The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Let these Reasons suffice (though more might be added) to prove that the preaching of the Law to these ends I have mentioned, is both Scriptural and rational, and the contrary opinion is both against Scripture and reason. As to Mr. Saltmarsh his jeer, though there seem to be wit, yet there is more sophistry in his Similitude: For those legal Preachers did not make Christ and Gospel so hot by their preaching of the Law, but by that preaching they laboured to make mens lusts so hot, that they might not any longer drink iniquity like water; but their hearts being scorched with the apprehension of the wrath of God due for their Sins, they might now be glad to listen to, and answer that blessed Call of Christ, Let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of ⟨p. 55⟩life freely, Rev. 22.17. By this I hope it will appear, Mr. Shepherd had no just ground to suspect me to be against the preaching of the Law, unto right ends, though I know many serious Christians have gone many years troubled about the want (as they apprehend) of these legal works; to whom, as I have spoken already, which I hope may give some ease; so I have more yet to speak, towards their satisfaction, in due place. I think it not amiss to give the Reader the close of Mr. Shepherd's Letter to me in these words: Dear Brother, let my love end in breathing out this desire. Preach Humiliation; labour to possess men with sense of wrath to come and misery: The Gospel consolations and grace, which some would have only dished out as the dainties of the times, and set upon the Ministry's table, may passibly tickle and ravish some, and do some good to them that are humbled and converted already: But if Axes and Wedges withal be not used to how and break this rough, unhewn, bold, yet professing Age, I am confident the work and fruit of all these mens ministry will be at best but mere hypocrisy, and they shall find it, and see it, if they live to see a few years more.

Let these Reasons sussice (though more might be added) to prove that the preaching of the Law to these ends I have mentioned, is both Scriptural and rational, and the contrary opinion is both against Scripture and reason. As to Mr. Saltmarsh his jeer, though there seem to be wit, yet there is more sophistry in his Similitude: For those legal Preachers did not make Christ and Gospel so hot by their preaching of the Law, but by that preaching they laboured to make mens lusts so hot, that they might not any longer drink iniquity like water; but their hearts being scorched with the apprehension of the wrath of God due for their Sins, they might now be glad to listen to, and answer that blessed Call of Christ, Let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of