4. The grace of God which bringeth salvation (that is,1 the Gospel) teacheth us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, 2righteously, and godly. That word therefore whereby we are justified giveth no liberty to any licentiousness, but doth both direct us in the way of righteousness, and also giveth us ability to walk in that way. Hereby it appeareth that the Gospel is as pure and incorrupt as the Law.3 Indeed the Law is so perfect a rule of righteousness as it curseth every one that in the least degree swerveth from it:4 which the Gospel doth not, but offereth pardon to the transgressor. Yet doth it no more tolerate, or countenance the least sin, then the Law doth: nay rather it bringeth the sinner that hath gone astray, into the way of righteousness again, and enableth him to walk in that way, which the Law cannot do. So as herein the Gospel hath an excellency over the Law. But if the Gospel in showing mercy, should bolster up a sinner in any one sin, the Law would triumph over the Gospel, yea and condemn it. It is therefore necessary for justification of the Gospel that sanctification continually follow justification, as an hand-maid her mistress; or rather that, as two sworn friends and fellows, they always keep company together.
4. The grace of God which bringeth saluation (that is,1 the Gospell) teacheth vs that denying vngodlinesse and worldly lusts, we should liue soberly, 2righteously, and godly. That word therefore whereby we are iustified giueth no libertie to any licentiousnesse, but doth both direct vs in the way of righteousnesse, and also giueth vs abilitie to walke in that way. Hereby it appeareth that the Gospell is as pure and incorrupt as the Law.3 Indeed the Law is so perfect a rule of righteousnesse as it curseth euery one that in the least degree swarueth from it:4 which the Gospell doth not, but offereth pardon to the transgressor. Yet doth it no more tolerate, or countenance the least sinne, then the Law doth: nay rather it bringeth the sinner that hath gone astray, into the way of righteousnesse againe, and enableth him to walke in that way, which the Law cannot do. So as herein the Gospell hath an excellencie ouer the Law. But if the Gospell in shewing mercie, should boulster vp a sinner in any one sinne, the Law would triumph ouer the Gospell, yea and condemne it. It is therefore necessarie for iustification of the Gospell that sanctification continually follow iustification, as an hand-maid her mistresse; or rather that, as two sworne friends and fellowes, they alwaies keepe company together.
- 1The Gospel a word of righteousness.The Gospell a word of righteousnesse.
- 2Tit. 2. 11, 12.
- 3Difference betwixt Law and Gospel.Difference betwixt Law and Gospell.
- 4Deut. 27. 26.
