in Jesus Christ Therefore this ground of our Justification by Faith is no less to bee maintained than the glory of Gods Justice Faithfulness and Goodness to bee declared in justifying Believers Vers. 27. Where is boasting then it is excluded By what Law of Works nay but by the Law of Faith 28. Therefore wee conclude that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the Law Argum. 10. Because by the Law of Faith or the Covenant of Grace which requires Faith to our Justification by the Righteousness of another mans boasting in himself is excluded and not by the Law of Works or the Covenant of Works which exacts perfect obedience and affords matter of boasting to men in their Inherent Righteousness Therefore saith hee wee conclude that a man is Iustified by Faith without the Works of the Law The Argument is good For if men were Justified by their Works and Inherent Righteousness they might boast of the meritorious cause of their Justification to bee in themselves but they that are Justified by Faith are compelled to renounce their own Inherent Righteousness and to place their only Confidence in the imputation of the Righteousness of Christ and solely in the grace of God Vers. 29. Is hee the God of the Iewes only Is hee not also of the Gentiles Yes of the Gentiles also 30. Seeing it is one God which shall justifie the Circumcision by Faith and uncircumcision through Faith Hee concludes this Disputation with the resolution of two questions which give much light to the present Doctrine The first question is Whether this way of our Justification by Faith bee common both to Jewes and Gentiles To which hee answers That it 's common to both whereof he adds a reason because there is one God of those that are Justified therefore there must bee but one way of justifying all to wit by Faith or of Faith For if hee should Justifie the Jews upon one ground and the Gentiles upon another God would seem to differ from Himself in communicating Righteousness and Salvation to sinners both to Jews and Gentiles which is absurd Vers. 31. Do wee then make void the Law through Faith God forbid yea wee establish the Law Another question is Whether the Doctrine of Faith or Justification by Faith makes the Law of none effect or to bee given in vain while it is denied that men are Justified by the Law Hee answers that the Law is no wayes rendred void but is rather established by the Doctrine of Faith for Faith or the Doctrine of Faith establishes the Law three wayes First in respect to the threatnings shewing that Christ was dead by the Sentence of the Law that hee might satisfie the Law and that wee were lyable to death unless freed from it by Christ. Secondly in respect to the Precepts because hee demonstrates that perfect obedience was yeelded to the Law in the Righteousness of Christ. Thirdly Faith establishes the Law in respect to Believers because being justified by Faith by virtue of Christ they are initiated into new obedience who before they were justified by Faith could do nothing but sin CHAP. IV. UNto the twelfth Chapter the Apostle illustrates commends and further by many Arguments establishes this Divine ground of our Iustification by Faith not by Works Wee for the more easie method shall make the Confirmation of this Doctrine seven-fold The first Confirmation of Iustification by Faith which is contained in this Chapter is chiefly from the example of Abraham the ground of whose Iustification is common both to Iews and Gentiles whose Faith is set before us all of God for a pattern There are three parts of the Chapter In the first the example of Abrahams Iustification is set down to ver 9. In the second hee proves this ground of Iustification to bee common both to Iews and Gentiles to ver 18. In the third the Faith of Abraham is commended to the use of Believers to the end of the Chapter Vers. 1. What shall wee say then that Abraham our Father as pertaining to the flesh hath found So much as pertains to the example of Abraham under the form of an interrogation hee denies that Abraham was justified according to the flesh or by the Law of Works or Inherent Righteousness which is called flesh Galat. 3.3 in respect to the Spiritual Righteousness of Christ From whence it follows that no man is justified by Works Vers. 2. For if Abraham were justified by Works hee hath whereof to glory but not before God This Thesis concerning Abraham is asserted by five Reasons Reason 1. If Abraham was justified by Works hee hath whereof hee may glory but not before God therefore hee is not justified by Works before God The reason is sufficient because boasting in our selves is not taken away by the Law of Works but by the Law of Faith Rom. 3.27 For in the question before men Whether Abraham is just Abraham can produce his Works and boast saying I will shew thee my Works and so hee shall bee justified before men by his Works But the question is Whether hee bee righteous before God whereupon hee must renounce his own works and fly to the Promise of Blessedness in Christ to come of Abrahams Seed that hee might bee justified in Christ by Faith alone Vers. 3. For what saith the Scripture Abraham hath believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness Reason 2. The Scripture testifies Gen. 15.6 that Abraham was justified by Faith or that Righteousness was imputed to him by Faith therefore hee was justified by Faith not by Works Vers. 4. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of Grace but of debt Reason 3. The reward cannot bee of Grace but of debt to him that seeks after righteousness by his works wee may assume thus But to Abraham it was imputed of Grace Therefore Abraham did not mercenarily seek after righteousness by the works of the Law Vers. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his Faith is counted for righteousness Reason 4. To this purpose Faith is imputed for righteousness to him that is not mercenary but renouncing his own righteousness believes in God who freely justifies the ungodly that flees to Christ Jesus But such was the Faith of Abraham Therefore Abraham was not justified by works before God but Faith was imputed to him for righteousness or the Blessing promised in Christ to come received through Faith by Abraham was imputed to him for righteousness Vers. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputed righteousness without works 7. Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Reason 5. David testifies Psalm 32.12 that Blessedness is given to him to whom Righteousness is imputed without works and whose righteousness consists not in good works but in the forgiveness of sins therefore such was
as hee please Therefore God may of the mass of man-kind fashion some to honour others to dishonour as hee please and by consequence unrighteousness is not to bee objected against God in the matter of Election and Reprobation Vers. 22. What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the Vessels of wrath fitted to destruction The fourth Answer not onely freeing God from all unrighteousness in this his free choice of some and the reprobation of the rest but also shewing the wisdome and exact justice in this whole business that neither the Reprobate can complain of unrighteousness nor the Elect glory in their merits The force of the answer by way of question to touch the consciences of men the more sharply is urged thus What if God willing to shew his wrath or his vindicative justice and would make known his power in the execution of his justice which was most just hee hath indured with much patience the vessels of wrath by their own wickedness fitted to destruction before he would give up their deserved condemnation to execution What is here I say that common reason can reply against God what is here which any man may not commend in this Counsel of God Thus the matter was in the casting off the Jews whom God rejected not from the grace of the Gospel until they had refused the grace of Christ and abused much gentleness and lenity which Righteousness in the execution of the decree frees God from all unrighteousness in making the difference seeing that hee executes no otherwise than hee hath decreed Vers. 23. And that â—ee might make known the riches of his glory on the Vessels of mercy which hee had afore prepared unto glory A question yet depends therefore wee must repeat What if God that hee might render the riches of his glorious grace more illustrious towards the Vessels of mercy whom hee hath prepared unto glory will have his wrath and power manifested in the just destruction of the vessels of wrath what is there in this decree that any one can blame in the execution whereof there is so much Righteousness and wisdome and goodness manifested The second Part. Vers. 24. Even us whom hee hath called not of the Jewes onely but also of the Gentiles The second part of the Chapter wherein that hee might satisfie all concerning the calling of the Gentiles and the casting off the Iews and strengthen the Faith of the Romans that they might not bee offended with doubtful thoughts of Reprobation First hee applies the Doctrine of Election to the Christian Jews and Gentiles whose election and future glorification God had made manifest by their effectual calling to Faith in Christ. Vers. 25. As hee saith also in Hosea I will call them my people which were not my people and her beloved which was not beloved 26. And it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them yee are not my people there shall they bee called the children of the living God Secondly hee proves the calling of the Gentiles to bee fore-told by the testimony of Hos. 2. ver 23. after this manner Those that were not my people I will effectually call or make them my people and they that were not indued with the gifts of my grace and love shall partake of the same Chap. 1.10 to this purpose The Gospel was preached in Greece Italy and other places among the Gentiles where they lived that were alienated from the Covenant of God that they might bee effectually called the children of the living God or the Elect should bee converted to the true Worship of God Vers. 27. Esaias also cryeth concerning Israel Though the number of the children of Israel bee as the sand of the Sea a remnant shall bee saved 28. For hee will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth 29. And as Esaias said before Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed wee had been as Sodomah and been made like unto Gomorrah Thirdly hee proves the rejection of the Jews to bee fore-told by the testimony of Isai. 10.22 crying out on this manner Although the people of Israel according to the flesh after the promise of God should bee so multiplyed that they might bee compared with the sand which is on the Sea shore yet a remnant only i. e. a very few shall bee saved but a multitude shall bee rejected and perish ver 27. For God after much abuse of his lenity will in short time end his controversie with that people following the exactness of Justice because God determined quickly to execute and compleat his severity in casting off that people And Chap. 1. ver 9. the same Isaias foretold Except the Lord of Hosts had left to the people of Israel a very small remnant in which the promised blessings should bee fulfilled wee should have been wholly consumed and destroyed as Sodom and Gomorrah The third Part. Vers. 30. What shall wee say then that the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness have attained to righteousness even the righteousness which is of Faith The third part of the Chapter wherein the Apostle opens this as his scope to what went before that the experience of Believers among the Gentiles and of Justiciaries among the Jews might confirm his former Doctrine of Justification by Faith and not of Works The first part of the experience touching the Gentiles is this The Gentiles saith hee which did not follow after the righteousness of works attained true righteousness viz. that righteousness which is by Faith Therefore that is the only ground of Justification which is by Faith and not of Works Vers. 31. But Israel which followed after the law of righteousness hath not attained to the law of righteousness The other part of the experience is of the unbelieving Jews The Israelites saith hee followed after the law of righteousness that they might bee justified according to that but attained not that righteousness which is by works because righteousness by the Law is impossible Therefore Justification is not by Works or according to the Law but of Faith Vers. 32. Wherefore because they sought it not by Faith but as it were by the works of the Law for they stumbled at that stumbling stone That hee might further make use of this experience hee enquires after the cause why the Jews that followed after the Law did not attain to righteousness By way of answer hee assigns a threefold cause The first is because they did not seek after righteousness by Faith which is the only ground of Justification Another cause in as much as they sought after righteousness by works which way is impossible not only because no man could perfectly observe the Law but also because good works which the followers after legal righteousness without Faith perform are not worthy the name of good works they have only the
the measure for so also is Charity imperfect but chiefly in respect of the manner of knowing viz. by means which kind of knowledge because it is mediate it is imperfect Vers. 10. But when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall bee done away This manner of knowing viz. mediately shall bee quite abolished when the perfect way of knowledge shall come viz. the immediate But Charity although it bee imperfect as to the measure yet as to the manner of loving it is perfect for it is immediately carried to God and therefore this manner of loving shall never bee abolished but rather encreased Vers. 11. When I was a child I spake as a child I understood as a child I thought as a child but when I became a man I put away childish things Hee shews that the present way of knoâ—ing is to bee abolished by the similitude of the abolishing of childish sports when any comes to bee a man Vers. 12. For now wee see thorough a glass darkly but then face to face now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known Hee shews the same by another similitude â—â—â—paring the present manner of knowing to knowledge by a glass darkly which kind of knowledge is mediate but the knowledge to come is immediate whereby any one knoâ—â— intuitively because in the life to come our mind shall immediately bee enlightened by God and wee shall see and know God immediately Vers. 13. And now abideth Faith Hope Charity these three but the greatest of these is Charity Argum. 4. Charity is more excellent than Faith or Hope which are saving Graces and gifts not to bee repented of Therefore the most worthy Because Charity shall never fail but shall also continue in the life to come when Faith and Hope shall cease In the mean time let us remember that Faith in some respects is more excellent than Charity because Faith is the cause of Love Gal. 5.6 Wee are justified by Faith and have peace with God Rom. 5.1 And Christ dwells in our hearts by Faith which works Charity in us Ephes. 3.17 But the Apostle regarding the concord and edification of the Church by right extolls Charity as much as belongs to his purpose hee knew also that no man could endeavour after the increase of Christian Charity but hee must also labour after the increase of Faith which is the cause of Love CHAP. XIV HEE PROCEEDS TO TREAT OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND THEIR RIGHT USE THere are two parts of the Chapter In the first hee prefers the gift of Prophesie before the gift of Tongues to vers 26. In the other hee gives commands concerning that order that was to bee observed in their Assemblies to the end Vers. 1. Follow after Charity and desire spiritual gifts but rather that yee may prophesie Hee proved in the fore-going Chapter that Charity was the most excellent gift In the beginning of this Chapter hee infers an Exhortation by way of conclusion that they would affect it and have all both gifts and spiritual offices in honour but because some were proud of the gift of tongues and most despised Pastoral gifts in comparison of this gift and too much admired the gift of tongues Therefore hee compares these gifts together and proves that the gift of Prophecie or Exhortation is more excellent than the gift of tongues separated from the gift of interpretation Hee gives thirteen Reasons Vers. 2. For hee that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God for no man understandeth him Howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries 3. But hee that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation and comfort The first Reason Hee that speaks in an unknown tongue although by the gift of the Spirit hee speaks the Mysteries of God yet hee speaks without profit because hee is understood by God alone and not by men But a Prophet or Pastor speaking in a known tongue teaches exhorts comforts his hearers and so speaks profitably Therefore Prophecie is more excellent than the gift of tongues Vers. 4. Hee that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself but hee that prophesieth edifieth the Church Reason 2. Hee that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies none 〈◊〉 himself but a Prophet the whole Church or Assembly Therefore Prophecie is more excellent Vers. 5. I would that yee all spake with tongues but rather that yee prophesied for greater is bee that prophesieth than hee that speaketh with tongues except hee interpret that the Church may receive edifying That hee might rightly bee understood hee shews that hee doth not abolish tongues though hee prefers a Prophet before him that speaks in an unknown tongue Vers. 6. Now brethren if I come unto you speaking with tongues what shall I profit you except I shall speak to you either by revelation or by knowledge or by prophecying or by doctrine Reason 3. From his own example his Apostolical Ministery would not bee profitable to them unless hee should speak to them in a known tongue by extraordinary Prophecie by Revelation or ordinary knowledge either by Prophecying or exhorting as a Pastor or instructing as a Teacher Therefore the gift of tongues is inferiour to the gift of Prophecie Vers. 7. And even things without life giving sound whether pipe or harp except they give a distinction in their sounds how shall it bee known what is piped or harped 8. For if the Trumpet give an uncertain sound who shall prepare himself unto the battel 9. So likewise you except yee utter by the tongue words easie to bee understood how shall it bee known what is spoken for yee shall speak into the ayr Reason 4. As a Trumpet or any other instrument touched or blown sounding confusedly utters an unprofitable and an ungrateful sound so also a tongue not understood gives no other than an uncertain and useless sound But the Prophets in their Prophecying speak in a known tongue Therefore the gift of tongues is inferiour to the gift of Prophecie Vers. 10. There are it may bee so many kinds of voices in the world and none of them are without signification Reason 5. The voices of Brutes are many whereof none is so inarticulate but represents a certain species of the living creature to those that hear It is therefore an unworthy thing so to debase the gift of the Spirit that it should profit no more but should bee less valued than the blearing of a brute beast In Prophecie it is not so Therefore the gift of Tongues is inferiour to that of Prophecie Vers. 11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice I shall bee unto him that speaketh a Barbarian and hee that speaketh shall bee a Barbarian unto mee Reason 6. Because to speak things not understood makes the Teachers and the Hearers Barbarians each to other Therefore c. Vers. 12. Even so yee for as much as yee are zealous of spiritual gifts seek that yee may excell to the
of the Son of God who loved mee and gave himself for mee Reas. 3. Confirming the former I being justified by Faith am judicially united unto Christ crucified and in him I am judicially bound to dye unto sin to crucifie the old man Therefore I cannot consent to sin from the principles of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith This is the Reason Christ our Surety on the Cross did not onely expiate the sins of the redeemed but also for their sakes hee promised that they should dye to sin and crucifie their corrupt nature Therefore hee which by Faith apprehending his judicial union with Christ crucified it is necessary also that hee acknowledge his obligation to dye to sin or to crucifie his old nature by the virtue of Christ. Nevertheless I live I justified by Faith am a new Creature by the Spirit of Christ living in mee so that I live not as to the old man but Christ dwelling in mee useth this natural life as his Organ and Member and Effects that by Faith in his strength I may lead this life taking care of all my affairs that I may as it were bring the Spirit into obedience unto God and that out of his same love by which hee dyed for mee Therefore I cannot consent to sin from the principles of justifying Faith The force of the Argument in short is this The Spirit quickens us that are justified by the Faith of Christ to live holily Therefore Justification by Faith doth not give liberty to sin Vers. 21. I do not frustrate the Grace of God for if Righteousness come by the Law then Christ is dead in vain The Objection is removed The second Argument for Justification by Faith and not by the Works of the Law followeth If Justification bee by the Works of the Law the Grace of God is in vain and made of none effect for if Justification bee by Works it cannot bee by Grace as Rom. 11.6 But God forbid that I should make the Grace of God of none effect Therefore God forbid that I should determine Justification to bee by Works For if Argum. 3. If Justification bee by the Law Christ is dead in vain because then both otherwise and more easily Justification might bee obtained than by the death of Christ But it is absurd to say that Christ is dead in vain Therefore Justification is not by the Law but by Faith CHAP. III. Vers. 1. O Foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth before whose eyes Iesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified among you Because hee knew that the minds of the Galatians were prepossessed with a false opinion Therefore lest they should faint upon the following disputation he by a grave objurgation shaketh them out of their drowsiness and pricks their consciences as it were with four stings For first of all hee calls them foolish and unadvised Because they suffer themselves foulely to bee deceived although not out of malice yet by their own imprudence 2 He calls them bewitched i. e. deluded by the delusions of Impostors 3 Hee objects to them their defection from the saving Truth of the Gospel concerning the Grace of Christ. 4 Hee amplifies their crime from this that Christ was so evidently preached amongst them and his sufferings with the causes of them so clearly explained as if the whole matter as in a painted Table had been set before their eyes The Preface being premised hee goes on to confirm that Justification is by Faith and not by the Works of the Law in four and twenty Arguments Vers. 2. This onely would I learn of you Received yee the Spirit by the Works of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Argum. 1. Yee have not received the Spirit of Regeneration and other graces by which the preaching of the Gospel is sealed amongst you by Works or by Doctrine received from the Covenant of Works but by Faith or by the Doctrine of the Covenant of Grace applied by Faith Therefore yee are not justified by Works but by Faith Vers. 3. Are yee so foolish having begun in the Spirit are yee now made perfect by the flesh Argum. 2. Although some Impostors have perswaded you that the beginning of Justification is by Faith but the accomplishment of it is to be had from Works yet this opinion is to be condemned of folly because it is impossible that the spiritual way of justifying by Faith should consist with that carnal way of justifying by Works much less that it should take its perfection from this Therefore wee are not justified by Works but by Faith Righteousness by Works is called flesh 1 Because although now this kind of Justification is impossible yet it is a common and foolish surmise of corrupt nature that wee are justified by Works and by the pride and vaunting of the flesh this is every where defended 2 Because all the Works of the unregenerate or a man not justified by Faith all his Works by which hee seeks Justification are meer flesh or the effects of corrupt flesh as they come from those that are not justified It is as absurd therefore to say that a man is justified by the continual violation of the Law or can acquire Righteousness by sinning But as touching Works which follow Justification or the remission of sins they cannot bee the cause of a thing already past before they were or could bee except you take Justification for the declaration of Justification amongst men already passed and pronounced by God Vers. 4. Have yee suffered so many things in vain if it bee yet in vain Argum. 3. If in your foolishness you proceed 〈◊〉 seek for Justification by Works or to bee justified partly by Faith partly by Works yee will lose all the fruit of your constancy hitherto and afflictions which yee have through Faith already suffered for the defence of Righteousness by Faith but I hope better things Therefore yee are not justified by Works but by Faith alone Vers. 5. Hee therefore that ministreth to you the Spirit and worketh miracles among you doth hee it by the Works of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Argum. 4. The Ministers by whom God gives his Spirit and works miracles among you are onely they which teach Justification not by Works but onely by Faith in Christ Therefore Justification by Faith alone is approved by God but not that which is feigned to bee by Works Vers. 6. Even as Abraham beleeved God and it was accounted to him for Righteousness Argum. 5. Abraham although hee did very much abound in virtues yet hee was justified by Faith alone for hee beleeved God and it was imputed to him for Righteousness For God hath promised to bless all Nations in his seed i. e. in Christ. Hee hath applied this blessing which containeth in it self Righteousness and life eternal in Christ to himself by beleeving Therefore wee are justified not by Works but by Faith Vers. 7. Know yee therefore that they which are
of Faith the same are the children of Abraham Argum. 6. Those alone who are justified by Faith or seek to bee justified by Faith and not by Works are the Sons of Abraham Therefore the onely cause of Justification is by Faith Vers. 8. And the Scripture fore-seeing that God would justifie the Heathen through Faith preached before the Gospel unto Abraham saying In thee shall all Nations bee blessed Argum. 7. The Spirit which is the Author of the Scriptures hath known this to bee the Counsel of God that the Gentiles should bee justified by Faith and foreseeing that this would come to pass hee preached the Doctrine to Abraham concerning the blessing of the Gentiles in him as in the Father the example and type of the faithful in him in whom the blessed seed Christ was included as being in his loyns as it is said of Levi Heb. 7.10 Therefore necessarily this way alone of Justification is firm Vers. 9. So then they which bee of Faith are blessed with faithful Abraham Argum. 8. The faithful alone or they which by Faith seek Righteousness do obtain a blessing with faithful Abraham Therefore this way of Righteousness by Faith is onely solid Vers. 10. For as many as are of the Works of the Law are under the curse for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Argum. 9. How many soever are justified by the Law or seek justification by the works of the Law are under a curse because they adhere to the Covenant of Works yet perform not the condition of this Covenant that is perfect obedience to the Law Therefore justification is not of Works but of Faith It is written Hee confirms the antecedent because out of the Scripture Deut. 27.26 Cursed is every one that fulfilleth not the whole Law For they that seek justification by works do not fulfill the whole Law Therefore they are cursed Vers. 11. But that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God it is evident for the just shall live by faith Argum. 10. The Scripture Hab. 2.4 pronounces that the just one shall live by faith therefore no man by the Law or by Works shall be justified in the sight of God Hee adds in the sight of God because hee doth not deny but that wee are justified by Works in the sight of men For justification before men is nothing else but the acknowledgement and declaration of justification already made by faith in the sight of God by reason of the fruits of faith that are manifested Vers. 12. And the Law is not of faith but the man that doth them shall live in them Argum. 11. Proving the consequence of the former Argument The Law or the cause of justifying by Works doth not consist with faith or with justification by faith because the legal promise is of giving life to him that doth and performeth the Law or to him who hath perfect inherent righteousness For faith bringeth righteousness imputed to them that beleeve in him who justifies the ungodly or bringeth righteousness to him who is destitute of Righteousness from himself Therefore if any righteousness bee given it is given by Faith and not by the Law and consequently righteousness of faith is alone to bee acknowledged Vers. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree Argum. 12. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us upon the Cross undergoing a cursed death upon the Cross for us as it is manifest from Scripture which declares that kinde of death which Christ by the Counsel of God was to undergo to wit the hanging on a tree cursed Therefore justification is not by the Law but by faith in Christ who freed us from the curse of the Law Vers. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Iesus Christ that wee might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith Argum. 13. For this end Christ was made a curse that in Christ apprehended by faith the blessing of Abraham i. e. Righteousness and life eternal in the blessed seed might appear to the Gentiles who are destitute of works to which they may pretend to trust Therefore justification is by faith and not by works That wee might receive Hee changes the person and joynes himself and the other beleeving Jews to the beleeving Gentiles adding Arg. 14. Christ for this end is made a curse that all wee beleevers being Jews and Gentiles becoming one seed of Abraham might receive the promised Spirit of adoption by faith Therefore the justification of all us Gentiles and Jews is by faith unless wee affirm that Christ was frustrated of his end Vers. 15. Brethren I speak after the manner of men though it bee but a mans Covenant yet if it bee confirmed no man disanulleth or addeth thereto 16. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made Hee saith not And to thy seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ. 17. And this I say that the Covenant that was confirmed before of Christ the Law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot disanul that it should make the promise of none effect In these three verses is Argum. 15. confirming the former Covenants and Agreements justly performed even amongst men cannot bee made void or bee changed by superaddition vers 15. But a Covenant is duely made betwixt God and Abraham for the uniting all the faithful both Jews and Gentiles into one seed Christ an incorporation being made of Christ the head and all his members into one Christ mystical by faith vers 16. Therefore this Covenant cannot bee made void nor by the superaddition of the Law bee changed and so justification by faith shall stand That this Argument might bee understood vers 15. The Apostle prevents an Objection some might say That the way of justifying is changed neither is there the same reason of justifying Abraham before the Law and his posterity with whom the Law was made For latter things use to derogate from former He answers that in a ratified Covenant and now confirmed by Will and Testament nothing even amongst men can bee made void or changed much lesse in the divine Covenant now established after the manner of a Will Furthermore vers 16. hee assumes that so God covenanted with Abraham concerning a blessing freely to be given to those that beleeve in Christ that hee might take into one body his seed which consists both of Gentiles and Jews by the words of the Covenant This hee proves from the words of the promise because God said not to Seeds as if there should bee more seeds to wit Gentiles asunder and Jews asunder but hee said to thy Seed as of one viz. meaning Christ in whom the faithful both of Jews
ought to renounce that yoak Vers. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law 5. To redeem them that were under the Law that wee might receive the Adoption of Sons Having spoken of the servile and childish condition of the Church before the comming of Christ as to the outward man for as to the Spirit and inward man the faithful that saw the day of Christ were freed and rejoyced in the Lord now follows the manner of delivering the Church by the comming of Christ. The fulness of time Argum. 2. Now the fulness of time is come which the Father had fore-appointed to the Legal Pedagogie and that Guardianship of Legal Ceremonies is finished Therefore you Christians must renounce the yoak of Ceremonies Sent forth his Son Argum. 3. The Son of God is sent into the world takes upon him flesh and is born of the Virgin Mary and subjected to the Covenant of Works and the yoak of Legal Ceremonies that hee might redeem those that were subject to the Law Therefore yee Christians redeemed from the yoak ought to renounce it That the Adoption Argum. 4. For that end Christ is made subject to the Law that wee might clearly attain to the Adoption or to the Priviledge of Sons grown up held forth under the Gospel Therefore wee being under the Gospel ought to renounce the servile and childish yoak of Ceremonies unless wee would render the benefit of Redemption of none effect to us Vers. 6. And because yee are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Argum. 5. For a testimony of your Adoption and advancement to the priviledge of Sons now grown up God hath given you the holy Spirit by which together with other Sons of God out of Jews and Gentiles yee may call God confidently in every tongue your Father Therefore except yee would carry your selves as unworthy of this priviledge yee must renounce the childish and servile yoak of Ceremonies Vers. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a Servant but a Son and if a Son then an Heir of God through Christ. Argum. 6. Yee are no more in that servile condition under the yoak of Ceremonies but in a free state as Sons grown up and Heirs actually partakers of their Fathers goods or spiritual graces in a larger measure than the ancient Church and that by Christ manifested in the flesh Therefore now you must renounce that serviâ—e and childish yoak Vers. 8. Howbeit then when yee knew not God yee did service unto them which by nature are no gods 9. But now after that yee have known God or rather are known of God how turn yee again to the weak and beggarly elements whereunto yee desire again to bee in bondage Hee upbraids them with their ingratitude reprehending them for their observance of Legal Ceremonies as of daies and months c. in which they were neither born nor educated Howbeit Argum. 7. Before yee were Sons you were in a worser condition than the Jews to wit you were Idolatrous knowing not the true God and serving feigned Idols but now converted from that ignorance yee have known God or rather by the preventing Grace of God known and beloved yee are drawn to God that you might know him and are invested with the liberty of Sons How is it that a fresh as if you had been under no bondage do you turn again to the yoak of abolished ceremonial bondage Therefore this yoak you must renounce The force of this Argument is this yee bear the yoak of Ceremonies having less to pretend for your excuse and with a more signal note of ingratitude than the Jews born and brought up under the yoak Therefore you must renounce this yoak Again Argum. 8. Yee being advanced to the liberty of Sons grown up it is an unworthy thing willingly to return again to the yoak of slavery and to bee willing to bee in bondage Therefore you must renounce this yoak Beggerly Argum. 9. Those Legal Ceremonies the yoak whereof now yee affect although they had their pedagogical use before Christ came yet now Christ is come they have no use but are weak and beggerly rudiments which neither have virtue to justifie nor power to bring consolation nor their old use to prefigure Christ Therefore yee ought to renounce this so unprofitable a yoak Vers. 10. Yee observe daies and months and times and years 11. I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain Argum. 10. Your bondage begun again in the observation of Legal Ceremonies as for example of daies Sabbaths New Moons set Feasts and Sabbatical years c. hath given mee just cause of fear left I have preached to you the Gospel of free Justification in vain Because this is a sign that you are revolted from Justification by Faith or from the Grace of Christ to seek Justification by Works of the Law Therefore unless yee will renounce the Gospel yee must renounce this yoak The second Part. Vers. 12. Brethren I beseech you bee as I am for I am as yee are yee have not injured mee at all The second part of the Chapter follows wherein is contained a loving Exhortation to return into the way and the wholesome opinion of Justification by Grace through Faith without the Works of the Law This Proposition of the Exhortation may bee laid down You must return to my Doctrine of Righteousness by Faith without the Works of the Law bee yee saies hee as I am or bee yee in the same opinion with mee The Arguments of the Exhortation are twelve Furthermore Argum. 1. Because I though in times past a Pharisee have been very stiffe for Righteousness by the Law but now being made a Christian I am as you and I seek with you your salvation no less than you your selves seek it Therefore yee must return to my opinion Brethren I beseech Argum. 2. My fear concerning you hath neither alienated my mind from you neither hath it caused a doubtful judgement of charity concerning you but as Brethren let mee friendly bespeak you and as Brethren let mee beseech you to return Therefore return yee No Argum. 3. My severe reproof ariseth not against you either from anger or hatred who have not privately injured mee at all but out of an earnest desire of your salvation Therefore return yee Vers. 13. Yee know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the Gospel unto you at first Argum. 4. I have suffered many things for preaching the Gospel unto you for yee know that I have preached the Gospel to you constantly through infirmities and a contemptible condition as to the outward-man whereunto through afflictions I am driven Therefore return yee to sound Doctrine sealed by my sufferings Vers. 14. And my temptation which was in the flesh yee despised not nor rejected but received mee as an Angel of God even as Christ Iesus Argum. 5. In
inventions of men follow after godliness Living Hee amplifies this Reason and confirms it from two properties in God in whom wee trust The first is God is the Living God not onely subjectively or as to the subject Actuous but also effectually or in respect of us hee that gives life who so performs his promises that wee know him to bee the author of truth and life Secondly God is the Saviour of all men as it is said Psal. 36. Thou preservest man and beast by his general goodness nourishing and supporting all men making his Sun to rise upon the just and unjust But chiefly and upon a more special ground the Saviour of beleevers who relying upon his promises concerning the happiness of the life to come renounce and reject humane inventions and opinions even in the dangers of persecution and follow after the exercises of godliness Vers. 11. These things command and teach Hee repeats and amplifies this Exhortation Hee entreats Timothy according to his authority that hee commend this Doctrine to his Brethren to bee taught and urged and that hee himself also diligently press it Vers. 12. Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of Beleevers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity Exhort 3. That hee endeavour to maintain his authority and to this end Lest any one should have just cause of despising his youth hee commands him to shew himself a Pattern and as it were a speaking Rule in life and Doctrine in word and deed in whom love to God and his neighbour spiritual affection fidelity in his office chastity or purity from defilements with which they who are given to carnal pleasures use to pollute themselves may shine forth Vers. 13. Till I come give attendance to reading to exhortation to doctrine Exhort 4. That hee diligently apply himself to his office of teaching partly by diligent reading the Scripture partly in frequent exercising himself in preaching especially so long as hee may abide in one place and by name so long as hee should continue at Ephesus for such an occasion could not easily bee expected after the Apostles coming by reason of his travels with the Apostle Vers. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by Prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The reasons of his Exhortation so often repeated and pressed are five 1. Because that holy office of an Evangelist whereunto hee was called is the gift of Gods Grace and therefore not to bee neglected Given Reas. 2. Because this office of preaching is committed to thee by a special Prophetical Revelation which God put into the Prophets that Timothy should bee taken into the Ministery of the Gospel Therefore thou oughtest not to manage it negligently Laying on of hands Reas. 3. Because thou art also called by the Church to this office by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery that is the Colledge of Presbyters Amongst whom for the time Paul himself was President who in the name of the Presbytery and together with other Presbyters laid his hands upon him as it appears by comparing 2 Tim. 1.6 By which imposition of hands they intimated that the man was consecrated and dedicated unto God Therefore the execution of thy office so solemnly committed unto thee is not to bee neglected by thee Vers. 15. Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appear to all Reas. 4. This Ministery is to bee heeded so as that thy profiting in Doctrine and also in Life or in all the parts of thy Ministery may evidently appear unto all Therefore it is thy duty seriously to attend to thy Ministery with mature deliberation and meditation Vers. 16. Take heed unto thy self and unto the Doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee Reas. 5. Because so as an instrumental cause thou shalt bring those that hear thee to eternal salvation Therefore it behoves thee constantly to attend to thy Life and Doctrine in this thy Ministery CHAP. V. IN this Chapter hee instructs Timothy how hee ought to carry himself in private admonitions towards all and how towards Widows that distribute the Alms of the Church and how towards Presbyters The parts of the Chapter are three In the first private Admonitions are handled to vers 3. The second part concerns Widows to vers 17. The third concerns Presbyters to the end Vers. 1. Rebuke not an Elder but intreat him as a Father and the younger men as Brethren As touching the first part of the Precept concerning private admonitions there are four branches of it 1 Concerning the Elder sort whom hee would have gently dealt withall with a modest exhortation rather than a severe reprehension that honour may bee given to their age according to the fift Precept 2 That the younger sort bee admonished with the expression of brotherly love Vers. 2. The Elder Women as Mothers the Younger as Sisters with all purity 3 That the Elder Women bee admonished with due respect to their age that the admonition may bee more acceptable 4 That the Younger Women bee admonished as Sisters But hee adds with all purity or expressions of chastity left by occasion of their private discourse whilst admonishing the Devil ensnare them in their chastity or credit whether of Timothy admonishing or the woman that is admonished The Second Part. Vers. 3. Honour Widows that are Widows indeed The second part of the Chapter follows wherein hee gives seven Precepts concerning Eleâ—mosynary Widows who were to bee kept by the publick charges of the Church Precept 1. That hee honour Widows indeed i. e. that hee take care they bee provided for by the publick charges of the Church and so hee should preserve their reputation lest being reduced to poverty they become contemptible Vers. 4. But if any Widow have Children or Nephews let them learn first to shew piety at home and to requite their Parents for that is good and acceptable before God Precept 2. That hee should not burthen the Church in providing for those Widows who might bee provided for by their Children or Nephews but take care that the Children and Nephews performed the duty of Piety first towards their own families their Mothers and Grandmothers There are two Reasons of the Precept R. 1 Because so they should requite their Parents who had trained up their children with this hope that their Children if need were might 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the manner of Storks nourish and cherish their aged and weak Parents destitute of sustenance For that R. 2 Because this duty performed towards Parents is acceptable to God and enjoyned by him Vers. 5. Now shee that is a Widow indeed and desolate trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day Precept 3. That hee observe in the choice of Widows that shee which is chosen bee not without the qualifications
abide in the obedience of Christs Doctrine hath no communion with God but is without God in the world Hee that abideth Arg. 7. Hee that remains constantly in the Faith of and obedience to Christs Doctrine hath and will have communion with God and Christ and for his reward hee hath the Father and the Son by the Spirit dwelling in himself Vers. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this Doctrine receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed Argum. 8. Propounded by way of Commandement Yee ought earnestly to endeavour after perseverance in the Faith that whosoever hath been discovered to bee a seducer of men from the Doctrine of Christ or teacheth another Doctrine than that Christ hath taught must not bee entertained yea not so much as courteously saluted so that any respect bee or seem to bee given to his errour or to him for his errours sake but rather by all means to be so handled that it may bee understood both by him a false Prophet and by All that the errour which hee teaches is detested Vers. 11. For hee that bideth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds Hee gives the reason of this Argument or Commandement because hee that doth the least matter in favour of a seducer whereby it can be gathered that his errour is any way liked by him that salutes or entertains him hee is partaker of his evil deeds Vers. 12. Having many things to write unto you I would not write with Paper and Inke but I trust to come unto you and speak face to face that our joy may bee full The conclusion remains wherein are two Articles In the first hee excuses his brevity hoping to come to this family and being present to instruct and confirm it more fully in the doctrine of Faith that all the faithful in it might out of a larger and more fruitful instruction receive more fully of spiritual joy Vers. 13. The children of thy Elect Sister greet thee Amen In the second Article hee salutes this Matrone from the children of her Sister who was also faithful and shewed the signs of her Election Amen sealing up the Doctrine of the whole Epistle The third Epistle of IOHN Analytically expounded THE CONTENTS GAius to whom the Apostle writes was a Jew by Countrey a Christian by Religion a man rich and very liberal to the Saints in favour with the Church where hee lived and esteem with his Minister ambitious Diotrephes as is gathered out of this very Epistle From hence the Apostle exhorts him to entertain freely those Ministers of the Gospel who brought these as it were letters of commendation to him and when they departed to vouchsafe them all things belonging to their journey The parts of the Epistle are three In the first is the Preface to vers 3. In the second is the stirring up of Gaius to persevere in the exercise of his charity and liberality towards the Saints to vers 13. In the third is the conclusion Vers. 1. THe Elder unto the well beloved Gaius whom I love in the Truth 2. Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth In the direction of the Epistle from himself to Gaius hee declares his respects towards him in the repetition of a friendly compellation 2. In his special profession of sincere love towards him 3. In praying for him that God would continue a prosperous condition unto him chiefly that hee would preserve him in that prosperity of mind which hee had hitherto shewn in the exercise of Faith and Love Vers. 3. For I rejoyâ—ed greatly when the Brethren came and testified of the Truth that is in thee even as thou walkest in the Truth The second part of the Epistle follows wherein hee exhorts him to persevere in the demonstration of his love to the Saints and namely to some of the servants of God who brought this Epistle to him There are eleven Arguments to prove that Gaius ought to go forward in the duties of Charity Argum. 1. From the former demonstration of his sincere Faith working by love Thou hast obtained a very commendable testimony of thy sincerity from the Brethren which came from thee who have had experience of thy liberality and hath given mee cause both of rejoycing on thy behalf and giving thanks to God and thee also Therefore it is thy duty to proceed in the duties of Charity Vers. 4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth Argum. 2. Confirming and explaining the former No greater joy can betide mee than that my Disciples which I have begotten to God through the Gospel do daily proceed in the exercises of Faith and Love Vers. 5. Beloved Thou dost faithfully whatsoever thou dost to the Brethren and to strangers Argum. 3. The works of Mercy and Charity which thou exercisest towards the holy servants of God and strangers demonstrate thee to bee truly Faithful Therefore proceed in them Vers. 6. Which have born witnesse of thy Charity before the Church whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort thou shalt do well Argum. 4. The Brethren which bring these letters to thee have born witness openly of thy Charity in the publick assembly of the Church Therefore go forward both to deserve well of them and others Thou shalt do well Argum. 5. If now thou shalt receive those that come unto thee as thou hast before and furnish them when they depart from thee both with all things necessary for their journey and accompany them somewhat in their way to another place as it becomes thee and is a thing befitting thee to accompany the Ministers of God thou shalt do an excellent office and work that becometh thy piety towards God Therefore see that thou do it Vers. 7. Because that for his names sake they went forth taking nothing of the Gentiles Argum 6. To preach the name of God or the Gospel of Christ who is God they went forth of their own accord taking nothing of the Gentiles nor of those that were converted nor of those that were not lest they should give occasion to any of saying that they preached the Gospel to the Gentiles for advantage Therefore deal thou more liberally with these Vers. 8. Wee therefore ought to receive such that wee might bee fellow-helpers to the Truth Argum. 7. All that favour the preaching of the Gospel are bound to promote the endeavours of men as far as they are able that they may share in the work of the Gospel by sustaining or some way assisting the preachers of it Therefore be thou not wanting herein Vers. 9. I wrote unto the Church but Diotrephes who loveth to have the preheminence among them receiveth us not For this end I have written to the Church wherein thou wast that by the publick charges they might have provision necessary for their journey but I am afraid of the success because that ambitious
there are three chief parts In the first hee deals with the Galatians that they would renounce the errours which they had drunk in but by the way that hee might prevent those that accuse him hee couragiously asserts his Apostleship lest hee should give place to those three chief Apostles in his Apostolical authority In the first Chapter and the first part of the second In the second part hee purposely disputes of Iustification by Faith and of the temporary use and abrogation of the Mosaical Law in the latter part of the second Chapter also in the third and fourth Lastly In the third part his Exhortation for perseverance in Christian Liberty being premised hee counsels them to use it well and shews which are the true exercises of Christians lest either by a dissolute licentiousness or the superstitious observation of Ceremonies they should neglect the chief Christian duties In the fift and sixt Chapter CHAP. I. THere are three parts of the Chapter In the first is a Preface to vers 6. In the second hee begins to deal with the Galatians that they return into the way from their errour in observing the Levitical Law and that imaginary conjunction of Iustification by Works with Iustification by Faith as if this had been possible some Arguments to this end being propounded to vers 13. In the third part the Apostle confirms the last Argument from signs concerning the divinity of his Doctrine to the end Vers. 1. Paul an Apostle not of men neither by man but by Iesus Christ and God the Father who raised him fâ—om the dead The whole Preface is ordered for the preparing the mind of the Galatians to obey his Doctrine concerning the Grace of Christ. The scope may bee perceived in this or the like Proposition to the same sense Yee ought to beleeve and obey mee admonishing you of the true cause of Justification and Sanctification Eight Arguments are intimated to this end whereof some are contained in the inscription vers 1 2. Some in the salutation vers 3. Some in the description of Christ vers 4. Some in the doxology vers 5. An Apostle Argum. 1. I Paul which write these things unto you am an Apostle of supream authority in the ministery of the Church Therefore you must beleeve and obey mee Neither of men Argum. 2. My office is not of humane invention or is not founded in humane authority but God is the Author of it so that my Doctrine cannot bee contemned without injury done to God Therefore except you would reject God that sent mee yee must hearken to mee Neither by man Argum. 3. I am not mediately or by the Ministery of men called but immediately by God viz. Christ by him now raised from the dead and by God the Father who gave testimony to the Doctrine of his Son by raising him from the dead Therefore yee must beleeve and obey my Doctrine Vers. 2. And all the Brethren which are with mee unto the Churches of Galatia Argum. 4. I have called all the Brethren which are with mee to the society of this admonition written to you all the Brethren with mee which together with my self salute you will sometimes bee witnesses against you unless you obey my Doctrine Therefore yee ought to beleeve and obey mee Churches Argum. 5. Although yee bee infected with a dangerous errour yet I think you are to bee accounted in the number of the Churches Therefore recompence mee and acknowledge mee as an Apostle sent to the Churches to bee obeyed and believed Vers. 3. Grace bee to you and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Iesus Christ. Argum. 6. I according to the authority bestowed upon mee by the providence of God do not doubt to give you right to the blessing of the Gospel and to intreat Grace i. e. a more plentious acknowledgment sense and fruit of Gods free mercy reconciliation and forgiveness of sins and the other effects of the Grace of God conducing to sanctification Together with peace or a sound tranquillity of heart and other good things which appertain to your happiness that all things may bee derived to you from the God of Peace and from the Lord Christ the Mediatour the onely Fountain of Grace and Peace Therefore I ought to bee beleeved while I open to you the reason of this Grace and Peace communicated to you Vers. 4. Who gave himself for our sins that hee might deliver us from this present evil world according to the Will of God and our Father Hee makes a description of Christ from the work of Redemption that hee might shew that our whole salvation by the Grace of God comes to us through his merit from whence Argum. 7. Our salvation or redemption from that lost condition of the wicked who are of this world without Christ is obtained by the death of Christ alone and that by the decree and institution of God the Father who hath ordained this onely free cause of salvation Therefore I ought to bee beleeved and obeyed admonishing you that you would acknowledge this the alone cause of your salvation Vers. 5. To whom bee glory for ever and ever Amen Argum. 8. God is worthy and Christ also to whom for such a gift and ineffable Grace Glory should bee given by all for ever Therefore I ought to bee beleeved by you vindicating this glory of the Grace of Christ amongst you lest it should bee obscured or taken away by the merit of humane works The second Part. Vers. 6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you in the Grace of Christ unto another Gospel The second part of the Chapter follows wherein hee proves that the errour concerning that imaginary and impossible conjunction of justification by works and justification by Grace or by Faith in Christ must bee renounced in which errour now they were entangled by the false Apostles who taught the observation of the Mosaical Law to bee also necessary for the salvation and justification of those that beleeve in Christ The Arguments which hee urges that they may renounce this errour are nine Of whom some are used by way of reprehension others are openly brought in the disputation following I marvel Argum. 2. Your revolting O Galatians from the Grace of Christ to the merits of humane works Is to bee wondred that so soon as ever the Faith of Christ was admitted and Grace for your conversion received yee fell from it Therefore yee must renounce this errour Removed Argum. 2. By this your errour yee have forsaken God who hath called you into the Grace of Christ and have betaken your selves to humane works Therefore you must renounce this errour Removed away Argum. 3. By this errour yee are removed from the Gospel of Christ into another I know not what Gospel feigned by men Therefore you must renounce this errour Vers. 7. Which is not another but there bee some that trouble you and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. Arg. 4. There is
passing by chose us Therefore wee are chosen out of grace 2. Hee chose us in Christ as in the head who was first chosen as in the common Parent root and fountain of the elect After whom wee in the consideration of dignity and order and in whom wee as his body members and off-spring are afterwards chosen in the order of nature Therefore our election is free there being no cause of it in us which is to bee sought for in God alone 3. Hee chose us before the foundation of the world that is from eternity before the world was much more before any works of ours were Hee chose us before any matter of the created world was existent much more before any matter of our works or workings could bee existent for hee elected us in order of nature before hee decreed that the world should bee For the decree of the creation of the world was subservient as a means to bring to pass the already decreed salvation of the elect Therefore hee chose us of grace and not for fore-seen works Hee chose us that wee might bee holy 4. Hee did not choose us because wee were holy or because hee fore-saw that wee would bee holy but hee chose us without any consideration of any holiness at all in us nay hee chose us as not having holiness to the end that being chosen wee should bee made holy and should become unblameable in his sight that is that being consecrated to God wee should bee by degrees truly and sincerely sanctified and should at last bee presented fully and perfectly holy in heaven Yea further that being unblameable without spot without wrinkle not onely of sin but also of all misery wee should at length appear together before him blessed and glorious Therefore our election is not from faith fore-seen or works fore-seen but of meer grace which as it is the cause of election so of all holiness and happiness which follows election In love Love or charity is meerly free in which as hee hath chosen us that wee should bee made holy and unblameable so also that in that his love we should perfect this our happiness which love God will then fully put forth when hee shall fully consummate our holiness and happiness And so the charity or love of God is hoth the cause of election and the completing or perfecting of those good things which follow election and by consequence election is not onely of grace but is for the perfect possession of free happiness in the sight of God Vers. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Iesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will Arg. 3. Thus God of his grace hath blessed us in time so also of grace hee hath predestinated us to the inheritance of Sons which was to bee obtained by Christ in his own person according to the good pleasure of his will Therefore wee should celebrate his grace The parts of this reason prove the same that the whole reason it self doth Having predestinated us 1. As our election before time was free so is our predestination also before ages unto life eternal and to fit means which should bee effectual to bring us to that end Therefore predestination is free in that it doth not onely assign the end and persons but also appoints the means by which wee must attain that end Unto the adoption of children 2. Here also the Apostle manifests the grace of God Wee are predestinated not because wee are fore-seen as Sons but that being not as yet Sons wee should by Grace attain the Adoption of Sons Now the Adoption of Sons includes these four things 1 An effectual Calling or Faith to imbrace the offered communion with Christ the onely begotten Son 2 A towardliness and good disposition of Sons or the renovation of our nature that wee might love God as our Father 3 The dignity and honour of Sons 4 The Riches or Inheriâ—ance of Sons even to the glorifying of our Bodies Rom. 8.23 Therefore both our Predestination and Adoption is free and not for any work of ours By Christ 3 And this doth make much for the advancement of Grace Wee are predestinated that wee may obtain the Adoption of Children by Iesus Christ who is the first-begotten and onely-begotten Son that by his merit and efficacy wee might obtain all the fore-said degrees of Adoption Therefore our predestination is from meer Grace To himself 4 That Grace might appear he shews the end of Adoption God hath predestinated us that wee should obtain the Adoption of Children by Christ to himself or to his use viz. to the honour of him that predestinateth or of Christ by whom hee communicates to us Grace and the Glory of the Sons of God Therefore our predestination is free for otherwise honour would not accrew to God or Christ by our Adoption According to the good pleasure of his Will 5 Here hee excludes all causes besides God and makes the Grace of God the onely cause For hee predestinated us according to the good pleasure of his Will Therefore onely Gods Grace onely his Will onely his good pleasure is the cause of our predestination and not any work of ours Vers. 6. To the praise of the glory of his Grace wherein hee hath made us accepted in the Beloved Argum. 4. God to that end and purpose that hee might bring praise to his glorious Grace chose and predestinated us to the Adoption of Sons It necessarily follows that God hath elected and predestinated us out of Grace For else hee could never attain that end and consequently ought wee to give praise to Gods Grace and to bless God who hath thus blessed us Of the Glory of Words of this Nature have an Emphasis for 1 This Grace hath glory in it self that is it is every way glorious and most worthy in it self that wee should highly esteem it acknowledge and publish it because who is most great and most good hath vouchsafed to advance us who are most vile and most unworthy unto the dignity of sons the riches of the inheritance of sons To the praise 2 God doth both intend and expect from us the praise of this his glorious Grace that wee should acknowledge the benefit in words and deeds and that by all means possible wee should give praise to this wonderful Grace of God Wherein Argum. 5. In this Grace whereby God hath chosen and predestinated us to holiness and happiness I say in this very Grace hee hath made us welcome and acceptable to himself in his beloved Son Therefore wee should celebrate this Grace of God In which reason hee intimates four things 1 That God did of his Grace intend our salvation in election and predestination and doth actually and in deed begin to put forth and exercise Grace in our effectual Vocation to Faith 2 That Christ not onely as Son but as Mediatour undertaking for us and paying the price of our Redemption for us is beloved