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

What was that Faith, or of what kind which is here ascribed unto the Patriarchs, is evident from the Context. For it was that Faith which had the especial Promise of God in Christ for its Object. Not a general, not a common Faith, but that which respected the Promise given from the foundation of the world, and expressly renewed unto Abraham. Some amongst us wholly deny this kind of Faith, and beyond the belief of the truth or veracity of God in general, will not allow an especial Faith with respect unto the Covenant and the Promise of Grace in Christ Jesus, whereas indeed there is no other Faith true, useful, saving, and properly so called in the world. It is true, this especial Faith in the Promise, supposeth Faith in general with respect unto the truth and veracity of God, nor can be without it. But this may be, and is in many where the other is not, yea where it is despised. This therefore was the Faith which was here recommended and proposed unto us. The especial Object of it was the Messiah, or Christ himself as a Saviour from sin, with this especial limitation, as to come afterwards. The formal reason of it was the Truth of God in his Promises, with his unchangeableness and infinite power to give them an Accomplishment. And the means of ingenerating this Faith in them was the Promise it self. By this Faith were they justified and saved, Gen. 15. 6. But it may be enquired how this Faith could be proposed unto us for an Example, seeing it respected the future Exhibition of Christ, and we are to respect him as long since come in the Flesh. But this circumstance changeth nothing in the nature of the things themselves: For although as to the actual Exhibition of the Messiah they looked on it as future, yet as to the Benefits of his Mediation, they were made present and effectual unto them by the Promise. And the Faith required of us doth in like manner respect the Lord Christ and the Benefits of his Mediation; and by his actual Exhibition in the Flesh, is not changed in its nature from what theirs was, though it be exceedingly advantaged as to its Light.

What was that Faith, or of what kind which is here ascribed unto the Patriarchs, is evident from the Context. For it was that Faith which had the especial Promise of God in Christ for its Object. Not a general, not a common Faith, but that which respected the Promise given from the foundation of the world, and expresly renewed unto Abraham. Some amongst us wholly deny this kind of Faith, and beyond the belief of the truth or veracity of God in general, will not allow an especial Faith with respect unto the Covenant and the Promise of Grace in Christ Jesus, whereas indeed there is no other Faith true, useful, saving, and properly so called in the world. It is true, this especial Faith in the Promise, supposeth Faith in general with respect unto the truth and veracity of God, nor can be without it. But this may be, and is in many where the other is not, yea where it is despised. This therefore was the Faith which was here recommended and proposed unto us. The especial Object of it was the Messiah, or Christ himself as a Saviour from sin, with this especial limitation, as to come afterwards. The formal reason of it was the Truth of God in his Promises, with his unchangeableness and infinite power to give them an Accomplishment. And the means of ingenerating this Faith in them was the Promise it self. By this Faith were they justified and saved,