumblemannerunjustlyaccusedyourself,orhaveprocuredyourselfanevilname,bywalkingindiscreetlyandoffensively,orhaveexcusedanyfaultbywayoflying,thenhaveyoubornefalsewitnessagainstyourself,andtherebyhavetransgressedthiscommandment.

Neo.Ibeseechyou,sir,proceedtospeakofthelastcommandmentasyouhavedoneoftherest.

[Contents][Previous:Thesumoftheeighthcommandment.][Next:Thesumofthetenthcommandment.]

Thesumofthetenthcommandment.


[Contents][Previous:Thesumoftheninthcommandment.][Next:Theuseofthelaw.]

COMMANDMENTX.

Evan.Well,then,Iprayyouconsider,thatinthetenthcommandmentthereisanegativepartexpressedinthesewords,"Thoushaltnotcovet,"&c.:thatis,thoushaltnotinwardlythinkon,norlongafter,thatwhichbelongstoanother,thoughitbewithoutconsentofwill,orpurposeofhearttoseekafterit;andanaffirmativepartincludedinthesewords,"Butthoushaltbewellcontentedwiththineownoutwardcondition,andheartilydesirethegoodofthyneighbours."

Neo.Well,sir,Iprayyou,beginwiththenegativepart;andfirsttelluswhattheLordforbidsinthiscommandment.

Evan.Iprayyoutakenotice,andconsider,thatthistenthcommandmentwasgiventobearuleandlevel,accordingtothewhichwemusttakeandmeasureourinwardobediencetoalltheothercommandmentscontainedinthesecondtableofGod'slaw.FortheLawgiverhaving,intherestofthecommandments,dealtwiththosesinsespeciallywhichstandindeeds,andaredoneofpurpose,orwithanadvisedconsentofwill,althoughthereisnodoubtbutthatthelawofrestrainingconcupiscenceisimpliedandincludedinalltheformercommandments;now,lastofall,inthislastcommandmentdealswiththosesinswhicharecalledonlyconcupiscences,anddocontainallinwardstirringandconceitintheunderstandingandaffectionsagainsteverycommandmentofthelaw,andare,asitwere,riversboilingoutofthefountainofthatoriginalsin;fortocovet,inthisplace,signifiestohaveamotionoftheheartwithoutanysettledconsentofwill.Briefly,then,inthiscommandmentisforbidden,notonlytheevilactandevilthoughtsettled,andwithfullanddeliberateconsentofwill,asintheformercommandments,butherealsoisforbiddentheveryfirstmotionsandinclinationstoeveryevilthatisforbiddeninanyoftheformercommandments,asitisevident,(Rom7:7,13:9);foritisnotsaidinthiscommandment,Thoushaltnotconsenttolust,but"Thoushaltnotlust."Itdoesnotonlycommandthebindingoflust,butitalsoforbidsthebeingoflust;which

beingso,whoseesnotthatinthiscommandmentiscontainedtheperfectobediencetothewholelaw?forhowcomesittopass,thatwesinagainsteverycommandment,butbecausethiscorruptconcupiscenceisinus,withoutwhichweshouldofourownaccord,withourwholemindandbody,beapttodoonlygoodwithoutanythoughtordesireatalltothecontrary?AndthisisallIhavetosaytouchingthenegativepartofthiscommandment.

Neo.Well,then,sir,Iprayyoutoproceedtotheaffirmative,andtelluswhattheLordrequiresinthiscommandment.

Evan.Why,originaljusticeorrighteousnessisrequiredinthiscommandment,whichisadispositionandaninclinationandadesiretoperformuntoGod,andtoourneighbour,forGod'ssake,allthedutieswhicharecontainedbothinthefirstandsecondtableofthelaw;whenceitdoesevidentlyappear,thatitisnotsufficient,thoughweforbeartheevil,anddothegoodwhichiscontainedineverycommandment,exceptwedoitreadilyandwillingly,andfortheLord'ssake.Asforexample,togiveyouafewinstances,itisnotsufficientthoughweabstainfrommakingimages,orworshippingGodbyanimage;no,thoughweperformallthepartsofhistrueworship,aspraying,reading,hearing,receivingthesacraments,andthelike,ifwedoitunwillinglyorinobediencetoanylaworcommandmentofman,andnotfortheLord'ssake.NeitherisitsufficientthoughweabstainfromtheworksofourcallingsontheLord'sday,andperformneversomanyreligiousexercises,ifitbeunwillingly,andforformandcustom'ssake,orinmereobediencetoanysuperior,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughachildshowneversomuchhonour,love,andrespecttohisparents,ifhedoitbyconstraintandunwillingly,ortogainthepraiseofmen,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughaservantdohisduty,andcarryhimselfneversowell,ifitbeforfearofcorrection,orforhisownprofitandgain,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughawifecarryherselfneversodutifullyandrespectfullytowardsherhusband,bothinwordanddeed,ifitbeunwillingly,forfearofhisfrowns,ortogaintheapplauseofthemthatbeholdit,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughahusbandshowmuchloveandrespecttohiswife,ifitbebecausesheisamiableorprofitable,ortogainthepraiseofmen,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Inaword,itisnotsufficient,thoughanymanorwomandoalltheirduties,inalltheirrelations,iftheydothemmerelyfortheirownsake,andnotfortheLord'ssake.

Neitherisitsufficientthoughamanabstainfromkilling,yea,andfromstriking,

ifitbeforfearofthelaw,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughhebridlehisanger,andabstainfromexpressinganywrath,ifitbebecausehewouldbecountedapatientman,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughamanvisitthesick,clothethenaked,feedthehungry,orinneversomanywaysseektopreservethelifeofhisneighbour,ifitbeforthepraiseofmen,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughamanabstainfromcommittingadultery,ifitbeforfearoftheshameorpunishmentthatwillfollow,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Northoughwealsoabstainfromidleness,gluttony,anddrunkenness,ifitbeforourowngain'ssake,andnotfortheLord'ssake.Neitherisitsufficientthoughweabstainfromstealing,andlabourdiligentlyinourcallings,ifitbeforthefearofshameorpunishment,orforthepraiseofmen.Neitherisitsufficientthoughwehaveabstainedfromfalsewitness-bearing,andhavespokenthetruth,ifithavebeenforfearofshame,ormerelytodoourneighbouracourtesy,andnotbecausetheLordrequiresit.

ThusmightIhaveinstancedindiversotherparticulars,wherein,thoughwehavedonethatwhichisrequired,andavoidedthatwhichisforbidden,yetifithavebeenforourownends,inanyoftheparticularsbeforementioned;yea,orifithavebeenmerelyorchieflytoescapehellandtoobtainheaven,andnotforthelovewebeartoGod,andforthedesirewehavetopleasehim,wehavethereintransgressedtheLord'scommandments.Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyouconsider,whetheryouhavegoneneartothekeepingofallthecommandmentsperfectlyorno.

Nom.But,sir,areyousurethattheLordrequiresthateverymanshouldkeepallthetencommandmentsaccordingasyouhavenowexpoundedthem?

[Contents][Previous:Thesumoftheninthcommandment.][Next:Theuseofthelaw.]

Theuseofthelaw.


[Contents][Previous:Thesumofthetenthcommandment.][Next:Thedifferencebetweenthelawandthegospel.]

THEUSEOFTHELAW.

Evan.Yea,indeedhedoes;andifyoumakeanyquestionofit,Iprayyou,considerfurther,thatoneaskingourSaviour,whichisthe"greatcommandmentinthelaw?"heanswered,"ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysoul,andwithallthymind.This,"sayshe,"isthefirstandgreatcommandment;andthesecondislikeuntoit,Thoushaltlovethyneighbourasthyself,"(Matt22:37-39).

Whereupon,saysafamousspiritualexpositor,"Godwillhavethewholeheart";allthepowersofoursoulsmustbebenttowardshim,hewillhavehimselftobeacknowledgedandreckonedasoursovereignandsupremegood;ourlovetohimmustbeperfectandabsolute:herequires,thattherebenotfoundinustheleastthought,inclination,orappetiteofanythingwhichmaydispleasehim;andthatwedirectallouractionstothisveryend,thathealonemaybeglorifiedbyus;andthatforthelovewebearuntoGod,wemustdowelluntoourneighbour,accordingtothecommandmentsofGod.Consider,also,Iprayyou,thatitissaid,(Deut27:26,Gal3:10),"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Now,ifyoudoconsiderthesethingswell,youshallperceivethattheLordrequiresthateverymandokeepallthetencommandmentsperfectly,accordingasIhaveexpoundedthem,andconcludesallthoseunderthecursethatdonotsokeepthem.

Nom.Surely,sir,youdidmistakeinsayingthattheLordrequiresthateverymandokeepallthetencommandmentsperfectly;forIsupposeyouwouldhavesaid,theLordrequiresthateverymandoendeavourtokeepthemperfectly.

Evan.No,neighbourNomologista,Ididnotmistake,forIsayitagain,thattheLordrequiresofeverymanperfectobediencetoallthetencommandments,andconcludesallthoseunderthecursethatdonotyieldit;foritisnotsaid,Cursediseverymanthatdoesnotendeavourtocontinueinallthings,but"Cursedis

everyonethatcontinuethnotinallthings,"&c.

Nom.But,sir,doyouthinkthatanymancontinuesinallthings,asyouhaveexpoundedthem?

Evan.No,no;itisimpossiblethatanymanshould.

Nom.And,sir,whatisittobeunderthecurse?

Evan.Tobeunderthecurse,asLutherandPerkinsdowellagree,istobeundersin,thewrathofGod,andeverlastingdeath.

Nom.But,sir,Iprayyou,howcanthisstandwiththejusticeofGod,torequiremantodothatwhichisimpossible,andyettoconcludehimunderthecursefornotdoingit?

Evan.YoushallperceivethatitdoeswellstandwiththejusticeofGod,todealsowithman,ifyoudoconsider,thatthislawofGod,orthesetencommandments,whichwehavenowexpounded,are,asUrsinus'Catechismtrulysays,"AdoctrineagreeingwiththeeternalandimmortalwisdomandjusticethatisinGod";wherein,saysCalvin,"Godhathsopaintedouthisownnature,thatitdothinamannerexpresstheveryimageofGod."Andweread,(Gen1:27),thatmanatthefirstwascreatedintheimageorlikenessofGod;whenceitmustneedsfollowthatthislawwaswritteninhisheart,thatistosay,Goddidengraveinman'sheartsuchwisdomandknowledgeofhiswillandworks,andsuchintegrityinhissoul,andsuchafitnessinallthepowersthereof,thathismindwasabletoconceive,andhisheartwasabletodesire,andhisbodywasabletoputinexecution,anythingthatwasacceptabletoGod;sothatinverydeedhewasabletokeepallthetencommandmentsperfectly.

And,therefore,thoughGoddorequireofmanimpossiblethings,yetishenotunjust,neitherdoesheinjureusinsodoing,becausehecommandedthemwhentheywerepossible,andthoughwehavenowlostourabilityofperformance,yetitbeingbyourvoluntaryfallingfromthestateofinnocenceinwhichwewereatfirstcreated,Godhasnotlosthisrightofrequiringthatofuswhichheoncegaveus.

Nom.But,sir,youknowitwasourfirstparentsonlythatdidfallawayfromGodineatingtheforbiddenfruit,andnoneoftheirposterity;howthencanitbetrulysaid,thatwehavelostthatpowerthroughourowndefault?

Evan.Foranswertothis,Iprayyouconsider,thatAdam,byGod'sappointment,wasnottostandorfallasasinglepersononly,butasacommonpublicperson,representingallmankindwhichweretocomeofhim;andtherefore,asincaseofhehadbeenobedient,andnoteatentheforbiddenfruit,hehadretainedandkeptthatpowerwhichhehadbycreation,aswellforallmankind,asforhimself;evensobyhisdisobedienceineatingthatforbiddenfruit,hewasdisrobedofGod'simage,andsolostthatpower,aswellforallmankindasforhimself.

Nom.Whythen,sir,itshouldseemthatallmankindareundersin,wrath,andeternaldeath!

Evan.Yea,indeedbynaturetheyareso,"Forweknow,"saystheapostle,"thatwhatsoeverthelawsaith,itsaithtothemthatareunderthelaw,thateverymouthmaybestopped,andalltheworldmaybecomeguiltybeforeGod,"(Rom3:19);andagain,sayshe,"WehaveprovedbothJewsandGentiles,thattheyareallundersin,"(Rom3:9).Andinanotherplacehesays,"Wewerebynaturechildrenofwrathaswellasothers,"(Eph2:3);and,lastly,hesays,"Sodeathpasseduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned,"(Rom5:12).

Nom.But,sir,Iprayyou,tellmewhetheryouthinkthatanyregeneratemankeepsthecommandmentsperfectly,accordingasyouhaveexpoundedthem.

Evan.No,notthemostsanctifiedmanintheworld.

Nom.Whythen,sir,itshouldseem,thatnotonlynaturalmen,butregeneratemenalso,areunderthecurseofthelaw.Forifeveryonethatkeepethnotthelawperfectlybeconcludedunderthecurse,andifregeneratemendonotkeepthelawperfectly,thentheyalsomustneedsbeunderthecurse.

Evan.Theconclusionofyourargumentisnottrue;forifbyregeneratemenyoumeantruebelievers,thentheyhavefulfilledthelawperfectlyinChrist,orratherChristhasperfectlyfulfilledthelawinthem,andwasmadeacurseforthem,andsohasredeemedthemfromthecurseofthelaw,asyoumaysee,(Gal3:13).

Nom.Well,sir,nowdoIunderstandyou,andhaveeverbeenofyourjudgmentinthatpoint,forIhaveeverconcludedthis,thateitheramanhimself,orChristforhim,mustkeepthelawperfectly,orelseGodwillnotacceptofhim,andthereforehaveIendeavouredtodothebestIcouldtokeepthelawperfectly,andwhereinIhavefailedandcomeshort,IhavebelievedthatChristhasdoneitforme.

Evan.Theapostlesays,(Gal3:10),"Somanyasareoftheworksofthelaw,areunderthecurse."Andtruly,neighbourNomologista,ifImayspeakitwithoutoffence,Ifearmeyouarestilloftheworksofthelaw,andthereforestillunderthecurse.

Nom.Why,sir,Iprayyou,whatisittobeoftheworksofthelaw?

Evan.Tobeoftheworksofthelaw,isforamantolookfor,orhopetobejustifiedoracceptedinthesightofGod,forhisownobediencetothelaw.

Nom.Butsurely,sir,Ineverdidso;forthoughbyreasonofmybeingignorantofwhatisrequiredandforbiddenineverycommandment,IhadaconceitthatIcameveryneartheperfectfulfillingofthelaw,yetIneverthoughtIdiddoallthingsthatarecontainedtherein;andthereforeIneverlookedfor,norhopedthatGodwouldacceptmeformineownobedience,withoutChrist'sbeingjoinedwithit.

Evan.Thenitseemsthatyoudidconceive,thatyourobedienceandChrist'sobediencemustbejoinedtogether,andsoGodwouldacceptyouforthat.

Nom.Yea,indeed,sir,therehasbeenmyhope,andindeedthereisstillmyhope.

Evan.Aye,butneighbourNomologista,asItoldmyneighbourNeophytusandothersnotlongsince,soItellyounow,thatasthejusticeofGodrequiresaperfectobedience,sodoesitrequirethatthisperfectobediencebeapersonalobedience,thatis,itmustbetheobedienceofonepersononly.Theobedienceoftwomustnotbeputtogethertomakeupaperfectobedience:andindeed,tosayasthethingis,Godwillhavenonetohaveahandinthejustificationandsalvationofanyman,butChristonly;for,saystheapostlePeter,(Acts4:12),"Neitheristheresalvationinanyother,forthereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmenwherebywemaybesaved."Believeitthen,Ibeseechyou,thatChristJesuswilleitherbeawholeSaviour,ornoSaviour;hewilleithersaveyoualone,ornotsaveyouatall.

Nom.But,sir,ifman'sobediencetothelawdonothelptoprocurehisjustificationandacceptancewithGod,thenwhydidGodgivethelawtotheIsraelitesuponMountSinai,andwhyisitreadandexpoundedbyyouthatareministers?Iwouldgladlyknowofwhatuseitis.

Evan.Theapostlesays,(Gal3:19),"Thatthelawwasaddedbecauseof

transgression."Thatis,asLutherexpoundsit,"Thattransgressionsmightincreaseandbemoreknown,andseen";orasPerkinsexpoundsit,"Fortherevealingofsin,andthepunishmentthereof;forbythelawcomestheknowledgeofsin,"asthesameapostlesays,(Rom3:20);andthereforewhenthechildrenofIsraelconceivedthattheywererighteous,andcouldkeepallGod'scommandmentsperfectly,asitismanifestedbytheirsaying,(Exo19:8),"AllthattheLordcommandethwewilldo,andbeobedient,"theLordgavethemthislaw,totheintenttheymightseehowfarshorttheycameofyieldingthatobediencewhichisthereinrequired,andso,consequently,howsinfultheywere.AndjustsodidourSaviouralsodealwiththeyoungexpounderofthelaw,(Matt19:16),who,itseems,wassickofthesamedisease,"GoodMaster,"sayshe,"whatshallIdothatImayinheriteternallife?""Hedoesnot,"saysCalvin,"simplyask,whichway,orbywhatmeansheshouldcometoeternallife,butwhatgoodheshoulddotogetit."Wherebyitappears,thathewasaproudjusticiary,onethatswelledinfleshlyopinionthathecouldkeepthelaw,andbesavedbyit;thereforeheisworthilysenttothelawtoworkhimselfweary,andtoseehisneedtocometoChristforremedy.

Nowthen,ifyouwouldknowofwhatusethelawis,whyfirstletmetellyou,itisofspecialusetoallsuchashaveaconceitthattheythemselvescandoanythingfortheprocuringoftheirownjustificationandacceptationinthesightofGod;toletthemsee,asinaglass,thatinthatcasetheycandonothing.And,therefore,seeingthatyouyourselfhavesuchaconceit,Ibeseechyou,labourtomakethatuseofit,thatsoyoumaybeherebyquitedrivenoutofyourselfuntoJesusChrist.

Nom.Believeme,sir,IshouldbegladIcouldmakesuchagooduseofit,and,therefore,Iprayyou,givemesomedirectionshowImaydoit.

Evan.Why,firstofall,Iwoulddesireyoutoconsider,thatinregardthatallmankindwereatfirstcreatedinsuchanestateasIhavedeclareduntoyou,thelawandjusticeofGodrequiresthatthemanwhoundertakes,byhisobedience,toprocurehisjustificationandacceptationinthesightofGod,eitherinwhole,orinpart,beascompletelyfurnishedwiththehabitofrighteousnessandtrueholiness,andasfreefromallcorruptionofnature,asAdamwasinthestateofinnocency,thatsotheremaynotbetheleastcorruptionmingledwithanyofthosegoodactionswhichhedoes,northeleastmotionofheartorinclinationofwilltowardsanyofthoseevilactionswhichhedoesnotdo.

Secondly,Iwoulddesireyoutoconsider,thatneitheryounoranymanelse,whilstyouliveupontheearth,shallbesofurnishedwithperfectrighteousnessandtrueholiness,norsofreefromallcorruptionsofnature,asAdamwasinthestateofinnocency;sothatnogoodactionwhichyoudoshallbefreefromhavingsomecorruptionmingledwithit:noranyevilactionwhichyoudonotdo,freefromsomemotionofheartorinclinationofwilltowardsit;andthatthereforeyoucandonothingtowardstheprocuringofyourjustificationandacceptationinthesightofGod;thewhichtheprophetDavidwellconsidering,criesout,(Psa143:2)"Enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant,OLord!forinthysightshallnotmanlivingbejustified."Yea,andthismadetheapostlecryout,"OhwretchedmanthatIam,whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath"!(Rom7:24).Yea,andthismadehimdesiretobefoundinChrist,nothavinghisownrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,(Phil3:9).

Nom.But,sir,IampersuadedtherebesomegoodactionswhichIdo,thatarefreefromhavinganycorruptionatallmixedwiththem;andsomeevilactionswhichIdonotdo,towardsthewhichIhavenomotionofheart,orinclinationofwillatall.

Evan.Surely,neighbourNomologista,youdonottrulyknowyourself,forIamconfident,thatanymanwhotrulyknowshimself,seessuchsecretcorruptionsofheartineverydutyheperforms,ascauseshimunfeignedlytoconfess,thatwhatevergoodactionhedoes,itisbutapollutedstreamofamorecorruptfountain.Andwhatsoeveryouoranymanelsedoconceiveofyourselves,itismostcertain,thatwhatsoeversinisforbiddenintheword,orhasbeenpractisedintheworld,thatsineverymancarriesinhisbosom,forallhaveequallysinnedinAdam,andthereforeoriginallustisequallyinall.

Nom.Sir,Icanhardlybepersuadedtothis.

Evan.Well,neighbourNomologista,Icannotsowelltellhowitiswithyou,butformineownpart,Itellyoutruly,Ifindmyknowledgecorruptedanddefiledwithignoranceandblindness,andmyfaithcorruptedanddefiledwithdoubtinganddistrust,andmylovetoGodverymuchcorruptedanddefiledwithsinfulself-loveandlovetotheworld;andmyjoyinGodmuchcorruptedanddefiledwithcarnaljoy;andmygodlysorrowverymuchcorruptedanddefiledwithworldlysorrow.

AndIfindmyprayers,myhearing,myreading,myreceivingthesacrament,andsuchlikeduties,verymuchcorruptedanddefiledwithdullness,drowsiness,sleepiness,wandering,andworldlythoughts,andthelike.

AndIfindmysanctifyingoftheLord'snameverymuchcorruptedanddefiled,bythinkingandspeakinglightlyandirreverentlyofhistitles;andbythinking,ifnotbyspeaking,grudginglyagainstsomeactsofhisprovidence.

AndIfindmysanctifyingoftheLord'sdayverymuchcorruptedanddefiled,bysleepingtoolonginthemorning,andbyworldlythoughtsandwords,ifnotbyworldlyworks.

AndIfindthatallthedutiesthatIhaveperformed,eithertowardsmysuperiorsorinferiors,havebeencorruptedanddefiled,eitherwithtoomuchindulgence,orwithtoomuchseverity,orwithbasefears,orbasehopes,orsomeself-endandby-respect.

AndIfindthatallmydutiesthatIhaveperformed,eitherforthepreservationofmineownorother'slife,chastity,goods,orgoodname,havebeenverymuchcorruptedanddefiled,eitherwithadesireofmineownpraise,ownprofithere,ortoescapehell,andtoobtainheavenhereafter;sothatIseenogoodactionwhichIhaveeverdonefreefromhavingsomecorruptionmixedwithit.

Andasformotionofheart,andinclinationofwilltowardsthatevilwhichIhavenotdone,itisalsomanifest,forthoughIhavenotbeenguiltyofidolatry,eitherinmakingorworshippingofimages,yethaveInotbeenfreefromcarnalimaginationsofGodinthetimeofhisworshipnorfromwill-worship.

AndthoughIhavenotbeensoguiltyofprofaningthenameoftheLordaftersuchagrossmannerassomeothershavebeen,yethaveInotbeenfreefromaninclinationofheart,anddispositionofwillthereunto;forIhaveboththoughtandspokenirreverentlybothofhistitles,attributes,word,andworks,yea,andmanytimesdosotothisday.

AndthoughIdonotnowsogrosslyprofanetheLord'sday,asitmaybeothershavedone,anddostill,yethaveIformerlydoneitgrossly,yea,anddostill,findaninwarddispositionofheart,andinclinationofwill,bothtoomitthosedutieswhichtendtothesanctifyingofit,andtodothoseworldlyactionswhichtendtotheprofanationofit.

AndthoughwhenIwasachildandyoung,Ididnotsogrosslydishonouranddisobeymyparentsandothersuperiors,assomeothersdid,yetIhadaninclinationofheartanddispositionofwillthereunto,asitwasmanifestbymystubbornness,andbynotyieldingofwillingobediencetotheircommandsnorsubmittingpatientlytotheirreproofsandcorrections.

Andthoughitmaybe,Ihavedonemoreofmydutytomyinferiorsthansomeothershavedone,yethaveIfoundaninclinationofheart,andadispositionofwill,manytimestoomitthosedutieswhichIhaveperformed,sothatIhaveasitwere,beenfaintoconstrainmyselftodothatwhichIhavedone.

AndthoughIhavenotbeenguiltyofthegrossactofmurder,yethaveIhad,andhavestillaninclinationofheartanddispositionofwillthereunto,inthatIhavebeen,andamstill,manytimessubjecttorash,unadvised,andexcessiveanger;yea,Ihavebeenandstillamdiverstimeswrathfulandenvioustowardsothersthatoffendme.

AndthoughIneverwasguiltyofthefoulandgrossactoffornicationoradultery,yethaveIhadaninclinationofheart,anddispositionofwillthereunto,inthatIhavenotbeenfreefromfilthyimaginations,unchastethoughts,andinwardmotionsanddesiretouncleanness.

AndthoughIwasneverguiltyofthegrossactofstealing,yethaveIhadaninclinationofheart,andadispositionofwillthereunto,inthatIhaveneitherbeenfreefromdiscontentednesswithmineownestate,norfromcovetousdesireafterthatwhichbelongstoanother.

AndthoughIneverdidbearfalsewitnessagainstanyman,yethaveIhadaninclinationofheartanddispositionofwillthereunto,inthatIhavenotbeenfreefromcontemning,despising,andthinkingtoobaselyofothers;neitherhaveIbeenfreefromevilsurmisings,groundlesssuspicions,andrashjudgingofothers.

Andnow,neighbourNomologista,Iprayyoutellmewhetheryoudothinkthatsomeofthesecorruptionsareinyou,whichyouhearareinme.

Nom.Yea,believeme,sir,Imustneedsconfessthatsomeofthemare.

Evan.Well,thoughyouhavebutonlyoneoftheminyou,yetIprayyouconsider,thatyoudoherebytransgressoneofthetencommandments;andthe

apostleJamessays,that"Whosoevershallkeepthewholelaw,andyetoffendinonepoint,heisguiltyofall,"(James2:10).Andcalltomind,Ialsoprayyou,thatacurseisdenouncedagainstallthosethatcontinuenotin"allthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Mindit,Iprayyou,"thatdothnotcontinueinallthings":sothatalthoughyoucouldforatimedoallthatthelawrequires,andavoidallthatitforbids,andthatneversoexactly,yetifyoudonotcontinuesodoing,buttransgressthelawonceinallyourlife,andthatonlyinonethought,youaretherebybecomesubjecttothecurse,which,asyouhaveheard,iseternaldamnationinhell.

Nay,letmetellyoumore,althoughyouneveryethadtransgressedthelawinallyourlifehitherto,notsomuchasintheleastthought,norevershoulddowhilstyoulive,yetshouldyoutherebybecomefarshortoftheperfectfulfillingofthelaw,andsoconsequentlyofyourjustificationandacceptationinthesightofGod.

Nom.Thatisverystrangetome,sir,forwhatcanberequiredmore,orwhatcanbedonemore,thanyieldingofperfectandperpetualobedience?

Evan.Thatistrueindeed;thereisnomorerequired,neithercantherebemoredone;butyetyoumustunderstand,thatthelawdoesaswellrequirepassiveobedienceasactive,sufferingaswellasdoing;forourcommonbondenteredintoforusall,byGod'sbenefitstowardsthefirstman,isbyhisdisobediencebecomeforfeited,bothinrespectofhimselfandallmankind;and,therefore,eversincethefallofman,thelawandjusticeofGoddoesnotonlyrequirethepaymentofthedebt,butalsooftheforfeiture;thereisnotonlyrequiredofhimperfectdoing,butalsoperfectsuffering."Inthedaythatthoueatestthereof,thoushaltdiethedeath,"saystheLord,(Gen2:17).Nay,letmetellyouyetmore;inorderofjustice,theforfeitureoughttobepaidbeforethedebt;perfectsufferingshouldgobeforeperfectdoing,becauseallmankind,byreasonofthatfirstandgreattransgression,areatoddsandenmitywithGod;theyareallofthemchildrenofhiswrath,andthereforeGod,aswemayspeakwithholyreverence,cannotbereconcileduntoanyman,beforeafullsatisfactionbemadetohisjusticebyaperfectsuffering,(Col1:21):perfectsuffering,then,isrequiredforthereconcilingofmanuntoGod,(Eph2:3),andsettinghiminthesameconditionhewasinbeforehisfall,andperfectdoingisrequiredforthekeepingofhiminthatcondition.

Nom.And,sir,ismanasunabletopaytheforfeitureasheistopaythedebt?I

mean,isheasunabletosufferperfectly,astodoperfectly?

Evan.Yea,indeed,everywhitasunable;forasmuchasman'ssinineatingoftheforbiddenfruitwascommittedagainstGod,andGodisinfiniteandeternal,andtheoffenceisalwaysmultipliedaccordingtothedignityofthepersonagainstwhomitiscommitted:man'soffencemustneedsbeaninfiniteoffence,andthepunishmentmustneedsbeproportionabletothefault;thereforeaninfiniteandeternalpunishmentisrequiredatman'shands,orelsesuchatemporalpunishment,asisequalandanswerabletoeternal.Now,eternalpunishmentmancannotsustain,becausethenheshouldneverbedeliveredheshouldeverbesatisfying,andneverhavesatisfied;whichsatisfactionissuchasisthepunishmentofthedevilsanddamnedmeninhell,whichnevershallhaveanend.Andfortemporalpunishment,whichshouldbeequivalenttoeternal,thatcannotbeneither,becausethepowerandvigourofnocreatureissuchthatitmaysustainafiniteandtemporalpunishment,equivalenttoaninfiniteandeternal;forsoonershouldthecreaturebewasted,consumed,andbroughttonothing,thanitcouldsatisfythejusticeofGodbythismeans;whereforewemaycertainlyconclude,thatnomancansatisfythelawandjusticeofGod,eitherbyactiveorbypassiveobedience,andsoconsequentlynomanshallbejustifiedandacceptedinthesightofGodbyhisowndoingsorsufferings.

Nom.Sir,Iseeitclearly,andamthereinfullyconvinced,andIhopeIshallmakethatuseofit.But,sir,istherenootherusetobemadeofthelawthanthis?

Evan.Yea,neighbourNomologista,youmustnotonlylabourtherebytoseeyourowninsufficiencytoprocureyourownjustificationandacceptationinthesightofGod,thoughthatindeedbethechiefusethatanyunjustifiedpersonoughttoendeavourtomakeofit,butyoumustalsoendeavourtomakeitaruleofdirectiontoyouinyourlifeandconversation.

Nom.But,sir,ifIcannotbymyobediencetothelawdoanythingtowardstheprocuringofmineownjustification,andacceptationinthesightofGod,or,whichasIdoconceiveisallone,ifIcandonothingtowardstheprocuringofmineowneternalsalvation,thenmethinksallthatIdoshouldbeinvain,forIcannotseeanygoodIshallgetthereby.

Evan.No,neighbourNomologista,itshallnotbeinvain;forthoughyoucannotbyyourobediencetothelaw,doanythingtowardstheprocuringofyourownjustificationoreternalsalvation;yea,andthoughyoushouldnevermakesucha

useofit,astobetherebydrivenoutofyourselfuntoJesusChristforjustificationandeternalsalvation,butshouldbeeverlastinglycondemned;yet,thisletmetellyou,themoreobedienceyouyielduntothelaw,themoreeasyshallyourcondemnationbe;foralthoughnoman,walkheeversoexactlyandstrictlyaccordingtothelaw,shalltherebyeitherescapethetormentsofhell,orobtainthejoysofheaven,yetthemoreexactlyandstrictlyanymanwalksaccordingtothelaw,theeasiershallhistormentsbe,(Matt11:22).Sothatalthoughyoubyyourobediencetothelawcannotobtaintheuneasiestplaceinheaven,yetmayyoutherebyobtainthemosteasyplaceinhell:andthereforeyourobedienceshallnotbeinvain.Nay,letmetellyoumore,althoughyoubyyourobediencetothelawcanneitherescapethathell,norenjoythatheaventhatisintheworldtocome,yetyoumaytherebyescapethathell,andenjoythatheavenwhichistobehadinthispresentworld;fortheLorddealethsoequallyandjustlywithallmen,thateverymanshallbesuretoreceivehisdueathishands;sothataseverymanwhoistrulyjustifiedinthesightofGod,byfaithinChrist'sblood,shallforthatblood'ssakebesureofthejoysofheaven,thoughhislifemayevenafterhisbelievingbeinmanyrespectsunconformabletothelaw;yetthemoreunconformablehislifeisthereunto,themorecrossesandafflictionsheshallbesuretomeetwithalinthislife,(Psa89:30-32).Evenso,thoughnomanthatisnotjustifiedbyfaithinChrist'sbloodshalleitherescapethetormentsofhell,orattainthejoysofheaven,behislifeneversoconformabletothelaw,yetthemoreconformablehislifeisthereunto,thelessofthemiseriesandthemoreoftheblessingsofthislifeheshallhave;foritisnottomenunjustified,thoughIsupposenotonlytothemthattheLordspeaketh,(Isa1:19),saying,"Ifyebewillingandobedient,yeshalleatthegoodthingsoftheland."AnddoesnottheLordinthefifthcommandmentpromisetheblessingoflonglifetoallinferiorsthatareobedienttotheirsuperiors?Andmaywenotobserve,andisitnotfoundtruebyexperience,thatthosechildrenwhoaremostcarefulofdoingtheirdutiestotheirparents,arecommonlymorefreebothfromtheirparents'correctionsandtheLord'scorrections;andarelikewiseblessedwithobedientchildrenthemselves,anddoalsotasteoftheirparents'bountyandtheLord'sbounty,astouchingtheblessingsofthislife,morethanothersthataredisobedient?Andmaywenotobserve,andisitnotfoundtruebyexperience,thatthoseservantsthataremostfaithfulanddiligentintheirplacesarecommonlymorefreeeitherfromtheLord'sortheirmasters'corrections,andarelikewiserewardedwithsuchservantsthemselves,andwithothertemporalblessingsbothfromtheirmastersandfromtheLord,thanothersthatarenotso?Andmaywenotobserve,andisitnotfoundtruebyexperience,thatthosewivesthatareobedientandsubjecttotheirhusbands,arecommonlymorefreefromtheirfrowns,checks,

andrebukes;atleasttheyaremoreblessedwithpeaceofconscienceandagoodnameamongstmen,thanothersthatarenotso?Andmaywenotobserve,thatourmerehonestmen,whoforthemostpartlivewithoutcommittinganygrosssinagainstthelaw,arecommonlymoreexemptedfromtheswordofthemagistrate,andhavemanyearthlyblessingsmoreinabundancethansuchasaregrosssinners?AndtheScribesandPharisees,whowerestrictobserversofthelaw,inregardoftheoutwardman,werenolosersbyit,"Verily,"saysourSaviour,"Isayuntoyou,theyhavetheirreward,"(Matt6:2).Sothatstill,yousee,yourobediencetothelawshallnotbeinvain;wherefore,Iprayyou,doyourbesttokeepthetencommandmentsasperfectlyasyoucan.Butaboveall,Ibeseechyou,becarefultoconsiderofthatwhichhasbeensaidtouchingthespecialuseofthelawtoyou,thatsothroughthepowerfulworkingofGod'sSpirit,itmaybecomeaneffectualmeanstodriveyououtofyourselfuntoJesusChrist.

Oh,consider,inthefirstplace,whatagreatnumberofdutiesarerequiredandwhatagreatnumberofsinsareforbiddenineveryoneofthetencommandments!Andinthesecondplace,consider,howmanyofthosedutiesyouhaveomitted,andhowmanyofthosesinsyouhavecommitted.Andinthethirdplace,consider,thattherehasbeenmuchcorruptionmixedwitheverygooddutywhichyouhavedone,sothatyouhavesinnedindoingthatwhichinitselfisgood;andthatyouhavehadaninclinationofheartanddispositionofwilltoeverysinyouhavenotcommitted,andsohavebeenguiltyofallthosesinswhichyouhavenotdone.Andinthefourthplace,consider,thatthelawdenouncethacurseuntoeveryonewhichcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem.Andthen,inthefifthplace,makeapplicationofthecurseuntoyourself,bysayinginyourheart,ifeveryonebecursedwhichcontinuethnotinallthings,thensurelyIamcursedthathavecontinuedinnothing.Andthen,inthesixthplace,consider,thatbeforeyoucanbedeliveredfromthecurse,thelawandjusticeofGodrequiresthattherebeaperfectsatisfactionmadebothbypayingthedebtandtheforfeituretotheveryutmostfarthing;perfectdoingandperfectsufferingarebothofthemrequired.Andthen,inthelastplace,consider,thatyouaresofarfrombeingabletomakeaperfectsatisfaction,thatyoucandonothingatalltowardsit,andthattherefore,asofyourself,youareinamostmiserableandhelplesscondition.

Nom.Well,sir,IdonowplainlyseethatIhavebeendeceived,forIverilythoughtthattheonlyreasonwhytheLordgavethelaw,andwhyyouthatareministersdoshowuswhatisrequiredandforbiddeninthelaw,hadbeen,thatall

menmighttherebycometoseewhatthemindandwilloftheLordis,andbeexhorted,andpersuadedtoleadtheirlivesthereafter.AndIalsoverilythoughtthatthemoreanymandidstriveandendeavourtoreformhislifeanddothereafter,themoreheprocuredtheloveandfavourofGodtowardshim,andthemoreGodwouldblesshim,anddohimgood,bothinthisworldandintheworldtocome;yea,andIalsoverilythought,thatithadbeenintheman'spowertohavecomeveryneartheperfectfulfillingofthelaw,forIneverreadnorheardanyministershowhowimpossibleitisforanymantokeepthelaw,norevermakeanymentionofanysuchuseofthelaw,asyouhavedonethisday.

Evan.Surely,neighbourNomologista,thesehavenotonlybeenyourthoughts,butalsothethoughtsofmanyothermen;foritisnaturalforeverymantothinkthathemustandcanprocureGod'sfavourandeternalhappinessbyhisobediencetothelaw,attheleasttothinkhecandosomethingtowardsit;fornaturallymenthinkthatthelawrequiresnomorebuttheexternalact,andthatthereforeitisinman'spowertokeepitperfectly.Isitnotanordinaryandcommonthingformenwhentheyhearorreadthatthereismorerequiredandforbiddeninthelawthantheywereawareof,tothinkwiththemselves,Surely,Iamnotright,IhavetransgressedthelawmorethanIhadthoughtIhaddone,andthereforeGodismoreangrywithmethanIhadthoughthehadbeen;andthereforetopacifyhisanger,andprocurehisfavourtowardsme,Imustrepent,amend,anddobetter;Imustreformmylifeaccordingtothelaw,andsobymyfutureobediencemakeamendsformyformerdisobedience?Andifthereupontheydoattaintoanygoodmeasureofoutwardconformity,thentheythinktheycomeneartheperfectfulfillingofthelaw;andifitwerenotthatthedoctrineoftheChurchofEnglandis,thatnomancanfulfilthelawperfectly,andthatnonebutPapistsdosaythecontrary,theywouldboththinkandsaytheydid,orhopedtheyshouldkeepallthecommandmentsperfectly.Anduponoccasionsofthistheiroutwardreformationaccordingtothelaw,theythink,yea,andsometimessay,theyareregeneratemenandtrueconverts,andthatthebeginningofthistheirreformationwasthetimeoftheirnewbirthandconversionuntoGod.Andifthesemendoconfessthemselvestobesinners,itisratherbecausetheyhearallothersconfessthemselvessotobe,thanoutofanytruesightandknowledge,sense,orfeelingtheyhaveofanyinwardheart-corruption.Andiftheydoacknowledge,thatamanisnottobejustifiedbytheworksofthelaw,butbyfaithinChrist,itisratherbecausetheyhavehearditsopreachedorbecausetheyhavereaditsointheBible,orsomeotherbook,thanbecauseofanyimperfectionwhichtheyseeintheirownworks,oranyneedtheyseeoftherighteousnessofJesusChrist.Andiftheydoseeanyimperfectionintheirown

works,andanyneedoftherighteousnessofJesusChrist,thentheyimaginethatsolongastheirheartsareuprightandsincere,andtheydodesireandendeavourtodotheirbesttofulfilthelaw,Godwillacceptofwhattheydo,andmakeuptheirimperfectobediencewithChrist'sperfectobedience,andsowilljustifyandsavethem;butallthiswhile,theirownworksmusthaveahandintheirjustificationandsalvation,andsotheyarestilloftheworksofthelaw,andthereforeunderthecurse.TheLordbemercifulbothtoyouandthem,andbringyouundertheblessingofAbraham!

Nom.Sir,Ithankyouforyourgoodwishestowardsme,andforyourgreatpainswhichyouhavenowtakenwithmeandsoIwillforthistimetakemyleaveofyou;only,Icouldwish,ifitmightnotbetoomuchtroubletoyou,thatyouwouldbepleasedatyourleisure,togivemeinwritingacopyofwhatyouhavethisdaysaidconcerningthelaw.

Evan.Well,neighbourNomologista,thoughIcanhardlysparesomuchtime,yetbecauseyoudodesireit,andinhopeyoumayreceivegoodbyit,Iwill,erelong,findsometimetoaccomplishyourdesire.

Neo.Iprayyou,neighbourNomologista,tarryalittlelonger,andIwillgowithyou.

Nom.No,Imustneedsbegone;Icanstaynolonger.

Evan.Thenfareyouwell,neighbourNomologista,andtheLordmakeyoutoseeyoursins!

Nom.TheLordbewithyou,sir.

Neo.Well,sir,nowIhopeyouhavefullyconvincedhimthathecomesfarshortofkeepingallthecommandmentsperfectly:Ihopehewillnolongerbesowellconceitedofhisownrighteousnessashehasformerlybeen.Butnow,sir,IprayyoutellmebeforeIdepart,whetheryouwouldhavemetoendeavourtomakethesameuseofthelaw,whichyouhaveadvisedhimtomake.

Evan.No,neighbourNeophytus,Ilooknotuponyouasanunbeliever,asIdiduponhim,butIlookuponyouasonewhohasalreadybeenbythelawdrivenoutofyourselfuntoJesusChrist;Ilookuponyouasatruebeliever,andasapersonalreadyjustifiedinthesightofGod,byfaithinChrist,andsoasonewhoareneithertoquestionyourinheritanceinheaven,norfearyourportioninhell.

AndthereforeIwillnotpersuadeyoutolabourtoyieldobediencetothelaw,bytellingyou,thatthemoreobedientyouarethereunto,theeasiertormentsyoushallhaveinhell,asIdidhim;neitherwouldIhaveyoutomakeapplicationofthecurseofthelawtoyourself,asIadvisedhimtodo;forifyoudotrulyandthoroughlybelieve,asGodrequiresyou,thatJesusChrist,(1John3:23);theSonofGod,andyourSurety,has,byhisactiveandpassiveobedience,fullydischargedandpaidboththedebtandtheforfeiturewhichthelawandjusticeofGodobligedyoutopay,thenwillnotyouyieldobediencetothelaw,topaythatwhichyoudotrulybelieveisfullypaidanddischargedalready;andifyoudonotyieldobediencetothelawtodischargethat,thendoyounotyieldobediencetothelaw,inhopestobetherebymadejust,orjustifiedinthesightofGod;andifyouyieldnotobediencetothelaw,inhopestobetherebymadejust,orjustifiedinthesightofGod,thenareyounotoftheworksofthelaw;andifyouarenotoftheworksofthelaw,thenareyounotunderthecurseofthelaw;andifyoubenotunderthecurseofthelaw,thenmustyounotmakeapplicationofthecurseuntoyourself.Andtherefore,whensoeveryoushalleitherhearorreadthesewords,"Cursediseveryonewhichcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem,"andyourconsciencetellsyouthatyouhavenot,anddonotcontinueinallthings,andthatthereforeyouareaccursed;thendoyoumakesomuchuseofthecurse,astherebytotakeoccasionbyfaithtocleavemorecloseuntoChrist,andsay,Olaw,thycurseisnottocomeintomyconscience!myconscienceisfreedfromit!forthoughitistrueIhavenotcontinued"inallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem,"yetthismySurety,JesusChrist,hascontinuedinallthingsforme,sothatalthoughIamunabletopayeitherthedebtortheforfeiture,yethehaspaidthembothforme,andsohasdischargedmefromthecurse;andthereforeIfearitnot.

Neo.But,sir,thoughIbeabeliever,andsobesetfreefromthecurseofthelaw,yetIsupposeIoughttoendeavourtodosomewhatthatisrequired,andtoavoidwhatsoeverisforbiddeninthelaw.

Evan.Yea,neighbourNeophytus,thatyououghtindeed,formindit,Iprayyou,thusstandsthecase;sosoonasanymandoestrulybelieve,andsoisjustifiedinthesightofGod,then,astheholyGhost,fromthetestimonyofholywrit,doeswarrantustoconceive,JesusChrist,or,whichisallone,GodinChrist,doesdeliveruntohimwhatsoeverisrequiredandforbiddeninthetencommandments,saying,(Col2:14,Eph2:15),"Thishandwriting,eventhislawofcommandmentswhichwasagainstthee,andcontrarytothee,whilstitwasin

thehandsofmyFather,ashestoodinrelationtotheeasaJudge,andwasnotcancelled,buthadthecurseorpenaltyannexedtoit,(Isa38:14),andsohadpowertoconvince,(Heb7:22),accuse,condemn,andbindtheeovertopunishment;I,whoundertookforthee,andbecamethySurety,havepaidtheprincipaldebt,andhavealsoansweredtheforfeiturewhichdidlieagainsttheeforthebreachofthatbond;andmyFatherhasdelivereditintominehands,andIhaveblottedoutthecurseorpenalty,sothatoneletterortittleremainsnotfortheetosee:yea,Ihavetakenitoutofthyway,andfastenedittomycross,yea,andtornitinpieceswiththenailsofmycross,sothatitisaltogetherfrustrate,andhasnoforceatallagainstthee.Yetnotwithstandingthemattercontainedinthislaw,eventhosepreceptsandprohibitionswhichIhavenowdelivereduntothee,beingthemindandwillofmyFather,andtheeternalandunchangeableruleofrighteousness,andthatwhichisinmyheart,(Psa40:8);yea,andthatwhichIhavepromisedtowriteintheheartsofallthosethataremine,(Jer31:33);yea,andthatwhichIhavepromisedtomakethemyieldwillingobedienceunto,(Psa110:3);IandmyFatherdocommandituntothee,asthatruleofobediencewherebythouarttoexpressthyloveandthankfulnessuntousforwhatwehavedoneforthee.AndthereforeIwillsaynomoreuntotheebutthis,'Ifthouloveme,keepmycommandments,'(John14:15).Andthouartmyfriend,'IfthoudowhatsoeverIcommandthee,'"(John15:14).

Neo.But,sir,doesGodinChristrequiremetoyieldperfectobediencetoallthetencommandments,accordingasyouhavethisdayexpoundedthem?

Evan.Ianswer,yea,forthoughGodinChristdonotrequireofyou,oranytruebeliever,anyobediencetothelawatallbywayofsatisfactiontohisjustice,forthatChristhasfullydonealready;yetdoesherequire,thateverytruebelieverdopurpose,desire,andendeavourtodotheirbesttokeepallthetencommandmentsperfectly,accordingasIhavethisdayexpoundedthem;witnessthesayingofChristhimself,(Matt5:48),"BeyethereforeperfectasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect."

Neo.But,sir,doyouthinkitpossible,thateitherI,oranybelieverelse,shouldkeepthecommandmentsperfectly,accordingasyouhavethisdayexpoundedthem?

Evan.Ono!bothyou,andI,andeverybelieverelse,have,andshallhavecausetosaywiththeapostle,(Phil3:12),"NotasthoughIhadalreadyattained,orwerealreadyperfect."

Neo.ButwillGodinChristacceptofobedience,ifitbenotperfect?

Evan.Yea,neighbourNeophytus,youbeingajustifiedperson,andsoitnotbeinginthecaseofjustification,butinthecaseofchild-likeobedience,Imay,withoutfearofdanger,sayuntoyou,Godwillacceptthewillforthedeed,and"willspareyouasamanspareshisownsonthatserveshim,"(Mal3:18).Yea,likeasafatherpitieshischildren,sotheLordwillpityyou,"forheknowethyourframe,heremembereththatyouaredust,"(Psa103:13,14).Nay,hewillnotonlyspareyouandpityyouforwhatyoudonot,buthewillalsorewardyouforwhatyoudo.

Neo.Sayyouso,sir?thenIbeseechyoutellmewhatthisrewardwillbe.

Evan.Why,iftherebedegreesofgloryinheaven,assomebothgodlyandlearned,haveconceivedthereis,thenItellyouthatthemoreobedientyouareuntothelaw,themoreshallbeyourgloryinheaven;butbecausedegreesofgloryaredisputable,Icannotassureyouofthat.Howbeit,thisyoumayassureyourself,thatthemoreobedienceyouyielduntothetencommandments,themoreyoupleaseyourmostgraciousGodandlovingFatherinChrist,(1Sam15:22);andthemoreyourconsciencewitnesseththatyoupleaseGod,themorequietyoushallfeelittobe,andthemoreinwardpeaceyoushallhave,accordingtothatofthePsalmist,"Greatpeacehavetheythatlovethylaw,andnothingshalloffendthem."ForthoughfaithinthebloodofChristhasmadeyourpeacewithGodasaJudge,yetobediencemustkeepyourpeacewithhimasaFather;yea,themoreyourconsciencewitnesseththatyoudothatwhichpleasesGod,themoreencouragementyouwillhave,andthemoreconfidentlyyouwillapproachtowardsGodinprayer."Beloved,"saysthelovingapostle,"ifourheartscondemnusnot,thenhaveweboldnesstowardsGodinprayer,"(1John3:21);forthoughfaithinthebloodofChristtakesawaythatguiltwhichsubjectsyoutothelegalcurse,yetobediencemusttakeawaythatguiltwhichsubjectsyoutoafatherlydispleasure.Furthermore,youaretoknow,thatthemoreobedienceyouyielduntothetencommandments,themoretemporalblessings,outwardprosperity,andcomfortofthislife,intheordinarycourseofGod'sdealing,youshallhave:"Oh"!saystheLord,"thatmypeoplehadhearkeneduntome,andIsraelhadwalkedinmyways!heshouldsoonhavefedthemwiththefinestofwheat,andwithhoneyoutoftherockshouldIhavesatisfiedthee."Besides,themoreobedienceyouyielduntothetencommandments,themoregloryyouwillbringtoGod,accordingtothatofourSaviour,(John15:8),"HereinismyFatherglorified,thatyebearmuchfruit."Toconclude,themore

obedienceyouyielduntothetencommandments,themoregoodyouwilldountoothers,accordingtothatoftheapostle,(Titus3:8),"Thisisafaithfulsaying,andthesethingsIwillthatthouaffirmconstantly,thattheywhichhavebelievedinChristmightbecarefultomaintaingoodworks;thesethingsaregoodandprofitableuntomen."

Neo.But,sir,whatifIshouldnotpurpose,desire,andendeavourtoyieldobediencetoallthetencommandments,asyousaytheLordrequires;whatthen?

Evan.Why,then,althoughitistrueyouhavenocausetofearthatGodwillproceedagainstyou,asawrathfuljudgeproceedsagainstamalefactor,yethaveyoucausetofearthathewillproceedagainstyouasadispleasedfatherdoesagainstanoffendingchild;thatistosay,althoughyouhavenocausetofearthathewillunjustifyyou,andunsonyou,anddepriveyouofyourheavenlyinheritance,andinflictthepenaltyofthelawofworksuponyou,andsocondemnyou,forsaystheapostle,"ThereisnocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus,"(Rom8:1);yethaveyoucausetofearthathewillhidehisfatherlyface,andwithdrawthelightofhiscountenancefromyou;andthatyourconsciencewillbeeveraccusinganddisquietingofyou,whichifitdo,thenwillyoudrawback,andbeafraidtoaskanythingofGodinprayer;forevenasachildwhoseconsciencetellshimthathehasangeredanddispleasedhisfather,willbeunwillingtocomeintohisfather'spresence,especiallytoaskofhimanythingthathewants,evensoitwillbewithyou;andbesides,youshallbesuretobewhippedandscourgedwithmanybodilyandtemporalchastisementsandcorrections,accordingtothatwhichissaidconcerningJesusChristandhisseed,eventruebelievers,andjustifiedpersons,(Psa89:31-33),"Ifhischildrenforsakemylaw,andwalknotinmyjudgments;iftheybreakmystatutes,andwalknotinmycommandments,thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionswiththerod,andtheiriniquitieswithstripes.Nevertheless,mylovingkindnesswillInotutterlytakefromhim,norsuffermyfaithfulnesstofail."

Wherefore,neighbourNeophytus,toapplythesethingsalittlemorecloselytoyou,andsotoconclude,letmeexhortyou,whenyoucomehome,calltomindandconsiderofeverycommandmentaccordingasyouhaveheardthemthisdayexpounded,andresolvetoendeavouryourselftodothereafter;andalwaystakenoticehowandwhereinyoufallandcomeshortofdoingwhatisrequired,andofavoidingwhatisforbidden;andespeciallybecarefultodothiswhenyouarecalledtohumbleyourselfbeforetheLordinfastingandprayer,andupon

occasionofgoingtoreceivethesacramentoftheLord'sSupper,andsoshallyoumakearightuseofthelaw.

Neo.And,sir,whywouldyouhavememoreespeciallytotakenoticeofmysins,whenIamcalledtohumblemyselfbeforetheLordinfastingandprayer?

Evan.Becausethemoresinfulyouseeyourselftobe,themorehumblewillyourheartbe;andthemorehumbleyourheartis,themorefityouwillbetopray,andthemoretheLordwillregardyourprayers:wherefore,whenuponoccasionofsomeheavyandsoreaffliction,eitherfelt,orfearedtocomeuponyourself,orsomeonesorejudgmentandcalamityeitherfelt,orfearedtocomeuponthenationorplacewhereyoulive,theLordcallsyoutohumbleyourselfinfastingandprayer,thendoyouthereupontakeoccasiontomeditate,andconsiderseriouslywhatdutiesarerequired,andwhatsinsareforbiddenineveryoneofthetencommandments,andthenconsiderhowmanyofthosedutiesyouhaveomitted,andhowmanyofthosesinsyouhavecommitted;consideralsothesinfulmannerofperformingthosedutiesyouhaveperformed,andthebaseandsinfulendswhichyouhavehadintheperformanceofthem;consideralsohowmanysinfulcorruptionsthereareinourheart,whichbreaknotforthinourlife,andthedispositionofheartwhichyouhavenaturallytoeverysinwhichyoudonotcommit;andthenconsider,thatalthoughthesinswhichyoudonowcommitarenotatransgressionofthelawofworks,becauseyouarenotnowunderthelaw,(Rom6:14);yetaretheyatransgressionofthelawofChrist,becauseyoustillareunderthatlaw,(1Cor9:31);andthoughtheybenotcommittedagainstGodasstandinginrelationtoyouasawrathfulJudge,yethavetheybeencommittedagainsthimashestandsinrelationtoyouasamercifullovingFather;andthoughtheysubjectyounottothewrathofaJudge,nortothepenaltyofthelawofworks,yettheysubjectyoutotheangeranddispleasureofalovingFather,andtothepenaltyofthelawofChrist.

Whereupon,doyoudrawneartoGodbyprayer,sayinguntohimafterthismanner:

"OmercifulandlovingFather!IdoacknowledgethatthesinswhichIdidcommitbeforeIwasabeliever,wereatransgressionofthelawofworks,becauseIwasthenunderthatlaw;yea,andthattheywerecommittedagainstthee,asthoustoodestinrelationtomeasajudge,andthatthereforethoumightestmostjustlyhaveinflictedthecurseorpenaltyofthelawofworksuponme,andsohavecastmeintohell;butseeingthatthouhastenabledmeto

believethegospel,viz:thatthouhastbeenpleasedtogivethineownSonJesusChristtoundertakeforme,tobecomemySurety,totakemynatureuponhim,andtobemadeunderthelaw,toredeemmefromunderthelaw,(Gal4:4,3:13,Rom5:10);andtobemadeacurseforme,toredeemmefromthecurse,andtoreconcilemeuntotheebyhisdeath;nowIknowitstandsnotwiththyjusticetoproceedagainstmebyvirtueofthelawofworks,andsocastmeintohell.Nevertheless,Father,IknowthatthesinswhichIhavecommittedsinceIdidbelievehavebeenatransgressionofthelawofChrist,becauseIamstillunderthatlaw:yea,andIdoacknowledge,thattheyhavebeencommittedagainstthee,evenagainstthee,mymostgracious,merciful,andlovingFatherinJesusChrist,andthatitisthereforemeetthoushouldestexpressthyfatherlyangeranddispleasuretowardsme,forthesesinswhichthylawhasdiscovereduntome,inbringingthisafflictionuponme,orthisjudgmentupontheplaceornationwhereinIlive:howbeit,Father,I,knowingthatthyfatherlyangertowardsthychildrenisnevermixedwithhatred,butalwayswithlove,andthatinafflictingofthemthouneverintendedstanysatisfactiontothineownjustice,buttheiramendment,eventhepurgingoutoftheremainderofthosesinfulcorruptionswhicharestillinthem,andtheconformingofthemtothineownimage;Ithereforecomeuntotheethisday,tohumblemyselfbeforethee,andtocalluponthyname,notforanyneed,orpowerthatIdoconceiveIhavetosatisfythyjustice,ortoappeasethyeternalwrath,andtofreemysoulfromhell;forthatIdobelieveChristhasfullydoneformealready;butIdoitinhopestherebytopacifythyfatherlyangeranddispleasuretowardsme,andtoobtaintheremovalofthisafflictionorjudgmentwhichIfeelorfear;whereforeIbeseechtheetopardonandforgivethesemysins,whichhavebeentheprocuringcausethereof;yea,Ipraytheenotonlytopardonthem,butalsotopurgethem,thatsothismaybeallthefruit,eventhetakingawayofsin,andmakingmepartakerofthyholiness;andthen,Lord,removethisafflictionandjudgmentwhenthywillandpleasureis."

AndthushaveIshowedyouthereasonwhyIwouldhaveyoumoreespeciallytotakenoticeofyoursins,whenyoucometohumbleyourselfbeforetheLordinfastingandprayer.

Neo.And,sir,whywouldyouhavemetotakenoticeofmysins,uponoccasionofmygoingtoreceivethesacramentoftheLord'sSupper?

Evan.Becausethemoresinfulyouseeyourselftobe,themoreneedyouwillseeyourselftohaveofChrist;andthemoreneedyouseeyourselftohaveofChrist,

themorewillyouprizehim;andthemoreyouprizeChrist,themoreyouwilldesirehim;andthemoreyoudodesireChrist,themorefitandworthyreceiveryouwillbe.

Wherefore,whenyouaredeterminedtoreceivethesacrament,thentakeoccasiontoexamineyourselfastheapostleexhortsyou,beholdthefaceofyoursoulintheglassofthelaw,layyourheartandlifetothatrule,asIdirectedyoubefore;thenthinkwithyourselfandcommunewithyourownheart,sayinginyourheartafterthismanner,"ThoughIdobelievethatallthesemysinsareforChrist'ssakefreelyandfullypardonedandforgiven,soasthatIshallneverbecondemnedforthem,yetdoInotsofullyandcomfortablybelieveitasIought,butamsometimesapttoquestionit:andbesides,thoughmysinshavenotdominionoverme,yetIfeelthemtooprevalentinme,andIwouldfainhavemorepowerandstrengthagainstthem;Iwouldfainhavemygracesstrongerandmycorruptionsweaker;whereforeI,knowingthatChristinthesacramentoftheLord'sSupper,sealsupuntometheassuranceofthepardonandforgivenessofallmysins;yea,andknowingthatthedeathandbloodshedofJesusChrist,whichisthererepresented,hasinitbothapardoningandpurgingvirtue;yea,andknowingthatthemorefullyIdoapprehendChristbyfaith,themorestrengthofgrace,andpoweragainstcorruptionsIshallfeel:whereforeIwillgotopartakeofthatordinance,inhopethatIshalltheremeetwithJesusChrist,andapprehendhimmorefullybyfaith,andsoobtainbothmoreassurancesofthepardonofmysins,andthemorepowerandstrengthagainstthem";whichtheLordgrantyouforChrist'ssake.AndthushavingalsoshowedyouthereasonwhyIwouldhaveyoumoreespeciallytotakenoticeofyoursinsbeforeyoucometoreceivethesacramentoftheLord'sSupper,Iwillnowtakemyleaveofyou,formyotheroccasionsdocallmeaway.

Neo.Well,sir,Idoacknowledge,thatyouhavetakengreatpainsbothwithmyneighbourandmethisday,forthewhichIdogiveyoumanythanks.AndyetImustentreatyoutodothelikecourtesyformewhichyoupromisedmyneighbourNomologista,andthatis,atyourleisure,towritemeoutacopyoftheconferencewehavehadthisday.

Evan.Well,neighbourNeophytus,Ishallthinkofit,anditmaybe,accomplishyourdesire.AndsotheGodofpeacebewithyou.

Neo.TheLordbewithyou,sir.

[Contents][Previous:Thesumofthetenthcommandment.][Next:Thedifferencebetweenthelawandthegospel.]

Thedifferencebetweenthelawandthegospel.


[Contents][Previous:Theuseofthelaw.][Next:Appendix]

THEDIFFERENCEBETWEENTHELAWANDTHEGOSPEL.

Thereislittlemoreinallthis,viz:"TheMarrow,"tobeattributedtomethantheverygatheringandcomposingofit.ThatwhichIaimat,andintendtherein,istoshowuntomyselfandothersthatshallreadit,thedifferencebetwixtthelawandthegospel,apoint,asIconceive,veryneedfulforustobewellinstructedin,andthatforthesereasons:

First,Because,ifwebeignorantthereof,weshallbeveryapttomixandminglethemtogether,andsotoconfoundtheonewiththeother;which,asLutherontheGalatians,p.31,trulysays,"dothmoremischiefthanman'sreasoncanconceive";andthereforehedothadviseallChristians,inthecaseofjustification,toseparatethelawandthegospelasfarasunderasheavenandearthareseparated.

Secondly,Becauseifweknowrighthowtodistinguishbetwixtthem,theknowledgethereofwillaffordusnosmalllighttowardsthetrueunderstandingoftheScripture,andwillhelpustoreconcileallsuchplaces,bothintheOldandNewTestament,asseemtoberepugnant;yea,anditwillhelpustojudgearightofcasesofconscience,andquietourownconscienceintimeoftroubleanddistress;yea,andweshalltherebybeenabledtotrythetruthandfalsehoodofalldoctrines;wherefore,forourbetterinstructiononthispoint,wearefirstofalltoconsiderandtakenoticewhatthelawis,andwhatthegospelis.

Now,thelawisadoctrinepartlyknownbynature,teachingusthatthereisaGod,andwhatGodis,andwhatherequiresustodo,bindingallreasonablecreaturestoperfectobedience,bothinternalandexternal,promisingthefavourofGod,andeverlastinglifetoallthosewhoyieldperfectobediencethereunto,anddenouncingthecurseofGodandeverlastingdamnationtoallthosewhoarenotperfectlycorrespondentthereunto.

ButthegospelisadoctrinerevealedfromheavenbytheSonofGod,presently

afterthefallofmankindintosinanddeath,andafterwardsmanifestedmoreclearlyandfullytothepatriarchsandprophets,totheevangelistsandapostles,andbythemspreadabroadtoothers;whereinfreedomfromsin,fromthecurseofthelaw,thewrathofGod,death,andhell,isfreelypromisedforChrist'ssakeuntoallwhotrulybelieveonhisname.

Thirdly,Wearetoconsiderwhatthenatureandofficeofthelawis,andwhatthenatureandofficeofthegospelis.

Now,thenatureandofficeofthelawistoshowuntousoursin,(Rom3:10),ourcondemnation,ourdeath,(Rom2:1,7:10).Butthenatureandofficeofthegospelistoshowuntous,thatChristhastakenawayoursin,(John1:29),andthathealsoisourredemptionandlife,(Col1:14,3:4).SothattheLAWisawordofwrath,(Rom4:14);buttheGOSPELisawordofpeace,(Eph2:17).

Fourthly,Wearetoconsiderwherewemayfindthelawwritten,andwherewemayfindthegospelwritten.

Now,weshallfindthislawandthisgospelwrittenandrecordedinthewritingsoftheprophets,evangelists,andapostles,namely,inthebookscalledtheOldandNewTestament,ortheScriptures.For,indeed,thelawandthegospelarethechiefgeneralheadswhichcomprehendallthedoctrineoftheScriptures;yetwearenottothinkthatthesetwodoctrinesaretobedistinguishedbythebooksandleavesoftheScriptures,butbythediversityofGod'sSpiritspeakinginthem:wearenottotakeandunderstandwhatsoeveriscontainedinthecompassoftheOldTestament,tobeonlyandmerelythewordandvoiceofthelaw;neitherarewetothinkthatwhatsoeveriscontainedwithinthecompassofthebookscalledtheNewTestament,isonlyandmerelythevoiceofthegospel;forsometimesintheOldTestament,Goddoesspeakcomfort,ashecomfortedAdam,withthevoiceofthegospel;sometimesalsointheNewTestamenthedoesthreatenandterrify,aswhenChristterrifiedthePharisees.Insomeplaces,again,Mosesandtheprophetsdoplaytheevangelists;insomuchthatHieromdoubtswhetherheshouldcallIsaiahaprophetoranevangelist.Insomeplaces,likewise,ChristandtheapostlessupplythepartofMoses:Christhimself,untilhisdeath,wasunderthelaw,whichlawhecamenottobreak,buttofulfil;sohissermonsmadetotheJews,forthemostpart,runallupontheperfectdoctrineandworksofthelaw,showingandteachingwhatweoughttodobytherightlawofjustice,andwhatdangerensuesinthenon-performanceofthesame.Allwhichplaces,thoughtheybecontainedinthebookoftheNewTestament,yetaretheytobereferred

tothedoctrineofthelaw,everhavingincludedinthemaprivyexceptionofrepentanceandfaithinJesusChrist.Asforexample,whereChristthuspreaches,"Blessedarethepureinheart,fortheyshallseeGod,"(Matt5:8).Again,"Exceptyebeconvertedandbecomeaslittlechildren,yeshallnotenterintothekingdomofheaven,"(Matt18:3).Andagain,"HethatdoeththewillofmyFatherwhichisinheaven,shallenterintothekingdomofheaven,"(Matt7:21).Andagain,theparableofthewickedservant,castintoprisonfornotforgivinghisfellow,(Matt18:30);thecastingoftherichgluttonintohell,(Luke16:23).Andagain,"Hethatdeniethmebeforemen,IwilldenyhimbeforemyFatherwhichisinheaven,"(Luke12:9);withdiverssuchotherplaces,allwhich,Isay,doappertaintothedoctrineofthelaw.

Wherefore,inthefifthplace,wearetotakeheed,whenwereadtheScriptures,wedonottakethegospelforthelaw,northelawforthegospel,butlabourtodiscernanddistinguishthevoiceoftheonefromthevoiceoftheother;andifwewouldknowwhenthelawspeaks,andwhenthegospelspeaks,letusconsiderandtakethisforanote,thatwheninScripturethereisanymoralworkcommandedtobedone,eitherforeschewingofpunishment,oruponpromiseofanyreward,temporaloreternalorelsewhenanypromiseismadewiththeconditionofanyworktobedone,whichiscommandedinthelawthereistobeunderstoodthevoiceofthelaw.

Contrariwise,wherethepromiseoflifeandsalvationisoffereduntousfreely,withoutanyconditionofanylaw,eithernatural,ceremonial,ormoral,oranyworkdonebyus,allthoseplaces,whetherwereadthemintheOldTestament,orintheNew,aretobereferredtothevoiceanddoctrineofthegospel;yea,andallthosepromisesofChristcomingintheflesh,whichwereadintheOldTestament;yea,andallthosepromisesintheNewTestament,whichofferChristuponconditionofourbelievingonhisname,areproperlycalledthevoiceofthegospel,becausetheyhavenoconditionofourmortifyingannexeduntothem,butonlyfaithtoapprehendandreceiveJesusChrist;asitiswritten,(Rom3:22),"FortherighteousnessofGod,whichisbyfaithofJesusChristuntoall,anduponallthatbelieve,"&c.

Briefly,then,ifwewouldknowwhenthelawspeaks,andwhenthegospelspeaks,eitherinreadingtheword,orinhearingitpreached;andifwewouldskillfullydistinguishthevoiceoftheonefromthevoiceoftheother,wemustconsider:

Law.Thelawsays,"Thouartasinner,andthereforethoushaltbedamned,"(Rom7:2,2Thess2:12).

Gos.Butthegospelsays,No;"ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners";andtherefore,"believeontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved,(1Tim1:15,Acts16:31).

Law.Againthelawsays,"KnowestthounotthattheunrighteousshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod;benotdeceived,"&c.(1Cor6:9).Andthereforethoubeingasinner,andnotrighteous,shaltnotinheritthekingdomofGod.

Gos.Butthegospelsays,"GodhasmadeChristtobesinfortheewhoknewnosin;thatthoumightestbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim,whoistheLordthyrighteousness,"(Jer23:6).

Law.Againthelawsays,"Paymewhatthouowestme,orelseIwillcasttheeintoprison,"(Matt18:28,30).

Gos.Butthegospelsays,"Christgavehimselfaransomforthee,"(1Tim2:6);"andsoismaderedemptionuntothee,"(1Cor1:30).

Law.Againthelawsays,"ThouhastnotcontinuedinallthatIrequireofthee,andthereforethouartaccursed,"(Deut27:6).

Gos.Butthegospelsays,"Christhathredeemedtheefromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforthee,"(Gal3:13).

Law.Againthelawsays,"ThouarebecomeguiltybeforeGod,andthereforeshaltnotescapethejudgmentofGod,"(Rom3:19,2:3).

Gos.Butthegospelsays,"TheFatherjudgethnoman,buthathcommittedalljudgmenttotheSon,"(John5:12).

Andnow,knowingrightlyhowtodistinguishbetweenthelawandthegospel,wemust,inthesixthplace,takeheedthatwebreaknottheordersbetweenthesetwoinapplyingthelawwherethegospelistobeapplied,eithertoourselvesortoothers;foralbeitthelawandgospel,inorderofdoctrine,aremanytimestobejoinedtogether,yetinthecaseofjustification,thelawmustbeutterlyseparatedfromthegospel.

Therefore,whensoever,orwheresoever,anydoubtorquestionarisesofsalvation,orourjustificationbeforeGod,therethelawandallgoodworksmustbeutterlyexcludedandstandapart,thatgracemayappearfree,andthatthepromiseandfaithmaystandalone:whichfaithalone,withoutlaworworks,bringstheeinparticulartothyjustificationandsalvation,throughthemerepromiseandfreegraceofGodinChrist;sothatIsay,intheactionandofficeofjustification,bothlawandworksaretobeutterlyexcludedandexempted,asthingswhichhavenothingtodointhatbehalf.Thereasonisthis:forseeingthatallourredemptionspringsoutfromthebodyoftheSonofGod,crucified,thenistherenothingthatcanstandusinstead,butthatonlywherewiththebodyofChristisapprehended.Now,forasmuchasneitherthelawnorworks,butfaithonly,isthethingwhichapprehendeththebodyandpassionofChrist,thereforefaithonlyisthatmatterwhichjustifiesamanbeforeGod,throughthestrengthofthatobjectJesusChrist,whichitapprehends;likeasthebrazenserpentwastheobjectonlyoftheIsraelites'looking,andnotoftheirhands'working;bythestrengthofwhichobject,throughthepromiseofGod,immediatelyproceededhealthtothebeholders:sothebodyofChristbeingtheobjectofourfaith,strikesrighteousnesstooursouls,notthroughworking,butthroughbelieving.

Wherefore,whenanypersonorpersons,dofeelthemselvesoppressedorterrifiedwiththeburdenoftheirsins,andfeelthemselveswiththemajestyofthelawandjudgmentofGodterrifiedandoppressed,outweighedandthrowndownintoutterdiscomfort,almosttothepitofhell,ashappenssometimestoGod'sowndearservants,whohavesoftandtimorousconsciences;whensuchsouls,Isay,doreadorhearanysuchplaceofScripturewhichappertainstothelaw,letthem,then,thinkandassurethemselvesthatsuchplacesdonotappertainorbelongtothem;nay,letnotsuchonlywhoarethusdeeplyhumbledandterrifieddothis,butalsoleteveryonethatdoesbutmakeanydoubtorquestionoftheirownsalvation,throughthesightandsenseoftheirsin,dothelike.

Andtothisendandpurpose,letthemconsiderandmarkwelltheendwhythelawwasgiven,whichwasnottobringustosalvation,nortomakeusgood,andsotoprocureGod'sloveandfavourtowardsus:butrathertodeclareandconvictourwickedness,andmakeusfeelthedangerthereof;tothisendandpurpose,thatweseeingourcondemnation,andbeinginourselvesconfounded,maybedriventherebytohaveourrefugeintheSonofGod,inwhomaloneistobefoundourremedy.Andwhenthisiswroughtinus,thenthelawhasaccomplisheditsendinus;andthereforeitisnowtogiveplaceuntoJesusChrist,who,astheapostlesays,"istheendofthelaw,"(Rom10:3).Letevery

trueconvictedperson,then,whofearsthewrathofGod,death,andhell,whentheyhearorreadanysuchplacesofScriptureasdoappertaintothelaw,notthinkthesametobelongtothem,nomorethanamourningweedbelongstoamarriagefeast;andtherefore,removingutterlyoutoftheirmindsallcogitationsofthelaw,allfearofjudgmentandcondemnation,letthemonlysetbeforetheireyesthegospel,viz:thegladandjoyfultidingsofChrist,thesweetcomfortsofGod'spromises,freeforgivenessofsinsinChrist,grace,redemption,liberty,psalms,thanks,singing,aparadiseofspiritualjocundity,andnothingelse;thinkingthuswithinthemselves,thelawhathnowdoneitsofficeinme,andthereforemustnowgiveplacetoitsbetter;thatis,itmustneedsgiveplacetoJesusChrist,theSonofGod,whoismyLordandMaster,thefulfillerandaccomplisherofthelaw.

Lastly,Aswemusttakeheedandbewarethatweapplynotthelawwherethegospelistobeapplied,somustwealsotakeheedandbewarethatweapplynotthegospelwherethelawistobeapplied.Letusnotapplythegospelinsteadofthelaw;for,asbefore,theotherwasevenasmuchastoputonamourning-gownatamarriagefeast,sothisisbuteventhecastingofpearlsbeforeswine,whereinisgreatabuseamongstmany;forcommonlyitisseen,thattheseproud,self-conceited,andunhumbledpersons,theseworldlyepicuresandsecuremammonists,towhomthedoctrineofthelawdoesproperlyappertain,doyetnotwithstandingputitawayfromthem,andblessthemselveswiththesweetpromisesofthegospel,saying,"TheyhopetheyhaveasgoodashareinChristasthebestofthemall,forGodismercifulandthelike."Andcontrariwise,theothercontriteandbruisedhearts,towhombelongsnotthelaw,butthejoyfultidingsofthegospel,forthemostpartreceiveandapplytothemselvestheterriblevoiceandsentenceofthelaw.Wherebyitcomestopass,thatmanydorejoicewhentheyshouldmourn;andontheotherside,manydofearandmournwhentheyshouldrejoice.Wherefore,toconclude,inprivateuseoflife,leteverypersondiscreetlydiscernbetweenthelawandthegospel,andapplytohimselfthatwhichbelongstohim.Letthemanorthewoman,whodidneveryettoanypurpose[especiallyinthetimeofhealthandprosperity]thinkof,orconsidertheirlatterend,thatdidneveryetfearthewrathofGod,nordeath,nordevil,norhell,buthavelived,anddostillliveajocundandmerrylife;letthemapplythecurseofthelawtothemselves,fortothemitbelongs:yea,andletallyourcivilhonestmenandwomen,who,itmaybe,dosometimesthinkoftheirlatterend,andhavehadsomekindoffearofthewrathofGod,death,andhell,intheirhearts,andyethavesalvedupthesore,withaplastermadeoftheirowncivilrighteousness,withasalvecompoundedoftheiroutwardconformitytothe

dutiescontainedinthelaw,theirfreedomfromgrosssins,andtheiruprightandjustdealingwithmen;letthesehearkentothevoiceofthelaw,whenitsays,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem";butletallself-denying,fearful,tremblingsouls,applythegraciousandsweetpromisesofGodinChristuntothemselves,andrejoicebecausetheirnamesarewrittenintheBookofLife.

[Contents][Previous:Theuseofthelaw.][Next:Appendix]

TheMarrowofModernDivinity-PartSecond[Contents][Previous:Thedifferencebetweenthelawandthegospel.]

APPENDIX.

THEOCCASIONOFTHE"MARROW"CONTROVERSY,STATEDBYTHELATEREV.JOHNBROWN,OFHADDINGTON.

WhiletheChurchofScotlandwasclearandexactinherstandards,andmanyofherpreacherstrulyevangelical,afloodoflegaldoctrinefilledmanypulpitsaboutthetimeoftheRevolution.

TheArminianerrorsofProfessorSimpsonwerealsoprevalentafterthistime;buttheAssemblyusedhimwithgreattenderness.However,theywerefarfrombeingequallykindtosuchasearnestlyendeavouredaclearillustrationofthedoctrinesofGod'sfreegracereigningthroughtherighteousnessofChrist.Mr.HamiltonofAirthhavingpublishedacatecheticaltreatiseconcerningthecovenantofworksandgrace,andthesacramentsofbaptismandtheLord'sSupper,inamoreevangelicalstrainthansomewished,theAssembly,1710,prohibitedallministersormembersofthischurchtoprint,ordisperseinwrit,anycatechism,withouttheallowanceofthePresbyteryofthebounds,ortheCommission.ThePresbyteryofAuchterarderhavingbeguntorequirecandidatesforlicence,toacknowledgeitunsoundtoteachthatmenmustforsaketheirsinsinordertocometoChrist,theAssembly,1717,onthesamedaytheyhaddealtsogentlywithProfessorSimpson,declaredtheirabhorrenceofthatpropositionasunsoundandmostdetestableasifmenoughtonlytocometoChrist,thealoneSaviourfromsins,aftertheyhavegotridofthembyrepentance.Mr.JamesHog,oneoftheholiestministersinthekingdom,havingpublishedorrecommendedacelebratedandedifyingtractoftheCromwellianage,calledTheMarrowModernDivinity,theAssembly,1720,felluponitwithgreatfury,asifithadbeenrepletewithAntinomianerrors,thoughitisbelievedmanyofthesezealotsneverreadit,atleasthadneverperusedit,inconnectionwiththeSecondPartofit,whichiswhollytakenupinthemanifestationoftheobligation,meaning,andadvantageofobservingthelawofGod.TheycondemnedtheofferingofChrist,asaSaviourtoallmen,ortosinnersassuch,andthedoctrineofbelievers'fulldeliverancefromunderthelawasabrokencovenantofworks.Theyassertedmen'sholinesstobeafederalorconditionalmeanoftheirobtainingeternalhappiness.TheycondemnedthesealmostexpressdeclarationsofScripture,thatbelieversarenotunderthelaw,thattheydonotcommitsin,thattheLordseesno

sininthem,andcannotbeangrywiththem,asAntinomianparadoxes,andcondemnedthedistinctionofthemorallawasacovenantofworks,andasabindingruleofdutyinthehandofChrist.Inordertoexplaintheseexpressions,Messrs.JamesHog,ThomasBoston,EbenezerandRalphErskines,GabrielWatson,andsevenothers,remonstratedtothenextAssemblyagainstthesedecisionsasinjurioustothedoctrineofGod'sgrace.AndintheiranswerstotheCommission'sTwelveQueries,theyillustratedthesedoctrineswithnosmallclearnessandevidence.Perhapsinfluencedbythis,aswellasbythewidespreaddetestationoftheiracts[1720]onthatpoint,theAssembly,1722,reconsideredthesame,andmadeanactexplainingandconfirmingthem.Thiswaslessgrossanderroneous.Nevertheless,thetwelverepresentersprotestedagainstitasinjurioustotruth;butthisprotestwasnotallowedtobemarked.TheModerator,bytheAssembly'sappointment,rebukedthemfortheirreflectionsontheAssembly,1720,intheirrepresentation,andadmonishedthemtobewareofthelikeinalltimecoming;againstwhichtheyprotested.

QUERIESAGREEDUNTOBYTHECOMMISSIONOFTHEGENERALASSEMBLY,ANDPUTTOTHOSEMINISTERSWHOGAVEINAREPRESENTATIONANDPETITIONAGAINSTTHE5THAND8THACTSOFASSEMBLY1720,WITHTHEANSWERSGIVENBYTHESEMINISTERSTOTHESAIDQUERIES.1

Adheringtoandholding,ashererepeated,oursubscribedAnswergivenintotheReverendCommission,whenbythemcalledtoreceivetheseQueries,wecometoadventure,undertheconductofthefaithfulandtrueWitness,whohaspromisedtheSpiritoftruthtoleadhispeopleintotruth,tomakeanswertothesaidQueries.Towhich,beforeweproceed,wecraveleavetorepresent,thatthetitletheretoprefixed,viz:"QueriestobeputtoMr.JamesHog,andotherMinisters,whogaveinaRepresentationinFavoursoftheMarrow,totheGeneralAssembly,1721,"aswellasthatprefixedtotheCommission'sovertureanentthisaffair,hasanativetendencytodivertandbemistthereader,toexposeus,andtoturnthematteroffitsproperhinge,bygivingawrongcolourtoourRepresentation,asifthechiefdesignofitwastoplead,notfortheprecioustruthsofthegospel,whichweconceivetobewoundedbythecondemnatoryact,butfor"TheMarrowofModernDivinity,"thewhich,thoughwevalueforagoodandusefulbook,anddoubtnotbuttheChurchofGodmaybemuchedifiedbyit,asweourselveshavebeen,yetcameitneverintoourmindstoholdit,oranyotherprivatewriting,faultless,nortoputitonalevelwithourapprovedstandardsofdoctrine.

QUERY.I.Whetherarethereanypreceptsinthegospelthatwerenotactuallygivenbeforethegospelwasrevealed?

Answer

.Thepassagesinourrepresentation,markedouttousforthegroundsofthisquery,arethese:"Thegospeldoctrine,knownonlybyanewrevelationafterthefall.Ofthesamedismaltendencyweapprehendtobethedeclaringofthatdistinctionofthelaw,asitisthelawofworks,andasitisthelawofChrist,astheauthorappliesit,tobealtogethergroundless.Theerroneousdoctrineofjustification,forsomethingwroughtin,ordonebythesinner,ashisrighteousness,orkeepingthenewandgospellaw."Now,leavingittootherstojudgeifthesepassagesgaveanyjustoccasiontothisquestion,weanswer,

1st,Inthegospel,takenstrictly,andascontradistinctfromthelaw,foradoctrineofgrace,orgoodnewsfromheaven,orhelpinGodthroughJesusChrist,tolostself-destroyingcreaturesofAdam'srace,orthegladtidingsofaSaviour,withlifeandsalvationinhimtothechiefofsinners,therearenoprecepts;allthese,thecommandtobelieve,andrepent,notexcepted,belongingto,andflowingfromthelaw,whichfastensthenewdutyonus,thesamemomentthegospelrevealsthenewobject.

Thatinthegospel,takenstrictly,therearenoprecepts,tousseemsevidentfromtheholyScriptures.Inthefirstrevelationofit,madeintheseswords,"Theseedofthewomanshallbruisetheheadoftheserpent,"wefindnoprecept,butapromisecontaininggladtidingsofaSaviour,withgrace,mercy,life,andsalvationinhim,tolostsinnersofAdam'sfamily.AndthegospelpreacheduntoAbraham,namely,"Inthee,"i.e.,inthyseed,whichisinChrist,"shallallnationsbeblessed,"isofthesamenature.ThegoodtidingsofgreatjoytoallpeopleofaSaviourborninthecityofDavid,whoisChristtheLord,broughtandproclaimedfromheavenbytheangels,wetaketohavebeenthegospel,strictlyandproperlysocalled;yetistherenopreceptinthesetidings.Wefind,likewise,thegospelofpeaceandgladtidingsofgoodthingsareinScriptureconvertibleterms;andthewordofthegospel,whichPeterspoketotheGentiles,thattheymightbelieve,wasnootherthanpeacebyJesusChrist,crucified,risen,andexaltedtobeJudgeofquickanddead,withremissionofsinsthroughhisname,tobereceivedbyeveryonebelievinginhim.Muchmoremightbeaddedonthishead,which,thatwebenottedious,wepass.Ofthesamemind,astothispoint,wefindthebodyofreformeddivines,astoinstanceinafew,Calvin,Chamier,

Pemble,Wendelin,Alting,theprofessorsofLeyden,Witsius,Maestrick,Maresius,Troughton,Essenius.

Thatallprecepts,[thoseoffaithandrepentancenotexcepted,]belongto,andareofthelaw,isnolessevidenttous;forthelawofcreation,orofthetencommandments,whichwasgiventoAdaminparadise,intheformofacovenantofworks,requiringustobelievewhateverGodshouldrevealorpromise,andtoobeywhateverheshouldcommand;allpreceptswhatsoevermustbevirtuallyandreallyincludedinit.Sothatthereneverwas,norcanbe,aninstanceofdutyowingbythecreaturetoGod,notcommandedinthemorallaw,ifnotdirectlyandexpressly,yetindirectly,andbyconsequence.Thesamefirstcommandment,forinstance,whichrequiresustotaketheLordforourGod,toacknowledgehisessentialverity,andsovereignauthority;tolove,fear,andtrustinJehovah,afterwhatmannersoeverheshallbepleasedtorevealhimselftous,andlikewisetogrieveandmournforhisdishonourordispleasure,requiresbelievinginJehovah,ourrighteousness,assoonaseverheisrevealedtousassuch,andsorrowingafteragodlysortforthetransgressionofhisholylaw,whetherbyone'sselforbyothers.Itistrue,AdamwasnotactuallyobligedtobelieveinaSaviour,till,beinglostandundone,aSaviourwasrevealedtohim;butthesamecommandmentthatboundhimtotrustanddependon,andtobelievethepromisesofGodCreator,nodoubtobligedhimtobelieveinGodRedeemer,whenrevealed.NorwasAdamobligedtosorrowforsinereitwascommitted.Butthissamelawthatboundhimtohaveasenseoftheevilofsininitsnatureandeffects,tohate,loathe,andfleefromsin,andtoresolveagainstit,andforallholyobedience,andtohaveadueapprehensionofthegoodnessofGod,obligedhimalsotomournforit,wheneveritshouldfallout.Andwecannotseehowthecontrarydoctrineisconsistentwiththeperfectionofthelaw;forifthelawbeacompleteruleofallmoral,internalandspiritual,aswellasexternalandritualobedience,itmustrequirefaithandrepentance,aswellasitdoesallothergoodworks.Andthatitdoesindeedrequirethem,wecanhavenodoubtof,whenweconsider,thatwithoutthemallotherreligiousperformancesare,inGod'saccount,asgoodasnothing;andthatsinbeing,astheScriptureandourownstandardtellus,anywantofconformityto,ortransgressionofthelawofGod,unbeliefandimpenitencymustbesotoo.Andiftheybeso,thenmustfaithandrepentancebeobedienceandconformityofthesamelaw,whichtheformerareatransgressionof,oraninconformityunto;unbeliefparticularlybeingadepartingfromthelivingGod,is,forcertain,forbiddeninthefirstcommandment,thereforefaithmustneedsberequiredinthesamecommandment,accordingtoaknownrule.Butwhatneedwemore,afterourLordhastoldus,thatfaithisone

oftheweightiermattersofthelaw?andthatitisnotasecondtabledutywhichistheremeant,isevidenttous,bycomparingtheparallelplaceinLuke,where,inplaceoffaith,wehavetheloveofGod.Asforrepentance,incaseofsinagainstGod,itbecomesnaturallyaduty;andthoughneitherthecovenantofworksnorofgraceadmittedofit,asanyexpiationofsin,orfederalconditiongivingrighttolife,itisadutyincludedineverycommandment,onthesupposalofatransgression.

Whatmovesustobethemoreconcernedforthispointofdoctrineis,thatifthelawdoesnotbindsinnerstobelieveandrepent,thenweseenothowfaithandrepentance,consideredasworks,areexcludedfromourjustificationbeforeGod,sinceinthatcasetheyarenotworksofthelaw,underwhichcharacterallworksareinScriptureexcludedfromtheuseofjustifyinginthesightofGod.Andwecancalltomindthat,onthecontrarydoctrine,Arminiuslaidthefoundationofhisrottenprinciples,touchingsufficientgrace,orrathernaturalpower."Adam,"sayshe,"hadnotpowertobelieveinJesusChrist,becauseheneededhimnot;norwasheboundtobelieve,becausethelawrequireditnot.Therefore,sinceAdambyhisfalldidnotloseit,GodisboundtogiveeverymanpowertobelieveinJesusChrist."AndSocinians,Arminians,Papists,andBaxterians,byholdingthegospeltobeanew,proper,preceptivelaw,withsanction,andtherebyturningitintoareal,thoughmildercovenantofworks,haveconfoundedthelawandthegospel,andbroughtworksintothematterandcauseofasinner'sjustificationbeforeGod.And,wereckon,wearetherathercalledtobeonourguardhere,thattheclauseinourrepresentation,makingmentionofthenew,orgospellaw,ismarkedouttous,asoneofthegroundsofthisquery,whichweowntobesomewhatalarming.Besidesallthis,theteachingthatfaithandrepentancearegospelcommandments,mayyetagainopenthedoortoAntinomianism,asitsometimesdidalready,ifwemaybelieveMr.Cross,whosays,"Historytellsusthatitsprungfromsuchamistake,thatfaithandrepentanceweretaughtandcommandedbythegospelonly,andthatastheycontainedallnecessarytosalvation,sothelawwasneedless."

Onthisheadalso,namely,thatallpreceptsbelongtothelaw,wemightlikewiseadduceacloudofwitnessesbeyondexception,suchasPemble,Essenius,Anth,Burgess,Rutherford,Owen,Witsius,Dickson,Fergusson,Troughton,LargerCatechismonthedutiesrequired,andsinsforbiddeninthefirstcommandment.But,withoutinsistingfurther,weanswer,

2dly,Inthegospel,takenlargelyforthewholedoctrineofChristandthe

apostles,containedintheNewTestament,orforasystemofallthepromises,precepts,threatenings,doctrines,histories,thatanywayconcernman'srecoveryandsalvation,inwhichrespect,notonlyallthetencommandments,butthedoctrineofthecovenantofworksbelongtoit,butinthissense,thedoctrineisnotcontradistinctfromthelaw;inthegospel,takenthusatlarge,wesay,therearedoubtlessmanypreceptsthatwerenotactuallygiven[thatis,particularlyandexpresslypromulgatedorrequired]beforethegospelwasrevealed.Lovetoourenemies,toinstanceinafewofmany,mercytothemiserable,bearingofthecross,hopeandjoyintribulations,inprospectoftheirhavingadesiredissue,love,thankfulness,prayer,andobediencetoaGodRedeemer,zealouswitnessingagainstsin,andfortruth,incaseofdefectionfromthefaithorholinessofthegospel,confessingourfaultstoandforgivingoneanother.AlltheceremonialpreceptsundertheOldTestamenttogetherwiththeinstitutionsofChristundertheNew,faithinJesusChrist,repentanceuntolife,withmanymore,tosaynothingofpersonalandparticularprecepts,werenotactuallygivenbeforethegospelwasrevealed;allwhichareneverthelessreducibletothelawofthetencommandments,manyofthembeingplaindutiesofthelawofnature,thoughtheyhadnodueandproperobjects,noroccasionsofbeingexercisedinaninnocentstate.Itistrue,therearemanyofthemwehadneverheardof,withoutthegospelhadbeenrevealed;yetaretheynot,therefore,inanypropersense,preceptsofthegospel,butofthelaw,whichisexceedingbroad,extendingtonewobjects,occasions,andcircumstances.Thelawsaysonethingtothepersonunmarried,andanotherthingtothesamepersonwhenmarried;onethingtohimasachild,anotherthingtohimasaparent,&c.,yetisitthesamelawstill.ThelawofGodbeingperfect,andlikeuntoitsAuthor,mustreachtoeveryconditionofthecreature;butifforeverynewdutyornewobjectoffaiththerebehovedtobeanewlaw,howstrangelymustlawsbemultiplied!Thelawitself[evenasinthecaseofaman]maymeetwithanychanges,andyetremainthesameastoitsessence.Now,astofaithandrepentance,thoughabilitytoexercisethem,andacceptanceofthem,bebythegospel,yetitisevidenttheymustberegulatedbythesamelaw,thetransgressionofwhichmadethemnecessary.Theessenceofrepentance,itisplain,liesinrepeatingandrenewing,withasuitableframeofspirit,thedutiesomitted,orinobservingthelawonehadviolated.ForasthedivineperfectionsaretheruleandpatternofGod'simageinman,aswellinhisregenerationasinhiscreation,sotheholylawofGodistheruleofourrepentance,aswellasofourprimitiveobedience.Andwhyfaith,whenithasGodMediator,orGodRedeemer,foritsobject,maynotbefromthesamelawaswhenithadGodCreator,orGodPreserverforitsobjects,wecannotsee.

QUERYII.Isnotthebelievernowbound,bytheauthorityoftheCreator,topersonalobediencetothemorallaw,thoughnotinordertojustification?

Ans

.Whatisgivenusforthegroundofthisquery,isthefollowingclauseofourrepresentation,viz:"Sincebelieversarenotunderit,tobetherebyjustifiedorcondemned,wecannotcomprehendhowitcontinuesanylongeracovenantofworkstothem,orassuchtohaveacommandingpoweroverthem,thatcovenantformofitbeingdoneawayinChristwithrespecttobelievers."Thisclauseoftherepresentationbeingsomuchone,eveninwords,withourConfession,wecouldneverhaveexpectedtheReverendCommissionwouldhavemovedaqueryuponit;butsincetheyhavebeenpleasedtothinkotherwise,weansweraffirmatively:

Thebeliever,sinceheceasesnottobeacreaturebybeingmadeanewcreature,is,andmusteverbeboundtopersonalobediencetothelawofthetencommandments,bytheauthorityofFather,Son,andHolyGhost,hisCreator.Buthisauthorityis,astohim,issuedbyandfromtheLordJesusChrist,atwhosemouthhereceivesthelaw,beingaswellhisLordGodCreator,ashisLordGodRedeemer,andhavingallthefullnessoftheGodheaddwellinginhim;norcannorwillthesinfulcreatureeverapplyhimselftoobedienceacceptabletoGod,orcomfortabletohimself,withouttheCreator'sauthoritycometohiminthatchannel.

WeareclearandfullofthesamemindwithourConfession,thatthemorallawofthetencommandmentsdoesforeverbindall,aswelljustifiedpersonsasothers,totheobediencethereof,notonlyinregardofthemattercontainedinit,butalsoinrespectoftheauthorityofGodtheCreatorwhogaveit,andthatChristdoesnotinthegospelanywaydissolve,butmuchstrengthenthisobligation;forhowcanitloseanythingofitsoriginalauthority,bybeingconveyedtothebelieverinsuchasweetandblessedchannelasthehandofChrist,sincebothhehimselfisthesupremeGodandCreator,andsincetheauthority,majesty,andsovereigntyoftheFatherisinhisSon,hebeingthesameinsubstance,equalinpowerandglory?"BewareofHim,"saystheLorduntoIsrael,concerningChristtheangelofthecovenant,"andobeyhisvoice,provokehimnot:formynameisinhim."Thatis,asweunderstandit,myauthority,sovereignty,andotheradorableexcellencies,yeathewholefullnessoftheGodheadisinhim,andinhimonlywillIbeservedandobeyed.Andthenit

follows,"Butifthoushaltindeedobeyhisvoice,anddoallthatIspeak."ThenameoftheFatherissoinhim;heissoofthesamenaturewithhisFather,thathisvoiceistheFather'svoice:"Ifthouobeyhisvoice,anddoallthatIspeak."

WedesiretothinkandspeakhonourablyofHim,whosenameis"Wonderful,Counselllor,theMightyGod,theEverlastingFather,andthePrinceofPeace."Anditcannotbutexceedinglygrateourears,andgrieveourspirits,tofindsuchdoctrinesorpositionsventedinthisChurch,especiallyatatimewhentheArianheresyissoprevalentinourneighbournations,ashaveanobvioustendencytodarkenanddisparagehisdivinegloryandauthority,asthat,ifabelieveroughtnottoreceivethelawofthetencommandmentsatthehandofGod,asheisCreatoroutofChrist,thenheisnotunderitsobligation,asitwasdeliveredbyGodtheCreator,butisloosedfromallobediencetoit,asitwasenactedbytheauthorityoftheLordCreator;andthatitisinjurioustotheinfinitemajestyoftheSovereignLordCreator,andtothehonourofhisholylaw,torestrictthebelievertoreceivethetencommandmentsonlyatthehandofChrist.WhatcanbemoreinjurioustotheinfinitemajestyofthesovereignLordRedeemer;bywhomallthingswerecreatedthatareinheavenandinearth,visibleandinvisible,whethertheybethronesordominions,principalitiesorpowers,thantospeakasiftheCreator'sauthoritywasnotinhim,orasifthereceivingtheCreator'slawfromChristdidloosemenfromobediencetoit,asenactedbytheauthorityoftheFather?Woeuntous,ifthisdoctrinebethetruth,forsoshouldwebebroughtbacktoconsumingfireindeed;for,outofChrist,"Hethatmadeuswillhavenomercyuponus;norwillhethatformedusshowusanyfavour."Wehumblyconceive,theFatherdoesnotreckonhimselfglorified,butcontemnedbyChristiansofferingobediencetohimasCreatoroutofChrist.Nordoestheofferingtodealwithhimafterthissort,ortoteachothersso,discoveradueregardtothemysteryofChristrevealedinthegospel;foritisthewilloftheFather,theSovereignLordCreator,thatallmenshouldhonourtheSon,evenastheyhonourhimself;andthatat,orinthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow;andthateverytongueshouldconfessJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather,whohavingintheselastdaysspokenuntousbyhisSon,bywhomalsohemadetheworlds,andwithanaudiblevoicefromheavenhassaid,"ThisismybelovedSoninwhomIamwellpleasedhearyehim."Wereitnotwewouldbethoughttedious,Perkins,Durham,Owen,andothers,mighthavebeenheardonthishead.Butweproceedto

QUERYIII.Doththeannexingofapromiseoflife,andathreateningofdeathtoaprecept,makeitacovenantofworks?

Weanswer,asinourrepresentation,Thatthepromiseoflife,andthreateningofdeath,superaddedtothelawoftheCreator,madeitacovenantofworkstoourfirstparents,proposed;andtheirownconsent,whichsinlesscreaturescouldnotrefuse,madeitacovenantofworksaccepted."Alaw,"saythejudiciousDurham,"dothnecessarilyimplynomorethan,first,todirect;secondly,tocommand,enforcingthatobediencebyauthority.Acovenantdothfurthernecessarilyimplypromisesmadeuponsomeconditions,orthreateningsaddedifsuchaconditionbenotperformed.Now,sayshe,thislawmaybeconsideredwithouttheconsiderationofacovenant;foritwasfreetoGodtohaveaddedornottohaveaddedpromises;andthethreatenings,uponsuppositionthelawhadbeenkept,mightneverhavetakeneffect."Fromwhenceitisplain,inthejudgmentofthisgreatdivine,thelawofnaturewasturnedintoacovenantbytheadditionofapromiseoflifeandthreateningofdeath.OfthesamemindisBurgessandtheLondonministers,VindicieLegis,page61."Thereareonlytwothingswhichgototheessenceofalaw,andthatis1st,direction;2d,obligation.First,direction:thereforealawisarule:hencethelawofGodiscomparedtolight.Second,obligation;forthereinlieththeessenceofsinthatitbreakeththislaw,whichsupposestheobligatoryforceofit.Inthenextplace,therearetwoconsequentsofthelaw,whichareadbeneesse,thatthelawmaybethebetterobeyed;andthisindeedturneththelawintoacovenant.Firstthesanctionofitbywayofpromise;thatisamerefreething:God,byreasonofthatdominionwhichhehadoverman,mighthavecommandedhisobedience,andyetnevermadeapromiseofeternallifeuntohim.And,secondly,asfortheotherconsequentactofthelaw,tocurseandpunish,thisisbutanaccidentalact,notnecessarytoalaw,foritcomesinuponsuppositionoftransgression.Alawisacompletelaw,obliging,thoughitdonotactuallycurse;asintheconfirmedangelsitneverlaidanymorethanobligatoryandmandatoryactsuponthem;forthattheywereunderalawisplain,becauseotherwisetheycouldnothavesinned,forwherethereisnolaw,thereisnotransgression."

Thoughthereisnogroundfromourrepresentationtoaddmoreonthishead,yetwemaysay,thatapromiseoflifemadetoapreceptofdoing,thatis,inconsiderationoruponconditionofone'sdoing,bethedoingmoreorless,itisallone,thedivinewillinthepreceptbeingtheruleinthiscase,isacovenantofworks.AndastobelieversinChrist,thoughinthegospel,largelytaken,weowntherearepromisesoflife,andthreateningsofdeath,aswellasprecepts;andthatgodlinesshaththepromise,notonlyofthislife,butofthatwhichistocome,annexedtoit,intheorderofthecovenant:yetweareclearnopromiseoflifeismadetotheperformanceofprecepts,noreternaldeaththreatenedincaseoftheir

failingswhatsoeverinperforming,elseshouldtheirtitletolifebefoundednotentirelyonChristandhisrighteousnessimputedtothem,butonsomethinginordonebythemselves;andtheiraftersinsshouldagainactuallybringthemundervindictivewrathandthecurseofthelaw;which,upontheirunionwithChristwhowasmadeacurseforthem,toredeemthemfromunderit,theyare,accordingtoScriptureandourConfession,foreverdeliveredfrom.Henceweknowofnosanctionthelaw,standinginthecovenantofgracehathwithrespecttobelieversbesidesgraciousrewards,allofthemfreelypromisedonChrist'saccountfortheirencouragementinobedience,andfatherlychastisementanddispleasure,incaseoftheirnotwalkinginhiscommandments;whichtoabelieverarenolessawfulandmuchmorepowerfulrestraintsfromsinthantheprospectofthecurseandhellitselfwouldbe.TheReverendCommissionwillnot,wehope,grudgetohearthateminentdivine,Mr.Perkins,inafewwords,onthishead,whohavingputtheobjection,"Inthegospeltherearepromisesoflifeuponconditionofourobedience,asRomans8:13,'IfyethroughtheSpirit,'"&c.;answers,"Thepromisesofthegospelarenotmadetothework,buttotheworker;andtotheworker,notforhiswork,butforChrist'ssakeaccordingtohiswork:e.g.,Thepromiseoflifeisnotmadetotheworkofmortification,buttohimthatmortifieshisflesh;andthatnotforhismortification,butbecauseheisinChrist,andhismortificationisthetokenandevidencethereof."This,asitistheOldProtestantdoctrine,sowetakeittobethetruth.Andastothebeliever'stotalandfinalfreedomfromthecurseofthelawuponhisunionwithChrist,Protestantdivines,particularlyRutherfordandOwen,throughouttheirwritings,arefullandclearonthishead.

QUERYIV.Ifthemorallaw,antecedenttoitsreceivingtheformofacovenantofworks,hadathreateningofhellannexed?

Ans

.SincethelawofGodneverwas,norwilleverinthisworldbethestatedrule,eitherofman'sdutytowardsGod,orofGod'sdealingwithman,butasitstandsinoneofthetwocovenantsofworksandgrace,weareatalosstodiscovertherealusefulnessofthisquery,aswellaswhatfoundationithasinourrepresentation.

Astotheintrinsicaldemeritofsin,weareclear,whethertherehadeverbeenanycovenantofworksornot,itdeserveshell,evenallthataninfinitelyholyandjustGodeverhasorshallinflictforit;yetwhatbehovedtohavebeentheCreator's

disposalofthecreature,inthesupposedeventofsin'sentering,withoutacovenantbeingmade,weinclinenotheretodipinto;butwereckonitisnotpossibletoproveathreateningofhelltobeinseparablefromthelawofcreation,theobligationofwhich,becauseresultingfromthenatureofGod,andofthecreature,iseternalandimmutable:forconfirmedangels,glorifiedsaints,yea,andthehumannatureofChrist,areallofthemnaturally,necessarily,andeternallyobligedtolove,obey,dependon,andsubmituntoGod,andtomakehimtheirblessednessandultimateend;butnone,weconceive,willbeperemptoryinsaying,theyhaveathreateningofhellannexedtothelawtheyareunder.Andwecanbynomeansallow,thatabeliever,deliveredbyChristfromthecovenantofworks,isstillobnoxious,uponeverynewtransgression,tothethreateningofhell,supposedtobeinseparablyannexedtothelawofcreation,orofthetencommandments;whichlaweveryreasonablecreaturemustforeverbeunder,sincethiswould,ineffect,benootherthan,afterheisdeliveredfromhellinonerespect,tobindhimovertoitinanother.Whateverthreateningonemaysupposebelongedtothemorallawofthetencommandments,antecedentlytoitsreceivingacovenantform,allwas,forcertain,includedinthesanctionofthecovenantofworks:sothatChrist,inbearingthecurseofit,redeemedbelieversfromthehell,vindictivewrathandcurse,theirsinsinanysortdeserved;thehand-writingthatwasagainstthemhecancelled,toretopieces,andnailedtohiscross.Hencethethreateningofhellandthecurseareactuallyseparatedfromthelawofthetencommandments,whichbelieversareunderasaruleoflife;andtoholdotherwiseistheleadingerror,yea,theveryspringandfountain-headofAntinomianism;onallwhich,Burgess,Rutherford,andothers,maybeheard.

QUERYV.Ifitbepeculiartobelieverstobefreeofthecommandingpowerofthelaw,asacovenantofworks?

Thoughoursayingwecannotcomprehendhowthecovenantofworks,assuch,continuestohaveacommandingpoweroverbelievers,thatcovenantformofitbeingdoneawayinChristwithrespecttothem,givesnosufficientfoundationtothisquery,sinceweaffirmnothingconcerninganybutbelievers,whosefreedomfromthecommandingpowerofthatcovenant,thequeryseems,asmuchaswedo,toallowof;weansweraffirmatively:for,sinceitisonlytobelieverstheSpiritofGodinScripturesays,"Yearenotunderthelaw,"themainimportofwhichphraseis,subjectiontothecommandingpowerofit,asacovenant,"butundergrace";andsincetheyonlyare,byvirtueoftheirunionwithChrist,actuallyfreedfrombeingunderthelaw,byChrist'sbeingmadeunderit,i.e.,underitscommand,asabove,aswellasunderitscurseforthem;andsince

accordingtoourConfession,itisthepeculiarprivilegeofbelievers,which,therefore,believershavenointerestin,nottobeunderthelawasacovenantofworks,tobejustifiedorcondemnedthereby,wecanallownoother,besidesbelievers,tobeinvestedwiththatimmunity.

Allunbelieverswithin,aswellaswithout,thepaleofthevisiblechurch,sincetheyseekrighteousnessonlybytheworksofthelaw,andarestrangerstothecovenantofgrace,wealwaystooktobedebtorstothewholelaw,intheirownpersons.Andthistheirobligation,undertheDO,orcommandingpowerofthatcovenant,wetooktobeinviolablyfirm,tillsuchtimeasbyfaiththeyhadrecoursetohimwhois"theendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth";elsewethought,anddostillthink,iftheirobligationtothecommandofthatcovenantbedissolved,merelybytheirlivingunderanexternalgospeldispensation,theywouldbecastquiteloosefrombeingunderanycovenantatall,contrarytothecommonreceiveddoctrineoftheProtestantchurches,namely,thateverypersonwhatsoeverisinandunderoneorotherofthetwocovenantsofworksandgrace;norcouldthey,unlesstheybeunderthecommandingpowerofthecovenantofworks,beeverfoundtransgressorsofthelawofthatcovenant,byanyactualsinoftheirown,norbeboundoveranewunderthecovenant-cursethereby.

Thecovenantofworks,itistrue,is,bythefall,weakandineffectual,asacovenant,togiveuslife,byreasonofourweaknessanddisabilitytofulfilit,beingantecedentlysinners,andobnoxioustoitscurse,whichnopersoncanbe,andyetatthesametimehavearightuntoitspromise.Hence,foranytoseeklifeandsalvationbyitnow,isnootherthantolabourafteranimpossibility;yetdoesitneverthelesscontinueinfullforce,asalawrequiringofallsinners,whiletheycontinueintheirnaturalstate,withouttakinghold,byfaith,ofChristandthegraceofthenewcovenant;requiringofthem,wesay,personalandabsolutelyperfectobedience,andthreateningdeathuponeverytheleasttransgression.Fromthecommandingpowerofwhichlaw,requiringuniversalholinessinsuchrigour,asthat,ontheleastfailureinsubstance,circumstance,ordegree,allisrejected,andwearedeterminedtransgressorsofthewholelaw;believers,andtheyonly,arefreed,aswesaidabove."Buttosupposeaperson,"saysDr.Owen,"byanymeansfreedfromthecursedueuntosin,andthentodenythat,upontheperformanceoftheperfectsinlessobediencewhichthelawrequires,heshouldhaverighttothepromiseoflifethereby,istodenythetruthofGod,andtoreflectdishonouruponhisjustice.OurLordhimselfwasjustifiedbythelaw;anditisimmutablytrue,thathewhodoesthethingsofit,shallliveinthem.""It

istrue,"addsthesameauthor,"thatGoddidneverformallyandabsolutelyrenew,orgiveagainthislaw,asacovenantofworks,asecondtime;norwasthereanyneedthatsoheshoulddo,unlessitweredeclarativelyonly.AndsoitwasrenewedatSinai;forthewholeofitbeinganemanationofeternalrightandtruth,itabides,andmustabideinfullforceforever.Wherefore,itisonlysofarbrokenasacovenant,thatallmankindhavingsinnedagainstthecommandofit,andsobyguilt,withtheimpotencytoobedience,whichensuedthereupon,defeatedthemselvesofanyinterestinitspromise,andpossibilityofattaininganysuchinterest,theycannothaveanybenefitbyit.Butastoitspowertoobligeallmankinduntoobedience,andtheunchangeabletruthsofitspromisesandthreatenings,itabidesthesameasitwasfromthebeginning.Theintroducingofanothercovenant,[addsheagainonthesamehead,]inconsistentwith,andcontrarytoit,doesnotinstantlyfreemenfromthelawasacovenant;for,thoughanewlawabrogatesaformerlawinconsistentwithit,andfreesallfromobedience,itisnotsoinacovenant,whichoperatesnotbysovereignauthority,butbecomesacovenantbyconsentofthemwithwhomitismade.Sothereisnofreedomfromtheoldcovenant,bytheconstitutionofthenew,tillitbeactuallycompliedwith.InAdam'scovenantwemustabideunderobligationtodutyandpunishment,tillbyfaithwebeinterestedinthenew."

Fromallwhichitappearstobenocogentreasoningtosay,iftheunbelieverbeunderthecommandingpowerofthecovenantofworks,thenwouldhebeundertwooppositecommandsatonce,viz:toseekaperfectrighteousnessinhisownperson,andtoseekitalsobyfaithinasurety;for,thoughthelawrequiresofusnow,bothactiveandpassiverighteousnessinourownpersons,andlikewise,upontherevelationofJesusChristinthegospel,asJehovahourrighteousness,obligesustobelieveinandsubmittohimassuch,yet,asitisinmanyothercasesofduties,thelawrequiresboththeseofus,notinsensucomposito,astheysay,butinsensudiviso.Thelawiscontenttosustainandholdforgoodthepaymentofaresponsiblesurety,thoughitselfprovidesnone;andwillsus,beinginsolventofourselves,cheerfully,thankfully,andwithoutdelay,toacceptofthenon-suchfavouroffereduntous.Buttillthesinner,convincedofhisundonenessotherwise,acceptof,use,andpleadthatbenefitinhisownbehalf,thelawwill,anddoesgooninitsjustdemandsanddiligenceagainsthim.Havingneverhadpleasureinthesinfulcreature,byreasonofourunfaithfulness,itcaneasilyadmitofthemarriagetoanotherhusband,uponalawfuldivorce,afterfaircountandreckoning,andfullsatisfactionandreparationmadeforalltheinvasionsupon,andviolationsofthefirsthusband'shonour;but,whenthesinner,unwillingtohearofanysuchmotion,stillcleavestothelaw,itsfirsthusband,

whatwonderthelaw,inthatcase,goontousethesinnerashedeserves?Inshort,thispretendedabsurdity,atworst,amountstonomorethanthis,Makefullpaymentyourself,orfindmegoodandsufficientpaymentbyasurety,tillwhichtimeIwillcontinuetoproceedagainstyou,withoutmitigationormercy.Wherefore,theunbelieverisjustlycondemnedbythelaw,bothbecausehedidnotcontinueinallthingswritteninthebookofthelawtodothem,andbecausehedidnotbelieveonthenameoftheSonofGod.

QUERYVI.Ifasinner,beingjustified,hasallthingsatoncethatarenecessaryforsalvation?Andifpersonalholiness,andprogressinholyobedience,isnotnecessarytoajustifiedperson'spossessionofglory,incaseofhiscontinuinginlifeafterhisjustification?

Ans

.Thegroundofthisquery,markedouttous,is,inthesewordsofholyLuther,"ForinChristIhaveallthingsatonce,neitherneedIanythingmore,thatisnecessaryuntosalvation."Andtousitisevident,thatthisisthebeliever'splea,viz:Christ'smostperfectobediencetothelaw,forhim,inansweruntoitsdemandofgoodworksforobtainingsalvation,accordingtothetenorofthefirstcovenant,whichpleatherepresentationallegestobecutoffandcondemnedbytheActofAssembly,But,withoutsayinganythingoftheoldPopishreflectiononthedoctrineoffreejustificationbyfaith,withoutworks,asitwastaughtbyLutherandotherreformers,orthehardshipofhavingthisquestionputtous,asifwehadgivengroundofbeingsuspectedforenemiestogospelholiness,whichourconsciencesbearuswitness,isourgreatdesiretohaveadvancedinourselvesandothers,asbeingfullypersuaded,thatwithoutitneithertheynorweshallseetheLord;weanswertothefirstpartofthequery

That,sinceajustifiedperson,beingpassedfromdeathtolife,translatedfromthepowerofdarknessintothekingdomofGod'sdearSon,andblestwithallthespiritualblessingsinChrist,is,byvirtueofhisunionwithhim,broughtintoandsecuredinastateofsalvation;andtherefore,inthelanguageoftheHolyGhost,actually,thoughnotcompletely,savedalready;andsince,inhim,hehasparticularlyamostperfect,law-binding,andlaw-magnifyingrighteousness,redemptioninhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins,peacewithGod,access,acceptance,wisdom,sanctification,everlastingstrength,and,inoneword,anover-flowing,ever-flowingfullness,fromwhich,accordingtotheorderofthecovenant,hedoes,andshallreceivewhateverhewants;hence,accordingtothe

Scripture,inChristallthingsarehisandinhimheiscomplete.Considering,wesay,thesethings,wethinkajustifiedpersonhasinChristatonceallthingsnecessarytosalvation,thoughofhimselfhehasnothing.

Tothesecondpartofthequeryweanswer,thatpersonalholiness,andjustification,beinginseparableinthebeliever,weareunwilling,somuchasthequerydoes,tosupposetheirseparation.Personalholinesswereckonsonecessarytothepossessionofglory,ortoastateofperfectholinessandhappiness,asisthemorninglighttothenoon-daywarmthandbrightness,asisareasonablesoultoawise,healthy,strong,andfullgrownman,asanantecedentistoitsconsequent,asapartistothewhole;forthedifferencebetwixtastateofgraceandofglory,wetaketobegradualonly,accordingtotheusualsaying,"Graceisglorybegun,andglorygraceinperfection."Sonecessary,again,asmotionistoevidencelife,orinordertowalking,notonlyhabitual,butactualholinessandprogressinholyobedience,onecontinuinginlife,weareclear,aresonecessary,thatwithoutthesamenonecanseetheLord.Andasitisnotonlythebeliever'sinterest,buthisnecessaryandindispensableduty,tobestillgoingon"fromstrengthtostrength,untilheappearbeforetheLordinZion";sotherighteous,webelieve,"willholdonhisway,andhewhoisofcleanhandswillgrowstrongerandstronger":forthoughthebeliever'sprogressinholyobedience,byreasonofthemanystops,interruptions,andassaultshefrequentlymeetswithfromSatan,theworld,andin-dwellingcorruption,isfarfrombeingalikeatalltimes,yet"thepathofthejust,"thoughhefrequentlyfall,willbe"astheshininglight,thatshinethmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday."Thoughhemay,attimes"becomewearyandfaintinhismind,"yetshallhe,bywaitingontheLord,"renewhisstrength,andmountupaswitheagles'wings,"&c.ButstillthebelieverhasallthisinandfromChrist:forwhencecanourprogressinholinesscome,butfromthesupplyofhisSpirit?Ourwalkinginholyobedience,andeverygoodmotionofours,mustbeinhim,andfromhim,whoistheWayandtheLife,whoisourheadofinfluences,andthefountainofourstrength,andwho"worksinusbothtowillandtodo.""Abideinme,"sayshe,"andIinyou.Forwithoutmeyecandonothing.Ifamanabidenotinme,heiscastforthasabranch,andiswithered."

Butifthemeaningofthequerybe,ofsuchanecessityofholyobedience,inordertothepossessionofglory,asimportsanykindofcausality,wedarenotanswerintheaffirmative;forwecannotlookonpersonalholiness,orgoodworks,asproperlyfederalandconditionalmeansofobtainingthepossessionofheaven,thoughweowntheyarenecessarytomakeusmeetforit.

QUERYVII.Ispreachingthenecessityofaholylife,inordertotheobtainingofeternalhappiness,ofdangerousconsequencetothedoctrineoffreegrace?

Ans

.ThelastofthetwoclausesoftheeighthactofAssembly,beingcomplainedofintherepresentation,isthefirstandmaingroundofthisquery.Anderewemakeanswertoit,wecraveleavetoexplainourselvesmorefullyastotheoffenceweconceivetobegivenbythatact;namely,that,inoppositionto,andinplaceofthebeliever'spleaofChrist'sactiverighteousness,inanswertothelaw,demandinggoodworks,forobtainingsalvationaccordingtothetenorofthefirstcovenant,cutoff,asweapprehend,bythefifthact;ministersareordered,intheeighthact,topreachthenecessityofourownpersonalholiness,inordertotheobtainingofeverlastinghappiness.Asalso,thatourinherentholinessseemstobeputtoomuchonthesamefoot,inpointofnecessity,forobtainingeverlastinghappiness,withjustificationbytheSurety;whichtheframeofthewords,beingasfollows,willwelladmit,viz:"OffreejustificationthroughourblessedSurety,theLordJesusChrist,receivedbyfaithalone;andofthenecessityofanholylife,inordertotheobtainingofeverlastinghappiness."Moreover,thatthegreatfundamentalofjustificationislaiddowninsuchgeneralterms,asadversarieswilleasilyagreeto,withoutmentionoftheSurety'srighteousness,activeorpassive,ortheimputationofeither;especiallysinceamotioninopenAssemblyforaddingthefew,butmomentouswords,imputedrighteousness,wasslighted.And,finally,thatthatactissolittleadaptedtotheenditisnowgivenouttohavebeendesignedfor,viz:atestimonytothesupremeGodheadofourgloriousGodandSaviourJesusChrist,andagainstArianism,especiallysincenottheleastintimationorwarningagainstthatdamnableheresyistobefoundintheactitself,norwasmadetothatAssembly,inpassingofit.

Tothequery,weanswer,thatwecordiallyandsincerelyownaholylife,orgoodworks,necessary,asanacknowledgmentofGod'ssovereignty,andinobediencetohiscommand:forthisisthewillofGod,evenoursanctification;and,byaspecialordination,hehasappointedbelieverstowalkinthem:necessary,forglorifyingGodbeforetheworld,andshowingthevirtuesofhimwhohathcalledusoutofdarknessintohismarvellouslight:necessary,asbeingtheendofourelection,ourredemption,effectualcalling,andregeneration;for"theFatherchoseusinChrist,beforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholy;theSongavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,andpurifytohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks";andbytheHolySpiritare

wecreatedinChristJesusuntothem:necessary,asexpressionsofourgratitudetoourgreatBenefactor;forbeingboughtwithaprice,wearenomoreourown,buthenceforth,inamostpeculiarmannerbound,inourbodiesandinourspirits,whicharehis,toglorify,andbyallpossibleways,totestifyourthanksgivingtoourLordRedeemerandRansomer;tohim"whosparednothisownSon,butgavehimuptothedeathforusall";tohim"whohumbledhimself,andbecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross,forus":necessary,asbeingthedesign,notonlyoftheworld,butofallordinancesandprovidences;eventhatashewhohascalledusisholy,soweshouldbeholyinallmannerofconversation:necessary,again,forevidencingandconfirmingourfaith,goodworksbeingthebreath,thenativeoffspringandissueofit:necessary,formakingourcallingandelectionsure;fortheyare,thoughnoplea,yetagoodevidenceforheaven,oranargumentconfirmingourassuranceandhopeofsalvation:necessary,tothemaintainingofinwardpeaceandcomfort,thoughnotasthegroundandfoundation,yetaseffects,fruits,andconcomitantsoffaith:necessary,inordertoourentertainingcommunionwithGodeveninthislife;for,"ifwesaywehavefellowshipwithhim,andwalkindarkness,welie,anddonotthetruth":necessary,totheescapingofjudgments,andtotheenjoymentofmanypromisedblessings;particularlythereisanecessityoforderandmethod,thatonebeholybeforehecanbeadmittedtoseeandenjoyGodinheaven;thatbeingadisposingmean,preparingforthesalvationofit,andtheking'shighwaychalkedoutfortheredeemedtowalkintothecity:necessary,toadornthegospelandgraceourholycallingandprofession:necessary,further,fortheedification,good,andcomfort,offellow-believers:necessary,topreventoffence,andtostopthemouthsofthewicked;towinlikewisetheunbelieving,andtocommendChristandhiswaystotheconsciences:necessary,finally,fortheestablishment,security,andgloryofchurchesandnations.Thoughwefirmlybelieveholinessnecessaryuponalltheseandmoreaccounts,andthattheChristianoughttoliveinthecontinuedexerciseofgospelrepentance,whichisonemainconstituentofgospelholiness,yetwedarenotsayaholylifeisnecessaryinordertotheobtainingofeternalhappiness;for,tosaynothingofthemoregrosssenseofthesewords,[manifestlyinjurioustothefreegraceofourLordJesusChrist,byfaithinwhoserighteousnessaloneweareappointedtoobtainsalvation,fromfirsttolast,]whichyetisobviousenough,thoughwearefarfromimputingittotheAssembly;wecannot,howevertheymaybeexplainedintoanorthodoxmeaning,lookuponthemaswholesomewords,sincetheyhaveatleastanappearanceofevil,beingsuchawayofexpressionasProtestantchurchesanddivines,knowingthestrongnaturalbiasinallmentowardsseekingsalvation,notbyfaithinourLordJesusChrist,butbyworksofrighteousnessdoneby

themselves,andthedangerofsymbolizingwithPapistsandotherenemiesofthegraceofthegospel,haveindustriouslyshunnedtouseonthathead;theychoosingrathertocallholinessandgoodworksnecessarydutiesofthepersonsjustifiedandsaved,thanconditionsofsalvation;consequentsandeffectsofsalvationalreadyobtained,orantecedents,disposingandpreparingthesubjectforthesalvationtobeobtained,thananysortofcauses,orpropermeansofobtainingthepossessionofsalvation;whichlasthonour,theScripture,forthehighpraiseandgloryofsovereigngrace,seemstohavereservedpeculiarlyuntofaith;andrathertosay,thatholinessisnecessaryinthemthatshallbesaved,thannecessarytosalvation;thatwearesaved,notbygoodworks,butrathertothem,asfruitsandeffectsofsavinggrace;orthatholinessisnecessaryuntosalvation,notsomuchasameantotheend,asapartoftheenditself;whichpartofoursalvationisnecessary,tomakeusmeetfortheotherthatisyetbehind.

Wherefore,sincethiswayofspeakingofholinesswithrespecttosalvation,is,weconceive,withoutwarrantintheholyScripture,dissonantfromthedoctrinalstandardsofourownandotherreformedchurches,aswellasfromthechosenanddeliberatespeechofreformeddivinestreatingontheseheads;andsinceitbeingatbestbutpropositionmalesonans,mayeasilybemistaken,andafterwardsimproved,asashadeorvehicle,forconveyingcorruptsentiments,anenttheinfluenceofworksuponsalvation;wecannotbutreckonpreachingthenecessityofholinessinsuchtermstobeofsomedangerousconsequencetothedoctrineoffreegrace.Inwhichapprehensionwearethemoreconfirmed,thatatthisdaythedoctrineofChrist,andhisfreegrace,bothastothepurityandefficacyofthesame,seemstobemuchonthewane,andPopery,withotherdangerouserrorsandheresiesdestructiveofit,onthewaxing;whichcertainlycallsaloudtothechurchesofChrist,andtohisministersinparticular,forthemorezeal,watchfulness,andcaution,withreferencetotheinterestsoftruth;andthatespeciallyatsuchatime,cumhereticisnecnominahabeamuscommunia,neeorumerrorifaverevideamur.

Ifinanycase,certainlyinframingactsandstandardsofdoctrine,thereisgreatneedofdelicacyinthechoiceofwords;forthewordsoftheHolyGhostinScripture,underwhichweincludesuchasinmeaningandimportareequivalenttothem,beinganordinanceofdivineinstitution,forpreservingthetruthofthegospel,ifthesebeoncealteredorvaried,allthewisdomandvigilanceofmenwillbeineffectualtothatend.Anditiswellknown,bycostlyexperiencetothechurchesofChrist,thattheirfallinginwiththelanguageorphraseofcorruptteachers,insteadofservingtheinterestoftruth,whichneverlookssowellasin

itsownnativesimplicity,doesbutgrievethestableandjudicious,staggertheweak,betraytheignorant,and,insteadofgaining,hardenandopenthemouthsofadversaries.Andthatitissaidinatext,"Theydoittoobtainacorruptiblecrown,butweanincorruptible,"willnotwarrantthemannerofspeechinthequery;fortheword,intheoriginal,signifiesonlytoreceiveorapprehend,beingaccordinglyrenderedinallLatinversionswehaveseen,andinourowntranslationintheverseimmediatelypreceding,viz:"Onereceiveththeprize";andthoughtheworddidsignifytoobtain,inthemoststrictandpropersenseitcouldnotmakeforthepurpose,unlessitweremeantofthebeliever'sobtainingtheincorruptiblecrown,notbyfaith,butbyworks.Andthatanillchosenwordinastandardmayprovemoredangeroustothetruth,thanonenotsojustlyrenderedinatranslation,withseveralotherthingsonthishead,mightbemadeveryevident,wereitnotthatwehavebeen,wefear,tediousonitalready.

QUERYVIII.Isknowledge,belief,andpersuasion,thatChristdiedforme,andthatheismine,andthatwhateverhedidandsuffered,hedidandsufferedforme,thedirectactoffaith,wherebyasinnerisunitedtoChrist,interestedinhim,instatedinGod'scovenantofgrace?Or,isthatknowledgeapersuasionincludedintheveryessenceofthatjustifyingactoffaith?

Ans

.Thequery,itisevident,exceedinglynarrowstheimportanddesignoftheRepresentationintheplacereferredto;forthereweassertnothingpositivelyconcerningthepassagesrelatingtofaith,butremonstrateagainstcondemningthem,aswhattousseemedtohurttheappropriatingactoffaith,andtofixablotupontheReformation,reformedchurches,anddivines,whohadgenerallytaughtconcerningfaith,asinthecondemnedpassages;allwhichwemightsay,withoutdeterminingwhetherthepersuasionspokeofinthequerywastheverydirectandformalactofjustifyingfaith,yeaorno.Butnow,sincethequeryisputsoclose,andsincethematterinquestionisnootherthantheoldProtestantdoctrineonthathead,asweshallendeavourtomakeappear,theReverendCommission,wehumblyconceive,cannottakeitamiss,ifwe,inthefirstplace,inquireintothetruesenseandmeaningofthiswayofspeakingoffaith,thatwearenowquestionedabout.

Themainofthecondemnedpassagesthequeryrefersto,runsnotintheorderthereinsetdown,butasfollows:"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved";thatis,"BeverilypersuadedinyourheartthatChristJesusis

yours,andthatyoushallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim;thatwhateverChristdidfortheredemptionofmankind,hediditforyou":beinginmatterthesamewithwhathasbeencommonlytaughtintheProtestantchurches,and,inwordsoftherenownedMr.JohnRogers,ofDodham,[amansonotedfororthodoxy,holiness,andtheLord'scountenancingofhisministry,thatnosoundProtestantsinBritainorIreland,ofwhatdenominationsoever,would,intheagewhereinhelived,havetakenuponthemtocondemnaserroneous]hisdefinitionoffaith,whichwehaveasfollows:"AparticularpersuasionofmyheartthatChristJesusismine,andthatIshallhavelifeandsalvationbyhismeans;thatwhatsoeverChristdidfortheredemptionofmankind,hediditforme."Whereonemaysee,thoughthedifferenceinwordsbealmostnoneatall,yetitrunsratherstrongerwithhimthanintheMarrow.

Inwhichaccountofsavingfaith,wehave,first,thegeneralnatureofit;viz:arealpersuasion,agreeingtoallsortsoffaithwhatsoever;foritiscertain,whateveronebelieves,heisverilypersuadedof.Moreparticularly,itisapersuasionintheheart,wherebyitisdistinguishedfromageneral,dead,andnakedassentinthehead,whichonegivestothingsthatnowayaffecthim,becausehereckonstheydonotconcernhim.Butwiththeheartmanbelieveshere;"Ifthoubelievestwithallthineheart,"saystheScripture.Forasaman'sbelievinginhisheartthedreadfultidingsofthelaw,oritscurse,importsnotonlyanassenttothemastrue,butahorrorofthemasevil;sohere,thebeingpersuadedinone'sheartofthegladtidingsofthegospel,bearsnotonlyanassentuntothemastrue,butarelishofthemasgood.

Thenwehavethemostspecialnatureofit,viz:anappropriatingpersuasion,orapersuasion,withapplicationtoaperson'sself,thatChristishis,&c.Theparticularswhereofare,first,thatChristisyours;thegroundofwhichpersuasionistheofferandgrantofChristasaSaviourintheword,tobebelievedinforsalvation,byalltowhomthegospelismadeknown.BywhichofferandsettingforthofChristasaSaviour,thoughbeforewebelieve,wewantingunionwithhim,havenoactualorsavinginterestinhim,yetheisinsomesenseours,namely,soasitislawfulandwarrantableforus,notforfallenangels,totakepossessionofhimandhissalvationbyfaith;withoutwhich,ourcommoninterestinhimasaSaviour,byvirtueoftheofferandgrantintheword,willavailusnothing.Butthoughthecallandofferofthegospel,beingreallyparticular,everyone,bothinpointofdutyandinpointofinterest,oughttoappropriate,apply,ormakehisownthethingoffered,bybelieving,theyhavinggoodandsufficientgroundandwarrantinthewordsotodo;yetisiteither

neglectedanddespised,orthetruthandsincerityofitsuspectedandcalledinquestion,untiltheHolySpirit,bysettinghomethewordofthegospel,withsuchameasureofevidenceandpowerasiseffectual,satisfiestheconvincedsinner,that,withapplicationtohimselfinparticular,"itisafaithfulsaying,worthyofallacceptation,thatJesusChristcametosavesinners,"andenableshimtobelieveit.Thusthepersuasionoffaithisbegotten,whichisalwaysproportionedtothemeasureofevidenceandpowerfromabovethatsovereigngraceispleasedtoputforthforworkingofit.

Thenextbranchofthepersuasionis,"thatyoushallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim,"namely,thelifeofholinessaswellasofhappiness;salvationfromsinaswellasfromwrath,notinheavenonly,butbegun,carriedonhere,andcompletedhereafter;thetruenotionoflifeandsalvation,accordingtotheScriptures,andasProtestantdivinesarewonttoexplainit.Whereforethispersuasionoffaithisinconsistentwithanunwillingnesstopartwithsin,abentorpurposeofhearttocontinueinit.Therecanbelittlequestion,weapprehend,whetherthisbranchofthepersuasionbelongstothenatureofjustifyingfaith;forsalvationbeingaboveallthingsinasensiblesinner'seye,hecanneverbelieveanythingtohissatisfaction,unlessheseesgroundtobelievecomfortablyconcerningit.Fewthereforewill,weconceive,differfromDr.Collins,layingitdownasaconclusiononthisveryhead,namely,that"aChristiancannothavetrue,saving,justifyingfaith,unlesshedoth[Idonotsay,unlesshethinkhedoth,orunlesshesaithhedoth,but,unless,hedoth]believe,andispersuadedthatGodwillpardonhissins."FurtherthisbeingabelievingontheSonforlifeandsalvation,isthesamewithreceivingofhim,[asthislastisexplainedbytheHolySpirithimself,(John1:12),]andlikewiseevidentlybearsthesoul'srestingonChristforsalvation;foritisnotpossibletoconceiveasoulrestingonChristforsalvation,withoutapersuasionthatitshallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim,namely,apersuasionofthesamemeasureanddegreeasrestingis.

Thethirdbranchofthepersuasion,"thatwhatsoeverChristdidfortheredemptionofmankind,hediditforyou,"beingmuchthesame,inotherwords,withtheseoftheapostle"Wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme";andcominginthelastplace,wethinknonewillquestionbutwhosoeverbelieves,inthemannerbeforeexplained,mayandoughttobelievethisinthelikemeasureandinthesameorder.Anditiscertain,allwhoreceiveandrestonChristforsalvation,believeit,ifnotexplicitly,yetvirtuallyandreally.

Now,asthisaccountofjustifyingfaithrunsintermsmuchlessstrongthanthoseofmanyeminentdivines,whousedtodefineitbyapersuasionofGod'slove,ofhisspecialmercytoone'sself,oftheremissionofhissins,&c.;soitisthesameforsubstanceandmatter,thoughthewordsbenotthesamewiththatofourShorterCatechism,viz:"AreceivingandrestinguponChristaloneforsalvation,asheisofferedtousinthegospel":whereitisevidenttheofferofChristtous,thoughmentionedinthelastplace,istobebelievedfirst;fortillthesoulbepersuadedthatChristcrucifiedisinthegospelsetforth,offered,andexhibitedtoitasifexpressedbyname,therecanbenobelievingonhim.AndwhentheofferisbroughthometoapersonbytheHolyGhost,therewillbeameasureofpersuasionthatChristishis,asaboveexplained.Andthatreceiving,orbelievingin,andrestingonhimforsalvation,cannotbewithoutsomemeasureofpersuasionthatoneshallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim,wassaidalready.Butmoredirectlytothequery.

Weanswer,1st,Sinceourreformersandtheirsuccessors,suchasLuther,Calvin,Melancthon,Beza,Bullinger,Bucer,Knox,Craig,Melvil,Bruce,Davidson,Forbes,&c.,meneminentlyendowedwiththespiritoftruthandwhofetchtheirnotionsofitimmediatelyfromthefountainoftheholyScripture;themosteminentdoctorsandprofessorsoftheologythathavebeenintheProtestantchurches,suchasUrsinus,Zanchius,Junius,Piscator,Rollock,Daneus,Wendelinus,Chamierus,Sharpius,Bodius,Pareus,Altingius,Triglandii,[GisbertusandJacobus]Arnoldus,Maresius;thefourprofessorsofLeyden,viz:Walleus,Rivetus,Polyander,Thysius;Wollebius,Heideggerus,Essenius,Turretinus,&c.;withmanyeminentBritishdivines,suchasPerkins,Pemble,Willet,Gouge,Roberts,Burgess,Owen,&c.;thechurchesthemselvesofHelvetia,thePalatinate,France,Holland,England,Ireland,Scotland,intheirstandardsofdoctrine;alltheLutheranchurches,who,inpointoforthodoxyontheheadofjustificationandfaith,aresecondtonone;therenownedsynodofDort,madeupofeminentdivines,calledandcommissionatefromsevenreformedstatesandkingdoms,besidesthoseoftheseveralprovincesoftheNetherlands;sincethese,wesay,allofthemstandforthatspecial,fiducia,confidence,orappropriatingpersuasionoffaithspokenofinthecondemnedpassagesoftheMarrow,uponwhichthisqueryisraised;thesynodofDort,besidesthemindsoftheseveraldelegatesonthishead,intheirseveralsuffragesanenttheFiveArticles,declaringthemselvesplainlybothintheirfinaldecisionsconcerningthesaidarticles,andintheirsolemnandampleapprobationofthePalatineCatechism,asagreeabletothewordofGodinallthings,andascontainingnothingthatoughteithertobealteredoramended;whichCatechism

beingfullandplainastothispersuasionoffaith,hasbeencommenteduponbymanygreatdivines,receivedbymostofallthereformedchurches,asamostexcellentcommendoftheorthodoxChristiandoctrine,andparticularlybytheChurchofScotland,astheRev.Mr.RobertWodrowlatelytoldhisMajestyKingGeorge,inthededicationofhishistory;andsincewe,withthiswholechurchandnationare,byvirtueoftheawfultieoftheoathofGodinournationalcovenant,boundevertoabhoranddetestthePopishgeneralanddoubtsomefaith,withalltheerroneousdecreesofTrent;amongwhich,inoppositiontothespecialfiduciaoffaiththereincondemnedthisisestablished;beingbyProtestants,socalled,mainlyfortheirdenyingandopposingtheconfidenceandpersuasionoffaith,withapplicationtoone'sself,nowinquestion;bywhichrenunciationourforefathers,nodoubt,pointedat,andassertedtobeheldandprofessedasGod'sundoubtedtruthandverity,thatparticularandconfident,orassuredfaith,thencommonlyknownandmaintainedinthischurch,asstandingplainandexpressinherstandards,totheprofessionanddefenceofwhichtheyinthesamecovenantpromisingandswearingbythegreatnameoftheLordourGod,boundthemselvesandus:andsincethesamepersuasionoffaith,howeverthewayofspeakingonthatheadiscometobesomewhataltered,wasneverbyanyjudicatoryofareformedChurch,untilnow,deniedorcondemned:consideringallthesethings,wesay,andofwhatdangerousconsequencesuchajudicialalterationmaybe,wecannot,wedarenotconsentuntothecondemnationofthatpointofdoctrine;forwecannotthinkofchargingerroranddelusioninamatterofsuchimportanceuponsomanyProtestantdivines,eminentforholinessandlearning;upontheProtestantchurches;anduponourownforefathers,sosignallyownedoftheLord;andalsoonthestandardsofProtestantdoctrine,inthisChurch,fornighanhundredyearsafterherreformation:else,ifweshouldthusspeak,wearepersuadedwewouldoffendagainstthegenerationofhischildren.Norcaniteverenterintoourminds,thatthefamousAssemblyofWestminsterhaditsomuchasonceintheirthought,todepartinthispointfromthedoctrineoftheirown,andofthischurch,whichtheywereallofthembythestrongesttiesboundtomaintain;ortogoofffromthesynodofDort,whichhadbutsolatelybeforethemsettledtheProtestantprinciplesastodoctrine;andbysodoingyielduptoSocinians,Arminians,andPapists,whatallofthemhaveamortalaversionto,namely,thespecialfiduciaorappropriatingpersuasionoffaith,whichProtestantdivinesbeforeandsincethattimecontendedfortotheirutmost,asbeingnotonlyaprecioustruth,butapointofvastconsequencetoreligion.AndwearesuretheAssembliesofthisChurchunderstood,andreceivedtheirconfessionsandcatechismslargerandshorter,asentirelyconsistentwithourconfessionsandcatechismsbeforethattime,aswe

havealreadymadeevidentinourrepresentation,fromtheactsofAssemblyreceivingandapprovingtheWestminsterConfessionandCatechisms.

Answer2d,Itistobeconsidered,thatmostofthewordsoftheHolyGhost,madeuseofintheOldandNewTestament,forexpressingthenatureoffaithandbelieving,doimporttheconfidenceorpersuasioninquestion;andthatconfidenceandtrustintheOldTestamentareexpoundedbyfaithandbelievingintheNew;andthesamethingsattributedtothelatter,aswerewonttobeattributedtotheformer;thatdiffidenceanddoubtingareintheirnatureactsandeffectscontrarytofaith;thatpeaceandjoyarethenativeeffectsofbelieving;thatthepromisesofthegospel,andChristinhispriestlyofficethereinheldforth,aretheproperobjectsofjustifyingfaith;that,faithfulnessinGod,andfaithinthebeliever,beingrelatives,andtheformerthegroundofthelatter,ourfaithshouldanswertohisfaithfulness,bytrustinghisgoodwordofpromiseforthesakeofit;thatitiscertainabelieverintheexerciseofjustifyingfaithdoesbelievesomethingwithreferencetohisownsalvationuponthegroundofGod'sfaithfulnessinthepromise;thatnootherpersonwhatsoeverdoesorcanbelieve;whichifitbenottothispurpose,thatnowChristisandwillbeaSaviourtohim,thatheshallhavelifeandsalvationbyhim,weareutterlyatalosstoconceivewhatitcanbe;thatpersuasion,confidence,andassuredness,aresomuchattributedtofaithintheScripture,andthesaintsinScriptureordinarilyexpressthemselvesintheiraddressestoGodinwordsofappropriation;andfinally,thataccordingtoourLargerCatechism,faithjustifiesasinnerinthesightofGod,asaninstrument,receivingandapplyingChrist,andhisrighteousnessheldforthinthepromiseofthegospel,andresteththereuponforpardonofsin,andfortheacceptingandaccountingone'spersonrighteousbeforeGodforsalvation;thewhich,howfaithcandowithoutsomemeasureoftheconfidence,orappropriatingpersuasionwearenowupon,seemsextremelyhardtoconceive.Upontheseconsiderations,andotherstoolongtobehereinserted,wecannotbutthink,thatconfidence,ortrustinJesusChrist,asourSaviour,andthefreegraceandmercyofGodinhimascrucified,offeredtousinthegospelforsalvation,[includingjustification,sanctification,andfutureglory,]uponthegroundandsecurityofthedivinefaithfulnessplightedinthegospelpromise;anduponthewarrantofthedivinecallandcommandtobelieveinthenameoftheSonofGod;or,whichisthesame,inotherwords,apersuasionoflifeandsalvation,fromthefreeloveandmercyofGod,inandthroughJesusChrist,acrucifiedSaviourofferedtous,uponthesecurityandwarrantaforesaid,istheverydirect,uniting,justifying,andappropriatingactoffaith,wherebytheconvincedsinnerbecomespossessedofChristandhissavingbenefits,instatedinGod'scovenant

andfamily;takingthisalwaysalong,assupposed,thatallissethomeandwroughtbytheHolySpirit,whobringsChrist,hisrighteousness,salvation,andwholefullness,nightousinthepromiseandofferofthegospel;clearingatthesametimeourrightandwarranttointermeddlewithall,withoutfearofviciousintromission,encouragingandenablingtoameasureofconfidentapplication,andtakinghomeofalltoourselvesfreely,withoutmoneyandwithoutprice.

Thisconfidence,persuasion,orwhateverothernameitmaybecalledby,wetaketobetheverysamewithwhatourConfessionandCatechismscallaccepting,receiving,andrestingonChristofferedinthegospelforsalvation;andwithwhatpolemicandpracticaldivinescall"Fiduciaspecialismisericordia,"Fiducialapplication,""fiducialapprehension,""fiducialadherence,""recumbence,""affiance,""fiducialacquiescence,""appropriatingpersuasion,"&c.Allwhich,ifdulyexplained,wouldissueinameasureofthisconfidenceorpersuasionwehavebeenspeakingof.However,wearefullysatisfiedthisiswhatourfathersandthebodyofProtestantdivines,speakingwiththeScripturescalled"theassuranceoffaith."Thatonceburningandshininglightofthischurch,Mr.JohnDavidson,thoughinhisCatechismhedefinesfaithbya"heartyassurance"thatoursinsarefreelyforgivenusinChrist;or,asurepersuasionoftheheartthatChristbyhisdeathandresurrectionhastakenawayoursins,andclothinguswithhisownperfectrighteousness,hasthoroughlyrestoredustothefavourofGod;whichhereckonedallonewitha"HeartyreceivingofChristofferedinthegospelfortheremissionofsins";yetinaformerpartofthesameCatechismhegivesustounderstandwhatsortofassuranceandpersuasionitwashemeant,asfollows:"Andcertainitis,"hesays,"thatboththeenlighteningofthemindtoacknowledgethetruthofthepromiseofsalvationtousinChrist,andthesealingupofthecertaintythereofinourheartsandminds,[ofthewhichtwoparts,asitwere,faithconsists,]aretheworksandeffectsoftheSpiritofGod."Inlikemanner,inourfirstConfessionofFaith,Art.3,12,itiscalled,"AnassuredfaithinthepromiseofGodrevealedtousinhisword;bywhichfaithweapprehendChristJesus,withthegracesandbenefitspromisedinhim.""Thisfaith,andtheassuranceofthesame,proceedsnotfromfleshandblood."AndinourfirstCatechism,commonlycalledCalvin'sCatechism,faithisdefinedbya"surepersuasion"and"steadfastknowledge"ofGod'stenderlovetowardsus,accordingashehasplainlyutteredinhisgospel,thathewillbeaFatherandSaviourtous,throughthemeansofJesusChrist;andagain,"faithwhichGod'sSpiritworkethinourhearts,assuringofGod'spromisesmadetousinhisholyGospel."IntheSummulaCatechismi,orRudimentaPietatis,tothequestion,"Quidestfides?"theansweris,"Cummihi

persuadeoDeummeomnesquesanctosamare,nobisqueChristumcumomnibussuisbonisgratisdonare";andinthemargin,"Naminfideduplexpersuasio,1.DeamoreDeierganos;2.DeDeibeneficiisqueexamorefluunt,Christonimirum,cumomnibussuisbonis,"&c.Andtothatquestion,"Quomodofidepercipimus,etnobisapplicamuscorpusChristicrucifixi?"theansweris,"DumnobispersuademusChristimortemetcrucifixionemnonminusadnospertinerequamsiipsinospropeccatisnostriscrucifixiessemus.Persuasiioautemhecestverefidei."Fromallwhichitisevident,theyheld,thatabeliefofthepromisesofthegospel,withapplicationtooneself,oraconfidenceinacrucifiedSaviour,foraman'sownsalvation,istheveryessenceofjustifyingfaith;or,thatwebecomeactuallypossessedofChrist,remissionofsins,&c.,inandbytheactofbelieving,orconfidenceinhim,asaboveexplained.Andthiswiththemwastheassuranceoffaith,whichwidelydiffersfromtheAntinomiansenseoftheassuranceorpersuasionoffaithwhichis,thatChrist,andpardonofsin,areours,nolessbeforebelievingthanafter;asensewhichweheartilydisclaim.

Whetherthesewordsinthequery,viz:"Or,isthatknowledgeapersuasionincludedintheveryessenceofthatjustifyingactoffaith";beexegeticoftheformerpartofit,oranewbranchofthequery;weanswer,thatwehavealreadyexplainedthepersuasionoffaithbyusheld,anddothink,thatinthelanguageoffaith,thoughnotinthelanguageofphilosophy,knowledge,andpersuasion,relatingtothesameobject,gohandinhandinthesamemeasureanddegree.

Itisevidentthattheconfidenceorpersuasionoffaithforwhichweplead,includes,ornecessarilyandinfalliblyinfersconsentandresting,togetherwithalltheblessedfruitsandeffectsoffaith,inproportiontothemeasureofit.Andthatwehavementionedconsent,wecannotbutbethemoreconfirmedinthismatter,whenweconsider,thatsuchanotedpersonasMr.Baxter,thoughhehadmadethemarriageconsenttoChrist,asKingandLord,theformalactofjustifyingfaith,asbeinganepitomeofallgospelobedience,includingandbindingtoallthedutiesofthemarriedstate,andsogivingrighttoalltheprivileges:andhadthereby,aswellasbyhisotherdangerousnotionsaboutjustification,andotherpointsconnectedtherewith,scatteredthroughhisworks,corruptedthefountain,andendangeredthefaithofmany;yetafterall,cametobeofanothermind,andhadthehumilitytotelltheworldsomuch;forMr.Crossinformsus[Serm.onRomans4:2,p.148,]thatMr.Baxter,inhislittlebookagainstDr.Crisp'serrors,says,"Iformerlybelievedtheformalnatureoffaithtolieinconsent;butnowIrecantit.Ibelieve,"sayshe,"itliesintrust:thismakestherighttolieintheobject;foritis,IdependonChristasthematterormeritof

mypardon,mylife,mycrown,myglory."

Therearetwothingsfurther,concerningthispersuasionoffaith,thatwouldbeadvertedto:oneis,thatitisnotaxiomatical,butreal;thatis,thesinnerhasnotalways,athisfirstclosingwithChrist,norafterwards,suchaclear,steady,andfullpersuasionthatChristishis,thathissinsareforgiven,andthatheeventuallyshallbesaved,asthathedareprofessthesametoothers,orevenpositivelyassertitwithinhimself;yet,uponthefirstsavingmanifestationofChristtohim,suchapersuasionandhumbleconfidenceisbegotten,asisrealandrelieving,andparticularastohimselfandhisownsalvation,andwhichworksaproportionablehopeastotheissue;though,throughthehumblingimpressionshehasofhimselfandhisownguiltatthetime,theaweofGod'smajesty,justice,andholinessonhisspirit,andhisindistinctknowledgeofthedoctrineofthegospel,withthegroundsandwarrantsofbelievingthereincontained,hefearstoexpressitdirectlyandparticularlyofhimself.Theotheris,thatwhateverissaidofthehabit,actings,strength,weakness,andintermittingsoftheexerciseofsavingfaith,thesameistobesaidofthispersuasioninallpoints.Fromallwhichitisevident,thedoubts,fears,anddarkness,sofrequentlytobefoundintruebelievers,canverywellconsistwiththispersuasioninthesamesubject;forthoughthesemaybe,andoftenareinthebeliever,yettheyarenotofhisfaith,whichinitsnatureandexerciseisasoppositetothemaslightistodarkness,thefleshtotheSpirit;whichthoughtheybeinthesamesubject,yetarecontrarytheonetotheother,(Gal5:17).And,therefore,faithwrestlesagainstthem,thoughwithvarioussuccess,itbeingsometimessofarovercomeandbroughtunderbythemainforceandmuchsuperiorstrengthofprevailingunbelief,thatitcannotbediscernedmorethanthefireiswhencoveredwithashes,orthesunwhenwraptupinthickclouds.Theconfidenceandpersuasionoffaithbeinginmany,atfirstespecially,butasthegrainofmustard-seedcastintotheground,orlikeasparkamidstthetroubledseaofallmannerofcorruptionandlust,wheretherollingwavesofunbelievingdoubtsandfears,hellishtemptationsandsuggestions,andthelike,movingonthefaceofthatdepth,areeverynowandthengoingoverit;and,weretherenotadivinehandandcareengagedforitspreservation,wouldeffectuallyextinguishandburyit.Whatwonderthatinsuchacaseitmanytimescannotbediscerned?yetwillitstillholdsomuchoftheexerciseofjustifyingfaith,somuchpersuasion.Yea,notonlymayabelieverhavethispersuasionandnotknowitforthetime,[assaysCollins,Roberts,Amesius,andothers,whodistinguishthepersuasionfromthesenseofit,]buthe,beingunderthepoweroftemptationandconfusionofmind,mayresolutelydenyhehasanysuchpersuasionorconscience;whileitisevidenttoothersat

thesametime,byitseffects,thathereallyhasit:forwhich,onemay,amongothers,seetheholyandlearnedHaliburton,inhis"InquiryintotheNatureofGod'sActofJustification,"p.27.Andifonewouldseetheconsistenceoffaith'spersuasionwithdoubting,welldiscoursedandillustrated,hemayconsultDownham's"ChristianWarfare."Butwe

Answer3dly,Thereisafullpersuasionandassurance,byreflection,spiritualargumentation,orinwardsensation,whichwearefarfromholdingtobeoftheessenceoffaith;butthislast,beingmediate,andcollectedbyinference,aswegatherthecausefromsuchsignsandeffectsasgiveevidenceofit,isverydifferentfromthatconfidenceorpersuasion,bydivinescalledtheassuranceoffaith."Sanctification,"saysRutherford,"doesnotevidencejustification,asfaithdothevidenceit,withsuchasortofclearness,aslightevidencethcolours,thoughitbenosignorevidentmarkofthem;butassmokeevincesfire,andasthemorningstarintheeastevincesthesunwillearlyrise,orasthestreamsprovethereisahead-springwhencetheyissue,thoughnoneofthesemakewhattheyevidencevisibletotheeye;sodothsanctificationgiveevidenceofjustification,onlyasmarks,signs,effects,giveevidencetothecause."Hecallsitalightofarguingandofheavenlylogic,bywhichweknowthatweknowGod,bythelightoffaith,becausewekeephiscommandments."Ineffect,"sayshe,"weknowratherthepersonmustbejustified,inwhomthesegraciousevidencesare,byhearsayreportorconsequence,thanthatweknoworseejustification,orfaithitself,inabstracto;butthelightoffaith,thetestimonyoftheSpiritbytheoperationoffreegrace,willcauseus,asitwere,withoureyes,toseejustificationandfaith,notbyreport,butasweseethesun-light."Againhesays,"WeneverhadaquestionwithAntinomianstouchingthefirstassuranceofjustification,suchasispropertothelightoffaith.He[Cornwall]mighthavesparedallhisargumentstoprovethatwearefirstassuredofourjustificationbyfaith,notbygoodworks,forwegranttheargumentsofonesortofassurance,whichispropertofaith,andtheyprovenothingagainstanothersortofassurance,bysignsandeffects,whichisalsodivine."Further,astothedifferencebetweenthesetwokindsofassurance:theassuranceoffaithhasitsobjectandfoundationwithouttheman,butthatofsensehasthemwithinhim.TheassuranceoffaithlookstoChrist,thepromiseandcovenantofGod,andsays,"Thisisallmysalvation;Godhasspokeninhisholiness,Iwillrejoice";buttheassuranceofsenselooksinwardattheworksofGod,suchastheperson'sowngraces,attainments,experiences,andthelike.Theassuranceoffaithgivinganevidencetothingsnotseen,canclaimaninterestin,andpleadasavingrelationtoahiding,withdrawingGod.Zionsaid,"MyLordhathforgottenme";

andthespouse,"Iopenedtomybeloved,butmybelovedhadwithdrawnhimself,andwasgone."SohemaybeaforgettingandwithdrawingGodtomyfeeling,"andyettomyfaith,myGodandmyLordstill,"saysholyRutherford;"evenasthewifemaybelievetheangryandforsakinghusbandisstillherhusband."Butontheotherhand,theassuranceofsenseistheevidenceofthingsseenandfelt.Theonesays,"Itakehimformine";theothersays,"Ifeelheismine."Theonesayswiththechurch,"MyGod,thoughhecoverhimselfwithacloud,thatmyprayercannotpassthrough,yetwillhearme";theother,"MyGodhasheardme."Theonesays,"Hewillbringmeforthtothelight,andIshallbeholdhisrighteousness";theother,"Hehasbroughtmeforthtothelight,andIdobeholdhisrighteousness."Theonesays,"Thoughheshouldkillme,yetwillItrustinhim";theother,"Hesmilesandshinesonme,therefore,willIlovehimandtrustinhim."

Uponthewhole,wehumblyconceive,werethenatureandgroundsoffaith'spersuasionmorenarrowlyandimpartiallyundertheguidanceoftheSpiritoftruth,searchedintoandlaidopen,itwould,insteadofdiscouragingweakChristians,exceedinglytendtothestrengtheningandincreaseoffaith,andconsequentlyhaveamightyinfluenceonspiritualcomfort,andtruegospelholiness,whichwillalwaysbefoundtobearproportiontofaith,aseffectsdototheefficacyandinfluenceoftheircauses.

QUERYIX.Whatisthatactoffaith,bywhichasinnerappropriatesChristandhissavingbenefitstohimself?

Ans

.Thisquestionbeingplainlyandfullyansweredinwhatissaidontheimmediatelyforegoing,wereferthereto,andproceedtothetenth.

QUERYX.Whethertherevelationofthedivinewillintheword,affordingawarranttoofferChristuntoall,andawarranttoalltoreceivehim,canbesaidtobetheFather'smakingadeedofgiftandgrantofChristuntoallmankind?Isthisgranttoallmankindbysovereigngrace?Andwhetherisitabsoluteorconditional!

Ans

.Herewearedirectedtothatpartofourrepresentationwherewecomplainthatthefollowingpassageiscondemned,viz:"TheFatherhathmadeadeedofgift

orgrantuntoallmankind,thatwhosoeverofthemshallbelieveinhisSon,shallnotperish";andwherewesay,"Thatthistreatmentofthesaidpassageseemstoencroachonthewarrantsaforesaid,andalsouponsovereigngrace,whichhathmadethisgrant,nottodevils,buttomen,intermsthanwhichnonecanbeimaginedmoreextensive";agreeabletowhatwehavealreadysaidinourrepresentation.Weanswertothefirstpartofthequestion,thatbythe"deedofgiftorgrantuntoallmankind,"weunderstandnomorethantherevelationofthedivinewillintheword,affordingwarranttoofferChristtoall,andawarranttoalltoreceivehim;foralthoughwebelievethepurchaseandapplicationofredemptiontobepeculiartotheelect,whoweregivenbytheFathertoChristinthecounselofpeace,yetthewarranttoreceivehimiscommontoall.Ministers,byvirtuesofthecommissiontheyhavereceivedfromtheirgreatLordandMaster,areauthorizedandinstructedtogopreachthegospeltoeverycreature,i.e.,tomakeafull,free,andunhamperedofferofhim,hisgrace,righteousness,andsalvation,toeveryrationalsoultowhomtheymayinprovidencehaveaccesstospeak.Andthoughwehadavoicelikeatrumpet,thatcouldreachallthecornersoftheearth,wethinkwewouldbebound,byvirtueofourcommission,toliftitup,andsay,"Toyou,Omen,dowecall,andourvoiceistothesonsofmen.Godhathsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievesinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife."Andthoughthis"deedofgiftandgrant,thatwhosoeverbelievethinChristshallnotperish,"&c.is,neitherinourrepresentation,norinthepassagesofthebookcondemnedonthathead,calleda"deedofgift,andgrantofChrist,"yet,beingrequiredtogiveourjudgmentinthispoint,wethink,thatagreeabletotheHolyScripture,itmaybesocalled,asparticularlyappearsfromthetextlastcited,(John3:16),wherebythegivingofChrist,weunderstandnotonlyhiseternaldestinationbytheFathertobetheRedeemerofanelectworld,andhisgivinghimuntothedeathforthem,inthefullnessoftime,butmoreespeciallyagivingofhimintheworduntoall,tobereceivedandbelievedin.Thegivingherecannotbeagivinginpossession,whichispeculiaronlyuntothemwhoactuallybelieve,butitmustbesuchagiving,granting,oroffering,aswarrantsamantobelieveorreceivethegift,andmustthereforebeanteriortoactualbelieving.Thisisevidentenoughfromthetextitself:hegavehim,"thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,"&c.Thecontextalso,tous,putsitbeyondcontroversy:thebrazenserpentwasgiven,andliftedupasacommongoodtothewholecampofIsrael,thatwhosoeverinallthecamp,beingstungbythefieryserpents,lookedthereunto,mightnotdie,butlive.SohereChristisgiventoalostworld,intheword,"thatwhosoeverbelievesinhimshouldnotperish,"&c.Andinthisrespect,wethink,ChristisacommonSaviour,andhissalvation

isacommonsalvation;anditis"gladtidingsofgreatjoyuntoallpeople,"thatuntous[nottoangelsthatfell]thisSonisgiven,andthisChildisborn,whosenameiscalledWonderful,&c.(Isa9:6).

WehaveaScripturealsotothispurpose,(John6:32),whereChrist,speakingtoapromiscuousmultitude,makesacomparisonbetweenhimselfandthemannathatfellaboutthetentsofIsraelinthewilderness,andsays,"MyFathergivethyouthetruebreadfromheaven."Asthesimplerainingofthemannaabouttheircampiscalledagivingofit,(verse21),beforeitwastasted,orfedupon;sotheveryrevelationandofferofChristiscalled[accordingtothejudiciousCalvinontheplace]agivingofhim,erehebereceivedandbelievedon.

OfthisgivingofChristtomankindlost,wereadalso,(1John5:11),"Andthisistherecord,thatGodhathgivenuntouseternallife,andthislifeisinhisSon."Thisgivinginthetextisnot,weconceive,agivinginpossession,ingreaterorlessermeasure,butagivingbywayofgrantandoffer,whereupononemaywarrantablytakepossession,andthepartytowhomisnottheelectiononly,butlostmankind;fortherecordofGodheremustbesuchathingaswarrantsalltobelieveontheSonofGod.Butitcanbenosuchwarranttotell,"thatGodhathgiveneternallifetotheelect";forthemakingofagifttoacertainselectcompanyofpersons,canneverbeawarrantforallmentoreceiveortakepossessionofit.Thiswillbefurtherevident,ifweconsiderthatthegreatsinofunbeliefliesinnotbelievingthisrecordofGod,"HethatbelievesnothathmadeGodaliar,"saystheapostle,(verse10),"becausehebelievesnottherecordthatGodgavesohisSon";andthenitfolloweth,(verse11),"Andthisistherecord,thatGodhathgiventouseternallife,"&c.Now,arewetothinkthattherejectingoftherecordofGodisabaredisbelievingofthisproposition,"ThatGodhathgiveneternallifeuntotheelect?"No,surely;forthemostdesperateunbelievers,suchasJudasandothers,believethis;andtheirbeliefofitaddstotheiranguishandtorment.Ordothey,bybelievingthis,settotheirsealthatGodistrue?No;theystillcontinue,notwithstandingofallthis,tomakehimaliar,in"notbelievingthisrecordofGod,"thattolostmankind,andtothemselvesinparticular,Godhathgiveneternallife,bywayofgrant,soasthey,aswellasothers,arewarrantedandwelcome,andeveryonetowhomitcomes,ontheirperil,requiredbyfaithtoreceiveortakepossessionofit.Bynotreceivingthisgiftedandofferedremedy,withapplicationandappropriation,theyflyinthefaceofGod'srecordandtestimony;andthereforedojustlyanddeservedlyperish,seeingtherighteousness,salvation,andkingdomofGod,wasbroughtsoneartothem,inthefreeofferofthegospel,andyettheywouldnottakeit.The

greatpinchandstrait,wethink,ofanawakenedconscience,doesnotlieinbelievingthatGodhathgiveneternallifetotheelect,butinbelievingorreceivingChrist,offeredtousinthegospel,withparticularapplicationtothemanhimself,inScripturecalled"aneatingtheflesh,anddrinkingthebloodoftheSonofman."Andyet,tillthisdifficultybesurmounted,ingreaterorlessermeasure,hecanneverbesaidtobelieveinChrist,orreceiveandrestuponhimforsalvation.TheverytakingorreceivingmustneedspresupposeagivingofChrist;andthisgivingmaybe,andis,forthemostpart,wherethereisnoreceiving;buttherecanbenoreceivingofChristforsalvationwherethereisnotrevelationofChristinthewordofthegospel,affordingwarranttoreceivehim,andthen,bytheeffectualoperationoftheSpirit,persuadingandenablingthesinnertoembracehimuponthiswarrantandoffer."Aman,"saystheSpiritofGod,(John3:27),"canreceivenothing,exceptitbegivenhimfromheaven."HenceMr.Rutherford,inhis"ChristDyingandDrawing,"&c.,page442,saysthat"reprobateshaveasfairawarranttobelieveastheelecthave."

Astothesecondpartofthisquestion,i.e.,"Isthisgrantmadetoallmankindbysovereigngrace?and,Whetherisitabsoluteorconditional"weanswer,thatthisgrant,madeincommontolostmankind,isfromsovereigngraceonly;anditbeingministers'warranttoofferChristuntoall,andpeople'swarranttoreceivehim,itcannotfailtobeabsolutelyfree;yetsoasnonecanbepossessedofChristandhisbenefits,tillbyfaiththeyreceivehim.

QUERYXI.Isthedivisionofthelaw,asexplainedandappliedintheMarrow,tobejustified,andwhichcannotberejectedwithoutburyingseveralgospeltruths?

Ans

.Wehumblyjudgethetripartitedivisionofthelaw,ifrightlyunderstood,maybeadmittedasorthodox;yet,seeingthatwhichweareconcernedwith,ascontainedinourrepresentation,isonlythedivisionsofthelawintothelawofworksandthelawofChrist,wesay,thatwearestillofopinion,thatthisdistinctionofthelawiscarefullytobemaintained;inregardthatbythelawofworkswe,accordingtotheScripture,understandthecovenantofworks,whichbelieversarewhollyandaltogetherdeliveredfrom,althoughtheyarecertainlyunderthelawofthetencommandmentsinthehandofaMediator.Andifthisdistinctionofthelaw,thusapplied,beoverthrown,anddeclaredgroundless,severalsweetgospel-truthsmustunavoidablyfallintheruinsofit.Forinstance,iftherebeno

differenceputbetweenthelawasacovenant,andthelawasaruleoflifetobelievers,inthehandofChrist,itmustneedsfollow,thatthelawstillretainsitscovenant-formwithrespecttobelievers,andthattheyarestillunderthelawinthisformality,contrarytoScripture,(Rom6:14,7:1-3),andtotheConfessionofFaith,chap.19,sect.6.Itwouldalsofollow,thatthesinsofbelieversarestilltobelookeduponasbreachesofthecovenantofworks,andconsequently,thattheirsinsnotonlydeservethewrathandcurseofGod,[whichisamostcertaintruth,]butalsomakethemactuallyliabletothewrathofGod,andthepainsofhellforever,whichistrueonlyofthemthatareinastateofblacknature:Less.Cat.quest.19,andcontrarytoConfess.ofFaith,chap.19,sect.1.Itwilllikewisefollow,thatbelieversarestilltoeyeGodasavindictiveandwrathfulJudge,thoughhisjusticebefullysatisfiedinthedeathandbloodoftheirblessedSurety,apprehendedbyfaith.Theseandmanyothersweetgospeltruths,wethink,fallintheruinsoftheforesaiddistinctioncondemnedasgroundless.

QUERY.XII.Isthehopeofheavenandfearofhelltobeexcludedfromthemotivesofthebeliever'sobedience?Andifnot,howcantheMarrowbedefended,thatexpresslyexcludesthem,thoughitshouldallowofothermotives?

Ans

.Herewearereferredtothethirdparticularhead,whereinwethinktheMarrowinjuredbytheAssembly'sact,whichforbrevity'ssakewedonottranscribe:butagreeablebothtoourrepresentationandthescopeoftheMarrow,weanswer,ThattakingheavenforastateofendlessfelicityintheenjoymentofGodinChrist,wearesofarfromthinkingthatthisistobeexcludedfrombeingamotiveofthebeliever'sobedience,thatwethinkitthechiefendofman,nexttothegloryofGod;(Psa83:25),"WhomhaveIinheavenbutthee?"&c.Heaven,insteadofbeingarewardtothebeliever,wouldbeadesolatewildernesstohimwithouttheenjoymentofaGodinChrist.TheLordandtheLambarethelightofthatplace.Godhimselfistheportionofhispeople;heistheirshieldandexceedinggreatreward.Theverycope-stoneofthehappinessofheavenliesinbeing"foreverwiththeLord,andinbeholdingofhisglory";andthisindeedthebelieveristohaveinhiseye,astherecompenseofreward,andanoblemotiveofobedience.Buttoformconceptionsofheavenasaplaceofpleasureandhappiness,withouttheformerviewsofit,andtofancythatthisheavenistobeobtainedbyourownworksanddoings,isunworthyofabeliever,achildofGod,inregarditisslavish,legal,mercenary,andcarnal.

Asforthefearofhellbeingamotiveofthebeliever'sobedience,wereckonitoneofthespecialbranchesofthatgloriouslibertywherewithChristhathmadehispeoplefree,thattheyyieldobediencetotheLord,notoutofslavishfearofhellandwrath,butoutofachild-likeloveandwillingmind,Confess,chap.20,sect.6."Christhathdeliveredusoutofthehandsofourenemies,thatwemightservehimwithoutfear,inholinessandrighteousness,allthedaysofourlives,"(Luke1:74,75).AfilialfearofGodandofhisfatherlydispleasure,isworthyofthebeliever,beingafruitoffaith,andofthespiritofadoption;butaslavishfearofhellandwrath,fromwhichheisdeliveredbyChrist,isnotafruitoffaith,butofunbelief.Andinsofarasabelieverisnotdrawnwithlove,butdrivenoninhisobediencewithaslavishfearofhell,wethinkhim,insofarunderaspiritofbondage.AndjudgingthistobetheMarrow'ssenseofrewardsandpunishmentswithrespecttoabeliever,wethinkitmayandoughttobedefended.

Andthisdoctrine,whichweapprehendtobethetruth,standssupportednotonlybyScriptureandourConfessionofFaith,butalsobythesuffragesofsomeofoursoundestdivines;forinstanceMr.Rutherford:"Believers,"sayshe,"aretobesadfortheirsins,asoffensivetotheauthorityoftheLawgiverandtheloveofChrist,thoughtheybenottofeartheeternalpunishmentofthem";forsorrowforsin,andfearforsinaremostdifferenttous.Again,saysthesameauthor,"Servileobedience,underapprehensionoflegalterror,wasnevercommandedinthespirituallawofGodtotheJews,morethantous."Durham,"Thebeliever[sayshe]beingfreedfromthelawasacovenant,hislifedependsnotonthepromiseannexedtothelaw,norisheindangerbythethreateningsadjoinedtoit,boththesetobelieversbeingmadevoidthroughChrist."Andtoconclude,weareclearlyofDr.Owen'smindanenttheuseofthreateningsofeverlastingwrathwithreferenceuntobelievers,who,thoughheownsthemtobedeclarativeofGod'shatredofsin,andhiswilltopunishit,yetinregardtheexecutionofthemisinconsistentwiththecovenant,andGod'sfaithfulnesstherein,says,"Theuseofthemcannotbetobegetinbelieversananxious,doubting,solicitousfearaboutthepunishmentthreatened,groundedonasuppositionthatthepersonfearingshallbeovertakenwithit,oraperplexingfearofhell-fire;which,thoughitofttimesbeaconsequenceofsomeofGod'sdispensationstowardusofourownsins,ortheweaknessofourfaith,isnotanywhereprescribeduntousasaduty,noristheingeneratingofitinusthedesignofanyofthethreateningsofGod."Hisreasons,togetherwiththenatureofthatfear,whichthethreateningofeternalwrathoughttobegetinbelievers,maybeviewedamongtherestoftheauthorities.

Thesearesomethoughtsthathaveofferedtousuponthequeries,whichwelaybeforetheReverendCommissionwithallbecomingdeference,humblycraving,thatcharity,whichthinkethnoevil,mayprocureafavourableconstruingofourwords,soasnosensemaybeputupon,norinferencedrawnfrom,themwhichweneverintended.Andinregardthetenorofourdoctrine,andouraimsinconversation,have,thoughwithamixtureofmuchsinfulweakness,beensincerelypointedatthehonouroftheLordJesusasourkingaswellaspriest,asoursanctificationaswellasourrighteousness,wecannotbutregretourbeingaspersed,asturningthegraceofourGodintolasciviousness,andcastingofftheobligationoftheholylawofthetencommands;beingpersuadedthatthedamnationofsuchaseitherdoorteachso,isjustandunavoidable,ifmercypreventitnot.Butnowif,afterthisplainandingenuousdeclarationofourprinciples,wemuststilllieunderthesameloadofreproach,itisourcomfort,thatwehavethetestimonyofourconscienceclearingusinthatmatter,anddoubtnottheLordwillinduetimebringforthourrighteousnessasthelight,andourjudgmentasthenoon-day.Weonlyadd,thatweadheretoourrepresentationandpetitioninallpoints;andsomuchtheratherthatwehavealreadyobservedthesadfruits,andbadimprovementmadeoftheAssembly'sdeed,thereincomplainedof.

Theseanswers,containedinthisandtheprecedingpages,[viz:ofthemanuscriptgivenin,]aresubscribedatEdinburgh,March12th,1722,byus,

MESSRS.JAMESHOG,Carnock.THOMASBOSTON,Etterick.JOHNWILLIAMSON,Inveresk.JAMESKID,Queensferry.GABRIELWILSON,Maxton.EBENEZRERSKINE,Portmoack.RALPHERSKINE,Dunfermline.JAMESWARDLAW,Dunfermline.HENRYDAVIDSON,Galashiels.JAMESBATHGATE,Orwel.WILLIAMHUNTER,Lilliesleaf.

THEEND.

[Contents][Previous:Thedifferencebetweenthelawandthegospel.]

Footnotes:[Back][1]"Amasterlyproduction,"saysthejudiciousMr.Fraser,ofKennoway,"whichhasundergonemanyimpressions,andwhichdiscussesthepointsatissuewithaperspicuityandenergythathascommandedtheesteemandadmirationofMr.JamesHervey,andmanyotherswhohadnoimmediateconcerninthecontroversy."

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