The Believer's Principles Concerning the Law and Gospel

PARTICULARLY,

1. The Mystery

2. The Diflerende

3. The Harmony

4. The Place and Station

ofLirv and GosxieL

SECT. I*

The Mystery of Law and Gospel

npHOUGH law commands and gospel-Agree in mutual joint embraced Yet law and gospel in a shoe!; Can never draw an equal yoke b.

The law of works, the law of grace,
Can’t stand together in one place;
The brighter scene destroys the dark,
As Dagon fell before the arkc.

a Rom. iii. 31. Do we then make void the law through faith: God fc rbid: yea we establish the law. Ga!. iii. 2;. Is the law then against t - promises of God? God forbid: for if then- hid been a lav,-.. could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the I

h Psalm exxx. 3,4. If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities; () who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee; that thou may feared. Ver. 7, S. Let 1-rael hope in th.: Lord, for with the I mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall red. m from all his iniquities. And cxliii. 2. O Lord, enter n t into jud with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man living be Cause me to hear thy living kindm s in the morning, f< r in tl I

Cause me to know the way wherein 1 should w?lk, for 1 lift up my s <ul unto thee.

L Rom.vi. 14, 15. Sin shall not have domini h t

under the law, hut under grace. What then r Shall we sin, b< not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Chap. vii. 4,5, (a

They harmonize like marry’d pairs d,

Yet are at odds, and keep not square?*::

As mercy stands from merit far,

The letter and the spirit jar f.

The law does gospel-comforts harm;

The gospel breaks the legal arm*;

Yet both exalt each other’s horn,

And garlands bring their heads t’adorn*.

I through the law am dead to it,

To legal works and self-conceit j;

Yet lo! through gospel-grace I live,

And to the law due honour givek.

“Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law hv the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto Cod. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sin which were by the law, rid work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 2 Cor. iii. 7- — 10. But it” the ministration of death written and engraven in stones was glorious, mp that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which glory was to be done away; how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? ‘For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration or* righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious, had 110 glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelled.

u Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

e Rom xi. 6. And if [election be] by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more p;race: otherwise work is no more work.

f 2 Cor. iii. 6. The kttcr killoth, but the spirit givcth life.

g Heb. ii. 115. — And deliver them Who through fear of death were all their life-lime subject to bondage. Phil. iii. 7, 8l, 9. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and 1 count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ testis my Lord. For whom 1 have sn tiered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine mvn righteousn< as, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, 1’ rteas which is of God by faith.

h Gal. ii. to,. For 1 through the law am dead to the law, that 1 might live unto God.

1 Rom vii. 6. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held: that v I rt in newness of spirit) and not

in the ‘bMness of th< 1 ti r. Ver, o. Foj I va alive without the law once, tyut when the commandment C3iue; .in revived, and 1 died.

E B E L I L V EJc*S Pfc I N C I P L LS.

Th( eat room for boasting mak<

But grace my pride and boosting breaks; Yn all ray boasts the law does kill1*, And grace makes room to boast my fill”. The gospel makes me keep the lawe, Yet from its painful service draw p; It does all law-demands fulfil r, Yet makes them wholly void and null 9. The gospel gives me no command, Yet by obeying it I stand u, To strict obedience though it callw, Does bind to none but promise ail x.

k Rom- vii. 4. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ: that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. And x. 4. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that beiieveth.

1 Rom. iii. 27. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law of works? Nay; but by the law of faith.

m Rom. iii. 19. Now we know that what things soever the lawsaith,It saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and a the world may become guilty before God.

1 Cor. i. 29, 30, 31. That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctincation, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

u Titus ii. 11, 12. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men; teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust-, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

p Gal. v. 1. Standfast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us five, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

r Rom. viii. 3, 4. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did* sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. vi. 14. Sin shall not have dominion over you; for yc are not under the law, but under grace. Gal. iv. 4, 5. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that v. ere under the law.

: Gal. iii. i. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the Heathen through faith, preened before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In til i. all nations be blessed.

1 i eth and is baptised, shall be saved.

>. i. 7, 3« The Loi led from heaven, with

his might; on them that know

.!, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The law does strict commandment giv*,
That I the gospel-news believe >;
But yet it teaches no such thing,
Nor e’er coukl gospel tidings bring *.

When I the gospel truth believe,
Obedience to the law I give*,
And when I don’t the law* observe,
1 from the gospel-method swerve b*

Yet, if I do- the lawf obey,
I am not in the gospel-way?
Which does to new obedience draw d,
Yet is the gospel no new lawe.

x John iii. 1 7. God sent not his Son Into the world to condemn the world * but that the world through him might he saved. And xii. 47. And if any man hear my word-/ and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge ike world, but to save the world. Heb viii. 10, 11, 12. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house ot Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to -them a God, and they shall be to me a people. And they sn all not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their s;ns and their iniquities will I remember no more.

-’ Jonn iii. 13. He that believeth on him, is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

z Rom. x. 5., For Moses descfibeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doech those things, shall live by them. And iii. I ). Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

a John iii. 18. He that believeth on him, is not condemned.

* Viz. A .? it is a ride.

b Titus ii. n, 12. See letter % forqeited.

f Viz As it is a covenant.

c Gal. v. 3, 4. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that He is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ 18 became of no effect unto you, who oc er of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace.

( Rom. wi. 25, 26.^-The mystery which was kept secret since the world began — now ip made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all natl n. for the obedienceol faith

‘Gal. iii. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid -”- For if i here had be< n a law givne which could have given life, verily ri pusness should have been by the law.

the believer’s pkixciples. 247

- preqeptsto the law belongs

Yet in the gospel Held are throng f.

irs’d ev’ry gospel-slighter is8,
1 et all its ollice is to bless h,

If from the law has power to kill
Yet savin; tfo - its pow’r fulfil*:
No savour but of life it hath J,
5Tet most the savour is of death “V

Weakness perfection doth exclude, Trie law is perfect, just, and good n:

f Matt. v. 17, 48. Think, not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Tilt heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled, Sec, Psalm cxix. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection; but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

fe Heb. x. 26 — 29 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law, died without mercy, under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Chap, xii. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speakcth -• for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh fr pm heaven.

Rom. xv. 29. And I am sure that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Acts iii. 26. Unto you first, God having raided up his Son Jesus, sent him to bles you, in turning very one of you from his iniquities.

1 John iii. 13. — He that belieleth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Mark xvi. 16. He that believeth not, shall be damned. Heb. ii. 3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?

k Eph. i. 13. In Christ ye also trusted after that ye heard the word ot truth, the gospel of your salvation. 1 Tim. i. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom 1 am chief.

‘Phil. ii. 16. Holding forth the woid of life, Sec, 2 Tim. i. 1. Paul, an of Jesu Christ, by the will of God according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Je-us. Ver. 10. Our Saviour Jesus Christ hath abolished 4eath, and bath brought life and immortality to light through the g<

1,1 2 Cor. ii. 16. To the one we arc the &a •. unto death, &c.

;!m exix. 96. Ih.tle Been an end of all perfection; but thy comding broad. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy.

tp A

Yet can it nothing perfect make, But all the comers to it break0. Strength to the gospel does belong, Mighty through God it is, and strong p: It to the law does strength emit, Vet ’tis the law gives strength to it.

The gospel gives the law, I see,
Sufficient strength to justify r;
Yet may I say, in truth it is
The law that gives the gospel this5;

For as the law no sinner clears,
But who the gospel garment wears;
So none are justify’d by grace,
Unless the law-demand have placed

and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Heb. vii« 19. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did j by the which We draw nigh unto God,

v; Heb. vii. 19. See letter n. Chap. i. 1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect.

P Rom. i. 1 6. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvatiun, to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 2 Cor, x. 4, 5. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imagination.-;, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obed;* ence of Christ.

1 Rom. viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Ver. 3, 4. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

s Rom. iii. 31. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Chap. x. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

t Rom. iii. 19-^22. Now we know that what things soever the law saith,

it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may he stopped,

uilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of

1. there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is thc

: sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is*

manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets j even the rgh-

. hich is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all

them that believe j for there is no difference. Chan. V. 19. By the

Again the law, which yet seems worse,
Sives gospel news condemning force u;
el they are news that never can,
Nor never will condemn a man w.
Dread threatnings to the law pertain x.
Not to the gospel’s golden chain Y:
Yet all law-threats and Sinai’s ire
To gospel-grace arq walls of lire2.
The righteous law assoiieth none
Of Adam’s guilty race, save one2;
Av ho being guilty, for this cause
By God’s just law condemned wasb.
Yet free of guilt it did him see;
Hence fully clear’d, and set him freec.

obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Ver. 2 r Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jepus Christ our Lord.

11 John iii, 18. He that believeth on him, is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned ..iuse he hath not believed in the

name of the only begotten Son of God.

Lukeii. 10, 11. And the angel said unto them [the shepherdsj, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of greatjoy, which shall be to all peor unto you is born this dav in the city ofDalid, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. John iii. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be - Chap. xii. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him n’>:: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

* Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse: for it is written, Cur-ed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

J Acts xiii. 26. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this sal seat.

1 Mark xvi. 16. He that believeth not shall be damned. Heb. ii. 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation. Chap. x. 26 — 29. See letter forecited.

a Rom. v. 19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners: so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteousness. J ha xvii. 4. I have glorihed thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gave*t me to do.

b lsa. liii. 6. The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Gal. iii. 1 ;. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse or the law, being m.%c a curse for us s for it is written, Cursed is elery one that hangeth on a tree; b. vii. 26. For such an high-priest became us, who is holy, ham irate from sinners, and made higher than the heaven-. •%.^4. Seventy weeks aic *.kv. rmmed upon thy y.’v)r>.e, and up

r 6

Yet had not guilt his soul involved,
By law he could not been absolv’dd.

But he withal condemn’d and spoil’d
The law of works which him a.^soifdfr
And now the law is (in these views)
The marrow of the gospel rpewsg.

The law can justify no man
That is a sinner h, yet it can
Thus favour sinful men, and free
The chief of sinners, guilty mei.

fcity, ttr-feush the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to ?eal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy, i Tim. 16. And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the fle.-h, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Rom. ii. 13. For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. I-a. 1. 8. He is near that justifieth me,, who will contend with me? Let us stand together: who is mine adversary r Let him come r< to me.

v! 2 Cor. v. 21. God hath made Christ to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 1 Pet. iii. 18» Christ hath once suffered for .sins, the just for the unjust (that he might bring us to Goo), being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

1 Col. ii. 14, 15, Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross-: and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the

; Pom. x. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, to every

one that believeth. Isa. xlv. 24. Surely, shall one say, In the Lord have I

righteousness and strength, jer. xxiii. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved,

and I^r.ul shall dwell safelv: and this is his name whereby he shall be

d, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS,

‘• Rom. iii. 19. 20. Now we know that what things soever the law saith,

1 to them who art under the law; th it every mouth may be M

and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds

of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the

pi sin.

1 ‘/’/.”- lute pflVorks as fulfilled by Christ, can and does po, Rom. viii. 3.

...it the law could not do, in that it was weak through the tle-h, God

m nding his own Son, in the lifcenesse of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned

sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who

walk not after t lie jtfeshj bit alter the Spirit, Vcr. 33, 34. Who shall lay

Ko man also sewetri a piceof new clotnpn an old grarment: else the new piece that filled L1 up.tak?»th Hway tromtlie oWt .arid l ii oiade worse

The gospel tooacquitteth none
That have not put perfection on k.
Aii’i yet it cleuieth none (i grant)
But those who all perfection want1.
Those that with gospel-clearance meet,
Must by the law be found complete“1;
Yet never could (again I grant)
The gospel justify a saint”.

All perfect persons it controls0,
And justifies ungodly souls p;

any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justiheth; who is he that condemncth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is elen at the right hand of God,” who also maketh intercession for us. k Rom. iii 21, 22. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference.

* Rom. iv. 5. To him that worketh not, hut believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

n- 1 Cor. i- 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctificatioh, and redemption. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of ail principality :uu.

0 M’tr. !:•:. 13. lam c ime not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Rom. iii. 10. There is none righteous, no not one. Chap. ix. 50, 31, 32. What -hall we say then? That the Gentile-, which followed not attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: but Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath to the law of rigHteou nes«. Wherefore, because they

sought: py the works of the law. Chap. x. 3.

Israel being ignorant of ( 5, and going about to establish

their own righteousness, lyvc not submitted themselves unto the righteous- 1 Tim. i. k. This is a faithful .saying, and worthy of all hlist Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom 1

t. xm. 31. Jesus saith unto them (“the Pharisees], Verily I say I ublrcans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God ’ b you, Luke xviir. 9 — 14. And Jesus spake this parable unto certain

es that they Were righteous, and despised others a I: up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee and the other %

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I - (hank thee that I am n”t as other men are, extortioners unjust, adul-U •: his publican. I fvt twice in the week, i giveiitbes

f all t And the publican Standing afar olf, would not lift

«p so much as his eyes onto heaven, but smcte ujpon his breast, saying, €*d b~ merciful to me a MUACr. I tell you this man went down to lus-Yet still no man its grace partakes, But whom it truly godly makes r.

The law withstands the gospel path*,
Which yet its approbation hath*;
The gospel thwarts the legal way”,
Yet will approve the law for ayx.

no use justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that hnmbleth himself shall be exalted. Ver» 21, 22. And he fthe ruler] said, All these things have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing; Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shah have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.

p Rom.iv. 5, 6. To him that workcth not, but believeth on him that Justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without wrks.

r Titus ii. 11 — 14. The grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men; teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works- Chap. iii. 4, 5. After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteoumess, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Ver. 8. This is a faithful saying, and these things 1 will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works: these things are gcod and profitable unto men.

3 1 Cor. xv. ^6. The strength of sin is the law. Rom. vi. 14. Sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Chap. x. 3. Israel being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

: Isa.xliii. 21. The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness sake, he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. Matt. iii. 17. And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pl< as. d.

u Rom. ix. 31, 32,33. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath n< t attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? B< cau-e they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; as it is written, Behold, 1 lay in Zion a stumbling stone, and rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

x Rom.vii.7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid,

Nay. 1 had not known Bin but by the law: for 1 had known lust, except

said, Th.»li shalt not covet. Ver. 10. And the commandment

ordained to life, 1 found to be unto death. Ver. 12. Whudoic

i he l.iw is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

THE HELIEV Eli’s PRINCIPLED. tSi

Hence though the gospel’s comely frame
Doth openly the law condemn y:
Yet they are blind, who never saw
Tbe gospel justify the law’.

Thus gospel-grace and law-commands,
Both bind and loose each other’s hands:
They can’t agree on any terms3.
Yet hug each other in their arnisb.

Those that divide them cannot he
The friends of truth and verity c;

y Rom. v.; — 9. For Moses describeth the righteousness which Is of the law, that the man which doth those things, shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of raith speaker h on this wise: Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above): or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, elen in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is the word of faith which we preach, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shait believe in thine heart, that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved.

z Rom. iii. 31. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

a Gal. iv. 21 — *zb. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ve not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons; the one by a bond-maid, the ether by a free -woman- But he who was of the bond- 1 was born after the flesh: but he of the free-woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory; for those are the two covenants; the one from the m unt Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this lgar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which n w is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

b Psalm lxx ix. ro. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

;c. li:i. 23. Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye pay tithe of mint, and annise, and cummin, and have omitted the tier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ve to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Rom. ii. 23. Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? cr. 25, 26. For circumcision verily prohtcth, if thou keep the h w; but it thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore, it the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of th shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? Matt. xix. 6. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Chap. iii. iy And Jesus answering, said unto him [ John], Surfer it to be so no* thui it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. .. 17. Think not that 1 am come 10 destroy the law and the prophets t

Yet those that dare confound the two,
Destroy them both, and gender woed.
This paradox none can decipher,
That plow not with the gospel-heifer.

SECT. II.

The Difference betwixt the Law and the Gospel. -

The law, supposing I have all,
Does ever foi perfection call:

The gospel suits my total want,
And all the law can seek does grant..

The law could promise life to me,
If my obedience perfect be:
But grace does promise life upon
My Lord’s obedience alone.

I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Ver. i 9, 2Q.Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be* called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your rrghteousn ess shall exceed the righteousnessof the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven, r John v. 6. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood: and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

e Ga. i. 6, 7,8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him’that called you into the grace of Christ, untoanother gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble youj and would pervert the-gospel of Christ. But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, tha.r that which we hjvc preached unto you, let him be accursed. Zeph. i. 4. I will cut off — Ver. 5, — them that worship, and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham. Acis xv. 7. And when there had bren much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. Ver. ic, 1 1. Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be ntved even as they. Gal. v. I. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and he not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Ver. 4. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of yon, arc” justified by the law; yc are fallen from grace.

The law says, Do, ami life you’ll win: But grace says, Live, for all is done; The former cannot ease my grief, The latter yields me full relief.

By law convinced of sinful breach,
l)V gospel-grace I comfort reach:
The one my condemnation bears,
The other justifies and clears.

The law shews my arrears are greats
The gospel freely pays my debt:
The first dots me the bankrupt curse,
The last does bless, and fill my purse*
The law will not abate a mite,
The gospel all the sum will quite:
There God in threat’nings is array’d,
But here in promises displayed.

The law and gospel (disagree,
Like Hagar, Sarah, bond and free:
The former’s Hagar’s servitude,
The latter Sarah’s happy brood.

To Sinai black, and Zion fair,
The word does law and grace compare..
Their cursing and their blessing vie
With Ebal and Gerizzim high.

The law excludes not boasting vain,
But rather feeds it to my bane:

But gospel-grace allows no boasts,
Save in the King the Lord of hosts.

The law still irritates my sin,
And hardens my proud heart therein:
But grace’s melting pow’r renews,
And my corruption strong subdues.

The law with thunder, Sinai-like,
Does always dread and tenor speak:
The gospel make- a joyful noise,
And charms me with a still, small voice*

The legal trumpet war proclaims,
In wrathful threats, and lire, and flames:
The gospel-pipe a peaceful sound,
Which spreads a kindly breath around.
The law is weak through sinful flesh,
The gospel brings recruits afresh:
The first a killing letter wears,
The last a quick’ning spirit bears.

The law that seeks perfection’s height, Yet gives no strength, nor offers might: But precious gospel-tidings glad, Declare where all is to be had.

From me alone the law does crave,
What grace aiiinns in Christ I have:
When therefore law-pursuits inthral,
I send the law to grace for all.

The law brings terror to molest,
The gospel gives the weary rest:
The one does Hags of death display,
The other shews the living way.

The law by xMoses was expresf,
The glorious Gospel came by Christ:
The first dim nature’s light may trace,
The last is only known by grace.

The law may rouse me from my sloth,
To faith and to repentance both:
And though the law commandeth each,
Yet neither of them can it teach;

Nor will accept for current coin
The duties which it does mjoin;
It seeks all, but accepts no less
Than constant, perfect righteousness.

The gospel, on the other hand,
Although it issue no command,
But, strictly viewM, does whole consist
h promises and oilers blest;

Yet does it many duties teach,
Which legal light could nevei reach:
Thu8 faith, repentance, and the like,
Are fire that gospel-engines strike.

They have acceptance here, through grace, The law affords them no such place: Yet still they come through both their hands, Through gospel teaching, law commands.

The law’s a house of bondage sore,
The gospel opts the prison door:
The first me hamper’d in its net,
The last at freedom kindly set.

The precept craves, Ihe gospel gives;
“While that me presses this relieves;
And or affords the strength I lack,
Or takes the burden oil’ my back.

The law requires on pain of death; The gospel courts with loving breath: While that conveys a deadly wound, This makes me perfect, whole, and sound*

There viewing how diseas’d I am,
I here perceive the healing balm:
Afflicted there with sense of need,
But here refreshed with meet remede.

The law’s a charge for what I owe;
The gospel my discharge to show:
The one a scene of fears doth ope;
The other is the door of hope.

ln angry God the law reveal’d;
The gospel shews him reconcile:

By that 1 know lie was displeas’d;
By this I see his wrath appeasM.
The law thus shews the divine ire,
And nothing but consuming fire:
The gospel brings the olive-branch,
A ‘id blood the burning lire to quench..

The law still shows a fiery face;
The gospel shows a throne of grace:
There justice rides alone in state;
But here she takes the mercy- seat*

In Sinn:

Lo! in the law Jehovah dwells,

But Jesus is concealM!
Whereas the gospel’s nothing else

But Jesus Christ revcafd.

SECT. III.

The Harmony betwixt the Law and the Gospefc

The law’s a tutor much in vogue,
To gospel-grace a pedagogue;
The gospel to the law no less
Than its full end for righteousness.

When once the fiery law of God
Has chas’d me to the gospel road;
Then back unto the holy law
Most kindly gospel grace will draw.

When by the law to grace I’m schooled;
Grace by the law will have me rui’d:
Hence, if I don’t the law obey,
I cannot keep the gospel-way.

When I the gospel news believe,
Obedience to the law I give:
And that both in his fed’ral dress,.
And as a rule of holiness.

Lo! in my Head I render all
Tor which the iiery law can call:
His blood unto its tire was fuel,
His Spirit shapes me to its rule*
the belieyl:k% frinciim 239

When law and gospel kindly meet,
To serve each Other both unite:
Sweet promises, and stem commands,
Do work to one another’s bands.
The divine law demands no less
Than human perfect righteousness:
The gospel gives it this and more,
Ev’n divine righteousness in store,
Whate’er the righteous law require,
The gospel grants its whole desire.
Are law-commands exceeding broad?
So is the righteousness of God.

How great soe’er the legal charge,
The gospel-payment’s equal large:
No less by man the Law can bray,
When grace provides a God to pay.

The law makes gospel-banquets sweety
The gospel makes the law complete:
Law-suits to grace’s storehouse draw;
Grace decks and magnifies the law.

Both law7 and gospel close combine,
To make each other’s lustre shine;
The gospel all law-breakers shames;
The law all gospel-slighters- damns.

The law is holy, just, and good;
All this the gospel seals with blood,
And clears the royal laws just dues
“With dearly purchas’d revenues.

The law commands me to believe;
The gospel saving faith does give:
The law injoins me to repent;
The gospel gives my tears a vent.

What in the gospel mint is eoin’d,
Hie same is in the law injoin’d:
Whatever gospeUtidings teach,
The law’s authority doth reach,.

Here join the law and gospel hands,
What this me teaches, that commandsy
“What virtuous forms the gospel please,
The same the law doth authorise.

And thus the law-commandment seals
Whatever gospel-grace reveals:
The gospel also for my good
Seals all the law-demands with blood.

The law most perfect still remains,
And ev’ry duty full contains:
The gospel its perfection speaks,
And therefore gives whate’er it seeks.

Next, what by law I’m bound unto,
The same the gospel makes me do:
What preceptively that can crave:
This effectively can ingrave.

All that by precepts Heav’n expects,
Free grace by promises effects:
To what the law by fear may move,
To that the gospel leads by love.

To run to work, the law commands;
The gospel gives me feet and hands:
The one requires that I obey;
The other does the pow’r convey.

What in the law has duty’s place,
The gospel changes to a grace:
Hence legal duties therein nam’d,
Are herein gospel graces fam’d.

The precept checks me when I stray;
The promise holds me in the way:
That shews my folly when I roam;
And this most kindly brings me home.

Law-threats and precepts both I see,
With gospel promises agree;
They to the gospel are a fence,
Ami it to them a maintenance.

the believer’s piiincipll*. 2ol

The law will justify all those
Who with the gospel-ransom close;
The gospel too approves for ay
All those that do the haw obey.

The righteous law condemns each man
That dare reject the gospel plan;
The holy gospel none will save,
On whom it won’t the law ingrave.

Hien Christ the tree of life I climb,
1 see both law and grace in him:
In him the law its end does gain;
In him the promise is Amen,

The law makes grace’s pasture sweet,
Grace makes the law my sav’ry meat;

a, sweeter than the honey-comb,
When grace and mercy brings it home.

The precepts of the law me show
What fruits of gratitude I owe;
But gospel-grace begets the brood,
And moves me to the gratitude.

Law-terrors pain the putrid sore;
And gospel grace applies the cure:
The one plows up the fallow-ground;
The other sows the seed around,

A rigid master was the law,
Demanding brick, denying straw;
But when with gospel-tongue it sings,
It bids me fly, and gives mc wings.

In Sum:

Both law and gospel close unite,

Are seen with more solace,
Where truth and mercy kindly meet,

In fair Immanuers face.

SECT. IV. The proper Place and Station of the Law and tht GpspeL

Note, That in the four following Paragraph?, as well as in the three preceding Sections, by La w, is mostly understood the Doctrine of the Covenant of Works j and by Gospel, the Doctrine of the Covenant oe Grace.

Paragraph I. The Place and Station of Law and Gospel in general.

When we the sacred record view,
Or divine Testaments old and new;
The matter in most pages fix’d,
Is law and gospel intermixed,

Yet few, ev’n in a learned age,
Can so resoive the sacred page,
As to discern with equal eye,
Where law, where gospel sever’ d lie.

One divine text with double clause
May speak the gospel’s voice and law’s*:
Hence men to blend them both are apt,
Should in one sentence both be wrapt.

But that we may the truth pursue, And give both law and grace their due,

* Ex. gr. Lev. xx. 7, 8. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be yc holy! for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them; I am the Lord which sanctify you. 1 John iv. 7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. Rom. v. 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Chap. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Mark xvi. 1 q, 16. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to <;ery creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. John iii. 18. He that believeth on him, is not condemned: but he that believeth not, is condemned already, he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Sou ot God; &c.

Anil God the glory there displayed;
The ioU’wing rules will give us aid;

Where’er in sacred writ we see

A word of grace or promise free,
With blessings dropt for Jesus’ sake;
We these for gospel-news may take.

But where a precept strict we find
With promise to our doing join’d,
Or threatening with a wrathful frown;
This as the law we justly own.

Paragraph IT.

The Place and Station of Law and Gospel in particular* Where the Difference is noted betwixt the Gospel largely viewed in its Dispensation, and strictti, in its<lj: betwixt the Gospel, and Faith receiving it,

Wouldst thou distinctly know the sound Of law7 and grace, then don’t confound The dispensation with the grace: For these two have a distinct place.

The gospel thus dispensed we see,
Believe, and thou shall saved be;
If not, thou shalt be damn’d to hell,
And in eternal torments dwell.

Here precepts in it are dispensed,
With threat’nings of damnation fene’d;
The legal sanction here takes place,
That none may dare abuse free grace.
Yet nor does that command of faith,
Nor this tremendous threat of wrath,
Belong to gospel, strictly so;
But to its dispensation do.

The method of dispensing here
Does law and gospel jointly bear;

Because the law’s subservient

Unto the gospel’s blessVl intent.

Precepts and threat’nings both make way.

The gospel blessings to convey;

Which differs much (though thus dispensed)

From laws and threats whereby tis fenc’d.

Believe, and thou shalt saved be,

Is gospel, but improperly;

Yet safely men may call it thus,

Because ’tis so dispensed to us.

But sure, the gospel-news we sing,
Must be some other glorious thing,
Than precepts to believe the same,
Whatever way we blend their name.

The gospel-treasure’s something more
Than means that do apply the store:
Believing is the method pav’d,
The gospel is the thing believ’d.

The precious thing is tidings sweet
Of Christ a Saviour most complete,
To save from sin, and death, and wrath;
Which tidings tend to gender faith.

Faith comes by hearing God’s record
Concerning Jesus Christ the Lord;
And is the method Heav’n has blest
For bringing to the gospel-rest.

The joyful sound is news of grace,
And life to Adam’s guilty race,
Through Jesus’ righteousness divine,
Which bright from faith to faith does shine.

The promise of immortal bliss
Is made to this full righteousness:
By this our right to life is bought;
I aith begs the right, but buys it not.

True faith receives (he offer’ d good, And promise st-al’d with precious blood: It gives no title to the bliss, J3ut takes th’ mtitling righteousness.

This object great of saving faith, And tins alone the promise hath; Tor ’tis not made to faith’s poor act, But is the prize that faith does take;

And only as it takes the same,

It bears a great and iamous name;

For self, and all its grandeur, down

It throws, that Chript may wear the crown.

But if new laws and threats were all

That gospel properly we call,

Then were the precept 10 believe,

No better news than do and live.

If then we won’t distinguish here,
We cloud, but don’t the gospel clear;
We blend it with the fie.iy law,
And all into confusion draw.

The law of works we introduce,
- if old merit were in use,
When man could iife by doing won,
Evfn though the work by grace were done.

Old Adam in his innocence
Deriv’d his power of doing hence:
As all he could was wholly due;
So all the working strength he knew,

Was only from the grace of God,
Who with such favour did him load:
Yet was the promise to his act,
That he might merit by compact.

No merit but of paction could

Of men or angels e’er be told;

The God-man only was so high

To merit by condignity.

Were life now promis’d to our act,

Or to our works by paction tack d;

Though God should his assistance gran

‘Tis still a doing covenant.

Though Heav’n its helping grace should yidcj, Yet merit’s still upon the, field; We cast the name, yet still ’tis fourrd Disclaim’d but with a verbal sound.

If one should borrow tools from you,
That he some famous work might do;
When once his work is well prepar’d,
He sure deserves his due reward;

Yea, justly may he claim his due,
Although he borrowed tools from you:
Ev’n thus the borrow’d strength of grace
Can’t hinder merit to take place.

From whence soe’er we borrow pow’rs,
If life depend on works of ours;
Or if we make the gospel thus
In any sort depend on us;

We give the law the gospel-place,
Rewards of debt the room of grace;
We mix Heav’iis treasures with our trash,
And magnify corrupted flesh.

The new and gospel covenant
No promise to our works will grant;
But to the doing of our Head,
And in him to each gospel-deed.

To godliness, which is great gain,
Promise is said to appertain:
But know, lest you the gospel mar,
;In whom it is we godly are.

To him and to his righteousness
Still primarily the promise is;
And not ev’n to the gracious deed,
Save in and tli rough the glorious Head*

Pray let us here observe the odds
How law and grace take counter roads
The law of works no promise spake
Uato the agent, but the act.

It primarily no promise made
Unto the person, but the deed:
Whatever the doing person shar’d,
‘Twas for his deed he had reward.

The law of grace overturns the scale,
And makes the quite reverse prevail:
Its promise lights not on the deed,
But on the doing person’s head;

Not for his doing, but for this,
Because in Christ his person is;
Which union to the living Prince,
His living works and deeds evince.

Good fruits have promise in this view,
As union to the Branch they shew;
To whom the promises pertain,
In him all Yea, and all Amen.

Observe, pray; for if here we err,
And do not Christ alone prefer,
But think the promise partly stands
On our obeying new commands;

Th* old cov’nant-place to works we givef
Or mingle grace with do and live;
We overcloud the gospel-charms,
And also break our working arms.

More honour to the law profess,
But giving more, we give it less.
Its heavy yoke in vain we draw,
By turning gospel into law.

We rob grace of its joyful sound,
And bury Christ in Moses’ ground:
At best we run a legal race
Upon the field of gospel-grace.

Q c
f88 GOSPEL SONNETS,

Paragraph III.

The Gospel no new Law, but a joyful Sound of Qraot and Mercy.

LAw-precepts in a gospel-mould,
We may as gospel-doctrine hold;
But gospel-calls in legal dress,
The joyful sound of grace suppress.
Faith and repentance may be taught,
And yet no gospel-tidings brought.;
If as mere duties these we press,
And not as parts of promis’d bliss.

If only precepts we present,
Though urg’d with strongest argument,
We leave the wak’ned sinner’s hope
In darkness of despair to grope.

The man whom legal precepts chase,
As yet estranged to sov’reign grace,
Mistaking evangelic charms,
As if they stood on legal terms,

Looks to himself, though dead in sin, For grounds of faith and hope within; Hence fears and fetters grow and swell, Since nought’s within but sin and hell,

But faith, that looks to promis’d grace, Clean out of self the soul will chase, To Christ for righteousness and strength, And finds the joyful rest at length.

Proud flesh and blood will startle here, And hardly such report can bear, That Heav’n all saving store will give To them that work not, but believe.

Yet not of works, but ’tis the race
Qf faith, that it may be of grace:

For faith Hoes nothing but agree
To welcome this salvation free*

“Come down, Zaecheus, quickly come,
44 Salvation’s brought unto thy home:
11 In vain thou climb’s t the legal tree;
M Salvation freely comes to thee.

“Thou dream’st of coming up to terms,
” Come down into my saving arms;
“Down, down, and get a pardon free,
” On terms already wrought by me.

“Behold the blessings of my blood,
“Bought for thy everlasting good,
11 And freely all to be convey’cl
” Upon the price already paid.

“I know thou hast no good, and see

u I cannot stand on terms with thee,

u Whose fall has left thee nought to claim,

“Nor aught to boast but sin and shame.”

The law of heavy hard commands
Confirms the wak’ned sinner’s bands;
But grace proclaims relieving news,
And scenes of matchless mercy shews.

No precept clogs the gospel-call,
But wherein grace is all in all;
No law is here but that of grace,
Which brings relief in ev’ry case.

The gospel is the promise fair
O i g race all r u i n s to re pa i r,
And leaves no sinner room to say,
” Alas! this debt I cannot pay;

“‘; his grievous yoke I cannot bear,
” This high demand I cannot deaf*91
Grace stops the mouth of such complaints.
And store of full supply presents.
Q 3

The- glorious gospel is (in brief)

A sovereign word of sweet relief;

Not clogg’d with cumbersome commands,

To bind the soul’s receiving hands.

*Tis joyful news of sovereign grace,
That reigns in state through righteousness,
To ransom from all threatening woes,
And answer all commanding do’s:

This gospel comes with help indeed,
Adapted unto sinners need:
These joyful news that suit their case,
Are chariots of his drawing grace:

‘Tis here the Spirit pow’rful rides,
The fountains of the deep divides;
The King of glory’s splendour shews,
And wins the heart with welcome news.

Paragraph IT.

The Gospel further described, as a Bundle of good Aews and gracious Promises*

The first grand promise forth did break In threats against the tempting snake; So may the gospel in commands, Yet nor in threats nor precepts stands:

But ’tis a doctrine office grants
To sinners, that they may be saints:
A joyful sound of royal gifts,
To obviate unbelieving shifts:

A promise of divine supplies,
To work all gracious qualities
In those, who pronest to rebel,
Are only quality ‘d for hell.

Courting vile sinners, ev’n the chief
It leaves no cloak for unbelief;

But ev’n on gross Manassehs calls,
On Mary Magdalens and Sauls*.

‘Tis good news of a fountain ope
For sin and filth; a door of hope
For those that lie in blood and gore.
And of a salve for ev’ry sore.

Glad news of sight unto the blind;
Of light unto the darkened mind;
Of healing to the deadly sick;
And mercy both to Jew and Greek.

Good news of gold to poor that lack;
Of raiment to the naked back;
Of binding to the wounds that smart;
And rest unto the weary heart.

Glad news of freedom to the bound;
Of store all losses to refound;
Of endless life unto the dead;
And present help in time of need.

Good news of Heav’n, where angels dwell, To those that well deserved hell; Of strength too weak for work and war, And access near to those afar.

Glad news of joy to those that weep,
And tender care of cripple sheep;
Of shelter to the soul pursu’d,
And cleansing to the hellish-hu’d:

Of floods to sap the parched ground,
And streams to run the desert round;
Of ransom to the captive caught,
And harbour to the found’ ring yacht:

Of timely aid to weary groans;
Of joy restored to broken bones-;
Of grace divine to graceless preys,
And glory to the vile and base:

* Saul, sumamcd Pau!, the apstle.

Q -1
c?2 GOSPEL SONNETS.

Of living water pure, that teems
On fainting souls refreshing streams;
Of gen’rous wine to cheer the strong,
And milk to feed the tender young;

Of saving faith to faithless ones;
Of soft’nmg grace to flinty stones;
Of pardon to a guilty crew,
And mercy free, where wrath was due.

Good news of welcome kind to all, That come to Jesus at his call; Yea, news of drawing pow’r, when scant, To those that fain would come, and can’t.

Glad news of rich mysterious grace,
And mercy meeting ev’ry case;
Of store immense all voids to till,
And i’ree to whosoever will:

Of Christ exalted as a Prince,
Pardons to give and penitence;
Of grace overcoming stubhorn wills,
And leaping over 13ether hills.

Faith comes by hearing these reports;
Straight to the court of grace resorts,
And free of mercenary thought,
Gets royal bounty all for nought.

Faith’s wing within the clammy sea
Of legal merit cannot fly;
But mounting mercy’s air apace,
Soars in the element of grace.
But as free love the blessing gives
To him that works not, but believes;
So faith, once reaching its desire,
Works hard by love, but not for hire.