A30141:96
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 Judge notwithstanding the mans out-cries, and sad condition, must according to the tenor of the Law, pass Judgment upon him, and the Sentence of the Condemnation must be read to the Prisoner, though it makes them fall down dead to hear it, if he executes the Law, as he ought to do. And just thus it is concerning the Law of God.
Object. 3. I, but sometimes (for all your haste) the Judge doth also give some Pardons, and forgive some offenders, notwithstanding their offences, though he be a Judge.
Answ. It is not because the Law is merciful, but because there is manifested the love of the Judge, (not the love of the Law) I beseech you to mark this distinction; for if a man that hath deserved death by the Law, be notwithstanding this forgiven his offence; it is not because ⟨p. 29⟩the Law saith, spare him, but it is the love of the Judge (or Chief Magistrate) that doth set the man free from the Condemnation of the Law: But mark, here the Law of Men and the Law of God do differ; the Law of Man is not so irrevocable, but if the Supreme please, he may sometimes grant a Pardon, without satisfaction given for the offence; but the Law of God is of this nature, that if the Man be found under it, and a transgressor, or one that hath transgressed against it, before that Prisoner can be released, there must be a full and complete satisfaction given to it, either by the mans own life, or by the blood of some other man; For without shedding of blood there is no remission, Heb. 9. 22. that is, there is no deliverance from under the curse of the Law of God; and therefore however the Law of man may be made of none effect, sometimes by showing mercy without giving of a full satisfaction, yet the Law of God cannot be so contented, nor at the least give way, that the person offending that, should escape the curse, and not be damned, except some one do give a full and complete satisfaction to it for him, and bring the Prisoner into another Covenant, (to wit) the Covenant of Grace, which is more easy, and soul-refreshing, and sin-pardoning.