A26862:320
Aphorisms of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of…Aphorismes of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of…
Aphorisms of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of the covenants, satisfaction, righteousness, faith, works, &c. : published especially for the use of the church of Kidderminster in Worcestershire / by their unworthy teacher Ri. Baxter.Aphorismes of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of the covenants, satisfaction, righteousnesse, faith, works, &c. : published especially for the use of the church of Kederminster in Worcestershire / by their unworthy teacher Ri. Baxter.
Hague: printed by Abraham Brown, 1655
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
IN the strictest sense he is said to Merit, who performeth somewhat of that worth in it self to another, which bindeth that other in strict justice to requite him. This work must not be due, and so the performer not under the absolute sovereignty of another? for else he is not in a capacity of thus Meriting. It is natural Justice which here bindeth to Reward. All that we can merit at the hands of Gods natural Justice is but these two things. 1. The escape of punishment in that respect or consideration wherein our actions are not sinful: or the not punishing of us in a greater degree then sin deserves: (Though indeed it is questionable whether we are capable of suffering more.) 2. Our actions thus deserve the honour of acknowledgement of that good which is in them; yea, though the evil be more then the good. As a merciful Thief that gives a poor man half his money again, when he hath robbed him, as he deserveth a less degree of punishment, so that good which was in his action deserveth an answerable acknowledgement and praise, though he dye for the fact.
IN the strictest sence he is said to Merit, who performeth somewhat of that worth in it self to another, which bindeth that other in strict justice to requite him. This work must not be due, and so the performer not under the absolute soveraignty of another? for else he is not in a capacity of thus Meriting. It is naturall Justice which here bindeth to Reward. All that we can merit at the hands of Gods naturall Justice is but these two things. 1. The escape of punishment in that respect or consideration wherein our actions are not sinfull: or the not punishing of us in a greater degree then sin deserves: (Though indeed it is questionable whether we are capable of suffering more.) 2. Our actions thus deserve the honour of acknowledgment of that good which is in them; yea, though the evil be more then the good. As a merciful Thief that gives a poor man half his mony again, when he hath robbed him, as he deserveth a less degree of punishment, so that good which was in his action deserveth an answerable acknowledgment and praise, though he dye for the fact.
But this is a poor kind of meriting, and little to the ⟨p. 91⟩