The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

4. This necessary Law, so far forth as it was necessary, did immediately and unavoidably ensue upon the constitution of our natures in Relation unto God. Supposing the nature, being, and properties of God, with the works of Creation on the one hand; and suppose the being, existence and the nature of man, with his necessary Relation unto God, on the other, and the Law whereof we speak is nothing but the Rule of that Relation, which can neither be, nor be preserved without it. Hence is this Law eternal, indispensable, admitting of no other variation, than doth the Relation between God and man, which is a necessary exurgence from their distinct natures and properties.

5. The substance of this Law was, that man adhering unto God, absolutely, universally, unchangeably, uninterruptedly, in trust, love, and fear, as the chiefest good, the first Author ⟨p. 342⟩of his being, of all the present and future Advantages whereof it was capable, should yield Obedience unto him, with respect unto his infinite Wisdom, Righteousness and Almighty Power, to protect, reward, and punish, in all things known to be his will and pleasure, either by the light of his own mind, or especial Revelation made unto him. And it is evident that no more is required unto the constitution and establishment of this Law, but that God be God, and Man be Man, with the necessary Relation that must thereon ensue between them. Wherefore

6. This Law doth eternally and unchangeably oblige all men unto Obedience to God; even that Obedience which it requires, and in the manner wherein it requires it. For both the substance of what it requires, and the manner of the performance of it, as unto measures and degrees, are equally necessary and unalterable, upon the suppositions laid down. For God cannot deny himself, nor is the nature of man changed as unto the essence of it whereunto alone respect is had in this Law, by any thing that can fall out. And although God might superadd unto the original Obligations of this Law, what Arbitrary commands he pleased, such as did not necessarily proceed or arise from the Relation between him and us, which might be, and be continued without them; yet would they be resolved into that Principle of this Law, that God in all things was absolutely to be trusted and obeyed.