An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

§. 18. The mistake of Paul's meaning in this Phrase [the Law of Works, or old Covenant] hath led some men to a new frame of Theology in a great part, and engaged others in Errors, and fruitless Contentions.

§. 19. By the words [He that doth these things shall live by them] as distinguished from believing, Paul meant not that the Condition of the Jewish Covenant of Peculiarity or Law, was the same perfect Innocency as was required in the first Law of Adam; for when Man was actually guilty, it was impossible that he should ever become one that had not sinned: And we must not put such a scorn on the infinitely wise and righteous Governor of the World, as to suppose him to have such a Law or Covenant as this [If you that are sinners are not sinners you shall be saved], much less to make this a Covenant of peculiar favour.

§. 19. By the words [He that doth these things shall live by them] as distinguished from believing, Paul meant not that the Condition of the Jewish Covenant of Peculiarity or Law, was the same perfect Innocency as was required in the first Law of Adam; for when Man was actually guilty, it was impossible that he should ever become one that had not sinned: And we must not put such a scorn on the infinitely wise and righteous Governour of the World, as to suppose him to have such a Law or Covenant as this [If you that are sinners are not sinners you shall be saved], much less to make this a Covenant of peculiar favour.

§. 20. Nor doth Paul mean, That the Laws Condition was [If you will never sin more, I will pardon all that's past]. For God never made such a Law with man; not to sin being morally impossible to them, and Pardon never offered on such terms.