The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam

3. Adam might have challenged a recompense of reward ⟨p. 219⟩by way of justice, for his doing. He needed to crave no pardon, had he obeyed the Law, as he was able; because there would be no fault in his performance. Rom. 4.4. If a man can perform the Law, recompense is due to him as a debt; which Adam was able to do. He might glory in the performance of his duty, giving also glory to God. Rom. 3.27. Boasting is not excluded by the law of works, but by the law of faith. As if he should say, Could a man do what the Law requires, he might boast; but the law of faith excludeth boasting: if I can do nothing but what God helps me in, and perfect nothing but what God perfects in me, why should I boast? A man cannot ⟨p. 220⟩be saved by works and grace too. Rom. 11.6. If by works, it is not mercy; if by grace, it is not his own sufficiency: when we have done what we can, we can challenge nothing, but beg pardon. Psalm. 130.3. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark our iniquities, O Lord, who could stand! Adam could have endured it; for he (I say) had no flaw in his obedience, but we (poor creatures) cannot do this. Dost thou think to be saved by thy services and merits?¹ No, Happy is the man whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered: those works cannot save a man,² in which there is enough to condemn him.

3. Adam might have challenged a recompence of reward ⟨p. 219⟩by way of justice, for his doing. He needed to crave no pardon, had hee obeyed the Law, as he was able; because there would be no fault in his performance.