The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

It is indeed weak and contrary unto all common experience, that none can be a Surety for others, unless those others design him and appoint him so to be. The principal instances of Suretyship in the World, have been by the voluntary undertaking of such as were no way procured so to do by them for whom they undertook; And in such undertakings he unto whom it is made, is no less considered, than they for whom it is made. As when Judah on his own accord became a Surety for Benjamin, he had as much respect unto the satisfaction of his Father, as the safety of his Brother. And so the Lord Christ, in his undertaking to be a Surety for us, had respect unto the Glory of God before our safety.

It is indeed weak and contrary unto all common experience, that none can be a Surety for others, unless those others design him and appoint him so to be. The principal instances of Suretiship in the World, have been by the voluntary undertaking of such as were no way procured so to do by them for whom they undertook; And in such undertakings he unto whom it is made, is no less considered, than they for whom it is made. As when Judah on his own accord became a Surety for Benjamin, he had as much respect unto the satisfaction of his Father, as the safety of his Brother. And so the Lord Christ, in his undertaking to be a Surety for us, had respect unto the Glory of God before our safety.

1. We may consider the Arguments whence it is evident that he neither was, nor could be a Surety unto us for God, but was so for us unto God. For

1. [Greek or Hebrew] or [Greek or Hebrew] a Surety, is one that undertaketh for another wherein he is defective really or in Reputation. Whatever that undertaking be, whether in words of Promise, or in depositing of real security in the hands of an Arbitrator, or by any other personal Engagement of life and body, it