saving Faith But I may the weak believer say in the sense of my own sinfulness and fear of Gods wrath am fled to Iesus Christ the only remedy of sin and misery and have ingaged my heart to the obedience of the Law of Love Therefore my faith is not a presumtuous and dead faith but true and saving faith The fourth warrant and specâ—al motive to believe in Christ is much assurance of life given in case men shall obey the command of believing and a fearful certification of destruction in case they obey not holden forth Ioh. 3.35 THe Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand ver 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Wherein are holden forth to us these five following Doctrines 1. That the Father is well satisfied with the undertakings of the Son entered Redeemer and Surety to pay the ransom of believers and to perfect them in holiness and salvation The Father loveth the Son saith he viz. As he standeth Mediator in our name undertaking to perfect our Redemption in all points The Father loveth him that is doth heartily accept his offer to do the work and is well pleased with him his soul delighteth in him and resteth upon him and maketh him in this his Office the receptacle of love and grace and good will to be conveyed by him to believers in him 2. That for fulfilling of the Covenant of Redemption the Father hath given to the Son as he standeth in the capacity of the Mediator or as he is God incarnate the word made flesh all authority in Heaven and Earth all furniture of the riches of grace and of spirit and life with all power and ability which the Union of the Divine Nature with the Humane or which the fulness of the Godhead dwelling substantially in his Humane Nature or which the indivisible all-sufficiency and omnipoteâ—â—y of the inseparable every where present Triniâ—â— doâ—h import or the work of Redeâ—ption caâ—â—equire the Father saith he hath given alâ—â—hiâ—gs into the Sons hand to wit for accoâ—plâ—â—hing his work 3. 〈◊〉 assurance of life is holden forth to all who shall heartily receive Christ and the offer of the Covenant of grace and reconciliation through him he that believeth on the Son saith he hath everlasting life for it is made fast unto him 1. In Gods purpose and irrevocable decree as the believer is a man elected to life 2. By effectual calling of him unto life by God who as he is faithful so will he do it 3. By promise and everlasting Covenant sworn by God to give the believer strong consolation in life and death upon immutable grounds 4. By a pawn and infestment under the great Seal of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper so oft as the believer shall come to receive the symbols and pledges of life 5. In Christ the fountain and head of life who is entred in a possession as atturney for believers in whom our life is so laid up that it cannot be taken away 6. By begun possession of spiritual life and regeneration and a Kingdom consisting in righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost erected within the believer as arles of the full possession of everlasting life 4. A fearful certification is given if a man receive not the Doctrine concerning righteousness and eternal life to be had by Jesus Christ he that believes not the Son shall not see life that is not so much as understand what it meaneth 5. He further certifieth that if a man receive not the Doctrine of the Son of God he shall be burdened twice with the wrath of God once as a born rebel by nature he shall bear the curse of the Law or the Covenant of Works and next he shall endure a greater condemnation in respect that light being come into the world and offered to him he hath rejected it and loveth darkness rather than light and this double wrath shall be fastned and fixed immoveably upon him so long as he remaineth in the condition of misbelief the wrath of God abideth on him saith he Hence may the weak believer strengthen his faith by reasoning from this ground after this manner Whosoever believeth the Doctrine delivered by the Son of God and findeth himself partly drawn powerfully to believe him by the sight of life in â—im and partly driven by the fear of Gods wrath to adhere unto him may be sure of right and interest to life eternal through him But sinful and unworthy I may the weak believer say do believe the Doctrine delivered by the Son of God and do feel my self partly drawn powerfully to believe in him by the sight of life in him and partly driven by the fear of Gods wrath to adhere unto him Therefore I may be sure of my right and interest unto eternal life through him The evidences of true Faith SO much for the laying the grounds of faith and warrants to believe now for evidencing of true faith by fruits these four things are requisite 1. That the believer be soundly convinced in his judgment of this obligation to keep the whole moral Law all the days of his life And that not the less but so much the more as he is delivered by Christ from the Covenant of Works and curse of the Law 2. That he endeavour to grow in the exercise and daily practice of Godliness and righteousness 3. That the course of his new obedience run in the right channel that is through faith in Christ and through a good conscience to all the duties of love toward God and man 4. That he keep strait communion with the fountain Christ Jesus from whom grace must run along for furnishing of good fruits For the first viz. To convince the believer in his judgement of his obligation to keep the Moral Law among many passages take Matth. 5.16 LEt your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven ver 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil ver 18. For verily I say unto you till Heaven and Earth pass one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfiâ—led ver 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments and shall teach men so he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven but whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven ver 20. For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Wherein our Lord 1. Giveth commandment to believers justified by faith to give evidence of the grace of God in them before men by doing good works Let your light so shine
imbrace not this righteousness 〈◊〉 is pronounced Iohn 3.18 He that beâ—â—â—veth not is condemned already because he hath 〈◊〉 believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of 〈◊〉 And this is the condemnation that light is 〈◊〉 into the World â—nd men love darkness rather 〈◊〉 light Hence let the penitent desiring to believe â—â—ason thus What doth suffice to convince all the Elect 〈◊〉 the world of the greatness of the sin of not â—â—lieving in Christ or refusing to flee to him 〈◊〉 relief from sins done against the Law and â—â—om wrath due thereto and what sufficeth 〈◊〉 convince them that righteousness and eterâ—â—l life is to be had by Faith in Jesus Christ or 〈◊〉 consenting to the Covenant of Grace in him and what sufficeth to convince them of Judgement to be exercised by Christ for destroying the works of the Devil in a man and sanctifying and saving all that believe in him may suffice to convince me also But what the Spirit hath said in these or other like Scriptures sufficeth to convince the Elect world of the foresaid sin and righteousness and Judgment Therefore what the Spirit hath said in these and other like Scriptures serveth to convince me thereof also Whereupon let the penitent desiring to believe take with him words and say heartily to the Lord Seeing thou sayeâ—t seek ye my Face my soul answereth unto thee thy face Lorâ— will I seek I have hearkned unto the offer of an everlasting Covenant of all saving mercies to be had in Christ and I do heartily embrace thy offer Lord let it be a bargain Lord I believe help my unbelief Behold I give my self to thee to serve thee in all things for ever and I hope they right â—and shall save me the Lord will perfect that which concerneth me Thy mercy O Lord endureth for ever forsake not the works of thy own hands Thus may a mâ—n be made an unfained believer in Christ. For strengthning the mans Faith who hath agreed unto the Covenant of Grace BEcause many true believers are weak and do much doubt if ever they shall be sure of the soundness of their own Faith and Effectual calling or made certain of their Justification and Salvation when they see that many who profess faith are found to deceive themselves let us see how every believer may be made strong in the faith and sure of his own Election and Salvation upon solid grounds by sure warrants and true evidences of faith To this end among many other Scriptures take these following 1. For laying solid grounds of faith consider 2 Pet. 1.10 Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make sure your calling and election for if ye do these things ye shall never fall In which words the Apostle teacheth us these four things for help and direction how to be made strong in the faith 1. That such as believe in Christ Jesus and are fled to him for relief from sin and wrath albeit they be weak in the faith yet they are indeed Children of the same Father with the Apostles for so he accounteth of them while he called them brethren 2. That albeit we be not sure for the time of our effectual calling and election yet we may be made sure of both if we use diligence for this he presupposeth saying Give diligence to make your calling and election sure 2. That we must not be discouraged when we see many seeming believers prove rotten branches and make defection but we must the rather take the better heed to our selves Wherefore the rather brethren saith he give all diligence 4. That the way to be sure both of our effectual calling and Election is to make sure work of our Faith by laying the grounds of it solidly and bringing forth the fruits of our faith in new obedience constantly For if ye do these thingâ— saith he ye shall never fall understand by these things what he had said of sound faith ver 1 2 3 4. And what he had said of the bringing out of the fruits of faith ver 5 6 7 8. To this same purpose consider Rom. 1.8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit ver 2. For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Iesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death ver 3. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh ver 4. That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Wherein the Apostle teacheth us these four things for laying of the ground of faith solidly 1. That every one is a true believer who in the sense of his sin and fear of Gods wrath doth flee for full relief from both unto Jesus Christ alone as the only Mediator and all-sufficient Redeemer of men and being fled to Christ doth strive against his own flesh or corrupt inclination of nature and studieth to follow the rule of Gods Spirit set down in his Word for the man whom the Apostle doth here bless as a true believer is a man in Christ Jesus who doth not walk after the flesh but after â—he Spirit 2. That all such persons as are fled to Christ â—nd do strive against sin howsoever they may â—e possibly exercised under the sense of wrath â—nd fear of condemnation yet they are in no â—anger for there is no condemnation saith he â—o them that are in Christ Iesus who walk not â—fter the flesh but after the Spirit 3. That albeit the Apostle himself brought 〈◊〉 here for examples cause and all other true â—elievers in Christ be by nature under the â—aw of sin and death or under the Covenant â—f Works called the Law of sin and death â—ecause it bindeth sin and death upon us till â—hrist set us free yet the Law of the spirit of â—â—e in Christ Jesus or the Covenant of Grace â—o called because it doth inable and quicken man to a spiritual life through Christ doth set the apostle and all true believers free from the Covenant of Workâ— or the Law of sin and death so that every man may say with him The Law of the Spirit of life or the Covenant of Grace hath freed me from the Law of sin and death or Covenant of Works 4. That the fountain and first ground from whence our freedom from the curse of the Law doth flow is the Covenant of Redemption past betwixt God and God the Son as incarnate wherein Christ takes the Curse of the Law upon him for sin that the believer who could not otherwise be delivered from the Covenant of Works may be delivered from it And this Doctrine the Apostle holdeth forth in these four branches 1. That it was utterly impossible for the Law or Covenant of works to bring righteousness and
gave him commandment to execute the same IV. This Office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake which that he might discharge he was made under the Law and did perfectly fulfill it endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul and most painful sufferings in his body was crucified and died was buried and remained under the power of death yet saw no â—â—â—â—uption On the third day hâ— arose from the dead with the same â—â—dy in which h◠〈◊〉 with which also he ascendâ—â— iâ—to heaven and thâ—re sitteth at the â—ight hand of his Father g making 〈◊〉 h and shall return to judge mâ—n and Angels at the end of the World V. The Lord Jesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself which he through the eternal spirit once offered up to God hath fully satisfied the Justice of his Father and purchased not only reconciliation but an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto him VI. Although the work of Redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his Incarnation yet the vertue efficacy and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect in all ages successively from the beginning of the World in and by those promises types and sacrifices wherein he was revealed and signified to be the seed of the Woman which should bruise the Serpents head and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the World being yesterday and to day the same and for ever VII Christ in the work of Mediation acteth according to both Natures by each Nature doing that which is proper to it self yet by reason of the unity of the Person that which is proper to one nature is some times in Scripture attributed to the Person denominated by the other Nature VIII To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same making intercession for them and revealing unto them in and by the word the Mysteries of Salvation effectually perswading them by his spirit to believe and obey and governing their hearts by his word and spirit overcoming all their enemies by his Almighty Power and Wisdom in such manner and wayes as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation CHAP. IX Of Free Will GOD hath indued the Will of Man with that natural liberty that is neither forced nor by any absolute necessity of Nature determined to do good or evil II. Man in his state of innocency had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good well-pleasing to God but yet mutably so that he might fall from it III. Man by his fall into a state of sin hath wholly lost all ability of Will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation so as a natural man being altogether averse from that good and dead in sin is not able by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself thereunto IV. When God converts a sinner and translates him into the state of grace he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin and by his grace inables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good yet so as by reason of his remaining corruption he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good but doth also will that which is evil V. The will of man is made perâ—ectly and immutably free to good alone in the state of Glory only CHAP. X. Of effectual calling ALL those whom God hath predestinated unto life and those only he is pleased in his appointed accepted time effectually to call by his word and Spirit out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ in lightning their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God taking away their heart of stone and giving unto them an heart of flesh renewing their wills and by his Almighty power determining them to that which is good effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ yet so as they come most freely being made willing by his grace II. This effectual Call is of Gods free and special grace alone not from any thing at all foreseen in man who is altogether passive therein until being quickened renewed by the holy Spirit he is thereby inabled to answer this Call and to imbrace the grace offered and conveyed in it III. Elect infants dying in Infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit who worketh when where and how he pleaseth So also are all other elect Persons who are uncapable of being outwardly called by the Word IV. Others not elected though they may be called by the Ministry of the Word and may have some common operations of the Spirit yet they never truely come unto Christ and therefore cannot be saved much less can men not professing the Christian Religion be saved in any other way whatsoever be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of Nature and the Law of that Religion they do profess And to assert and maintain that they may is very pernicious and to be detested CHAP. XI Of Iustification THose whom GOD effectually calleth he also freely justifieth not by infusing righteousness into them but by pardoning their sins by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous not for any thing wrought in them or done by them but for Christs sake alone nor by imputing faith itself the act of believing nor any other evangelical obedience to them as their righteousness but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness by faith which faith they have not of themselves it is the gift of God II Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness is the alone instrument of justification yet is it not alone in the person justified but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces is no dead faith but worketh by love III. Christ by his obedience and death did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified and did make a proper real and full satisfaction to his Fathers Justice in their behalf Yet in as much as he was given by the Father for them and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead hand both freely not for any thing in them their justification is only of free grace that both the exact justice rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners IV. God did from all eternity decree to justifie all the elect and Christ did in the fulness of time die fâ—r their sins and rise again for their justification nevertheless they
are not justified untill the holy spirit doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified and although they can never fall from the state of justification yet they may by their sins fall under Gods fatherly displeasure and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them until they humble themselves confess their sins beg pardon and renew their Faith and Repentance VI. The justification of Believers under the Old Testament was in all these respects one and the same with the justification of Believers under the New Testament CHAP. XII Of Adoption ALl those that are justified God vouchsafeth in and for his only Son Jesus Christ to make partakers of the grace of Adoption by which they are taken into the number and enjoy the liberties and priviledges of the children of God have his Name put upon them c receive the spirit of Adoption have access to the throne of grace with boldness are inabled to cry Abba Father are pitied protected provided for and chastned by him as by a Father yet never cast off but sealed to the day of redemption and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting Salvation CHAP. XIII Of Sanctification THey who are effectually called and regenerated having a new heart a new spirit created in them are further sanctified really personally through the vertue of Christs death resurrection by his word and spirit dwelling in them the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed and the several lusts thereof are more more weakned and mortified and they more and more quickned and strengthned in all saving graces to the practice of true holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man yet imperfect in this life there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh III. In which war although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ the regenerate part doth overcome so the Saints grow in grace perfecting holiness in the fear of God CHAP. XIV Of saving Faith THe grace of Faith whereby the Elect are inabled to believe to the saving of their Souls is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts is ordinarily wrought by the Ministry of the Word by which also and by the administration of the Sacraments and Prayer it is increased and strengthned II. By this Faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word for the authority of God himself speaking therein and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth yielding obedience to the Commands trembling at the threatnings and imbracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come But the principal acts of saving faith are Accepting Receiving and resting upon Christ alone for Justification Sanctification and Eternal life by vertue of the Covenant of grace III. This faith is different in degrees weak or strong may be often and many waies assailed and weakned but gets the victory growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ who is both the Author and finisher of our Faith CHAP. XV. Of Repentance unto life REpentance unto life is an Evangelical grace the doctrine whereof is to be Preached by every Minister of the Gospel as well as that of Faith in Christ II. By it a sinner out of the sight and sense not only of the danger but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins as contrary to the holy nature and righteous Law of God and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent so grieves for hates his sinâ— as to turn from them all unto God purposing endeavoring to walk with him in all the waies of his Commandments III. Although Repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin or any cause of the pardon thereof which is the act of Gods free grace in Christ yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation on those who truly repent V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance but it is every mans duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins particularly VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God praying for the pardon thereof upon which and the forsaking of them he shall find mercy so he that scandalizeth his brother or the Church of Christ ought to be willing by a private or publick confessâ—on and sorrow for his sin to declare his repentance to thâ—se that are offended who are thereupon to be reconâ—â—â—ed to him and in love to receive him CHAP. XVI Of good Woorks GOod Works are onely such as God hath commanded in his holy Word and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blind zeal or upon any pretence of good intention II. These good works done in obedience to Gods Commandments are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith and by them Believers manifest their thankfulness strengthen their assurance edifie their Brethren adorn the profession of the Gospel stop the mouths of the adversaries and glorifie God whose workmanship they are created in Christ Jesus thereunto that having their fruit unto holiness they may have the end eternal life III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves but wholly from the Spirit of Christ And that they may be inabled thereunto besides the graces they have already received there is required an actual influence of the same holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them IV. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest hight which is possible in this life are so far from being able to supererogate and to do more than God requires as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do V. We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin or eternal life at the
hand of God by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come the infinite distance that is between us God whom by them we can neither profit not satisfie for the debt of our former sins but when we have done all we can we have done but our duty and are unprofitable servants and because as they are good they proceed from his spirit and as they are wrought by us they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness imperfection that they cannot endure the severity of Gods judgment VI. Yet notwithstanding the Persons of believers being accepted through Christ their good works also are accepted in him not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in Gods sight but that he looking upon them in his Son is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere though accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections VII Works done by unregenerate men although for the mater of them they may be things which God commands and of good use both to themselves and others yet because they proceed not from an heart purified by faith nor are done in a right manner according to the word nor to a right end the glory of God they are therefore sinful and cannot please God or make a man meet to receive grace from God And yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing unto God CHAP. XVII Of Perseverance THey whom God hath accepted in his â—eloved effectually called aâ—d sanctified by hiâ— Spirit can neither toâ—ally nor finally fall away from the state of grace but shall certainly persevere â—herein to the end and be eternally saved II. This perseverance of the Saints depends not upon their own free will but upon the immutability of the decree of election flowing from the free unchâ—ngeable love of God the Father upon the eâ—ficacy of the merit and inâ—ercession of Jesus Chriâ—â— the abiding of the spirit of the seed of God within them and the nature of the Covenant of Grace from all which ariseth also the certainty infalliâ—ility thereof III. Nevertheless they may through the temptations of â—atan of the world the prevalency of corruption remaining in them and the neglect of the means of their preservation fall into grievous sins and for a time continue therein whereby they incur Gods displeasure and grieve his holy spirit come to be dâ—prived of some measure of their graces and comforts have their hearts hardened and their consciences wounded hurt and scandalize others and bring temporal judgments upon themselves CHAP. XVIII Of the assurance of Grace and Salvation ALthough hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God and estate of Salvation which hope of theirs shall perish yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus and love him in sincerity endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace and may rejoyce in the hope of the glory of god which hope shall never make them ashamed II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable perswasion grounded upon a fallible hope but an infallible assurance of faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made the testimony of the spirit oâ— adoption witnessing with ouâ— spirits that we are the children of God which spirit is the earnest of inheritance whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith but that a true believer may wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it yea being enabled by the spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God he may without extraordinary revelation in the right use of ordinary means attain thereunto And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace joy in the holy Ghost in love thankfulness to God in strength and chearfulness in the duties of obedience the proper fruits of this assurance so far is it from inclining men to looseness IV. True believers may have the assurance of their Salvation divers ways shaken diminished and intermitted as by negligence in preserving of it by falling into some special sin which woundeth the conscience grieveth the spirit by some sudden or vehement temptation by Gods withdrawing the light of his countenance suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God life of faith that love of Christ and the brethren that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty out of which by the operation of the spiriâ— this assurance may in due time be revived and by the which in the mean time their supported from utter despair CHAP. XIX Of the Law of God GOD gave to Adam a Law as a Covenant of Works by which he bound him all his posterity to personal entire exact and perpetual obedience promised life upon the fulfilling and threatned death upon the breach of it and indued him with power and ability to keep it II. This Law after his fall continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness as such was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai in ten Commandments and written in two Tables the four first Commandments containing our duty towards God and the other six our duty to man III. Beside this Law commonly called Moral God was pleased to give to the people of Isâ—ael as a Church under age Ceremonial Laws containing several typical Ordiâ—ances partly of worship prefiguring Christ his graces actions sufferingâ— and benefits and partly holdâ—ng forth divers instructions of Moral duties All which Ceremonial Laws are now abrogated under the new Testament IV. To them also as a body Politic he gave sundry Judicial Laws which expired together with the state of that people not obligeing any other now further than the general equity thereof may require V. The Moral Law doth for ever bind all as well justified persons as others to the obedience thereof and that not only in regard of the â—atter contained in it but also in respect of the Authority of God the Creator who gave it Neither doth Christ in the Gospel any way dissolve but much strengthen this obligation VI. Although true believer be not under the Law as a Covenant of works to be thereby justified or condemned yet it is of great use
offered to them being justly left in their unbelief do never truely come to Jesus Christ Q. 69. What is the communion in Grace which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ A. The Communion in Grace which the members of the Invisible Church have with Christ is their partaking of the vertue of his Mediation in their Justification Adoption Sanctification and what ever else in this life manifests their Union with him Q. 70. What is Iustification A. Justification is an act of Gods free grace unto sinners in which he pardoneth all their sins accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight not for any thing wrought in them or done by them but only for the perfect obedience and ful satisfaction of Christ by God imputed to them and received by Faith alone Q. 71. How is Iustification an act of Gods free Grace A. Although Christ by his Obedience and Death did make a proper real and full satisfaction to Gods justice in the behalf of them that are justified yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety which he might have demanded of them did provide thâ—s surety his own only Son imputing his righteousness to them and requiring nothing of them for their Justification but faith which also is his gift their justification is to them of free grace Q. 72 What is justifying Faith A. Justifying Faith is a saving grace wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit word of God whereby he being convinced of his sin and misery and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the Gospel but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for pardon of sin and for the accepting accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for Salvation Q. 73. How doth Faith justifie a sinner in the sight of God A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God not because of these other graces which do alwaies accompany it or of good works that are the fruits of it nor as if the grace of Faith or any act thereof were imputed to him for his justification but only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and applieth Christ his righteousness Q. 74. What is Adoption A. Adoption is an Act of the free grace of God in and for his only Son Jesus Christ whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of his Children have his name put upon them the Spirit of his Son given to them are under his fatherly care dispensations admitted to all the liberties and priviledges of the sons of God made heirs of all the promises and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory Q. 75. What is Sanctification A. Sanctification is a work of Gods grace whereby they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy are in time through the powerful operation of his spirit applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them renewed in their whole man after the image of God having the seeds of repentance unto life and of all other saving graces put into their hearts and those graces so stirred up increased and strengthned as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newness of life Q. 76. What is repentance unto life A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit Word of God whereby out of the sight sense not only of the danger but also of the filthiness odiousness of his sins and upon the apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ to such as are penitent he so grieves for and hates his sins as that he turns from them all to God purposing and endeavouring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience Q. 77. Wherein do Iustification and Sanctification differ A. Although Sanctification be inseparably joyned with Justification yet they differ in that God in Justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ in Sanctification his spirit infuseth grace and enableth to the exercise thereof in the former sin is pardoned in the other it is subdued the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God that perfectly in this life that they never fall into condemnation the other is neither equal in all nor in this life perfect in any but growing up to perfection Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of Sanctification in believers A. The imperfection of Sanctification in believers ariseth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit whereby they are often soiled with temptations and fall into many sins are hindred in all their spiritual services their best works are imperfect defiled in the sight of God Q. 79. May not true believers by reason of their imperfections and the many temptations sins they are overtaken with fall away from the state of Grace A. True believers by reason of the unchangeable love of God and his Decree and Covenant to give them perseverance their inseparable union with Christ his continual intercession for them and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them can neither totally nor finally fall away from the estate of grace but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation Q. 80. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and that they shall persevere therein unto Salvation A. Such as truly believe in Christ and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him may without extraordinary revelation by faith grounded upon the truth of Gods promises and by the spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace shall persevere therein unto salvation Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace and that they shall be saved A. Assurance of grace salvation not being of the essence of faith true believers may wait long before they obtain it and after the enjoyment thereof may have it weakned and intermitted through manifold distempers sins temptations and desertions yet are they never left with out such a presence support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair Q. 82. What is the Communion in glory which the members
of the invisible Church have with Christ A. The communion in glory which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ is in this life immediately after death and at last perfected at the Resurrection and day of Judgment Q. 83. What is the Communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy in this life A. The members of the invisible Church have communicated to them in this life the first fruits of glory with Christ as they are members of him their head so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully possessed of and as an earnest thereof enjoy the sense of Gods love peace of conscience joy in the holy Ghost hope of glory as on the contrary the sense of Gods revenging wrath horror of conscience and a fearful expectation of judgment are to the wicked the beginning of their torments which they shall endure after death Q. 84. Shall all men die A. Death being threatned as the wages of sin it is appointed unto all men once to die for that all have sinned Q. 85. Death being the wages of sin why are not the righteous delivered from death seeing all their sins are forgiven in Christ A. The righteous shall be delivered from death it self at the last day even in death are delivered from the sting curse of it so that although they die yet it is out of Gods love to free them perfectly from sin and misery to make then capable of further communion with Christ in glory which they then enter upon Q. 89. What is the Communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death A. The communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death is in that their souls are then made perfect in hoâ—iness and received into the highest heavens wheâ—e they behold the face of God in light and glory waâ—ting for the fâ—ll redemption of their bodies which even in death continue united to Christ and rest in their Graves as in their Beds till at the last day they be again united to their souls whereas the souls of the wicked are at death cast into hel where they remain in torments and utter darkness and their bodies kept in their graves as in their Prisons till the great day Q. 87. What are we to believe concerning the Resurrection A. We are to believe that at the last day there shall be a general Resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed the self same bodies of the dead which were laid in the grave being then again united to their souls forever shall be raised up by the power of Christ the bodies of the just by the Spirit of Christ by vertue of his resurrection as their head shall be raised in power spiritual incorruptible and made like to his glorious body and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonour by him as an offended Judge Q. 88. What shall immediately follow after the Resurrection A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgment of Angels and men the day hour whereof no man knows that all may watch pray be ever ready for the coming of the Lord Q. 89. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of Iudgment A. At the day of judgment the wicked shall be set on Christs left hand and upon clear evidence full conviction of their own consciences shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them and thereupon shall be cast out from the favourable Presence of God the glorious fellowship with Christ his Saints and all his holy Angels into hell to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul with the Devil and his Angels for ever Q. 90. What shall be done to the Righteous at the day of Iudgment A. At the day of judgment the righteous being caught up to Christ in the clouds shall be set on his right hand there openly acknowledged and acquitted shall joyn with him in the judging of reprobate Angels and men and shall be received into heaven where they shall be fully and for ever freed from all sin and misery i filled with unconceivable joyes made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul in the company of innumerable saints and holy Angels but especially in the immediate vision and fruition of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the holy Spirit to all eternity this is the perfect and full communion which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory at the resurrection and day of Judgment Having seen what the Scriptures principally teach us to believe concerning God it follows to consider what they require as the duty of man Q. 91. WHat is the duty that God requireth of man A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will Q. 92. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule of his obedience A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the state of innocency and to all mankind in him beside a special command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the moral Law Q. 93. What is the Moral Law A. The Moral Law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind directing and binding every one to personal perfeect and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto in the fruits dispositions of the whole man soul and body and in performance of all those duties of holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man promising life upon the fulfilling and threatning death upon the breach of it Q. 94. Is there any use of the Moral Law to man since the fall A. Although no man since the fall can attain to righteousness and life by the Moral Law yet there is great use thereof as well common to all men as peculiar either to the unregenerate or regenerate Q. 95. Of what use is the Moral Law to all men A. The Moral Law is of use to all men to inform them of the holy nature and will of God of their duty binding them to walk accorddingly to convince them of their disability to keep it of the sinful pollution of their nature hearts lives to humble them in sense of their sin and misery and there by help them to a clear sight of the need they have of Christ and of the perfection of his obedience Q. 96. What particular use is there of the Moral Law to unregenerate
require of us that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law A. That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the Law he requireth of us repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation Q. 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation A. The outward and ordinary means wereby Christ communicaâ—eth to his Church the benefits of his â—ediation are all his ordinances â—specially the word Sacraments â—nd Prayer all which are made effeâ—tual to the elect for their salvation Q. 195. How iâ— the Word made â—ffectual to salvation A. The Spirit of God maketh the â—â—ading but especially the preaching â—f the word an effectual means of â—â—lightning convincing and humâ—ing sinners of driving them out 〈◊〉 themselves drawing them unâ—â— Christ of conforming them to 〈◊〉 Image subduing them to his â—ll of strengthening them against â—â—mptations and corruptions of building them up in grace and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation Q. 156. Is the word of God to bâ— read by all A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the word publickly to thâ— Congregation yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart bâ— themselves and with their famâ—â—lies to which end the holy Scripâ—tures are to be translated out of 〈◊〉 Original into vulgar languages Q. 157. How is the word of Gâ—â— to be read A. The holy Scriptures are to be reaâ— with an high and reverent esteem them with a firm perswasion thâ— they are the very word of God that he only can enable us to undâ—â—â—stand them with desire to knoâ— believe obey the will of God â—â—â—vealed in them with diligence attention to the matter 〈◊〉 of them with meditation appâ—â—â—cation self-denial and prayeâ— Q. 158. By whom is the word God to be preached A. The word of God is to be preaâ—â—â—ed only by such as are sufficieâ—â—â—ly gifted and also duly approved and called to that office Q. 159. How is the word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the word are to preach sound doctrine diligently in season out of season plainly not in the enticing words of mens wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power faithfully makâ—ng known the whole counsel of God wisely applying themselves to â—he necessities and capacities of the â—earers zealously with fervent â—ove to God and the souls of the people sincerely aiming at his glory and their conversion ediâ—ication and salvation Q. 160. What is required of those â—hat hear the word preached A. It is required of those that hear â—he word preached that they attend â—pon it with diligence preparatiâ—n prayer examine what they â—ear by the Scriptures receive the â—â—uth with faith love meekness â—nd readiness of mind as the Word of God meditate and confer of it hide it in their hearts and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives Q. 161. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation A. The Sacraments become effectual means of Salvation not by any power in themselves or any vertue derived from the piety intention of him by whom they are administred but only by the working of the holy Ghost and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted Q. 162. What is a Sacrament A. A Sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his Church to signifie seal and exhibit unto those that are within the Covenant of Grace the benefits of his mediation to strengthen and increase their faith all other graces to oblige them to obedience to testifie and cherish their love and communion one with another and to distinguish them from those that are without Q. 163. What are the parts of a Sacrament A. The parts of a Sacrament are two the one an outward and senâ—sible sign used according to Christs own appointment the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified Q. 164. How many Sacraments hath Christ instituted in his Church under the New Testament A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his Church only two Sacraments Baptism and the Lords Supper Q. 163. What is Baptism A. Baptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament wherein Christ hath ordained the washing with water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself of remission of sins by his blood and regeneration by his Spirit of adoption and resurrection unto everlasting life and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible Church and enter into an open and professed ingagement to be wholly and only the Lords Q. 166. Unto whom is Baptism to be administred A. Baptism is not to be administred to any that are out of the visible Church so strangers from the Covenant of promise till they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him but infants descending from parents either both or but one of them prâ—fessing faith in Christ and obedience to him are in that respect within the Covenant and to be baptized Q. 167. How is our baptism to be improved by us A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism is to be performed by us all our life long especially in the time of temptation and when we are present at the administration of it to others by serious and thankful conâ—ideration of the nature of it of the ends for which Christ instituted it the priviledges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby and our solemn vow made therein by being humbled for our sinful defilements our falling short of and walking contrary to the grace of Baptism and our ingagements by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin and of all other blessings sealed to us in that Sacrament by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ into whom we are baptized for the mortifying of sin and quickning of grace and by endeavouring to live by faith to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness as those that have therein given up there name to Christ and to walk in brotherly love as being baptized by the same spirit into one body Q. 168. What is the Lords Supper A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament of the New
to reveal it 3. He began actually to reveal it in Paradise where he promised that the seed of the woman should bruise the head of the Serpent 4. He set forth his own death and suffâ—ringâ— and the great benefits that should come thâ—reby to us in the types and figures of sacrifices and ceremonies before his coming 5. He gave more and more light 〈◊〉 this Covenant speaking by his Spirit thou agâ— to age in the holy prophets 6. He came himâ—â—lf 〈◊〉 the fulness of time and did bear witness of all things belonging to this Covenant aâ—d of Gods willing mind to take believers into it partly by uniting our nature in one person with the Dâ—vine Nature partâ—y by Preaching the good tidings of the Covenant with his own mouth partly by paying the price of Redemption on the Cross and partly by dealing still with the people from the beginning to this day to draw in and to hold in the redeemed in this Covenant Thirdly God hath made a gift of Christ as a Leader to the people to bring us through all difficulties all afflictions and temptations unto life by this Covenant And he it is and no other who doth indeed lead his own unto the Covenant and in the Covenant all the way on unto salvation 1. By the direction of his word and Spirit 2. By the example of his own life in faith and obedience even to the death of the Cross. 3. By his powerful working bearing his redeemed ones in his arms and causing them to lean on him while they go up through the wilderness Fourthly God hath made a gift of Christ unto his people as a Commander which Office he faithfully exerciseth by giving to his Kirk and people Laws and Ordinances Pastours and Governours and all necessary Officers by keeping Couâ—ts and Assemblies among them to see that his Laws be obeyed Subduing by his Word Spirit and Discipline his peoples corruptions and by his Wisdom and power guarding them against their enemies whatsoever Hence he who hath closed bargain with God may strengthen his faith by reasoning after this manner Whosoever doth heartily receive the offer of free grace made here to sinners thirsting for righteousness and salvation unto him by everlasting Covenant belongeth Christ the true David with all his sure and saving mercies But I may the weak believer say do heartily receive the offer of free grace made here to sinners thirâ—â—ing for righteousness and salvation Therefore unto me by an everlasting Covevenant belongeth Christ Jesus with all his sâ—re and saving mercies The second warrant and special motive to imbrace Christ and believe in him is the earnest request that God maketh to us to be reconciled to him in Christ holden forth 2 Cor. 5. ver 14.19.2.21 GOd was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of Reconciliation ver 20. Now then we are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God ver 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Wherein the Apostle teacheth us these nine Doctrines 1. That the elect World or the World redeemed souls are by nature in the estate of enmity against God This is presupposed in the word Reconciliation for reconciliation or renewing of friendship cannot be except betwixt those that have been at enmity 2. That in all the time by-past since the fall of Adam Christ Jesus the eternal Son of God as Mediator and the Father in him hath been about the making friendship by his word and Spirit betwixt himself and the elect World God saith he was in Christ reconciling the world to himself 3. That the way of reconciliation was in all ages one and the same in substance viz. by forgiving the sins of them who do acknowledge their sins and their enmity against God and do seek reconciliation and remission of sins in Christ for God saith he was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by way of not imputing their trespasses unto them 4. That the end and scope of the Gospel and whole word of God is threefold 1. It serveth to make people sensible of their sins and of their enmity against God and of their danger if they should stand out and not fear Gods displeasure 2. The word of God serveth to make men acquainted with the course which God hath prepared for making friendship with him through Christ viz. That if men shall acknowledge the enmity and shall be content to enter into a Covenant of friendship with God through Christ then God will be contented to be reconciled with them freely 3. The word of God serveth to teach men how to carry themselves towards God as friends after they are reconciled to him viz. to be loath to sin against him and to strive heartily to obey his Commandments and therefore the Word of God here is called the Word of Reconciliation because it teacheth us what need we have of reconciliation and how to make it and how to keep the reconciliation of friendship being made with God through Christ. 5. That albeit the hearing believing and obeying of this word doth belong to all those to whom this Gospel doth come yet the Office of preaching of it with authority belongeth to none but to such only as God doth call to this ministry and sendeth out with Commission for this work This the Apostle holdeth forth ver 18. in these words he hath committed to us the word of Reconciliation 6. That the Ministers of the Gospel should behave themselves as Christs Messengers and should closely follow their commission set down in the word Matth. 28.19 20. and when they do so they should be received by the people as Ambassadours from God for here the Apole in all their names saith we are Embassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us 7. That Ministers in all earnestness of affections should deal with people to acknowledge their sins and their natural enmity against God more and more seriously and to consent to the Covenant of Grace and Embassage of Christ more and more heartily and to evidence more and more clearly their reconciliation by a holy carriage before God This he holdeth forth when he saith we pray you be reconciled to God 8. That in the Ministers affectionate dealing with the people the people should consider that they have to do with God and Christ requesting them by the Ministers to be reconciled now there cannot be a greater inducement to break a sinners hard heart than Gods making request to him for friendship For when it became us who have done so many wrongs to God to seek friendship of God he preventeth and O wonder of wonders he requesteth us to be content to be reconciled witâ— him and therefore most fearful wrath must abide them who do set light by
every one thâ— continueth not in all things which are written 〈◊〉 the Book of the Law to do them Now to be under the curse comprehendeâ—â— all the displeasure of God with the danger 〈◊〉 the breaking forth more and more of his wratâ— upon soul and body both in this life and afteâ— death perpetually if grace do not prevent thâ— full execution thereof Hence let every man reason thus Whosoever according to the Covenant oâ— Works is liable to the curse of God for breakâ—ing the Law times and ways out of number cannot be justified or find righteousness by the works of the Law But I may every man say according to thâ— Covenant of Works am liable to the curse 〈◊〉 God for breaking the Law times and ways 〈◊〉 of number Therefore I cannot be justified or have â—â—ghteousness by the works of the Law Thus may a man be convinced of righteousâ—â—â—â— that it is not to be had by his own works 〈◊〉 by the Law â— For convincing a man of Judgment by the Lavv consider 2 Thes. 1.7 THe Lord shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels ver 8. In flaming 〈◊〉 â—aking vengeance on them that know not 〈◊〉 and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord 〈◊〉 Christ. ver 9. Who shall be punished with â—â—erlasting destruction from the presence of the 〈◊〉 and from the glory of his power ver 10. â—hen he shall come to be glorified in his saints 〈◊〉 to be admired in all them that believe Wherein we are taught that our Lord Jesus â—ho now offers to be Mediator for them who â—elâ—eve in him shall at the last day come armed â—ith flaming fire to judge condemn and deâ—â—roy all them who have not believed God 〈◊〉 not received the offer of grace made in 〈◊〉 Gospel nor obeyed the Doctrine thereof 〈◊〉 remain in their natural estate under the â—aw or Covenant of Works Hence let every man reason thus What the righteous Judge hath fore-warnâ—d me shall be done at the last day I am sure 〈◊〉 just judgement But the righteous Judge hath fore-warned â—e that if I do not believe God in time and obey the Doctrine of the Gospel I shall 〈◊〉 secluded from his presence and his glory at tâ—â— last day and be tormented in soul and body 〈◊〉 ever Therefore I am convinced that this is 〈◊〉 Judgement And I have reason to thank God heartilâ— who hath forewarned me to flee from the wratâ— which is to come Thus every man may be by the Law or Câ—â—venant of Works convinced of judgment 〈◊〉 he shall continue under the Covenant 〈◊〉 Works or shall not obey the Gospel of ouâ— Lord Jesus For convincing a man of sin righteousâ—ness and judgment by the Gospel AS for convincing a man of sin and righâ—teousness and judgment by the Gospeâ— or Covenant of grace he must understanâ— three things 1. That not believing in Jesuâ— Christ or refusing of the Covenant of Grace offered in him is a greater and more dangerous sin then all other sins against the Lawâ— because the hearers of the Gospel not believing in Christ do reject Gods mercy in Christ the only way of freedom from sin and wrath and will not yield to be reconciled to God Next he must understand that perfect remission of sin and true righteousness is to be had only by faith in Jesus because God requireth no â—ther conditions but Faith and testfiies from â—eaven that he is well pleased to justifie sinners â—pon this condition 3. He must understand â—hat upon righteousness received by faith â—udgment shall follow on the one hand to the â—estroying of the works of the Devil in the â—eliever and to the perfecting of the work of â—anctification in him with power and that â—pon refusing to take righteousness by Faith in â—esus Christ Judgment shall follow on the oâ—her hand to the condemnation of the misbeâ—â—ever and destroying of him with Satan and â—is servants for ever For this end let these passages of Scripture â—mong many others serve to make the greatâ—ess of the sin of not believing in Christ appear â—r to make the greatness of the sin of refusing â—f the Covenant of Grace offered to us in â—he offering of Christ unto us let the fair offer â—f Grace be looked upon as it is made Isa. 55. â— Incline your ear and come unto me saith the â—ord hear and your soul shall live and I will â—ake an everlasting Covenant with you even â—he sure mercies of David That is if ye will â—elieve me and be reconciled to me I will by Covenant give unto you Christ and all saâ—ing graces in him repeated Acts 13.24 Again consider that this general offer in â—ubstance is equivalent to a special offer made â—o every one in particular as appeareth by â—â—e Apostles making use of it Acts 16.13 â—elieve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house The reason oâ— which offer is given Iâ—h 3.16 For God so lovâ—â— the World that he gave his only begotten Son thâ—â— whosoever believeth in him should not perish buâ— have everlasting life Seeing then this greaâ— salvation is offered in the Lord Jesus whosoever believe not in him but loâ—k for happinesâ— some other way what doth he else but observâ— lying vanities and forsake his own mercy whicâ— he might have had in Christ Ionâ—h 2.8 â— What doth he else but blaspheme God in hiâ— heart as it is said 1 Iohn 5.10 He that believeth not God hath made him a liar because 〈◊〉 believeth not the record that God gave of his Son and this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son and that no siâ— against the Law is like unto this sin Christ testifies Iohn 15.22 If I had not come and spokeâ— to them they had not hâ—â— sin but now they havâ— no cloak for their sin This may convince 〈◊〉 man of the greatness of this sin of not believing in Christ. For convincing a man of righteousness to be had only by faith in Christ â— consider how Rom. 10.3 4. IT Is said that the Iews being ignorant oâ— Gods righteousness and going about to establisâ— their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God and so they perished for Christ is the end of the La◠〈◊〉 righteousness to every one that believeth and â—cts 13.34 By Christ Iesus all that believe are â—â—stified from all things from which ye could not be â—â—stified by the Law of Moses and 1 Iohn 1.7 〈◊〉 blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from 〈◊〉 sin For convincing a man of judgement if a â—an imbrace this righteousness consider â— Iohn 3.8 For this purpose the Son of God was â—â—nifested that he miâ—â—t destroy the works of the â—evil and Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the 〈◊〉 of Christ who through the eternal Spirit 〈◊〉 himself without spot to God purge your consciâ—ce from dead works to serve the living God But if a man