A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

For besides those innumerable Advantages that otherwise it hath to evidence it self to be from God, whereas these other pretences are such as wise and considering men may easily look through their daubing and see their ground of falsehood, the Gospel doth certainly propose its Pardon freely without money and without price; and so on this supposition would lay the Reins absolutely free on the Neck of Sin and Wickedness, whereas those other Fancies are burdened and charged with such inconveniences, as may lay some Curb upon them in easy and carnal minds. Wherefore, I say, on such a false and cursed supposition it would be the Interest of wise and sober men, to oppose and reject the Gospel, as the most effectual means of overflowing the world with Sin and Ungodliness. But it doth not more fully condemn Idolatry, or that the Devil is to be worshipped, than it doth any such Notion or Apprehension. It cannot be denied but that some men may, and it is justly to be feared that some men do abuse the Doctrine of the Gospel to countenance themselves in a vain expectation of Mercy and Pardon, whilst they willingly live in a course of Sin. But as this in their management is the principal means of their Ruin, so in the Righteous Judgement of God it will be the greatest Aggravation of their Condemnation. And whereas some have charged the Preachers of Gospel Grace, as those who thereby give Countenance unto this presumption, it is an Accusation that hath more of the hatred of Grace in it, than of the Love of Holiness. For none do, nor can press the Relinquishment of Sin, and Repentance of it, upon such assured grounds and with such cogent arguments, as those by whom the Grace of Jesus Christ in the Gospel is fully opened and declared.

For besides those innumerable Advantages that otherwise it hath to evidence it self to be from God, whereas these other pretences are such as wise and considering men may easily look through their daubing and see their ground of falshood, the Gospel doth certainly propose its Pardon freely without money and without price; and so on this supposition would lay the Reins absolutely free on the Neck of Sin and Wickedness, whereas those other Fancies are burdened and charged with such inconveniencies, as may lay some Curb upon them in easie and carnal minds. Wherefore, I say, on such a false and cursed supposition it would be the Interest of wise and sober men, to oppose and reject the Gospel, as the most effectual means of overflowing the world with Sin and Ungodliness. But it doth not more fully condemn Idolatry, or that the Devil is to be worshipped, than it doth any such Notion or Apprehension. It cannot be denied but that some men may, and it is justly to be feared that some men do abuse the Doctrine of the Gospel to countenance themselves in a vain expectation of Mercy and Pardon, whilst they willingly live in a course of Sin. But as this in their management is the principal means of their Ruine, so in the Righteous Judgement of God it will be the greatest Aggravation of their Condemnation. And whereas some have charged the Preachers of Gospel Grace, as those who thereby give Countenance unto this presumption, it is an Accusation that hath more of the hatred of Grace in it, than of the Love of Holiness. For none do, nor can press the Relinquishment of Sin, and Repentance of it, upon such assured grounds and with such cogent arguments, as those by whom the Grace of Jesus Christ in the Gospel is fully opened and declared.