A30141:102
The doctrine of the law and grace unfolded, or, A discourse touching the law…
The doctrine of the law and grace unfolded, or, A discourse touching the law and grace the nature of the one and the nature of the other, showing what they are as they are the two covenants ... wherein for the better understanding of the reader there is several questions answered touching the law and grace ... : also several titles set over the several truths contained in this book, for thy sooner finding of them, which are those following the epistle / published by that poor and contemptible creature, John Bunyan of Bedford.The doctrine of the law and grace unfolded, or, A discourse touching the law and grace the nature of the one and the nature of the other, shewing what they are as they are the two covenants ... wherein for the better understanding of the reader there is several questions answered touching the law and grace ... : also several titles set over the several truths contained in this book, for thy sooner finding of them, which are those following the epistle / published by that poor and contemptible creature, John Bunyan of Bedford.
London: printed for Nath. Ponder, 1685
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.
The reasons for this that hath been spoken, are these.
First, Tho nature of Gods justice calls for it, that is, it calls for irrecoverable ruin on them that transgress against this Law: for justice gave it, and justice looks to have it completely, and continually obeyed, or else justice is resolved to take place, and execute its office, which is to punish the transgressor against it; you must understand that the justice of God is as unchangeable as his love; his justice cannot change its nature, justice it is, if it be pleased, and justice it is be if it displeased. The justice of God in this place, may be compared to fire; there is a great fire made in some place, if thou do keep out of it, it is fire; if thou do fall into it thou wilt find it fire; and therefore the Apostle useth this as an Argument to stir up the Hebrews to stick close to Jesus Christ, lest they fell under the justice of God, by these words, Heb. 12. 29. For our God is a consuming fire: into which if thou fall, it is not for thee to get out again, as it is with some that fall into a material fire; no, but he that falls into this, he must lie there for ever; as it is clear where he saith, Isa. 33. 14. Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings, and with devouring fire? For justice once offended, knoweth not how to show any pity or compassion to the offender; but runs on him like a Lion, takes him by the throat, throws him into Prison, and there he is sure to lie, and that to all eternity, ⟨p. 33⟩unless infinite satisfaction be given to it, which is impossible to be given by any of (us) the sons of Adam.
First, Tho nature of Gods justice calls for it, that is, it calls for irrecoverable ruin on them that transgress against this Law: for justice gave it, and justice looks to have it compleatly, and continually obeyed, or else justice is resolved to take place, and execute its office, which is to punish the transgressor against it; you must understand that the justice of God is as unchangable as his love; his justice cannot change its nature, justice it is, if it be pleased, and justice it is be if it displeased. The justice of God in this place, may be compared to fire; there is a great fire made in some place, if thou do keep out of it, it is fire; if thou do fall into it thou wilt find it fire; and therefore the Apostle useth this as an Argument to stir up the Hebrews to stick close to Jesus Christ, lest they fell under the justice of God, by these words,