The Marrow of Modern Divinity, Dialogue (3 of 4)

The Marrow of Modern Divinity · Dialogue (3 of 4)

p. 129Neo.

Indeed, Sir, if I were so holy and so righteous as some men are, and had such power over my sins and corruptions as some men have, then I could easily believe it, but (alas) I am so sinfull, and so unworthy a wretch, that I dare not presume to believe that Christ will accept of me, so as to justifie and save me.

Evan.

Alas, man, in thus saying▪ you doe seem to contradict and gainsay, both the Apostle Paul, and our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and that against your owne soule. For, whereas the Apostle Paul saith,1 Tim. 1.15. Rom. 4.5.1 Tim 1:15Rom 4:5 That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and doth justifie the ungodly: Why, you seem to hold, & do in effect say, that Christ Jesus, came into the world to save the righteous, & to justifie the godly: and wheras our Saviour sayth, The whole need not the Physitian, but the sick, Matth. 9.12.Matt 9:12and that hee came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Why you seem to hold, and do in effect say, That the sick need not the Physitian but the whole, and that he came not to call sinners, but the righteous to repentance. And, indeed, in so saying, you seem to conceive that Christs Spouse must be purified, washed and clensed from all her filthines, & adorned with a rich robe of righteousnesse before he wil accept of her, whereas hee himselfe saith unto her, As p. 130for thy nativity in the day that thou wast born, Ezek. 16.4, 5, 8.Ezek 16:4Ezek 16:5Ezek 16:8thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed with water to supple thee, thou wast not swadled at all, nor salted at all, no eye pitied thee to doe any of these things unto thee: but when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was a time of love, and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakednesse: yea, and I sware unto thee, and entred into covenant with thee, and thou becamest mine. And I will marry thee unto me for ever, yea, I will marry thee unto me in righteousnes and in judgment, Hos. 2.19.Hos 2:19and in mercy and compassion: Wherefore, I beseech you, revoke this your erroneous opinion, and contradict the word of truth no longer, but conclude for a certainty, that it is not the righteous and godly man, but the sinfull and ungodly man that Christ came to call, justifie and save, so that if you were a righteous and godly man, you were neyther capable of Calling, Justification, or Salvation by Christ, but being a sinfull and ungodly man, I will say unto you, as the people sayd unto blinde Bartime, Be of good comfort, Mark 10.49.Mark 10:49arise, he calleth you, and will justifie and save you; goe then unto him, I beseech you, and if he come and meet you by the way (as his manner is) then do not you unadvisedly say with Peter, Depart from me, for I am a sinfull man; Luke 5.8.Luke 5:8O Lord! but say in p. 131plain terms, O come unto me, for I am a sinfull man, O Lord! yea, go on further with your speech, and say as Luther bids you, Most gracious Jesu, and sweet Christ,Chos. Ser. p. …. I am a miserable poor sinner, and therefore do judge my self unworthy of thy grace; but yet I having learned from thy word, that thy salvation belongeth to such a one, therefore do I come unto thee to claime that right which through thy gracious promise belongeth unto me, assure your selfe that Jesus Christ requires no portion with his spouse, no verily he requires nothing with her but meere poverty, the rich he sends empty away: Luke 1.57.Luke 1:57but the poore are by him enriched, and indeed, sayth Luther, The more miserable, sinfull and distressed a man doth feele himself, and judge himself to be, the more willing will Christ be to receive him, and relieve him, so that,Chos. Ser. p. 85 sayth he, In judging thy self unworthy, thou doest theredy become truly worthy: and so indeed hast gotten a greater occasion of coming unto him: Wherefore in the words of the Apostle, I do exhort you and beseech you to come boldly unto the throne of grace, Heb. 4.6.Heb 4:6that you may obtain merciemercy and finde grace to help in time of need.

Neo.

But truly Sir, my heart doth as it were even tremble within mee to thinke of comming unto Christ after such a manner, and surely, Sir, if I should come so boldly p. 132to Christ, and speake after such a manner it, would be but pride and presumption in mee.

Evan.

Indeed, if you should be incouraged to come to Christ, and speak thus unto him, because of any godlinesse, righteousnesse, or worthinesse that you conceive to be in you, that were proud presumption indeed; but for you to come to Christ by believing that hee will accept of you, justifie and save you freely by his grace, according to his own gracious promise: this is no proud presumption at all, for Christ having tendred it and offered it unto you freely, believe it man,Hookers poore doubt. Christ. pag. 108. it is neyther pride nor presumption, but true humility of heart to take what Christ offereth you.

Nom.

But by your favour, Sir, I pray you give mee leave to speake a word by the way, I know my Neighbour Neophytus, it may be better then you do, yet do I not intend to charge him with any sin, otherways then by way of supposition as thus: Suppose hee hath been guilty of the committing of grosse and grievous sins, will Christ accept of him, and justifie and save him for all that?

Evan.

Yea, indeed, for there is no limitation of Gods grace in Jesus Christ, except the sin against the holy Ghost; Christ stands at the doore and knocks, Revel. 3.20.Rev 3:20and if any cruell murdering Manasses, or any persecuting and p. 133blaspheming Saul, 1 Tim, 1.13.or any adulterous Magdalen will open unto him, he will come in and bring comfort with him, and will sup with him, seeke from one end of the Heavens to the other (sayth Evangelicall Hooker) turne all the Bible over,Poore doubt. Christ. p. 132. and see if the words of Christ be not true,Iohn 6.37.John 6:37 him that commeth unto me, I will in no wise cast out.

Nom.

Why then, Sir, it seems you hold that the vilest sinner in the world ought not to be discouraged from believing in Christ, because of his sins.

Evan.

Surely if Christ came into the world to seek, and call, and save sinners, and to justifie the ungodly, as you have heard, and if the more sinfull, miserable and distressed a man doth judge himself to be, the more willing Christ is to receive him, and relieve him: then I see no reason why the vilest sinner should be discouraged from believing on the name of Christ because of his sins, nay, let me say more, the greater any mans sins are eyther in number or nature: the more hast hee should make to come unto Christ, and to say with David, for thy name sake, Psal. 25.11.Ps 25:11ô Lord! pardon mine iniquitie for it is great.

Ant.

Surely, Sir, if my friend Neophytus did rightly consider these things, and were assuredly perswaded of the truth of them, me thinks, hee should not be so backward from p. 134comming unto Christ by believing on his name, as he is, for if the greatnesse of his sins should be so far from hindring his coming to Christ, that they should further it, then I know not what should hinder him.

Evan.

You speak very truly indeed, and therefore, I beseech you, Neighbour Neophytus, consider seriously of it, and let neither Satan the accuser of the brethren, nor your own accusing conscience joyning with him, hinder you any longer from Christ: for, what though they should accuse you of pride, infidelity, coveteousnesse, lust, anger, envie and hypocrisie; yea, what though they should accuse you of whoredome, theft and drunkennesse, and many the like, yet doe what they can, they can make no worse a man of you then a sinner, or the chiefe of sinners, or an ungodly person, and so consequently such a one as Christ came to justifie and save, so that in very deed, if you rightly consider it, they doe you more good then hurt hereby, and therefore I beseech you, in all such cases, or conflicts, take the counsell of Luther, who saith, when thy conscience is throughly affraid with the remembrance of thy sins past, and the Devill assayleth thee with great violence, going about to overwhelme thee, with heaps, floods, and whole seas of sins, to terrifie thee and to draw thee p. 133from Christ, then arme thy selfe with such sentences as these,On Gal. p. 20, 21. Christ the Sonne of God was given, not for the holy, righteous, worthy, and such as were his friends, but for the wicked sinners, for the unworthy, and for his enemies, wherefore if the Devill say thou art a sinner, and therefore must be damned, then answer you and say, because thou saist I am a sinner, therefore will I be righteous and saved, and if he say, nay, sinners must be damned, then answer you and say, no, for I flie to Christ, who hath given himselfe for my sins, and therefore in that thou saist I am a sinner, thou givest me armour and weapon against thy selfe, that with thy own sword I may cut thy throat, and tread thee under my feet, and thus you see it is the judgement of Luther, that your sins should rather drive you to Christ then keep you from him,

Nom.

But, Sir, suppose he hath not as yet either humbled himselfe, or repented for his great and many sins, hath he any warrant to come to Christ till he hath done so.

Eva.

I see you have not yet quite thrown down your tottering building, you still conceive that man himselfe must doe somthing in the case of justification, you thinke he must bring some money in his hand to buy his salvation, but I beseech you consider, that as I have often told you, Gods Covenant in p. 136Christ is a Covenant of Grace, and so every way a free Covenant, and therefore he makes a generall proclamation saying, Ho, every one that thirsteth, Isai. 55.1.Isa 55:1come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye buy, and eat, yea, come buy wine and milke without money, and without price. This you see is the condition, (buy wine and milke) that is grace and salvation,Hookers poor doubting Christian. pag. 151. Cornw…ll, on Gospel repentance. p. 6. (without money) that is, without any sufficiencie of your own, and the Lord saith, in his Word in divers places, that he justifieth his children before they repent or truly humble themselves, or doe any work of righteousnesse, the truth is, it is onelyonly required that a man come with the hand of faith, and receive Christ without any thing else at all.

Nom.

But, Sir, Though I conceive that we are to bring this money of humiliation and repentance to Christ, yet doe I not conceive it is to tender unto him for a price, but onelyonly for him to look upon, as that with which he hath appointed those to be qualified withall that come unto him.

Eva.

I, but yet so long as Christ hath said you must come without it, and onelyonly encline your eare, Isai. 55.3.Isa 55:3and heare, and your souls shall live: and that by hearing that, he will make an everlasting Covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David, me thinks, you should p. 137perceive that Christ doth thereby call you from the ways of repentance and humiliation and works of righteousnesse in the case of justification,Cornwell, on Gospel repentance. p. 21. and to pitch directly and immediately upon the free Covenant of Grace.

Nom.

But Sir, as I conceive, the Scripture holds forth that the Lord hath appointed repentance to goe before faith, for is it not said, Marke 1.15. Repent ye, and believe the Gospel.

Evan.

Indeed, somtimes the name of repentance is given to those preparatory beginnings and introductories thereof,Dike, of repentance. p. 11. which are those legall fits of fear and terrour, which are both in nature and time before faith, and truly all that repentance that goes before faith in Christ can be no other, for evangelicall repentance being a fruit of faith in Christ, cannot be before faith in Christ.

Nom.

Then Sir, it seems you hold that he that believes in Christ doth also truly repent.

Evan.

Yea, indeed, though I hold not that evangelical repentance is an antecedent of faith in Christ, yet I hold it is a consequent, though I hold not that it goes before faith, yet I hold that it follows after.

Nom.

But yet, Sir, it seemes you hold that those preparatory beginnings of repentance, which you call legall fits of feare and p. 138terrour do goe before faith in Christ.

Evan.

Yea, indeed, I doe conceive that ordinarily, and in some measure they do.

Nom.

Ordinarily say you Sir, why, are they not in all?

Evan.

No, indeed, for some doubtlesse are like unto Zachous and Lydia, who received Christ,Luke 19.6. Acts 16.14.Luke 19:6Acts 16:14 and were received of him (as it is verily thought) without any measure of them.

Nom.

And have not all those that have them, a like measure of them?

Evan.

O no, there is a great difference in the measure, for some do but as it were sip of the cup, and others doe as it were drinke the very dregs; whereby wee may perceive, that though it be necessary that these Legall fits of feare and terrour be in some before their comming to Christ: yet is there no absolute necessity of them on Christs part, wherefore I pray take notice that those who have them, have them not because Christ would not bid them welcome, and receive them without them, but because they will not come to Christ, except they be by this means driven unto him.

Nom.

But, Sir, that which you call Evangelicall repentance, and follows after faith, is in all that do believe: is it not?

Evan.

Yea, indeed, it is more or lesse in every believing soule, according to the measure p. 139of his faith, and so of his receiving the spirit of Christ, as all other true fruits of Christs spirit are.

Nom.

Well Sir, I am answered.

Neo.

And truly Sir, you have so declared and set forth Christs disposition towards poore sinners, and so answered all my doubts and objections, that I am now verily perswaded that Christ is willing to entertaine mee, and surely I am willing to come unto him and receive him; but alas, I want power to do it, that is, Sir, I want faith.

Evan.

But tell me on thing truly, are you resolved to put forth all your power to believe, and so to take Christ.

Neo.

Truly Sir, me thinks, my resolution is much like the resolution of the foure Lepers which sate at the gate of Samaria, for as they sayd, If wee enter into the Citie, 2 Kings 7.4.2 Kgs 7:4the famine is in the Citie, and wee shall die there, and if we sit still here, we die also; n…w therefore come and let us fall into the hands of the Assyrians, if they save us we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die: even so say I, in mine heart; if I goe back to the covenant of works to seek justification thereby, I shall die there; and if I sit still and seek it no way I shall die also: now therefore, though I be somewhat fearfull, yet am I resolved to go unto Christ, and if I perish I perish.

p. 140Evan.

Why, now I tell you truly the match is made,Doct. Preston of Faith. p. 23. Christ is yours and you are his; this day is salvation come to your house, (your soul I mean) for what though you have not that power to come so fast unto Christ, and to lay such firme hold on him as you desire; yet comming with such a resolution to Christ to take him, you need take no care for doing it, you may be sure that Christ will enable you to do it, for is it not said, John 1.12. But as many as received him, to them hee gave power to become the sonnes of God, even to them that believe on his name: O then, I beseech you, stand no longer disputing, but be peremptory and resolute in your faith and in casting your selfe upon God in Christ for mercy,Goodwins child of light. pag. 196. and let the issue be what it will: yet let me tell you to your comfort that such a resolution shall never go to hell: nay. I will say more, if any soule have a roome in Heaven, such a soul shall?Pag. 199. for God cannot finde in his heart to damne such a one, I might then with as much true confidence say unto you, as John Careless said unto John Bradford, Hearken ô ye Heavens,In a Letter to him. and thou ô earth give eare and beare me witnesse at the great day, that I do here faithfully and truly the Lords message unto his deare servant, and singularly beloved, John Bradford (saying) John Bradford, thou man so specially beloved of God▪ p. 141I doe pronounce and testifie unto thee, in the word and name of the Lord Jehovah, that all thy sins whatsoever they be, though never so many grievous or great, be fully and freely pardoned, released and forgiven thee, by the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, thy onelyonly Lord and sweet Saviour, in whom thou dost undoubtedly believe: as truly as the Lord liveth he will not have thee die the death, but hath verily purposed, determined and decreed, that thou shalt live with him for ever.

Neo.

O, Sir, If I have as good warrant to apply this saying to my self, as Mr. Bradford had to apply it to himself, I am a happy man.

Evan.

I tell you from Christ, and under the hand of his spirit, that your person is accepted, your sins are done away, and you shall be saved:Hookers poore doubt. Christ. pag. 52. and if an Angell from Heaven should tell you otherwise, let him be accursed: therefore you may (without doubt) conclude, that you are a happy man: For by means of this your matching with Christ, Iohn 17.21.John 17:21you are become one with him, and one in him, you dwell in him, and he in you: Hee is your welbeloved, and you are his: 1 Iohn 4.13. Cant. 2.16.1 John 4:13Song 2:16so that the mariage union betwixt Christ and you, is more then a bare notion, or apprehension of your mind; for it is a spirituall, reall union, it is an union betwixt the nature of Christ,Hookers Souls union, pag. 6, 7, 9, 10. God and man, and you, it is a knitting and p. 142closing not onelyonly of your apprehension with a Saviour, but also of your soule with a Saviour,Tindall Parab. wicked Mam. pag. 75. whence it must needs follow, that you cannot be damned, except Christ be damned with you; neyther can Christ be saved, except you be saved with him. And as by means of corporall marriage all things become common betwixt man and wife,Doubting Christian, pag. 154. even so, by means of this spirituall marriage, all things become common betwixt Christ and you, for when Christ hath married his spouse unto himselfe, hee passeth over all his estate unto her, so that whatsoever Christ is or hath you may boldly challenge as your own,1 Cor. 1.30.1 Cor 1:30 He is made unto you of God, wisdome, righteousnesse, sanctification and redemption, and surely by vertue of this neer union it is, that as Christ is called the Lord our righteousnesse, Jer. 23.6. so is the Church called the Lord our righteousnesse, Jer. 35.16. You may by vertue of this union confidently take unto your selfe as your own Christ,Barnardine Ochine in his Serm. how a Christian should make his last Will. 1 Cor. 3.22.1 Cor 3:22 watching, abstinence, travails prayers, persecution, slanders, his tears, his sweat, his bloud, and all that ever he did and suffered in three and thirty years, with his Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascention, for they are all yours, and as Christ passeth over all his estate unto his spouse, so doth he require, that shee should passe over all unto p. 143him, wherefore you being now married unto Christ, you must give all that you have of your own unto him, and truly you have nothing of your own but sin, and therefore you must give him that,Barnardine Ochine in his Sermon, how a Christian should make his last Will. say thou unto Christ without fear, I give to thee my dear husband, my unbelief, my mistrust, my pride, my arrogancie, my ambition, my wrath, my anger, my envie, my covetousnesse, my evill thoughts, affections and desires, I make a bundle of these and all my other offences, and give them unto thee, thus was Christ made sin for us which knew no sin, 2 Cor. 5.21.2 Cor 5:21that wee might be made the righteousnesse of God in him: now then, saith Luther, let us compare these things together, and we shall finde inestimable treasure, Christ is full of all grace, life and saving health, and the soule is fraught full of all sin, death and damnation, but let faith come betwixt these two,Christian Liberty, p. 21.2…. and it shall come to passe that Christ shall bee loaden with sin, death and hell, and unto the soule shall be imputed, grace, life and salvation, who then, saith he is able to value the royalty of this marriage accordingly,Pag. 24. who is able to comprehend the glorious riches of this grace, where this rich and righteous husband Christ, doth take unto wife this poore and wicked harlot, redeeming her from all evils, and garnishing her with all his own p. 144jewels,Pag. 25. so that you (as the same Luther saith) through the assurednesse of your faith in Christ your husband, are delivered from all sins made safe from death, guarded from hell, and endowed with the everlasting righteousnesse▪ life and saving health of your husband Christ, and therefore you are now under the covenant of grace, and freed from the Law, as it is the covenant of works for as M. ball truly saith,On the new Covenant. pag. 15. at one and the same time, a man cannot be under the covenant of works and the covenant of grace.

Neo.

Sir, I doe not yet well know how to conceive of this freedome from the Law, as it is the covenant of works, and therefore I pray you make it as plain to me as you can.

Evan.

For the true and cleer understanding of this point, you are to consider that when Jesus Christ the second Adam, had in the behalfe of all his chosen perfectly fulfilled the Law, as it is the covenant of works, divine justice delivered that bond in to Christ,Col. 2.14.Col 2:14 who utterly cancelled that handwriting, so that none of his chosen were to have any more to doe with it, nor it with them and now you by your believing in Christ having manifested,Ephes. 1.4.Eph 1:4 that you are one that was chosen in him before the foundation of the world: his fulfilling of that covenant and cancelling of it, is imputed to you, and p. 145so you are acquitted and absolved from all your transgressions against that covenant, either past, present, or to come, and so you are justified as the Apostle saith,Rom. 3.24.Rom 3:24 Freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

Ant.

I pray you Sir, give mee leave to speake a word by the way, was not he justified before this time?

Evan.

If he did not believe in Christ before this time, as I conceive hee did not, then certainly he was not justified before this time.

Ant.

But, Sir, you know, as the Apostle saith, It is God that justifieth, and God is eternall, and as you have shewed, Christ may be said to have fulfilled the covenant of works from all eternity, and if he bee Christs now, then was he Christs from all eternity, and therefore, as I conceive, hee was justified from all eternity.

Evan.

Indeed God is from all eternity, and in respect of Gods accepting of Christs undertaking to fulfill the covenant of works, he fulfilled it from all eternity, and in respect of Gods electing of him, he was Christs from all eternity,Boultons true bounds, p. 2…. and therefore it is true in respect of Gods decree: hee was justified from all eternity, and hee was justified meritoriously in the death and resurrection of p. 146Christ, but yet he was not justified actually till he did actually believe in Christ, for saith the Apostle,Acts 13.39.Acts 13:39 By him, all that believe are justified, so that in the act of justifying, faith and Christ, must have a mutuall relation, and must always concur and meet together, faith as the action which apprehendeth, and Christ as the object which is apprehended,M. Iohn Fox upon election. for neither doth Christ justifie without faith, neither doth faith except it bee in Christ.

Ant.

Truly, Sir, you have indifferently well satisfied me in this point, and surely I like it marvellous well that you conclude no faith justifieth, but that whose object is Christ.

Eva.

The very truth is, thuogh a man believe that God is mercifull and true of his promise, and that he hath his elect number from the beginning, and that he himselfe is one of that number, yet if this faith doe not eye Christ, if it be not in God as he is in Christ it will not serve turn, for God cannot be comfortably thought upon out of Christ our mediator,Doctor Sibs Souls conflict, pag. 55. Instit. pag. 155. for if we finde not God in Christ saith, Calvin, salvation cannot bee known: wherefore, neighbour Neophytus, I will say unto you as sweet Master Bradford said unto a gentlewoman in your case, Thus then if you would be quiet and certain p. 147in conscience, then let your faith burst forth through all things, not onelyonly that you have within you, but also whatsoever is in heaven, earth, and hell, and never rest untill it come to Christ crucified, and the eternall sweete merciemercy and goodnesse of God in …hrist.

Neo.

But, Sir, I am not yet satisfied concerning the point you touched before, and therefore I pray you proceed to shew me how far forth I am delivered from the Law as it is the covenant of works.

Evan.

Truly as it is the covenant of works, you are wholy and altogether delivered and set free from it, you are dead to it, and it is dead to you, and if it be dead to you, then it can doe you neither good nor hurt, and if you be dead to it, you can expect neither good nor hurt from it: consider man, I pray you, that, as I said before, you are now under another covenant, to wit, the covenant of grace, and you cannot bee under two covenants at once, neither wholy nor partly; and therefore, as before you believed you were wholy under the covenant of works, as Adam left both you and all his posterity after his fall, so now since you have believed you are wholy under the covenant of grace: Assure your selfe then, that no Minister or Preacher of Gods Word hath p. 148any warrant to say unto you hereafter, either doe this and this dutie contained in the law, and avoid this, and this sin forbidden in the Law, and God will justifie thee and save thy soule, or doe it not and Hee will condemne thee and damne thee, no, no, you are now set free, both from the commanding and condemning power of the covenant of works, so that I will say unto you, as the Apostle saith unto the believing Hebrews,Heb. 12.18, 22, 24.Heb 12:18Heb 12:22Heb 12:24 You are not come to Mount Sinai, that might not be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blacknesse and darknesse, and tempests, but you are come unto Mount Sion, the City of the living God, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant, so that (to speak with holy reverence) God cannot by vertue of the covenant of wotks, either require of you any obedience, or punish you for any disobedience, no he cannot by vertue of that covenant so much as threaten you, or give you an angry word, or shew you an angry look, for indeed, he can see no sin in you as a transgression of that covenant, for saith the Apostle, Where there is no Law, there is no transgression. Rom. 4.15.Rom 4:15And therfore though hereafter you doe through frailty transgresse any or all the ten Commandements, yet doe you not thereby transgresse the covenant of works, there is no such covenant now betwixt p. 149God and you, and therefore though you shall hereafter heare such a voice as this if thou wilt be saved keep the commandements, or cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are writen in the book of the Law to doe them, nay, though you heare the voice of thunder, and a fearfull noyse, nay, though you see blacknesse and darknesse, and feel a great tempest, that is to say, though you heare us that are Preachers, according to our commission,Isa. 58.1.Isa 58:1 Lift up our voice like a trumpet, in threatning hell and damnation to sinners, and transgressors of the Law, though these be the words of God, yet are you not to thinke that they are spoken to you, no, no, the Apostle assures you, …hat there is no condemnation to them that …re in Christ Jesus: believe it man,Rom. 8.1.Rom 8:1 God never threatens eternall death, after he hath once given to a man eternall life: nay, the truth is, God never speaks to a believer out of Christ, and in Christ hee speaks not a word in the terms of the covenant of works, and if the Law of it selfe should presume to …ome into your conscience, and say herein, and herein thou hast transgressed and broken …e, and therefore thou owest so much, and …o much to divine Justice which must be satisfied, or else I will take hold on thee: …hen answer you and say, O Law, bee it p. 150known unto thee that I am now marryed unto Christ,Greenhams afflicted conscience, p. 70. and so I am under cover…, and therefore if thou charge me with any debt, thou must enter thine action against my husband Christ, for the wife is not suable at the Law but the husband:Barnardine Ochine in his Sermon, how to answer before the judgment seat. But the truth is, I through him am dead to thee, ô Law, and thou art dead to me, and therefore justice hath nothing to doe with me, for it judgeth according to the Law: And if it yet reply and say, I but good works must be done, and the commandements must bee kept if thou wilt obtain salvation: Then answer you and say,Luthers. Chos. Sermon, p. 99.100.101. I am already saved before thou camest, therefore I have no need of thy presence, for in Christ I have all things at once, neither need I any thing more that is necessary to salvation, hee is my righteousnesse, my treasure, and my work, I confesse, O Law that I am neither godly nor righteous, but yet,Chos. Sermon, pag. 42.99. this am I sure of, that he is godly and righteous for me, and to tell thee the truth, O Law I am now with him in the bridechamber, where it maketh no matter what I am, or what I have done, but what Christ my sweet husband is, hath done, and doth for me, and therefore leave off Law to dispute with me, for by faith I apprehend him who hath apprehended me, and put me into his bosome, wherefore I will be bold to bid p. 151Moses with his Tables, and all Lawyers with their books, and all men with their works hold their peace and give place, so that I say unto thee, O Law, be gon, and if it will not be gon, then thrust it out by force.

And if sin offer to take hold of you, as David said his did on him, Psal. 40.14. then say you unto it, thy strength O sin is the Law, 1 Cor. 15.56. and the Law is dead to me, and therefore O sin thy strength is gon, and therefore be sure thou shalt never be able to prevail against me, nor doe me any hurt at all.

And if Satan take you by the throat, and by violence draw you before Gods judgement seat, then call to your husband Christ and say, Lord, I suffer violence, make answer for me and help me, and by his help you shall be enabled to plead for your selfe after this manner: O God the Father, I am thy Sonne Christs, thou gavest me unto him, and thou hast given unto him, all power both in heaven and in earth, and hast committed all judgement to him, and therefore I will-stand to his judgement who saith, He came not to judge the World but to save it, and therefore hee will save me according to his office, and if the jury should bring in their verdict that they have found you guilty, p. 152then speak to the Iudge, and say, in case any must be condemned for my transgressions, it must needs be Christ and not I, for albeit I have committed them,Barnardine Ochine in his Sermon of Predestination. yet hee hath undertaken and bound himselfe to answer for them, and that by his consent and good will, and indeed hee hath fully satisfied for them, and if all this will not serve the turne to acquit you then: Adde moreover and say, As a woman that is conceived with childe, must not suffer death because of the childe that is within her: no more must I because I have conceived Christ in mine heart; though I had committed all the sins in the world. And if death creep upon you, and attempt to devoure you, then say, thy sting ô death is sin, and Christ my husband hath fully vanquished sin, and so deprived thee of thy sting, and therefore doe I not feare any hurt that thou, ô death, canst do unto mee! And thus you may triumph, with the Apostle, saying, Thanks be to God, 1 Cor. 15.56, 57.1 Cor 15:561 Cor 15:57who hath given mee victory through my Lord Iesus Christ. And thus have I also declared unto you how Christ in the fulnesse of time▪ performed that which God before all time purposed, and in time promised, touching the helping and delivering of falne mankind: and so have I also done with the law of faith.

p. 153Nom.

Then, Sir, I pray you proceed to speake of the law of Christ, and first let us heare what the law of Christ is?

The law of Christ in regard of substance and matter is all one with the law of workes, or covenant of workes, which matter is scattered through the whole Bible, and summed up in the Decalogue, or ten commandements,Boultons true bounds, p. 7…. commonly called the Morall Law; containing such things as are agreeable to the minde and will of God, to wit, piety towards God,Pag. 74. charity towards our Neighbour, and sobriety towards our selves, & therefore was it given of God to be a true and eternall rule of righteousnes, for all men of all Nations and at all times;Basting Cat. pag. 9. so that Evangelicall grace directs a man to no other obedience then that wherof the law of the ten commandements is to be the rule.Reynolds use of the Law, pag. 388.

Nom.

But yet, Sir, I conceive, that though (as you say) the law of Christ in regard of substance and matter be all one with the law of works, yet their forms do differ.

Evan.

True indeed, for (as you have heard) the law of works speaketh on this wise, doe this and thou shalt live, and if thou doe it not, thou shalt die the death: but the law of Christ speaketh on this wise, And when I passed by thee, Ezek. 16.6.Ezek 16:6and saw thee polluted in thine owne bloud, I said unto thee when thou p. 154wast in thy bloud live, And whosoever liveth and believeth in mee shall never die: Iohn 6.26.John 6:26Be ye therefore followers of God as deare children, Ephes. 5.1.Eph 5:1and walke in love, as Christ hath loved us: And if ye love me, keep my commandements: Iohn 14.15. Psal. 89.31, 32, 33.John 14:15Ps 89:31Ps 89:32Ps 89:33And if they breake my statutes, and keep not my commandements, then will I visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes: Neverthelesse, my loving kindnesse will I not utterly take away from him, nor suffer my faithfulnesse to fail. Thus you see that both these laws agree, in saying, (doe this) but here is the difference, The one saith, doe this and live, and the other saith, (live and doe this) the one saith, doe this for life; the other saith, do this from life: the one saith, If thou do it not, thou shalt die, the other saith, If thou doe it not, I will chastise thee with the rod; the one is to be delivered by God as hee is a creatour out of Christ, onelyonly to such as are out of Christ; the other is to be delivered by God as▪ he is a Redeemer in Christ, onelyonly to such as are in Christ: Wherefore, Neighbour Neophytus, seeth that you are now in Christ, beware you receive not the ten commandements at the hands of God out of Christ, nor yet at the hands of Moses, but onelyonly at the hands of Christ, and so shall you be sure to receive them as the law of Christ.

p. 155Nom.

But, Sir, may not God out of Christ deliver the ten commandements as the law of Christ.

Evan.

O no! for God out of Christ stands in relation to man according to the tenour of the law as it is the covenant of works, and therefore can speak to man upon no other terms then the terms of that covenant.

Nom.

But, Sir, why may not believers amongst the Gentiles receive the ten commandements as a rule of life, at the hands of Moses, as well as the believers amongst the Jews did.

Evan.

For answere hereunto I pray you consider, that the ten commandements, were the substance of the law of nature, ingraven in the heart of man in innocency;Boultons true bounds, pag. 77 and the expresse Idaea, or representation of Gods own Image; even a beam of his own holinesse: and so they were to have bin a rule of life to him and his posterity (not being then the covenant of works) and then after they were become the covenant of works,Perkius on Gal. 4.5. allea…ged by Docto… Taylor, Regu… vitae. pag. 21Gal 4:5 and broken by the first Adam, and kept by the second Adam, then as they were not the covenant of works; and were made knowne to Adam and the rest of the believing Fathers by Visions and Revelations; they became a rule of life to them untill the time of p. 156Moses, and as they were delivered by Moses, unto the believing Jews from the Arke, and so as from Christ, they were a rule of life to them untill the time of Christs comming in the flesh, and since Christs comming in the flesh they have been, and are to be a rule of life both to believing Jews and believing Gentiles, not as they are delivered by Moses, but as they are delivered by Christ, for when Christ the Son comes & speaks himselfe, then Moses the servāt must keep silence, according as Moses himselfe foretold, (saying) A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, Acts 3.22.Acts 3:22of your brethren like unto me, him shall you heare in all things which he shall say unto you: and therefore when the Disciples seemed to desire to heare Moses and Elias to speak on the Mountain Tabor, they were presently taken away, and a voyce came out of the cloud saying, This is my beloved Soune in whom I am well pleased, Matth. 17.4, 5.Matt 17:4Matt 17:5heare him, as if the Lord had said, you are not now to heare either Moses or Elias, but my well beloved Sonne, and therefore I say unto you, heare him:Col. 3.16, 17.Col 3:16Col 3:17 And is it not said, Heb. 1.1. That in these last dayes God hath spoken to us by his Sonne, And doth not the Apostle say, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, and whatsoever you doe, in word or deed, doe all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, p. 157the wife must bee subject unto the husband as unto CHRIST, Verse 18.the childe must yield obedience to his parents as unto Christ, Verse 20.and the believing servant must doe his Masters businesse as Christs businesse: for saith the Apostle, ye serve the Lord Christ, yea, saith hee to the Galathians, Ephes. 5.6. Gal. 6.2.Eph 5:6Gal 6:2beare yee one anothers burden, and so fulfill the Law of Christ.

Ant.

Sir, I like it very well, that you say Christ should be a Christians teacher, and not Moses, but yet I question whether the ten commandements may be called the Law of Christ, for where can you finde them repeated either by our Sauiour or his Apostles in the whole New Testament.

Evan.

Though we finde not that they are repeated in such a method as they are set down in Exodus and Deuteronomie, yet so long as we finde that Christ and his Apostles did require & command those things that are therein commanded, and reprove and condemne those things that are therein forbidden, and that both by their lives and doctrines, it is sufficient to prove them to be the Law of Christ.

Ant.

I think, indeed, they have done so touching some of the commandements, but not touching all.

Evan.

Because you say so, I intreat you to consider.

p. 1581First, whether the true knowledge of God required, John 3.19. and the want of it condemned 2 Thes. 1.8. and the true love of God required, Matth. 22.37. and the want of it reproved, John 5.42. and the true feare of God required, 1 Pet. 2.17. Heb. 12.28. and the want of it condemned, Rom. 3.18. And the true trusting in God required, and the trusting in the creature forbidden; 2 Cor. 1.9. 1 Tim. 6.17. be not the substance of the first commandement.

2And consider, secondly, whether the hearing and reading of Gods word commended, John 5.47. Revel. 1.3. and prayer required, Rom. 12.12. 1 Thes. 5.17. and singing of Psalmes required, Col. 3.16. James 5.13. and whether Idolatry forbidden, 1 Cor. 10.14, 1 John 5.21. be not the substance of the second commandement.

And consider, thirdly, whether worshipping 3of God in vain, condemned, Matth. 15.9. and using vain repetitions in prayer forbidden, Matth. 6.7. and hearing of the word onelyonly, and not doing forbidden, James 1.22. and whether worshipping God in spirit and truth commanded, John 4.24. and praying with the spirit, and with understanding also, and singing with the spirit, and with understanding also commended, 1 Cor. 14.15. and taking heed what wee heare, commanded, p. 159Mark 4, 24. be not the substance of the third commandement.

Consider, fourthly, whether Christs rising 4…rom the dead the first day of the week, Mar. 6.2.9. the Disciples assembling, and Christs …ppearing unto them two severall first days of …he week, John 20.19, 26. And the Disciples …omming together, and breaking bread, and …reaching afterwards on that day, Acts 20.7. … Cor. 16.2. and Johns being in the spirit on …he Lords day: I say, consider, whether these …hings do not prove that the first day of the weeke is to be kept as the Christians Sab…ath.

Consider, fifthly, whether the Apostles saying, Children obey your parents in the 5Lord, for this is right: Honour thy Father …nd thy Mother, which is the first comman…ement with the promise, Ephes. 6.12. And …ll those other exhortations given by him, …nd the Apostle Peter, both to inferiours and …uperiours to doe their duties either to other, Ephes. 5.22, 25. Ephes. 6.4, 5, 9. Col. 3.18.19, …0, 21, 22, Titus 3.1. 1 Pet. 3.1. 1 Pet. 2.18. … say, consider, whether all these places doe not prove that the duties of the fifth commandement, are required in the new Testament.

Here you see are five of the ten commandements, and as for the other five, the Apostle p. 160reckons them up all together, saying; Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, Rom. 14.9.Rom 14:9thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not beare false witnesse, thou shalt not covet: now judge you whether the ten commandements be not repeated in the new Testamenr, and so consequently whether they be not the law of Christ, and whether a believer be not under the law to Christ, or in the law through Christ, as the Apostles phrase is, 1 Cor. 9.21.

Ant.

But yet, Sir, as I remember both Luther and Calvin doe speake; as though a believer were so quite freed from the law by Christ, as that hee need not make any conscience at all of yielding obedience to it.

Evan.

I know right well that Luther sayth, the conscience hath nothing to doe with the law or works;On Gal. p. 59. and that Calvin sayth, the consciences of the faithfull, when the affiance of their justification before God is to be sought, must rayse and advance themselves above the Law;Institut. p. 403. and forget the whole righteousnes of the Law, and lay aside all thinking upon works. Now for the true understanding of these two worthy servants of Christ, two things are to be concluded: First, that when they speak thus of the law, it is evident they mean only in the case of justification; secondly, that when the conscience hath to doe with the law in the case of p. 161justification it hath to doe with it onelyonly as it is the covenant of works, for as the law is the Law of Christ, it neither justifies nor condemns, and so if you understand it of the Law, as it is the Covenant of works, according to their meaning, then it is most true that they say, for why should a man let the Law come into his conscience, that is, why should a man make any conscience of doing the Law, to be justified thereby, considering it is a thing impossible, nay, what need hath a man to make cōscience of doing the law to be justified thereby, when he knows he is already justified another way, nay, what need hath a man to make conscience of doing that law that is dead to him, and hee to it: hath a woman any need to make any conscience of doing her duty to her husband when hee is dead, nay, when shee her selfe is dead also, or hath a debter any need to make any conscience of paying that debt which is already fully discharged by his surety, will any man be afraid of that obligation which is made void, the seale torne off,Boultons true bounds, pag. 31 the writing defaced, nay, not onelyonly cancelled and crost, but torne in pieces; I remember the Apostle saith, That if the sacrifices which were offered in the Old Testament, Heb. 10.1, 2.Heb 10:1Heb 10:2could have made the commers thereunto perfect, and have purged the worshippers, then should they have had p. 162no more conscience of sins, that is, their conscience would not have accused them of being guilty of sins, now the blond of Christ hath purged the conscience of a believer from all his sins,Chap. 9.14. as they are transgressions against the covenant of works, and therefore what needs his conscience be troubled about that covenant, but now I pray you observe and take notice, that although Luther and Calvin doe thus exempt a believer from the Law in the case of justification, and as it is the law or covenant of works, yet doe they not so out of the case of justification, and as it is the Law of Christ.

For thus saith Luther, out of the matter of justification,On Gal. p. 182. wee ought with Paul, to thinke reverently of the Law, to commend it highly, Rom. 7.12, 14.Rom 7:12Rom 7:14to call it holy, righteous, just, good, spirituall and divine; yea, out of the case of justification we ought to make a God of it: And in another place, saith he, there is a civill righteousnesse and a ceremoniall righteousnesse,On Gal. p. 5. yea, and besides these, there is another righteousnesse, which is the righteousnesse of the Law, or of the ten commrndements, which Moses teacheth, this also we teach after the doctrine of faith. And in a third place, he having shewed that believers through Christ are far above the Law (adds) howbeit,Chos. Sermon, pag. 103. I will not deny but p. 163that Moses sheweth to them their duties, in which respect they are to be admonished and urged, wherefore such doctrines and admonitions, ought to be among Christians, as it is certain there was among the Apostles, whereby every man may be admonished of his estate and office.

And Calvin having said (as I told you before) that Christians in the case of justification, must raise and advance themselves above the law, (adds) neither can any man thereby gather, that the law is superfluous to the faithfull, whom notwithstanding it doth not cease to teach, exhort, and prick forward to goodnesse, although before Gods Judgement seat it hath no place in their conscience.

Ant.

But, Sir, if I forget not, Musculus sayth, that the law is utterly abrogated.

Evan.

Indeed, Musculus speaking of the ten commandements sayth, if they be weak, if they be the letter, if they do worke transgression, anger, curse, and death;Com. Places fol. English, 119, 120. and if Christ by the law of the spirit of life delivered them that believed in him, from the law of the letter which was weake to justifie, and strong to condemne, and from curse being made a curse for us, surely they be abrogated. Now this is most certaine, that p. 164the ten commandements doe no way worke transgression, anger, curse & death; but onelyonly as they are the covenant of works, neither hath Christ delivered believers, any otherwise from them then as they are the covenant of works, and therfore wee may assuredly conclude, that they are no otherwise abrogated then as they are the covenant of works: Neither did Musculus intend any otherwise, for, sayth he, in the words following it must not be understood, that the points of the substance of Moses covenant, are utterly brought to nothing, God forbid, for a Christian man is not at liberty to do those things that are ungodly and wicked, and if the doing of those things which the law forbids do not displease Christ, if they be not much different yea, contrary, if they be not repugnant to the righteousness which we received of him: let it be lawful for a christian man to do them, or else not, but a Christian man doing against those things which be cōmanded in the Decalogue, doth sinne more outragiously, then hee that should so do being under the law, so far off is he from being free from those things that be there commanded: Wherfore friend Antinomista, if eyther you or any man else, shall under a pretence of your being in Christ, exempt yourselves frō being under the law of the ten cōmandements, as they are the law of Christ, p. 165I tel you truly, it is a shrewd signe you are not yet in Christ, for if you were, then Christ were in you, & if Christ were in you then would he governe you, and you would be subject unto him; I am sure, the Prophet Isaiah tels us,Isai. 33.22.Isa 33:22 that the same Lord who is our Saviour, is also our King and Law-giver: & truly he will not be Jesus, a Saviour to any but only to those unto whom he is Christ a Lord; for the very truth is whersoever he is Iesus a Saviour, he is also Christ a Lord: & therfore, I beseech you, examine your self, whether he be so to you or no?

Ant.

Why then, Sir, it seemeth that you stand upon marks and signes?

Evan.

Yea, indeed, I stand so much upon marks and signes, that I say unto you in the words of the Apostle John, 1 Iohn 3.10.1 John 3:10in this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devill: whosoever doth not righteousnesse is not of God; for, sayth Luther, he that is truly baptised, is become a new man, and hath a new nature,Chos. Sermon, pag. 142. and is endued with new dispositions, and loveth, liveth, speaketh and doth far otherwise then he was wont or could do before: For sayth godly Tindall, God worketh with his word,Tindall Parab. wicked Mam. pag. 65.66. and in his word, and bringeth faith into the hearts of his elect, and looseth the heart from sin, and knitteth it to God, and giveth him power to do that which was before impossible for him p. 166to do, and turneth him into a new nature. And therfore, sayth Luther, in another place, here in works are to be extolled and commended in that they are fruits and signes of faith,Chos. Sermon, pag. 197. and therefore he that hath not regard how he leadeth his life, that he may stop the mouthes of all blamers …nd accusers, and cleere himselfe before all, and testifie that he hath, lived, spoken, and done well, is not yet a Christian, how then sayth Tindall, again, dare any man thinke that Gods favour is on him,Parab. wicked Mam. pag. 68. and Gods Spirit within him, when he feeleth not the working of his spirit, nor himselfe disposed to any good thing.

Ant.

But by your favour, Sir, I am perswaded that many a man deceives his own soule by these markes and signes.

Evan.

Indeed, I must confesse, with Master Boulton, Discourse of true happines, pag. 35.and Master Dyke, that in these times of Christianity, a reprobate may make a glorious profession of the Gospell, and performe all duties and exercises of Religion,On the heart, pag. 111. and that in outward appearance, with as great spirit and zeale as a true believer, yea, hee may bee made partaker of some measure of inward illumination, and have a shadow of true regeneration, there being no grace effectually wrought in the faithfull, a resemblance whereof may not be found in the unregenerate, and therefore p. 167I say if any man pitch upon the signe without the thing signified by the signe, that is, if he pitch upon his graces (or gifts rather) and duties, and conclude assurance from them, as they are in him and come from him without having reference to Jesus Christ as the root and fountain of them, then are they deceitfull markes and signes, but if he looke upon them with reference to Jesus Christ, then are they not deceitfull, but true evidences and demonstrations of faith in Christ, and this a man doth when hee looks upon his outward actions, as flowing from the inward actions of his minde, and upon the inward actions of his minde, as flowing from the habits of grace within him, and upon the habits of grace within him, as flowing from his justification, and upon his justification, as flowing from his faith, and upon his faith, as given by, and imbracing Jesus Christ, thus I say, if hee rests not till he come to Christ, his markes and signes are not deceitfull but true.

Ant.

But, Sir, if an unbeliever may have a resemblance of every grace that is wrought in a believer, then it must needs be a hard matter to finde out the difference, and therefore, I conceive, it is best for a man not to trouble himselfe at all about markes and signes.

p. 168Evan.

Give me leave to deale plainly with you, in telling you, that although we cannot say every one that hath a forme of godlinesse hath also the power of godlinesse, yet we may truly say, that he who hath not the forme of godlinesse hath not the power of godlinesse, for though all be not gold that glistereth; yet all gold doth glister: and therefore I tell you truly, if you have no regard to make the Law of Christ your rule, by endeavouring to doe what is required in the ten Commandements, and to avoyd what is there forbidden, it is a very evill signe, and therefore I pray you consider of it.

Ant.

But, Sir, You know the Lord hath promised to write his Law in a believers heart, and to give him his Spirit to leade him into all truth, and therefore he hath no need of the Law written with paper and inke, to be a rule of life to him, neither hath hee any need to endeavour to be obedient thereunto as you say.

Evan.

Indeed, saith Luther, the matter would even so fare as you say, if wee were perfectly and altogether the inward and spirituall men,Christian Liberty, p. 39. which cannot be in any wise before the last day, at the rising again of the dead, so long as we be cloathed with this mortall flesh, we doe but begin and proceed p. 169onwards in our course towards perfection, which will be consummated in the life to come, and for this cause, the Apostle Rom. 8. dorh call this the first fruits of the spirit which we doe enjoy in this life, the truth and fulnesse of which we shall receive in the life to come, and therefore saith hee (in another place) it is necessary so to preach to them,Chos. Sermon, pag. 246. that have received the doctrine of faith that they might be stirred up to go on in good life which they have embraced,Pag. 297. and that they suffer not themselves to be overcome, by the assaults of the raging flesh; for we will not so presume of the doctrine of faith, as if that being had, every man might doe what he listed, no, we must earnestly endeavour our selves that we may be without blame, and when we cannot attain thereunto we must flye to prayer, and say before God and man, forgive us our trespasses: And sayth Calvin, Instit. pag. 162.one proper use and end of the Law concerning the faithfull, in whose hearts liveth and reigneth the Spirit of God. for although, they have the Law written and engraven in their hearts by the finger of God, yet is the Law to them a very good means whereby they may daily better and more assuredly learne what is the will of the Lord, and let none of us exempt himselfe from rhis need, for no man hath hitherto p. 170atteined to so great wisdom, but that he hath need to be daily instructed by the Law, and herein Christ differeth from us, that the Father hath poured out upon him the infinite aboundance of his Spirit;Calvin on Iohn 3.34.John 3:34 but whatsoever we doe receive it is so by measure that wee have need one of another: now minde it I pray you, if believers have the Spirit but in measure, and know but in part, then have they the Law written in theit hearts but in measure and in part, 1 Cor. 13 9.1 Cor 13:9and if they have the law written in their hearts, but in measure and in part, then have they not a perfect rule within them, and if they have not a perfect rule within them, then have they need to have a rule without them, and therefore doubtlesse the strongest believer of us all had need to harken to the aduice of godly Tindall, who saith, seek the Word of God in all things,In his works, pag. 86. and without the Word of God doe nothing: and saith another godly and Evangelicall Writer, my brethren, let us doe our whole endeavour to doe the will of God, as it becommeth good children, and beware that we sin not as neer as we can.

Ant.

Well, Sir, I cannot tell what to say,Benefit of Christs death, pag. 85. but (me thinks) when a man is perfectly justified by faith, it is a very needless thing for him to endevour to keep the law, and to do good works.

p. 171Evan.

I remember Luther sayth, that in his time there were some that did reason after the like manner, if faith say, they do accomplish all things, and if faith be onelyonly and alone sufficient unto righteousnesse,Christian Liberty, p. 39. to what end then are wee commanded to doe good deeds; we may go play us then, and work no working at all: to whom hee makes an answer, saying, (not so ye ungodly not so) And there were others that said, If the law do not justifie, then is it in vaine and of none effect;On Gal. p. 150. yet is it not therefore true (saith he) for like as this consequence is nothing worth, money doth not justifie, or make a man righteous, therefore it is unprofitable: the eyes doe not justifie, therefore they must be plucked out, the hands make not a man righteous, therefore they must be cut off, so is this nought also; the law doth not justifie, therefore it is unprofitable, we do not therefore destroy and condemne the law, because wee say it doth not justifie, but we say with Paul, the law is good, if a man do rightly use it, 1 Tim. 1.8.1 Tim 1:8and that this is a faithfull saying: That they which have believed in God might be carefull to mayntaine good works, Titus 3.8.Titus 3:8these things are good and profitable unto men.

Neo.

Truly, Sir, for mine own part I do much marvell, that this my friend Antinomista, should be so confident of his faith in p. 172Christ, and yet so little regard holinesse of life and keeping of Christs commandements, as it seemes hee doth: for I give the Lord thanks, I doe now in some small measure believe that I am by Christ freely and fully justified, and acquitted from all my sins: and therefore have no need eyther to eschew evill or do good for feare of punishment, or hope of reward, and yet (me thinks) I finde my heart more willing and desirous to doe what the Lord commands, and to avoid what hee forbids then ever it was before I did thus believe, surely, Sir, I doe perceive that faith in Christ is no hinderance to holinesse of life, as I once thought it was.

Evan.

Neighbour Neophytus, if our friend Antinomista, do content himself with a meere Gospell knowledge, in a notionary way, and have run out to fetch in notions from Christ, and yet is not fetcht in by the power of Christ, let us pitty him & pray for him, and in the mean time, I pray you know that true faith in Christ is so far from being a hinderance from holinesse of life and good works, that it is the onelyonly furtherance, for onelyonly by faith in Christ, a man is enabled to exercise all Christian graces a-right, and to performe all Christian duties a-right, which before he could not. As for example, before a p. 173man believe Gods love to him in Christ, though he may have a kind of love to God, as he is his creatour and preserver; and gives him many good things for this present life: yet if God do but open his eyes to see what condition his soul is in; that is, if he do but let him see that relation that is betwixt God and him, according to the tenour of the conant of works, then he conceives of him as an angry Judge, armed with justice against him, and must be pacified by the works of the law, whereunto he finds his nature opposite and contrary; and therefore hee hates both God and his law, and doth secretly wish and desire there were neyther God nor law, and though God should now give unto him never so many temporall blessings, yet could hee not love him: for what malefactour could love that Judge or his law from whom he expects the sentence of condemnation? though he should feast him at his table, with never so many dainties; But after that the kindnesse and love of God his Saviour hath appeared, not by works of righteousnesse that he hath done, Titus 3 4, 5.Titus 3:4Titus 3:5but according to his mercy hee saved him, that is, when as by the eye of faith he sees himselfe to stand in relation to God, according to the tenour of the covenant of grace, then he conceives of God, as a most mercifull and loving Father to him in Christ, p. 174that hath freely pardoned …nd forgiven him all his sins, and quite released him from the covenant of works; and by this means, the love of God is shed abroad in his hart through the Holy Ghost, Rom. 5.5.Rom 5:5which is given to him, and then he loves God, 1 Iohn 4.19.1 John 4:19because he first loved him: for as a man seeth and feeleth by faith the love and favour of God towards him in Christ his Son, so doth he love again both God and his law: and indeed it is impossible for any man to love God,Dyke on Repentance. p. 9. till by faith hee know himself loved of God.

Secondly, though a man before he believe Gods love to him in Christ, may have a great measure of legall humiliation, compunction, sorrow and griefe, and be brought down (as it were) to the very gate of hell, and feele the very flashings of hell fire in his conscience for his sins; yet is it not because hee hath thereby offended God, but rather because he hath thereby offended himself, that is, because hee hath thereby brought himselfe into the danger of eternal death and condemnation: but when once he believes the love of God to him in Christ, in pardoning his iniquity, and passing by his transgression, then he sorrows & grieves for the offence of God by the sin, reasoning thus with himselfe, and is it so indeed, hath the Lord given his own Sonne to death for me, who hath been such p. 175a vile, sinfull wretch, and hath Christ borne all my sins?Dyke of Repentance, p. 21 and was hee wounded for my transgressions? ô then the working of his bowels! the stirring of his affections, the melting and relenting of his repenting heart, then he remembers his own evill ways, Ezek. 36.31.Ezek 36:31and his doings that were not good, and loaths himselfe in his own eyes, Zach. 12.1….Zech 12:1for all his abominations, and looking upon Christ whom he hath pierced, he mournes bitterly for him, as one mourneth for his onelyonly sonne, thus when faith hath bathed a mans heart in the bloud of Christ, it is so mollified that it quickly dissolues into the teares of godly sorrow, so that if Christ doe but turn and look upon him, ô then with Peter, hee goes out and weeps bitterly! and this is true gospel mourning, and this is right evangelicall repenting

Thirdly, Though before a man doe truly believe in Christ, he may so reforme his life and amend his ways, that as touching the righteousnesse which is of the Law, he may be with the Apostle blamelesse, Phil. 3.6.Phil 3:6yet being under the covenant of works, all the obedience that he yields to the Law, all his leaving of sin and performance of duties, all his avoyding of what the law forbids, and all his doing of what the law commands, is begotten by the law of works, p. 176of Hagar the bond-woman, by the force of self-love, and so indeed they are the fruit and works of a bond-servant that is moved and constrained to doe all that he… doth for fear of punishment and hope of reward: For, saith Luther, The Law given on mount Sinai, On Gal. p. 218.which the Arabians call Agar, begeteth none but servants, and so indeed, all that such a man doth is but hypocrisie, for he pretends the serving of God, whereas indeed hee intends the serving of himselfe, and how can hee doe otherwise? for whilst he wants faith he wants all things He is an empty vine, Hosea 10:1.Hos 10:1and therefore must needs, bring forth fruit unto himselfe, till a man bee served himselfe, he will not serve the Lord Christ; nay, whilst he wants faith, he wants the love of Christ, and therefore, he lives not to Christ but to himselfe, because he loved himselfe: And hence surely we may conceive it is that Doctor Preston saith, all that a man doth,Of Love, p. 19 and not out of love is out of hypocrisie, wheresoever love is not, there is nothing but hypocrisie in such a mans heart.

But when a man through the hearing of faith receives the Spirit of Christ,Gal. 3.2.Gal 3:2 that spirit, according to the measure of faith, writes the lively law of love in his heart, (as Tindall sweetly sayth) whereby hee is p. 177inabled to work freely and of his own accord without the coaction or compulsion of the Law, for that love, wherewith Christ, or God in Christ, hath loved him, and which by faith is apprehended of him, will constrain him to doe so according to that of the Apostle, the love of Christ constraineth us, that is,2 Cor. 5.14. Doctor Preston of Love, pag. 29.2 Cor 5:14 it will make him to doe so whether he will or no, hee cannot choose but doe it, I tell you truly, answerably as the love of Christ is shed abroad in the heart of any man, it is such a strong impulsion, that it carries him on to serve and please the Lord in all things, according to the saying of an evangelicall man: The will and affection of a believer, according to the measure of faith,Towns Assertion of Grace, pag. 131. and the spirit received sweetly quickens and bends to choose, affect and delight in what ever was good and acceptable to God or man, the Spirit freely and cheerfully moving and inclining him to keepe the law without feare of hell, or hope of heaven,Pag. 138. for a christian man, saith sweet Tindall, worketh onelyonly because it is the will of his Father, for after that he is overcome with love and kindnesse, he seeks to doe the will of God,Pathway to holy Scripture, pag. 383. which indeed is a christian mans nature, and what he doth, hee doth it freely, after the example of Christ as a naturall sonne, aske him why he doth such a thing, why, p. 178sayth he, It is the will of my Father ▪ and I doe it that I may please him, for indeed love desireth no wages, it is wages enough to it selfe, it hath sweetnesse enough in it selfe, it desires no addition,Doctor Preston of Love, pag. 28. it pays his own vvages, and therefore it is the true childe like, obedience being begoten by faith of Saraah the free-woman, by the force of Gods love, and so it is indeed the onelyonly true, and syncere obedience, for, sayth Doctor Preston, to doe a thing in love, is to doe it in syncerity, and indeed there is no other def…inition of syncerity, that is the best way to know it by.

Evan.

But stay, Sir, I pray you, would you not have believers to eschew evill and doe good for feare of hell, or hope of heaven.

Evan.

No indeed, I would not have any believer to doe either the one or the other, for so far forth as they doe so, their obedience is but slavish, and therefore, though when they were first awaked & convinced of their misery and set foot forward to goe on in the way of life, they with the prodigall would be hired servants yet when by the eye of faith, they see the merciemercy and indulgence of their heavenly Father in Christ running to meete them and embrace them, I would have them with him to talke no more of being hired servants, I would have them so to p. 179wrastle against doubting, and so to exercise their faith, as to believe, that they are by Christ delivered from the hands of all their …nemies, both the Law, sin, wrath, death, …he devill and hell;Luke 1.74, 75·Luke 1:74Luke 1:75 that they may serve the Lord without feare, in holinesse and righte…usnesse all the dayes of their lives, I would …ave them so to believe Gods love to them … Christ; as that thereby they may be con…trained to obedience.

Nom.

But, Sir, you know that our Sa…iour sayth, Feare him that is able to destroy …oth soule and body in hell: Matth. 10.28.Matt 10:28And the Apostle …yth, We shall receive of the Lord, Col. 3.24.Col 3:24the reward … the inheritance, & is it not sayd, that Moses …ad respect unto the recompence of reward.Heb. 11.26.Heb 11:26

Evan.

Surely, the intent of our blessed …aviour in that first Scripture, is to teach all …elievers, that when God commands one …, and man another; they should obey …od, and not man: rather then to exhort …em to eschew evill for feare of Hell. And as for those other Scriptures by you al…aged, if you mean reward, and the means … obtayn that reward in the Scripture sense, … it is another matter, but I had thought, … had meant in our common sense, and not … the Scripture sense.

Nom.

Why, Sir, I pray you what diffe…nce is there, betwixt reward and the means p. 180to obteyn the reward in our common sense, and in the Scripture sence.

Evan.

Why, reward in our common sence, is that which is conceived to come from God, or to be given by God, which is, a fancying of Heaven under carnall notions, beholding it as a place where there is freedome from all misery and fulnesse of all pleasures and happinesse, and to be obteyned by our own works and doings. But reward in the Scripture sence, is not so much, that which comes from God, or is given by God; as that which lyes in God: even the full fruition of God himselfe in Christ.Gen. 15.1.Gen 15:1 I am, sayth God to Abraham, thy shield and thy exceeding great reward: Psal. 73.25.Ps 73:25And whom have I in heaven but thee, sayth David, And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee, Psal. 17.15.Ps 17:15and I shall be satisfied, when I awake with thy likenesse. And the means to obteyne this reward is not by doing, but by believing: even by drawing neere with a true heart in the full assurance of faith, Heb. 10.22.Heb 10:22and so, indeed, it is given freely: And therefore, you are not to conceive of that reward which the Scripture speaks of, as if it were the wages of a servant, but as it is the inheritance of sons, and when the Scripture seemeth to induce believers to obedience, by promising this reward; you are to conceive, that the Lord speaketh to believers, p. 181as a father doth to his young son, doe this or that, and then I will love thee, whereas we know,Tindall Parab. wicked Mam. pag. 89. 1 Iohn 4.19.1 John 4:19 that the father loveth the sonne first, and so doth God; and therefore this is the voice of believers, Wee love him, because he first loved us, the Lord doth pay them, or at least giveth them a sure earnest of their wages before hee bid them work, and therefore the contest of a believer, (according to the measure of his faith) is not what will God give mee, but what shall I give God; What shall I render unto the Lord, Psal. 16.12.Ps 16:12for all his goodnesse, for thy loving kindnesse is before mine eyes, Psal. 26.3.Ps 26:3and I have walked in thy truth.

Nom.

Then, Sir, it seems, that holinesse of life and good workes, are not the cause of eternall happines, but onelyonly the way thether.

Evan.

Doe you not remember that our Lord Jesus himself sayth, I am the way, Iohn 14.6.John 14:6the truth, and the life: And doth not the Apostle say to the believing Colossians, Col. 2.6. Elton on the Text.Col 2:6As ye have received Jesus Christ the Lord, so walk in him, that is: As you have received him by faith, so goe on in your faith, and by his power walk in his Commandements; so that good works (as I conceive) may rather be called a believers walking in the way to eternal happinesse, then the way it self, but however this wee may assuredly conclude; that the p. 182summe and substance both of the way, and walking in the way consist in the receiving of Jesus Christ by faith, and in yielding obedience to his law, according to the measure of that receiving.

Neo.

Sir, I am perswaded, that through my neighbour Nomistas asking you these questions, you have been interrupted in your discourse, in shewing how faith doth enable a man to exercise his christian graces, and performe his christian duties aright: And therefore I pray you go on.

Evan.

What should I say more? for the time would fail me to tell, how that according to the measure of any mans faith, is his true peace of conscience, for sayth the Apostle,Rom. 5.1.Rom 5:1 being justified by faith wee have peace with God: yea, sayth the Prophet Isaiah, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Isai. 26.3.Isa 26:3whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee, here there is a sure and true grounded peace: therfore it is of faith, sayth the Apostle, that it might be by grace, Rom. 4.16.Rom 4:16and that the promise might be sure to all the seed: and answerably to a mans believing, that hee is justified fully by Gods grace through that redemption that is in Jesus Christ, Rom. 3.24.Rom 3:24is his true humility of spirit, so that although he be endued with excellent gifts and graces, and though he performe never so many duties, he p. 183denyes himselfe in all, hee doth not make them as ladders for him to ascend up into Heaven by: But desires to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousnesse which is of the law, Phil. 3.9.Phil 3:9but that which is through the faith of Christ, he doth not think himselfe to be one step neerer to Heaven for all his works and performances; and if hee heare any man prayse him for his gifts and graces, hee will not conceit that he hath obteined the same by his own industry and pains taking, as some men have proudly thought, neyther will hee speak it out as some have done, saying, these gifts and graces have cost mee something, I have taken much pains to obtain them, but he sayth, Not I, but by the grace of God, 1 Cor. 15.10.1 Cor 15:10I am that I am, and not I, but the grace of God that was with me: And if he behold an ignorant man, or a wicked liver, he will not call him carnall wretch, or prophane fellow; nor say, stand by thy selfe, come not neere to mee, Isai. 65.6.Isa 65:6for I am holier then thou (as some have said) but he pitieth such a man, and prays for him, and in his heart he sayth, concerning himself, who maketh thee to differ:1 Cor. 4.7.1 Cor 4:7 And what hast thou, that thou hast not received?

And thus I might goe on and shew you how according to any mans faith is his true joy in God, and his true thankfulnesse to God, and his patience in all troubles and afflictions, p. 184and his contentednesse in any condition, and his willingnesse to suffer, and his cheerfulnesse in suffering, and his contentednesse to part with any earthly thing, yea, according to any mans faith is his ability to pray aright,Rom. 11.14.Rom 11:14 to heare or read the Word of God aright, to receive the Sacrament with profit and comfort, and to do any duty either to God or man after a right manner,Heb. 4.2.Heb 4:2 and to a right end, yea, according to the measure of any mans faith is his love to Christ, and so to man for Christs sake, and so consequently, his readinesse and willingnesse to forgive an injury, yea, to forgive an enemy, and to doe good to them that hate him, and the more faith any man hath, the lesse love he hath to the world, or the things that are in the world, to conclude, the greater any mans faith is, the more fitter he is to die, and the more willing he is to die.

Neo.

Well, Sir, now I doe perceive that faith is a most excellent grace, and happie is that man that hath a great measure of it.

Evan.

The truth is, faith is the chief grace that Christians are to be exhorted to get and exercise, and therefore when the people asked our Lord Christ what they should doe to worke the worke of God, he answered and said, this is the work of p. 185God, That ye believe on him, Iohn 6.29.John 6:29whom he hath sent speaking, as if there were no other duty at all required but onelyonly believing, for indeed, to say as the thing is, believing includeth all other duties in it, and they spring all from it, and therefore, sayth one, Preach Faith, and preach all: Whilst I bid man believe sayth learned Rollock, I bid him doe all good things: for, sayth Doctor Preston, Rollock on Iohn.truth of belief will bring forth truth of holinesse: if a man believe, works of sanctification will follow, for faith draws after it, inherent righteousnesse and sanctification, wherefore (sayth he) if a man will goe about this great worke to change his life to get victory over any sin▪ that it may not have dominion over him,I cannot certainly direct you in what page to finde al this, because the severall Impressions do alter the pages, but in that Booke where I had it, is in p. 330.340, 344, 346. to have his conscience purged from dead works, and to bee made partaker of the divine nature, let him not goe about it as a morall man, that is, let him not consider what Commandements there are, what the rectitude is which the Law requires, and how to bring his heart to it, but let him goe about it as a Christian, that is, let him believe the promise of pardon in the bloud of Christ, and the very believing the promise, will be able to cleanse his heart from dead works.