1. What the things are which belong to the Peace of a People living under the Gospel? The things belonging to a Peoples Peace, are not throughout the same with all. Living, or not living under the Gospel makes a considerable difference in the matter. Before the Incarnation and public appearance of our Lord, something was not necessary among the Jews, that afterwards became necessary. It was sufficient to them before, to believe in a Messiah to come, more indefinitely. ⟨p. 17⟩Afterwards he plainly tells them, if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall dye in your sins, Joh. 8.24. Believing in Christ cannot be necessary to Pagans that never heard of him, as a duty, howsoever necessary it may be as a means. Their not believing in him cannot be it self a sin, though by it they should want remedy for their other sins. But it more concerns us who do live under the Gospel, to apprehend aright what is necessary for our selves. That is a short and full summary which the Apostle gives Acts 20.21. Repentance towards God, and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel finds us in a state of Apostasy from God, both as our Sovereign Ruler, and Sovereign Good, not apt to obey and glorify him, as the former, nor enjoy him, and be satisfied in him, as the latter. Repentance towards God cures and removes this disaffection of our minds and hearts towards him, under both these notions. By it the whole Soul turns to him, with this sense and resolution. [I have been a rebellious disloyal Wretch, against the high Authority, and most rightful Government of him ⟨p. 18⟩who gave me breath, and whose creature I am, I will live no longer thus. Lo now I come back unto thee, O Lord, thou art my Lord and God. Thee I now design to serve and obey, as the Lord of my Life, thee I will fear, unto thee I subject my self, to live no longer after my own will, but thine; I have been hitherto a miserable forlorn distressed Creature, destitute of any thing that could satisfy me, or make me happy; have set my heart upon a vain and thorny world, that had nothing in it answerable to my real necessities, that hath flattered and mocked me often, never satisfied me, and been wont to requite my pursuits of satisfaction from it with vexation and trouble, and pierce• me through with many sorrows.
1. What the things are which belong to the Peace of a People living under the Gospel? The things belonging to a Peoples Peace, are not throughout the same with all. Living, or not living under the Gospel makes a considerable difference in the matter. Before the Incarnation and publick appearance of our Lord, something was not necessary among the Jews, that afterwards became necessary. It was sufficient to them before, to believe in a Messiah to come, more indefinitely. ⟨p. 17⟩Afterwards he plainly tells them, if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall dye in your sins, Joh. 8.24. Believing in Christ cannot be necessary to Pagans that never heard of him, as a duty, howsoever necessary it may be as a means. Their not believing in him cannot be it self a sin, thô by it they should want remedy for their other sins. But it more concerns us who do live under the Gospel, to apprehend aright what is necessary for our selves. That is a short and full summary which the Apostle gives Acts 20.21. Repentance towards God, and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel finds us in a state of Apostacy from God, both as our Sovereign Ruler, and Sovereign Good, not apt to obey and glorifie him, as the former, nor enjoy him, and be satisfi'd in him, as the latter. Repentance towards God cures and removes this disaffection of our minds and hearts towards him, under both these notions. By it the whole Soul turns to him, with this sense and resolution. [I have been a rebellious disloyal Wretch, against the high Authority, and most rightful Government of him ⟨p. 18⟩who gave me breath, and whose creature I am, I will live no longer thus. Lo now I come back unto thee, O Lord, thou art my Lord and God. Thee I now design to serve and obey, as the Lord of my Life, thee I will fear, unto thee I subject my self, to live no longer after my own will, but thine; I have been hitherto a miserable forlorn distressed Creature, destitute of any thing that could satisfie me, or make me happy; have set my heart upon a vain and thorny world, that had nothing in it answerable to my real necessities, that hath flattered and mockt me often, never satisfi'd me, and been wont to requite my pursuits of satisfaction from it with vexation and trouble, and pierce• me through with many sorrows.
