Of Free Justification by Christ, Book 1 · Part 24
Concerning the Promises of God, what, to whom, and how God hath promised.
BUT now, because here there is a convenientoccasion of speaking concerning the Promises of God, it remains that we should hear from you, who treat of these things so sharply, what that is, which God hath promised, to whom he hath promised, how, and for what cause he doth it. Now there are both many and great Gifts of God and Ornaments partly bestowed upon us, and partly promised through the singular bounty of his Grace; yea, seeing there is nothing in this Workmanship of Nature, nor in the meanest things, but what we ought to acknowledge to be his free Gift, if we would be thankful: And also amongst all these things, which being so many and so great he hath conferted upon us with so liberal a hand, I esteem that nothing is more glorious nor more admirable, than this large honour of his Kingdom, which the Lord himself promises us in the Gospel. Fear not, saith he, little Flock, for it is the good will of your Father to give you the Kingdom. Which Paul We are beholden to the grace of God for all benefits and what that is which his singular favour towards us is ehiefly seen. Luke 12. Daniel 7.also makes mention of, writing both elsewhere, and also to the Colossians: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us unto the Kingdom of his dear Son, &c. Of which also Daniel, a most famous Prophet, hath given an ample Testimony; The Kingdom, saith he, and the Dominion, and the largeness of the Kingdoms under the whole Heaven shall be given to the People of the Saints of the most High, &c.
In which one benefit, seeing the whole Sum of our Felicity is comprehended; to wit, reconciliation with God, imputation of Righteousness, remission of Sins, Peace with God, access with boldness, hope, the glory Romans 5. Romans 4. Titus 3. Romans 8.of God, eternal blessedness and salvation, the Inheritance of Eternal Life, freedom from the accusation and condemnation of the Law: On what foundation doth the free Promise of God chiefly stand.What can any Man either by desires wish for, or by Faith conceive more glorius? For he that is promoted unto the possession of a Kingdom, what more can be added to him, unto the highest splendour of Glory, and the degree of the most honourable Dignity?
Therefore we have, as you see, O Osorius, the hereditary Mansions of the Eternal Kingdom promised to us, and that not of Works, but of Faith; not according to Bargain, but according to Grace, and therefore according to Grace, that the Promise may be firm and sure to all the Seed.
It is a very weighty Cause, and Authority not to be contemned: For what is more firm for all manner of security, than that which relies on the certain faithfulness of God, and a free promise? On the contrary, what is more unstable than that which depends on the most uncertain condition of our Works, which are either for the most part evil, or always uncertain? Why then wilt thou cast us again out of the most firm safeguard of most sure confidence proposed to us, which rests most safely in the free bounty of God promising, as if thou drovest us out of a Haven of Tranquillity procured for us, to be tossed in Theassurance of confidence and persuasion from the free promise of God.the tempestuous Waters and Straits of Diffidence and Desperation? And do you make those things doubtful and uncertain, which through the bounty of God, we do as it were hold in our hands with a most assured Faith, so that now there is not any thing certain which a man may satisfie his own Soul about touching Salvation? for, I pray you, what can be certain, if so be the Grace of the Promise being taken away, if Imputation of Righteousness being neglected, which is placed in Christ for us, the whole matter is brought to the account of our actions? and you plead that we are not otherways righteous before God, than by performing the Offices of the Divine Law?
Objection. But (you will say) What, hath not God promised in Iereremiah Osor. de just. 1. 9. pag. 234.and Ezekiel, to those that come to God by Faith, that they shall have his Law written in their mind, that they shall have the very presence of the Holy Ghost within their mind, and defile their life with no sin, but govern it by the Law of God, and walk in the Precepts of God, and perform excellent and holy works, and moreover that they shall be righteous? &c.
Ans. 1. As touching the promise of the Spirit of God, it is very true, what you cite out of Ieremiah: For God in his bounty hath promised, that he will write his Law not only in Tables of Stone, as before, but in the inward Tables of their minds, and indeed accordingly he hath performed, and doth perform daily what he hath promised. And what doth your Logical reasoning gather Ibid. p. 233.thence?
Therefore, say you, seeing we have the Law of God put into our inward Lib. 9. p. 232. Two Paradoxes of Osorius, both of which are false.parts, it comes to pass, that giving credit to the promises of God, we do presently obtain the help of God, that we may very easily do all things that are commanded us, and so be saved, &c.
Therefore by these many things, which have been hitherto mentioned by you concerning the Law and its Office, I perceive you have two Opinions, both of which are false. First, That you affirm that we being supported by the Grace of God, and guarded by his help, can very easily perform all things, whatsoever are commanded by the Law of God. Secondly, Because you plead that all the nature of our Righteousness and Salvation consists in performing God's Commands; and that there is no other way to Heaven but that which is contained in the Law of God: Both which Reasons of yours, how absurd they are, how contrary to the Grace of God and the Gospel, and how much disallowed and confuted, not only by all Authority of Divine Scripture, but also long since contradicted by the sayings of the most Antient Fathers, and how void of all support of reason and experience, there is no Man that hath so little Reason or Religion, but evidently perceives it, and clearly takes notice of it. For, though we do not deny that by the help of the grace of the Divine Spirit there are wonderful, various, and manifold effects produced, and great gifts are shed abroad in the minds of the Regenerate, for governing all parts of Life piously and holily; but whence, I pray you, will you teach that so great strength, and so great power to observe Righteousness is given by God, and committed unto mortal Man, which may be sufficient for performing all things that are prescribed in the most holy Law of God?