An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

§. 28. How far this Law is yet in force, is also difficultly disputed. In brief, 1. The general Command of perfect Love and Obedience for the future, and the Commands of the unalterable Duties of Nature, are still so far in force as to oblige us. 2. But whether sub poena mortis is the doubt? Punishment is due either absolutely and statedly, and so it maketh it due only to the Impenitent and Unbelievers. Or only in primo instanti, inceptively, with an annexed Remedy: And so every Sin maketh Punishment so far due to the Faithful, as that they have need of the Grace of Christ, and the new Covenant to pardon it. 3. But the premiant part of the Law of Innocency, from whence it is named a Covenant, is now truly null. Which maketh our Divines say, That the Law of Nature (which they call moral) bindeth as a Rule of Duty, but the Covenant ceaseth.

§. 29. This was not done by GOD but Man, who ceased to be a capable Subject of that Covenant, Promise or Reward: And so the Condition (Innocency or perfect Obedience) being become naturally impossible, we must not feign God to say to Sinners [On condition you be no Sinners you shall live]. But Cessante capacitate subditi cessat promissio conditionalis, & transit in sententiam.

But of the Cessation of the Law and Covenant of Innocency, see more after Sect. 5, §. 32, &c.