A30141:172
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.
Answ. First, Such a one may be received into fellowship with the Saints, as they are in a visible way of walking one with another; they may walk hand in hand together (see Mat. 25. 1. where he saith) The Kingdom of Heaven (that is a visible company of professors of Christ) is likened to ten Virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom, five of them were wise, and five were foolish. These in the first place are called Virgins; that is, such as are clear from the pollutions of the world. Secondly, They are said to go forth; that is, from the ⟨p. 67⟩rudiments and traditions of men. Thirdly, They do agree to take their lamps with them; that is, to profess themselves the Servants of Jesus Christ, that wait upon him, and for him; and yet when he came, he found half of them (even them Virgins) that had Lamps, that also went forth from the pollutions of the world, and the customs of men, to be such as lost their precious souls (see verse 10.) which they should not have done, had they been under the Covenant of Grace, and so, not under the Law.
Secondly, They may attain to a great deal of honour in the said company of professors (that which may be accounted honour) in so much, that they may be put in trust with Church Affairs, and bear the bag, as Judas did. I speak not this to shame the Saints: but being beloved I warn them; yet I speak this on purpose, that it might (if the Lord will) knock at the door of the souls of professors, consider Demas.
Thirdly, They may attain to speak of the word as Ministers, and become preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in so much that the people where they dwell, may even take up a Proverb concerning them, saying, Is he among the Prophets? his gifts may be so rare, his tongue may be so fluent, and his matter may be so fit, that he may speak with a tongue like an Angel, and speak of the hidden mysteries, yea, of them all; mark that (