the father worketh hitherto and I work CHAP. XV. QVest To usher in the doctrine of works way is made for it by confounding the terms Iustification and Righteousness as if they were but one and the same thing when indeed there 's nothing less for the Scripture indeed tels us of a righteousness which is of the Law but nowhere a Iustification which is of the Law That we may therefore understand them both let us hear the Scripture speaking touching them both and first for Iustification doth not the Scripture expresly say it cannot be righteousness in us Answ Psal 143.3 For in thy sight shall no man that liveth be justified Rom. 4.5 To him that worketh not but believes on him that justifies the ungodly his faith is accounted for Righteousness Quest Justification then cannot be righteousness in us but accounted to us what is Justification then but remission of sins and doth not the Scripture make our Justification to consist herein that iniquities are forgiven and sin not imputed Answ Psal 32.1 Blessed is he whose iniquitie is forgiven and whose sin is covered blessed is the man to whom God imputeth not sin Quest But how prove you this is meant to be Justification doth not the Apostle Paul treating on this very thing Iustification quote this very place summing up Iustification in two parts Imputation of righteousness without works non-Imputation of sin Answ Rom. 4.2 5 6 7 8. For if Abraham were Iustified by works he had wherewith to boast but not before God But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that iustifieth the ungodly his faith is accounted for Righteousness even as David declareth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord Imputeth righteousness without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin Quest What then is our Righteousness doth not the Scripture tell us it s the satisfaction and obedience of Christ in life and death performed for us and of God freely imputed to us that believe report the language of the Scripture touching this glorious import first of his satisfaction Answ 1 Cor. 2.2 For I determined to know nothing among you save Iesus Christ and him crucified Esay 53.5 6. By his stripes we are healed the Lord hath laid upon him the iniquities of us all Luke 22.20 This cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you Rom. 3.24 Justified freely by his grace through the Redemption which is in Christ Iesus whom God hath sent forth to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness to the forgiveness of sins Rom 5.8 9. While we were yet sinners Christ dyed for us much more then being justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him Gal. 5.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law when he was made a Curse for us Eph. 1.7 By whom we have Redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins 1 Joh 1.7 The blood of Iesus Christ the Son of God cleanseth us from all sin Christ the Son of God cleanseth from all sins Col. 2.10 Ye are compleat in him Rom 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many also be made righteous Quest It s clear indeed tha its the suffering of Christ the obedience and righteousness of Christ that makes us righteous and justified but then how doth the Scripture say his faith was counted righteousness Abrabam believed in God and he counted it for righteousness Is it contrary to the sense of all the forementioned Scriptures the act of faith or the blood of Christ the Object of faith that justifies in short is Justification for our faith or by it how say the Scriptures Answ Eph. 2 10. By Grace are ye saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Rom. 5.9 Being now justified by his blood Quest But the Scriptures say we are justified freely by grace the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace eternal life is the gift of God c. Is it so as if the gift of God and the merit of Christ are inconsistent nay rather do they ever act apart may not nay is not that which is a free gift of God respecting us the price of blood respecting Christ Answ We need no farther then the Scriptures wrested on this very account Rom 3.24 We are justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus Eph. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace Rom. 6 23. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Quest Doth not the Scripture say therefore positively that we are bought with a price and that price is the precious blood of Jesus Chrâ—st Answ 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a price be not the Servants of men 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Knowing that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by the traditions of the fathers but with the precious blood of Iesus Christ as a Lamb undefiled and without spot Quest Nay more doth not the Scripture expresly say that without this price of blood there is no remission Answ Heb. 9.22 And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood and without shedding of blood there is no remission CHAP. XVI Quest Our Saviour tels us his Commandments are not grievous his yoak is easiy and his burden light this indeed is a slight proof of our Master of Arts to conclude our possibility of keeping the Commandments of God let 's hear the sense of the Apostle Paul to this very thing affectionately expressing the desire of his regenerate part to keep the Law of God and his hearty closing therewith making good that of our Saviour That his Commandments are not grievous his yoak is easie and his burden light yet withall plainly telling us that he was not able to keep them by reason of his unregenerate part and in plain terms giving our Master of Arts the lye Answ Rom. 7.14 For we know the Law is spiritual but I am carnal sold under sin for that which I do I allow not for that I would that do I not but what I hate that I do now then it s no more I that do it but sin that dwelleth in me for I know in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I know not for the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not that do I I find then a Law that when I would do good evil is present with me for I delight in the Law of God after the inward man but I see another Law
ends of Christs death the Scripture mentions if not what other principal end is here omitted Answ Ephes 1.7 We have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins Col. 1.14 Same words Ephes 1.14 Redemption of the possession purchased Gal. 4.5 When the fulness of time was come God sent forth his son made of woman and made under the Law that he might redeem them which were under the Law Titus 2.13 14. Our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquities CHAP. XIII QVest Were there neither Scripture nor Argument against the doctrine of universal love and general Redemption this were enough to a sober mind to Question it in that it s bound up in the volume of our Authors Truth and so vigorously contended for by such a Master of heresie And may cause our late assertors thereof to blush to see their opinion touching so important an head in Divinity inserted in so black and Atheistical a Calender But to the thing the Scriptures speaking Christ dyed for all gave himself a ransom for all tasted death for every man giveth life to the world will have all men be saved all should come to repentance for the sins of the whole world c. and other such of a general tendency how must they be understood of a general confused and universal love to men so that God willed and Christ effected the Salvation of all men or else according to restraint given us in other Scriptures to the Election of the Father the prayer of Christ the faith and obedience of men the sheep of Christ his Church such whom his Father hath given him his people his peculiar people and this general term all expounded by other Scriptures to be many which will if so effectually prove that though Christ is indeed in common tendered and propounded to all men but intended and effectually applyed only according to these restraints Rehearse the Scriptures therefore on each of these Answ Rom. 9.11 12.13 For ere the Children were born and when they had done neither good nor evil that the purpose of God might remain according to Election not by works but by him that calleth it was said the elder shall serve the younger as it is written I have loved Iacob and hated Esau Rom. 11.5 Even so then at this present is there a remnant according to the election of grace ver 7. The Election have obtained it the rest have been hardned v. 28. As touching the election they are beloved for the Fathers sake Iohn 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are thine Ioh. 3.16 God so loved the world that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Iohn 12.46 I come a light into the world that whosoever believeth in me should not abide in the darkness Acts 10.43 To him also give the Prophets witness that through his name all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins Rom. 3.22 The righteousness of God by the Faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe Heb. 5.9 Being consecrate was made the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Mat. 25.33 And he shall set his sheep on his right hand and the Goats on his left John 10.26 27. My sheep hear my voice and I give unto them eternal life John 10.15 I lay down my life for my Sheep Mat. 15.24 And he answered and said I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel Acts 20.28 Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock whereof the holy Ghost had made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood Ephes 5.25 Husbands love your wives even as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it Iohn 6.29 And this is the Fathers will who hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Mat. 1.21 And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Titus 2.13 14. Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the mighty God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purge us to be a peculiar people unto himself zealous of good works Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many Mat. 26.28 This is the blood of the new Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Heb. 9.28 Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many Isa 53.11 But his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Quest These Scriptures are undeniable as to this great point but is there not a general providential temporal good mercy and salvation in God common to all men yea to irrational creatures as well as men Answ Psal 145.8 9. The Lord doth good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 36. O Lord thou savest man and beast Quest In this Chapter we have another blow at the Godhead of the Son The Scriptures abused to this end are such as tel us Christ was raised by God by the power of God by the glory of the Father and such like whence it is concluded Christ rose not by his own power but by the power of another Is that therefore the language of these Scriptures which tels us he was not raised by himself Touching that we must address to other Scriptures what therefore saith the Lord himself touching this thing Answ Iohn 2.19 20 21. Jesus answered and said unto them Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up again then said the Jews Forty and six years was this Temple a building and wilt thou rear it in three days but he spake of the Temple of his body Iohn 10.17 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I may take it again no man taketh it from me But I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Quest This discourse of the resurrection was improvidently medled with to that end intended for if the Lord Jesus Christ did by his own power raise himself from the dead as those Scriptures prove then onely was he God yet have you not other Scriptures do prove that when God the Father raised up the Son from the dead the Son then raised up himself inasmuch as the Father and the Son work together in one and the same work Answ John 5.21 For likewise as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickneth them so the Son quickeneth whom he will John 5.19 Whatsoever things the Father doth the same things doth the Son also
to the institution of Christ and Apostolical direction be had to the proper ends thereof in each particular Church and congregation of Christ under the Gospel Answ Iohn 16.19 And I will give unto thee the Keys of the Kingdom of heaven and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shal be loosed in heaven Iohn 20.23 Then Iesus said unto them Peace be unto you as my Father sent me even so send I you and when he said this he breathed on them and saith to them Receive ye the holy ghost Whosesoever sins ye remit they are remitted unto them and whosesoever sins ye retain they are retained Mat. 18.15 16 17 18. If thy brother trespass against thee go and tell him his fault betwixt him and thee alone if he hear thee thou hast won thy brother but if he hear thee not take yet with thee one or two that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be confirmed and if he wil not vouchsafe to hear them tell it to the Church and if he refuse to hear the Church also let him be unto thee as an Heathen-man and a Publican verily I say unto you whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven 1 Cor. 1.4 5. I verily as absent in body but present in spirit have determined already as though I were present that he that hath done this thing when ye are gathered together and my spirit in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ that such one I say by the power of our Lord Iesus Christ be delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the Spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord Iesus ver 13. With such a one eat not put away therefore from your selves that wicked person Quest Touching Baptism this is the end of this Chapter to destroy and overthrow the Ordinance and Institution of water-Baptism agreeing in this with such as of late have appeared to that and other such good ends for its a body of heresie we have to do with no wonder therefore if he takes every brother by the hand But how is this done first by bringing before us such Scriptures as tell us That John indeed baptized with water but he that came after him with the holy Ghost do those prove that water-baptism ceased with John or that Christ did that which John could not do namely wash us with his blood and Spirit doth not the Scripture therefore call Baptism the washing of the new birth and the forgiveness of sins Answ Tit. 3.5 According to his mercy he saved us by the washing of the new birth and renewing of the holy Ghost Acts 2.2.16 Arise and be baptised and wash away thy sins Quest No wonder indeed then that John could not baptize as did Jesus whose shoe latchet he was not worthy to unloose since it is not the outward baptism of water but the blood of Christ that cleanseth us from all sin since it is true also we are baptized into Christs death and it is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience towards God that saves us these all proving baptism indeed to be a Sacrament and no more effectual then the Spirit makes it effectual which it hath made instrumental we confess it is not otherwise the thing signified but must affirm it to be the sign what testimony therefore have you for the use of that sign namely the use of water in Scripture Answ Mat. 18.19 Go and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Mark 16.16 He that shall believe and be baptized shall be saved Acts 2.38.4.1 Then Peter said Amend your lives and be baptized every one of you in the name of Iesus Christ then they that gladly received his word were baptized the same day were added to the Church 3000. souls Mat. 3.11 I baptize you with water to amendment of life Ioh. 1.31 33. Therefore am I come baptizing with water he that sent me to baptize with water Quest This indeed is our sufficient warrant from the significancy of the word baptizing and also from the express addition of water wherewith Iohn was sent expresly to baptize only the efficacy of that ordinance was then and is now acknowledged to be the work of Christ by his Spirit but if they should thus say This was indeed the baptism of Iohn but the Apostles did not baptize or if they did not so what testimony therefore have you that the Apostles did baptize and with the element of water according to the first institution of baptism and first give the example of Paul who though he make it a great work to which as an Apostle he was chiefly called to preach the Gospel and that he might clear himself of vain glory he rejoyceth he baptizeth not many yet he acknowledgeth that he baptized some 1 Cor. 13. to the 17. Were ye baptized into the name of Paul I thank God I baptised none of you but Crispus and Gaius lest any should say I had baptized into mine own name I baptized also the house of Stephanus furthermore I know not wither I baptized any other for Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel Mat 8.36 to the end And as they went on the way they came unto a certain water and the Eunuch said See here is water what doth let me to be baptized and they went down into the water both Philip and the Eunuch and he baptized him and assoon as they were come up out of the water the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip. Quest There needs indeed no more au hority yet to put it out of all controversie have ye no president of some baptized with the element of water even after they had been baptized with the holy Ghost Answ Acts 10.44 to the end While Peter yet spake these words the holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word so they of the Circumcision which believed were astonished as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the holy Ghost for they heard them speak with tongues and magnifie God then answered Peter Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the holy Ghost as well as we so he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Quest One word more and then we shall leave it to whomsoever reads to judge whither we or our Master of Arts will more need to fly from plain Scripture to consequence or comment have ye therefore no example that the Lord Jesus Christ himself who did himself baptize with the holy Ghost yet for the honour of his own Institution and to confirm us in the truth that he might fulfill all obedience submitted to this