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

A suspicion to the contrary ariseth up in opposition unto the fundamental principle of all Religion, He that cometh unto God must believe that he is, and that he is the Rewarder of all them that diligently seek him, Heb. 11.

This is the first Principle and Foundation of all Religious Worship, which if it be not well and firmly laid in our hearts, all our supplication will be in vain. Now unless we do believe that he doth accept and bless our Duties, we cannot believe that he is such a Rewarder, or as he expressed it in the Covenant with Abraham, an exceeding great reward. But he hath descended to the lowest instances, of a little Goats hair to the Tabernacle, a Mite into the Treasury, a Cup of water to a Disciple; to assure us that he despiseth not the meanest of our sincere Services. But this must be spoken unto again on ver. 9. and therefore I shall not here farther confirm it.

Some perhaps will say, that their best Fruits are so corrupted, their best Duties so defiled, that they cannot see how they can find Acceptance with so holy a God? Every thing that proceeds from them is so weak and infirm that they fear they shall suffer loss in all. And this very Apprehension deprives them of all that Consolation in the Lord which they might take in a course of holy Obedience. I answer (1) This consideration of the defilements of sin that adhere to the best of our Works or Duties, excludes all Merit whatever, and it is right it should do so. For indeed that cursed Notion of the Merit of good Works, hath been the most pernicious Engine for the ruin of mens Souls, that ever Satan made use of; for on the one hand many have been so swollen and puffed up with it, as that they would not deign in any thing to be beholding to the Grace of God, but have thought Heaven and Glory as due to them for their Works, as Hell is to other men for their Sin, or the wages of an Hireling to him for his Labour, which cries to Heaven against the Injustice of them that detain it. Hence a total neglect of Christ hath ensued. Others convinced of the Pride and Folly of this presumption, and notwithstanding the encouragement unto fruitful Obedience which lies in Gods gracious Acceptation and Rewarding of our Duties, have been discouraged in their Attendance unto them. It is well therefore where this Notion is utterly discarded by the consideration of the sinful Imperfection of our best Duties: so it is done by the Church,