A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first…

Reas. 1. From the insufficiency of our nature to walk in these ways, without the Spirit of God in us, and directing of us, Ezek. 36.27. Joh. 15.5. without Christ we can do nothing, Hos. 14.8. if any good fruit be growing in a Ch istan it is from the Spirit of God, otherwise the fruit of a carnal heart is carnal, Joh. 3.6. we cannot be holy without Gods Spirit, nor bring forth any good fruit.

Reas. 1. From the insufficiency of our nature to walk in these wayes, without the Spirit of God in us, and directing of us, Ezek. 36.27. Joh. 15.5. without Christ we can do nothing, Hos. 14.8. if any good fruit be growing in a Ch istan it is from the Spirit of God, otherwise the fruit of a carnal heart is carnal, Joh. 3.6. we cannot be holy without Gods Spirit, nor bring forth any good fruit.

2 As we cannot be good without his Spirit, so we cannot do good without him, 2 Cor. 3.5. and Christ thinks it an impossible thing for a Carnal man to speak well, Mat. 12.34.

Reas. 2. Such as do walk in the light have recovered the Image of God, now his Image stood in light Joh. 1.4. light of Knowledge and Holiness, Col. 3.10. Ephes 4.24. what fellowship Adam had with God in Paradise, the same have all such as walk in the ways of truth and holiness.

Reas. 2. Such as do walk in the light have recovered the Image of God, now his Image stood in light Joh. 1.4. light of Knowledge and Holinesse, Col. 3.10. Ephes 4.24. what fellowship Adam had with God in Paradise, the same have all such as walk in the waies of truth and holinesse.

Ans. Such a one walks not in any gross ignorance, or error, and heresy, or in darkness of uncleanness, and profaneness, but he may walk in darkness of discomfort, and dishonour, and yet have true fellowship with God; no Christian walks more in light than they that walk most in darkness, those that walk most discouraged, they walk more carefully and fearfully, whereas many that walk in more comfort, walk more loosely, and scandalously.

Ans. Such a one walks not in any grosse ignorance, or error, and heresie, or in darnesse of uncleannesse, and prophanesse, but hee may walk in darknesse of discomfort, and dishonour, and yet have true fellowship with God; no Christian walks more in light than they that walk most in darknesse, those that walk most discouraged, they walk more carefully and fearfully, whereas many that walk in more comfort, walk more loosely, and scandalously.

Q. What need they walk in discomfort if they walk in the light? doth not all discomfort arise from ignorance, that they do not know their own estate, and Gods nature and love towards them, &c?

Ans. It is true, they walk in darkness, and that is the reason why they walk so uncomfortably, for if they were truly enlightened in the Nature of God and their own estate, they would have more comfort; but yet this is no affected ignorance, but of infirmity and weakness, and want of experience, it is one thing to be in a way, and another thing to walk in that way, such a man doth not walk in that darkness because it is not voluntary, he doth not desire to walk in darkness; neither is it continual, but he at length grows to be further enlightened.

Ans. It is true, they walk in darknesse, and that is the reason why they walk so uncomfortably, for if they were truly enlightned in the Nature of God and their own estate, they would have more comfort; but yet this is no affected ignorance, but of infirmity and weaknesse, and want of experience, it is one thing to be in a way, and another thing to walk in that way, such a man doth not walk in that darknesse because it is not voluntary, he doth not desire to walk in darknesse; neither is it continual, but he at length grows to be further enlightened.

Use 1. Of refutation of the Papists, that say we deny Works, and maintain the Doctrine of the Solifidians.

Ʋse 1. Of refutation of the Papists, that say we deny Works, and maintain the Doctrin of the Solifidians.

Answ. We disclaim all Works as any cause or merit of Justification, ⟨p. 31⟩Psalm 130.3. but we do not disclaim good Works in themselves, we do not discourage any from good Works, but encourage them thereunto; is this no encouragement to walk in the light, when we say such shall have fellowship with God, and be cleansed by the blood of Christ? these are strong motives to good works; we maintain good works (as the Apostle saith) for necessary uses, Tit. 3.13. What are these necessary uses?

Answ. We disclaime all Works as any cause or merit of Justification, ⟨p. 31⟩Psalm 130.3. but we do not disclaim good Works in themselves, we do not discourage any from good Works, but encourage them thereunto; is this no encouragement to walk in the light, when we say such shall have fellowship with God, and be cleansed by the blood of Christ? these are strong motives to good works; we maintain good works (as the Apostle saith) for necessary uses, Tit. 3.13. What are these necessary uses?

1 For our own parts, that we may have fellowship with God.

2 To glorify God, Matthew 5.16. Let your Works so shine before men, &c.

2 To glorifie God, Matthew 5.16. Let your Works so shine before men, &c.

3 To stop slanders of vain men, 2 Pet. 2.5.

4 That by our good Works others may be led on to a Christian course; a good conversation is a good means of the conversion of others.

4 That by our good Works others may bee led on to a Christian course; a good conversation is a good means of the conversion of others.

We further say, That good Works justify us, in St. James his sense, Jam. 2 14. There is a double Justification.

We further say, That good Works justifie us, in St. James his sense, Jam. 2 14. There is a double Justification.

1 A justification of a man from sin in the sight of God.

2 Of a Christian from Hypocrisy in the sight of both God and Man; the first way a man is justified only by the blood of Christ; the second way by good Works; for we must know a mans Conscience hath two burdens.

2 Of a Christian from Hypocrisie in the sight of both God and Man; the first way a man is justified onely by the blood of Christ; the second way by good Works; for we must know a mans Conscience hath two burthens.