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

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, Isa. 64. 6. Rom. 2. 21. (2) This consideration excludes all hopes or expectation of Acceptance with God upon the account of strict Justice. If we consider God only as a Judge pronouncing Sentence concerning us and our Duties according to the Law, neither we nor any thing we do can either be accepted with him or approved by him. For as the Psalmist says concerning our Persons, If thou Lord mark what is done amiss, O Lord who can stand! and prays, Enter not into Judgement with thy Servant, O Lord, for in thy sight shall no Flesh living be justified. So it is with respect unto all our Works and Duties of Obedience, not any one of them can endure the Trial of God as judging by the Law, but would appear as a filthy thing.

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 ruine of mens Souls, that ever Sathan 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,