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

It was therefore very necessary that the Apostle should proceed Warily, Distinctly and Gradually, omitting no Argument that was of Force and Pleadable in this Cause, nor to remark on them in an especial manner, which contained an especial Evidence and demonstrative force in them, as he doth in this Instance. For this Introduction of it, and it is yet far more, or abundantly more Evident, is as an hand put in the Margin of a writing calling for a peculiar Attendance unto, and consideration of the matter directed unto. And we may see,

1. That Present Truths are earnestly to be Pleaded and Contended for. So the Apostle Peter would have Believers established [Greek or Hebrew], in the present Truth. All Truth is Eternal, and in it self equally subsistent and present unto all Ages. But it is especially so either from the great use of it in some seasons, or the great Opposition that is made unto it. So this Doctrine about the Abolition of the Mosaical Ceremonies and Institutions with the Introduction of a new Priesthood and new Ordinances of Worship, was then the Present Truth, in the knowledge and confirmation whereof, the Church was eternally concerned. And so may other Truths be at other seasons. And any of them may be so rendered by the Opposition that at any time is made unto them. For God is pleased to exercise and try the Faith of the Church by Heresies which are Fierce, Pertinacious and Subtle Oppositions made to the Truth. Now none of them, which aim at any consistency in and with themselves, or are of any real danger unto the Church, did ever reject all Gospel-Truths, but some general Principles they will allow, or they would leave themselves no Foundation to stand upon, in their Opposition unto others. Those therefore singly opposed by them at any time, as the Deity or Satisfaction of Christ, Justification by Faith and the like, being so opposed, become the present Truth of the Age, in the instance of Adherence whereunto God will try the Faith of his People, and requires that they be earnestly pleaded for. And this is that which the Apostle Jude intends, ver. 3. where he exhorts us [Greek or Hebrew] to contend, strive, wrestle with all earnestness and the utmost of our Endeavours, for the Faith once delivered unto the Saints; namely, because of the Opposition that was then made unto it. And a Truth may come under this Qualification by Persecution as well as Heretical Opposition. Satan is always awake and attentive unto his Advantages; and therefore though he hate all Truth, yet doth he not at all times equally attempt upon every thing that is so. But he waiteth to see an inclination in men from their Lusts, or Prejudices, or Interests in this World, against any especial Truth, or way of Divine Worship which God hath appointed. When he finds things so ready prepared, he falls to his work, and stirs up Persecution against it.