A30141:117
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.
Thirdly, they are in a sad condition; because that administration they are under, that are under the Law, doth always find fault with the sinners obedience, as well as his disobedience; (if it be not done in a right spirit, which they that are under that Covenant cannot do, by reason of their being destitute of Faith) therefore, I say, it doth control them, saying, This was not well done; this was done by the halves; this was not done freely, and that was not done perfectly, and out of love to God: and hence it is that some men, notwithstanding they labour to live as holy as ever they can, according to the Law; yet they do not live a peaceable life, but are full of condemnings, full of guilt and torment of Conscience; finding themselves to fail here, and to fall short there, omitting this good which the Law commands, and doing that evil which the Law forbids; but never giveth them one good word for all their pains.
Thirdly, they are in a sad condition; bebecause that administration they are under, that are under the Law, doth always find fault with the sinners obedience, as well as his disobedience; (if it be not done in a right spirit, which they that are under that Covenant cannot do, by reason of their being destitute of Faith) therefore, I say, it doth controle them, saying, This was not well done; this was done by the halves; this was not done freely, and that was not done perfectly, and out of love to God: and hence it is that some men, notwithstanding they labour to live as holy as ever they can, according to the Law; yet they do not live a peaceable life, but are full of condemnings, full of guilt and torment of Conscience; finding themselves to fail here, and to fall short there, omitting this good which the Law commands, and doing that evil which the Law forbids; but never giveth them one good word for all their pains.
Fourthly, they that are under the Law are in a sad condition; because they are under that administration that will never be contented ⟨p. 39⟩with what is done by the sinner: if thou be under this Covenant, work as hard as thou canst, the Law will never say, Well done; never say, My good servant: No, but always it will be driving of thee faster, hastening of thee harder, giving of thee fresh commands, which thou must do; and upon pain of damnation not to be left undone. Nay, it is such a Master that will curse thee, not only for thy sins, but also because thy good works were not so well done, as they ought to be.