A26974:1114
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions…
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions of divers learned and reverend brethren / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
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.
What [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew] import in their first signification, is not to our business so much as in what sense they are commonly used: No doubt they may signify properly our yielding to persuasion, improperly called Obeying: but that they are put for proper Obeying usually in Scripture, most Interpreters affirm. You may therefore as well draw to your purpose the Latin Obedire, because it is but quasi ob-audire. Indeed the Obedience to a Teacher (as to Christ and his Ministers, and of Scholars to their Master) who useth both Argument and Authority, is fully and fitly expressed in those words. The word [Gospel] is principally spoken of the Doctrine of Good tidings or Mercy by Christ (but sure not only of the Historical or Declaratory part, but also, yea principally of the Promise or Offer:) but the whole New Covenant or Law of Christ (for so it is, and so the Ancients unanimously call it) containing Precepts and Threatenings also, is called his Testament, Covenant, Gospel, being so denominated from the more excellent part. Heb. 7.18.19, 22. The Testament of Jesus is opposed to the Commandments of the Law, and called Better: therefore it compriseth Christs Commands, proper to him. And is it not Christs whole Law which is of force when he is dead, and called his Testament? Heb. 9.17. And when the Apostle saith, They were made able Ministers of the New Testament, doth he mean only of the History, or the Precept of faith, and not of Love, Hope, Repentance, &c. Let his preaching witness, as the Expositors, (2 Cor. 3.6.) Or let Christ in giving them their Commission tell you what that New Testament is, Mat. 28. Go Disciple all Nations, &c. teaching them to observe all things what ever I command. And not to strive about words, you know that New Law of Christ, which is called his Testament, Covenant, Gospels, &c. hath all the Precepts in it which you mention. Is it not Precepts as well as Narrations which Mark calls the Gospel, Mar. 1.1.? Was it not the Gospel which Christ and the Apostles preached? And they preached Repentance and Faith▪ and so commanded Duty: If a man loose his Life for publishing or obeying