A41521:85
A discourse of the true nature of the Gospel demonstrating that it is no…
A discourse of the true nature of the Gospel demonstrating that it is no new law, but a pure doctrine of grace : in answer to the Reverend Mr. Lorimer's Apology / by Tho. Goodwin ...
London: printed by J. Darby, 1695
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
CHAP. VI.
That the Divines of the Reformed Religion assert the Gospel to be a pure Doctrine of Grace. When they call it a Law, they intend the Word in that Sense.
I Will now prove, that when the Reformed Divines call the Gospel a new Law, they mean no more than a fresher and clearer Discovery of God's Mercy and Grace. I shall produce Testimonies from their own Words of two forts; first, To manifest that when they professedly define, or describe the Gospel, they bring nothing into their Definition, but that it is a Revelation of our Salvation, and free Justification by Christ; and then I shall bring plain Instances, that when they sometimes call the Gospel a new Law, they tell us also at the same time, in express words, they mean by it only a Doctrine of Grace.
First, Then if nothing but Grace is expressed in their Definitions of the Gospel, it is but reasonable to require that it should be granted me, that they never thought the Gospel to be a Law in the strict Sense, as including Works in it, and being established with Sanction. For since it is one of the Rules of a Definition, that it should contain the whole Nature of the Thing; if it be known to us, or can be comprised, we may be assured that these truly venerable Persons for Learning, as well as Piety, and the true Knowledge of Christ, knew so well all the Arts of Reason, as they would not leave out of their Definitions of the Gospel, any of the Parts constituent of its Being. But neither is the word Law, as the Genus, or the general Notion wherein all that are so, agree, put into the Definition, nor any mention made of Works. Thus those who compiled the Confession of Faith, which was subscribed by seven Protestant Princes of Germany, and the Senates and Magistrates of two Cities, and presented to Charles V. Emperor, An. 1530. after having declared their Belief concerning Justifying Faith, and how it is wrought by the Holy Ghost in those who hear the Gospel; the Sum of this Gospel they give in these few words,