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

It is a matter of somewhat a surprising Nature, that divers in these days do endeavour to divert the minds and Faith of men from a Respect unto the Person of Christ. But that the crafts of Satan have made nothing, be it never so foolish or impious in Religion, to seem strange, a man could not but admire how such an Attempt should be either owned or countenanced. For my part I must acknowledge that I know no more of Christian Religion but what makes me judge, that the principal trouble of Believers in this world, lies herein, that they can no more fervently love, nor more firmly Believe in the Person of Christ, than what they have as yet attained unto. But this notion hath been vented and carried on among us, by Persons who out of an aim after things novel and contrary to the received Faith, have suffered themselves to be imposed on by those who have other Principles than what they seem to own. For the Socinians denying the Divine Nature of Christ, do, (in the pursuit of that Infidelity) their utmost to take the minds of men from a regard unto his Person, and would reduce all Religion unto a mere Obedience unto his Commands. And indeed there can be no place for that Divine Faith in him, trust on him, and Love unto him which the Church always professed, if it be supposed that he is not God and Man in one Person. And their reasonings, they are unto this purpose, which some represent unto us, who yet will not avow that Principle from whence alone they are taken and do rise. But so long as we can hold the Head, or this great Foundation of Religion, that the Lord Christ is the Eternal Son of God, which alone gives life and efficacy unto his whole work of Mediation, our Faith in all its actings will be reduced unto his Person; there it beginneth, there it endeth. It is Jesus who is this Mediator and Surety of the Covenant, in whose Person God Redeemed the Church with his own Blood.

It is a matter of somewhat a surprizing Nature, that divers in these days do endeavour to divert the minds and Faith of men from a Respect unto the Person of Christ. But that the crafts of Satan have made nothing, be it never so foolish or impious in Religion, to seem strange, a man could not but admire how such an Attempt should be either owned or countenanced. For my part I must acknowledge that I know no more of Christian Religion but what makes me judge, that the principal trouble of Believers in this world, lies herein, that they can no more fervently love, nor more firmly Believe in the Person of Christ, than what they have as yet attained unto. But this notion hath been vented and carried on among us, by Persons who out of an aym after things novel and contrary to the received Faith, have suffered themselves to be imposed on by those who have other Principles than what they seem to own. For the Socinians denying the Divine Nature of Christ, do, (in the pursuit of that Infidelity) their utmost to take the minds of men from a regard unto his Person, and would reduce all Religion unto a meer Obedience unto his Commands. And indeed there can be no place for that Divine Faith in him, trust on him, and Love unto him which the Church always professed, if it be supposed that he is not God and Man in one Person. And their reasonings, they are unto this purpose, which some represent unto us, who yet will not avow that Principle from whence alone they are taken and do rise. But so long as we can hold the Head, or this great Foundation of Religion, that the Lord Christ is the Eternal Son of God, which alone gives life and efficacy unto his whole work of Mediation, our Faith in all its actings will be reduced unto his Person; there it beginneth, there it endeth. It is Jesus who is this Mediator and Surety of the Covenant, in whose Person God Redeemed the Church with his own Blood.